Wear OS smartwatches get earthquake alerts and Gemini assistant

Wear OS smartwatches are about to get a major upgrade with two new features: earthquake alerts and Gemini support.
Earthquake Alerts Could Save Lives
Earthquake alerts are a life-saving feature that can warn users of an impending earthquake. This feature is currently available on Android smartphones, but it’s coming soon to Wear OS smartwatches. This is especially useful for users of cellular smartwatches who might leave their phones behind. Getting an earthquake alert directly on their wrist could give them valuable seconds to react.
Gemini Replaces Assistant on Wear OS
Another exciting update for Wear OS is the integration of Gemini, Google’s next-generation voice assistant. This will replace the current Assistant on smartwatches and offer a more natural and interactive experience. Users will be able to talk back and forth with Gemini, similar to how they interact with Assistant on their phones. This voice control could be a game-changer for Wear OS, making it easier to control the device without needing to use the limited on-screen interface.
Pixel Phone Battery Life: How Many Charge Cycles Can You Expect?
Ever wondered how long your Pixel phone battery will last? Google has just released a new support article that explains how many charge cycles you can expect to get out of your Pixel phone.
How Google Measures Charge Cycles
A charge cycle is one complete discharge and recharge of the battery. So, if you use your phone from 100% to 50% and then recharge it back to 100%, that counts as half a cycle.
How Many Charge Cycles Can You Expect?
Google says that Pixel phones are designed to retain at least 80% of their initial capacity for a certain number of charge cycles. Here’s the breakdown:
- Pixel 3 and later, including Fold: Up to 800 charge cycles
- Pixel 8a and later: Up to 1000 charge cycles
This is comparable to Apple’s iPhones, which are designed to retain 80% capacity for 500 cycles (models before iPhone 15) and 1000 cycles (iPhone 15 and later).
Tips to Maximize Your Pixel Battery Life
To get the most out of your Pixel battery, Google recommends following these tips:
- Charge your phone in a cool place using a compatible charger.
- Keep your phone cool and avoid extreme temperatures.
- Use Adaptive Charging, a feature that helps to optimize charging for your usage patterns.
Turn off features you don’t need to reduce battery drain.
- Store your phone with at least 50% charge if you plan to store it for a long time.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the lifespan of your Pixel phone battery.
Google Meet gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design

Google Meet is getting a big update to its look, thanks to the new Material 3 design. This change brings a cleaner and more modern style to the video calling app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.
With Material 3, Google Meet now has rounder buttons, softer colors, and better spacing between elements. The main controls, like the microphone, camera, and end call buttons, are now larger and easier to tap. The icons and text are also clearer, which helps users find what they need quickly during a call.
Another improvement is the new “expressive” color system. This feature lets the app’s colors match your device’s wallpaper or theme, giving each user a unique and personalized experience. The changes also make Google Meet more accessible, as the new design is easier to read and use for everyone, including people with vision difficulties.
These updates are rolling out to both web and mobile versions of Google Meet. Google says the new look will help people feel more comfortable and focused during their meetings. Overall, the Material 3 update makes Google Meet not only look better but also work better for all its users.
Android
Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes

Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.
How to switch between light and dark themes
Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.
To change the theme, follow these steps:
- Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
- Go to the settings menu.
- Find the “Theme” option.
- Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).
Why themes matter
Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.
In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.
Google Drive and Files by Google get fresh updates for easier use

Google is rolling out some helpful updates to two of its popular apps: Google Drive and Files by Google. These changes are designed to make managing your files and watching videos much smoother.
First, Google Drive is getting a new video player. Now, when you upload a video to Drive and open it, you’ll notice a fresh look that matches Google’s latest design style. The controls, like play and pause, are easier to use and look cleaner. This update makes it simpler to watch videos directly in Drive without needing to download them first.
Meanwhile, the Files by Google app is also getting a makeover. The app is adopting Google’s Material 3 design, which means it looks brighter and more modern. The buttons and menus are easier to see and use, making it simpler to find, move, and organize your files. There are also new color options and improved icons, so everything feels more user-friendly.
Both updates show Google’s commitment to making its apps more helpful and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re watching videos in Drive or sorting files on your phone, these changes aim to save you time and make things less complicated. If you use these apps, keep an eye out for these new features—they should arrive soon!
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