Upcoming changes to Gboard autocorrect, Google Drive ARM support and Pixel 9 battery share functionality

Top 3 Key Points:
- Gboard Enhancements: Gboard’s autocorrect will soon allow users to correct entire sentences or individual words, making it more flexible.
- Google Drive ARM Support: Google Drive will support ARM-based Windows PCs starting in Q4 2024, enhancing compatibility with Snapdragon X laptops.
- Pixel 9 Charging Limitations: Pixel 9’s Battery Share feature won’t work while using wired charging, and it’s not available on the Pixel Fold.
Gboard to Improve Autocorrect Flexibility
Google is making improvements to its Android keyboard app, Gboard. These updates will make the autocorrect feature more adaptable by giving users the choice to correct either whole sentences or just single words. This change is part of a broader upgrade that includes a new “Proofreading” feature, which will offer more comprehensive text assistance on Android smartphones. However, users in Germany may have to wait a bit longer for these AI-powered enhancements to roll out.
Google Drive to Support ARM Chips on Windows
Google has announced that its Drive app will soon support ARM-based Windows PCs, particularly those powered by Snapdragon X chips. This update is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024, and it aims to address one of the major issues with Windows on ARM—app compatibility. With this update, Google Drive will join other apps like Chrome and VPN services such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN that have recently added ARM support. This move is part of Google’s broader initiative to improve the functionality of its apps on ARM-powered devices.
Pixel 9 Limits Battery Share Feature
The Pixel 9 series has introduced a significant change to Google’s Battery Share feature, which allows reverse wireless charging. Unlike previous models, the Pixel 9 will no longer allow Battery Share to function while the phone is charging with a wired connection. This feature is still available on the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL but won’t work simultaneously with wired charging. Additionally, Battery Share is not supported on the Pixel Fold models due to hardware constraints.
These updates reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience across its products, although some changes, like the Pixel 9’s charging limitations, may require users to adjust their habits.
Gemini app now blocks kids’ access and Google Clock adds new alarm features

Google has updated its Gemini app to make it safer for kids. Now, children with supervised accounts through Google Family Link can no longer use the Gemini app or its chatbot on Android. When they try to open it, they’ll see a message saying the app isn’t available for their account. This change also affects the Gemini experience inside the Google app.
This move is meant to protect kids from AI tools that might not be suitable for them. While supervised accounts still work with some other Google apps like Search, Gemini is now off-limits for younger users. Google hasn’t said if this block will ever be lifted or if they’re planning a kid-friendly version of Gemini in the future.
At the same time, the Google Clock app has received a small but helpful update. Version 7.13 brings a new option called “Alarm display when device is locked.” When you turn this on, your upcoming alarm will show at the bottom of the lock screen. This makes it easier to check your next alarm without unlocking your phone. You’ll find this option under the alarm settings by tapping the three-dot menu.
Both of these updates show how Google is working to make its apps more helpful and safer for everyone.
Google tests tap-to-add card feature and easier emoji kitchen browsing

First, Google Wallet might soon let you add a credit or debit card just by tapping it on the back of your phone. This new feature uses NFC (Near Field Communication) and could make adding payment cards quicker and easier, especially for people who don’t want to enter card details manually. The feature was spotted in the latest version of the Wallet app with the message: “Try holding your card to the back of your phone to add it.” While it’s not active yet, it hints at a faster way to set up contactless payments.
At the same time, Google is making Emoji Kitchen easier to explore. Emoji Kitchen lets you combine two emojis to create fun, custom versions. Previously, it was hard to browse different combinations. Now, Google is rolling out a new “Browse” section in Gboard. This lets users scroll through popular emoji combos, like smiley face + cowboy hat, without having to guess which ones work. You can also tap one to send it directly in your message.
These updates show how Google is improving both everyday tasks like payments and fun features like emojis. The tap-to-add card option and improved emoji browsing are expected to make Android devices more user-friendly in future updates. Would you like me to notify you when these features officially roll out?
Android
Google Pixel Weather app now shows pollen info in the US

Google is adding a new feature to its Pixel Weather app. Now, users in the United States can see pollen levels in their area. This update is especially helpful for people who have allergies and need to know when pollen is high.
In the Weather app, there’s a new section under the daily forecast that shows pollen conditions. It uses simple labels like “low,” “moderate,” and “high” so it’s easy to understand. This new feature pulls information from the same source that Google Search uses for pollen updates.
However, the new pollen section in the Pixel Weather app is only available in the US for now. If you’re outside the US, you won’t see the pollen data yet. Also, not every user may get it immediately, as Google is still rolling out the update.
To use the feature, you need to have the latest version of the Pixel Weather app, which comes built into Pixel devices. Google may expand this feature to more countries in the future, but there’s no official date yet.
Overall, this small update can make a big difference for users who want quick and easy access to local pollen conditions without searching separately.
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