Wear OS smartwatches get earthquake alerts and Gemini assistant

Wear OS smartwatches are about to get a major upgrade with two new features: earthquake alerts and Gemini support.
Earthquake Alerts Could Save Lives
Earthquake alerts are a life-saving feature that can warn users of an impending earthquake. This feature is currently available on Android smartphones, but it’s coming soon to Wear OS smartwatches. This is especially useful for users of cellular smartwatches who might leave their phones behind. Getting an earthquake alert directly on their wrist could give them valuable seconds to react.
Gemini Replaces Assistant on Wear OS
Another exciting update for Wear OS is the integration of Gemini, Google’s next-generation voice assistant. This will replace the current Assistant on smartwatches and offer a more natural and interactive experience. Users will be able to talk back and forth with Gemini, similar to how they interact with Assistant on their phones. This voice control could be a game-changer for Wear OS, making it easier to control the device without needing to use the limited on-screen interface.
Pixel Phone Battery Life: How Many Charge Cycles Can You Expect?
Ever wondered how long your Pixel phone battery will last? Google has just released a new support article that explains how many charge cycles you can expect to get out of your Pixel phone.
How Google Measures Charge Cycles
A charge cycle is one complete discharge and recharge of the battery. So, if you use your phone from 100% to 50% and then recharge it back to 100%, that counts as half a cycle.
How Many Charge Cycles Can You Expect?
Google says that Pixel phones are designed to retain at least 80% of their initial capacity for a certain number of charge cycles. Here’s the breakdown:
- Pixel 3 and later, including Fold: Up to 800 charge cycles
- Pixel 8a and later: Up to 1000 charge cycles
This is comparable to Apple’s iPhones, which are designed to retain 80% capacity for 500 cycles (models before iPhone 15) and 1000 cycles (iPhone 15 and later).
Tips to Maximize Your Pixel Battery Life
To get the most out of your Pixel battery, Google recommends following these tips:
- Charge your phone in a cool place using a compatible charger.
- Keep your phone cool and avoid extreme temperatures.
- Use Adaptive Charging, a feature that helps to optimize charging for your usage patterns.
Turn off features you don’t need to reduce battery drain.
- Store your phone with at least 50% charge if you plan to store it for a long time.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the lifespan of your Pixel phone battery.
Gmail and Google Photos get new design and useful updates

Google is giving Gmail and Google Photos some fresh updates to make things easier and more user-friendly.
First, Gmail on the web is now getting a new layout option. You can choose between “Cozy,” “Comfortable,” or “Compact” views based on how much space you want between your emails. Google is also adding a setting to control whether your inbox and labels stay on screen or only show up when needed. These changes make it easier to personalize how Gmail looks and feels.
Meanwhile, Gmail for iPhone is getting a visual upgrade. The app now uses Google’s updated design style called “Material 3.” You’ll notice a cleaner look with a rounded search bar at the top, smoother icons, and better spacing. Although the bottom bar and buttons look mostly the same, the overall design feels more modern and easier on the eyes.
Lastly, Google Photos is bringing back a helpful feature. The classic search shortcut that appears in the bottom bar is returning, making it quicker to find your photos. Before this, the shortcut had been removed when Google added the new “Memories” tab. Now, both features work together, letting you browse memories and search with ease.
These updates aim to make Google’s apps feel more useful, clean, and easier to use on both desktop and mobile.
Android
Android 16 boosts USB data safety and fixes delayed notifications on Pixel phones

Google’s upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.
With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.
At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.
Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.
Android
Google improves Translate, Assistant, TV, and Chrome with new updates

Google is bringing several updates across its apps to make them more useful and easier to use. Google Translate is working on a new feature called “Practice.” It helps users improve their language skills by offering short exercises, like matching words or filling in blanks. Right now, it looks like it will focus on Spanish, but other languages may come later. This tool could be great for people who want to go beyond just translating words and learn the language.
Google Assistant’s Driving Mode in Google Maps is starting to shut down. Many users are noticing that the card-style dashboard is disappearing, and the Assistant voice command shortcut no longer works. Google hasn’t officially said why, but it seems they’re moving away from this feature, possibly to focus on other tools or experiences in Maps.
Google TV’s Freeplay app is now back with a fresh look. It gives users free access to over 100 live TV channels. The redesign makes it easier to browse channels and see what’s playing. The new layout also highlights what’s currently on, making it faster to start watching without having to dig through menus.
Lastly, Google Chrome is testing a new built-in PDF viewer. This upgraded tool makes reading and editing PDFs easier right inside the browser. It includes better zoom controls, a cleaner layout, and a page list view that lets users jump to specific pages more quickly. These updates show Google’s push to improve how we learn, drive, watch TV, and browse the web.
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