Google Chrome for iOS Adopted iPhone Liquid Glass Look.

Google is shaking up the user interface on iPhones and iPads with the release of Chrome 141. The latest update, which coincides with the launch of iOS 26, introduces a striking new design language known as "Liquid Glass." This aesthetic, while subtle in some areas, brings a fresh, modern feel to the mobile browsing experience.

A New Design Language: What is "Liquid Glass"?

The most noticeable change is the "Liquid Glass" effect, which can be seen in the new Tab Grid interface. This design applies a unique, almost translucent effect to the Incognito, Tab, and Tab Group switcher. This creates a visually distinct experience, where the background is no longer a simple blur but takes on a more polished, glassy appearance.

This design extends to other elements of the browser as well. Context menus have been updated to match this new style, and the bottom sheet menu has been redesigned with more rounded corners and a non-edge-to-edge layout, giving it a cleaner look. The changes also apply to individual menu items and the Settings menu, ensuring a consistent design throughout the app.

Key Feature Updates and Changes

Beyond the visual refresh, the update includes several functional improvements:

• New Tab Loading Indicator: The circular loading indicator has been replaced with a more modern, iOS-style pinwheel, providing a more native-like feel.
• Floating Keyboard Row: A new, floating rectangular keyboard row has been added above the main keyboard. This provides quick and easy access to frequently used functions like voice search, Google Lens, and keys like ".com" and "/".

The rapid implementation of "Liquid Glass" in Chrome suggests that Google is continuing its efforts to refine its app designs on Apple's mobile platform. It will be interesting to see if this "Liquid Glass" design appears in other Google apps on iOS in the future, creating a more unified and cohesive user experience across the board.

This update demonstrates Google’s commitment to not only keeping Chrome a powerful browser but also ensuring it remains visually appealing and modern on all platforms.

Unveiling Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2: A Deep Dive into What's New and What's Next.

The latest iteration of Android, specifically Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, has just dropped, bringing with it a fascinating array of new features and under-the-hood enhancements. While quarterly platform releases (QPRs) often focus on stability and minor tweaks, this beta release is particularly rich, offering a glimpse into Google's strategic direction for security, privacy, user customization, and developer tools.

From robust new protections for sensitive data to a deeper integration with health and fitness, and even more expressive personalization options, this update touches on nearly every facet of the Android experience. 

Join us as we explore each significant change in detail, dissecting what these updates mean for users, developers, and the future of the Android ecosystem.

1. Testing developer verification.

Based on the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 release information, developer verification is a new security requirement designed to make the Android ecosystem safer for users. It's a key part of Google's effort to combat the spread of malware and scams from malicious apps.

Starting in September 2026, Android will begin requiring that apps be registered by verified developers to be installed on certified Android devices in certain regions. This change links real-world individuals and organizations to their applications, making it more difficult for "bad actors" to operate anonymously and repeatedly.

For developers, this beta release includes new APIs that support the verification process during app installation. It also introduces a new adb command that allows developers to simulate successful and unsuccessful verification outcomes for testing purposes. This gives them the tools to prepare for the upcoming enforcement of this security measure, ensuring a smooth transition for their apps.

2. SMS OTP Protection.

A new layer of security is being added to the Android ecosystem to protect users from a common threat. The latest beta introduces a powerful SMS OTP Protection feature, which is designed to combat the hijacking of one-time passwords by malicious apps.

This new security measure works by strategically delaying the delivery of certain SMS messages that contain an OTP. For most apps, the message will be held back for up to three hours. This deliberate hold makes it virtually impossible for malware to intercept and use the OTP in real time, giving you a crucial window to spot and stop suspicious activity.

Crucially, this protection is designed not to disrupt your daily usage. Core system apps like your default SMS app, phone dialer, and Google Assistant are exempt from the delay. Similarly, apps that use Google’s official SMS Retriever API will continue to receive OTPs instantly, maintaining a seamless and secure experience for services that are built to be compliant.

3. New App Icon Shapes Arrive in Beta.

Beyond its security and privacy updates, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is also empowering users with a new level of home screen customization. The latest beta introduces native support for custom app icon shapes, a highly anticipated feature that allows users to overhaul the look of their app icons without the need for a third-party launcher.

This new tool, found under Settings > Wallpaper & style > Icons, gives users five different shapes to choose from: the classic Circle and Square, as well as more unique shapes like a "cookie" and an arch. The selected shape is applied universally to all app icons and even folder previews, creating a cohesive and visually refreshed home screen experience.

This addition aligns with Google's ongoing effort to make Android more customizable and personal. By giving users more control over their device's aesthetics, Google is not only improving the user experience but also bringing a feature that has long been available on other platforms directly into the core Android OS.

4. The New Era of Garbage Collection.

Among the most significant under-the-hood improvements in the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is a complete overhaul of the Android Runtime (ART) garbage collector. This update brings a Generational Concurrent Mark-Compact (CMC) Garbage Collector to the platform, a technical change that translates directly into a more fluid and efficient user experience.

Previously, garbage collection could cause noticeable stutters or "jank" as the system paused to clean up unused data. This new approach is much smarter. It works in the background and focuses its efforts on newly allocated objects, which are more likely to be discarded anyway. This reduces the workload on the phone's CPU, minimizing interruptions and making the entire interface, from scrolling through apps to navigating the home screen, feel smoother and more responsive. The result is not just a better feel, but also improved battery efficiency, as the processor spends less energy on maintenance.

This change is a prime example of how Google is focusing on foundational performance. By making the core of the operating system more intelligent and efficient, they are paving the way for a faster, more reliable Android experience for everyone, regardless of the app they are using.

5. Health and Fitness Just Got Smarter with Health Connect.

In a move that could transform how Android users manage their health, the latest beta introduces a significant upgrade to Health Connect. Previously, the platform acted as a simple data hub, relying on third-party apps and wearables to provide information. Now, Health Connect is evolving into a proactive fitness tool with native step tracking.

This means your Android phone can now automatically count your steps using its built-in sensors, eliminating the need to download a separate step-counting app. This data is then made available to any app with the appropriate permissions, creating a more cohesive and accurate fitness experience. In addition, the update expands the data types for exercises, allowing apps to record more detailed metrics such as weight, set index, and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during a workout.

By building these foundational features directly into the OS, Google is making fitness tracking more accessible and efficient for everyone. It simplifies the user experience, reduces battery drain, and provides developers with a reliable, system-level source of data to build more powerful and insightful health apps.

More Than Just Features: The Under-the-Hood Innovations.

While the user-facing features of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 are significant, the update also brings a host of critical, yet less visible, changes that pave the way for a more innovative and consistent Android platform. One of the most important of these is the introduction of a minor SDK version. This is a major change for developers, as it allows Google to roll out new APIs and capabilities more rapidly throughout the year, without being tied to a major annual platform release.

Beyond the SDK version bump, the beta is packed with other refinements that promise a better user experience. Developers can now take advantage of a new Expanded Dark Theme option, which intelligently inverts the UI of apps that lack native dark theme support, providing a consistent look system-wide.

The update also includes a new PDF document editing API, which significantly expands the platform's native support for annotating and editing PDF files. For developers, this means the foundation is in place to build more powerful and integrated PDF experiences directly into their apps. Finally, a Display Topology API is being introduced to support advanced multi-display setups, giving apps the information they need to create fluid, multi-screen experiences on devices like foldables and tablets.

Android 16 Update Turns Your App Icons into Cookies.

Google is taking a significant step in Android's design evolution with the rollout of the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 update for Pixel devices. This latest beta introduces a highly anticipated feature that gives users more control over their home screen: enhanced app icon customization. The new functionality allows Pixel owners to change the shape of their app icons and folder previews, moving beyond the traditional circular design.

A Deeper Dive into Icon Shapes.

Previously, Android offered a limited ability to apply themes and colors to icons. This update expands that customization by adding several new icon shapes, which users can apply system-wide. The update's settings menu, found under Settings > Wallpaper and Home Screen > Icons, now includes five distinct options:

• Circle (the default)
• Square
• Four-sided "cookie"
• Seven-sided "cookie"
• Arch

This addition marks a new focus on personal expression within the Android interface. While third-party launchers have long offered similar customization, this is the first time Google has integrated such a feature directly into the core Android experience for Pixel devices. It shows a growing commitment to giving users the tools to create a home screen that truly reflects their personal style.

The new feature is seamlessly integrated with the existing auto-themed icons, which adapt to the user's wallpaper. Now, the icons not only change color to match the theme but also conform to the selected shape, creating a cohesive and visually appealing home screen. The update is part of the Android 16 QPR2 release, which is expected to have a stable rollout in December.

Also Read: 

• Android 16 QPR1 Rolls Out to Pixel Devices with 'No Data Wipe' Option.
• Google to Require Developer Verification for All Android Apps to Combat Malware.

Google Gemini Now Lets You Share Custom 'Gems'.

Google is giving its Gemini AI a major collaboration boost by introducing a highly anticipated feature: the ability to share custom "Gems." This update transforms Gems from a personal productivity tool into a powerful asset for teams and communities, allowing users to easily share their finely-tuned AI prompts and workflows.

What are Google Gemini Gems?

Google Gemini Gems are a feature that allows you to create your own custom AI expert. Instead of starting from scratch with a new prompt every time, you can give a Gem a specific set of instructions and a persona. This Gem will then remember these details, providing consistent, tailored responses for any task you ask.

The purpose of Gems is to streamline your workflow and save time. For example, you can create a Gem to act as a "creative writer" with a specific style, or a "meeting summarizer" that always focuses on action items. You can reuse the Gem repeatedly for your specific needs by saving these instructions once.

Gems are not just for personal use. They can also be shared with other Gemini users, making them a powerful tool for collaboration. You can share your custom-built Gems with colleagues or friends, allowing a whole team to work with the same personalized AI assistant.

Share Your Custom Gems With Others Like a File.

The new sharing functionality is designed to be intuitive and familiar to anyone who uses Google Workspace products like Docs or Sheets. A user can now hit the Share icon in their Gem manager, add other users by name or group, and set permissions to either view or edit the Gem. There's also an option to generate a shareable link, making it simple to distribute a Gem across a team or an online community.

Here is a step-by-step guide to share Gemini Gems:

1. Open your Gem Manager: Go to the Gemini web app and open your Gem Manager. You can usually find this in the side panel or menu.

2. Find the Share Button: Look for the "Share" button next to the Gem you want to share. This button is typically located next to the edit icon.

3. Choose your sharing method: A pop-up will appear, similar to sharing a Google Doc. You can either enter the email addresses of the people you want to share with or copy a public link.

4. Set Permissions: You can control whether the recipient can simply view the Gem or has permission to edit its instructions.

Note: Once you share the Gem, it will be stored in a new "Gemini Gems" folder in your Google Drive, and its permissions will be protected by Drive's sharing settings.

This update positions Gemini with a clear advantage over some competitors, as it directly addresses a key need for professional and team-based work. By enabling easy, Google Docs-style collaboration on AI workflows, Google is making it easier for users to standardize tasks, share best practices, and work together on projects that leverage AI.

This enhanced shareability not only improves Gemini's utility for enterprise users but also empowers individuals to share their creativity and expertise with a wider audience, fostering a more connected and collaborative AI ecosystem.

Also Read: Google Gemini Rolls Out Temporary Chats Option.

Google One Home Premium: A New AI-Powered Subscription to Replace Nest Aware.

Google is set to introduce a new subscription tier, Google One Home Premium, that will serve as a direct replacement for the existing Nest Aware service. This new plan, which will be included with Google One AI Pro and other higher-tier subscriptions, signals a significant shift in how Google is integrating its AI capabilities and services into a unified offering.

The new Google One Home Premium plan is designed to elevate the smart home experience by leveraging Gemini to provide more intelligent and proactive security features. Unlike traditional camera services that simply record footage, this new subscription empowers your devices with advanced AI to "understand what it sees."

Key Features of the New Google One Home Premium.

• Intelligent Video Recording: Your home cameras will no longer just record constantly. Instead, they will intelligently begin recording when they detect specific activity, saving you from having to sort through hours of irrelevant footage.
• Familiar Face Recognition: The service will include the ability for your cameras to recognize familiar faces, allowing for more personalized and actionable alerts. This means you can be notified when a family member arrives home, while still receiving alerts for unexpected visitors.
• AI-Powered Event Summaries: Google's AI will provide detailed, natural-language descriptions of events, replacing generic motion alerts. It will also generate daily summaries of what happened at home, giving you a quick and comprehensive overview of the day's events without having to watch every clip.
• Seamless Integration: By bundling the service with existing Google One subscriptions, Google is creating a more streamlined and convenient user experience. This allows users to manage their storage, AI tools, and home security under a single, integrated plan.

Advanced Plan for Power Users.

For those who need even more robust features, a Google Home Premium Advanced plan is also expected to be available. This plan is presumed to be the equivalent of the current Nest Aware Plus and will cater to power users who require extensive video history. It is expected to include up to 60 days of event history and 10 days of continuous 24/7 video history, ensuring no moment is missed.

This move to integrate Nest Aware into the Google One ecosystem demonstrates Google’s commitment to building a more cohesive platform where its services work together seamlessly. The new subscription will provide users with a smarter, more secure, and more convenient way to manage their home security.

Also Read:

• Google Raises Nest Aware Subscription Prices as Hardware Lags Behind.
• Google Ends Nest Protect Production and Introduces First Alert Replacement.
• Google's New Nest Cams and Doorbells with 2K and Gemini Spotted in Stores.

Google Play Store Gets Help from Gemini to Find Apps.

Google is rolling out a significant update to its Play Store, integrating its powerful Gemini AI to transform how users discover and find new applications. This new feature moves beyond the traditional keyword-based search, offering a more intuitive and conversational way to navigate the vast catalog of apps.

The update introduces thematic search suggestions that leverage Gemini's understanding of natural language. Instead of having to know the exact name of an app, users can now use a broad phrase or a goal-oriented query, such as "games to play with friends," "apps for mindfulness," or "boost productivity." The AI then provides a curated, more relevant list of applications that fit the user's intent.

Credit: AndroidPolice

This change is particularly beneficial for new Android users or those who may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available on the Play Store. It provides a helpful guide, providing context-aware recommendations that simplify the discovery process. For instance, a user looking to improve their daily routine could search for "morning routine apps" and receive a list of highly-rated alarm clock, habit tracker, and meditation apps, rather than having to search for each type of app individually.

The rollout is currently underway for users in the U.S., with plans to expand to other regions in the near future. This integration of Gemini into the Play Store is another step in Google’s broader strategy to weave its AI capabilities into its core products, making them smarter, more personal, and ultimately, more helpful to the end user.

Google.org 2025 Impact Report Highlights $6 Billion in Funding.

A new report from Google.org reveals the significant impact of the company's philanthropic arm over the past two decades, detailing nearly $6 billion in funding to support a variety of global organizations since its inception in 2004. The 2025 Impact Report showcases a strategic approach to philanthropy, emphasizing the use of technology, particularly AI, to accelerate progress.

A key finding from the report highlights the transformative effect of AI on the organizations Google.org supports. According to the data, these groups have been able to reduce the time required to achieve their goals by over two-thirds and cut their operational costs by half, demonstrating the immense potential of AI as a tool for social good.

The report breaks down Google.org's efforts into several core areas, each with a focus on creating meaningful societal change:

• Knowledge, Skills, and Learning: The report notes that 4.1 million people have been trained for high-demand, high-paying jobs, underscoring Google.org's commitment to bridging the skills gap and fostering economic opportunity.
• Scientific Progress: Google.org has played a significant role in advancing research, providing over 16,000 research awards and funding more than 1,700 universities and research institutions worldwide.
• Stronger Communities: The report details how organizations supported by Google.org have assisted over 140 million people in times of crisis, from natural disasters to humanitarian emergencies, showcasing a dedication to global resilience and support.

Overall, the 2025 Impact Report solidifies Google.org's role in empowering non-profits and other organizations by providing not just funding, but also the technological resources necessary to scale their impact and create a more equitable and prosperous world.