Google Home gets a visual refresh with new features

Google Home, the popular smart home app, is getting a major overhaul with a host of new features designed to make controlling your devices even easier.
One of the most exciting updates is the introduction of presets for smart lights. This means you can save your favorite color and brightness settings and easily switch between them with a tap or voice command. No more fumbling around with sliders and menus to get the perfect lighting for your mood or activity.
The home screen widget is also getting a refresh. You’ll now be able to see the last time the widget was updated and force a refresh if needed. Plus, Google is adding a “Suggested” option to automatically add your most used devices and automation to the widget, saving you time and effort.
The Favorites tab is also getting some love. You’ll soon be able to see the temperature in the header, making it easier to adjust your thermostats. No more opening the app and navigating to the Climate tab just to check the temperature.
Finally, Google is working on a new QR code scanner for setting up Matter devices. The new scanner has a cleaner design and is easier to use, making it a breeze to add new devices to your smart home.
These updates are all part of Google’s ongoing effort to improve the Google Home app and make it even more user-friendly. Stay tuned for more exciting features coming soon!
Google updates its logo for many apps to look more modern

Google is giving a fresh look to the logos of several of its popular apps. The company is making these changes to make sure all their app logos look similar and feel more connected.
Which apps are getting new logos?
Apps like Google Photos, Google Drive, Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Calendar are all getting updated logos. The new designs use the same colors as before—red, blue, yellow, and green—but the shapes and styles are now simpler and cleaner. The goal is to make it easier for people to recognize Google’s apps, no matter which one they are using.
Why is Google changing the logos?
Google says it wants all its apps to look like they belong together. By making the logos match, it’s easier for users to know which apps are from Google. This change also helps Google keep its brand looking modern and fresh.
When will you see the new logos?
The new app logos will start showing up soon on phones and computers. Some people may already see the new designs, while others will get them in the next few weeks.
In short, Google is updating the look of its app logos to make them simpler and more alike, so users can easily spot Google apps wherever they are.
Android
New Google AI tools get big updates: Gemini Live, NotebookLM, and Honey on Chrome

Google has rolled out some exciting new features across its AI tools, including Gemini Live, NotebookLM, and the Honey extension for Chrome.
First, Gemini Live is now available for free in the U.S. on the Google app for Android and iOS. It lets users talk to Google’s AI assistant using their voice, with more natural back-and-forth conversations. A key feature is that you can now share your screen or turn on the camera so the assistant can help with what you’re seeing, like reading a document or identifying objects around you.
Next, NotebookLM—Google’s AI-powered research assistant—just added audio overviews. This means you can now listen to a quick summary of your notes or sources, which is great for multitasking or reviewing info while on the go. Google also increased the limit for source length, so you can add up to 200,000 words per source, making it more useful for big projects or research papers.
Lastly, Honey, the deal-finding tool that Google bought in 2020, now works through Chrome and has gained over 15 million users in just six months. Honey helps people find coupons and discounts while shopping online. The new version is powered by Gemini and can give more helpful suggestions by understanding what you’re looking at on the page.
With these updates, Google is pushing to make its AI tools more helpful, easy to use, and available for free where possible.
Android
Android 16 is testing better desktop mode, large screen apps, and fresh UI changes

Google is bringing some interesting updates with Android 16 that aim to improve how Android works on larger screens and across different devices.
First, Android 16 is testing a new desktop mode. This lets users connect their phone to a bigger screen and use apps in resizable windows, more like a computer. It works well with a keyboard and mouse and supports split-screen for better multitasking. This could be useful for people who want to work on the go without needing a laptop.
Google is also improving how apps behave on large screens inside cars. With Android Automotive, apps will now adjust better to different screen sizes, especially ultra-wide displays. Developers will get new tools to make their apps look better and more usable in cars, even when the screen shape is unique.
On the software side, the Google Discover feed on Android is now showing website names below each article’s headline. This small change helps users know which site they’re reading from, adding more clarity and trust.
Lastly, Material You — Google’s design style — is evolving with a new theme called “Expressive.” This version brings more playful shapes, animations, and bolder color choices. Some of Google’s apps, like Fitbit, Meet, and Chat, are starting to use this refreshed look, making the user experience feel more modern and lively.
All of these updates show that Google wants Android to feel smooth, smart, and consistent no matter where or how you’re using it.
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