Google’s Latest Updates: Maps, Gaming, TV, and Keyboard improvements

Google is rolling out exciting new features across its apps to make them more user-friendly and engaging. From real-time updates in Google Maps to better gaming profiles, a possible sports-focused TV package, and a customizable keyboard, here’s what’s new.
Google Maps Tests Live Activity Updates
Google Maps is experimenting with a feature called Live Activities, spotted in its latest Android beta version. This tool shows real-time navigation details, like your next turn or estimated arrival time, right on your phone’s lock screen or Dynamic Island (for iPhones). It’s designed to make navigation smoother by letting you glance at key info without unlocking your phone.
The feature also supports transit directions, showing upcoming stops or transfers. While it’s still in testing and not widely available, it promises to make getting around easier and more convenient.
Google Play Games Upgrades User Profiles
Later this month, Google Play Games will introduce enhanced user profiles, similar to Steam’s gaming profiles. These updated profiles will highlight your gaming achievements, such as high scores, badges, and game progress, making it easier to show off your skills.
A new dashboard will let you track your playtime and review your gaming history across different titles. This update aims to make gaming more social and engaging, giving players a centralized hub to manage their gaming identity and connect with others.
YouTube TV Explores a Sports and Broadcast Package
YouTube TV is reportedly considering a new “Sports & Broadcast” package to cater to sports fans. While details are still unclear, this package might bundle sports channels and broadcast networks, possibly including Fox’s sports and news channels.
This comes after recent price hikes and negotiations with networks like Fox, suggesting YouTube TV is looking to offer more tailored options for viewers who want sports-focused content without paying for extra channels they don’t watch.
Gboard Adds Font Size Customization
Google’s Gboard keyboard is getting a new setting that lets you adjust font size. Found in the latest beta version, this feature allows you to make text bigger or smaller in apps where Gboard is used, like messaging or note-taking apps. It’s especially helpful for users who find default text sizes too small or too large, improving readability and comfort.
The setting is still in testing but could roll out soon to all users.These updates show Google’s focus on making its apps more practical and personalized, whether you’re navigating, gaming, watching TV, or typing. Keep an eye out for these features as they become available.
Google upgrades Gboard with AI writing tools and revamps Quick Share, adds Auracast to Pixel devices

Google is rolling out exciting updates for Android users, making its popular apps and features even more user-friendly. The latest changes bring smarter writing tools to Gboard, a refreshed look for Quick Share, and new audio-sharing capabilities for Pixel devices. These updates aim to make everyday tasks easier and more seamless for everyone.
Gboard, Google’s keyboard app for Android, is getting a big boost with new AI-powered writing tools. Previously available only to select users, these features are now open to everyone. The tools help you polish your text by fixing spelling, grammar, and punctuation with just a tap. You can also rewrite sentences to sound more professional or add fun emojis to match your mood.
For Pixel 9 users and above, Gboard now integrates with Pixel Studio, letting you create custom AI-generated stickers to spice up your chats. These tools make writing faster, easier, and more creative for all Android users. Meanwhile, Google’s Quick Share, the file-sharing feature, is getting a fresh new design.
The updated interface is simpler and more modern, making it easier to share photos, videos, and files with nearby devices. The new layout focuses on speed and clarity, so you can send or receive content without any hassle.
This redesign ensures Quick Share feels intuitive, whether you’re sharing with friends or transferring files between your own devices.On the audio front, Google is bringing Auracast support to Pixel 9 devices running the Android 16 beta.
Auracast, a new Bluetooth technology, lets you share audio with multiple nearby devices, like earbuds or hearing aids. This is perfect for public settings, such as connecting to a PA system at a train station or sharing music at a gathering.
Pixel 9 users can also join broadcasts using QR codes, making it quick and easy to connect without digging through settings. While Pixel Buds Pro 2 support Auracast, full compatibility with Pixel phones is still in the works, with more updates expected soon.
These changes show Google’s focus on making its tools smarter and more connected. From writing help to file sharing and audio streaming, Android users can expect a smoother, more enjoyable experience with these updates.
Android
Create your own Android Bot and explore Android 16 QPR1’s exciting features

Google has brought back its fun Androidify app, letting you design a unique Android Bot to show off your style. Plus, the Android 16 QPR1 update is here with cool new features for Pixel users. Let’s dive into what’s new and how you can make the most of these updates.
Make Your Own Android Bot with Androidify
The revamped Androidify app is a blast, using AI to turn your photos or text prompts into a custom Android Bot. Powered by Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash and Imagen AI, the app creates a personalized avatar in seconds. You can tweak it further by picking colors, outfits, and accessories, then add backgrounds like “Music Lover” or “Soccer Fanatic.”
Once your Bot is ready, save it as an image, sticker, or even a short video (available every Friday using Google’s Veo 3 model). Download the app for free on the Google Play Store or try it online at Android.com. Share your creations on social media with #androidify to join the fun.
What’s New in Android 16 QPR1
The Android 16 QPR1 update, part of the September 2025 Pixel Feature Drop, brings a fresh look and handy tools to Pixel phones. The standout is the Material 3 Expressive design, which adds smooth animations, colorful themes, and a touch of background blur to make your phone feel lively.
The Quick Settings panel is now more flexible—you can resize tiles, toggle Bluetooth with one tap, and enjoy a sleeker brightness slider.
Another big addition is Desktop Mode, turning your Pixel (Pixel 8 and later) into a mini-computer when connected to an external display. You can move and resize app windows, similar to a laptop, making it great for multitasking. Tablets get an even better experience, with the screen acting as a second monitor.
Live Updates, like iOS’s Live Activities, show real-time notifications on your lock screen or status bar, perfect for tracking tasks. Plus, Auracast support lets you share audio with nearby devices easily, no toggles needed.
Why It Matters
These updates make your Android experience more personal and powerful. Whether you’re creating a fun Bot or exploring the revamped Pixel interface, Google’s latest tools bring creativity and convenience to your fingertips. Check out Androidify and update your Pixel to Android 16 QPR1 to see what’s new!
Google Play Games profiles get a makeover and Google Messages adds a handy Gallery shortcut

Google is rolling out exciting updates to make your Android experience even better. The Google Play Games app is getting a big profile upgrade, while Google Messages is adding a quick way to share photos and videos. Here’s what you need to know about these changes.
Google Play Games Profile Revamp
The Google Play Games app is set to launch updated user profiles on September 23, 2025, with a fresh look and new features. These profiles will act like a gaming hub, showing off your gaming stats, achievements, and favorite titles in a way that feels similar to Steam’s public profiles.
You’ll be able to access your profile directly from the Google Play Store, making it easier to check your gaming progress or share it with friends. The new design includes social features, so you can connect with others and show off milestones, like high scores or completed games.
To make this work, Google will collect data about the games you play and when you play them. This helps create a personalized profile but comes with a catch: you can’t opt out of this data collection.
Thankfully, your existing privacy settings will stay in place, so you won’t need to tweak anything when the update arrives. Developers will also continue to get info about your gaming activity to improve the app’s features.
Google Messages Gallery Shortcut
On the messaging side, Google Messages is testing a new feature to make sharing media faster. A recent beta version (20250902_00_RC00) includes a gallery shortcut right in the text input area. This small button, shaped like a picture frame, sits next to the text bar and lets you quickly jump to your phone’s gallery to pick photos or videos to send.
It’s a time-saver compared to digging through the attachment menu.For now, this shortcut is in testing and only available in the beta version. It’s unclear when it’ll roll out to everyone, but it promises to make chats more seamless, especially for those who love sharing snaps or clips with friends.
Why These Updates Matter
Both updates aim to make your Android apps more user-friendly. The Play Games profile revamp adds a fun, social layer to gaming, while the Messages gallery shortcut simplifies sharing. Keep an eye out for these changes to enhance your Android experience!
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