The Google Home app also got a few tweaks, such as third-party automation privacy and alphabetical sorting in the automation editor. You know, QoL upgrades.

Take a look at the full changelog below.

// Google

Read the original post: Gemini for Home Upgrades Command Understanding

The Arc Vault is up for pre-order now and should arrive before the end of September. It comes in Silver or Onyx Black, is made from a single block of aerospace-grade aluminum, has RFID protection, and still has an array of magnets to allow it to slap on the back of your Qi2 or MagSafe phone.

This thing weighs 90g and can fit up to 5 cards. Unfortunately for cash carriers, this thing is “not built to carry cash.”

Outside of the hunk of aluminum that this is made from, the star of the show is the in-house mechanism that was developed by Arc. A simple press opens the wallet to show each of your cards, and it then snaps back, making a clicking noise that you’ll hear in the video – it’s quite lovely.

OK, so enough talking, you probably want to know how much this thing costs. Since its Arc Pulse cases can run upwards of $90 for devices like the Pixel 11 Pro XL, this thing has to be expensive too, right? Yes, it is indeed.

The Arc Vault starts at $149.99 for the Silver model and then jumps to $189.99 for Onyx Black. Hopefully, if you buy one, you’ll never need to replace it.

Pre-order Arc Vault

Read the original post: Arc Made a $150 Arc Vault Wallet That Looks Wild

Starting at just $999 for a 55-inch panel, OLED is the TV display technology that has essentially taken its rightful place on the throne. Blacks are black and colors absolutely pop. As you can see in the header image above, the panels themselves are incredible thin, making them easy to mount wherever they need to go. Again, many TV shoppers are making the switch to OLED, but price has always been a major issue for the technology.

Roku is selling its new Pro Series at just $999 for 55 inches and $1199 for 65 inches. The Pro Series LX will be available in October, starting at $1299 for the 55-inch model and slightly more expensive for the 65-inch model.

Roku built in some solid features for this price point, too. They feature Dolby Vision, Roku Smart Picture Max, an Automatic Gaming Mode, FreeSync Premium and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate up to 120Hz), Headphone Mode, voice capabilities, plus an on-TV remote finder. The Pro LX series bumps the refresh rate up to 144Hz, offers a wider color range, as well as a polarizer that cuts down on room reflections, which is a downside of OLED panels in general.

And while these TVs may not come out of the box running Android TV, you can always hook up whatever OS-powered box you want to them via their numerous ports. The most important thing is that your life will soon be transformed by OLED goodness.

Amazon Link

Read the original post: Roku’s New OLED TVs Start at Just $999

Google hasn’t shared any details on the update or posted factory images, but Verizon gave us the goods early and some folks have been able to install the update.

According to Verizon, the build is here as CD1A.260905.001.A1 for all four Pixel 11 models.

As for what’s new, we are only seeing that it “provides performance improvements and the most up to date Android security patches.” That new security patch is indeed the September patch.

READ: Pixel 11 Pro & Pixel 11 Pro XL review

To check for updates on your Pixel 11, head into Settings>System>Software updates>System update.

Read the original post: Surprise September Pixel 11 Update Arrived

The update is the September Pixel Watch update, but it is currently only rolling out to the Pixel Watch 5. Google hasn’t said anything about the other Pixel Watch models yet.

• Pixel Watch 5: CP3A.260905.002 (41mm, 45mm)
• September 2026 build; August 2026 security patch

As for what’s new, Google lists out quite a bit. There is more personalization from Gemini on the watch, thanks to connections to your main Google apps (like Gmail, Calendar, Search, YouTube, and Photos). That personalization leads to info at the ready if you ask about your day.

Your Pixel Watch 5 can also utilize proactive suggestions, which can be multi-step actions completed with a single tap, because again, Gemini knows all about you and can present info in real-time on your wrist. This only works for now if connected to a Pixel 11 device.

This update brings Offline Gemini as well, raise to talk improvements, big improvements to the GPS route tracking (which Google had already said was their most accurate), and big expansions to hand gestures.

The full changelog can be found below.

To update a Pixel Watch, open Settings on the watch, then scroll to System>System updates. If an update doesn’t present itself right away, you can try this old tapping trick.

• Gemini Personalization 
  • Personalization makes Gemini on Watch more helpful by learning from past conversations and connected Google apps (Gmail, Calendar, Search, YouTube, Photos) to deliver personalized responses. Users can ask queries like “What’s on my calendar today?” or “Find the tracking number in my email” and receive answers tailored to their data. The feature is powered by an offline user profile and real-time online retrieval working together. 
• Proactive suggestions
  • Gemini Intelligence Proactive Suggestions turns complex, multi-step tasks into seamless one-tap actions in messages. If a loved one asks when is the dinner with family, Gemini automatically locates the info in your calendar and surfaces it directly on your wrist, eliminating the need to dig through your phone
• Offline Gemini 
  • Powered by on-device AI, Gemini can process core actions instantly with low latency, even when you’re completely offline. Examples are setting up a timer, starting/stopping a workout, turning on do not disturb and other device actions.
• Raise to talk improvements
  • Updates and improvements for raise to talk gesture model.
• Our most accurate GPS route tracking
  • Major improvements to the route maps displayed on Google Health app after running, biking, hiking, and walking sessions.
• Hand Gestures App Expansions
  • Double pinch to open At a Glance  from watch face 
  • Double pinch to open notification center from watch face 
  • Double pinch to scroll through Gemini response
  • Double pinch to scroll through cards in Wallet app
  • Double pinch to scroll through your workout metrics
  • Double pinch to toggle between Google Maps views
  • Double pinch to manage Recorder app
  • Wrist turn gesture as universal back navigation
• General bug fixes and improvements 

// Google

Read the original post: Your First Pixel Watch 5 Update Arrived and It’s Big

Gosh freakin’ darn it.

Most folks likely won’t run into this issue, but it is something to take note of. Dimensions with the camera bump prove the issue, with the Pixel 11 coming in at 9.38mm and the Pixel 11 Pro coming in at 12.22mm. Besides the camera bump, the overall device dimensions are basically identical. Because of this, in a pinch, a Pixel 11 case fits on the Pixel 11 Pro, but the camera bar sticks out and doesn’t get protected by the case.

Again, I don’t suspect that this will cause an issue for 99% of people, but for me, it means I have to buy a new case for the Pixel 11 Pro, which is mildly irritating when I could easily swap them out and not have an extra expense last year.

Thank you for letting me vent. Enjoy your day, everyone.

Read the original post: PSA: Pixel 11 Cases Don’t Fit Pixel 11 Pro

Google is bringing updates to Find Hub that are very cool, the new Motion Assist we talked about a week ago, guided vision with Gemini Live, collaborative Google Keep in Google Messages, and the new Chat Themes you are very familiar with.

Let’s talk through each of these.

Gemini x Find Hub for keeping track of things

Google is rolling out a really cool feature for Find Hub that lets you tell Gemini to remember where something is and Find Hub will hold onto its location. So rather than everything in Find Hub needing some form of connection for tracking, like a phone, watch, or tracker, Find Hub can now remember where you put your passport or spare light bulbs or a charger or whatever.

To use this, you’ll fire up Gemini and say, “Remember in Find Hub that I put my spare key in the night stand under a book,” and it’ll hold that information, including the note about it being under a book. How cool is that?

This should be available on Android 16+ devices.

Google Keep x Google Messages for collaborative notes

The next big feature is a collaborative effort between Google Keep and Google Messages that lets you create/share something like a grocery list in a chat thread that everyone on the thread can contribute to.

Whether it’s a vacation planning list or a grocery list for a dinner party, Google Messages can bring up the option to create a Keep list that is editable right inside of Google Messages. Also, very neat, right?

Rollout starts today.

Motion sickness reduction when riding in cars

Again, we talked about this last week, but Google is bringing a feature to help reduce motion sickness when you are riding in a car and using your phone.

When Motion Assist is turned on, your phone gets a subtle bubble overlay on your screen that moves with the vehicle you are riding in. The idea here is “bridge the gap between what your eyes see and the movement of your ride,” according to Google.

You can have this setting turn on automatically, set a Quick Settings shortcut for it, and even customize the bubble’s shape, color, and opacity.

This is available to phones running Android 17.

Gemini Live’s new guided vision feature

Gemini Live users can now share their camera to let it read back things like fine print on a food label or a menu in a dimly lit restaurant. This is an accessibility feature that can even be accessed with an Accessibility shortcut or by adding it into the TalkBack menu. This feature is “coming soon” to Android 9+.

Chat Themes in Google Messages!

I’m not sure I need to run through this for the 10th time, but yes, Google Messages now has custom Chat Themes. You can set your own custom backgrounds with any photo of your choosing, select from curated options, and switch up the color. These Chat Themes are private to you and not shared with the other parties in your chats.

More on Chat Themes in this previous write-up.

READ: June Android Feature Drop brings 7 new features

// Google

Read the original post: September Android Feature Drop Adds 5 New Goodies

For those of you with a brand new Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, or Pixel 11 Pro Fold, you can get in on the newest of Android 17 builds by enrolling today. Google opened up the Android Beta Program moments ago.

We were sort of anticipating this to happen today, being a new month and all.

This will give your Pixel 11 series phone an update to Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4, which was announced at the end of last week. Google told us at the time that they would soon add the Pixel 11 phones and give them build CP41.260814.003.C2.

This new Android 17 QPR2 Beta is in testing and will go stable in December as a part of the Pixel Feature Drop to end the year. It’s a big update, with several new features, like deeper custom theme colors, Quick Settings area customization, App Lock, and more.

The best way to get this update is through the Android Beta Program (sign-up). If you are into flashing images, there are OTA images available (here) too.

Read the original post: Pixel 11 Joins Android 17 QPR2 Beta Program

The new Android Auto logo is green instead of blue, just like we saw with the new Calculator logo.

The change to this logo is rolling out in the beta program for Android Auto as v17.6.663424. If you aren’t yet participating, you can hit this link to join or visit the Google Play page for Android Auto on your phone and look for the beta section’s “Join” link.

As for what else is new within the app, we aren’t seeing anything, at least upfront and without connecting to our car this morning. I walked through all of the settings and they still appear to be the same.

Read the original post: Fresh New Android Auto Logo is Here

Coming this month, Samsung will rollout access to One UI 9 Beta builds to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Galaxy S25 FE.

For those not keeping track, One UI 9 is Android 17, which is already on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. In other words, Android 17 is basically ready from Samsung, and I’m guessing that the Galaxy S26 series will see a stable release at any moment. The rest of the devices shouldn’t take much longer to test either, assuming Samsung repeats history.

If we look back at last year, the Galaxy S25 series received Android 16 in mid-September, and then Samsung continued that push to the Galaxy S24 series and Galaxy Z Fold 6 before the end of the month. Things seem a little behind this time around, but not by much.

To join the One UI 9 Beta on your supporting Galaxy device, open up the Samsung Members app, look for a top banner section and a card that says “One UI Beta Program.” Tap on that and then follow the instructions.

Let us know if it’s live.

// Samsung

Read the original post: Samsung Expands One UI 9 Beta to New Devices: Fold 7, Galaxy S25 Series

Today, both the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9 are seeing their first updates and we don’t have many details to go on. According to one changelog from Verizon, this is only a security patch and nothing else. There has to be more, right?

For those who own one of the new Samsung watches, we have build numbers below for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the LTE models of the Galaxy Watch 9. For WiFi models of the Watch 9, the builds don’t really change, only the model number does.

• Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: L715USQS1AZH4
• Galaxy Watch 9: L355USQS1AZH4 (44 mm) / L345USQS1AZH4 (40mm)

To check for updates on your Galaxy Watch, open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone, head into Watch Settings>Watch software update>Download and install.

// Verizon

Read the original post: Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Gets First Update

Owners of the Galaxy S26 series have new software to look for today. Samsung is pushing out the August update to its newest Galaxy S devices, although the update isn’t a big one.

The new software arrives as builds S942USQS4AZH5 (S26), S947USQS4AZH5 (S26+), and S948USQS4AZHL (S26 Ultra).

According to a small changelog, this update simply provides the “most up to date Android security patches for your device.” I wish it were bigger, but we’re still waiting for Android 17.

Where is Samsung’s Android 17 update? Samsung is still actively testing it as One UI 9 and there have been beta builds of it for months now. They even released another new beta just last week.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra both run Android 17 already, so the software is super close to being ready. Don’t be surprised if it starts rolling out in September. In fact, I’d be pretty surprised if it didn’t.

Samsung is also updating the following list of devices with that same August security patch:

• Galaxy S24 Ultra: S928USQS6DZH3
• Galaxy S24+: S926USQS6DZH3
• Galaxy S24: S921USQS6DZH3
• Galaxy Z Fold 6: F956USQS4DZH5
• Galaxy Z Fold 7: F966USQSCBZH3
• Galaxy Z Flip 6: F741USQS4DZH5
• Galaxy Z Flip 7: F766USQSCBZH3

How to update your Samsung Galaxy phone

To check for Samsung updates on your Galaxy smartphone, head into Settings>Software update>Download and install.

// Verizon

Read the original post: Samsung Updates Big Batch of Galaxy Phones for August

Through the Google Store (via 9to5Google), the Google TV Streamer now costs $149.99 in both Porcelain and Hazel colors. Up until today, this device has been $99.99 and often saw discounts that made it cheaper than that.

As far as we know, there are no improvements to the device and it remains as it did when it first arrived on the scene.

Why the price increase? RAM and chip shortages, all thanks to AI, I assume. Google has not shared details of the price increase, they simply updated pricing on the Google Store (here). Best Buy has also increased the price already (here).

At the time of this post, Amazon has not yet changed the price and it remains at $99. If you have been considering one, you may want to buy one immediately, as I’m sure they will match Google’s pricing shortly.

Amazon Google TV Stream Link

Read the original post: Google TV Streamer Gets Substantial Price Increase

The full changelog for these updates can be found below, but what you’ll want to look for on your phone is Google Play Services v26.34 and Google Play Store v53.0.

For the Googlebook, Google mentions that with this update, you’ll now be able to view and manage your phone’s notifications “on your Googlebook or tablet.” That’s all it says, but they also mentioned in the August 24 update that “You can now access your phone’s apps from Googlebook.” We must be close to the first devices, right?

Google also talks about improving eSIM transfers between devices, being able to access your phone’s files from your laptop, an “AI led journey for Android device onboarding,” and bug fixes at the system management level.

For Google Play updates, most of the new changes involve searching or finding certain types of content. You can more easily discover books and comics now, find apps and games related to content in a photo, discover new content from trusted Creators, and more.

To check for Google Play Store updates, open Google Play, tap your profile>Settings>About>Update Play Store.

August 2026

Google Play services v26.34 (2026-08-31)

Account Management

• [Phone, TV, Wear] Parents and teens can more easily set up Google Play account supervision and complete required age attestation.

Developer Services

• [Phone] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Maps related processes in their apps.

Device Connectivity

• [PC, Phone] With this update, you can now access your phone’s files from your laptop.
• [Phone] This update improves eSIM transfer between devices.
• [PC, Phone] You can now view and manage your phone notifications on your Googlebook or tablet.
• [Phone] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Device Connectivity related processes in their apps.

Support

• [Phone] AI led journey for Android device onboarding.

System Management

• [Phone] Bug fixes for System Management & Diagnostics related services.
• [Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Bug fixes for System Management & Diagnostics related services.
• [Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Updates to system management services that improve Stability and Updatability.

Wallet

• [Phone] With the new Pix payflow update, you can now edit the amount through QR codes.
• [Phone] This update adds an events card pillar to access cards in Google Wallet.

Google Play Store v53.0 (2026-08-31)

• [Phone] You can now view subscription and monetization options directly within the Where to Watch experience.
• [Phone] With updates to Google Play search, you can easily discover books and comics directly from your search results.
• [Phone] With this change to the Play Store, you can now find apps and games related to the content in a photo.
• [Phone] You can now find trusted Creators in the Creator Edit cluster to help you discover better content recommendations in the Play Store.

Private Compute Services B.29 / C.7 (2026-08-31)

• [Phone] Bug fixes and maintenance changes.

// Google

Read the original post: Google Play Updates Bring Several Big Changes, Including One for GoogleBooks

On the Pixel 10 Pro, Google first brought out its Pro Zoom feature, which could digitally zoom up to 100x. This sounds wild for a smartphone camera to do, especially once you snapped a picture and watched it miraculously clean up the image and return something the viewfinder may not have even shown as clearly.

Well, it did that because it processes the photo with generative AI to rebuild scenes in the distance. We pointed out last year how neat this new feature was, because it was actually doing an impressive job of cleaning up images and returning something that was usable.

Of course, having your phone use generative AI to return photos has encouraged a conversation around whether or not those are actual photos or just more AI slop. In most of the samples we shared, it really was just a clean-up and we (thankfully) didn’t find the generative AI just making it all up. However, I mostly lean towards the side of those who would not consider these to be real photos. Whatever generative AI touches should be shamed, at least on some level.

I bring this all up because for the Pixel 11 Pro (our review), Google has extended Pro Zoom to 120x while still using generative AI to complete the processing and return crisper images of an object far in the distance.

Since places like reddit are now filled with people who just got their new Pixel 11 Pro phones, they are all in testing mode and showcasing their favorite parts, like the camera. It’s clear that many didn’t know that the Pro Zoom was, in a way, making up their super-zoomed photos, and that sharing them as if they were legitimate would return mockery.

The other night, we had a partial lunar eclipse, and as always, people brought out their cameras, including the new Pixel 11 Pro models, to take pictures of it. They were so impressed by how crisp and clean the photos were that they ran to the internet to share. Many truly believed that their Pixel 11 Pro was the ultimate of all camera systems and that all haters should shove it.

I don’t want to point all of them out, because they’ve all been put on notice, but at least one user shared both the raw and processed images of the eclipse from their Pixel 10 Pro. This is a really great example of where Google is taking your less-than-optimal image and then turning it into something that looks professional and borderline unbelievable, thanks to AI.

This morning, it became very clear that the entire pixel_phones subreddit has decided that it needs to spend several days roasting those who didn’t know that their cameras might not be as impressive as they initially thought. There are pages and pages of posts at this point and many of them gave me a good laugh. Here are a few.

“No ai used” is perfection there.

And finally, the Pro Zoom on the Pixel 11 Pro is so good, it showed us all the Pixel 12 Pro a full year early.

The internet isn’t always bad.

Read the original post: Pixel 11 Pro Owners Are Roasting Its AI Pro Zoom Feature