Day: June 9, 2025

Google Docs on Android Gets Gemini Upgrade for Improved Ease of Use

This is an upgrade that Android users have eagerly anticipated.

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google Docs on Android integrates the intelligence of Gemini for summaries, Q&A, and more.
  • This update allows Gemini to assist Android users in drafting initial thoughts.
  • Recently, Google introduced a significant automation update for the Gemini app named “Scheduled Actions.”

If you use your mobile device for work or to stay updated, Google’s launching an important update to its Docs Workspace app.

According to a blog post from Workspace, Google mentions that Gemini in Docs is becoming more beneficial for users pressed for time on Android. Essentially, mobile users now have the capability to utilize Gemini for summaries and inquiries regarding documents saved in their accounts. Furthermore, Gemini’s “understanding” abilities will certainly enhance its usability and functionality in addressing specific queries within your documents.

Google reports that users can apply Gemini’s summaries to lengthy documents, like research papers, to “grasp the essence” of the content. Naturally, Gemini is designed to accurately pinpoint what your inquiry entails smoothly. The post further states that Gemini can also “draft the first version of a launch plan” based on straightforward instructions (prompts).

Meta Quest 3S Reaches All-Time Low Price in Best Buy’s Father’s Day Promotion

The season for summer deals is here!

(Photo credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

If you’ve been on the lookout for the perfect moment to dive into VR gaming, pay attention: Best Buy has just released one of the best deals on the Meta Quest 3S that I’ve encountered all year. In conjunction with the retailer’s comprehensive Father’s Day sale, you’ll get a direct $30 discount on the 128GB headset if you make your purchase today, along with a complimentary copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow and three months of Meta Horizon Plus at no extra charge.

To put it differently, you’re looking at a total of $110 in value on a VR headset that is priced at only $299.99. If that doesn’t sound like an excellent deal, then I’m not sure what is.

Assessing the Preparedness of Wearable Technology as Healthcare Devices

Let’s discuss technology.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Welcome to Ask Jerry, a space where we delve into any inquiries you may have regarding the intelligent devices in your life. I’m Jerry, and I’ve dedicated a significant portion of my career to technology. My expertise is rooted in engineering and R&D, and I’ve been reporting on Android and Google for the last 15 years.

Ask Jerry

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Ask Jerry is a feature in which we tackle your pressing Android/tech inquiries with insights from long-serving Android Central editor Jerry Hildenbrand.

Additionally, I excel at researching information about everything — this is a crucial aspect of our duties here at Android Central — and I take pleasure in assisting people (another key facet of our responsibilities!). If you have queries about your technology, I would be thrilled to discuss them.

Reach out to me at [email protected], and I’ll do my best to help you out. You can choose to remain anonymous if you prefer, and we assure you that we won’t disclose anything we don’t address here.

Initial Hype Indicates Brad Pitt’s F1 Film Might Be a Huge Success

Apple’s forthcoming “F1” film featuring Brad Pitt is creating considerable excitement as its release approaches, with initial responses indicating it might turn into a significant summer blockbuster. The movie, produced by Apple Original Films, stars Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a fictional ex-Formula 1 icon whose career was prematurely ended by an accident. Years later, he finds himself drawn back into the sport by his old teammate, Ruben Cervantes, played by Javier Bardem, who requires a miracle to rescue his faltering F1 team.

Sonny’s comeback to racing entails teaming up with rookie phenomenon Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The film explores themes of rivalry, honor, and redemption, providing more than mere high-speed excitement. Initial viewings have garnered enthusiastic feedback from critics, with “Variety” and “TheWrap” commending its entertainment quality and potential as a summer sensation.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, famed for “Top Gun: Maverick,” the movie fuses practical racing visuals with captivating cinematography, working alongside real F1 teams to boost authenticity. The film is designed to attract not just racing enthusiasts but also those looking for compelling summer entertainment.

Apple’s film division, which made headlines previously with “CODA” winning Best Picture at the Oscars, is aiming for another significant triumph. “F1” could be the breakout success Apple is seeking, delivering a mix of mainstream allure and artistic prestige.

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visionOS 26 Developer Beta 1 Launched

# Apple Introduces visionOS 26: Developer Beta Now Accessible

Apple has formally revealed the rollout of visionOS 26 during its recent WWDC25 keynote address. This latest operating system is part of Apple’s revamped collection, which also features iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and additional offerings. The developer beta for visionOS 26 is now accessible, enabling developers to delve into its new functionalities and improvements.

## Notable Features of visionOS 26

visionOS 26 brings forth a variety of thrilling features aimed at enhancing user interaction and compatibility. Key additions comprise:

– **PlayStation VR2 Sense Compatibility**: This integration allows users to enjoy immersive gaming and applications, broadening the horizons for entertainment on the Apple Vision Pro.
– **Spatial Widgets**: These innovative widgets offer a more engaging and dynamic method for accessing information and applications, capitalizing on the spatial computing features of the device.
– **Look to Scroll**: This groundbreaking feature permits users to navigate through content simply by gazing at it, improving accessibility and user-friendliness.
– **Performance Enhancements**: Behind-the-scenes improvements focus on boosting the overall stability and efficiency of the operating system.

## How to Download the visionOS Developer Beta

Developers eager to explore the new features can sign up for the developer beta program by adhering to these steps:

1. Open the **Settings** app on your device.
2. Select **General**.
3. Choose **Software Update**.
4. Tap on **Beta Updates**.
5. Select **visionOS Developer Beta**.

It’s essential to recognize that Apple has not yet issued the complete set of release notes for visionOS 26, but they will be available [here](https://developer.apple.com/go/?id=visionos-26_0-rn).

## Warning for Beta Users

As with any preliminary beta release, users must be mindful of possible instability. Applications may not operate correctly, features might show unpredictable behavior, and overall performance may fluctuate. It is recommended to proceed with caution, particularly when installing the beta on a primary device.

For ongoing updates and detailed coverage of WWDC25, visit the

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Latest Additions in the Messages Application with iOS 26

# iOS 26 Upgrades Messages with Revamped Design, Group Chat Enhancements, and More

Apple announced iOS 26 today, revealing a wealth of new functionalities for the Messages app that improve user interaction and capability. Here’s an in-depth overview of what’s coming to iPhones later this year.

## New ‘Liquid Glass’ Redesign

A highlight of iOS 26 is the innovative **‘Liquid Glass’ redesign** for the Messages app. This redesign introduces a refreshing look for the app, updating buttons and user interface elements to fit with the overall aesthetics of iOS 26. The modifications strive to offer a familiar yet contemporary experience for users.

## Enhancements for Group Chats

Apple has significantly focused on enhancing the group chat experience in iOS 26. Notable upgrades include:

– **Typing Indicators**: Users will now see real-time indicators displaying who is typing in both individual and group chat threads, making conversations more engaging.

– **Polls**: The addition of polls lets users efficiently gather feedback from group members, simplifying decision-making processes.

– **Apple Cash Integration**: Group chats will now feature Apple Cash support, allowing users to send and receive payments directly within the chat.

Moreover, users can personalize conversations with **background images**, including the ability to generate AI-created backgrounds through a simple request in the Image Playground.

## Live Translation Feature

iOS 26 also features a **live translation** capability driven by Apple Intelligence, enhancing communication with friends or family who speak various languages. This innovation intends to eliminate language obstacles and foster better connections.

## Spam Prevention Measures

To fight against spam, iOS 26 incorporates **message screening** for unfamiliar senders. Users will gain enhanced control over their conversation lists, as messages from unknown senders will be rerouted to a separate folder. Here, users can opt to mark the sender as known, seek additional information, or discard the message. Until permitted, these messages will remain muted, ensuring a tidier messaging experience.

## RCS Enhancements

Though not officially confirmed, iOS 26 is anticipated to incorporate **RCS enhancements**, including support for end-to-end encryption, further bolstering the security and privacy of messages.

## Cross-Platform Availability

The new functionalities in iOS 26’s Messages app will also extend to Apple’s other platforms, such as Mac and iPad, via companion software updates like macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26.

## Conclusion

The forthcoming features in iOS 26 are set to greatly improve the Messages app, enhancing its user-friendliness and richness in features. With advancements in group chats, customization choices, and spam prevention, Apple continues to push boundaries in the messaging domain. What are your opinions on the new Messages features in iOS 26?

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iOS 26 Launches Liquid Glass Lock Screen Functionality, Spatial Wallpapers, Live Now Playing, and Extra Improvements

Apple has revamped the iOS 26 Lock Screen to fully utilize Liquid Glass, its innovative unifying UI concept that spans all of its operating systems. Featuring dynamic fonts, 3D effects, and an animated Now Playing interface, Apple truly excelled with this iteration. Here’s what’s fresh.

### Dynamic Clock

Let’s begin with the most noticeable alteration: the Lock Screen clock. Apple has substituted the previous static arrangement with one that feels much more dynamic. The digits now subtly change in weight, width, and height based on your photo, cleverly positioning themselves around subjects using what Apple describes as a tailored version of the San Francisco typeface.

### Parallax Effect

Apple is also employing on-device computer vision to create spatial depth maps from your images. The outcome: an almost 3D-like parallax effect that responds as you shift your iPhone.

### Animated Now Playing Widget

As 9to5Mac reported exclusively last week, music enthusiasts now enjoy a full-screen Now Playing widget, which delicately animates in harmony with the playback UI. It’s a minor detail, but it enhances the Lock Screen’s liveliness and personalization.

For the latest updates and comprehensive coverage of WWDC25, visit our news hub.

What are your thoughts on the new iOS 26 lock screen? Share your feedback in the comments.

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Apple Music Unveils Much Awaited Feature in iOS 26

# Pinned Music: A Crucial New Feature in iOS 26 for Apple Music

iOS 26 is a comprehensive update for iPhone users, with one standout feature being the new addition to Apple Music: pinned music.

## Pinned Music in Apple Music

Apple Music in iOS 26 unveils a new Liquid Glass design that improves the visual appeal of the platform. Nevertheless, the most thrilling update is the capability to pin albums, playlists, and artists for easy access.

Users can quickly pin their preferred music by long-pressing on the selected item and choosing the ‘Pin Playlist,’ ‘Pin Album,’ or ‘Pin Artist’ options. Once pinned, these items will be displayed at the top of the Library tab in the Music app.

Currently, in the iOS 26 beta 1, users can pin a maximum of six items at once, although this limit may change prior to the public release later this fall. The pinned items can include a variety, such as one artist, several playlists, and a few albums.

## Reasons to Be Excited for Pinned Music

While iOS 26 is still in its initial beta phase, the launch of pinned music is a beneficial addition. Here are two main reasons to anticipate this feature:

1. **Simplified Access to Favorite Music**: Pinned music enables users to reach their favorite tracks more effortlessly than before.

2. **Prompt for Music to Discover**: In the current streaming age, certain artists, albums, or playlists can easily be overlooked. The pinning feature acts as a prompt, assisting users in remembering music they wish to listen to each time they access the Music app.

With this new capability, users can elevate their music experience by keeping their favorite tracks easily accessible and rediscovering music they may have missed.

As iOS 26 continues to evolve, the pinned music feature is set to become an essential asset for Apple Music users.

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iOS 26 Launches Icon Tinting for Light Mode and Improved Customization Features for iPhone Home Screen Icons

# iOS 26: An In-Depth Examination of the Latest Home Screen Personalization Features

The iPhone home screen has experienced a remarkable change with the launch of iOS 26, unveiling a visually stunning redesign that features a new collection of icons for all of Apple’s applications, enhanced by glass and reflection effects. This upgrade not only improves appearances but also provides users with unmatched personalization choices for their app icons.

## Improved Icon Personalization

In the past, users had limited options for icon personalization, including Default, Dark, Automatic, or Tinted styles. The Tinted mode offered a gradient highlight against a dark background, but with iOS 26, Apple has broadened these options extensively, unveiling new modes and controls that facilitate greater customization of icon designs.

### Fresh Tinted Light Mode Feature

One of the key highlights of iOS 26 is the launch of the Light Tinted style. This fresh option presents a bright and spacious aesthetic, enabling users to perceive elements of their wallpaper through the icons, enhancing the entire visual experience. To enable this mode, users can long-press on the Home Screen, select Edit, then Customize, and finally opt for Tinted with the Light option from the selector at the bottom of the screen. Users can also choose Dark or Auto modes, where Auto aligns the icon theme with the device’s system appearance.

### Transparent Mode

Alongside the new Tinted options, iOS 26 unveils an entirely new icon mode termed Clear. This mode employs Apple’s Liquid Glass UI theme to generate highly transparent icons that emphasize the visibility of the wallpaper behind them. Clear icons are mainly monochromatic, allowing the backdrop to be prominent. Users can select between Clear Light and Clear Dark modes, with the former offering a livelier appearance and the latter providing a nearly black layer for contrast. An Auto option is also present, alternating between Light and Dark depending on the system appearance.

### Dynamic Dark Mode

For users who enjoy the standard Dark mode, iOS 26 refines this experience with the choice between “Always” or “Auto” settings. The Always option guarantees that icons are permanently displayed in dark style, while Auto permits dynamic changes in line with the device’s system appearance. This new toggle supersedes the former Automatic mode, ensuring a fluid experience that integrates icon themes with the overall device aesthetic.

## Harmonization Across Devices

A significant introduction in iOS 26 is the accessibility of all new icon tinting options on the Mac for the first time. This feature allows users to personalize app icons in their Mac dock, ensuring a consistent appearance across iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. This harmonization enhances user experience by delivering a uniform visual style across all Apple gadgets.

## Conclusion

With iOS 26, Apple has greatly improved the customization options for the iPhone home screen, presenting new icon styles and modes that cater to a diverse array of user tastes. The introduction of Light Tinted and Clear modes, along with enhanced Dark mode options, empowers users to craft a personalized and aesthetically pleasing home screen experience. Moreover, the synchronization of these features across Apple devices guarantees a cohesive look and feel, reinforcing Apple’s dedication to user-focused design.

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Best Smartphones for Travelers

Let’s assist you in packing your travel tech essentials!

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

When you travel this summer, selecting the right smartphone is crucial. Most likely, it will be the device you rely on daily. If you’re on the lookout for a new phone, this guide could be beneficial. Here’s what the team wants to share about their choices and the phones they’re taking on their journeys.

Shruti Shekar: Google Pixel 9 Pro

(Image credit: Google)

I want to ensure that wherever your travels take you, you have the perfect device that meets all your requirements. For me, it’s particularly about having excellent battery performance and a fantastic camera for capturing all the photos I plan to take.

I’ve taken trips with both the iPhone 16 and the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-pixel-9-pro-review

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