Google’s Gemini extensions and Pixel Weather app updates

Google is rolling out new features for its AI-powered Gemini app and Pixel Weather app, aiming to improve user experience and functionality. Here’s what’s new and what’s coming:
Gemini Extensions: More Options and User Input
Google has expanded the availability of Gemini Extensions, tools that connect Gemini with other apps and services to perform tasks. These Extensions enhance Gemini’s capabilities as a phone assistant, allowing it to control devices without relying on Google Assistant.
Currently, Gemini supports these first-party Extensions:
- Google Flights, Google Home (Public Preview), Google Hotels, Google Maps
- Google Workspace apps (like Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Drive, Keep, and Tasks)
- Messages, Phone, Utilities, YouTube, and YouTube Music
Third-party integrations include Spotify and WhatsApp, making a total of 13 Extensions for Android users (compared to 7 on iPhone and the web).
On X (formerly Twitter), Gemini’s team asked users for suggestions: “Is there something you wish Gemini could do with other apps or services?” This move highlights Google’s interest in tailoring Extensions to user needs.
Gemini Live could benefit from these additions by enabling conversations around personalized information and hands-free interactions, such as through Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Pixel Weather App: Easier Unit Adjustments Coming Soon
The standalone Pixel Weather app introduced a simple design and AI-generated summaries, but changing measurement units has been a hassle. Currently, adjusting wind speed, pressure, or visibility units requires changing your system language—an inconvenient solution.
Recent updates hint at a fix. A new Weather Units page is in development, spotted in app version 1.0.20241108.700112341.release. This feature will likely let users customize units for:
- Temperature (Celsius/Fahrenheit)
- Wind speed (km/h or mph)
- Pressure and visibility
This update will simplify measurement adjustments, aligning the app with other weather apps that offer flexible unit settings.
Why These Changes Matter
- Gemini Extensions: Expanding compatibility ensures Gemini becomes more versatile, handling tasks seamlessly across apps.
- Pixel Weather App: The ability to change units without affecting the system language will enhance usability, especially for users who stick with specific regional settings for features like Gboard’s Smart Compose.
With these updates, Google continues to refine its AI tools, focusing on user feedback and practical solutions. Stay tuned for more enhancements in the coming weeks.
Android
Android 16 boosts USB data safety and fixes delayed notifications on Pixel phones

Google’s upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.
With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.
At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.
Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.
Android
Google improves Translate, Assistant, TV, and Chrome with new updates

Google is bringing several updates across its apps to make them more useful and easier to use. Google Translate is working on a new feature called “Practice.” It helps users improve their language skills by offering short exercises, like matching words or filling in blanks. Right now, it looks like it will focus on Spanish, but other languages may come later. This tool could be great for people who want to go beyond just translating words and learn the language.
Google Assistant’s Driving Mode in Google Maps is starting to shut down. Many users are noticing that the card-style dashboard is disappearing, and the Assistant voice command shortcut no longer works. Google hasn’t officially said why, but it seems they’re moving away from this feature, possibly to focus on other tools or experiences in Maps.
Google TV’s Freeplay app is now back with a fresh look. It gives users free access to over 100 live TV channels. The redesign makes it easier to browse channels and see what’s playing. The new layout also highlights what’s currently on, making it faster to start watching without having to dig through menus.
Lastly, Google Chrome is testing a new built-in PDF viewer. This upgraded tool makes reading and editing PDFs easier right inside the browser. It includes better zoom controls, a cleaner layout, and a page list view that lets users jump to specific pages more quickly. These updates show Google’s push to improve how we learn, drive, watch TV, and browse the web.
Android
Android 15 grows slowly, while Google brings new AI tools to search and creators

Google has shared the latest Android version usage numbers, showing that Android 15 is still in the early stages of adoption. As of April 2025, only 0.1% of Android devices are using Android 15. This version is currently in its beta phase, mostly available on Pixel and select partner phones. Android 14 leads the way with a 35.2% share, followed by Android 13 at 17.3% and Android 12 at 15.4%. Android 11 still holds 12.4%, showing how long older versions stick around.
Meanwhile, Google is also making changes in its AI efforts. The Gemini AI “prompt bar,” first seen in the Chrome browser, is now being tested in Google Search. This new feature lets users type or click suggestions to ask questions directly using Gemini, making search more interactive. It’s rolling out to more people gradually.
In addition to that, Google introduced Veo, a powerful video generation tool for creators. Veo can make high-quality videos from simple text prompts, using advanced AI to understand scenes, emotions, and cinematic styles. Google is currently letting select creators try Veo through a waitlist.
Together, these updates show how Google is improving both its Android platform and AI services. While Android 15 adoption is just beginning, features like the Gemini prompt bar and Veo highlight the company’s growing focus on AI to enhance user experiences across devices and tools.
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