The Pixel Tablet is getting a fresh look with new “Swirling petals” wallpapers, originally introduced for the Pixel 9 series. These wallpapers, featuring abstract floral designs in colors like pink (Cherry Blossoms), gold (Daffodil), purple (Lilac), and green (Water Lilies), complement the Pixel Tablet’s available colors. These high-resolution images (3088 x 2130) are perfect for desktop backgrounds. This isn’t the first time the Pixel Tablet has received wallpapers from other Pixel devices; it previously received the “Minerals” collection from the Pixel 8 series.

Google is also developing a new input method for Android XR (Extended Reality) devices. This system uses a gesture-based version of the familiar three-button navigation (Back, Home, Recents). Users will interact with a floating diamond-shaped container that appears when they raise their hand. Pinching this container reveals the three navigation buttons, which users can then select with a sliding motion. This system aims to provide a more efficient way to navigate in XR environments than traditional button presses. Android XR will also support other input methods, including hand and eye tracking (with an “Auto Detect” feature for switching between them), keyboards, mice, controllers, and voice input via Gemini.

Android XR apps can run in two modes: “Home Space” and “Full Space.” Home Space allows apps to run alongside each other in a 2D interface, enabling multitasking. Full Space allows an app to take center stage, optimizing and minimizing other apps. This is useful for immersive experiences like 3D model viewing or transitioning from a 2D slideshow to a 3D mode. Android XR is designed to automatically adjust the UI size based on the user’s field of view to ensure comfortable interaction.

In response to the Justice Department’s antitrust concerns, Google has proposed several changes to its Android and browser contracts. These proposals address concerns about Google’s dominance in search. Google is willing to allow Android device makers to access the Google Play Store and other Google apps without being required to also license Google Search or Chrome. Google also proposes allowing partners to license Google Play, Search, and Chrome without also licensing the Gemini Assistant. This is intended to foster competition in the AI assistant market.

Regarding browser search defaults, Google proposes limiting contracts to one year, allowing for more frequent competition. Browsers would also be able to set different default search engines for different operating system versions or browsing modes (like private browsing). While the DOJ has proposed a 10-year period for these changes, Google suggests three years, citing the rapid pace of innovation in search. Google opposes proposals that would require it to share search and ad data with competitors or to divest Chrome or Android. These proposals are subject to change, with a hearing between Google and the DOJ scheduled for April 2025 and a ruling expected before September 2025. Google plans to appeal the underlying decision.

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Google is rolling out several updates affecting smart homes, Google Photos, and Files by Google.

Control Over Thread Credential Backup:

Smart home users will soon have more control over their Thread network credentials. A new option in Google Play Services beta (version 24.50.32) allows users to disable cloud backup of these credentials. Thread is a smart home networking protocol, and its credentials act as a password to secure the network. While cloud backup simplifies device setup and enhances security, the new toggle will allow users to opt out. Disabling backup may make adding new devices to the Thread network more difficult.

Google Photos “Quick Edit” for Easier Sharing:

Google Photos is introducing a “Quick Edit” screen for easier photo enhancement before sharing. When sharing a single photo, a new screen will appear with buttons for “Enhance” (applying automatic enhancements) and “Crop.” After making edits, users can share the photo through the standard Android share sheet. This feature is currently being tested and may not be immediately available to all users.

Files by Google Integrates with Gemini and Adds Features:

Files by Google is gaining new features, including integration with Gemini’s “Ask about this PDF” functionality. This feature, previously previewed, allows users with a Gemini Advanced subscription (and Android 15+) to ask Gemini questions about the content of a PDF within the Files app, using Gemini’s large context window. This feature is rolling out soon.

Additionally, Gemini Advanced users can now upload entire code repositories (up to 1 folder, 1000 files, 100MB) for more comprehensive code assistance. Files by Google is also adding the ability to receive files directly via Quick Share and move files to the Safe Folder directly from the “Recents” section.

Google has introduced “Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking,” an experimental AI model designed to “think out loud” while solving complex problems. Built on the speed of Gemini 2.0 Flash, this model displays its reasoning process in real-time before providing an answer, improving performance in areas like physics and probability. It’s currently available in Google AI Studio and Vertex AI. This new model has quickly risen to the top of the Chatbot Arena LLM Leaderboard.

The Gemini app on Android is also receiving an update, widely rolling out access to the 2.0 Flash Experimental model for both free and paid users. This model is faster and more powerful than previous versions, offering a more helpful assistant experience. Users can select 1.5 Pro, 1.5 Flash, and 2.0 Flash Experimental within the app. While file uploads are not yet supported, 2.0 Flash is expected to become generally available for developers in January, with more model sizes coming. This update follows a similar update for the Gemini app on iPhone.

Android Auto is also getting a visual refresh with the 13.4 update. Google adds Material You accent colors to match the user’s phone wallpaper. This means system elements like buttons, toggles, and menus will now feature colors that adapt to the phone’s theme. While this feature is still refined and may exhibit some inconsistencies, it brings a more personalized and cohesive look to the Android Auto interface. This change is visible in areas like the Settings menu and notification center, but only if the setting for matching the phone’s wallpaper is enabled.