Pixel Buds Pro 2 Arrive in ‘Moonstone’ to Match Google’s Next-Gen Devices.

Key Takeaway.

• The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are now available in Moonstone, aligning with the color theme of Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel Watch 4.
• This new finish expands Google’s accessory aesthetic and reinforces ecosystem consistency across devices.

Google is expanding its upcoming Moonstone color lineup to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, ensuring seamless visual coordination across its hardware portfolio. Leaked marketing renders show the earbuds in a cool slate-gray tone that perfectly complements the Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel Watch 4.

Google fans first got acquainted with Moonstone as the signature shade for its next Pixel devices. Now, the wireless earbuds also feature this finish, reinforcing a cohesive aesthetic across the ecosystem. Despite initially being referred to as “Sterling” in earlier leaks, the new shade aligns precisely with Moonstone and appears in synced visuals shared by leaker Evan Blass.

pic.twitter.com/Gt3gNpcAxn

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) July 25, 2025

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 originally launched in four color options—Porcelain, Hazelnut, Wintergreen, and Peony. The Moonstone release increases that palette to five and rounds out Google’s overall design language for the rumored August 20 event lineup.

Moonstone Pixel Buds Pro 2 Release Is Important.

Introducing Moonstone for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 highlights Google’s intention to offer consistent product styling across devices. Consumers who buy into the Pixel ecosystem—whether choosing a phone, watch, or earbuds—will now have a unified color option.

This move also reinforces the idea that Google’s hardware refresh cycle is holistic, treating accessories and phones as part of a visually connected ecosystem. Moonstone seems positioned as a flagship color for premium Pixel devices in 2025.

Android Introduces “Expanded Dark Mode” to Force a Dark Theme

Google is testing a powerful accessibility-focused feature in the second Android Canary build that forces Dark Mode on apps without native dark themes. Dubbed Expanded Dark Mode, it sits alongside the traditional “Standard” dark theme and brings remarkably better system-wide consistency—though not without caveats.

What’s new in Expanded Dark Mode?

Standard Dark Mode: Applies a dark theme only to Android system UI and apps that support it natively.

Expanded Dark Mode: Extends dark styling to apps that lack built-in dark themes. It works more intelligently than the previous “override force‑dark” option, avoiding blanket color inversion in favor of a more refined approach.

Because this feature is experimental and only available in Canary builds, users may encounter visual glitches in some apps—such as inconsistent colors or layout issues. Google openly cautions users that not all apps will “play nice,” and in such cases recommends switching back to Standard mode .

The rollout timeline for Beta or Stable channels is not confirmed, though speculation places it in Android 16 QPR2 (expected December 2025).

How to Enable Expanded Dark Mode (In Android Canary builds)

If you’re using an Android device enrolled in the Canary channel, here’s how to turn it on:

Step 1. Open Settings.

Step 2. Navigate to Display & touch → Dark theme.

Step 3. You’ll now see two modes:

• Standard
• Expanded

Credit: Android Authority 

Step 4. Select Expanded to enforce dark styling across more apps—even ones without native support.

Step 5. If you notice any display or layout glitches in specific apps, toggle back to Standard mode.

This feature replaces the older hidden “make more apps dark” or “override force‑dark” settings found in Developer Options, offering a cleaner, user-facing placement in the display settings.

How This Update Will Be Useful?

Users who read or browse their phone in low-light environments—such as at night—will find a more consistent, eye-friendly experience even with apps that haven’t been optimized for dark mode.

While Developer Options offered “override force-dark,” Expanded Dark Mode appears to use more intelligent logic to convert UI elements without distorting images or causing widespread visual distortion.

This feature is part of an unstable release. You should expect bugs. Android will let you revert to Standard mode if that improves app stability or appearance .

When it arrives in Beta or Stable under Android 16 QPR2 or later, it could become a key feature for dark‑mode enthusiasts.

Google Keep Receives Fresh, Colorful Update with Material 3 Expressive Design.

Key Takeaway.

• Google Keep now features a thicker search bar, animated logo text, and visual layout toggles for improved navigation.
• Action buttons within notes are repositioned into distinct rounded containers for a cleaner, more accessible editing experience.

Google Keep on Android has begun getting a visual refresh thanks to Google’s Material 3 Expressive design update. Users on version 5.25.282.00.90 have spotted colorful, user-friendly changes activated via a server-side update rather than a full app download.

On the home screen, Google Keep now has a thicker search bar that includes a hamburger menu button on the left and a profile switcher on the right. These updates offer clearer separation between elements. When the app launches for the first time, an animated “Google Keep” text appears, then it transitions to “Search Keep” with a layout selector for list or grid view.

Inside notes, action buttons have moved into rounded containers. The pin, reminder, and archive icons appear in square-shaped bubbles, while formatting options like color, text, and attachments are grouped into circles. The app’s overflow menu now appears as a pill-shaped button, where the “Edited” timestamp has been relocated.

This refreshed look matches what Google has done in other Material 3 Expressive updates. Earlier this year, the design was introduced in apps like Gmail, Messages, Wallet, Phone, Meet, and even parts of Wear OS. Google Keep’s update seems to be rolling out slowly—some users have it now, while others will get it soon.

Google Launches AI-Powered Web Guide to Organize Search Results.

Key Takeaway.

• Web Guide uses Gemini AI to organize search results into useful subtopics and related questions within the Web tab.
• The experiment combines AI summaries with traditional links for faster and more intuitive browsing.

Google has started testing a new search feature called Web Guide, which uses AI to group search results into helpful categories. The Verge reports that this experimental tool is currently available to users who opt into Search Labs, bringing a smarter, more structured browsing experience.

What Is Web Guide and How Does It Work?

Web Guide is a Search Labs experiment powered by a customized version of Google’s Gemini AI. It analyzes open-ended or complex search queries and presents results in organized sections, such as subtopics or focused questions. Gemini performs multiple related searches simultaneously—an approach known as “query fan‑out”—to better understand the query and present more relevant groupings.

This tool appears within the Web tab of Google Search. Users can easily toggle between the traditional “10 blue links” and the AI-enhanced Web Guide format. Early examples include searches like "how to care for a mango tree," which generated sections like “Mango Tree Care in Specific Climates” and “Troubleshooting Mango Tree Issues.” Results came from educational sites, forums, and even Reddit discussions, thanks to past content partnerships.

Why Web Guide Matters.

Web Guide bridges the gap between conventional and AI-enhanced search. While Google’s AI Overviews rely on direct summaries, Web Guide reintroduces link-based exploration but in a more helpful format. It allows users to scan categorized results quickly and dive deeper into the topics that matter most, reducing the time spent scrolling through endless links.

By presenting both AI-generated context and traditional link structures, Web Guide enhances discoverability. Users can explore unfamiliar subtopics with confidence, guided by intuitive sections rather than disparate search results. This aligns with Google’s vision of making AI innovations like Gemini more useful and integrated into everyday search.

How To Access the Web Guide?

To access Web Guide, users need to opt into Search Labs. Once enabled, the Web tab will display categorized AI-assisted results alongside regular search listings. Google plans to expand the tool into the All tab over time as usage insights and feedback roll in.

Search Labs offers a controlled environment where Google can measure performance and tweak features based on user behavior. As Web Guide evolves, it may include deeper nested categories, richer summaries, and broader availability across search tabs.

Google Acknowledges Home Assistant Glitches, Teases Major Gemini-Powered Upgrades.

Key Takeaway.

• Google admits reliability problems with Home and Nest Assistant and apologizes for user frustrations.
• The company plans significant Gemini-based upgrades this fall to improve performance and user experience.

Google has admitted that its Assistant for Home and Nest devices has been struggling with reliability issues and has promised significant improvements later this year. The announcement was made by Anish Kattukaran, the Chief Product Officer for Google Home and Nest, in a candid post on X (formerly Twitter) addressing growing user dissatisfaction (e.g. commands not executing or smart devices not responding).

In the post, Kattukaran expressed regret over the current user experience and reassured that Google has been working on long-term fixes. He also hinted at “major improvements” coming in fall 2025, likely in sync with the wider rollout of Gemini-powered enhancements already previewed in other areas of Google’s smart-home system.

Users Report Multiple Failures in Home Assistant.

Smart-home users have experienced frustrating behavior such as voice commands being misunderstood, routines failing to execute, and devices not responding at all. These issues seem more severe compared to previous years, which has led to increased public criticism. In response, Kattukaran stated, "We hear you loud and clear and are committed to getting this right," and emphasized that Google is dedicated to creating a reliable and capable assistant experience.

He acknowledged that the current state does not meet user expectations and offered a sincere apology for the inconvenience. The company is working on structural improvements designed to stabilize performance and restore trust before rolling out more advanced features.

What to Expect from Upcoming Gemini Integration.

Google has already introduced limited Gemini-powered upgrades across its product ecosystem. These include smarter search capabilities and more natural language home automations. The promise of major improvements this fall suggests that Gemini will play a central part in improving Assistant reliability, responsiveness, and overall smart-home control.

Kattukaran’s message indicates that this update will go beyond surface tweaks to address deeper architectural issues. It could cover better camera integrations, improved routines, and more robust voice control across all Home and Nest devices. Google plans to reveal details in the coming months, possibly timed with its Pixel 10 launch event.

Why This Matters.

A trustworthy voice assistant is now expected to integrate seamlessly with everyday smart-home devices. When lights refuse to turn on or routines break, it disrupts the convenience and confidence users have come to expect. Google’s open acknowledgement of these issues demonstrates accountability. More importantly, the company’s Gemini-driven focus shows it recognizes that better AI is the next step toward restoring reliability across its ecosystem.

Pixel 10 Series Gets Bigger and Heavier to Support Magnetic Qi2 Charging.

Key Takeaway.

• The Pixel 10 series is physically larger due to bigger batteries and the likely inclusion of internal magnets for Qi2 wireless charging.
• Google is preparing to launch a "Pixelsnap" accessory ecosystem that supports Qi2 magnetic alignment for improved charging and usability.

The upcoming Pixel 10 series is set to be noticeably thicker and heavier compared to previous models. This change is likely driven by two key improvements: the adoption of Qi2 magnetic wireless charging and the addition of larger batteries across the entire lineup.

Google Pixel 10 Specifications.

Leaked specifications show that while the Pixel 10 will retain the same height and width as the Pixel 9, its thickness will slightly increase from 8.5 millimeters to 8.6 millimeters. Its weight will rise by 6 grams, bringing it to a total of 204 grams. This is largely attributed to the inclusion of a larger 4,970 mAh battery. The Pixel 10 Pro will see similar changes, gaining a slightly thicker frame and increasing in weight to 207 grams with a 4,870 mAh battery. 

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is expected to become the heaviest in the lineup, rising from 221 grams to 232 grams and housing a 5,200 mAh battery. Even the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is seeing a small bump, now measuring 10.8 millimeters thick and weighing 258 grams.

Also Read: Google Sets Launch Date for Pixel 10 Series.

These design adjustments align with major upgrades under the hood. Based on leaks and early accessory listings, the Pixel 10 lineup is expected to support the Qi2.2.1 wireless charging standard. This includes 25-watt charging speeds and the introduction of magnetic alignment technology, similar to Apple’s MagSafe system. Google appears to be launching a new accessory ecosystem called "Pixelsnap," which includes magnet-compatible cases designed to securely attach to Qi2 chargers.

Pixel 9 vs Pixel 10 Series Comparison.

Model	Height & Width	Thickness	Weight	Battery
Pixel 9	152.8 x 72mm	8.5mm	198g	4700 mAh
Pixel 10	152.8 x 72mm	8.6mm	204g	4970 mAh
Pixel 9 Pro	152.8 x 72mm	8.5mm	199g	4700 mAh
Pixel 10 Pro	152.8 x 72mm	8.6mm	207g	4870 mAh
Pixel 9 Pro XL	162.8 x 76.6mm	8.5mm	221g	5060 mAh
Pixel 10 Pro XL	162.8 x 76.6mm	8.5mm	232g	5200 mAh
Pixel 9 Pro Fold (closed)	155.2 x 77.1mm	10.5mm	257g	4650 mAh
Pixel 10 Pro Fold (closed)	155.2 x 76.3mm	10.8mm	258g	5015 mAh

Although Qi2 does not require internal magnets in phones, evidence strongly suggests that Google will include them. The increased thickness, updated case designs, and Google's direct role in the Qi2 standards development all point to internal magnetic support. While the magnets may not be prominently advertised, they are likely built into the devices to enhance charging precision and accessory compatibility.

This strategic move places Google in direct competition with other manufacturers that are already part of the growing Qi2 ecosystem. By introducing magnetic charging and supporting accessories, the Pixel 10 series is expected to deliver both performance upgrades and a more user-friendly experience. 

Alphabet Smashes Q2 Revenue Expectations Which Is $96.4 Billion.

Key Takeaway.

• Alphabet posted a strong Q2 with $96.4 billion in revenue, driven by double‑digit growth in search, YouTube, and a 32 percent increase in Google Cloud.
• A significant jump in AI-driven capital spending to $85 billion reflects Alphabet’s commitment to AI infrastructure, though it weighed on investor sentiment.

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, reported impressive second‑quarter 2025 results this week, riding a wave of strength across search, cloud, YouTube, and AI-powered products. Revenue climbed 14 percent to $96.4 billion, comfortably beating the $94 billion analysts had expected and marking another robust quarter in the tech giant’s history.

Google Revenue Across Core Segments.

Google’s search business generated $54.1 billion in revenue, a 12 percent increase year-over-year. YouTube advertising also saw growth with $9.8 billion in sales, while Google Cloud surged 32 percent to $13.6 billion. CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized the rising impact of AI, highlighting that tools like AI Mode and AI Overviews now serve a vast user base, with AI Mode already reaching 100 million monthly users in the U.S. and India, and AI Overviews engaging more than 2 billion people globally.

Net income jumped 19 percent to $28.2 billion, equating to earnings of $2.31 per share. The operating margin remained solid at 32.4 percent despite continuing to maintain a disciplined cost structure. Google Cloud posted significant gains in efficiency, too, with operating income more than doubling year‑over‑year to $2.8 billion, reflecting both scale and rising demand.

During the earnings call, CFO Anat Ashkenazi announced plans to raise capital expenditures to $85 billion for 2025—up sharply from the $75 billion planned earlier. The increase reflects investments in AI‑optimized data centers and cloud infrastructure. While shares dipped 1–2 percent in after‑hours trading due to investor concerns over higher spending, Pichai reiterated that Alphabet is leading “at the frontier of AI and shipping at an incredible pace”.

What's Coming Next?

With a regulatory antitrust ruling pending and AI investment still accelerating, Alphabet faces a critical balancing act. The company must sustain innovation while protecting margins and navigating policy uncertainty. Its expanding cloud business, already nearing a $50 billion annual run rate, positions Alphabet to compete more directly with AWS and Microsoft Azure.