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Google Wallet gets Digital Passports and Pixel phones get battery-saving features

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Google Wallet can now store digital versions of your US passport! This can be used for domestic travel security checks at TSA checkpoints if your state doesn’t offer a digital ID yet.

Here’s how to add your passport to Google Wallet:

  1. Open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone (version 9 or later).
  2. Tap “Add to Wallet” and then “ID” followed by “ID Pass.”
  3. Follow the steps to scan your passport information page and the security chip inside the back cover.
  4. Record a short video of yourself for verification.

Important things to remember:

  • This digital passport isn’t a replacement for your physical passport, so always carry both when traveling.
  • It currently only works for domestic travel within the US.
  • If you lose your phone, you can remove the digital passport from your Google account.

Pixel phones get new features to improve battery health!

The latest update lets you set a charging limit of 80% to slow down battery degradation. There’s also a hidden feature called “bypass charging” that might be even more helpful.

What is bypass charging?

With bypass charging, when your battery reaches 80%, your phone will continue to use power directly from the charger instead of the battery. This reduces wear and tear on the battery, especially while gaming or using demanding apps.

Is bypass charging available on all Pixel phones?

It’s not entirely clear yet. The 80% charging limit works on many Pixel models, but bypass charging has only been confirmed on the Pixel 8 Pro so far. It likely works on Pixel 8, 8a, and the Pixel 9 series too, but Google hasn’t officially confirmed this.

Pixel Screenshots get smarter!

The latest update for Pixel Screenshots on Pixel 9 phones integrates with Gboard. Now, when you take a screenshot that includes a movie, song, or product, Pixel Screenshots remembers that information.

How does this help?

For example, if you screenshot a song title and then open a music app, Gboard might autofill the song name for you. This feature is called “proactive recall.”

Other Pixel Screenshots updates:

  • The image viewer now suggests more search terms based on your screenshots.
  • The app automatically categorizes your screenshots (this might take some time).
  • You can easily save a specific part of a screenshot with “Circle to Search.”

This update also brings new features to Gboard, including a sticker pack and the ability to browse Emoji Kitchen combinations.

Android

New Google AI tools get big updates: Gemini Live, NotebookLM, and Honey on Chrome

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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.

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Android 16 is testing better desktop mode, large screen apps, and fresh UI changes

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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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Google makes small but smart changes across Phone, Home, and Wallet apps

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Google is making a few helpful changes to its apps and services for Pixel users. First, the “Phone by Google” app might soon drop the ability to save call notes and transcripts. This feature was used during call screening to jot down important points, but now it looks like Google wants users to use the Recorder app or take notes elsewhere. A recent app update hints that the “Delete Notes” button may be removed.

Next, Pixel phones are testing a new widget for Google Home. This widget gives users a quick look at smart home updates, like lights left on or doors unlocked, right from the home screen. The design follows Android’s usual widget style, and it could make it easier to stay on top of your home devices without opening the app.

Google Wallet is also getting better. At Google I/O 2025, the company shared that more features are coming soon. These include digital IDs, passes, and better support for tickets and transit cards. They’re also working on helping you automatically save things like airline boarding passes.

Lastly, Google is being more careful with how AI-generated content is handled. Publishers will get new tools to opt out of having their content used for AI training. Also, Android will soon have an “AI Mode” that alerts users when something is AI-generated, adding more transparency and trust. These changes may seem small, but they show Google is focusing on better privacy, easier access, and smarter tools for everyday use.

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