Google expands Pixel Weather, Google Wallet for kids, Digital Wellbeing nudges, and enhanced Magic Editor for Photos

Google Pixel Weather Rolls Out to More Devices
In the October 2024 Feature Drop, Google expanded Pixel Weather to Pixel 6 and newer models, including the Pixel Tablet. This app enhances weather updates, offering real-time forecasts and city-specific backgrounds on your Pixel devices.
Pixel Weather is a background service that you can activate with an update from the Google Play Store. Once you install version 1.0.20240910.x, a “Weather” app icon will appear in your app grid. During setup, allow notifications and enable precise location for the most accurate updates. In the Pixel Weather settings (accessed via your profile avatar), select it as your main source for weather notifications, turning off “Weather forecasts” from the Google app for a streamlined experience.
For a seamless setup, consider restarting your device so existing widgets and “At a Glance” default to Pixel Weather. Additionally, sign in with your Google Account to sync saved locations across devices. The interface shows detailed weather elements, including hourly forecasts, precipitation, wind, UV index, and air quality. On foldable devices and tablets, the app features a two-column layout for easier access to each city’s customized display.
Pixel Weather includes a 6-hour precipitation forecast powered by Google nowcasting, available in the U.S., U.K., and many European countries (with a few exceptions like Italy and Luxembourg). You can also customize units, themes, and receive tomorrow’s forecast at night or city-specific rain alerts. For users in the U.K., Germany, France, and Italy, pollen count information is also available.
Google Wallet for Kids with Family Link Support in 2025
Starting in 2025, Google Wallet will support tap-to-pay for children’s Family Link-managed devices, marking a step towards safer, parent-monitored digital transactions. Using the Google Wallet app on Android, children will be able to make in-store payments, with each transaction requiring device PIN, password, or biometric authentication for security.
Parents must approve every credit or debit card linked to a child’s account. Through the Family Link app, parents can monitor transaction history, remove cards, and block access if needed. This feature builds on Google’s success with tap-to-pay for kids on Wear OS-powered smartwatches, emphasizing family security.
Initially, the feature will be available in the U.S. and select other countries, with a broader rollout planned in the future.
Digital Wellbeing’s New “Mindful Nudge” Feature for Healthier Screen Time
Google’s Digital Wellbeing app will soon introduce “Mindful Nudge” reminders to encourage more mindful app usage. Part of version 1.19.688167517.beta, this feature gently prompts users when they’ve spent extended time on an app, helping break excessive browsing patterns and promoting healthier screen time habits.
While similar to Apple’s Screen Time, this approach aims to be more flexible. When active, users can tap on the nudge for more details or disable it for specific apps. Though not yet widely available, “Mindful Nudge” is expected to roll out on Pixel devices and possibly other Android phones soon.
Google Photos’ Magic Editor Enhancements for Easier Edits
Google Photos is enhancing its AI-powered Magic Editor with an improved user interface. The “Reimagine” feature now allows users to adjust images in various ways, from altering backgrounds to resizing and moving objects. A new UI update for the Magic Editor, coming soon in Google Photos v7.6, simplifies using these features by providing intuitive tools like “Insert” and “Replace.” These options offer quick prompts for customization, such as changing a background with just a few clicks.
Magic Editor aims to make photo editing accessible to all users with easy-to-use AI-driven options, perfect for creating the ideal image without needing advanced photo editing skills.
Google Messages bug causes app crashes Android 16 beta brings Gemini AI

Google Messages crashes when sharing content
A new problem has appeared for people using Google Messages. If you try to share something like a photo or a link from another app into Google Messages, the app can suddenly crash. This issue started after a recent update and has been noticed by many users. The crash happens right when you try to open the share sheet and pick Google Messages to send something. Google is aware of the problem, but there isn’t a fix yet. If you need to share things, you might want to wait for an update or use a different app for now.
Android 16 beta adds Gemini AI features
At the same time, Google has started testing the Android 16 QPR1 beta update. This new beta brings Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, directly into the operating system. With Gemini built in, users can get smarter suggestions and help right from their phone, making it easier to get things done.
The update also includes other improvements and bug fixes, making Android smoother and more reliable. If you join the beta program, you can try out these new features early, but remember that beta versions might have some bugs.
What to expect next
Google is working on fixing the Messages sharing bug, so a solution should come soon. Meanwhile, the Android 16 beta is giving users a sneak peek at the future of Android, with more AI features coming to everyone soon. If you like new tech, keep an eye out for more updates from Google.
Google is making it easier to chat and set up your TV

Google is rolling out two new updates to help users connect and set up devices more easily.
Easier chatting with the Pixel VIPs widget
Google is testing a new widget for Android called “Pixel VIPs.” This widget puts your most important contacts right on your home screen. With it, you can quickly see recent conversations, calls, and messages from your favorite people. The goal is to make it simple to keep in touch without searching through different apps. This feature is being tested on Pixel phones and could come to other Android devices soon.
A simpler way to set up your Google TV
Google is also updating the setup process for Google TV. Now, when you get a new Google TV device, the setup is much faster and easier. You can use your phone to finish most of the steps, like signing in and connecting to Wi-Fi. The new process makes it less confusing and saves time, especially for people who aren’t tech experts. This update is rolling out to more devices, so setting up your TV will soon be a smoother experience for everyone.
What does this mean for you?
These updates show that Google wants to make technology easier for everyone. Whether you’re chatting with friends or setting up a new TV, these changes help you spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying your devices.
Google cancels Pixel 10 preview for superfans and Google adds audio overviews to search

Google has decided not to hold its special early preview event for the Pixel 10, which was meant for its most dedicated fans. In past years, Google invited “superfans” to see new Pixel devices before anyone else. This year, however, Google canceled the event without giving a clear reason. Fans who were looking forward to getting an early look at the Pixel 10 will now have to wait for the official launch, like everyone else. This change has disappointed many in the Pixel community, who enjoyed feeling included and valued by Google.
At the same time, Google is making it easier for people to get information from its search engine. The company is rolling out a new feature called “audio overviews.” With this update, when you search for something, you can listen to a summary of the information instead of reading it. This is helpful for people who are busy or prefer listening over reading. The audio overview gives a quick explanation of the topic, making it more convenient to learn new things on the go.
In summary, while Google has skipped its early Pixel 10 preview for superfans, it is improving its search experience by letting users listen to summaries of their search results. These updates show Google is still working to make its products better, even if some fans are disappointed by the event cancellation.
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