In an unexpected twist, Google has just started rolling out yet another Android Auto update in version 13.9, but don’t expect any major changes.

Welcome to episode 43 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, we talk about the Chromecast going out of stock and the future of Gemini smart displays/speakers.

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The smartphone market would have you believe that tri-fold devices, whether released or in concept, are supposed to be massive. Some new entrants would have you believe the exact opposite. Infinix’s new Zero Series Mini Tri-fold concept unfolds to be the size of a regular phone.

It seems the trend of 2025 is going to be around slimmer smartphones, and Tecno wants to set the record with its new “Spark Slim” which, if it ships, could hold the title of “world’s thinnest phone,” at least for a little while.

Google Chat is getting a pair of updates with real-time Markdown formatting and more Gemini summaries.

It’s wild that Apple hasn’t released official Severance merchandise at this point, but the fan community is filling that role with a case that turns your Nest Mini into Lumon’s Board speaker.

Friday afternoon’s roundup of Google Play deals for your Android devices are now ready to go down below. On your way down be sure to scope out the ongoing offers on the new S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra as well as our roundup of the best cases for them, and then dive into the deals we have today on ASUS’ latest Chromebook Plus Expertbook CX54, Google’s white Nest WiFi Pro router, and the current-gen Bose QuietComfort ANC headphones. As for the apps, highlights include titles like Dungeons of Dreadrock 2, Candy Disaster, ARIDA: Backland’s Awakening, Boxville, and more. Head below for a closer look. 

Pixel started the concept of “Feature Drops” at Google in December of 2019, with Android later starting something similar every season. Google Workspace is now the latest to get on the “feature drop” bandwagon.

Today’s deals include some sweet ongoing promotional offers on Samsung’s S25 devices – you can still score a completely FREE Galaxy Fit3 wearable with purchase, among other things, but we are starting off unlocked Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 smartphones at up to $300 off alongside Google’s white Nest WiFi Pro router at 40% off. Then it’s on to the Chromebook, PC, and gaming deals – ASUS’ latest Chromebook Plus Expertbook CX54 with the Intel Core Ultra 5 is at a new $590 all-time low and ASUS’ ROG Strix 27-inch QHD gaming monitor is down at $199. Those offers join a straight up $100 price drop on the Bose QuietComfort ANC headphones for today only alongside even more down below. 

Ahead of its upcoming launch, another set of wallpapers allegedly coming with the Pixel 9a have surfaced, this time with some more colors.

Following document upload and generating images of people, the latest Gemini Advanced to come to free users is “Saved Info.”

Over 20 years after its debut, Microsoft is pulling the plug on Skype, the first big video calling app.

In partnership with Google, the Metro Transit Authority took to tying several Google Pixel phones to subway cars in New York in order to track data. The experiment was part of the MTA’s need to automate and expand track-safety inspections and repair, and tying a few Pixels to a train car seemed the best place to start.

At I/O 2024 last May, Demis Hassabis reiterated that DeepMind’s goal is “building AGI: Artificial general intelligence, a system that has human-level cognitive capabilities.” This week, Google co-founder Sergey Brin said that “the final race to A.G.I. is afoot.”

In a new post today, Samsung has shown off some new features coming to the Galaxy Buds 3 series with One UI 7, while completely ignoring the million questions surrounding the rollout of One UI 7.

In an update provided via its Issue Tracker, Google says that problems with the Now Playing feature on Pixel devices is “fixed” with an update forthcoming.

Following the last update two weeks ago, Android 16 Beta 2.1 is rolling out to Pixel devices. It addresses some of the bugs that testers have encountered.

The Google app’s Song Search capability is excellent and finally has a history shortcut to see past lookups. It’s available today in Google for iOS, but Song Search history can be accessed by anyone on the web. 

This afternoon’s roundup of the best prices courtesy of Google Play are now ready to go. On your way down, be sure to scope out the deals we are tracking on GoPro’s HERO 12 Black Creator Edition at $150 off as well as this $100 price drop on Acer’s latest Chromebook Plus Spin 714 with the Intel Core Ultra, Samsung’s 32-inch M7 4K Smart Monitor at $100 off, and the new super budget-friendly Galaxy A16 back at the $175 Amazon low. As for the apps, highlight include titles like Swim Out, Through the Ages, Galaxy Trucker, Chicken Police, and more. Head below for a closer look. 

Waze is rolling out a new update on Android and iOS which brings support for showing your navigation map and other details via the heads-up display (instrument cluster) in some vehicles.