Google's compact look for Gemini Live isn't even out, and it's already getting better (APK teardown)
TL;DR Google's got quite a few in-development changes in its latest Android app update, including screen-top layout tweaks.
The new Gemini Live overlay we looked at last week is already showing signs of refinement.
Google's working on a way to explicitly suggest AI Mode search topics.
Over the past few days, we've been spotting a lot of changes that have popped up in Google's most recent update to its Android app. Those finds included stuff like work towards a new, more colorful look for the Gemini overlay, as well as evidence pointing to Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Flip 7 and Fold 7 arriving with a Google AI promo offer. But as we were poking around in search of changes like these, we've also uncovered signs of development on other tweaks that are a bit less impactful on their own. Rather than let those go forgotten, we've decided to round up a few of them here, all in one place.
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An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release.
Just like those last few finds, we're once again working with the 16.23.69.sa.arm64 beta release of the Google app for Android. None of the changes we're going over are yet publicly visible in that build, but we were able to trigger some early looks to give you a preview of how development is coming along.
For starters, we've got a small reorganization that Google seems to be considering. On the left there we've got the Google app as we're currently familiar with it, featuring that big 'Google' name centered up top and the shortcut to Labs in the top-left. But on the right you can see a new layout that the app has started playing with, sliding Labs over to the right and dropping the Google wordmark in favor of the compact 'G' logo.
Last week, we shared Google's progress towards building a new, compact overlay for Gemini Live that would live down at the bottom of the screen and offer convenient controls for stuff like sharing your screen without needing to jump back into the Gemini app. Well, it appears that Google's already been working on some new behavior for this mode.
We already saw how these Live controls could be summoned by hitting the Live button in the main Gemini overlay. Now we're also able to access it by starting our Live conversation in the app and navigating away.
You also may have noticed in our earlier look how Gemini Live showed when it was hearing you by displaying an audio waveform visualization within the overlay. While that's still present here, we're now able to also see a similar visualization when minimizing the overlay down to just the floating Live button.
AssembleDebug / Android Authority
Finally, we've spotted a change to how Google suggests Search queries. The app is experimenting with explicitly recommending AI Mode searches. Google seems to be going out of its way to conspicuously label these as such, and considering the controversy around that mode, we think Google probably has the right idea here.
Like we said, none of these finds are particularly game changing (although that Live overlay looks quite nice), and the jury's still out on whether or not Google will ultimately follow through and ship any in future updates. Until that day happens, though, we'll keep on digging through upcoming releases in search of more changes.
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Forbes
23 minutes ago
- Forbes
The Best Early Prime Day Deals Available Now According To Our Deal Experts
It's official—Amazon Prime Day 2025 begins in just a few days. It kicks off on Tuesday, July 8 and runs through Friday, July 11. That's longer than usual (Prime Day has doubled in length from two days to four), but there's no need to wait for Tuesday—you can save on early deals right now. Our seasoned deals editors have already found some promising early Prime Day deals, including half off a Roomba Vacuum and Mop Combo or a Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7500 Electric Toothbrush, 35% off the Garmin Vívoactive 5 smartwatch or 33% off a Lenovo 15.6-Inch FHD laptop. Amazon Prime Day doesn't officially start until July 8, but our deals team found the best early ... More sales that you can shop now. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer While some of this year's best deals won't go live until July 8, the savings have truly already started. We're seeing some products hit their lowest prices of the year (or even their all-time lows). Read on to see the best early Prime Day deals we've found so far, based on extensive price history research. And keep checking back for updated prices and new product deals as we monitor the sale in the days leading up to its official launch. Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds: Now $199, Was $249 (20% Off) Best Choice Products 10-Foot Patio Umbrella: Now $60, Was $80 (25% Off) Nanoleaf LED Face Mask: Now $200, Was $250 (20% Off With Coupon) Amazon Fire TV 32-Inch 2-Series: Now $110, Was $150 (27% Off) Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch 7: Now $299, Was $330 (10% Off) Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Portable Soft Cooler: Now $240, Was $300 (20% Off) Hydro Flask 40-Ounce Travel Tumbler: Now $26, Was $40 (35% Off) Momcozy M5 All-In-One Breast Pump: Now $96, Was $140 (34% Off With Coupon) Bilt Hard 20-Inch High Velocity Floor Fan (Set Of 2): Now $105, Was $170 (38% Off) Garmin Vívoactive 5: Now $195, Was $300 (35% Off) Blueair Air Purifier: Now $110, Was $140 (21% Off) Lenovo 15.6-Inch FHD Laptop (32GB): Now $429, Was $599 (28% Off) Samsonite Freeform Hardshell Luggage: Now $209, Was $280 (25% Off) De'Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic Espresso Machine: Now $500, Was $800 (38% Off) iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo: Now $140, Was $275 (49% Off) Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum: Now $300, Was $470 (36% Off) Ego Power+ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Now $600, Was $1,049 (43% Off) Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7500 Electric Toothbrush: Now $100, Was $200 (50% Off) Amazon Kindle Scribe: Now $260, Was $400 (35% Off) Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: Now $149, Was $300 (50% Off) (SPONSORED) You May Also Like: Ulike Air 10: Now $262, Was $399 (34% Off With Code ULIKEAIR10) Our tech editor's pick for the best Apple wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver strong noise-cancellation, spatial audio and up to 30 hours of battery life with the included charging case. 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Why It's A Good Deal: This is the lowest price we've seen for a single pack of this breast pump at Amazon. Pick up this set of floor fans to keep on your outside patio or move around your home on sweltering days. The fans are designed with a 360-degree pivoting head, a built-in handle for carrying and are easy to assemble. Why It's A Good Deal: While it's not the lowest price we've seen, it's still a substantial discount, just in time for the hotter months ahead. If you're looking for a smartwatch that prioritizes daily health tracking—like energy and stress levels, sleep patterns and exercise—this modern Garmin timepiece will cover your bases. It also has a reliable battery than can last up to 11 days in watch mode on a single charge. Why It's A Good Deal: This is the lowest price we've seen so far in 2025. This compact air purifier is a great option for small spaces, like apartments or personal offices. 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These days, you can regularly find discounts on everyday essentials as well as splurge-worthy luxury formulas. This Korres Santorini Grape Poreless Cream is a personal favorite and 40% off right now. TYMO Ionic Hair Straightener Brush: Now $38, Was $70 (46% Off) Medicube Age-R Booster Pro Pink: Now $189, Was $228 (17% Off) Korres Santorini Grape Poreless Cream: Now $25, Was $42 (40% Off) Foreo Bear Microcurrent Facial Device: Now $280, Was $329 (15% Off) Medicube Zero Pore Pads: Now $19, Was $31 (39% Off) Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer: Now $150, Was $230 (35% Off) Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser: Now $46, Was $70 (34% Off) Braun IPL Laser Hair Removal: Now $280, Was $350 (20% Off) Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen: Now $12, Was $21 (44% Off) Crest 3D Whitestrips Teeth Whitening Strip Kit: Now $35, Was $50 (30% Off) Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0: Now $19, Was $31 (39% Off) Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer and Styler: Now $33, Was $40 (16% Off) Ghd Platinum+ Flat Iron Hair Straightener: Now $223, Was $289 (23% Off) Early Prime Day Deals: Kids And Baby Gear There are also plenty of baby and kids essentials to peruse this week. Get ready for summer with 30% off a durable kiddie pool, or 25% off the Amacool stroller fan. Find those deals, and more, ahead. Jasonwell Foldable Kiddie Pool (XXL): Now $42, Was $60 (30% Off) Anico EASZZZ Baby Night Light: Now $30, Was $40 (25% Off) Amacool Battery Operated Stroller Fan: Now $22, Was $30 (25% Off) Cumbor Retractable Baby Gates: Now $36, Was $50 (28% Off) Dreamegg White Noise Machine: Now $18, Was $28 (36% Off) Babysense Baby Monitor: Now $1oo, Was $130 (23% Off) Nutribullet Baby Steam + Blend: Now $87, Was $115 (24% Off) Grownsy Baby Food Maker: Now $51, Was $68 (25% Off) GoodBaby No-Touch Thermometer: Now $16, Was $30 (47% Off) TPN Collapsible Baby Bathtub: Now $36, Was $51 (29% Off) Fshibila Large Baby Playpen: Now $50, Was $70 (28% Off) Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet: Now $65, Was $140 (54% Off) Joolz AER+ Compact Travel Stroller: Now $399, Was $499 (20% Off) Nanit Baby Monitor And Night Light Travel Bundle: Now: $250, Was $330 (24% Off) Step2 Wagon for Two Plus: Now $88, was $120 (27% Off) Amazon Prime Day will run from July 8 through July 11 this year—that's four days, twice as long as Prime Day has run for the last few years. Before the 8th, though, early deals mean that you can get lots of items for sale prices right now. Bookmark this page to stay updated on the latest discounts. Can You See Amazon Prime Day Deals Early? No, you can't see Amazon's actual Prime Day deals in advance. The retailer keeps those under wraps until the official sale launches and doesn't offer any previews. How Often Does Amazon Prime Day Take Place? Technically, there's only one Amazon Prime Day per year. That said, Amazon hosts a secondary event in the Fall, which is colloquially referred to as October Prime Day. It has also rolled out a spring savings event and typically promotes a variety of themed sales throughout the year. Can You Preview Amazon Prime Day Deals? Prime members are able to view upcoming deals and set price alerts that notify them when certain products go on sale. This can be done through the Prime Day event page. How Do I Get Alerted To Prime Day Deals? This is also available to all Prime members. From the Prime Day event page, select 'Watch This Deal' and enable push notifications to receive alerts.
Time Business News
27 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Spotify Premium APK: How to Get Unlimited Skips, Offline Music, and No Ads for Free
Spotify has become a dominant force in the world of music streaming. It gives access to millions of songs, podcasts, and playlists. While Spotify Free offers a range of features, it comes with limitations like ads, restricted skips, and a lack of offline functionality. For those looking to unlock Spotify's premium features without spending money on a subscription, the Spotify Premium APK offers an attractive alternative. This APK provides all the perks of Spotify Premium—such as unlimited skips, offline music, and an ad-free experience—without the need to pay for the service. In this article, we will explain how to get Spotify Premium for free using the APK, walk through the installation process, explore its features, and discuss the risks involved. An APK (Android Package Kit) is a file format used by Android devices to install applications. A Spotify Premium APK is a modified version of the official Spotify app that unlocks all the premium features without needing a paid subscription. With the Spotify Premium APK, you can enjoy features such as: Unlimited skips : Unlike Spotify Free, which limits the number of skips, the Premium APK allows you to skip as many songs as you want. : Unlike Spotify Free, which limits the number of skips, the Premium APK allows you to skip as many songs as you want. Offline listening : You can download music, albums, and playlists to listen offline, a feature typically only available to Premium users. : You can download music, albums, and playlists to listen offline, a feature typically only available to Premium users. No ads : Say goodbye to annoying ads that interrupt your listening experience. The Premium APK ensures an ad-free environment. : Say goodbye to annoying ads that interrupt your listening experience. The Premium APK ensures an ad-free environment. High-quality audio: Premium subscribers enjoy enhanced sound quality, which is also available through the APK. By using the Spotify Premium APK, you get all of the benefits of a paid subscription for free. It unlocks all the premium features typically found in Spotify Premium. Here's a closer look at what you get: Spotify Free limits users to a certain number of song skips per hour. This can be particularly frustrating when you're listening to a playlist or album and want to skip a song you don't enjoy. The APK removes this restriction, letting you skip any number of songs without any interruptions. One of the most popular features of Spotify Premium is the ability to download songs for offline listening. Whether you're traveling, in an area with poor reception, or simply want to save on mobile data, this feature allows you to download your favorite tracks. With the Spotify APK, you get the same ability to download music and listen to it without needing an active internet connection. Spotify Free is supported by ads that interrupt your music experience. These ads can become tedious, especially during long listening sessions. By using the Spotify APK, you can enjoy an uninterrupted listening experience with no ads. All your songs will play seamlessly without being interrupted by promotional ads. Spotify Premium subscribers get access to high-definition audio with higher bitrates. The Spotify Premium APK unlocks this feature, offering a richer, more immersive music experience. If you care about audio quality, this feature is a huge plus as it lets you enjoy your music in clearer, more vibrant sound. Installing this Premium APK on your Android device is simple, but it requires some extra steps since it's not available through the official Google Play Store. Here's a detailed guide on how to download and install the APK safely: Before you can install the APK, you need to enable installation from unknown sources in your device's settings: Open Settings on your Android device. Scroll down and tap on Security or Privacy (depending on your device). Look for the option called Install unknown apps and toggle it on for the browser you plan to use to download the APK (e.g., Chrome). Visit a trusted website offering the latest version of the Spotify Premium APK. Websites like provide the most up-to-date versions. Find the download button for the Spotify Premium APK and tap on it. Wait for the APK file to download to your device. It will be saved in the Downloads folder. Once the APK file has been downloaded, go to your Downloads folder. Tap on the Spotify Premium APK file to begin installation. A security warning will appear asking you to confirm the installation. Tap Install to proceed. Wait for the installation to complete. After installation, open the app. You can log in with your existing Spotify account or create a new one. With the Spotify Premium APK, you can enjoy all the premium features right away, including unlimited skips, offline listening, and no ads. If you're concerned about the risks of using the Spotify Premium APK, there are some legal alternatives available to get Spotify Premium features without paying the full subscription price: Free Trial: Spotify offers a free trial for new users, allowing them to enjoy all the premium features for a limited time. Student Discount: If you're a student, you can get Spotify Premium at a discounted rate through Spotify's student plan. Family Plan: Spotify's Family Plan allows you to share a single Premium subscription with up to six people at a discounted rate. Spotify Gift Cards: You can use Spotify gift cards to pay for Premium without needing a credit card. It offers a way to enjoy Spotify's premium features without a paid subscription, including unlimited skips, offline listening, and an ad-free experience. However, it's important to be aware of the risks involved, such as security threats, account suspension, and legal issues. If you decide to use the Spotify Premium APK, always download it from a trusted source like to reduce the chances of encountering harmful software. If you prefer to avoid the risks, consider using legal alternatives like the Spotify Free trial, student discounts, or the Family Plan. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy Spotify, always make informed decisions to protect your device and account. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The hyper-futuristic jet you'll soon be flying on
Some 101 years after the world's first 'blended-wing body' aircraft took flight (before promptly crashing back down to earth), a flurry of major manufacturers are designing planes in the unique aerodynamic style. This week, we gained a fresh look into how one of these planes might take shape. The aviation start-up Natilus has published rendered images of its blended-wing body aircraft, a design concept which would allow for more spacious, fuel-efficient and potentially cheaper flights. Natilus is a San Diego-based startup, co-founded in 2016 by aircraft design engineers Aleksey Matyushev and Anatoly Starikov. The mock-ups show a seating configuration that would see three aisles running through the plane, with futuristic booths allowing for in-flight video conferencing. Aviators have theorised over the potential for a blended-wing body (BWB) jet for more than a century. But in recent years, with a sharpened onus on lowering emissions, airline manufacturers including Airbus, Bombardier and Boeing – plus a suite of start-ups – have begun exploring options for blended-wing designs. In simple terms, a BWB aircraft has no clear dividing line between the main body and the wings, which are instead smoothly blended together. The result is an aerodynamic shape, which allows for a more fuel-efficient flight. The blended wing differs from the 'flying wing' – the design used for the B-2 Bomber – which sees an aircraft's entire payload within the wing structure. But they are similar, in that they are both tailless. The idea of the BWB was first dreamt up in the 1920s by Russian inventor Nicolas Woyevodsky. The result of his designs was the Westland Dreadnought, a single-engined fixed-winged monoplane. Only one was built, and it crashed on its maiden flight in Yeovil, Somerset, in May 1924, badly injuring the test pilot in the process. Other prototypes were developed in the decades that followed, including designs by Vincent Burnelli, British manufacturer Miles, and a long-range interceptor aircraft called the 'Moonbat'. The latter was designed for the US Air Force, but its production was cancelled after the prototype was destroyed by an engine fire. As the decades passed, the BWB design was sidelined in preference of the 'tube and wing' design which Boeing and Airbus have adopted. But now, with airlines under pressure to meet net zero targets by 2050, the fuel-efficient BWB aircraft is back on the table. Natilus is one of the smaller firms in the mix. Its Horizon aircraft will have a range of 3,500 nautical miles with a capacity of up to 196 passengers. This puts this particular BWB in a similar playing field to the Boeing 737-800, which has a capacity of 189 seats and a range of 2,500 to 3,850 nautical miles. But it is the other numbers that will catch the attention of prospective buyers. According to Natilus, the Horizon will reduce operating costs by 50 per cent, and the aircraft is 25 per cent lighter than conventional jets. Natilus says: 'Blended-wing bodyaircraft outperform traditional tube-and-wing aircraft in the areas of efficiency, performance, and environmental impact, resulting in improved fleet operations while protecting our planet for future generations.' At a configuration of 196 passengers, the Horizon would have space for 108 in economy class (at 31in pitch), 48 in economy-plus (34in) and 40 in first class (38in). Natilus renderings show the potential for 'video conference pods', while there are also plans for 'club seating' configurations which would allow groups to sit together during longer flights. Crucially for prospective buyers, Natilus says its planes are being designed in a way that they can use existing airport infrastructure, plus they will use the same engines as conventional aircraft. In a 2024 interview with CNN, co-founder Matyushev said the plan is for the Horizon to go into service in the early 2030s. It appears that another manufacturer might beat them to it. California-based startup JetZero has similar ambitions to Natilus. The firm has received the backing of United Airlines, which has pre-ordered 200 of its 250-passenger Z4 plane (which is, as yet, uncertified), which it hopes to launch by 2030. At this size, the aircraft would be bigger than the single-aisle Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, but smaller than their twin-aisle designs, allowing it to fill a vital gap in the market. The managing director of United Airlines's Venture has previously said the Z4's width would create a 'living room in the sky'. But it is not only focusing on producing commercial jets. JetZero received a further boost when the US Air Force put in a $235 million (£172 million) contract for a demonstrator aircraft. This, according to Frank Kendall, the US secretary of the air force, was all about 'maintaining our edge over China'. It could be that these military aircraft are developed first, paving the way for the commercial jets in the future. Other manufacturers are involved in the race. JetZero traces its origins to a Nasa-McDonnell Douglas project in the early 1990s, which culminated in a successful test-flight of a 17ft demonstrator in 1997 (the JetZero co-founder, Mark Page, led this project). Boeing went on to take on the designs after merging with McDonnell, creating the unmanned X-48B and X48-C aircraft, which were tested more than 100 times. But, ultimately, these were never put into service, as other research initiatives took precedence. Airbus has revealed plans for a BWB prototype called Maveric, showcased at a Singapore air show in 2020. While Bombardier is the first business jet manufacturer to explore the potential of the blended-wing design with its 'EcoJet' project. Despite Boeing pausing its plans, the blended-wing dream remains alive. Fuel efficiency is the chief reason. Blended-wing jets are considerably more efficient compared with tube-and-wing aircraft, because they can generate more lift at take-off and face less drag as they fly. This means the aircraft is cheaper to run and produces lower emissions. 'They do offer significant fuel savings over conventional aircraft, at least in theory, as they avoid all the common joints and fillets that create form drag, or the loss of energy from wind resistance,' says pilot Brian Smith, who flies for a British cargo airline and has previously flown with Ryanair, Emirates and Air2000 (later, First Choice). From a passenger point of view, there will be exciting bonuses. The interior would be wider and more spacious, given that the plane is not structured around a long, thin tube. This could allow for some game-changing configurations, impossible in a tubular design. Given that the wider cabin design allows for multiple aisles, the boarding and disembarkation process would likely be much quicker and more pleasant for passengers, too. By all accounts, BWB aircraft could be quieter than traditional jets. Because they are more aerodynamically efficient, they will be able to use smaller engines that generate less noise. The location of the engines above the fuselage would also shield passengers from excessive noise. Natilus estimates that its planes would be around 40 per cent quieter than tube-and-wing aircraft. And if, as Natilus suggests, the aircraft can run with 50 per cent lower operating costs, this could also allow airlines flying BWB aircraft to be priced more competitively than traditional tube-and-wing services. But there are, inevitably, some downfalls to the BWB design. Due to the plane's wider interior, fewer passengers will have a window seat. There are also concerns that evacuating a blended wing aircraft would be more difficult, given that there would be fewer exit doors available. Another challenge that BWB aircraft face is stability and control, due perhaps to the absence of a traditional tail. To counter this, designers may need to incorporate sophisticated flight control systems. There are also technical challenges around how to manage the pressurisation in a non-cylindrical fuselage. It is generally thought that the traditional tube-shaped design is better equipped to handle this. And last, but certainly not least, is the question of whether such a design would ever pass through regulators. Conventional tube-and-wing aircraft, produced by manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing which have been building them for more than half a century, must meet strict requirements before they can fly. Sometimes, these checks are so rigorous that they can lead to delivery delays. With a unique design, and chequered 100-year history, it is safe to assume there would be significant regulatory hurdles facing BWB manufacturers before they can safely take flight. Brian Smith is optimistic that airlines could be flying BWB planes in the near future: 'If they can be scaled up and produced in large enough numbers, and prove at least as high a degree of safety as conventional types, then it is likely that they will gain serious attention from airlines, both passenger and cargo,' he says. 'They will certainly be heavily computerised, and may even be the vanguard of pilotless aircraft, but they would be interesting to fly, and no self-respecting pilot would turn down the opportunity to fly one. They'll come too late for me, alas, but I am sure I will see them fly commercially in my lifetime.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. 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