Gemini Archives

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft PowerToys will soon take full advantage of the same AI that powers Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft PowerToys has introduced on-device support for Phi Silica, a small language model, in its latest preview version, enhancing the Advanced Paste feature for clipboard management. Advanced Paste can format clipboard content in various formats, extract text from images using OCR, and transcode audio and video files. It now supports multiple AI models, including local options like Foundry Local and Ollama. The latest version, PowerToys v0.101.2211.0, includes improvements such as enhanced AI customization for Advanced Paste, better dialog handling in the Command Palette, and improved window management features. Mouse Jump has transitioned to the newer WinUI app architecture, and new settings have been added for update channel selection and bug reporting.

BetaBeacon

August 7, 2026

Google’s AI Search seemingly leaked unreleased game content and no one knows how

Google's AI Search accurately revealed an unreleased character for a tower defense game called Operation Octo, surprising the developer who claims the character's name was only present in a private Google Docs file.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Google is replacing one of its most popular apps

Google is phasing out the Google Assistant app and transitioning users to its new AI-powered assistant, Gemini. Notifications have been sent to users about the discontinuation, which will begin on September 4 and take several weeks to complete. Devices that meet system requirements and are in supported regions will automatically switch to Gemini, allowing users to use familiar commands. The transition will also impact other connected devices like smartwatches and wireless earphones. Gemini aims to replicate the capabilities of Assistant while offering a more natural conversational experience.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Google Assistant to Be Discontinued on Android and Wear OS on September 6

The Google Assistant will be discontinued on Android and Wear OS devices effective September 4, with users receiving notifications about this change. The Gemini chatbot is set to replace the legacy Assistant, which was initially planned for last year but faced delays. Dedicated versions of Gemini are available for connected speakers and Google TV. Google has assured users of a seamless transition to Gemini, which will become the sole assistant on Android devices after the legacy Assistant is phased out. The retirement process may take several weeks, during which users will gradually lose access to the old Assistant. The legacy Assistant will also be discontinued on Wear OS smartwatches, headphones, and Android Auto after the September deadline, but will remain available in vehicles with Google built-in until September 4, 2026.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Google Assistant shutting down on Android and Wear OS in September

Google will discontinue Google Assistant on Android devices effective September 4, 2026, replacing it with Gemini, a new AI-powered assistant. The phased removal of Google Assistant will take several weeks to implement across all devices, including mobile phones, tablets, Wear OS watches, headphones, and vehicles using Android Auto. However, Google Assistant will continue to function in vehicles equipped with Google built-in beyond the September 2026 deadline. Gemini will also be available on Google TV devices, Google Home speakers, and smart displays, though the rollout timeline for the Pixel Tablet is uncertain. The decision to phase out Google Assistant was initially planned for the end of 2025 but has been extended to 2026. Users currently have the option to switch to Google Assistant within the Gemini app, but this will soon become obsolete.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Google Merges AI Mode, Search Live, and Song Search Into Android Voice Button

The four-color microphone button on Android homescreens has been updated to provide four distinct functionalities: Search, Translate, Live, and Create. This redesign includes a mode switcher similar to Google Lens, allowing users to select their preferred mode instead of relying on the app to infer intent. Each mode is powered by different AI architectures: AI Mode uses Gemini 3.5 Flash for complex queries, Search Live employs Gemini 3.1 Flash Live for real-time conversations, and Song Search identifies melodies using machine learning. The toolbar now remembers the last selected mode, enhancing user convenience. The new features are currently available in beta versions of the Google app (17.1 and 17.2) on Android, with no specified timeline for broader rollout.

BetaBeacon

August 3, 2026

Gemini Notebook may soon let you build custom learning games out of your study material

Google's Gemini Notebook, previously known as NotebookLM, is being enhanced with new features to improve the learning experience. Users may soon be able to create interactive web pages, custom apps, or games within the notebook. Google is also testing the option to remove watermarks from media generated within the notebooks.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Gemini’s new blurred UI is finally reaching Android phones

Google is updating its Gemini AI with a new interface that enhances user interaction on select Pixel and Galaxy smartphones, including the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The update features a blurred backdrop that separates the Gemini interface from the underlying screen, creating a more immersive experience. This redesign builds on previous updates, which included sleeker icons and Dynamic Color support, and allows for direct interactions within the overlay without needing to switch screens. The rollout is server-side controlled, meaning not all users will receive the update simultaneously, and there is currently no toggle to activate the new design.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Software takes center stage in this Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 leak

Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 5 on August 12 in New York City. Leaked images reveal the user interface of these devices. The Pixel 11 Pro features various menus, including the home screen layout, Emergency SOS setup, TalkBack accessibility options, and Visual Voicemail functionalities. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a centered app drawer and a camera interface with video controls on the left and shutter, lens switching, and gallery buttons on the right. The Pixel Watch 5 showcases a circular app grid, large touch targets, and a keyboard layout optimized for its round display.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Gemini’s notebook tools are catching up with the app that inspired them

Google is enhancing its Gemini app by allowing users to add website links as sources in their notebooks, which will enable the collection of text from web pages, limited to visible content only. Additionally, a dedicated Students section is being developed within the app to help create tailored study notebooks based on individual learning needs. This section will allow users to organize ideas or set up focused study plans and will adapt to a student’s progress. These features are currently under development and not yet publicly available.