The Future of TV and Quick Access Wallets: Google’s Gemini and Android innovations

The tech world is abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, and Google has already dropped some exciting news. The company is poised to revolutionize the way we interact with our televisions by bringing its powerful Gemini AI models to Google TV. This move promises a more intuitive and helpful TV experience, seamlessly integrating with the existing Gemini ecosystem on phones, tablets, headphones, and soon, Wear OS smartwatches.
Imagine effortlessly navigating through your vast media library, no more tedious scrolling or complicated searches. With Gemini on Google TV, finding the perfect movie or show becomes as simple as asking a question. But the enhancements go far beyond mere search functionality. Google envisions a future where your TV becomes a hub for knowledge and exploration.
Imagine asking questions about history, science, or current events and receiving comprehensive answers, complete with relevant video clips for added context. This echoes the ongoing testing of the Gemini-powered Google Assistant on Nest Mini and Audio devices, where the large language model (LLM) delivers detailed, AI-driven responses to general knowledge queries. This includes more natural-sounding voices, the ability to ask follow-up questions, and the flexibility to interrupt responses with new inquiries.
The integration of Gemini into Google TV also unlocks a new level of personalization and interactivity. Picture creating custom artwork with your family directly on the TV screen, controlling your smart home devices while the TV is in ambient mode, or even getting a concise overview of the day’s news.
This builds upon previous innovations like AI screensavers and AI-generated summaries for movies and shows, further enhancing the overall viewing experience. While Google has only offered a sneak peek of what Gemini can do for televisions, the rollout is expected to begin later this year on select Google TV devices. This suggests a phased approach, allowing Google to refine the technology and ensure a smooth transition for users.
Beyond the living room, Google is also exploring ways to streamline access to digital wallets on Android devices. A new feature under development suggests a potential shortcut for launching Google Wallet using the double-tap power button gesture.
Currently, many Android phones utilize this gesture for quick access to the camera, a handy feature for capturing spontaneous moments. While some manufacturers allow customization of this gesture, Google Pixel phones have traditionally been limited to the camera function. However, this may soon change.
Deep within the second developer preview of Android 16, a new configuration labeled “config_walletDoubleTapPowerGestureEnabled” has been discovered. This suggests that a double tap of the power button could be configured to launch the default wallet app, which, on Pixel phones, would be Google Wallet.
This builds upon the Android 15 update, which gave users the ability to choose their default wallet app through the settings menu.1 This new gesture would presumably respect this user preference, launching whichever app is designated as the default.
While the discovery of this configuration is intriguing, the exact implementation remains unclear. It’s unknown whether Google will create a new settings menu specifically for this gesture or integrate it into the existing camera shortcut settings. Further exploration of future Android builds will be necessary to uncover the finer details.
Another question mark hangs over the intended target of this feature. While it seems likely to be aimed at phones, there’s a possibility it could be intended for other form factors, such as smartwatches. However, given that many Wear OS smartwatches already use a double-tap power button gesture for wallet access, this seems less likely. The purpose of this configuration remains somewhat ambiguous if intended for wearables.
These developments from Google point towards a future of more intelligent and user-friendly technology. Gemini’s arrival on Google TV promises to transform the way we interact with our televisions, while the potential wallet shortcut on Android devices aims to simplify everyday transactions. As technology continues to evolve, Google is at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and striving to create a more seamless and intuitive user experience.
Android
How to stop phone link from hiding private notifications

If you use Phone Link to connect your Android phone to your Windows PC, you might notice some notifications don’t show all the details. This happens because of a security feature that hides sensitive info, like message content, to keep it safe. But if you trust your setup and want to see everything, you can tweak it easily.
First, open the Phone Link app on your Windows computer. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner to go to Settings. Next, find the “Features” section and pick “Notifications.” Look for an option called “Show notification details” or something similar—it might say “Hide sensitive content” instead. Turn this off by flipping the switch or unchecking the box.
Now, your notifications should show all the info, like full text messages, right on your PC screen. Just remember: if your computer isn’t private, anyone nearby might see these details too. So, only do this if you’re okay with that risk. This simple change lets you enjoy Phone Link without missing out on what’s in your alerts!
New Gemini features coming to Android phones

Exciting news for Android users! Google is bringing some cool updates to its Gemini app. Soon, you’ll be able to use your phone’s camera with Gemini Live, a feature that lets you talk to the app and get help in real time. Imagine pointing your camera at something and asking questions about it—pretty handy, right?
This will work on any Android phone, so no one misses out. Plus, there’s a small but nice change: the Gemini app is getting a fresh new icon. It’s a simple update, but it makes the app look sharper and more modern on your home screen. These changes show Google’s effort to make Gemini more useful and fun for everyone.
Both updates are rolling out soon, with the camera feature starting first. Whether you love trying new tech or just want an easier way to get answers, these upgrades are worth checking out. Keep an eye on your phone for the new icon and camera option—it’s all about making your Android experience better!
New look for Fitbit health and Google Keep tools

Fitbit has updated its Health Metrics page on Android, making it simpler and nicer to use. This section tracks things like breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Before, it had two tabs: one for today’s stats and one for trends over time. Now, it’s all on one page, showing today’s numbers first with a clear dial.
You can tap each stat to see weekly, monthly, or yearly charts, plus a short explanation. The update is rolling out with Fitbit app version 4.39.2, though some users might need to wait a bit. Meanwhile, Google Keep is refreshing its Android widget to look more modern.
The “Quick Capture” widget, which helps you jot down notes fast, is getting taller and fuller. The plus sign for new notes now sits in a slim pill shape, and other icons—like for lists or drawings—are in neat boxes. This change matches Google’s latest design ideas but isn’t fully live yet—it shows up briefly when you add the widget. Both updates aim to make these tools easier and more fun to use every day.
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