Chris Thomas

3 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Chris Thomas

Gemini 2.5 Pro just got another update, although it's still in Preview status and doesn't offer a paid tier with full access. Google cites multiple benchmark improvements and its attention to feedback as proof it's more effective than ever. Gemini 2.5 Pro and 2.5 Flash are slated for full public release sometime this month, but you can already access the Flash model in the Gemini app. Google unveiled the Gemini 2.5 Pro model in late March, followed by Gemini 2.5 Flash a month later.

3 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Chris Thomas

Pixel phones' exclusive features include Google Phone's Call Notes tool, which uses AI to transcribe calls in real time. It currently plays a voice warning to alert users to the live recording and transcription, but an APK teardown reveals it could let users switch the sound to a simple chime. Google Phone could eventually allow automatic Call Notes transcription, which might not fall under the strict two-party consent laws around recording coversations in many regions.

3 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Chris Thomas

Google's Android 16 QPR1 beta is being accompanied by Material 3 Expressive design updates to many core Google apps. Google Messages beta users are seeing certain parts of the app get the new interface elements, but not everyone has all the changes yet. Many other core Google apps are also in line for not just Material 3 Expressive updates, but also practical, new features. Rumor has it Google plans to drop Android 16 on the world any day now.

3 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Chris Thomas

Google Translate is testing a new AI-rich interface for more accurate translations and language tools. The revamped, busier UI offers multiple potential translations based on context, and tools like regional dialect finding. Experts and consumers worry about reliability given generative AI's unpredictability, despite ongoing advancements. Anybody who's spent time outside the bubble of languages they grew up with knows how significant a language barrier can be.

3 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Chris Thomas

Visible now offers Pixel Watch LTE connectivity at no extra charge for Pro subscribers. Visible's plans, running on Verizon's network, offer unlimited talk, text, data, and various perks at affordable prices. Pixel Watch 2 and 3 owners should opt for Visible's top-tier plan to maximize benefits. Smartwatches may never fully evolve into wrist-worn smartphones, but they'll certainly keep trying.