An instant upgrade for any Android device

Plus smarter calling secrets and a must-find Messages switch  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [Android Intelligence](#) [Android Intelligence](#) Brought to you by: [Esper logo](=)​ Great Scott! What a week. In case you haven't heard, Google's latest and greatest Android gadgets are officially now in front of us. Well, almost, anyway — they're announced, available on loan to lowly tech philosophers like yours truly, and going on sale broadly starting next week. I'm already in the midst of putting 'em through their paces, and I'll have more detailed thoughts to share soon. As always, though, you don't need a shiny new device to experience some saucy surprises. Here in the land o' Android, there's never a shortage of instant life upgrades just waiting to be found. We'll go over some fresh and free-for-the-taking treats in this week's Things to Try — right after we think through all the Android-associated announcements worth digesting. --------------------------------------------------------------- 📢 First, an important announcement of our own: Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our Android Intelligence readers, I'm delighted to open up a whole new series of community-funded [Intelligence Insider]( scholarships! 👋 If you'd benefit from a membership but aren't in a position to pay for one, [add your name and email address to this form]() to put yourself in the running. (Your participation will remain completely confidential.) ⌛ We'll leave the form open through the end of the day next Sunday, August 25th, and then we'll randomly draw four names from the list and alert the winners. Each recipient will be given a full year Intelligence Insider Prodigy-level membership at zero cost — no questions asked and no strings attached. [JR Raphael, Author] JR Today's read: ⌚ 3 Things to Know: 1 minute ⌚ 3 Things to Try: 1 minute 15 seconds ⌚ Just for Funsies: 10 seconds ​ [] [3 Things to Know This Week] 1. Google's latest Pixels are all about AI ➜ THE SHORT VERSION: With its newly announced Pixel 9 phones, Google's going all in on AI and pushing hard on the presence of the new Gemini generative-AI technology within the devices. 🔎 KNOW MORE: The phones look spectacular on the surface, with sleekly updated designs, useful new features, and smart evolutions of all the standard Pixel Android advantages. Gemini, however, still feels like more of a liability than an asset — and it's not just Pixels in its path. 📌 READ MORE: See the phones for yourself in [Google's official overview]( and dive deeper into the irony of Google's AI gamble in [this analysis](). 💸 RESERVE YOURS: If you're thinking about ordering any of the new Pixel gadgets, help support The Intelligence by [clicking through on our custom links for Best Buy or Amazon]( (at no extra cost to you!). --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. The second folding Pixel looks pleasingly promising ➜ THE SHORT VERSION: In addition to its regular Pixel 9 models, Google's gearin' up to give us its second stab at a folding Pixel phone — now known somewhat awkwardly as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (gesundheit!). 🔎 KNOW MORE: Last year's first-gen Pixel Fold was really fun to use but with ample room for improvement. This new model features a refined form, a thinner body, and a massive 8" screen when unfolded — along with hefty camera upgrades and the now-standard seven-year Pixel promise for timely ongoing software updates. 📌 READ MORE: Take a gander at [the official Pixel 9 Pro Fold introduction]() and stay tuned for more hands-on thoughts in the weeks ahead. Cast your vote... ​[How do you feel about foldable phones?](​ --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Gemini's getting even more integrated into Android ➜ THE SHORT VERSION: As part of its grand Pixel gala, Google announced plans to start positioning Gemini as the default assistant on Android and to expand its features in some interesting new ways. 🔎 KNOW MORE: The headlining addition is something called Gemini Live, which lets you have a "free-flowing conversation" with the chatbot. It's certainly impressive from a technological perspective — but practically speaking, is that anything anyone actually wants to use with any regularity? I'm not yet convinced. 📌 READ MORE: Check out [all the new incoming Gemini expansions]( — and revisit [this column o' mine](=) for a reminder of why I'm so wishy-washy. SPONSORED MESSAGE Choose the right hardware for your device fleet ⚙️ Pick the right hardware, and your device fleet will flourish (as will your business!). [A donut and a donut hole with the words "Choose wisely"](=)​ But pick the wrong hardware, and you could pay with time, money, and headaches for years to come. Esper’s free guide, [Dedicated Devices: How to Choose the Right Hardware](=), covers everything you need to know to get started — like: 💰 Evaluating the total cost of ownership 🤔 Choosing off-the-shelf or custom hardware 💳 Kiosks, POS systems, business-first tablets/smartphones, and more 👍 Picking the right operating system and MDM provider ➜ [You only get to choose your hardware once! Learn which hardware is right for you.](=)​ [DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE TODAY ➜](=) ​ [] [3 Things to Try This Week] 1. Bring an instant motion sickness upgrade to any Android device 'Twas a time in my life where I could look down whilst riding in a moving vehicle without feeling like I was gonna — to use the technical term — yack. Those days, I'm afraid, are long behind me. Like most adults I know, staring down at my phone (or anything else) while I'm moving tends to make me more than a little woozy. ➜ So what if there were some sort of magic-seeming switch you could flip on your favorite Android device that'd let you stare at it all you want during a drive without feeling even the faintest hint of motion sickness? Believe it or not, such a switch exists. ⌚ And it'll take you all of 10 seconds to find and activate — no matter what phone you're using or how old it might be. 📌 [Here's how](). --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Find some hidden Pixel features for smarter calling My fellow Pixel owners, listen up: Some of your phone's most useful superpowers revolve around the oft-forgotten idea of actually using the device — dramatic pause... — as a telephone. It's a novel concept these days, I realize. But when the need to speak to another human (or maybe even just avoid an unwanted incoming call) comes up, the Pixel software has some spectacularly smart tricks for saving you time and making your life easier. ➜ Most of 'em require a teensy bit of activation or at least unearthing before they'll work. ⌚ But each will take you no more than one minute to figure out and get going — once you know where to look. 📌 Wade your way through [these nine hidden Pixel calling upgrades]() and see how many of 'em are new to you. --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Get rid of that obnoxious new Gemini button in Messages Have you noticed a pesky new addition in the Google Messages app on your phone lately? ➜ At some point in the very recent past, Google added a big honkin' button for starting a new conversation with its Gemini AI chatbot into the lower-right corner of the app: [A screenshot of the Google Messages Android app with its large Gemini button] ​ ([Ahem](=).) It's a pretty silly addition — 'cause (a) you can already start a conversation with Gemini via Messages' Start Chat button, (b) you can also interact with Gemini in about a zillion other places in the exact same way, and (c) you probably aren't having friendly chats with Gemini just for the heck of it all that often in the first place. ⌚ But, the good news: As of this week, you can send that button packin' — and it'll take you roughly 20 seconds to do. ✅ If you're using the Google Messages app and seeing that Gemini button right now: - Tap your profile picture in the app's upper-right corner, then select "Messages settings." - Find and tap the newly added "Gemini in Messages" section. - See the toggle next to "Show Gemini button"? Flip it off (and feel free to interpret that phrase in any way you'd like). [A screenshot showing a toggle next to "Show Gemini button"] ​ Told ya it was easy! The toggle is in the midst of rolling out right now, so if you don't see it yet, look for an update to the Messages app within the Play Store — and if it still isn't showing up for you after that, check back again in a few days. It should be there for you soon. ​ SPONSORED MESSAGE [New Pixel products shot]() It's a Pixel party 🎉 Phones, watches, earbuds — Google announced a slew of devices and gadgets this week! Trade-in deals and store credits abound. Start your order here and help support us at no extra cost! [CHECK 'EM ALL OUT!]() [] ​ [And Just for Funsies...] Forget all those newfangled phones and gadgets for a second. The coolest Google-made goody of the moment has gotta be a series of desks I [just discovered]( from within the company's California headquarters. Yes, you read that right: desks. These aren't just any ol' workstations, though. They're made to look like actual old-school arcade games. See for yourself: ​ How awesome is that?! Game over, baby. These creations have officially stolen the show — and stolen my heart. See ya next week I've got a nifty new tip in the works for next week's newsletter. Believe you me, you won't want to miss it. Hope you have an amazing mid-August weekend in the meantime. And hey, if you happen to see one of those arcade game desks out in the wild anywhere, let a guy know, won't ya?! --------------------------------------------------------------- 📊 Last week's poll results: In last week's newsletter, I asked which discontinued Google service still stings the most. - 36% of you said Google Reader - 28% said Google+ - 18% said Inbox - And 18% said Hangouts [A cartoon of an Android robot crying and saying: "I'm getting emotional! Good thing I've got my Google Goggles on."] ​ 🤚 Wait! Before you go: What'd you think of this issue? [Thumbs Up](=) [Thumbs Down]( Hit the thumbs-up or thumbs-down to cast your vote and let me know. Want less email? [Update your reading preferences](=) to opt out of any individual publications or unsubscribe entirely. New here and not yet subscribed? Take two seconds to [sign up for our newsletters](): Android Intelligence, Windows Intelligence, or Cool Tools (or all three!). Hungry for even more? [Learn about becoming an Intelligence Insider](=) to gain access to our one-of-a-kind community, power-packed advanced resources, on-demand help desk, and tons of free apps and services. Independent journalism relies on you. 🤝 An [Intelligence Insider membership](=) is the best way to support my work and keep this newsletter sustainable. Not ready for a membership? You can also support my work by making a [direct one-time contribution](=) (or contribute via [PayPal]( or [Venmo](=)) to ensure I'm able to keep writing for you long into the future! Published by The Intelligence • 2733 E. Battlefield Rd. #255 • Springfield, MO 65804