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Scoop: ​​Google Duo development & planned consumer-focused merger with Meet fizzles out

google duo

We broke the news last year that Google was eventually going to replace Duo by making Meet its only video calling service. That remains the case, but the resulting product will be primarily focused on enterprise and is no longer internally pitched to be a merger of the two apps, as Google has no plans to create a dedicated consumer-oriented video offering.

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Exclusive: Pixel 6 will be powered by new Google-made ‘Whitechapel’ chip

Google Pixel XL and Pixel 5

9to5Google can report today that Google’s upcoming phones for this fall, including the presumed Pixel 6, will be among the first devices to run on the “GS101” Whitechapel chip.

During an earnings call last fall, Google CEO Sundar Pichai teased “some deeper investments in hardware” and that there was a “terrific roadmap ahead” in 2021. Many interpreted that as a confirmation that Google would be developing their own processors, an effort codenamed “Whitechapel.”

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Google’s ‘Sabrina’ Android TV dongle appears at major retailers suggesting $49-$59 price

Back in March of this year, we reported that Google was preparing to launch its own Android TV dongle. In the time since, along with the world going upside down, a handful of leaks have revealed more about the product. Today, we’ve obtained information that suggests the price of Google’s first Android TV dongle, “Sabrina.”

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Leaked Android document points to Google Pixel 5a, foldable Pixel, and more in the pipeline

google pixel 4 xl

As we try to make sense of Google’s 2020 Pixel lineup, an internal Android document reviewed by 9to5Google gives us our first glimpse of what to expect next year. According to the document, Google is developing Android builds for Pixel 5a, a foldable Pixel, and at least two other first-party devices.

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Source: Google to launch ‘prince,’ a new standard Nest-branded smart speaker

Google is planning to launch a new Nest-branded smart speaker, sources familiar with the matter tell 9to5Google. The device will look unassuming and familiar, we’re told, and will fit in nicely with the fabric-based design language of the Nest Mini, Nest Hub, and the still-not-renamed Google Home Max.


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Fitbit app reveals work on Google Assistant support, presumably for Versa 2

In November, Google framed its acquisition of Fitbit as a way to “help more people with wearables.” However, since the deal is still pending regulatory approval, the two companies have yet to integrate or announce any joint plans. That now appears to be changing as Fitbit works on bringing Google Assistant support to its devices.


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Exclusive: ‘Pixel 4a’ is Google’s new mid-ranger w/ 5.8-inch display, SD 730

google pixel 4 3a

By now you’re well aware that Google is launching its latest mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 4a, in the coming months. Originally scheduled for Google I/O 2020, exactly a year after the Pixel 3a, the new phone now sits in waiting — and, as usual, leaking — before making its official debut. We’ve now confirmed all of the Pixel 4a’s specs with our sources, and all the details are below…


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[Update: Take screenshots] Android 11: ‘Columbus’ gives Pixels double-tap gesture for Assistant and more

new google assistant chrome double-tap

The Android 11 Developer Preview, as the name implies, is primarily intended to be an early preview of Android 11’s changes so developers can make their apps compatible long before it launches. However, sometimes upcoming Pixel-exclusive features leak through, as is the case with “Columbus” which lets you do things like invoking the Google Assistant with a double-tap on the back.


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Exclusive: Google plans new Chromecast Ultra based on Android TV (w/ remote!)

Chromecast 3rd Gen and Chromecast Ultra

According to a reliable source familiar with the company’s plans, Google is planning to launch a second-generation Chromecast Ultra this year based on Android TV. The device is a dongle, much like the current form-factor, but there is one major hardware addition: an external remote.


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