Google has been rolling out feature-packed updates across its app ecosystem, and update roundups like this are becoming increasingly exciting for Android and Pixel users. From smarter AI tools in Gemini to visual makeovers in Messages, Chrome, and Google Drive, there’s a lot to explore in this update preview.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through 34 new features across 15 different Google apps in a structured, detailed, and easy-to-follow manner. We’ll also explain where these changes apply (Android, iOS, desktop), their practical use, and how you can take advantage of them.
Let’s dive right in — and trust me, there’s something new in nearly every Google app you use daily!
🎥 YouTube App: 3 New Changes
Let’s start with the app we all use constantly — YouTube. Here are the updates:
1. “Most Relevant” Carousel in Subscriptions Tab
- Now shows multiple content suggestions (instead of just one).
- Located under the Subscriptions tab, the carousel is dynamic and based on your viewing patterns.
2. Comment Threading (Experimental, Premium Only)
- Available on Android & iOS for Premium users.
- Tap “X Replies” below a comment to open a threaded panel view.
- Offers a more focused and readable conversation experience.
3. Playlist Thumbnail Editor UI Revamp
- When editing playlist thumbnails, the styling options are now in a pill container on the right.
- Functionality remains the same, but the UI is cleaner and more intuitive.
🧠 Gemini App: 4 New Changes
Google’s AI assistant is evolving fast.
1. Full-Screen Access via Overlay Handle
- Drag the handle from the overlay triggered by power button to expand Gemini to full screen.
- Handle disappears after interaction.
2. Gemini Live: Loss of Left Swipe Gesture
- No more left swipe to activate Gemini Live.
- Replaced with manual access only.
3. Improved Camera Feed Resolution
- Live video quality in Gemini is now sharper and more detailed.
4. Still Image to 8s Video via VU3 (AI Pro & Ultra Users)
- Enter a prompt (e.g., “make the dog jump”) and watch Gemini turn a static image into a 1080p animation.
- AI Pro users get limited generation credits, while Ultra plan unlocks more — albeit at a steep price of over $200/year.
🎵 YouTube Music: 4 New Features
YouTube Music just made itself a lot more competitive.
1. Transfer Playlists from Other Apps
- Located in Library > Bottom banner: “Transfer playlists”
- Supports manual input, text uploads (TXT, CSV), or direct URLs
- Compatible with major services like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
2. Fullscreen Samples
- Videos under the Samples tab now play under the status bar, enhancing immersion.
3. Create Radio from Multiple Artists
- Tap multiple artists > “Play Now”
- Use filters or “More” to customize before creating a personal radio station.
4. Visual Tweaks on Now Playing
- Shuffle & repeat icons now show a small dot when active.
- One-time repeat displays a unique visual indicator.
🖼️ Google Photos: 5 New Features
Google Photos continues to get smarter and more intuitive.
1. Widgets Preview Real Photos
- The widget picker now previews your real gallery images.
2. Compact Memory Carousel
- Smaller design for the “memories” section for a cleaner look.
3. Album-Specific Search
- Dedicated album search (not app-wide) for precise results.
4. Google Lens Behavior Change
- Now opens to Visual Match instead of text selection.
- Text selection is now a secondary option.
5. Photo Picker Search
- Long-awaited search bar in the System Photo Picker.
- Supports filters by people, places, and objects.
💬 Google Messages: Material You 3 Overhaul + 1 Functional Update
Visual Changes:
- Rounded profile pictures, new Material 3 containers, and larger toggles.
- Start chat page and settings page redesigned for cleaner layout.
- Magic Compose has larger feedback buttons.
1 Functional Update:
- Gallery and Camera options are now separate in the “+” menu.
🎨 Wallpapers by In-Depth Tech Reviews App
- Users can download wallpapers locally
- Apply Android 16-style effects and edits
- Link: Play Store Download – Wallpapers by In-Depth Tech Reviews
☎️ Google Phone App: Redesigned UI
Highlights:
- Favorites tab replaced with a horizontal carousel
- Keypad is now a dedicated tab
- Ellipsis menu replaced with a side drawer menu
- Contacts tab removed; now accessed via button or menu
- Items now come with icons and containers for visual clarity
👥 Google Contacts: 2 New Additions
- Recent Activity Section: Shows last interactions (calls/messages).
- Account Saving Info: Shows which Google account will store the contact.
🔍 Google App: 6 New Features
1. Circle to Search – Song History
- New button to access previous song lookups.
2. AI Mode Search History
- View, delete, or manage past queries with new history UI.
3. Image Attachment in AI Mode
- Add photos from gallery or camera to queries.
4. At-a-Glance Widget Resize Effects
- Thinner widgets = different weather layout
- Width cannot be resized anymore.
5. Google Lens Redesign
- Only 2 tabs: Search and Translate
- New floating pill-style UI, info button, and smaller “More” menu.
6. App Search from System-Wide Search
- Searching for Google App launches it with in-app search ready.
🌐 Google Chrome: 2 Useful Additions
1. Move Address Bar to Bottom
- Tap & hold address bar → Move to bottom
OR - Go to Settings > Basics > Address bar
2. Grid Button on Desktop
- Access open tab groups across devices signed in with same Google account.
📁 Google Drive: Material 3 Design Updates
- Oval-shaped containers for top/bottom buttons.
- Bold numeric keys, vibrant UI colors.
- Symbols now inside floating containers — adds visual consistency across Google Workspace.
🧾 Apps With One New Change Each
Google Wallet:
- Tapping a card shows full name + last four digits at the top.
Google Calendar:
- Overflow menu redesign – Bigger, rounder buttons.
Google Home on Wear OS:
- Create custom favorites list just for Pixel Watch.
Google Account Page:
- Fully adopts Material 3 Expressive design, now seen inside any Google-linked app.
Google Services Page:
- View and update system-level Google services like:
- Google Play Protect
- System WebView
- Android Key Verifier
- Found under Settings > All Services > System Services
❓ FAQ Section
Q: Why don’t I see some of these features yet?
A: Many of these features are gradual rollouts or limited to Pixel/Android Beta versions. Ensure all Google apps are updated via Play Store and check if you’re part of a beta program.
Q: Do I need a Pixel phone for Material You 3 changes?
A: No. While Pixel devices receive updates first, Material 3 is gradually rolling out to all Android devices running Android 12 or higher.
Q: Is Clipwise really better than VU3 or Invideo?
A: Clipwise offers budget-friendly AI video creation. It doesn’t yet match the visual fidelity of VU3, but it’s ideal for quick social content or YouTube Shorts.
🛑 Disclaimer
Some features are part of experimental rollouts, beta channels, or region-restricted previews. Availability may vary depending on device, OS version, and Google Play Services update status. Always keep your Google apps and system updated via the Play Store and system update settings.
📌 Final Thoughts
So far, we’ve done a great job walking through a massive wave of Google app updates. Whether you’re a content creator, casual user, or power user — this update brings real enhancements to productivity, creativity, and usability.
From Gemini-powered AI to playlist transfer in YouTube Music, from threaded YouTube comments to Material 3 UI polish — this is one of the most exciting rounds of Google app updates in 2025.
Tags: Google apps update July 2025, YouTube new features, Gemini AI, YouTube Music playlist import, Google Photos AI, Chrome address bar bottom, Material You 3, Google Lens redesign, Clipwise AI
Hashtags:
#GoogleApps #YouTubeUpdate #GeminiAI #YouTubeMusic #MaterialYou #ChromeTips #AndroidUpdates #AIContent #Clipwise #dtptips
