The Files by Google app has reached 5 billion downloads on the Play Store, eight years after its launch. Originally called Files-Go, it was rebranded in 2018 and has since added various functions for file management and space-saving. Its popularity grew significantly in the past year, becoming a default app on many new Android devices and leading to the rapid increase in downloads.

Source: https://9to5google.com/

Google has brought back discounts on the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro Fold, with prices starting at $649. The sale ends on January 25, 2025.

Source: https://9to5google.com/

Google Cloud is showcasing over 20 ISV and service partners at the NRF conference who are using Google Cloud's AI technologies, like Vertex AI and Gemini models, to create solutions for retail businesses.

Source: https://cloud.google.com/blog/

Google Drive for desktop allows users to easily manage and share content across devices and the cloud, keeping files up to date and accessible from any device.

Source: https://9to5google.com/

Google Drive for desktop has been updated with faster file sync, uploading only changed parts of files, and a similar feature has been implemented on the Drive website for watching videos immediately after upload.

Source: https://9to5google.com/

Google Lens allows users to search what they see by pointing their camera and asking a question, providing an AI Overview with key information and links to explore.

Source: https://blog.google/

Google Gemini and Dialogflow CX allow for the creation of dynamic web pages that adapt to user's intents, using Conversational Agents and function tools to bridge the gap between conversation intent and web content display.

Source: https://cloud.google.com/blog/

At CES 2025, Google TV announced an upcoming update for Nest Doorbell notifications. The update includes a larger preview UI and the ability to send responses directly from the TV, either by selecting automatic options or creating custom replies via Google Assistant/Gemini. This feature is expected to be available in 2024.

Source: https://9to5google.com/

The first Chromecast with Google TV update of 2025 is now available, bringing the Android security patch level to November 2024 and including other bug fixes and performance improvements.

Source: https://9to5google.com/

Google is updating the design of its Gemini overlay on Android devices. The new layout shrinks the interface into a single text field, with a 'plus' menu and 'Ask Gemini' option. The voice input circle and overlay now have a unified blue/purple glow. This redesign follows the Gemini app homescreen simplification in October.

Source: https://9to5google.com/