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Google testing return of Contacts tab to Phone app navigation bar

Android Authority found that Google is developing a UI change for the Phone by Google app that would move the Contacts tab back into the bottom navigation bar, alongside Home and Keypad. The feature was uncovered in beta version 240.0.986973448 and enabled through manual tinkering, not yet a public rollout. Currently, Contacts sits in a sidebar menu after Google's Material 3 Expressive redesign removed it from the main navigation last year.

Gemini app tests standalone dark mode toggle and notification history screen

Code inside version 17.61.19.sa.arm64 of the Google app shows Gemini building its own light/dark mode switch that would override the phone's system-wide setting, without affecting the rest of the Google app. The same teardown also reveals work on a new notification history screen for Gemini.

Google testing 'Tasks' mode for Gemini desktop app to automate multi-app work

Google is reportedly rolling out a new Tasks mode within the Gemini desktop app, according to TestingCatalog, which separates regular chat conversations from more autonomous, multi-step tasks. The update includes new Computer Use settings allowing users to specify which desktop apps Gemini can and cannot control, plus a more visible option to launch projects from local folders. A Gemini Live button has also been spotted inside Tasks, suggesting users may be able to talk to Gemini while it operates across the computer.

macOS 27 Golden Gate adds redesigned app icons and wider HDR support

Apple's macOS 27 Golden Gate update includes a broad revamp of built-in app icons, with some like Siri, Preview and Chess getting full redesigns while others such as Finder, Photos and Reminders receive lighter refreshes tied to the Liquid Glass design language. The update also extends HDR support across more of the interface, including icons and toolbars, visible on HDR-capable displays.

9to5Mac Daily podcast recaps iPhone Handoff and iOS 27 news

9to5Mac released its September 24, 2026 daily podcast episode covering recent Apple news, including updates about iPhone Handoff features and iOS 27. The episode is distributed through Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and an RSS feed, and is sponsored by the task-management app Stuff.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 adds Readiness bezel option to watch faces

Apple has added a new 'Readiness' bezel configuration to Apple Watch Ultra 4, joining existing options like Seconds, Depth, Elevation and Training. The bezel displays a numerical readiness score and description, using four illuminated bars to show which score category the wearer currently falls into. The feature works with bezel-supporting faces such as Modular Ultra and the new Siri Modular face, and ties into the Readiness app introduced alongside Apple Watch Series 12.

Google begins limited rollout of Call For Me on Pixel 11

Google has started a preliminary rollout of Call For Me, a Gemini-powered feature that lets the Pixel 11 place and conduct entire phone calls on a user's behalf for tasks like checking store inventory, rescheduling appointments, or booking a restaurant table. The AI navigates phone menus and holds, while users see a live transcript and can take over the call at any time. The feature is currently limited to paid Gemini subscribers with a Pixel 11 who are enrolled in the Phone by Google Public Beta in the US.

Google rolls out 'Call for Me,' letting Gemini phone businesses for Pixel 11 users

Google is testing a new Gemini feature called 'Call for Me' that lets the AI place phone calls to businesses on a user's behalf, sharing approved personal details to complete tasks like booking reservations or checking stock. The feature is limited to Pixel 11 owners with a Gemini subscription in the U.S. and requires the beta Google Phone app, using the user's own number and allowing them to watch a live transcript or take over the call.

PokerNexus Launches Device-Aware QR Redirect for App Downloads

The developer behind PokerNexus built a custom shortlink service at go.pokernexus.com/app that detects a visitor's device and routes iPhones to the App Store, Android phones to Google Play, and all other devices to the website. The system uses a lightweight Hono-based server and a browser-based QR code generator that boosts error correction to level H so a logo can sit in the code's center without breaking scans.

Some Pixel 10 Pro owners get second free year of Google AI Pro

Several Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL users report redeeming an additional 12-month trial of Google AI Pro with 5TB storage after their original one-year promo expired. Users found the offer either in the My Pixel app or the Google One app, with reports suggesting it may be limited to certain regions, likely including the US.

Android Authority highlights 8 lesser-known Android features including notification history and app pairs

Android Authority published a roundup of eight Android features it says are underused, including notification history, app pairs for split-screen, clipboard history, reverse wireless charging and app pinning. The piece explains how to enable notification history via Settings, which logs alerts for 24 hours and can surface deleted messages from apps like WhatsApp, and how app pairs let users save split-screen app combinations for one-tap reuse.

Meta adds hologram calls, transit navigation to Ray-Ban Display glasses

At Meta Connect 2026, Meta announced a batch of updates for its Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, including a voice-driven photorealistic hologram avatar to represent wearers during calls, starting as an early-access feature for US WhatsApp users this fall. Meta also expanded heads-up navigation to support cycling and transit directions using landmark-based cues, added a new Explore app for browsing compatible apps, and introduced smaller updates like Dolby Atmos audio, in-glasses photo editing, and mirrored phone notifications. The glasses are also expanding to the UK, Canada, France, Italy and Germany.