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Google has begun phasing out Google Assistant on mobile devices, replacing it with Gemini. Users report that the 'Switch to Google Assistant' option has disappeared from the Gemini app's account menu, following a company email last month announcing the rollout would begin September 4.
Developer Chainfire has released version 2.0 of Sideload Launcher, a free third-party Android TV launcher that displays sideloaded, unofficial-source, and phone/tablet apps alongside standard ones. The update introduces a redesigned interface, a cleaner app list, and new customization and sorting options, while keeping the app free of ads and tracking and functional without internet access.
Google Wallet now connects to Gemini, letting the AI assistant access boarding passes, event tickets, loyalty cards, and rewards stored in the app. Users who link financial accounts via Plaid can also ask Gemini to analyze transactions, summarize spending, and suggest budgets. The feature is currently limited to US users aged 18 and older, and Gemini cannot make purchases or alter connected accounts.
Google has filed appeals with the EU's General Court challenging binding instructions issued under the bloc's rules, which required it to open up Android to rivals and share search data with competing search engines. The company confirmed the appeals target obligations tied to interoperability and data-access requirements imposed by EU regulators.
Android Authority found new text strings in a Google Messages beta build (version messages.android_20260924_00_RC00) referencing RCS video calling features, including a confirmation screen with a 'Call' button. The feature builds on the RCS Universal Profile 4.0 standard, which introduced native video calling within chat threads, and follows an earlier single string spotted in May pointing to early development.
Google says it will keep issuing ChromeOS updates and security patches through mid-2034 for enterprise and education users, according to a company support page. The disclosure comes as Google prepares to launch Googlebooks, laptops running an Android-based Googlebook OS, with devices arriving October 4.
Multiple Pixel owners across the 8, 9, 10, and 11 series say contactless payments and transit passes have been working inconsistently since last week, with a restart being the only apparent fix. The cause remains unidentified, and reports include devices running the latest Android and Google Play Services builds.
YouTube automatically plays follow-up videos after a selected clip ends, choosing them based on a viewer's watch history. The setting is enabled by default for adult accounts, but users can toggle it off or back on in the app or website settings within a few steps.
Google has released version 1.0.981607934 of the Pixel Buds app, adding Gemini-powered voice control over earbud settings such as EQ presets, ANC mode, conversation detection, and touch controls. The feature requires the Gemini app and is rolling out now via the Play Store.
A developer working with a batch of old Android 6.0.1 devices describes turning to lightweight, de-googled software after finding the experience surprisingly enjoyable. When attempting to publish a text editor called Tabby on the Play Store, the app was rejected and Google attached a screenshot from an unrelated app containing explicit content as justification; an appeal was denied without explanation. The developer suspects the issue may stem from Google's automatic listing translations linking to a dubious site, and plans to distribute apps via F-Droid and itch.io instead.
Amazon has cut the price of the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) from its $79.99 list price to $28.50, a 64% reduction. The device supports wire-free or hardwired installation, records in 2K with a 180° field of view, and includes two-way audio, motion alerts and night vision. It works with Alexa and Google Home, and the discount requires an Amazon Prime membership.
Google's September software update extends its newer, more dimensional 3D emoji design to the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4, matching the look already shipped on the Pixel Watch 5 and on phones running Android 17. The redesign adds shading and depth to emoji faces and objects, replacing the flatter previous style, according to 9to5Google.