Google has made a subtle but useful change to Gemini by rebranding "Gemini Extensions" to "Gemini Apps." This shift, already showing up in the latest beta version of the Google app (version 16.8.31.sa.arm64), looks to be the beginning of a move towards a more integrated and user-friendly experience … [Read more...] about Gemini apps are here, but they’re not exactly new
AI
Support our independent tech coverage. Chrome Unboxed is written by real people, for real people—not search algorithms. Join Chrome Unboxed Plus for just $2 a month to get an ad-free experience, access to our private Discord, and more. Learn more about membership here.
START FREE TRIAL (MONTHLY)START FREE TRIAL (ANNUAL)
Pixel Watch 3 gains FDA approval for AI-powered ‘Loss of Pulse’ detection
The Pixel Watch 3 has officially gained FDA approval for loss of pulse detection, a first-of-its-kind feature that enables the watch to recognize when its wearer’s heart stops beating. First announced back in April 2024, his technology uses multiple factors to detect a "loss of pulse" event and is … [Read more...] about Pixel Watch 3 gains FDA approval for AI-powered ‘Loss of Pulse’ detection
You can now prompt Google Meet for any AI-generated background you can imagine
Let's be honest, Google Meet's initial attempts at AI-generated backgrounds were a bit of a dud. The promise of custom virtual environments sounded great, but ultimately fell short, leaving us with lackluster images that often felt less than immersive. However, Google is back with a big upgrade … [Read more...] about You can now prompt Google Meet for any AI-generated background you can imagine
‘AI Mode’ is Google’s latest Search experiment that is rolling out now
Google is continuing to push new boundaries in search, with a couple significant AI advancements aimed at making access to information faster and more comprehensive than ever. The surge in AI Overview usage, now exceeding a billion users according to Google, signifies a clear shift towards AI-driven … [Read more...] about ‘AI Mode’ is Google’s latest Search experiment that is rolling out now
Google’s new ‘Pixel Sense’ contextual AI assistant might be coming to Pixel 10
Google's pursuit of a truly contextual assistant has been a long and winding road. Rumors of a new, on-device assistant codenamed "Pixie" surfaced in 2023, promising a more personalized and intelligent experience for Pixel users. While "Pixie" was expected to launch alongside the Pixel 9, it never … [Read more...] about Google’s new ‘Pixel Sense’ contextual AI assistant might be coming to Pixel 10
The Gemini Live feature I’ve been waiting for is finally coming this month
The long-awaited video capabilities within Gemini Live are finally making their way to Android devices later this month, according to a new announcement from Google at Mobile World Congress 2025. This feature marks a substantial step forward in how we interact with AI on our mobile devices and I … [Read more...] about The Gemini Live feature I’ve been waiting for is finally coming this month
I can’t wait for Gemini Live to be able to read web pages to me
Chrome has long offered a handy accessibility feature called "Read this page" that allows the browser to read the current webpage aloud. It's a simple tool, but incredibly useful for those who prefer listening to content, multitasking, or have accessibility needs. While the current iteration is … [Read more...] about I can’t wait for Gemini Live to be able to read web pages to me
Gemini AI-powered Chrome Admin Assistance is here to make management easier
The landscape of enterprise IT management is constantly evolving, and with it, the need for smarter, more efficient tools. Google is addressing this head-on with the introduction of Chrome Admin Assistance, a significant leap forward in device management. This new Gemini-powered chatbot, integrated … [Read more...] about Gemini AI-powered Chrome Admin Assistance is here to make management easier
New and improved Gemini Live is rolling out: how to know if you got it already
Quietly announced a couple weeks ago, Google has been working on delivering an update to Gemini Live that should enhance the conversational AI model with a few key upgrades. While Google hasn't published detailed release notes just yet, it appears the primary focus of this update is on speed and … [Read more...] about New and improved Gemini Live is rolling out: how to know if you got it already
“Hey Gemini” rolls off the tongue so much better, and might be a new hotword option
In a recent APK Insight dive into the Google app beta (version 16.7.21) by 9to5 Google, some intriguing strings have surfaced, hinting at a potential expansion of Google's voice activation capabilities. It appears Google might be preparing to introduce a new hotword, "Hey Gemini," to coexist … [Read more...] about “Hey Gemini” rolls off the tongue so much better, and might be a new hotword option
Google Lens upgrades with Screen Search on iOS and AI Overviews
Google Lens has become a pretty incredible tool for searching the world around us, and it only continues to get better and more useful. With over 20 billion visual searches happening every month, Google is rolling out some exciting updates to make Lens even more powerful and versatile. These … [Read more...] about Google Lens upgrades with Screen Search on iOS and AI Overviews
Gemini extension for Google Home controls is here for everyone
It looks like the Google Home Gemini Extension has officially transitioned from preview to general availability. This stable roll-out, which has unfolded over the past few weeks, marks a significant step forward in how we can now use Gemini to interact with our smart home devices. Like all other … [Read more...] about Gemini extension for Google Home controls is here for everyone
