There are plenty of times when you might need a new Gmail ID. A lot of websites and subscriptions have deals aimed at new customers, and this is particularly true with streaming platforms. So if you're previously subscribed to something and want to access deal pricing again, the logical thing to do would be to just create a new Gmail account.

But you don't have to do that. Did you know that Gmail doesn't recognize any dots in an email? So if your ID is thisismyemail@gmail.com, then if you write this.is.my.email@gmail.com, this.is.myemail@gmail.com, or this.ismyemail@gmail.com, Gmail won't see a difference — as this 2008 Gmail blog post clarifies. In fact, you can include as many periods as you want, and you'll still get mails delivered to your primary ID.

Gmail always had this feature, and as someone who's been using my account for over two decades, I used this trick endlessly to sign up at websites and filter emails. This is what you need to know about Gmail aliases, and how you can get started using it with your email account.

Why you need to start using Gmail aliases

Creating new Gmail IDs is a hassle. Even though the service doesn't cost anything, there isn't a reason to do so if all you need to do is sign up as a new customer at a site or streaming platform where you've given out your primary ID previously.

All you need to do is add a dot anywhere in your existing email ID, and that's it! You're essentially a new user at wherever you're registering, but you'll still get the email at your primary Gmail ID. I use this yearly to subscribe to the NYT and Bloomberg as a new user instead of having to renew, which costs a lot more. While all other websites distinguish thisismyemail@gmail.com and this.is.my.email@gmail.com as two distinct email IDs, Gmail doesn't care if you have dots in the email address, and that basically gives you a lot of flexibility in coming up with unique email IDs while signing up at a website — all without having to actually make a new Gmail account.

On that note, Gmail aliases are also a great way to identify if a website is selling your details to marketers. In addition to dots, you can add a + sign after your email address and write any combination of letters or numbers, and still get the email delivered to your email ID. I do this when signing up for a newsletter or subscribing to email alerts. I buy a lot of stuff at IKEA, so when I need to provide an email ID to sign up for notification alerts, I just give thisismyemail+ikea@gmail.com, and the email shows up on my primary mail ID.

This way, if you ever get spam at the address you provided (thisismyemail+ikea@gmail.com), you'll know that IKEA shared your data with third-party brokers (IKEA doesn't do this, by the way, but you get the idea). I do the same trick when signing up at e-commerce sites that mandate an email ID.

How to use Gmail aliases

There isn't much you need to do to start using Gmail aliases. There's no setting to change or configure, and you just have to remember to add a dot (or ten) when signing up with your Gmail ID at a service you've used previously.

Same thing with the + sign; you can use as many variations of these as possible, and the only thing to note here is that you need to do so before the @ sign, so thisismyemail+bestbuy@gmail.com will be okay, but not thisismyemail+best@buygmail.com.

Both methods work without any issues, and I've been using both for decades now. Honestly, I'm only writing about this now because I realized in recent conversations with friends and family that this isn't something everyone knows about. So if you've had to create several Gmail accounts over the years just to get a new email ID, know that there's no need to do so — you can just add or dot or + sign while signing up just about anywhere.

What you need to know

• Proton Mail can now pull Gmail emails directly into the app without needing to open Gmail separately.
• Users can send emails using their Gmail address directly from Proton Mail after linking accounts.
• Proton says the feature strips trackers and ads from emails for a more private inbox experience.

Proton is making it much easier for Gmail users to slowly move away from Google's email ecosystem without completely cutting ties.

One of the biggest reasons I haven't been able to leave Gmail behind is that my Gmail address is tied to almost everything. Every contact I know has it, most of my accounts are linked to it, and honestly, my reliance on Google's ecosystem is still pretty deep. But it looks like Proton is at least trying to solve part of that problem.

The company has announced a new feature that lets users connect their Gmail account directly inside Proton Mail. Once connected, users can receive Gmail emails inside Proton Mail and even send emails using their Gmail address without needing to open the Gmail app itself.

The setup process also looks fairly simple. Users just need to head into the Import via Easy Switch section inside Proton Mail settings and connect their Gmail account. Proton says that connecting Gmail does not give Google access to the user's Proton Mail inbox.

Proton is also heavily leaning into the anti-Google angle here. The company says Proton Mail strips trackers, ads, and spam from incoming emails, offering a more privacy-focused experience compared to Gmail, which still relies heavily on user data for advertising.

Interestingly, Proton also claims that emails exchanged between Gmail accounts connected through Proton can become end-to-end encrypted when both users are using Proton Mail. That means Google would no longer be able to use things like email activity and engagement patterns to build advertising profiles around those interactions.

That said, Proton is also being pretty upfront that this is more of a transition tool than a complete privacy fix. The company notes that using Gmail through Proton Mail doesn't fully solve Gmail's long-standing privacy concerns. Google can still technically access emails that land in Gmail inboxes, even if those messages are being viewed through Proton Mail afterward.

If you want to try the feature yourself, Proton says the rollout is starting gradually for Proton Mail users beginning now.

Android Central's Take

Proton finally seems to understand that convenience matters just as much as privacy. I know a lot of people who have wanted to leave Gmail for years, but the migration process has always felt unnecessarily clumsy. It seems like this might finally change it.

What you need to know

• Google has started rolling out colorful new gradient icons for Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar, and more.
• The redesigned Workspace icons drop Google's strict four-color style for a softer gradient look.
• New icons are already visible in Google's web app launcher, though apps still show older versions for now.

Just ahead of Google I/O 2026, Google has started rolling out redesigned gradient icons for its Workspace apps, including Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar, Tasks, and more.

Last month, a leak suggested that Google was preparing a major visual refresh for its Workspace icons, nearly six years after the last redesign. The leak claimed that apps like Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Sheets, and Slides would all receive updated icons with a much stronger focus on gradients and blended colors.

The leak also suggested that Google was moving away from its stricter color separation across icons, and those refreshed icons are now finally starting to appear for users.

Now, if you open Google's website and head into the quick app launcher in the top-right corner, you'll start seeing the new Workspace icons there. Interestingly, the icons haven't fully rolled out across the apps themselves yet. For example, Gmail and Drive still show the older icons inside the apps, but the new ones are now visible from Google's main homepage and launcher menu.

And just like the leak suggested, these icons are much more colorful and gradient-heavy than before. The Google Drive icon now mainly focuses on green, yellow, and blue, dropping the small red corner detail from the older design. Similarly, the Docs, Slides, and Sheets icons now have a much softer gradient appearance instead of the flatter look from before.

The Google Calendar icon is also shifting back toward a more blue-focused design. Gmail still keeps the familiar envelope-shaped 'M' logo, but now uses gradients instead of solid colors.

The Google Meet icon appears to have shifted to a much more yellow-heavy gradient style. Meanwhile, Keep and Tasks also look noticeably different, with Google simplifying and softening their overall appearance.

Since these icons have already started appearing on Google's homepage, we expect a broader rollout across the Workspace apps themselves either during Google I/O week or shortly after.

Android Central's Take

I really like the direction Google is heading with these new icons. The Calendar icon especially looks much cleaner now, and dropping the strict four-color branding makes the whole Workspace suite feel a lot more modern. That said, I'm still not sold on the new Meet and Tasks icons.

What you need to know

• Google may reduce free account storage from 15GB to 5GB for users who don't link a phone number.
• Users who connect a phone number during signup can reportedly still unlock the full 15GB storage.
• Google has updated its support page wording from '15GB free' to 'up to 15GB' of free storage.

Google has so far offered 15GB of free storage with every Google account, but it looks like the company may be reducing that to just 5GB for new users.

Compared to other cloud storage providers like Apple (iCloud), Google has generally been fairly generous with its free 15GB storage offering. This storage is shared across services like Drive, Photos, and Gmail, and while 15GB isn't massive, companies like Apple still only offer 5GB for free.

However, it now looks like Google may be cutting that down to 5GB for some new accounts. A Reddit user recently reported that while creating a new Google account, they were only offered 5GB of free storage unless they linked a phone number to unlock the full 15GB (via Piunikaweb).

The notice reportedly says users can keep 5GB of free storage without linking a phone number, but connecting a number unlocks the full 15GB at no extra cost. Google also notes that the phone number is being used to ensure the free storage bonus is only applied once per person.

Google has also quietly updated its support page. Earlier, the page stated that every Google account came with 15GB of free storage. It now says users can get "up to 15GB" at no cost instead.

To be fair, Google does usually require a phone number to create an account. When we tried creating a new account ourselves, the signup flow did ask for a phone number and didn't allow us to skip it. So the sign up flow already showed 15GB of free storage. But in case users are able to skip this step, it seems the company will only offer 5GB of storage now.

It's still unclear why Google is making this change. Interestingly, the company only recently increased storage for paying Google AI Pro users up to 5TB, while now seemingly tightening restrictions around free storage for new users.

Android Central's Take

This honestly feels like another subtle push from Google to get more users onto paid storage plans. That said, considering how much free storage abuse and bot account creation happens these days, there might also be a genuine reason behind the change.

What you need to know

• Google announced two updates for Gmail's AI "Help me write," which help quicken the work process, while also increasing its capabilities.
• Now, the company says the AI can mimic how you speak by looking at your writing style and tone from previous emails.
• "Help me write" can now access your other Workspace apps to add relevant information to its draft without your manual input.
• More people can get in on this feature, so long as you have Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra, alongside the usual Workspace accounts.

Gemini's involvement in Gmail can be quite the helping hand, and now Google states it's trying to take that up a level (or two).

Announced this week, Google states in a Workspace post that "Help me write," Gemini's email drafting assistant, is receiving two important personalization updates. The first (and, quite honestly, most intriguing) update this week is "tone and style personalization" for Gemini's help. Google says that when this is active, the AI can draft emails for you "that match the tone and style of your previously written emails."

Essentially, it's like if you were writing it, but not really. The company provides a quick before-and-after view of this, showing how the AI (today) is a little "stiff," you could say. With this personalization upgrade, it'll take a look at how you've written things before and try to parrot that. What's more, the AI's going to start doing more when drafting emails for you.

"Topic contextualization" is Google's official term for the AI's understanding of when to leverage your connected Workspace apps to pull information. After your query, the AI will use "context" from apps like Drive (and details shared in past emails) to fill out the rest of the message. Google intends for this to be helpful, as users won't have to switch between apps as often.

Google foresees this as being useful for users drafting emails about project introductions, potential partnerships, and more.

Advanced Aid

These updates for "Help me write" in Gmail are rolling out for Business, Enterprise, Consumer (Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra), and Education (add-on) customers. Google says it may take up to 15 days before users on Rapid and Scheduled Release domains see it.

Swooping in to help users draft emails is what "Help me write" is all about. Mobile users got this feature before web folks. Once the latter did get it, the feature was pretty much identical to the Android experience. After delivering a prompt, the AI would begin drafting an email you might be satisfied with. However, this computer introduction came with a new function: "polish."

This option replaced the old "refine my draft" button. For drafts over 12 words, the AI would go in and clean up the language and improve its clarity. Gmail got another AI-forward feature earlier this year with its AI Inbox. Gemini will scan your emails to generate quick summaries based on what it's seen. It's like giving you all the key points (hopefully) of your most recent emails, so you can respond to what's important when it matters.

Android Central's Take

You know, if you typically use this sort of feature, then that's good. If you don't, then it's also good. All I can really say is that if you're the former, make sure everything's the way it should be. This is Gen AI, after all. Mistakes can slip in. Word usage might get a little wonky, and you might not want to sound too informal with certain people.

If you've followed any Google announcements recently or used its apps over the past couple of years, you've probably noticed one thing, everything is now about AI. From Gmail and Google Drive to Docs and even Messages, Gemini has made its way into almost every Google app, whether you asked for it or not.

For me, AI still feels like a bit of a buzzword. There are only a handful of use cases on my phone that I actually find useful. If you're in the same boat and want to cut down on Google AI features across your apps, this guide will walk you through how to do exactly that.

What you should know before disabling Google AI on your phone

As important as it sounds, there is unfortunately no single switch to disable AI across your Android phone. That's partly because different manufacturers have implemented AI features in their own way, but I still feel there should at least be a universal toggle to turn off Gemini across apps.

The good news is that you can still disable Gemini across multiple Google apps, along with some Pixel-specific AI features, if you know where to look in the settings. And if you change your mind later, you can always turn these features back on just as easily.

Below, I'll walk you through how to disable Google AI features across apps like Messages, Gmail, Google Photos, and even some Pixel-exclusive tools. I've used the Pixel 10 Pro for this, but the steps should be fairly similar on most Android phones.

Google Messages

If you've opened the Messages app on your Android phone and found the Gemini button sitting above the plus icon a bit annoying, you can easily turn it off. Personally, I also think it's better to keep Gemini out of the same space where you handle your personal conversations.

1. Open the Google Messages app.

2. Tap the Profile icon on the top right.

3. Select Messages settings.

4. Scroll down and tap Gemini in Messages.

5. Disable the toggle for Show Gemini button.

Gmail

Gemini has also slowly made its way into Gmail, whether it's showing updates for your online orders, tracking flights, suggesting ways to polish your emails, or more recently introducing an AI-powered inbox. Similar to Google Messages, you'll need to go into Gmail's settings to turn these features off.

1. Open the Gmail app on your phone.

2. Tap the hamburger menu in the top left and go to Settings.

3. In Settings, select your email account and then find Google Workspace smart features.

4. Open it and disable both Smart features in Google Workspace and Smart features in other Google products.

This will disable Gemini and AI features not just in Gmail, but across Workspace apps like Google Chat, Drive, and Meet. If you disable the second toggle as well, Gemini will also be removed from services like Google Wallet and some smart features in Google Maps

Google Photos

With the past couple of updates, Google has also replaced the normal search in Google Photos with Gemini-powered feature called Ask Photos. Other than that, there are also other AI features in Google Photos such as remixes, photo to video, memories, and much more. If you don't want Google's AI creeping into your personal photos, here is how you can disable:

1. Open the Google Photos app.

2. Tap the Profile icon from the top right and then select Photos settings.

3. Tap Preferences and then Gemini features in Photos. Disable the Gemini features that you don't need. If you don't need any of them, you can just disable the topmost Use Gemini in Photos toggle.

Phone app

If you own a Google Pixel smartphone, chances are Google has added a bunch of AI features into core apps, including the Phone app. While some of these features, like Call Screen and Hold for Me, can be useful, not everyone wants them enabled all the time. If you'd rather keep things simple, you can turn them off.

1. Head over to the Phone app on your phone.

2. Tap the hamburger menu in the top left corner and go to Settings.

3. Under the Call Assist section, you'll see all the AI-powered features. Tap on any feature and disable the toggle for it.

Pixel Screenshots

If you own a Google Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 series phone, your device comes with the Pixel Screenshots app that analyzes every screenshot you take to give you contextual info later. While this can be useful in some cases, like saving details or pulling info from an image, there's also a chance you don't want all your screenshots being analyzed:

1. Open the Pixel Screenshots app on your phone.

2. Tap the gear icon in the top right corner.

3. Disable the toggle for Search your screenshots with on-device AI.

Alternatively, you can go into the app info page and disable the Pixel Screenshots app entirely if you don't plan on using it.

These are some of the ways you can get rid of Google AI across apps on your phone. If you don't want to use Gemini at all, you can simply disable the app itself, which breaks its integrations across other apps and essentially turns off AI features on your device.

I've felt for a while that while some AI features are genuinely useful, most of them still have a pretty low hit rate and aren't as practical as companies make them sound. Personally, I prefer keeping things simple, and this is how I go about it.

What you need to know

• Google is working on a major redesign for Workspace app icons like Gmail, Drive, and Calendar.
• New icons adopt a gradient style and move away from strict use of all four Google brand colors.
• Apps like Drive, Calendar, and Meet are getting noticeable visual changes with more focused color themes.
• The new icons haven't started rolling out to users yet.

Google is preparing a massive icon refresh for its Workspace apps, including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar, and more.

It's only been a few months since Google updated icons for apps like Maps and Photos with gradient designs, and now it looks like Workspace apps are next. According to a report from 9to5Google, Google is working on a major overhaul of icons for apps like Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, Sheets, Slides, and more.

The publication shared early versions of these updated icons, giving us a first look at the redesign.

From what we can see, most of the icons are moving to a gradient finish, similar to Google's newer design language. It also looks like Google is moving away from strictly using all four of its brand colors across every icon.

For example, the current Google Drive icon prominently uses green, yellow, and blue with a touch of red, but the updated version drops red entirely and focuses on the other three colors. Similarly, Google Calendar is also seeing a noticeable shift, moving back to a more blue-dominant look that feels a bit like older versions of the app.

The Gmail icon doesn't change much in terms of shape, still keeping the 'M' envelope design, but now uses gradients instead of solid colors. Another notable change is with Google Meet, which is moving towards a more yellow-heavy design while still keeping the video camera icon intact.

Overall, the new icons feel more refreshed compared to the current ones, and the gradient style clearly hints at deeper AI integration across these apps. Google hasn't started rolling them out yet, but we'll keep you updated as they begin to appear for users.

For now, let us know what you think about these new Google app icons.

Android Central's Take

I actually like the direction Google is going with these icons, especially Calendar going back to a more blue-heavy look. Some icons like Meet feel a bit odd, like Google Keep and Google Tasks, but overall the gradient refresh looks modern.

I've been there, you've been there, we've all been there. Most of us created our first Gmail account more than a decade ago, and since then, we've outgrown it. You walk up to a hotel desk, shop at a retailer, or sign up anywhere, and when you have to say your email address out loud, you're stuck spelling out something childish you made years ago.

Worse, you're stuck using that Gmail address only because it's been your primary address for years, and now it feels too late to switch to something new. We've been in the same boat for years, and we're pretty sure you've been too!

Thankfully, Google has finally added the option to change your Gmail username — the part before "@gmail.com" — without resetting or losing your account data. The feature simply updates your username, and you can continue using both the old and new addresses as is.

We've already used it to switch to something far less embarrassing, and here's how you can do it too.

How to change your Gmail username without losing any of your data

1. If you're using an Android phone, open any Google app on your phone, like Gmail, Drive, or Maps, and tap the profile icon on the top right, and select Manage your Google Account. If you're on iPhone or desktop, go to myaccount.google.com.

2. On the account settings page, tap Personal info.

3. Select Email, then tap Google Account email.

4. Here you'll see a new option called Change your Google Account email. Tap it.

5. You'll now be taken to a page where you can choose a new username. Enter your preferred username and check availability. If it's not available, Google will suggest alternatives you can use.

6. Once you're happy with your new username, tap Change email at the bottom right.

7. Google will show a confirmation dialog asking if you want to change your primary email address. Tap Yes, change email to confirm.

That's it. You've now changed your primary Gmail username. You'll see the new email address across all Google apps and services, while all your existing data remains intact. That said, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making the switch.

What you should know before changing your Gmail address

Google has made changing your Gmail username quite easy, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before making the switch. First, the feature is currently available only in India and the U.S. It also isn't rolling out to all accounts yet.

Some of my family members in India still don't see it in their settings, while most of my colleagues in the U.S. already have access. So there's a chance you might not see it yet, but once it becomes available, you'll be able to follow the same steps mentioned above.

Google also notes that there could be a few issues after you change your Gmail username. For example, if you're using a Chromebook, you'll need to remove your Google account from the device before making the change — otherwise, it could cause problems.

Similarly, changing your Gmail address might affect some apps and services where you use the Sign in with Google tool. There's a chance you'll be logged out of certain apps on your phone, and you'll need to sign back in using your new email.

Speaking of signing in, you'll be able to use both your old and new email addresses to access your Google account. Your old email won't disappear; it will continue to work as an alias, so if someone sends an email to your old address, you'll still receive it on your new email. All your data, including emails, Google Photos, and Drive, will also remain intact after the switch.

That said, you can switch back to your old email if you want. It's also worth noting that you can only change your Gmail address three times after the original, which means a total of four usernames per account. On top of that, you can only make this change once every twelve months.

This is something that feels long overdue, but I'm glad it finally exists now

Even with all these caveats, I'm still really happy Google has finally added the option to change your Gmail username. I remember a few years ago when I had to switch my primary account because of an embarrassing username I had picked back in school. I tried setting up a new Google account from scratch, but I never fully moved over since my main email was already tied to so many services.

Now, thankfully, you can switch to a new Gmail username without resetting everything, and that's a huge relief. I just hope Google rolls this out to everyone soon and doesn't keep it limited to select regions.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out AI Inbox in Gmail for AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. with Gemini integration.
• AI Inbox highlights important emails like bills, appointments, and messages from priority contacts.
• The feature was previously in testing but is now expanding to paid users in the U.S.

Back in January 2026, Google announced a major revamp for Gmail by integrating AI into the inbox. The company has now started rolling out its new AI inbox for Google AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.

If you've ever looked at your inbox and wished there was an AI tool to quickly sort through emails and highlight what's important, Google now has a solution. The company has begun rolling out its AI inbox feature.

As the name suggests, AI Inbox brings Gemini into Gmail. As previously announced, it offers a personalized briefing that highlights key to-dos and surfaces what matters most in a dedicated space.

For example, if you have an upcoming bill or a dentist appointment, it'll automatically flag it as a priority. Emails from VIPs and frequent contacts will also be prioritized in this view.

Until now, Google was testing this feature with select Gmail users, but it's now expanding it to paying users in the U.S.

For now, AI Inbox is limited to Google AI Ultra subscribers in the US, which costs around $250 per month. Along with AI Inbox, the plan includes higher Gemini usage limits, access to the most advanced Gemini models, 30TB of cloud storage that can be shared across Drive, Photos, and more. The plan also includes access to YouTube Premium and Google Home Premium Advanced.

Sure, that's a steep price just to access AI features, but the AI Ultra plan is aimed at power users who rely heavily on these tools. That said, Google is expected to expand access over time, potentially bringing it to $20/month AI Pro users and possibly even free users down the line.

Android Central's Take

I'm not entirely sold on this yet. Paying $250 just to get AI inside your inbox feels like a stretch, at least for now. And personally, I'm still a bit skeptical about giving AI that level of access to my emails. That said, Google says it's built with privacy in mind to keep your emails safe and secure.

Google is constantly churning out experimental AI features in Google Labs, including CC, an AI productivity agent announced last month. It's perhaps the most intriguing entry for Google Workspace users into the world of what is known as agentic artificial intelligence. This emerging technology uses AI agents that can take actions independently on your behalf to save you time and effort.

Google's CC optionally integrates with Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and the web to give you curated daily briefings. This early Google Labs experiment opened up to personal Google accounts in the U.S. and Canada in December, and users can sign up for the waitlist here. Availability is opening for Google AI subscribers first, starting with users on the Ultra plan.

While some gained access to CC within hours of joining the waitlist, I only received access over the weekend on a personal Google AI Pro account. It's unclear how many people Google is letting try CC at a time, but if you're an AI Pro subscriber like me who joined the waitlist, check for an introductory email from CC. Now that I've been using CC for a few days, it's clear that it might be the one AI tool to keep me on track.

The signup process for the experiment takes two steps: enabling Smart Settings in your Google Workspace settings and joining the waitlist on the Google Labs site. Once you gain access, you'll be able to chat with CC over email and receive daily reports. Here's how the experimental productivity agent could help streamline your workflows.

What it's like to have CC manage your inbox

Your introduction to CC will likely start with the productivity agent proving how well it knows your inbox. In my case, CC started with the following standard welcome message:

Then, it veered into the realm of personal by saying "I'm already thinking about how you're managing your journalism career..." CC's immediate knowledge of me and the work I do with my Google account was certainly jarring yet impressive. But when you hand over your Gmail, Calendar, and Drive data to an AI agent, that's probably to be expected.

CC is both an autonomous helper and an on-demand chatbot. Users get a daily briefing that identifies action items, upcoming events, important emails and deals, and more. It's called "Your Day Ahead," and it can be customized to your liking by simply replying to the email with instructions. Alternatively, you can contact CC anytime by emailing the address for the agent, which is available in the following format: [your Google username]+cc@gmail.com.

It sounds like a better alternative to Gemini in Workspace for those that use their email as a do-it-all productivity tool. If you're the kind of person that sends emails to themselves instead of using a note-taking app, or one that uses Gmail as a cloud storage solution, CC will come in handy. It can remember information, summarize it, and search it.

CC has already made it impossible for me to forget the important details by resurfacing them on a daily basis. That includes events and deadlines you might have long forgotten. In its opening act, CC reminded me of a meeting I had set weeks ago, and it became an immediate lifesaver.

The agent includes hotlinks to source material and suggested actions in an effort to predict your next move. Depending on what it summarizes, CC might suggest you reply to a colleague, view a link, or add an event to your Google Calendar. Notably, these links don't seem to work reliably on mobile, and Google notes this is a known issue in the footers of emails from CC.

You can rate an email from CC with a simple thumbs up or down, or reply to it to ask a question, clarify something, or give detailed feedback for next time.

I currently have hundreds of thousands of unread emails across my various email accounts. No, I'm not proud of it. If we're being honest, I probably won't do anything about it anytime soon. That makes CC the perfect virtual personal assistant for me. It surfaces the important details and makes it easy to ignore the promotions and spam, allowing me to take command of my inbox for the first time.

This is Android Central's Tech News Wrap, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.

Before we get into it, Android Central is inviting readers to share their perspectives through a brief survey aimed at enhancing our content, with a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card for your feedback.

Now getting back to business, this week was pretty eventful in the tech space with Apple teaming up with Google for Gemini, Verizon's widespread outage, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau facing an arrest warrant in Taiwan, an Android 17 leak, and the Pixel 10a possibly arriving sooner than expected.

Apple needs Gemini for Siri

Read more here

Apple and Google are kicking off 2026 with a major announcement that could essentially rewrite the rules of the AI race. The companies have entered a multi-year collaboration that will put Gemini at the core of Apple's next generation of phones. This collaboration is also set to power Apple's intelligence features, including a more intuitive and personalized Siri later this year.

In a joint statement, the companies announced this move officially via X on the News from Google profile. After what is described as "careful evaluation," Apple decided that "Google's AI technology provides the most capable foundation, and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users." For Google, this is a massive milestone, as Gemini will now become a platform that not only powers AI on Android but also Apple's AI future.

Verizon's network struck out for thousands

Read more here

This week, Verizon users faced an unprecedented outage that they didn't see coming. Leaving hundreds of thousands across the country with SOS-only status bars and dropped calls, on January 14.

At its peak, there were over 170,000 people from major areas like New York, Nevada, Florida, Las Vegas, and Texas who could not make calls, send texts, or use mobile data on Verizon’s network, and had no access to the network's status page as well.

People took to X and Reddit to vent, and Verizon posted a statement on its official X account, saying it is “aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers” and that engineers are working to find and fix the problem.

After being down for several hours, around 10:15 PM on January 14, 2026, Verizon confirmed that the outage had been resolved. The company said users who were experiencing issues may need to restart their devices to reconnect to the network. And those affected customers are eligible to receive $20 in account credit.

OnePlus CEO faces an arrest in Taiwan

Read more here

Taiwanese authorities have issued an arrest warrant for OnePlus CEO Pete Lau, alleging that he illegally hired over 70 engineers since 2014. Prosecutors have also reportedly indicted two Taiwanese engineers connected to the same case.

While geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China remain high, China has to comply with Taiwan's Cross-Strait Act, which prohibits Chinese companies from conducting business or hiring employees in Taiwan without explicit government approval. OnePlus, a Chinese OEM, allegedly did not obtain such approval, leading to the arrest warrant being issued against Lau.

The allegation is that OnePlus set up a shell company in Hong Kong under a different name and then established a branch in Taiwan in 2015 without government authorization.

Android 17 could revamp your Quick settings

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A new Android 17 leak dropped this week, giving us a look at the supposed revamp of Quick Settings. And according to ardent tipster Mystic Leaks, Google could be planning a split layout for notifications and toggles, potentially enhancing usability for Pixel users. This would make the menu look a lot cleaner, more organized, and split instead of one large pull-down for everything.

This means that swiping from the left edge would show only notifications, while swiping from the right would bring up Quick Settings, neat right? That said, for Pixel users, this change seems to be optional. You’ll probably be able to go to Settings > Notifications and switch between the classic "Combined" view and the new "Separate" layout.

Google's budget Pixel 10a could launch very soon

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Google's mid-range Pixel, or the a-series device, usually arrives around April. However, a recent rumor indicated that a launch window for the Pixel 10a is in February. Quandt's BlueSky posts claims that Google is preparing to launch the mid-range model in "mid-February."

Alternatively, DroidLife highlighted with its own research that it discovered retail listings with "similar details." The publication took it a step further, stating that the Pixel 10a could see a specific launch date of February 17, 2026 (that's a Tuesday, in case you're wondering).

Quandt's also leaked some last-minute specs of the Pixel 10a, suggesting the phone will debut with 128GB and 256GB storage options, and colorways like Obsidian, Fog, Lavender, and Berry.

More stories this week

Those are some of the biggest stories from this week. Meanwhile, here are some other stories that are worth catching up on:

• OpenAI's first steps into AI hardware leaks, and it looks like a pair of earbuds
• Global smartphone shipments rise 2.3% in Q4 2025: Samsung and Apple lead the market
• Samsung sets the stage for Galaxy S26 launch with accidental model name reveal
• Pixel Watch might finally save you from forgetting your phone again
• Problem Solved? Leak says the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's battery repairability could step it up
• Meta plans to double production of Ray-Ban smart glasses to meet soaring demand
• Xreal takes legal battle with Viture to the US over patent infringement claims
• Good news: you won’t have to pay for basic Galaxy AI tools after all
• Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 makes Settings easier to navigate and squashes plenty of bugs
• It's only been 30 days and this Galaxy Z TriFold's display is already busted

This is Android Central's Tech News Wrap, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.

CES 2026 just wrapped up in Las Vegas, and it was a massive week for mobile tech. Samsung stole the show with a "creaseless" display breakthrough, while Motorola showed off some new phones, Google dealt with both a major Gemini expansion and a frustrating software hiccup for Pixel owners. Let's get into it.

Samsung really stepped up its "creaseless" foldable game

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Samsung could be giving us a huge perk with its next foldable. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 might end up getting this creaseless panel that was shown off at CES this year. Android Central's Senior Editor Harish Jonnalagadda was able to compare the "reference device" — what looks to be a current-gen foldable — and the upcoming panel that seemingly looks to be creaseless. Some people even speculate that this creaseless screen will debut on Apple's rumored book-style foldable set to launch this year.

Jonnalagadda says that Samsung didn't indicate whether this panel would end up on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but it is entirely likely that it will be the case, considering it showcased the tri-folding panels at MWC last year, and we saw it on the Galaxy Z Trifold this year.

Motorola entered CES this year with the most flex

Read more here and here

Motorola outdid itself at CES this year, unveiling a whole slew of devices, including the Motorola Razr Fold. The phone shows up with a 6.6-inch cover display like any other device, but unfolds into a massive 8.1-inch 2K LTPO display that lets the user juggle between work, creativity, and play. Motorola didn't reveal much about the device's dimensions, chipset, or other internal specs, like the RAM and battery.

The Motorola Razr Fold features an advanced triple rear camera system consisting of a 50MP Sony LYTIA main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide/macro lens, and a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto lens. It also gets two selfie cameras, a 32MP external camera, and a 20MP punch hole camera on its internal screen, for when the device is unfolded.

Next up is the Motorola Signature, which is an ultra-slim device, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, 50MP cameras, and a remarkable 5,200mAh battery—all encased in a sleek design, starting at €999, and is the first phone that is said to get upto seven years of software updates.

Other than these phones, the company also unveiled a trio of innovative accessories, including the Pen Ultra stylus for its Razr Fold, a feature-rich Moto Watch partnered with Polar, and the Moto Tag 2 tracker, promising to redefine user experience and convenience.

Galaxy S26 leaks keep leaking, with rumors of a Feb launch

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Samsung's next flagship series has been showing up in multiple leaks recently, and for good reason, considering it's due to launch sometime next month. We've heard a ton about the device lineup reshuffle, with the Ultra possibly showing up with four cameras; the leaks keep getting better.

Prominent tipster Evan Blass took to X, stating that the February 25 date is "100% correct" for the Galaxy S26 series launch. Blass was quoting a post from @UniverseIce, which mentioned that Samsung will not be changing Galaxy S26 pricing as previously rumored. That same post also claimed the launch will take place in San Francisco, U.S., with sales beginning in early March.

In a subsequent post, Ice Universe also claimed that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could get a huge upgrade when it comes to its fast charging system. In a post on X, the tipster claims that the phone will get support for a new 60W charging system, which will be capable of charging the phone from 0 to 75% within 30 minutes.

Backing this claim, they further stated that the tests for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's charging capabilities were conducted under Samsung's controlled laboratory conditions, using certified accessories and settings.

Google is Gemini-fying everything from TV to your inbox

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Google also didn't shy away from making its own set of announcements for its products. First up, Google unveiled Gemini for Google TV, the AI assistant that transforms user interaction with smart features, including photo memory searches and interactive content, debuting first on select TCL models and set to reshape home entertainment.

Users will be able to ask the TV, "How do black holes work?" or "Who were the Vikings?" and it will give you "Deep dives" on the topic with interactive summaries that both adults and kids can understand.

Additionally, it is transforming Gmail with Gemini’s advanced AI tools, enhancing email management through personalized responses and innovative summaries. The most significant change is that Gmail is getting AI Overviews that let users ask natural language questions and receive concise summaries from emails.

Some Pixel 9 and 10 users are feeling "Sluggish & Laggy" after this update

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Another month and another bug seems to be plaguing some Pixel users right now, after a Play Systems update. Following a small 15MB patch, users saw issues with a Pixel 10, which appeared to be the most affected device. The main problem was that the phone became very sluggish, and the Pixel launcher reportedly "did not fully load."

The device's screen remained stuck, only displaying the wallpaper without the essential UI elements. Furthermore, some even observed that the device's status bar was also missing and apps would freeze, or display the "not responding" error post this update.

However, Google quietly rolled out an essential (emergency) update that fixed it all.

More stories this week

Those are some of the biggest stories from this week. Meanwhile, here are some other stories that are worth catching up on:

• Battle of Gen AI: Google's Gemini gains ground on its ChatGPT competitor
• Nothing sends its lock screen ads, bloatware packing in its latest update
• Health Focus: OpenAI's waitlist for ChatGPT Health's dedicated wellness guidance opens
• Google's VP confirms ChromeOS is here to stay amid rumors of sunset
• AirDrop support may soon be available for Pixel 9 users
• Samsung just supercharged SmartThings security with a major Arlo upgrade
• OnePlus 15T rumors might've closed in on a launch date, more specs surface
• Pixelsnap chargers could soon get software updates from Google
• Strava challenged Garmin and Fitbit with personalized Instant Workouts, and I'm intrigued
• Incoming glow up: Samsung Bixby's huge One UI 8.5 upgrade might look like Google

What you need to know

• Google is revamping Gmail with Gemini-powered tools to improve writing, searching, and how emails are summarized and surfaced.
• Gemini features like personalized Suggested Replies and Help Me Write are expanding to all Gmail users at no extra cost.
• Gmail is getting AI Overviews that let users ask natural language questions and receive concise summaries from emails.
• A new AI Inbox will highlight to-dos, important emails, and priorities instead of showing a simple chronological list.

Google today (Jan. 8) announced a major revamp of Gmail, calling it an experience built for the Gemini era. With these updates, the company is making it easier to write emails, search through your inbox, and view messages in a new format we have not seen before.

Google has already integrated Gemini into Gmail for some time, but until now, it has been limited to paid Gemini users. With the upcoming changes, Google is expanding select Gemini-powered features, including personalized Suggested Replies and Help Me Write, to all Gmail users at no additional cost.

AI Overviews come to Gmail

The biggest update, however, is the arrival of AI Overviews in Gmail. Similar to how AI Overviews work in Google Search, Gemini will now scan relevant emails and generate concise summaries in response to natural language questions. Google says this will allow users to quickly surface key information without manually digging through messages.

In addition to search, AI Overviews will also show up in individual threads, showing you a quick summary of the conversation.

For example, instead of searching for keywords, you can ask questions like "What size shoes did I order recently from Amazon?" and Gemini will generate an AI Overview with the answer. The ability to ask questions and view AI Overviews in Gmail is rolling out today, but only for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

The new AI Inbox wants to tell you what matters

Perhaps even bigger news is the introduction of a new "AI Inbox" alongside the existing inbox view. Rather than listing emails chronologically, AI Inbox will offer a personalized briefing that highlights to-dos and surfaces what matters most.

If you have a pending bill or an upcoming dentist appointment, for instance, it will be flagged automatically and shown as a priority in the AI Inbox. Emails from important contacts and people you interact with most frequently will also be prioritized in this new view.

Google says all analysis used to power AI Inbox is handled securely and follows its standard privacy protections. The AI Inbox feature is currently limited to trusted testers, with Google saying it is planning to make it more broadly available "in the coming months."

What you need to know

• Google is preparing a feature that allows users to change their Gmail username without making a new account.
• All data like emails, photos, Drive files, and messages will stay intact, and both old and new addresses will work.
• Users can only change their Gmail address once every 12 months, with a total limit of up to three changes.
• The feature isn't live yet, but a Google support page update suggests the rollout could begin very soon.

Google may soon allow users to switch to a brand-new Gmail username without losing access to their old address, data, or account history.

Right now, Gmail users are locked into the email address they created on day one. You can always make a new account and set up forwarding, so that emails sent to your old account land in your new inbox, but there is currently no easy way to change your Gmail username itself. That finally looks set to change.

As spotted by Google Pixel Hub on Telegram, a recently updated Google Account support page states that: "If you'd like, you can change your Google Account email address that ends in gmail.com to a new email address that ends in gmail.com."

The feature appears to be in early rollout, and oddly enough, the support page currently only shows up in Hindi, which suggests Google may have jumped the gun on publishing the information before the feature is officially live.

Once the update rolls out fully, Gmail users will reportedly be able to switch to a new @gmail.com username while keeping everything intact. That includes access to all account data, emails, messages, photos, and connected Google services.

Better yet, Google will let users continue using both the old and new Gmail addresses for signing in, sending emails, and receiving messages. In simple terms, your old Gmail will not be deleted or suspended. It will become an alias.

What happens to your old Gmail address and data

According to the page, when a user chooses a new Gmail address, all data, including emails sent to the old address, will remain accessible. Users will also be able to receive mail on both email addresses, and no one else will be able to claim your old username.

There are some limitations though. Users will reportedly be able to choose a new Gmail username only once every 12 months. You will also only be allowed to change it three times after the original address, meaning a total of four possible Gmail usernames can be linked to a single Google Account.

Once available, the process to change your Gmail username will be fairly straightforward. You will need to head to the Personal info section of My Google Account, where you will find the option labeled Change Google Account Email Address. From there, you should be able to enter the new @gmail.com username you want to use.

The feature has not begun rolling out publicly yet, but the support page being updated this early almost always means a launch is imminent. We'll be keeping a close eye on it and will update once the feature officially becomes available.

What you need to know

• Gmail is reportedly receiving an update that brings notification previews to Android users.
• These previews will showcase the email's title, as well as a glimpse at its attachment (such as a photo), similar to a text.
• The update is supposedly beginning to make its rounds, but it is not as widespread for all personal accounts just yet.

Google is rolling out a new update for Gmail on Android, and though the patch is slowly appearing, it's bringing quite a QoL touch-up.

It was recently highlighted that Google is bringing a potentially useful notification change to Gmail by 9to5Google. The update reportedly adds a preview to a received email's notification in the notification panel. When received, the compact version of the alert will showcase the email's title with a preview of its attachment on the right side, like a text.

Users can gain a gist of what's going on from that; however, expanding the notification in your panel provides more for the preview.

These updated alerts, of course, retain the sender's name for this attachment preview. Another change 9to5 notes is that if an attachment is received in an email, its preview will replace its body, meaning you'll have to open it fully in Gmail to see what was written.

This update seems to have started rolling out since late last week; however, it's still quite slow. At the time of writing, this update isn't quite as widespread, but things have just started moving, so we'll give it some time.

Making things a little easier

On one hand, you can view Gmail's notification previews as a QoL update to help keep its usability easy and smooth, like its newly unified Purchases Tab. To get you ready for the holidays, Gmail now displays all orders and tracking details within an "Arriving Soon" tab at the top of its section. When this update arrived, Google said this was designed to give users a "bird's eye view" at what they've got going on and what's on the way.

Moreover, with so many deals rolling around this time in November, Gmail's Promotions tab will now give users a "nudge" about offers they might enjoy.

Another QoL update regards Gmail's one-tap appointment booking feature following its Calendar integration. Google aimed to streamline the process for users managing appointments and meetings without ever exiting Gmail. Workspace customers can add their booking pages to an email's draft with the click of a button, sending it off for the recipient to interact with.

According to Google, "this feature is handy when scheduling time with customers, partners, or people outside your organization whose calendars are not visible to you."

We live in a world where nothing is truly free, especially online. You might think you're just innocently scrolling through an app, reading an article, or buying a new gadget, but in reality, you're constantly leaving behind a trail of digital breadcrumbs. This trail is your personal data, and it's gold to the companies collecting it, especially around shopping days like Black Friday.

We all know how that part works, and we all have some opinion about it; maybe you don't even care. That doesn't mean what companies do with and how they use all that digital gold isn't important. This is exactly what sparked recent concerns about data collected from Gmail, though I'm here to tell you they're blown out of proportion.

It’s time we pull back the curtain on this digital exchange and talk about why knowing what companies are actually doing with your data isn't just a nerdy technical concern, but a core part of protecting your privacy, your wallet, and even your peace of mind.

Don't give into knee-jerk reactions

This week, a big internet fuss has been made about a "new" Gmail setting that allows all of your message data to be used to train AI models. It's not true, though. The idea of Google collecting even more data is terrible, but the company specifically tells you it's not being used to train AI:

We do not use your workspace data to train or improve the underlying generative AI and large language models that power Gemini, Search, and other systems.

Google is using this data, once "anonymized," to help fight spam or improve spell-checking. After investigating, I left myself opted in to this one. If Google can improve Workspace tools, it can then charge more. Once again, data turns into cold, hard cash.

Remember, you are the product

The first, and arguably most important, reason to care about the data you're sharing with companies is that in the modern digital economy, you are the product. If you aren't paying for a service, you can bet your data is.

Companies have built multi-billion-dollar business models on collecting as much data as possible. They use it to build an incredibly detailed, comprehensive, and sometimes unsettlingly accurate digital profile of you. This profile includes demographics, political leanings, financial status, health and fitness interests (even though personal health issues are not used for any monetization), personal relationships, and a wide range of other habits.

Some companies then sell or share access to this profile with other companies — often called data brokers — who package it up and sell it to marketers and advertisers. Data has turned into currency.

If they aren't selling it outright, they are using it to drive their own business model, like Google does. When you see an ad for a particular or obscure product you were just thinking about, that's not magic — that's your detailed profile in action.

"Personalized" is the digital buzzword for "optimized to make you spend." Companies often frame data collection as some sort of tool designed to make your life easier. We all appreciate having our shipping address remembered or getting genuinely useful recommendations.

The problem starts when personalization veers into manipulation. Your data isn't just used to reflect your preferences; it's used to predict and influence your behavior.

Price Discrimination: Your browsing history, device type, and even your location can be used to gauge how much you are willing to pay for a product. Companies may offer you a higher price than they offer someone else because their data profile suggests you can afford it or are less likely to shop around.

Hyper-Targeted Messaging: Your profile allows advertisers to target you at your most vulnerable or receptive moments. If an app knows you're struggling financially, it might hit you with loan ads. If they know you've been reading about the Florida Keys, it might flood your feed with airline ticket prices.

When you understand that the goal of the algorithm is often not to serve you but to steer you, the importance of knowing the mechanism behind the steering wheel becomes clear.

Every piece of data collected is a liability waiting to be exploited. Data breaches happen, and the more data a company holds, the bigger target they become. Tech companies have huge budgets to prevent this, but it also applies to storefronts like Walmart and Target, or even your utility companies.

A bigger issue is what I call "unintended discrimination." Automated decision-making can lead to biased outcomes.

For example, your location data, online social connections, or even the places you shop could feed into an algorithm that decides your eligibility for a loan, a job interview, or even a higher education opportunity. Computers decide everything now, and computers have no ethics. Even if it's inadvertent, mistakes like this happen.

Be data curious

You can't do much about the data being collected, but you can be choosy. Read the privacy policies of any company you plan to interact with. Yes, I know they are boring and often written in lawyer-speak, but you can count on companies following them. The liability of not doing it is too high, and why risk the gold mine by breaking your own rules?

Don't let the technical jargon intimidate you. You don't need a computer science degree to be a data-aware consumer. You just need to be curious. The next time an app or website asks for permission, pause and ask yourself two simple questions:

Do they really need this data to provide the service?

What is the worst-case scenario if this data falls into the wrong hands?

Knowing what companies are doing with your digital self is the essence of digital self-respect. It's the only way to ensure that as the world becomes more connected, you remain the owner of your own life and your own story.

What you need to know

• Google services experienced login issues affecting Meet, Gmail, and Drive, with over 6,000 user reports on DownDetector.
• Users encountered '502' error messages as the outage impacted multiple platforms, requiring Google credentials.
• Google confirmed the outage, and services are gradually being restored after engineering interventions.

Google and some of its apps are off to a rough start this morning as several users reported issues with Google Meet, Gmail, Workspace, Drive, and more, which began at around 11 am ET.

DownDetector showed a major spike in user disruptions for Google, Gmail, and other Workspace apps around the same time, with over 6,000 people reporting issues with logging in to Google's app.

According to 9to5Google, a majority of users saw failed login pages on the platform with a “502” error. And this issue was impacting other websites that required users to log in using their Google credentials.

Google has confirmed an outage affecting some of its services on the Workspaces Dashboard and apologizes for the inconvenience. "Between 07:22 and 08:30 PDT, customers experienced login issues to Google services. Our engineering team identified the cause and applied appropriate mitigations by 08:30 PDT (11:30 am ET), and customers should now be able to log in to Google services."

Outage reports on DownDetector also seem to be dwindling, as services are slowly being restored for users. That said, Google says it is closely monitoring the situation. As of now, there is no workaround for the outage; however, things seem to be slowly getting back to normal.

Last week, a similar outage hit Google Maps, causing the platform to load improperly, with only outlines of the local areas showing up without names, impacting its navigation and directions. However, Google was quick to resolve the issue and told Android Central in an email that "Google Maps is back up for those who experienced issues earlier today."

What you need to know

• Google's rolling out an update for Gmail that brings a new "Purchases" tab just in time for the holidays.
• This new tab will only display your purchases/orders and tracking information with the "Arriving Soon" section at the top like your inbox.
• Gmail is also updating its Promotions tab, adding a way for users to leverage what's most important and "timely" offers quicker.

Google's starting to roll out an update for Gmail that might make it easier to manage all those packages this holiday season.

There are two features on the way in this new update, as Google Keyword post explains those key details. Arriving in Gmail's sidebar (in app and on PC), users will notice a new "Purchases" email label. Google states tapping Purchases will give you a "bird's eye view of all your upcoming package deliveries in one simple, organized list." From this view, users will find an "Arriving Soon" section at the top, similar to what you'd find in your primary inbox.

This is reserved for packages that should be delivered within the next 24 hours. Below that, users will find the list of emails containing those tracking details and order confirmation. This update is rolling out today (Sep 11) for all personal Gmail accounts, so keep your eye out for it.

Additionally, Google says the "Arriving Soon" section in your primary email, as well as tracking details within order emails themselves, will not leave.

The second update concerns Gmail's "Promotions" tab. This tab will now offer a "nudge," bringing up promotions and discounts that are timely, so you're in the loop. More than that, a new sorting option, "Most Relevant," is on the way, which Google says pushes Gmail to display promotions from brands you're more likely to engage with. Users can sort by "most recent," too, if you're interested in just seeing the emails as they arrive.

Gmail for the holidays

Google, Gmail, and the holidays seem to be a regular thing as of late, as even last year, an update rolled out to help users avoid scams. The company implemented a new AI model in Gmail in December last year to determine what's a scam and what isn't. Google said its AI models were successful in blocking ~20% more scam attempts and are also reviewing 1,000 times more user-reported spam events.

These protections are still in place, and Google still encourages users to be vigilant on their own.

A Gemini update for Gmail arrived this year, making it way easier to take important dates and events from an email and put them into Calendar. If Google's AI detects a date within an email, an "add to calendar" button will appear for convenience. The AI will automatically create an event centered around it, leaving you the choice of further editing that newly created event for clarity.

I've owned an iPhone for over a decade now. Every two years, I receive a shiny new device, and I’ve seen these devices undergo significant changes, from small tweaks to major overhauls. Even with tending Android phones like the new Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, Apple has been my go-to for mobile hardware, but over the years, I've come to realize that Google hasn't budged from my home screen.

The way Google’s services integrate with each other and with the iPhone’s own features is so seamless that I’ve actually come to depend on them, or perhaps the right way to phrase it would be that I’m hooked.

Here are some of the Google apps that I cannot live without on my iPhone.

Google Search and Google Maps

Google's Search and Google Maps have inevitably become the first two apps I download on my iPhone, as you know, they don't come built in. I love it for the sheer convenience of having the Search widget readily accessible on my home screen when a sudden query strikes me in the dead of night. My immediate instinct is to reach for Google Search, rather than navigating to the default search tab on my Apple device.

Whether I need to identify something using Google Lens — a bird in my neighborhood or a product I’m curious about — reaching for Google Search has almost become muscle memory now.

I also rely on the Google app for my daily news rundown; the Discover page on the app keeps me up to date on all the day's news stories based on my interests. And with Gemini taking over as Google Assistant, I sometimes wish I could just say "Hey Google" on my iPhone and have it take over from Siri.

As for Google Maps, it is arguably the most essential one of all. To be honest, I've never used Apple's Maps and really don't care to. It's something about the interface and the way it functions that doesn't sit well with me. In India, Google Maps seemed better equipped for the high levels of traffic in my city, making it easier to navigate.

After I moved to Canada, the app helped me find my way in a brand-new country. As someone learning to use public transit to get around, Google Maps would give me real-time updates on my bus, telling me exactly when it would arrive at my stop was nothing short of a miracle. Particularly in the winter, I could precisely time my arrival at the bus stop to avoid a long wait in the freezing cold.

Gmail

Gmail has made some key updates to its iOS app, transforming it from a basic email viewing platform to a more comprehensive productivity hub compared to the iPhone's default Mail app.

I love the app's features, such as the quick swipe actions that can be customized by swiping left or right. I've set my left swipe to delete emails and my right swipe to archive them for later, based on my habits and convenience.

The iPhone's Mail app doesn't offer that kind of personalization. It provides multiple options when you swipe left or right, but it's just another tap added.

Gmail also allows me to seamlessly switch between my personal and work email accounts within the app, which helps me keep both sides of my life running smoothly. I like how it proactively suggests frequent contacts, which is helpful when I'm drafting an email on the go.

I just find myself using Gmail more often because it's so much more vibrant and colorful compared to the iPhone's monochrome Mail app.

Google Meet

Sure, I have FaceTime, but I use Google Meet every day for work, and more importantly, I use it to keep in touch with my parents. They live in the Middle East, where most video calling apps don't work without a VPN, but Google Meet does. This is a blessing, especially with everything going on in the world right now, and I can pretty much call them whenever I need to with ease.

Gemini Live

Since I use Google for almost everything, it only makes sense that I'm all about Gemini. And when it first launched as a chatbot, I jumped right in, trying it out for all sorts of problems or just to get my head around tough concepts. Especially as someone who works in the tech world, I often come across a ton of jargon that I need simplified, and Gemini becomes my pitstop.

Now that Gemini Live is free, I'm actually using it more than regular old Search. It pops up as a suggestion on my iPhone when I swipe down, and it's like a secret assistant, sorting out household fixes or helping me figure out how my gadgets work.

For instance, my Nespresso Vertuo started flashing a red light the other day, and instead of waiting on hold with Nespresso customer service, I just asked Gemini Live. Within seconds, it identified the issue and provided step-by-step instructions for a factory reset, which worked perfectly!

Additionally, I also use it for random curiosities, such as identifying a tree or selecting the best watermelon at the grocery store. Gemini's "point and ask" feature excites me. Why type when you can speak to your pocket AI for instant help?

Look beyond Apple

The fact that these apps remain staples of my smartphone experience proves that while Apple may have a hold on its customers, many of Google's apps and services simply can't be beat. Just because you're an iPhone user doesn't mean Apple's apps are your best and only option; there's a whole world of apps beyond the ones preloaded on your device, and despite being the competition, Google's iPhone apps are pretty great.

If you're somehow reading this and you primarily use an iPhone, what are your favorite Google apps that you can't live without? Comment below!

What you need to know

• Gmail users can now insert Google Calendar booking pages directly into emails via a new Calendar icon.
• That makes it easier to share real-time appointment slots and book meetings without leaving Gmail.
• This integration further aims to reduce back-and-forth emails and streamline scheduling.

Gmail is getting a new feature that makes sharing your availability for appointment bookings with the integration of Google Calendar right within the email client, the search giant announced.

In an accompanying Workspace post, Google has announced the new feature as users can now share their Google Calendar appointment booking page directly in their email.

In the email draft (as shown below), users can find the Calendar icon at the bottom — clicking it would then showcase the list of existing booking pages, and further, with an option of creating a booking page. As the latter gets selected, users will be able to insert it into the draft.

Google also notes that with the new inclusion, managing scheduling in one place would be easier as it will eliminate the need to juggle between multiple tabs, like between email and calendar ,to check users' availability and reiterate the same in the email. Plus, it will help users reduce back-and-forth when negotiating or scheduling meeting times.

The search giant believes that "this feature is handy when scheduling time with customers, partners, or people outside your organization whose calendars are not visible to you."

Further, for those wondering, appointment schedules are currently available for all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts as well. However, select features when it comes to appointment scheduling are only available with paid subscriptions. The latter includes features like viewing different types of appointments, automatic email reminders, and others.

Rollout and new features

Lastly, for the rollout, it has already begun for Rapid Release domains this week, and for scheduled release domains, it will start from July 28.

In related news, Gmail has been receiving some notable features lately, with the recent ones comprising Gemini as which AI assistant will be able to summarize long emails and turn them into quick reads. Back in May, Gmail also received the ability to react to emails with the help of emojis.

What you need to know

• Google’s AI helper can be fooled into showing fake email summaries right in Gmail, making phishing feel weirdly legit.
• A researcher proved it works and flagged it to Mozilla’s 0din bug bounty program.
• Google says this trick hasn’t been used in the wild yet.

It seems like Google Gemini can be tricked into showing fake email summaries right inside Gmail, and since it all looks legit, it can be a sneaky new way to pull off phishing.

A cybersecurity researcher recently exposed a flaw that lets hackers twist Google Gemini into showing harmful instructions through Gmail summaries, putting Workspace users at risk. The issue has been reported to 0din, Mozilla’s AI-focused bug bounty program (via BleepingComputer).

Google slipped Gemini into its Workspace apps a while back, and one of its handy tricks is breaking down your emails. Just slide open the side panel in Gmail, and Gemini will be able to pull key details or turn messages into calendar events on the fly.

But here’s the scary part: this feature also opens the door to “prompt-injection” attacks. If someone slips a sneaky prompt into an email, Gemini might run it right in the side panel, and the user might not even notice.

Hackers can hide secret commands in emails using simple HTML and CSS tricks like white text on a white background or font size zero. You won’t notice a thing, but Gemini will read it loud and clear, and that’s where things can go sideways.

Since these sneaky emails skip the usual red flags (no sketchy links or shady attachments), they often slip right past Google’s spam filters and land straight in your inbox.

Wolf in Google’s clothing

Gemini sees those hidden prompts as legit and spits them out in the email summary with zero warnings. Since it’s coming from Google’s own AI, it looks totally above board, which means most folks won’t even think to question it. That false sense of trust is what makes this so dangerous.

According to BleepingComputer, even though prompt injection has been on the radar since 2024 and some guardrails are already in place, this tactic still works. That means the current defenses aren’t quite keeping up with how crafty attackers are getting.

Google says there’s no sign of hackers actually using this trick in real-world attacks thus far. But the research clearly shows it can be done, which raises a big red flag. Just because it hasn’t hit the wild yet doesn’t mean it’s not a serious threat waiting to happen.

What you need to know

• New "Manage subscriptions" allows users to easily view and unsubscribe from no longer needed emails directly within Gmail.
• The feature tends to sort subscriptions by most frequent senders, making it easier to identify and act on overwhelming email volumes.
• The new feature is available on Gmail for web, Android, and iOS in select regions.

Gmail has a new way to clean up your inbox, dubbed "Manage subscriptions." And, as the name implies, the feature allows you to easily manage your subscriptions.

Google explains in a blog post that users tend to subscribe often, and the volume of such subscriptions at times can be overwhelming. While some of them end up in spam, some could be newsletters from blogs, which are likely to be ignored at some point. In other cases, they could just be promotional emails from retailers you've purchased from before but didn't sign up for those emails.

Finding such subscriptions can be a tedious task even if users want to unsubscribe from them individually. This is where the newly announced feature comes into play. Currently, rolling out to Gmail for web, the Manage subscriptions feature will sort out all active subscriptions sorted by most frequent senders next to the number of emails they've sent to users in the past few weeks.

They are accompanied by an Unsubscribe button, which can be done in a single click. Before unsubscribing, users can also directly view the past emails to decide whether they can be unsubscribed once and for all.

Clean up your inbox

As mentioned, it is currently available for Gmail for web and can be accessed by navigating to Inbox on the top left corner and finding the new "Manage subscriptions." The new ability is also said to be available for Android phones as well as iOS devices in select countries.

The new update is built upon Gmail's currently available anti-spam efforts, as it claims that it already blocks 99.9% of spam, phishing, and malware. The search giant also developed AI-based defenses, which reduced scam emails by 35%.

There are several third-party clients that also do a good job in helping users to unsubscribe from unwanted mails and subscriptions, but having it built in native Gmail is a welcome move for many from Google.

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What you need to know

• Google's services, including Cloud, Google Search, Gmail, as well as Spotify and more, are experiencing a widespread outage.
• The outage seems to have peaked around 2:30 p.m. ET, with thousands of people reporting issues via DownDetector.
• The outage seems to be ongoing; however, some users report services being restored.

It seems to be a week of outages, as almost all of Google's services, like Gmail, Meet, Search, Nest, and Cloud, were all offline for thousands this afternoon (June 12). Several reports on DownDetector suggested even wider Internet issues, implicating Spotify and Amazon in the mess, although the e-commerce giant tells Android Central that the AWS service was not affected.

According to the outage tracking website DownDetector, all these outages began at around 2 p.m. ET on Thursday afternoon, with the outage peaking at 2:30 p.m. ET. Some speculate that the internet itself was down, taking several services offline. There were more than 13,000 incidents of people reporting issues with Google Cloud by 3:30 pm ET and more than 27,000 reports on Spotify.

The tech giant's incident status page states that there is still an ongoing multi-region outage, but that it has "identified the root cause and applied appropriate mitigations."

The site also states that Google's engineers are aware that customers are still experiencing issues and are actively working on full recovery.

Cloudflare, which provides a wide range of internet services, was also significantly impacted by this outage. However, the company stated that they weren't directly hit by the outage but stated that "a limited number of services at Cloudflare use Google Cloud and were impacted."

Cloudflare's status page states that "All Cloudflare services have been restored and are now fully operational." But it will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Several people reported on DownDetector that they were experiencing disruptions with Amazon and its services. However, despite these reports, Amazon confirmed in an email to Android Central that all of those reports are false concerning AWS and Amazon, stating that "AWS operated normally today, and we continue to operate normally."

According to the Independent, third-party websites that rely on Google’s services have also been affected by this outage. These apps include Snapchat, Discord, and more. The outage of Google Cloud seems to have had a domino effect on the apps that rely on it; however, several users who were experiencing outages are seeing services slowly come back online.

Correction: The previous version of this article stated that Amazon was affected by the recent outage and was among the first services to go offline. However, Amazon states that its operations remained uninterrupted. The article has been corrected to reflect the same.

What you need to know

• Google’s bold Material 3 Expressive look is finally creeping into Gmail.
• The interface swaps heavy color blocks for lighter, raised cards with rounded edges, making emails pop with more depth.
• More colors are mixing in thanks to the card layout, adding layers and a richer feel across the app.

Google already gave a sneak peek of its bold Material 3 Expressive style in a few of its own apps. Now, we’re getting a clearer picture as that fresh look slowly starts landing in some users’ Gmail.

Material 3 Expressive adds some serious flair with responsive animations that make your phone feel way more fluid. Dismissing a notification now comes with this neat little peel-away motion and a matching haptic nudge.

Gmail’s latest update (2025.05.11) seems to have synced up with Google quietly pulling the trigger on a server-side change, setting the stage for its Material 3 Expressive revamp. Over on Telegram, SparkRadar caught the visual shake-up in action and shared some snaps of the fresh new look (via Android Authority).

At present, Gmail’s look leans on a bold primary color for most of the main screen. That said, areas like the Search bar, bottom nav, and Compose button stand out with their own accent.

But with the Material 3 Expressive update, the whole layout gets a makeover. The message list now sits on its own raised card with soft, rounded corners and a lighter backdrop, giving it more depth and focus.

Color explosion

The Compose button has also had a glow-up. Now, it’s got a chunkier font and the pencil icon is now filled in for a bolder look.

One standout feature of Gmail’s Material 3 Expressive revamp is the burst of fresh colors all over the place. Thanks to the new card-style layout, there’s way more room to play with tones and shades, making everything feel more layered and visually dynamic.

On one Gmail account, the account switcher has popped out of the search bar. Other screenshots still show it tucked inside the search bar, which makes sense since server-side rollouts like this often hit accounts individually and not all at once.

You can spot the card-style UI making another appearance on the email view screen.

Pill-shaped swipes

Also, true to Google’s earlier teasers, Gmail’s Material 3 Expressive update brings in a new pill-shaped button animation that pops up when you swipe around.

Like mentioned before, these design tweaks are rolling out slowly through server-side switches. We’re still waiting to see how the rest of Material 3 Expressive shapes up across the rest of Google’s apps and tools.

What you need to know

• Gemini now auto-drops a summary card at the top of your emails on Android and iOS.
• These cards refresh on their own as new replies roll in, so you’re never behind.
• Summaries work only on English emails, and you’ll need smart features turned on in Gmail, Chat, Meet, etc.

Gemini’s AI summaries will now pop up automatically at the top of your emails on Gmail for mobile, with no prompts needed. Google rolled out the update to make it easier to skim long threads at a glance.

Starting this week, if you’re using Gmail on Android or iOS, you’ll notice Gemini stepping in with quick summaries right at the top of your emails, Google's blog post says. It kicks in when your inbox starts looking like a novel, so you can catch the gist without scrolling forever.

Not every email is getting the Gemini treatment, so things like promos or receipts are off the table. Instead, Gmail will roll out a Summary card when it spots a long thread or a bunch of replies that actually need breaking down.

Always up to date

These Summary cards will refresh on their own as new replies roll in, keeping you up to speed.

Google says Gemini will pull all the key takeaways from your emails, but for now, it only works with messages written in English. Also, you’ll need to have smart features turned on in Gmail, Chat, Meet, and across your Google Workspace to get in on it.

The search giant first rolled out its AI-powered summaries last year alongside the Gemini side panels in Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, and Gmail. Back then, you had to tap “Summarize this email” to get a quick recap. That summary now shows up on its own right at the top when you open a thread.

These summaries might actually come in clutch, especially with long or messy email threads. Google says they’ll only show up when Gemini thinks they’re worth it, but if they start feeling more like clutter than help, it could get old fast. If that’s the case, you can turn them off—just know you’ll have to disable Gemini completely in Gmail to make that happen.

If you’re using Gmail through a school or company account, your admin is the one who decides whether these smart features are on or off. Google’s support page says they’re turned off by default in places like Europe and Japan.

What you need to know

• Gmail gains AI-powered personalized reply suggestions, inbox cleanup, and faster appointment scheduling.
• Google Meet gets real-time speech translation in multiple languages for the latest AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.
• Google Vids also leverages AI to convert slides to videos, refine recordings, generate scripts with AI avatars, and improve audio.

The biggest Google I/O event is here, and the search giant has a lot to offer across its products. Like in previous years, the focus is again on AI and its incorporation into its services.

Google showcased a glimpse of AI integration in its Workspace products like Gmail, Meet, Vids, and Docs, and they get new capabilities.

Gemini in Gmail

Starting with Gmail, regular users will now be able to reply to their emails with the help of AI. In instances like replying to an email or a thread where gathering previous details could be an intriguing task, new personalized replies in Gmail are coming into play. Users can draft their emails through AI suggestions that match their specific context and tone.

The response suggestions here will be based on past emails, alongside Google Drive, to get additional context. Google notes that Gemini can further adapt to users’ tone eventually, which can be crisp, formal, or conversational.

Speaking of emails, they tend to generally pile up, making users difficult to manage sometimes. That's where Gemini comes to your rescue again, as it can now start deleting or archiving emails with the new Inbox clean-up. Users will be able to tell Gemini to “delete all of my unread emails” from any specific user or a subscription to tidy up things in their inbox.

Additionally, fast appointment scheduling will be integrated into Gmail soon. It means users will be able to offer times for customers or clients who are normally out of their organization and not in their conventional calendar. Gemini in Gmail will also be able to detect when a user is trying to set up a meeting and give users “a helpful nudge,” making it easier to share the booking page right within the email app. The aim is to sort things out by reducing the time and effort spent coordinating schedules.

All the aforementioned features for Gmail will be available for the next quarter.

Google Meet gains language translation

Google Meet should soon be able to diminish language barriers in calls as it is gaining a speech translation feature. It helps listeners in a call listen to their language despite the speaker speaking in their preferred language, that too in real time. Google is also promising low-latency while maintaining their voice, tone, and expression. Overall, the conversation across both parties is likely to appear more authentic and natural.

The speech translation feature is available for Google Meet users for those who are subscribed to Google AI Pro and Ultra plans in beta, and is initially available in English and Spanish. More of them are promised to be added in the coming weeks.

Google Vids can turn slides into videos

Google Vids, which was launched last year, is now gaining notable features. They can now turn existing Google Slides into engaging videos. Slides or presentations can sometimes be boring; however, they are essential in organizations, be it to train teams, onboard new employees, and explain things. Such slides can now easily be converted into videos through Google Vids, which presumably captures the audience’s attention more than the slides.

Gemini is further believed to generate scripts, voiceovers, animations, and more.

Google Vids usually help users record things, and they can sometimes have distracting or filler words like “ums” and “ahs”. Integration of Gemini in Vids will help users trim such filler words and awkward pauses through the transcript trim feature, which can be triggered with a single click. With the help of AI, users will also be able to adjust sound levels in instances where sound quality is uneven, eliminating the need for complicated audio mixing.

Making training videos can be a hideous task, especially if there are dozens of them. Google Vids already allows users to make videos, and going further, users can just write a script and choose a new AI avatar feature to deliver the message on behalf of you. While the avatar does the talking, it claims to be handy to create polished video content and skip the process of coordinating talent and video production.

While converting slides to videos will be available for users next quarter, the Balance sound will be available next month, and transcript trim will arrive in Labs next quarter. The AI Avatar, on the other hand, is coming to Labs next month. Interestingly, all these features are included for those who are on a Google AI Pro or Ultra plan.

Imagen 4 in Workspace

Generating an image in Slides, Vids, and Docs just got better with the inclusion of Imagen 4— announced today at Google I/O. It promises to enhance users’ visual storytelling as Imagen 4 helps create richer, detailed visuals, accurate spelling, and text rendering for images. And, it is available for users starting today.

Google Docs gets Gemini Enhancements

Google is also launching a source-grounded writing assistance to help users concentrate better when writing on Google Docs. The sources that are typically dispersed around decks, data, and documents — and further stored in external links and Google Drive — can be brought into the assistant pane with the help of Gemini.

Users will be able to link relevant decks, data, and reports directly into a Google Docs document, where Gemini will be able to pull from these sources and simultaneously provide writing assistance. It further keeps suggestions intact and grounded in trusted content and eliminates the need for switching tabs. The feature is said to be available next quarter.

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What you need to know

• Gmail is adding the ability to react to emails with emojis.
• The reactions are primarily for Gmail users, with users of other email providers getting a limited experience.
• Reactions are turned off by default and can be restricted by Google Workspace administrators in school or work settings.

Google is rolling out the ability to react to emails with emojis in Gmail, it announced in a Workspace Blog post. The feature addition will make sending and replying to an email more like interacting with a chat on a typical messaging platform, like Google Chat or Slack. These emoji reactions will be visible to everyone on the email chain, and could reduce the need for replying to mass emails to confirm receipt.

The company says that email reactions in Gmail can help users "quickly respond, acknowledge receipt of an email, and express themselves more authentically."

With that being said, email reactions in Gmail may not become as prevalent as you might expect. They are turned off by default, and can be restricted by your school or work in a Workspace domain. For administrators, emoji reactions can be managed by navigating to Admin console > Apps > Gmail > End User Access > Emoji reactions.

Additionally, reactions won't work properly for those not using Gmail, those who have their conversation view turned off, or those who have an outdated version of the Gmail app. In all these cases, Gmail reactions will come through as a standalone email using the following format: “[Name] reacted via Gmail."

"Whether you’re using a gratitude emoji to thank a teammate, voting for a team dinner with a food emoji, or congratulating your client for reaching a milestone with a celebratory emoji, emoji reactions provide an expressive and personalized way of responding to emails," the company explains.

There are also a number of situations where Gmail users won't be able to react to a message, as explained by a new support document:

• The admin for your work or school account has “Emoji reactions” turned off. Learn more about work or school accounts.
• The message is sent to a group email list.
• A message is sent to more than 20 recipients.
• You're in BCC.
• You’ve already sent more than 20 reactions to the same message.
• You open the email in another email provider, like Apple Mail or Microsoft Outlook.
• A message is encrypted with Client-side encryption. Learn about Gmail Client-side encryption.
• The sender has a custom reply-to address.

Aside from these limitations, the feature will soon be widely available for all Google Workspace accounts, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and all personal Google accounts.

Rapid release domains will start seeing the feature appear as of now, but it could take 15 days for full feature visibility. Scheduled release domains won't start seeing Gmail's emoji reactions until May 13, 2025, and after that it'll take 15 days for the rollout to complete.

What you need to know

• Gmail is rolling out a new, upgraded version of mail search that can prioritize "most relevant" results.
• Users can still manually sort "most recent" results to get the list in chronological order.
• The feature is rolling out now for personal Google accounts, and will eventually come to business accounts in the future.

Google is upgrading Gmail's search smarts with AI to prioritize relevant results over recent keyword hits, it announced in a blog post today, March 20. While the old version of search in Gmail showed the most recent keyword results in emails, the upgraded version will "now factor in elements like recency, most-clicked emails and frequent contacts."

The AI-powered search feature is arriving in Gmail as "Most relevant" results. Users can now toggle between "Most relevant" and "Most recent," depending on the situation. Previously, Gmail defaulted to showing "Most recent" search results, and that was the only option available.

"With this update, the emails you’re looking for are far more likely to be at the top of your search results — saving you valuable time and helping you find important information more easily," the company explains in the blog post.

You can see an example of how Gmail search results are changing in the graphic below, which shows the old results on the left and the new ones on the right.

The new version of search is rolling out worldwide in Gmail's web client, as well as the iOS and Android mobile apps. The feature will begin exclusive to personal Google accounts, though the company says it will expand upgraded Gmail search to business accounts "in the future."

Google has been steadily upgrading Gmail with artificial intelligence to make it easier to use, and more secure. At the end of last year, Gmail became equipped with a new AI model designed to thwart phishing scams in emails. This addition following similar scam-stopping AI features being added to Google Messages and Google Phone.

Time will tell whether users prefer the new version of Gmail search over the old one. For people who constantly have to scroll to find old emails, "Most relevant" results may be more helpful. For others, switching back to "Most recent" could be a better option.

Google is working to change the SMS code authentication used to sign into a Google account to have you scan a QR code. Besides the several severe flaws with this idea, it's still good that Google is trying to make proving who we are a little more streamlined and less nerdy. If it weren't such a pain to do it, more services would offer MFA (multi-factor authentication), and more of us would use it.

Google's not alone here. Microsoft, Apple, and organizations like the FIDO Alliance are working on the issue, too. These companies know that it's something that benefits everyone, and it needs to be done in a simple yet effective way.

Before discussing Google's new idea, you need to know what authentication is. I can tell you who I am and that is me providing my identity. That will never change and I will always be me even if I change my name. I'm still this person.

But sometimes I need to prove it and authenticate that I am who I say I am because it's super easy for me to lie. You don't want Joe Random to have access to your bank or other online account so proof is mandatory.

There are three types of authentication, and for a service to be secure it needs to use at least two. Using two methods lowers the chance that I'm someone else just trying to get into Jerry's account.

Knowledge: Something only the real Jerry would know, like a password or a PIN.
Ownership: Something only the real Jerry has, like an ID card or a software token on a phone.
Inherence: Something the real Jerry is or does, like supplying a fingerprint or a retina scan.

You'll always need to use a password or PIN for one type of authentication, but for something to be considered secure, you need to use one of the other two types. That's where things can get messy.

Google thinks it would be better and easier to show you a QR code you can scan to supply proof of ownership than send you an SMS message. It would definitely be more secure because SMS messages aren't difficult to spoof or "hack" into.

It also has two potential problems I can spot: it can require two devices and may only work seamlessly if you use an up-to-date Android phone. I'll give you a worst-case example:

I buy a new iPhone 16 Pro Max, and I want to sign into my Gmail account. I can't use an authenticator app because I need access to set one up or switch to a new one in my Google account, so I have to use the fallback method. Google then shows me a QR code. A QR code on the screen of the only device I have and the one I'm trying to use to sign into my account. Can you spot the problem here?

The secondary problem is, what if I do have a QR code scanner on my new iPhone and scan the code? What happens next? If I have an Android phone with the latest version of Google Services installed, the process can be whisked away and handled automatically. It could be done through something like Google Lens or even Circle to Search, so it works with one device.

Since I am trying to do this on my iPhone, I just have to use the fallback for the fallback and get an SMS. SMS authentication is insecure, but it's necessary. It makes sense to use this for Android phones and a Google account. Not so much for other devices.

This is the real problem with authentication. It's always going to require some extra steps, and those extra steps can be a pain in the you-know-what. Using your fingerprint scan — something that never changes and is your identity, not a means of authentication — was a big step towards making all this less messy. Unfortunately, you can't use the fingerprint until you have it set up and Gmail doesn't support using it to get into your account for the first time.

I don't know how you "fix" this, but I do know that really smart people are working on it. We've seen things progress from an on-device keychain that holds auth methods to fingerprint scans, to Passkeys, and now QR codes. Keeping SMS as a fallback option is smart, too, because every device with a phone number can get one.

Google still has yet to reveal all the details of how this will work, so we will likely hear more about it before it rolls out. In any case, we have reached out to Google for more information and will update this article when we hear back.

I think this will be fixed, even though I don't know how. Then, we will have to wait until every service we want to use adopts safe and simple authentication methods.

What you need to know

• Google confirmed today (Feb 24) that it will soon fade out its SMS code sign-in method for Gmail in favor of QR codes.
• The company says QR codes will offer a little more robust security as SMS codes are more prone to "phishing."
• Google reiterated the same sentiment during its first introduction of passkeys for personal accounts.

Today (Feb 24), Google states it is moving to remove SMS security codes for Gmail in replace of something a little stronger.

A statement via a Gmail spokesperson to Forbes reads, "...we want to move away from sending SMS messages for authentication." As a result, Google is now interested in displaying a QR code for users attempting to securely sign in to their Gmail accounts. Spokesperson Ross Richendrfer informed the publication that this will begin "over the next few months."

QR code sign-in will be a part of Google's new vision for "verifying phone numbers." While users will need to scan the code with their phone's camera, the company states this new security method will assist users in two ways.

First, Google says a QR code will help reduce the risk of phishing as users won't be "tricked into sharing their security codes with a threat actor." The company adds QR codes will also reduce the "reliance" users have on their "phone carrier for anti-abuse protections."

This second point was highlighted by Richendrfer and Google's Kimberly Samra, who state SMS with a security code isn't all that safe. They add that, with SMS codes, users run the risk of a malicious person gaining a hold of their phone number. If that's done, all "security value of SMS goes away." Google says SMS codes are at the "heart" of many criminal operations around the world, forcing this issue (in its eyes) even more.

Aside from "over the next few months," Google didn't tell Forbes when users can see this change rollout. However, there will likely be more obvious statements/announcements from Google when it happens. The company teased more will happen "in the near future."

Google's been kicking its security strength up a notch ever since it made passkeys the default option for personal accounts. The company touted passkeys were 40% faster than passwords and were developed by the FIDO Alliance. More importantly, passkeys rely solely on your device's various authentication methods like fingerprint, face ID, or PIN. Like what it's trying to do with the SMS, QR code swap, Google says passkeys can't be phished or stolen.

In short, your credentials won't be stolen over an internet connection.

Google rolled out a few more enhanced security features for users a few months before passkeys, involving a Dark Web report. The feature arrived for Gmail and let users lean on it to see if their email addresses had been leaked/exposed on the dark web.

What you need to know

• Google says it has seen an uptick in email traffic during the holiday season, and that means Gmail users need to be vigilant to avoid scams.
• The company is leveraging AI models to discern scam emails that it reports having blocked 20% more spam than before, and reviews 1,000 times more user-reported email spam events.
• Google recommends users take the time to stop, think through whether an email is a scam, and report it if it sounds fishy.

The holiday season is well underway, and Google is sharing some tips about how it's keeping you safe from scams — and what you can do to protect yourself. Google says that although it has seen email traffic blossom since mid-November, users reported 35% fewer scams in Gmail compared to last year. Part of that is due to the company's AI features that have continually rolled out to Gmail over the course of 2024.

Notably, Google quietly bolstered Gmail's security capabilities last month. The company rolled out a new AI model designed to protect against phishing scams before Black Friday. "This new model acts like a supervisor for our existing AI defenses by instantly evaluating hundreds of threat signals when a risky message is flagged and deploying the appropriate protections — all in the blink of an eye," the company explained in a blog post.

These AI tools are powered by large language models (LLM) trained using examples of malware and phishing attempts. "By spotting patterns and responding rapidly, this LLM alone blocks 20% more spam than before and reviews 1,000 times more user-reported spam daily," Google says.

Google warns that the three most common scams to watch out for during this holiday season are invoice scams, celebrity scams, and extortion scams. Invoice scams are when a person reaches out with a fake invoice, hoping that the user will pay the owed amount. Celebrity scams involve a fake sender posing as a celebrity or famous person to get you to hand over cash, and extortion scams might include threats and elements of fear to force you to give money.

To avoid these scams, the company shared what it calls "golden rules:"

• Slow it down. Scams are often designed to create a sense of urgency, and often use terms like “urgent, immediate, deactivate, unauthorized, etc.” Take time to ask questions and think it through.
• Spot check. Do your research to double-check the details of an email. Does what it’s saying make sense? Can you validate the email address of the sender?
• Stop! Don’t send. No reputable person or agency will ever demand payment or your personal information on the spot.
• Report it. If you see something suspicious, mark it as spam. You’ll be making your Inbox cleaner and helping billions of others too.

When in doubt, users should report potential scams and absolutely avoid sending money at all costs. There are also other scam blockers you should know about, like those in Google Messages and Google Phone.

What you need to know

• Google was spotted developing a new feature through Play Services called "Shielded Email."
• The feature will supposedly let users create a "fake," "generated" email for apps that may require one to avoid potential online risks.
• Google stepped up its fight against spam/phishing attempts by rolling out verified marks in Gmail and bolstering it with a new spam detector.

Google is reportedly developing an email protection feature that echoes what Apple's done for iOS.

Well-known X tipster AssembleDebug (Android Authority) dove into the latest Play Services build (v24.45.33) and found support for a new feature. Strings in the code suggest Google is working on a "generated email address" tool under the "Shield Email" moniker.

Other strings give us an idea of how this might work as one claims users can generate an email "created for this app." The company's early description reads, "this can protect you from online tracking and data breaches."

Another set of strings highlights "email forwarding." This generated guise will seemingly let users forward emails it receives to their true address. There is space in the code for users to enter their actual email when the time comes. Moreover, Google is working on an option that lets users opt out if things turn to spam.

Additional descriptors show that Google intends this feature to keep users' emails private. The publication states these generated emails will be "single-use" or "limited-use aliases." The recent Play Services build notably lacks where Google could implement this feature.

The post states that further digging through the APK suggests Google plans to work Shielded Email directly into apps that may ask for your email.

Despite its rollout uncertainty, the feature has reportedly appeared on the Autofill settings page. However, the tipster notes that tapping it doesn't offer much as it's still under development, but this could indicate a debut that's sooner, not later.

Google has consistently stepped up its game to combat spam as Gmail picked up a new spam detector. The company implemented a new text vectorizer called "RETVec." Research showed that it enhanced the app's spam detection by roughly 38% and reduced false positives by ~20%. In short, RETVec would scan an incoming email with sharp eyes on the symbols used to weed out would-be spam.

Similarly, Gmail received blue verification checkmarks, a part of the BIMI authentication system. The purpose of the marks is to give users quick, forward-facing confirmation of an email's legitimacy. If a sender is who they say they are, they will display a blue checkmark beside their logo/name. Of course, this applies to official businesses to help users dodge dangerous phishing attempts.

What you need to know

• Google is adding “Help me write” to Gmail on the web, letting you draft or polish emails with Gemini AI.
• A new “Polish” option is available on both web and mobile, automatically activating for drafts over 12 words.
• The “Help me write” shortcut appears in empty drafts, while “Polish” shows up in longer ones.

Google is bringing “Help me write” to Gmail on the web, so you can draft or polish emails with Gemini AI.

The expansion comes a few months after Google introduced the "Help me write" and "Refine my draft" tools on mobile. The web version matches the mobile one, adding an AI writing assistant right in the email editor. With just a prompt, users can easily craft emails from scratch.

Alongside expanding "Help me write," Google has added a new "Polish" option on both web and mobile. Replacing "Refine my draft" (though the functionality remains the same), this feature kicks in automatically for drafts over 12 words, helping users improve style and clarity.

The mobile version follows suit, showing the “Help me write” shortcut in empty drafts and the “Polish” shortcut for drafts over 12 words.

The previous "Refine my draft" shortcut had options like Polish, Formalize, Elaborate, Shorten, and Write a draft. To streamline things, Google has now integrated the "Polish" feature directly into the writing process. Web users can use Ctrl+H to access it, while mobile users can activate it with a quick right swipe.

Activating the "Polish" shortcut sets Gemini to work on refining your email draft. Once the AI finishes, you can assess the improved text and easily insert it into your draft by clicking the "Replace" button at the bottom right.

Generative AI comes with its hurdles, but it also offers great perks, especially when it comes to simplifying daily tasks. A prime example is the ability to effortlessly craft clear emails, even on days when inspiration is lacking. Gmail's Help me write feature showcases this, enabling users to whip up new emails or enhance existing drafts with little effort. Expanding this feature to both mobile and web platforms is a major step forward for Gmail users.

Google Workspace users with Gemini Business and Enterprise add-ons, Gemini Education add-ons, or Google One AI Premium subscriptions will automatically get access to the "Help Me Write" and "Polish" features. The rollout started this week and is expected to be fully complete within the next 15 days.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out an update for Workspace customers that brings Gemini into Gmail for new "contextual smart replies."
• This new variant of the smart reply feature considers information in a present messaging thread for more detailed, quick replies.
• Recently, Gmail picked up two more Gemini-backed updates: "Polish" for rough notes in drafts and "Q&A" for email lookup.

Gmail on Android is picking up a smarter, contextual update for those crafting quick messages on the fly.

Google is refreshing the "smart replies" feature in Gmail with a Gemini upgrade. As noted in a Workspace update, their AI model is enhancing Gmail's replies to be more contextual. This means you'll get smarter responses that pack in more information and personality when you need it.

Google states smart reply's contextual version will deliver "more detailed responses to fully capture the intent of your message."

When crafting a reply, the post states users will notice a few message suggestions (provided by Gemini) regarding the current thread of messages. Users can hover over each suggestion and see what Gemini could send on your behalf. An edit button will be available if you enjoy an AI suggestion but would like to change certain aspects.

These "contextual" replies will likely consider extra bits of information like dates, times, places, and more. The post states Google wanted to give users more options for quicker, basic replies that are nothing more than acknowledgment.

This feature is preparing to roll out for Workspace customers with the Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, and Education Premium add-ons. Those with Google One AI Premium will receive this as well.

Users on rapid and scheduled release domains started receiving it on September 26. Contextual smart replies by Gemini in Gmail will continue to arrive for users over the next 15 days.

Google's Gemini has continued to spread its influence in Gmail. Recently, the app picked up a new "Q&A" feature powered by the model, which makes email searching a breeze. Users can ask Gemini to surface emails left unread from the day or week. The AI can also scour through your messages to find the status of an order you're waiting on.

Similarly to contextual smart replies, users can craft unique commands for Gemini to search in Gmail. Using it will let users tell Gemini to find messages from a specific person or contact.

Searching for the words to say can be difficult, so Google brought in Gemini to bolster the "Help me write" tool. An update in August rolled out the AI to help "polish" your drafted emails. Essentially, users can scribble in some rough notes in a draft and let Gemini sort it out and make them presentable.

What you need to know

• Google highlighted the start of its rollout of Gemini's Q&A for Gmail on Android devices.
• Q&A lets users ask Gemini to surface unread emails for the day or week, with the added ability to create a personal query.
• Gemini's Q&A mirrors the side panel of tools Google rolled out for Gmail's web version in June, which expanded to include a few Workspace apps.

Google's Gemini AI smarts have grown once again, as the company details an update for Gmail that could be a time saver.

As detailed in a Workspace blog post, Gemini's Q&A feature on Android mirrors the AI's side panel view available on Gmail's web version. Users should notice Gemini's typical star icon beside the search bar as the update becomes available. Tapping it will produce a small menu with a few pre-made questions.

Gemini can show you unread emails, unread emails from "this week," and the status of any orders you're expecting.

Users can skip these pre-made options and hit the text box beneath that for a question about a specific need. Google states that you can use your custom prompt to instruct Gemini to summarize emails about a topic or to find conversations between a specific person/contact.

Google adds that Gemini's Q&A can also be accessed from the "summarize this email" chip when viewing a conversation.

The AI model's latest productivity feature is rolling out for Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium, and Google One AI Premium add-on users.

The update has started rolling out today (August 29) and may take up to 15 days to complete for rapid/scheduled release domains. With Android users receiving this today, iOS folks will have to wait a little longer.

The company then teased that Gemini's Q&A feature on Android will soon extend to encompass a user's Drive content. Google didn't provide a concrete timeframe aside from "in the future."

In June, Google detailed a substantial update for Gmail — though it was primarily for web-based users. The post highlighted the AI's inclusion in Gmail's sidebar on computers, packed with summarization, reply suggestions, and more. Additionally, Gemini's ability to understand a user's direct query about information in an email stood out.

Google highlighted the expanded capabilities of Gemini's side panel, which ropes in Workspace apps like Docs, Slides, and Drive. For those apps, the AI can polish your writing, offer tips, and "creatively generate new content" from your Cloud-stored files. This is likely the direction Google is heading with its Q&A expansion coming up for Gmail on Android in the future.

What you need to know

• Google highlighted the widespread rollout of its new "quick reply" box in Gmail for all personal and Workspace individual accounts.
• A new text box now appears in conversations for quick replies with the option to expand the box for the full-length email window with formatting choices.
• Google states other Workspace users under select domains will begin receiving this on August 26, though Workspace Labs users are left out for now.

Google is making replying to emails snappy with an all-new experience rolling out on mobile devices.

The company detailed the update rolling out on Android devices in a Workspace blog post. Google is chucking the old reply, reply all, and forward options in a conversation for a new Message-like textbox. Starting soon, this new pill-shaped area will be housed at the bottom of an email for quick replying.

Google sees this as the best way for users to send "quick, lightweight" responses as you won't need to open a separate window.

Tapping on the box will show "compose email" with a drop-down menu at the top left, which says "Reply" by default. Interacting with that will show additional options like forward and "change recipient." Users can also quickly submit an attachment with the paperclip icon on the left.

Moreover, Google states it has included an option for long-form replies via the expansion icon. Expanding the box will shift the app to the screen users are used to when replying to emails on mobile. This full-length response display offers extra formatting options that the quicker, texting-like variant forgoes.

The good news here is that Google states all personal Google accounts and Workspace individual subscribers now have this feature.

Other Workspace customers under rapid release and scheduled domains should begin seeing it as of August 26. The company warns that anyone testing new generative AI experiences through Workspace Labs will not see this new reply experience. Meanwhile, those on iOS will pick this up "later this year."

Aside from a better emailing experience, Google detailed a new feature for Gmail, powered by Gemini, that polishes your drafts with a tap. Users can find "Polish" under the AI's "Help me write" option. The company states that you can paste or write your rough ideas, and Gemini will sort them into a comprehensive email before sending them.

The only downside is that Workspace and Google One AI customers can utilize this useful feature.

Additional Gemini features in Gmail include summaries, reply suggestions, and shortcuts for the "Refine my draft" selection of AI options.

What you need to know

• Google’s new Gemini features are live on Gmail for web, Android, and iOS, making it easier to polish your email drafts.
• The new "Polish" feature in the "Help me write" tool refines rough notes into formal emails with a single click or tap.
• Gmail also now has shortcuts in drafts on Android and iOS to quickly access AI writing tools.

Google's latest Gemini features are now live on Gmail for web, Android, and iOS, with one highlight being an AI tool that makes polishing your email drafts a breeze.

The search giant has introduced a new "Polish" feature in the Gemini-powered "Help me write" tool on Gmail for both mobile and the web. This feature fine-tunes your drafts, ensuring your emails are clear and polished, as per Google's blog post.

This new feature lets users drop in rough notes, and Gemini AI then crafts them into a polished, formal email with just one click or tap.

The "Refine my draft" tool in Gmail used to streamline email writing with options like "Formalize," "Elaborate," "Shorten," and the now-removed "I'm Feeling Lucky." This means the latter has been replaced with "Polish."

However, the new option is only available to users subscribed to Gemini for Google Workspace or Google One AI Premium. Google says it will be automatically enabled for all eligible subscribers.

Furthermore, Google has updated Gmail on Android and iOS by adding shortcuts directly within emails. These make it easier for users to find and use AI writing tools while they're drafting.

The shortcuts pop up in your email draft when it’s empty, next to the "attach" icon. Just tap them to start the full "Help me write" experience and access all the AI writing tools.

That said, the "Refine my draft" shortcut shows up below the email content when your draft is at least 12 words long. Swiping on this shortcut gives you access to the complete set of "Refine my draft" tools.

It should be noted that these features are only available to Google Workspace users who have the Gemini Business or Enterprise add-on, the Gemini Education or Education Premium add-on, or the Google One AI Premium plan.

What you need to know

• Google's Gemini AI is now integrated into Gmail on both web and mobile platforms, offering AI-powered email assistance.
• In the web version of Gmail, Gemini appears in a sidebar with suggestions like "Summarize this email," "List action items," and "Suggest a reply."
• On mobile, a top button enables quick email summaries.

Google just announced that its Gemini AI, which offers AI-powered email assistance, is now available in Gmail on both the web and mobile apps.

In a blog post, Google introduced a bunch of AI features for Gmail. The big news is that the "Summarize this email" feature is now available on both iOS and Android. With Gemini's help, you can quickly shrink down long email threads or get help drafting replies. But Gemini is more than just a summarizer—it also lets you ask questions and dig up specific information from your inbox and Google Drive files.

Google has taken a big step forward by upgrading Gmail with its latest AI, Gemini 1.5 Pro. This enhanced version comes with three major improvements: a significantly larger memory for context, a deeper understanding of information, and super-fast processing speeds.

In Gmail’s web version, Gemini appears in a sidebar on the right, next to your emails. This sidebar kicks things off with several handy suggestions like "Summarize this email," "List action items from this email," and "Suggest a reply to this email."

While the prompts are a great way to get started, Gemini’s real strength is in answering your direct questions. Don’t feel limited by the suggested options; you can have a natural conversation with Gemini and ask it anything about your emails.

The company is also expanding the Gemini side panel to include Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. In Docs, this handy tool will aid in polishing your prose, offering summaries, recommending tweaks, and creatively generating new content from your other files.

In Sheets, Gemini assists with creating tables, generating formulas, and explaining various functions step-by-step. In Slides, it can help you produce custom images and summarize presentations. Meanwhile, Drive can summarize multiple documents at once without opening them individually.

On the other hand, the mobile experience lacks a side panel, but a conveniently placed button at the top of your emails lets you quickly generate summaries. In the future, Gmail will offer contextual smart replies—one-tap responses tailored to your conversations. Plus, Gmail Q&A will soon allow you to find information within your emails using natural language queries.

Keep in mind that these advanced AI features are available to Google Workspace customers with specific subscription plans. If you have Google One AI Premium, the Gemini Business/Enterprise, or Gemini Education/Education Premium add-ons, you'll be able to use this functionality.

Welcome to Ask Jerry, where we talk about any and all the questions you might have about the smart things in your life. I'm Jerry, and I have spent the better part of my life working with tech. I have a background in engineering and R&D and have been covering Android and Google for the past 15 years. 

I'm also really good at researching data about everything — that's a big part of our job here at Android Central — and I love to help people (another big part of our job!). If you have questions about your tech, I'd love to talk about them. 

Email me at askjerryac@gmail.com, and I'll try to get things sorted out. You can remain anonymous if you like, and we promise we're not sharing anything we don't cover here.

I look forward to hearing from you!

How can I fight spam in my inbox?

Lynn writes:

I'm being inundated with spam email. I signed up for FairEmail in the hope it would unsubscribe me but that resulted in receiving even more spam. It's mostly dating crap with no unsubscribe at the bottom. What should I do?

Thanks

Hi Lynn, and everyone else who has written to me with the same problem. Spam in your inbox sucks, I know it does because it happens to me, too!

I'm pretty sure it happens to everyone, and that makes it both a significant problem and a clue that it must be working for the spammers who love to send it out. Nobody would bother if people weren't clicking on it.

Clicking it is something you should never do, even though everyone does it from time to time, because the subject line tricks us into thinking it's not spam. These guys and gals are good sometimes.

Two reasons why you shouldn't click it? It's almost always someone trying to steal money. If that's not enough of a reason, clicking them will tell your mail provider to show you more like it instead of shipping it off to the spam folder.

This is something all online email providers do — filter your incoming mail to try and weed out the spam. Your IT department probably does the same if you use email for work. Some third-party services will filter your mail, too, if you feel like you need even more help. If you want to use one, check the reviews and make sure it's trustworthy before you give it access to your inbox.

The best two tools to fight spam in Gmail are right in the app, though: marking a message as spam and building a filter.

Anytime you see spam that didn't automatically get sent to the spam folder, you should mark it as spam in Gmail (or your specific email provider). This will send the message out of your inbox and tell Google that you think it is spam. When enough users say messages from a particular sender are spam, the servers will learn to filter them out automatically.

You rarely need to look in your spam folder. Messages stored there don't count against your mail storage space, and they are automatically purged after a certain amount of time. The only time you should have to interact with the mess in the spam folder is when a message you're looking for doesn't show up; it could have accidentally been filtered out.

A note about unsubscribing — only use this feature when it's not spam! An example would be signing up for a newsletter from an online store, then seeing the company send you email after email and making you wish you hadn't done it.

For "regular" spam, you're probably not subscribed to anything. Your mail program just gets confused when it sees a list of recipients because it looks like a subscription email. Since opening a spam message tells your email program you read it, I don't bother most of the time.

Speaking of filters, they are a heckuva powerful tool for fighting spam and sorting your email any way you like. They aren't difficult to create, but it can be confusing the first time you dig into it all. The best resource I've found to explain the process comes straight from Google.

What you can do is build a filter that deletes any mail from a sender or an entire domain. It will skip the inbox, it won't be marked as read, and it won't get downloaded to your phone. Be sure to build the filter so it deletes the message, not archives it.

We'll never be able to stop spam. We can use the tools at our disposal to kill as much of it as we can, though.

What you need to know

• Google is working on a "Manage Subscriptions" page for the Gmail app, which will help users reduce excessive emails.
• The page will let users find which companies are sending far too many emails "per quarter" alongside a convenient unsubscribe button.
• Google started rolling out an unsubscribe button beside a sender's name in Gmail back in January.

It looks like Google is developing a new manager for Gmail users to help cut down on subscriptions that are clogging their inboxes.

As spotted by PunikaWeb, Google plans to implement a new "Manage Subscriptions" section for the Gmail app (via 9to5Google). Discovered in the latest version of Gmail (v2024.04.07.62), the new management option is now appearing in the sidebar, accessible via the hamburger menu icon.

Diving into the code reveals how this will work. Tapping the option will take users to a dedicated "Subscriptions" page.

Several newly added strings of code state that users will find a "button to unsubscribe from the mailing list." Other strings are speculated to be filters as they show a specific number of "subscribed" emails a user has received "per quarter." The number of emails varies from 10 to a maximum of 20.

If a company falls within one of these parameters, the publication states users should see that company's logo alongside a button to let them easily unsubscribe from those emails.

Additionally, a few users on Reddit have seen alerts in the Gmail app informing them about the new subscriptions page. The alert says the new page lets users "see all your mailing lists and unsubscribe from unwanted messages."

The problem is that the feature isn't actually there. Users are unable to find it in the sidebar, and tapping on "try now" puts the app in a loading loop.

Interestingly, this "management" page seems like an expansion of Google's previous update for subscriptions in Gmail. In January, the company rolled out an option for Gmail that placed a convenient "unsubscribe" button beside the sender's name when reading an email. Tapping it will then send users into the unsubscription process for that company, per usual.

This was a way to make dropping unwanted subscriptions easier and more comfortable, as the option was previously hidden inside a three-dot menu.

Aside from mailing lists, the Gmail app was recently spotted testing a new "summarize this email" feature. This is a part of Gemini's capabilities and would let users consume the important points of a lengthy email without reading it.

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What you need to know

• Gmail for Android is potentially getting a smart upgrade utilizing AI to provide summaries of long emails.
• The feature is powered by Gemini and is already available in the web version of Gmail, primarily aimed at users of the Gemini for Workspace suite.
• A dedicated option for Gemini has also been spotted within the three-dot menu in email threads, although it currently doesn't display any content.

Gmail on Android might soon pick up a smart upgrade to give you the lowdown on long emails using AI, saving you time digging for the important bits.

PiunikaWeb, in collaboration with AssembleDebug, uncovered a Summarize this email button in the Gmail app for Android. Clues pointing to this feature were hidden in version 2024.03.31.621006929 of the app.

Take a look at the screenshot below, where you can see the button, although it's not yet active.

This summarize button makes sense for long emails. It's powered by Gemini and is already present in the web version of Gmail, which is accessible to users of the Gemini for Workspace suite. So, it's not a huge surprise that it's making its way to the Android app.

But according to Google's support page, this feature is only applicable to email threads with more than two replies. Additionally, it's clear that the Workspace feature is primarily intended for enterprise use.

On the other hand, this new button on the mobile app seems like it might be for everyone. As shown in the screenshot above, the button pops up just under the subject line. However, since this feature is still in its infancy, tapping this button doesn't currently trigger any action.

Nevertheless, it's likely that the experience will mirror the same feature found in the web version of Gmail, where users with access to Gemini for Workspace can click on the Ask Gemini button within an email thread. This opens up a sidebar offering suggestions for the next action.

Besides the Summarize this email button, AssembleDebug has found a separate option specifically for Gemini within the three-dot menu inside email threads. However, tapping this button currently leads to an empty panel with no content.

Gemini has already showcased its versatility and is continuously growing, especially within other Google services, notably Workspace apps. We've recently caught wind of Gemini's influence in Gmail for Android with its reply suggestions feature. It's just a waiting game before intelligent summaries also become a part of the service.

What you need to know

• Google previously announced it is bringing Gemini to Gmail for Google One AI Premium subscribers.
• Now, it appears that Google is trying out AI-generated replies from Gemini in the Gmail app for Android.
• Users can tap a reply to edit and send it or let Google know if the responses are bad. Currently, the feature is hidden behind a few developer flags.

After experimenting with Gemini integration in Google Workspace, Google appears to be testing AI-generated replies in the Gmail app for Android. Earlier this year, Google announced it was making AI-based features available to Google One AI Premium subscribers in beta. A new implementation of Gemini in the Gmail app has now surfaced, offering three reply suggestions from Gemini for each of your emails.

Android code expert AssembleDebug was able to enable the feature in the Gmail app, and shared the findings with PiunikaWeb. Google refers to the tool as "reply suggestions from Gemini," the feature works after flipping some developer flags in Gmail. Once enabled, Gemini can analyze the contents of the email a Gmail user received and come up with three reply suggestions that make sense in context. In some cases, these AI-generated responses from Gemini can be as long as a full sentence or two. 

You can act on the suggestions by tapping one of the AI-generated options, which will move its contents to the compose field. After that, you can press the send button to finish your reply. However, you might want to edit the message or add more, possibly after the Gemini-suggested response is moved to the compose field. 

Gemini has already appeared in Gmail but in a different way. Google One AI Premium subscribers can get help creating an email with Gemini, although this functionality is in beta. Help me write in Workspace Labs is another way for users to leverage AI to write messages in Gmail. Compared to these two options, the "reply suggestions from Gemini" serve a different purpose entirely. These suggestions are intended to be quick, pre-written replies that can be sent in as little as two taps in the Gmail app for Android.

Like many implementations of Gemini, Google wants your feedback when using its AI tools. In some cases, Google will show a "bad suggestions?" action item underneath the suggested replies from Gemini. Tapping on that text will give you the chance to let Google know when the AI-generated replies in Gmail have missed the mark.

Though the suggested replies from Gemini are available now after manually enabling developer flags, we don't know when they might be publicly released. 

What you need to know

• Google Wallet is adding support to directly incorporate movie tickets and boarding passes from email.
• It currently supports the confirmation emails received in the Gmail app.
• Other nifty features are included in the update, such as the ability to archive older passes.

Google Wallet received a new update last week that makes it much easier to store movie tickets and boarding passes on the app.

Users who usually get the confirmation email for their movie tickets and boarding passes will now automatically be added to the Google Wallet, notes Android Developers in the accompanying release notes. 

The integration is believed to be live for a few global movie chains next to some airlines, and the search giant plans to expand this further. Needless to say, this functionality is currently functional for Gmail users on their Android phones.

With the new release, the flight passes will now utilize the DATETIME format by default to showcase the date and time on the front of the pass when added to Google Wallet.

The latest update further has some notable improvements for the Google Wallet app. It includes an easier way to manage passes that appear in the wallet app. Users can manually archive passes, which will be moved to a new “Archived Passes” section, previously dubbed “Expired Passes.” It applies to WearOS-powered smartwatches as well. Additionally, users can still unarchive their used or expired passes to view them on their home screens.

The new update also fixes a minor bug that prevented the title label from appearing on the back of the respective card while it was always showcased on the front, widely known as in card view. 

Furthermore, the latest release of Google Wallet in the U.S. includes a new beta feature. Users who generally store Loyalty cards in the app can now view their benefits while shopping through Google Search and Google Shopping. Users interested in utilizing the feature can join the pilot program by contacting respective support.

Lastly, Google Wallet will soon gain AppLinkData definitions for card viewing, letting users access the app or website linked to the service more easily. It further prompts you to install the app if it hasn’t already been installed on your Android device.

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This is Android Central's News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments contributing to the digital landscape. 

This week, we got a glimpse of the OnePlus Watch 2, Galaxy AI has reached more devices, Huawei launched its latest clamshell phone, the Google Pay app is shutting down, and Gmail gets caught in a social media hoax. 

Sneak a peek at the new OnePlus Watch 2 

Earlier this week, OnePlus revealed the first full look at its next smartwatch. Dubbed "your partner in time," OnePlus says the Watch 2 is more than just a wearable gadget that enhances the user's daily life. This comes after the company's three-year hiatus, which it referred to as a "reflective pause."

The watch is said to have up to 100 hours of battery life in Smart mode. It comes in two colorways: Black Steel and Radiant Steel. 

While the company didn't confirm any details about the operating software for this year's smartwatch, several leaks suggest that the watch will likely be the company’s first WearOS-powered smartwatch.

The unveiling comes just ahead of its official launch, which is set to take place at the Mobile World Congress on February 26 in Barcelona, Spain.

AI magic coming to older Galaxy phones

On Wednesday (Feb. 21), Samsung announced that it is set to roll out the Galaxy AI features that debuted on the latest flagship series across more of its devices, such as the Galaxy S23 series. 

The features will also be available to the other 2023 flagship Galaxy phones and tablets, and the rollout will occur through the new One UI 6.1 update available starting in late March.

According to the press release, more Galaxy users will be able to users will now be able to access Galaxy AI features, such as Circle to Search, which allows users to search for anything within various apps, Chat Assist for live translation of text messages, Live Translate for calls, and more.

Additionally, Samsung users will be able to get creative with their photos and videos through Generative Edit, an AI photo editing tool, and Instant Slow-Mo, which can generate additional frames for slow-motion videos to capture moments within videos.

"This is only the beginning of Galaxy AI, as we plan to bring the experience to over 10 million Galaxy users within 2024 and continue to innovate ways to harness the unlimited possibilities of mobile AI," said TM Roh, president and head of the Mobile Experience business at Samsung. 

Oops, Gmail got caught in a hoax

A manipulated image was making the rounds on X (formerly Twitter) stating that Gmail will be sunsetting starting in August this year. As weird as it sounds, this tweet went viral, so much so that Gmail was trending on X.

"After years of connecting millions worldwide, enabling seamless communication, and fostering countless connections, the journey of Gmail is coming to a close," the image reads. "As of August 1, 2024, Gmail will officially be sunsetted, marking the end of its service. This means Gmail will no longer support sending, receiving, or storing emails."

Soon enough, Gmail jumped in and put all these speculations to rest with just one simple tweet stating, "Gmail is here to stay."

However, it is important to note that Google is letting go of the Basic HTML view on Gmail this year, as per an email from 2023. A support page gives users a guide to transition to the newer version.

Huawei launched a flip phone with five cameras

Huawei dropped its Pocket 2 foldable phone this week, and it's the brand's new clamshell phone launch after almost three years. 

The device has a 7-inch screen with a total of five cameras: a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, an 8MP 3x telephoto lens, a 2MP spectral camera, and a 10.7 MP ultrawide selfie camera.

The main screen has an LTPO OLED panel measuring 6.94 inches, comes with 12GB RAM, and the storage options range from 256GB to 1TB. The Pocket 2 comes in 4 colors, and it costs approximately about $1000.

The dampener is that people in the U.S. can't get their hands on this one since Huawei is still caught in the middle of a trade war between China and the U.S. As of now, the smartphone is only available in China, and it remains unclear when it will be launched worldwide.

Say bye to G-Pay

Yup, this one's for real.

Google is all set to shut down its Google Pay app beginning June 4. The company states that the app will no longer be available to all U.S.-based users in an attempt to push users to start using the Wallet app. 

That said, users will still be able to use other G-Pay features like tapping to pay and other management tools directly through Google Wallet. 

From now until June 4, users can continue to use Google Pay to "view and transfer" their balance from the app to their bank account. After that, the balance can only be transferred through the website.

Google Pay's end will bring its P2P (peer-to-peer) payment option to a close, as well. The post states users will no longer be able to send, request, or receive money from others in the U.S. Google Pay app version.

Those are some of the biggest stories from this week. Meanwhile, here are some other stories from this week that are worth catching up on:

• The Galaxy Fit 3 isn't coming to the US, and here's why
• AT&T explains cause of a massive outage, says it was 'not a cyber attack'
• Samsung Galaxy S24 series finally gets camera update and February security patch
• YouTube Music for Web is testing an offline download feature
• Google halts AI image generation on Gemini following backlash
• Gboard is picking up a neat camera trick that lets you 'Scan Text'
• Samsung brings new Galaxy Fit 3 to give you smarter workouts
• Zuckerberg says brain signal-reading wearable is 'kind of close' to product-ready
• Google Chrome update brings 'Help Me Write' and generative AI to any website
• Meizu is closing its Android phone business to focus on AI

What you need to know

• A post has gone viral showing a message relaying that Google will sunset Gmail later in 2024.
• The image is trending on X, with some users believing the news that Google is shutting down Gmail.
• Google took to the official Gmail account to address the rumor, making it clear that it is simply not true.

We all like to lambast Google for constantly killing popular products, but no one expected that Gmail would join that list of products. That's exactly what many feared as a message began to circulate that the company was preparing to sunset Gmail later this year. However, we should all know better.

The manipulated image has been making the rounds on X, with many users sharing and reacting to it. It's gotten to the point where Gmail has begun to trend on the platform, with other accounts seemingly joining in on the hoax.

"After years of connecting millions worldwide, enabling seamless communication, and fostering countless connections, the journey of Gmail is coming to a close," the message reads.

"As of August 1, 2024, Gmail will officially be sunsetted, marking the end of its service. This means Gmail will no longer support sending, receiving, or storing emails."

The message continues by informing readers that the decision was made with "careful consideration of the evolving digital landscape" and that the company would move its focus to developing other products.

Suffice it to say this is not the case, and you don't have to worry about losing your Gmail account. Google had only as much to say about the hoax, which it addressed with a short and simple line on the official Gmail account on X:

Sorry, Yahoo.

That said, there is a little bit of truth to the hoax, as Google is killing Basic HTML view on Gmail this year, per an email from 2023. A support page informs users as much and even includes a transition guide for some.

Elsewhere, Google did announce on Thursday that it will shut down the Google Pay app in the United States in favor of Google Wallet. The company has also come under fire for Gemini's AI image generation feature, prompting the company to pause the feature temporarily.

What you need to know

• Google is starting to roll out its new Account sign-in page for users on the web and mobile devices.
• The redesign sees Google injecting Material You's design language into the sign-in page as it boasts rounded corners and pill-shaped buttons.
• Google states the rollout begins on February 21 and should wrap up by March 4.
• Redesigning apps with the Material You design language has been a recurring trend for Google, as it did so with the Password Manager app and Weather.

Google is starting its rollout process for its redesigned Account Sign-in page this week. According to a Workspace post, this redesign sees Google injecting its Material You design language into users' Account Sign-in interface for Gmail and more (via 9to5Google). The company adds users on mobile, and the web will notice the change beginning to take effect today.

The redesign sees the old, vertically positioned sign-in field flipped onto its side. Google's multicolored "G" logo is off on the left with "Sign In" and "Use your Google account" nestled right beneath it.

The right side is where users can find the text box for entering their email or phone number. Accompanying that are buttons if you've forgotten your credentials, guest mode, create an account, and the "next" button.

Material You is definitely in full effect as the entire sign-in interface is contained within a rounded corner box. Even the "next" button is pill-shaped, which Google has continued through its entire ecosystem of applications on the web and mobile.

As 9to5 notes, it's likely users signing in on the web will see this horizontal sign-in interface while those on mobile will see it positioned vertically.

Google states this redesign is on its way for Workspace customers and those with personal accounts. The rollout begins today (Feb. 21), and the process is expected to take at least 15 days to complete. All users should notice this new Account sign-in by March 4 at the latest.

Unfortunately, following Google's teasers, it hasn't given Passkeys more of a presence on its Account sign-in page. The company shifted to making Passkeys the default method for accounts as they're said to be faster and safer for user security.

Elsewhere, Google has been rolling out redesigns for more apps and services under its umbrella, such as its Weather UI. The changes arrived last September, bringing Weather in line with the main Google app's Material You design language with a three-tab view. Similarly, the company made the same strides for its Password Manager app in November.

What you need to know

• New email sender guidelines are set to reduce the risk of phishing.
• The changes are set to impact bulk emails being sent to personal Gmail accounts.
• Senders of 5,000 emails or more will be required to authenticate their outgoing messages.

A crackdown on senders of mass emails to Gmail users will see an increase in message rejections unless they follow new rules, according to updated email sender guidelines.

According to Forbes, Google will start rejecting a percentage of emails that don't meet the bulk sender guidelines that are in place to protect Gmail users from spam and phishing.

This month, senders of bulk emails who don’t meet these requirements started receiving temporary error codes on a “small percentage” of emails.

These errors are designed to help bulk email senders identify any of their traffic that doesn’t meet the new guidelines. This gives them the opportunity to resolve any issues with those emails to help make them compliant.

From April, Google has stated that it will start rejecting “a percentage” of non-compliant email traffic. “If 75% of a sender’s traffic meets our requirements, we’ll start rejecting a percentage of the remaining 25% of traffic that isn’t compliant,” the report stated.

Google has confirmed that the rejection rate will increase “gradually”.

Bulk senders are also expected to make it much easier to unsubscribe to marketing and promotional messages. By June 1, 2024, one-click unsubscribe support will be required, with a “clearly visible” unsubscribe link in the body of the message. 

Significantly, these new rules will only impact bulk emails being sent to personal Gmail accounts (but not to messages sent to Google Workspace accounts). A bulk sender is, “any email sender that sends 5,000 messages or more to personal Gmail accounts within a 24 hour period”. 

This limit counts all messages sent from the same primary domain, and anyone who meets this criterion at least once will be permanently considered a bulk sender.

Google first announced these new protections in a blog post in October 2023. The focus on email validation has already seen unauthenticated messages received by Gmail users decline by 75%. The new requirements are intended to further strengthen this. 

According to Google, requiring bulk senders to authenticate their emails will “close loopholes exploited by attackers.” In other words, it makes it much more likely that you can trust an email has come from a legitimate source and reduces the risk of falling victim to a phishing scam. 

It's hard to keep track of all the nifty features spread across Google's many official apps. As a recovering Inbox fanatic, I often overlook Gmail's many buttons and features because the interface is so convoluted and busy. But while planning for my upcoming Mobile World Congress 2024 trip, I found a button that will change my life going forward: Google Tasks.

In an effort to figure out a way to be better organized this year, I paused for a moment to look at the Gmail interface and noticed an "add to Tasks" button I'd never noticed before. How long has this button been here, and better yet, what does it do? Turns out it's one of the best to-do apps and, better yet, it's totally free.

As someone who loves being organized — but regularly fails spectacularly at the task — a single button to add an email to my task list is a godsend. Before this, my to-do list was often scattered between several different apps or physical notebooks, leaving me trying to remember where to find my next objective. It wasn't very efficient, to say the least.

While reading an email, you only have to click this little "Add to tasks" button on the action bar inside of Gmail on the desktop UI.

Note: the mobile Gmail app hides it a bit, so you'll have to click the overflow menu on the top right — yeah, the very top-right overflow menu, not the identical-looking one on the email itself — to add to tasks. Did I mention Gmail's UI is convoluted and confusing? Google, please bring back Inbox, thanks.

But I digress; back to the Tasks at hand. Tapping the "Add to tasks" button will open a sidebar showing your new and existing tasks. Each task on the list has a quick button to check it off and a direct link to the email under the subject line.

Clicking on the subject will open more options including adding your own detailed notes, as well as setting a date for the task to be completed.

Being able to easily set reminders and task completion times for emails is particularly helpful for my job, as I often receive info ahead of time that needs to be written up or reviewed at a very specific time in the future.

Beyond this, you can click the overflow button next to each subject to pull up more options, like moving it to the top, indenting it in the list, adding a subtask, or even adding it to a separate task list.

The UI is far better on desktop than on mobile, as everything can be easily accessed in the Gmail desktop UI. The mobile flow requires a separate Gmail and Google Tasks app to get things done, which is a little less efficient.

Still, having a dedicated Tasks app could be handy enough on mobile since it makes it simple to separate task lists. Having different lists for e-mail to-dos and something else could certainly be beneficial.

As I've started to become more dependent on Google Tasks in my daily life, I've realized just how many services Google has begun to integrate into Tasks. Google Assistant tasks migrated over to Google Tasks last year, and you can make tasks directly from Google Calendar.

In fact, the desktop Tasks UI is baked into the Google Calendar web app, showing just how deep the integration with Calendar goes. We even have a bunch of Google Tasks tips and tricks to help you integrate it into your life more, which have come in handy as I began this journey.

In short, Google Tasks is probably the best productivity app I've ever used because of its simplicity and deep tie-ins to services I already use every day. Hopefully, it'll be just as helpful to you, as well!

What you need to know

• Google is starting to roll out its new chat-style-like reply box for Gmail users on Android in version 2024.01.14.599541078.
• The new reply field permanently replaces the old static reply, reply all, and forward options by tucking them into a small expandable menu.
• Gmail has recently picked up new emoji reactions with a leak showing voice functionality is on the way for the "Help me write" AI prompt.

Google's new way of letting users reply to emails seems to be arriving for more Android devices.

As spotted by AssembleDeBug on X, Gmail has started receiving its new chat-style-like reply box (via Android Police). The update is seemingly arriving with update version 2024.01.14.599541078 via the Play Store. The new UI does away with Gmail's current row of options to reply, reply all, and forward.

Taking center stage now is a reply box that echoes your typical messaging space in Google Messages. However, there is an option to tap the "reply" icon, which opens a small menu. It's there that users will find the previous static options to reply to all parties or forward the message.

Users can expand the box if they need some extra breathing room, as well. Moreover, the far left hosts the attachment button with the send button and emoji submenu featured to the right. This new reply box should persistently remain at the bottom of your display, allowing users to reply quickly whenever they see fit.

The update should start becoming available as the week progresses. Users on X have reported to have received the update, alongside others in India.

Gmail's new reply box was spotted in November 2023, but it is in a testing capacity. Evidently, Google was trying to produce more of an instant messaging feel in Gmail with the change. Additionally, it appears that this new chat-style reply box has become the new default for the application.

Google has been bringing in smaller refinements to Gmail for a while, with the app gaining emoji reactions on Android in October. Tapping the smiley face opens a quick row of possible choices with the "+" icon opening the full breadth of available emojis. Users can also "undo" a sent emoji if they realize the error within the first 30 seconds of sending it.

Elsewhere, it seems Gmail's AI helper is in line to receive some upgrades as a leak shows Google may bring voice functionality. Using the "Help me write" option on Android may let users verbalize their email prompt to the AI helper, producing the results directly above in the messaging space.

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What you need to know

• Google could upgrade Gmail's "Help me write" feature on the Android app, allowing users to draft emails using voice prompts.
• The new functionality reveals a "Draft email with voice" button, allowing users to verbally instruct Gmail's AI helper in generating their email content.
• The feature was supposedly added in October 2023, but the exact timeline for its rollout to all Workspace Labs users remains uncertain.

Gmail's AI-powered "Help Me Write" tool lets you draft emails with text prompts, but Google is apparently adding some voice input trick to speed up your email drafting task.

As spotted by AssembleDebug on TheSpAndroid, Google may be working on a "Draft email with voice" button (via Android Police). As the name indicates, you can chat away your voice prompts, and Gmail's AI will craft and refine your message before you hit the send button.

The new voice-typing interface appears when you compose an email and tap the button. Then, just hit the mic button and talk, and your voice prompt will show up. Tap "Create" to let Gmail's AI generate your email draft.

While you can already talk your way into drafting with the mic button on your favorite keyboard apps like Gboard or SwiftKey, the new feature introduces a twist. Instead of tediously dictating, toss a quick voice prompt at the AI, and your email is served.

The feature stands out from your run-of-the-mill voice buttons in various keyboard apps because it resides within the Gmail app. This means you don't have to beg your keyboard app for voice input permission.

This voice-composing capability could be a game-changer for sending quick messages on the go or squeezing in replies between meetings. Duet AI's got your back, turning your voice note into a polished, business-ready message.

That said, you won't spot that button just yet since it's not publicly available. AssembleDebug managed to activate it using some Gmail flag and noted that it was added back in October 2023.

As for when this feature lands in the Gmail app, it's a bit up in the air. It could arrive for Workspace Labs users first before becoming widely available.

Android Central has reached out to Google on this and they did not get back to us in time for publication. We will update the article once we have more information.