Google Fi awaits Apple’s RCS support for iPhones, search widget gets custom shortcuts and Wear OS gets health upgrades

Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Fi waits on Apple to enable RCS support for iPhone users, despite iOS 18’s release.
- Google updates its iPhone Search widget with customizable shortcuts like Gemini and Lens.
- Wear OS smartwatches will soon get health upgrades through a partnership between Google and Masimo.
Google Fi and RCS Support for iPhones
With the launch of iOS 18, Rich Communication Services (RCS) is now available to improve messaging between Android and iPhone users. However, Google Fi is still waiting on Apple to enable this feature for its iPhone users. Google has already done the necessary technical work on its end, but only Apple can activate RCS interoperability for Fi users.
As of now, RCS is enabled on major U.S. carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, but not yet on other networks like Mint Mobile. According to 9to5Mac, enabling RCS requires an updated carrier file to be sent to Apple, which is then distributed through an over-the-air update. Currently, Apple’s support documents don’t specify when or if RCS will be enabled for carriers like Google Fi.
Google has expressed hope that Apple will enable this feature soon. As of now, Google Fi users with Android phones can use RCS to communicate with iPhone users, provided the latter has RCS enabled.
Google Search Widget Adds New Shortcuts for iPhone
Google has updated its Search widget for iPhone and iPad, introducing customizable shortcuts, including one for its AI platform, Gemini. Previously, the widget offered quick access to Lens, Voice Search, and Incognito Mode, but now users can personalize the shortcuts with options like Song Search, Google Translate, and even Google Lens features like homework assistance.
The ability to customize these shortcuts improves usability, allowing users to quickly access their most-used tools. Google is also working on a similar update for Android’s Search widget, though it might only allow one customizable shortcut next to Voice Search and Lens.
Wear OS Smartwatches Get Health Upgrades
Google is teaming up with Masimo, a health technology company, to improve the health-tracking capabilities of Wear OS smartwatches. The partnership will create a “reference platform” that helps smartwatch manufacturers integrate Masimo’s biosensing technology, which has been used in hospital monitoring systems, into future Wear OS devices.
This platform will offer a suite of health and wellness tools designed to provide accurate and reliable data, while also being compatible with Android smartphones. Manufacturers will still have creative control over the smartwatch design and features but will benefit from Masimo’s health tech expertise.
This collaboration is significant as Masimo has been involved in a legal battle with Apple over health-tracking technology in the Apple Watch. The dispute led to Apple disabling blood oxygen tracking in some of its latest models.
Google brings new AI tools for learning languages and adds more features to Wallet and NotebookLM

Google is rolling out several new AI-powered features to help users learn languages, manage documents, and store IDs more easily.
First, Google is introducing new language learning tools through its Search app. These tools use AI to give users personalized lessons to practice speaking and listening in Spanish. English speakers in the U.S. can try these lessons, which include feedback and daily reminders. Google plans to expand support for more languages and regions soon.
Next, NotebookLM — Google’s AI note-taking tool — is getting smarter. It now offers “audio overviews,” where users can listen to summaries of their notes. This feature works in English, but Google says more languages like Spanish, Hindi, and Japanese will be added later this year. NotebookLM can also now answer questions based on user documents in more languages.
Lastly, Google Wallet is becoming more useful in the UK. People can now add digital versions of their UK passports for identity verification. This feature, in partnership with the UK government, helps users quickly confirm their identity online for government services.
With these updates, Google continues to blend AI into everyday tools, making learning, organizing, and identification easier and more accessible for users worldwide.
Android
Google apps and Android Auto get fresh looks and smart updates

Google is bringing a cleaner and more modern design to many of its apps with the latest Material You changes. Apps like Google Calendar, Contacts, and others now have rounded corners, better spacing, and improved colors. These small updates make the apps look more polished and easier to use, especially on tablets and foldable phones. Google is quietly adding these updates through server-side changes, so users don’t need to download anything extra.
At the same time, Android Auto is also getting a helpful new feature. Google is testing built-in climate controls that let you adjust your car’s temperature and fan settings directly from the Android Auto screen. A demo shown by Google includes a new “Climate” button on the screen, which opens controls like temperature, fan speed, and even seat heaters.
This update is meant to reduce distractions while driving, as drivers won’t need to switch between different screens or reach for physical buttons. Google says the feature will work on cars that already support digital climate control systems.
Together, these changes show how Google is making its software not just prettier, but smarter and more user-friendly. Whether you’re checking your calendar or driving to work, these improvements are designed to make daily tasks easier and safer.
Gemini app gets new look and better controls for switching ai models

Google is giving its Gemini app a fresh new design on Android to make things easier for users. The biggest change is how you switch between different Gemini AI models like Gemini 1.5 Pro and Gemini 1.0 Pro.
In the old version of the app, you had to dig into the settings menu to switch models, which wasn’t very convenient. But now, Google has made it simpler by adding a new button right below the chat box. This lets you quickly choose the AI model you want to use. You’ll also see a short note explaining what each model is good at, helping you decide which one to use.
The new layout also moves the microphone and image upload buttons. They now sit to the left of the text input bar, which makes the bottom of the screen look cleaner and more organized.
These updates seem to be rolling out slowly, so not everyone will see them right away. However, it looks like Google is testing these changes before launching them more widely.
With this update, Google is trying to make the Gemini app more user-friendly and give people more control over how they interact with its AI tools. It’s a small but helpful step in improving the overall experience.
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