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?
Google brings new AI tools for learning languages and adds more features to Wallet and NotebookLM

Google is rolling out several new AI-powered features to help users learn languages, manage documents, and store IDs more easily.
First, Google is introducing new language learning tools through its Search app. These tools use AI to give users personalized lessons to practice speaking and listening in Spanish. English speakers in the U.S. can try these lessons, which include feedback and daily reminders. Google plans to expand support for more languages and regions soon.
Next, NotebookLM — Google’s AI note-taking tool — is getting smarter. It now offers “audio overviews,” where users can listen to summaries of their notes. This feature works in English, but Google says more languages like Spanish, Hindi, and Japanese will be added later this year. NotebookLM can also now answer questions based on user documents in more languages.
Lastly, Google Wallet is becoming more useful in the UK. People can now add digital versions of their UK passports for identity verification. This feature, in partnership with the UK government, helps users quickly confirm their identity online for government services.
With these updates, Google continues to blend AI into everyday tools, making learning, organizing, and identification easier and more accessible for users worldwide.
Android
Google apps and Android Auto get fresh looks and smart updates

Google is bringing a cleaner and more modern design to many of its apps with the latest Material You changes. Apps like Google Calendar, Contacts, and others now have rounded corners, better spacing, and improved colors. These small updates make the apps look more polished and easier to use, especially on tablets and foldable phones. Google is quietly adding these updates through server-side changes, so users don’t need to download anything extra.
At the same time, Android Auto is also getting a helpful new feature. Google is testing built-in climate controls that let you adjust your car’s temperature and fan settings directly from the Android Auto screen. A demo shown by Google includes a new “Climate” button on the screen, which opens controls like temperature, fan speed, and even seat heaters.
This update is meant to reduce distractions while driving, as drivers won’t need to switch between different screens or reach for physical buttons. Google says the feature will work on cars that already support digital climate control systems.
Together, these changes show how Google is making its software not just prettier, but smarter and more user-friendly. Whether you’re checking your calendar or driving to work, these improvements are designed to make daily tasks easier and safer.
Gemini app gets new look and better controls for switching ai models

Google is giving its Gemini app a fresh new design on Android to make things easier for users. The biggest change is how you switch between different Gemini AI models like Gemini 1.5 Pro and Gemini 1.0 Pro.
In the old version of the app, you had to dig into the settings menu to switch models, which wasn’t very convenient. But now, Google has made it simpler by adding a new button right below the chat box. This lets you quickly choose the AI model you want to use. You’ll also see a short note explaining what each model is good at, helping you decide which one to use.
The new layout also moves the microphone and image upload buttons. They now sit to the left of the text input bar, which makes the bottom of the screen look cleaner and more organized.
These updates seem to be rolling out slowly, so not everyone will see them right away. However, it looks like Google is testing these changes before launching them more widely.
With this update, Google is trying to make the Gemini app more user-friendly and give people more control over how they interact with its AI tools. It’s a small but helpful step in improving the overall experience.
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