Chrome Fights Notification Fatigue with Automatic Permission Revocation.

Google is taking a major step to combat "notification fatigue" by updating its Chrome browser on both desktop and Android platforms. The new feature will automatically revoke notification permissions from websites that users no longer interact with regularly. This aims to restore the signal-to-noise ratio of notifications, making the alerts that do appear more meaningful.

This privacy-and-usability-focused move mirrors a similar permission revocation system that Google introduced for native apps back in Android 11. That system allows the operating system to cut off access to sensitive permissions, such as camera or location, for apps that haven't been used in a while.

Chrome previously gained a similar trick via its Safety Check feature, which could automatically revoke permissions like camera, microphone, and location access from infrequently visited sites. Notifications, however, were notably excluded from this automated cleanup until now.

The new policy will specifically target notification permissions for standard websites, excluding installed web apps. Google confirms the browser will always notify the user when a permission is being revoked, preventing any sudden surprises about missing alerts.

For sites where Chrome might have incorrectly guessed user intent, the user retains full control. They can easily choose to re-enable notifications for a specific site or even disable the entire automatic revocation tool if they prefer the old system. Ultimately, this change offers a much-needed, low-effort way for users to clear out excessive notification chatter and focus on the alerts that truly matter.

Also Read:

• Google Chrome Move Address Bar to Bottom in Android.
• Google Chrome Rolls Out AI-Powered Store Reviews to Help Shoppers.

Gemini App Unveils Prompt Bar Redesign, Bringing Model Switching Mid-Conversation

Google is rolling out a significant overhaul to the user interface of the Gemini app on both Android and iOS, transforming the familiar prompt bar into a dynamic "bottom sheet." This redesign marks one of the most substantial visual and functional updates to the AI assistant’s mobile experience since its launch, aiming for greater efficiency and a cleaner aesthetic.

The traditional rounded rectangular prompt box is now completely gone, replaced by a bottom sheet that visually floats above the application’s main content. This new UI layer is designed to merge seamlessly with the device's open keyboard, using a subtle shadow effect along the top edge to distinguish it from the conversation history.

This transition from a static box to a dynamic sheet aligns the mobile app with modern design paradigms seen across other Google applications. By removing the container, the interface feels less cluttered, creating more horizontal screen real estate for users to type their queries.

Perhaps the most crucial functional update is the relocation of the AI model selector. Previously, users had to tap a dropdown menu near the top of the home screen to switch between models like Gemini 2.5 Flash and 2.5 Pro.

With the new design, the model picker is now embedded directly in the bottom-right corner of the prompt sheet, adjacent to a newly-circular microphone icon. This change streamlines the workflow, finally allowing users to select a different model for their next prompt without navigating away from the active chat.

Furthermore, Google has utilized this redesign to implement several user experience (UX) quality-of-life improvements. The '+' menu for adding inputs and the Gemini Live button are now positioned closer to the edges of the screen, benefiting from the freed-up space.

The standard but often disruptive disclaimer, "Gemini can make mistakes, so double-check it," has also been repositioned. Instead of sitting permanently below the prompt bar, it now appears concisely at the end of the AI's response, ensuring a cleaner visual flow while users are chatting.

The rollout for the box-less prompt bar redesign is now widely available for Gemini users on both major mobile operating systems. However, the accompanying change—the repositioning of the model picker—is being implemented gradually and is not yet universal across all accounts.

Also Read:

• Google Gemini Now Lets You Share Custom 'Gems'.
• Google Redesigns Gemini's Tools Menu for a Cleaner Mobile Experience.

Gboard Rolls Out 'Tap-to-Undo' Feature to Fix Annoying Auto-Corrections.

In a highly welcomed quality-of-life update, Google’s popular virtual keyboard, Gboard, is introducing a simple yet crucial feature that addresses one of the most frustrating aspects of mobile typing: aggressive auto-correction. Users can now easily spot and revert unwanted changes with a new tap-to-undo mechanism.

The new functionality works by subtly highlighting any text that Gboard has automatically changed while a user is typing a sentence. This visual cue makes it significantly easier for users to identify exactly which words were altered without needing to carefully proofread the entire text.

Once an auto-corrected word is highlighted, tapping on it immediately reveals the original, user-typed word as a suggestion in the prediction bar. This allows for a swift, single-tap reversal of the correction, restoring the text to the user's intended spelling or phrasing.

This method offers a marked improvement over previous correction methods, such as the "undo auto-correct on backspace" feature. That older tool often mistakenly reverted valid corrections when a user was merely attempting to fix a spacing error or a minor typo nearby.

While Gboard recently added dedicated undo/redo buttons, the tap-to-undo feature is a more elegant, context-aware solution. It saves valuable space on the toolbar and allows users to fix auto-corrections without interrupting the flow of their typing process.

The feature is currently rolling out to users, appears to be controlled by the main auto-correction setting, and is expected to be particularly useful when interacting with Gboard’s growing suite of AI writing and grammar-proofing tools. This enhancement reinforces Gboard’s status as a leading mobile keyboard by prioritizing user control and accuracy.

YouTube Playback Speed Now Reaches 4x for Premium Users.

YouTube is significantly boosting the appeal of its Premium subscription by rolling out a major expansion of video playback speed controls. Paying subscribers can now watch videos at up to 4x speed, a massive leap from the previous 2x limit, and the feature is officially expanding across more devices.

What began as an experiment on mobile is now a standard perk for YouTube Premium members on Android, iOS, and the web, catering directly to power users who consume lengthy tutorials, podcasts, and video essays.

4x Speed and Precise Controls.

Premium subscribers can now accelerate their viewing to an unprecedented 4x speed. This allows a typical hour-long video to be consumed in just 15 minutes, drastically improving content efficiency.

The update also introduces a greater degree of control for video playback. Users are no longer limited to the standard 0.25x increments; they can now fine-tune the speed in 0.05 increments for a more personalized viewing experience.

Feature Parity Across Devices.

Crucially, this speed boost is no longer confined to the mobile app. YouTube has confirmed that the expanded playback options are now available to all Premium members on all major platforms: Android, iOS, and the web browser interface.

This universal rollout ensures a consistent, high-speed viewing experience, whether you are on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop.

More Premium Perks Rolling Out.

The playback speed upgrade is part of a broader package of enhancements for the subscription service.

YouTube Premium members can now access high-quality audio streaming at 256kbps on both the main YouTube app and the YouTube Music app on mobile, a feature previously limited to the dedicated music app.

Additionally, the "Jump Ahead" feature, which uses AI to allow viewers to skip directly to key moments, is also expanding its reach to Smart TVs and gaming consoles, streamlining navigation on the biggest screens.

Google Rolls Out Major Quick Share Redesign, Transforming Android File Transfer.

Google is finally delivering a major overhaul to its cross-platform file-sharing tool, Quick Share. The long-awaited redesign, which shifts the utility from a simple bottom sheet to a full-screen, tabbed interface, is now widely rolling out to Android devices via a server-side update.

This significant UI update aligns with Google’s Material 3 design language, giving Quick Share a clean, guided experience that feels more like a dedicated application than a system utility. The goal is to make sharing files between Android phones, Chromebooks, and Windows PCs as seamless as possible.

Two Tabs for Two Clear Functions.

The core of the redesign is a two-tab structure at the bottom: Send and Receive. When a user opens Quick Share, the Receive tab is the default view, prominently displaying the device name and status.

This "Receive" mode now temporarily makes the device visible, making it far easier to accept spontaneous file transfers without needing to manually adjust visibility settings every time. A new live progress indicator also provides clear visual feedback during the transfer process.

Faster Sending and Better File Management.

The Send tab also sees substantial improvements, elevating the entire workflow. It now includes a built-in file picker that allows users to select and preview multiple files of different types directly within the Quick Share interface.

Available nearby devices and the user's own linked devices are displayed in an organized grid layout. For quick, one-off connections, the new interface also prominently features a QR code option, allowing for near-instant pairing without needing to manually change visibility settings.

This update completes the standardization process that began when Google merged its Nearby Share with Samsung’s Quick Share brand. The new full-screen UI is a major quality-of-life upgrade, ensuring Android users finally have a cohesive and friction-free sharing tool to rival other platforms.

YouTube Finally Grants Viewers the Power to Hide End-Screen Clutter.

Following years of user frustration over final-second distractions, YouTube is rolling out a small but highly significant quality-of-life update: a dedicated "Hide" button for end-screen pop-ups. The new feature gives viewers control over the recommended videos and promotional elements that often clutter the last five to twenty seconds of a clip.

The change, which has moved from an extended experiment to a broad rollout, is a direct response to widespread community feedback. Many viewers complained that the on-screen graphics and video suggestions broke immersion, particularly during educational or highly cinematic content.

How the New 'Hide' Button Works

Using the new feature is straightforward: when the end-screen elements begin to appear on a video, users will see a new "Hide" button in the top-right corner of the video player. Tapping this button will instantly dismiss all pop-ups, allowing the viewer to finish watching the video cleanly.

It is important to note that this is a per-video control, not a global setting. If a user wishes to hide the end screen on a subsequent video, they will need to tap the "Hide" button again. YouTube stated this design choice offers control without completely undermining a creator's promotional strategy.

Minimal Impact on Creators, Major Win for Users

YouTube claims that its internal testing showed the introduction of the hide option resulted in a negligible dip in engagement, with less than a 1.5% decrease in views derived from end-screen clicks. This minimal impact allowed the platform to prioritize viewer experience over strict engagement metrics.

In an additional cleanup effort, YouTube is also simplifying the desktop interface by removing the redundant "Subscribe" button that previously appeared when hovering over a video’s channel watermark. These changes reflect a growing effort by the platform to streamline the viewing process and reduce UI friction.

Also Read:

• YouTube Widely Pushes AI Age Verification, Sparking Privacy Concerns.
• YouTube Rolls Out Limited Video Downloads to Free Users.

Google's New Play Games Sidekick Brings an AI Coach to Your Android Games.

Ever found yourself stuck on a level, furiously tabbing out of your game to search for a walkthrough? Google wants to put an end to that frustration. A major new feature called "Play Games Sidekick," powered by Gemini Live, is on its way to Android, promising to be the in-game coach you've always wanted.

This isn't just another voice assistant; it's an AI that's fully aware of the game you're playing. Think of it as an interactive, real-time strategy guide that talks you through the toughest parts of a game without ever forcing you to leave the action.

How it Works: Your New Best Teammate.

Play Games Sidekick is an in-game overlay that you can summon at any time. The panel includes quick-access options for screen recordings, screenshots, and even live streaming to YouTube. But the real game-changer is the "Start Gemini Live" button.

Tapping this button launches an AI assistant that, thanks to collaboration with the Google DeepMind team, can "reason about the game based solely on the action on the screen." This means you can verbally ask it for tips, tricks, and strategies, and it will provide relevant guidance instantly. For example, if you're stuck on a boss, you can ask, "How do I defeat this boss?" and the AI will analyze the in-game action and give you a personalized strategy.

In addition to the conversational coaching, the Sidekick also features personalized "Game Tips" that are tailored to your gameplay and powered by the same intelligent AI.

What's Next for Developers and Gamers?

Google plans to roll out Play Games Sidekick to a select number of games in the coming months. It is also part of a new "Level Up" program for game developers, encouraging them to integrate these powerful AI platform features into their games by July 2026. This marks a significant step for Google to deepen the integration of its AI services into the core mobile gaming experience, transforming Android from a platform for games to a truly interactive gaming ecosystem.

Also Read: Google Play Games Update to Publicly Display Your Gaming Activity.

Google App's Voice Search Gets a Facelift with AI-Inspired Design.

Google is currently testing a significant redesign of its voice and song search interface within the beta version of its Android app. The new look, which is being rolled out as a server-side test to a select group of users, signals a shift towards a more unified design language that aligns with the company's AI-centric features.

The most noticeable change is a new pulsing, generative animation that replaces the previous "listening..." screen. This new animation is similar to the one seen in Google's AI mode, and the updated UI is stripped of the previous and suggested searches that once cluttered the main voice search screen. The new design presents a clean, simple query, asking users, "What's on your mind?"

The Voice Search Overhaul: Old vs. New.

The most noticeable change is the shift from a passive, text-based interface to a more dynamic, AI-inspired design.

• Current Look: The old screen simply displayed a "Listening..." message and showed a list of your recent searches and suggestions below. The interface was functional but static.

• New Look: The redesigned screen removes all the clutter. Instead of a text message, it features a new, pulsing animation that is similar to the one used in Google's AI mode. The screen is clean and minimal, presenting a single, inviting query: "What's on your mind?" This change provides a more streamlined, modern, and engaging user experience.

Google Voice Search Old Vs New Look

This redesign also extends to the song search feature, which now prominently displays a "Play Sing Hum" message and features the same dynamic animation. The move suggests Google is working to create a more consistent and modern experience across its various app functionalities, bringing them under a cohesive AI-inspired umbrella.

Google Delivers New September 2025 OTA Update to Pixel 10 Series.

Google has rolled out a new over-the-air (OTA) update for its flagship Pixel 10 series. This is the second update for the series this month, and it's a testament to Google's commitment to quickly resolving user-impacting bugs and improving the overall experience on its latest devices.

While the official changelog provides a general overview, a deeper look into the update and its corresponding community reports reveals a host of crucial bug fixes and performance enhancements. This new patch, with a build number of BD3A.250721.001.E1, is a compact 31MB download that focuses on a smoother, more stable user experience.

Key Bug Fixes and Improvements.

The most significant fix in this update is the resolution of a frustrating bug that caused the screen on some Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL devices to become "fuzzy" or "snowy" for brief periods. This is a critical fix, as a reliable display is fundamental to daily phone use.

In addition to the display issue, the update also addresses several other user-reported problems:

• Android Auto & Power Button Fix: It resolves an issue where the power button would stop working in specific instances, particularly when the device was connected to Android Auto and charging via USB-C.
• In-App Browser Stability: The update includes a fix for a bug that could cause the screen to turn black when transitioning from a webpage within an in-app browser.
• General System Enhancements: The patch provides overall improvements to system stability and performance, ensuring a smoother user experience. This likely includes optimizations for the Google Tensor G5 chip to handle daily tasks more efficiently.

As part of the broader September 2025 Pixel update, other fixes and enhancements were introduced that may also be included in this specific patch:

• Improved Call Audio: A fix for issues impacting call audio quality under certain conditions.
• Camera Performance: General improvements to camera stability and performance.
• User Interface (UI) Fixes: Patches for various UI-related bugs, such as the keyboard not responding, issues with navigation gestures, and problems with the Quick Settings panel.

It is worth noting that this update is part of Google’s broader September 2025 update rollout, which includes a host of other bug fixes for various Pixel devices. These fixes cover issues ranging from improved call audio quality and general system instability to camera performance and UI-related problems, such as an unresponsive keyboard or navigation gesture bugs.

For Pixel 10 series users, this update brings much-needed relief and a clear sign that Google is listening to community feedback. It’s an essential download for anyone who has encountered these issues, ensuring a more stable and reliable experience on their brand-new device.

Gboard’s AI Writing Tools Spotted on Pixel 8 Pro, Signaling Wider Rollout.

Google is continuing its push to bring on-device AI to more users, as the highly anticipated Gboard Writing Tools feature has been spotted on the Google Pixel 8 Pro. This suggests that the powerful AI-driven proofreading and rephrasing capabilities, previously a highlight of the newer Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series, are now making their way to older flagship devices.

The feature, which uses on-device AI to help users write more effectively, was first reported by a user running a beta version of Gboard (v15.9.1). While Google’s official support page has not yet been updated to include the Pixel 8 series, this sighting indicates that a gradual rollout is underway.

The move is particularly interesting given that a previous footnote on Google’s support page had suggested the feature would be limited to devices with "Gemini Nano v2 or higher." The removal of that footnote, combined with this new sighting, points to a broader expansion of Gemini-powered features to a wider range of hardware.

While the feature is still in the beta channel for some users, it’s a strong sign that the Pixel 8 Pro will soon join a growing list of devices that officially support this next-generation on-device AI functionality.

Google Redesigns Gemini's Tools Menu for a Cleaner Mobile Experience.

Google is rolling out a redesigned "Tools" prompt bar for the Gemini app on Android and iOS, bringing a cleaner and more streamlined experience to mobile users. The update, which follows a similar change on the web, aims to reduce clutter and make it easier to access Gemini's powerful features.

The most notable change is the removal of the old "standalone chips" and the three-dot overflow button. The previous design often had two items on some devices, or a single button that led to an overflow menu, which could be cumbersome to navigate.

The new interface introduces a single "Tools" menu, accessible via a new icon on Android. Tapping this icon now opens a simple and compact sheet that presents options without the previous icons or descriptions. This change creates a cleaner look and reduces the risk of accidental taps, a common issue on mobile screens.

Furthermore, the new design introduces a series of pre-written suggestions like "Create Image," "Write," and "Deep Research." These suggested prompts are now always visible beneath the "Hello" greeting, giving users a quick way to get started. These suggestions disappear automatically as soon as the user starts typing.

The redesign is now widely available for both stable and beta users of the Google app on Android and iOS, signaling a more unified and user-friendly direction for the Gemini experience across platforms.

Also Read:

• Google Breaks Down Gemini's Usage Limits for Free and Paid Users.
• Google Gemini Rolls Out Temporary Chats Option.
• Create Custom Storybooks in the Gemini App.

Gmail to Gain New 'Purchases' Tab for Centralized Shopping Management.

Google is rolling out a significant update to Gmail, introducing a dedicated "Purchases" tab that aims to revolutionize how users track their online orders and manage shopping-related emails. This new feature provides a centralized hub for all your e-commerce activities, making it easier than ever to find order confirmations, shipping updates, and return information.

A Smarter Inbox for Your Shopping Habits.

Gmail's new "Purchases" tab is a logical extension of its existing smart features, such as Categories (Primary, Social, Promotions, Updates, Forums). However, this tab is specifically tailored to the unique needs of online shoppers, offering a more robust and organized approach to managing purchases.

Here’s what this update means for users:

• Centralized Tracking: Instead of sifting through your primary inbox or the "Promotions" tab for order details, all emails related to your online purchases will be automatically filtered into this new tab. This includes order confirmations, shipping notifications, delivery updates, and even return labels.
• Enhanced Organization: The tab will likely go beyond just listing emails. It's expected to present purchase information in a more structured, glanceable format, potentially displaying key details like order numbers, delivery dates, and product images directly within the tab interface.
• Reduced Clutter: By moving shopping-related emails into their own dedicated space, the "Purchases" tab will help reduce clutter in your main inbox, allowing you to focus on more urgent or personal communications.
• Seamless Integration: This feature leverages Google's existing AI capabilities to identify and categorize purchase-related emails accurately. It will likely integrate with other Google services in the future, potentially linking directly to Google Pay or Google Assistant for package tracking.

Image Credit: Google

How the "Purchases" Tab Will Work.

While specific details on the tab's exact functionality are still emerging, it's expected to operate similarly to existing Gmail categories:

1. Automatic Classification: Google's AI will automatically detect emails containing order confirmations, shipping details, and receipts, moving them to the "Purchases" tab.
2. User Control: Users will likely have the ability to manually move emails into or out of the "Purchases" tab if the automatic classification isn't perfect, and potentially train the system over time.
3. Notifications: Users are expected to be able to customize notifications specifically for this tab, ensuring they receive timely updates on important deliveries without being overwhelmed.

This update reflects a growing trend towards specialized inboxes that cater to specific types of communication. For online shoppers, the "Purchases" tab promises a significant improvement in managing their digital retail footprint.

Also Read:

• Gmail’s New Manage Subscriptions Feature to Clean Inbox.
• Gmail for Android Gets a Fresh Look with Material 3 Expressive Redesign.
• Google Reassures Users, Reaffirms Gmail's Robust Security Following Misinformation.

Google's "AI Mode" Expands to More Languages.

Google has announced a major expansion of its "AI Mode" in Search, bringing the powerful, AI-driven experience to millions of new users worldwide. The feature, which was previously only available in English, now supports five new languages: Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese.

This update represents a significant step in Google's mission to make its most advanced AI capabilities globally accessible and locally relevant. According to Google, this goes beyond simple translation, as the company has leveraged a custom version of its Gemini 2.5 model to ensure a "nuanced understanding of local information."

What is AI Mode?

AI Mode is a new tab within Google Search designed to handle complex, multifaceted queries that would typically require multiple searches. It uses a "query fan-out" technique to issue multiple related searches concurrently across various subtopics and data sources. This method allows it to provide comprehensive, AI-based answers that offer greater breadth and depth of information than a traditional search.

The feature is particularly helpful for exploratory questions, such as planning a trip, finding local recommendations, or understanding complex topics. It also offers conversational follow-up questions, similar to what users have come to expect from Gemini and AI Overviews.

Impact and Future Outlook.

The expansion to these new languages comes shortly after Google made AI Mode available in over 180 countries and territories. This rapid rollout underscores the feature's importance to Google's future strategy. Google has claimed that AI Overviews and AI Mode are driving more queries and quality clicks to websites, despite some concerns from publishers about a potential drop in traffic.

With this expansion, Google is making it clear that AI-powered search is here to stay and will continue to evolve, reaching an ever-growing global audience.

Also Read:

• Google Adds AI Mode Shortcut to Android Search Widget.
• Google Brings Live Camera Input Into Search AI Mode.

Gemini App is Allowing User to Upload Audio Files.

Google has rolled out a highly-requested "quality-of-life" improvement for its Gemini app, introducing the ability for users to upload audio files on the web, as well as on Android and iOS devices. This new feature significantly enhances Gemini's capabilities by allowing it to process and understand spoken content from external sources.

The process for uploading audio is straightforward and consistent across platforms. Users can access the feature by tapping the "plus" menu and selecting "Files" on their mobile device or "Upload files" on the web. The tool supports popular audio file formats, including MP3, M4A, and WAV, making it versatile for a wide range of uses.

Subscription Tiers and Audio Length.

Google has implemented a tiered system for audio length based on a user's subscription status:

• Free Users: Can upload audio files with a total length of up to 10 minutes. This is perfect for quick transcriptions, summarizing short meetings, or processing voice notes.
• Google AI Pro / Google AI Ultra Subscribers: Have a much larger capacity, allowing them to upload audio files up to 3 hours in length. This is ideal for professionals, students, and anyone needing to transcribe or analyze longer-form content like lectures, interviews, or podcasts.

This feature opens up a world of possibilities, from easily transcribing lectures for students to summarizing long interviews for journalists, making Gemini an even more powerful tool for productivity.

Also Read:

• Google Gemini Rolls Out Temporary Chats Option.
• Gemini App Gets a Major Upgrade with the Nano-Banana AI Model.

Gboard New AI Powered Writing Tool For Better Messaging.

Google is fundamentally changing how we type on our phones by integrating advanced artificial intelligence directly into Gboard. This new feature, officially called "Writing Tools," leverages the on-device Gemini Nano model to provide a seamless, private, and powerful writing experience. As this update rolls out to more Android phones, here is a comprehensive look at what the feature does, how to use it, and what it means for mobile communication.

What Are Gboard's New AI Writing Tools?

The Gboard Writing Tools are a suite of generative AI features designed to assist with drafting and refining text. Unlike cloud-based tools, all processing happens securely on your device, ensuring that your data remains private. This feature is a significant leap beyond simple autocorrect, offering a range of capabilities that can be accessed with a single tap.

The primary functions include:

• Proofread: Instantly scan and correct your text for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues. This is a one-tap solution for cleaning up your messages.
• Rephrase: Offers alternative phrasing for your text. This can be used to improve clarity, make a message more concise, or simply find a better way to express an idea.
• Tone Adjustment: Adjust the tone of your writing to fit the context. Options include making your text more Professional, Friendly, or adding Emojis for a more expressive tone.

How to Use the New Gboard Feature: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using the AI writing tools is designed to be intuitive. If your device supports the on-device Gemini Nano v2 model (found in flagship phones with chipsets like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite and MediaTek Dimensity 9400), you can follow these steps:

1. Look for the Icon: Open any app where you can type, like Gmail or Messages. A new pencil with a star icon will appear in the Gboard toolbar, either next to the microphone icon or within the menu.
2. Tap to Activate: After typing or selecting a paragraph of text, tap the Writing Tools icon.
3. Choose a Function: A menu will pop up with options like "Proofread," "Rephrase," and various tone adjustments.
4. Review and Apply: The AI will generate a suggestion. You can then review the new text and, if you like it, tap "Use this" to replace your original text.

It's important to note that the first time you use the feature, it may require a brief one-time download and a stable internet connection for setup, but all subsequent processing is done offline.

Gemini App Gets a Major Upgrade with the Nano-Banana AI Model.

Google has rolled out a significant update to its Gemini app, bringing a host of new features that enhance its creativity, privacy, and utility. The highlight of the update is the introduction of a powerful new image generation model, internally codenamed "Nano-Banana," which allows users to create and edit images with unprecedented consistency and control.

The Power of "Nano-Banana".

Officially known as Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, the new model is designed to solve one of the biggest challenges in AI image generation: maintaining a consistent subject. With this new feature, users can generate a series of images featuring the same person, pet, or object in different settings, outfits, and poses. 

The model's intelligence also allows for prompt-based editing, enabling users to make precise, local changes to an image using simple, natural language commands. The model can even fuse elements from multiple photos into a single, cohesive scene, showcasing a powerful new level of AI-driven creativity.

More Than Just Images: New Privacy and Productivity Features

The "Nano-Banana" model is just one part of a broader update to the Gemini app. Google has also introduced several new features designed to improve the user experience:

• Temporary Chat: For enhanced privacy, a new Temporary Chat mode ensures that conversations are not used for AI training and are automatically deleted after 72 hours.
• Upgrades to Gemini Live: The live assistant feature is now more integrated, with on-screen guidance and the ability to connect to other Google apps like Calendar, Keep, and Tasks.
• Searchable Chat History: Users can now easily search through their past conversations with Gemini to quickly find information or revisit previous ideas.

These updates collectively transform the Gemini app into a more versatile and intelligent tool for a wide range of creative and productive tasks.

Google Revives 'Androidify' with AI, Turning Selfies into Bots.

Google has relaunched its popular 'Androidify' tool, this time with powerful artificial intelligence at its core. The new app, available on the web and as a standalone Android app, allows users to transform a selfie or a text prompt into a personalized Android bot.

How It Works: The Magic Behind the Scenes.

The new Androidify app is a showcase for Google's latest AI models. When you upload a photo, it first uses Gemini 2.5 Flash to analyze the image, generating a detailed caption that describes your appearance, clothing, and accessories. This detailed description is then fed to a fine-tuned version of Imagen 3, which creates a unique Android bot that reflects your style.

Alternatively, you can skip the selfie and simply enter a text prompt to design your bot from scratch. This gives you complete creative freedom to create a custom character.

The app also serves as a demonstration for developers, highlighting how to use modern Android development practices and libraries such as Material 3 Expressive components and the ML Kit Pose Detection API.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Android Bot.

Creating your own Android bot is a simple and fun process. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the App or Website: Download the Androidify app from the Google Play Store or visit the official Androidify website.
2. Start Creating: Upload a selfie or enter a text prompt to describe your desired bot.
3. Generate Your Bot: The app will use AI to generate your unique Android bot based on your input.
4. Customize and Share: Once your bot is created, you can personalize it by selecting from various formats (e.g., 1:1, Wallpaper, Banner), and backgrounds.
5. Animate Your Bot (Fridays Only): On Fridays in September, a limited number of users can animate their Android bot into an 8-second video using Veo 3, Google's video generation model.

You can then share your custom Android bot on social media using the hashtag #Androidify.

What Makes Androidify Stand Out?

The new Androidify experience is infinitely personal, letting you transform yourself into an Android bot in countless ways. Whether you upload a selfie or craft a fun, imaginative prompt, the AI ensures your creation feels unique and deeply customizable.

At the same time, the app is creative and fun, designed to be playful and expressive. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, showing off on social media, or simply giving your digital identity a fresh look.

For developers, Androidify is more than just a toy; it’s developer-friendly. The app has been built using the latest Android design frameworks and tools, offering a practical showcase of how modern Android UI and AI integration come together seamlessly.

And to top it off, Androidify adds a daily surprise factor. With weekly animation features powered by AI, users can see their avatars come alive, keeping the experience engaging and exciting every time they return.

Google Play Games Update to Publicly Display Your Gaming Activity.

A new update to Google Play Games is set to launch, with a primary focus on publicizing users' gaming activities. The update will transform the Google Play Games profile into a central hub, making your gaming journey visible to others.

Your Gaming Profile Becomes Public.

The upcoming changes, rolling out starting September 23, 2025, will make it easier for people to see what you play. Your updated profile will showcase aggregated statistics and progress tracking from your entire gaming history on Android, and with the option to import your past activity, your new profile will be a comprehensive public record of your gaming life.

This new feature is designed to help users build a gaming community. The public profiles will make it easier for people to see what games you play, what your achievements are, and what your stats look like, which is likely to encourage new connections among gamers.

What to Know About Your Data.

The new profiles will be accessible directly from the Google Play Store, making your gaming activity more visible to the wider Android community. While the update aims to enhance the social aspect of gaming, Google has stated that you will have full control over your data. This includes the ability to manage the visibility of your profile and data and the option to delete it entirely.

Also Read: Google's New Play Games Sidekick Brings an AI Coach to Your Android Games.

Gboard Gets a New Font Size Setting.

Gboard for Android is receiving a new update that gives users more control over their keyboard's appearance. The update introduces a standalone "Font size" setting, which allows you to adjust the size of the keyboard's font independently of the system-wide display and text size settings.

This feature is particularly useful for users who prefer a smaller or larger system font but don't want the keyboard's keys to be disproportionately sized. The new setting ranges from 85% to 200%, with "Match System" being the default. When you change the font size, the letters, numbers, and tool icons on the keyboard are adjusted accordingly, but the size of emojis and their category titles remain unchanged.

How to Change Gboard's Font Size?

1. After receiving the update (currently rolling out to Gboard beta version 15.9), you may see a "Keyboard font size updated" banner on your Gboard.
2. Tap the gear icon on this banner to be taken directly to the new setting.
3. Alternatively, you can manually navigate to the setting by going to Gboard Settings > Preferences > Font size.
4. Use the slider to adjust the font size to your preference, from 85% to 200% of the default size.

This update is part of Google's ongoing effort to bring a more personalized and cohesive experience to its apps through the Material 3 Expressive design language and simplifying Gboard Settings.

Gmail for Android Gets a Fresh Look with Material 3 Expressive Redesign.

Google is rolling out a significant visual update to the Gmail for Android app, which aligns with the company's new Material 3 Expressive design language. This redesign, which has been in testing for some time, is now reaching a wider user base, offering a more modern and cohesive experience across the app.

The most noticeable change is the introduction of "expressive containers". Instead of a continuous, flat list, each email in the inbox is now placed within its own distinct card with rounded corners. This creates a cleaner, more visually separated look for each message, which some users have already started to receive. This builds on an earlier design iteration that placed the entire email list within a single, larger container.

Gmail Old Vs New

The update also brings subtle but meaningful changes to interactions and buttons. Swipe actions for archiving, deleting, or marking an email as read now feature a "pill-shaped" animation that is both fluid and modern. When you open a message, the Reply and Forward buttons at the bottom of the screen are more prominent and leverage Dynamic Color to stand out against the background.

This Gmail redesign is part of a larger push by Google to implement the Material 3 Expressive design across its suite of applications, including Google Keep and Google Messages. The new aesthetic emphasizes rounded edges, playful motion, and vibrant color palettes to create a more engaging and user-friendly interface. While the current rollout focuses on the main inbox view and message details, certain parts of the app, such as the Compose screen and the home screen widgets, remain unchanged for now.

Also Read:

• Chrome for Android Gets a Material 3 Makeover with Expressive Redesign.
• Google Clock App Gets a Major Material 3 'Expressive' Redesign.
• Google Calculator Gets a Slick Material 3 'Expressive' Redesign.