What you need to know

• YouTube is reportedly planning to launch audiobooks for its Premium subscribers.
• Audiobooks could arrive for the platform's ad-free $16 subscription plan in 2027 if this goes without a hitch for Google/YouTube.
• YouTube would run into competition with the likes of Spotify (audiobooks arrived in 2023) and Audible.

Audiobook-enjoyers might have something to celebrate on YouTube. There are rumors that the platform is looking to enter a new market for its Premium subscribers.

A post by the Wall Street Journal (paywalled) highlighted rumors that YouTube Premium could soon offer audiobooks in one of its subscription plans (via GSMArena). Supposedly, Google has been "talking with publishers" about bringing audiobooks onto the platform in 2027.

Early reports allege YouTube Premium would offer audiobooks in its ad-free plan, which currently runs consumers $16 a month. What's interesting is that this could solve an issue: piracy. GoodEReader brought this up in its coverage, highlighting data that shows "45% of listeners" consume "audiobooks" on YouTube. The air quotes (and literal quotes) are warranted here, as the publication states these are AI-narrated, not authentic.

Audiobooks in YouTube Premium would give users the best experience possible, away from false creations. However, it's worth remembering that these are rumors, and nothing's been confirmed by YouTube yet.

YouTube's branching out

Many should be well-acquainted with Audible's audiobook offerings. In recent history, Spotify has joined that market, taking the fight directly to Audible with over 200,000 "free" titles. That was how it all started, anyway. When audiobooks launched for Spotify Premium in 2023, the platform gave its subscribers in the U.S. and the U.K. 15 hours of listening per month.

After you exceeded your limit, you could pay an additional $12.99 to get 10 more hours "or buy them a la carte." Spotify's library exceeded that initial 200,000 for Premium subscribers. But if you wanted more, you'd have to buy them individually. Spotify then launched its "Audiobook Access" tier for $9.99, giving users the same 15 hours of listening per month deal.

It goes without saying that YouTube will have its work cut out for it by stepping into this new world.

What you need to know

• Google is notifying AI Plus subscribers that access to Pro models in Gemini and AI Mode will change on November 13.
• Users on the $5 Google AI Plus plan will lose the ability to select Pro models but can continue using Flash models.
• Keeping access to Gemini's Pro models will require Google AI Pro, which costs $20 per month, four times as much.

Google has started notifying users that they'll soon have to pay more if they want to continue using Gemini's Pro models in both the Gemini app and Google Search.

Currently, the Google AI Plus plan is a pretty good deal. For just $5 per month, you get a generous 400GB of cloud storage alongside access to some of Google's latest and most powerful Gemini models. But now, Google wants users to pay more if they want to continue using the Pro models in the Gemini app and AI Mode in Google Search.

As spotted by a Reddit user (via Droid-Life), Google has started emailing Google AI Plus subscribers, informing them that the ability to select Pro models in both the Gemini app and AI Mode in Search will move behind the more expensive Google AI Pro subscription starting November 13, 2026.

Essentially, this means Google AI Plus subscribers will no longer be able to manually select the Pro models in either service after that date. Instead, users who want to continue accessing those models will need to upgrade to Google AI Pro, which costs $20 per month in the U.S.

Google does mention in the email that AI Plus subscribers will continue to have access to its Flash models, so it's not like Gemini is going away entirely for those on the cheaper plan. But if you've been using the more capable Pro models for complex tasks, reasoning, or research, you'll now need to pay for the higher tier to keep using them.

Of course, Google is also offering several other benefits with its AI Pro subscription to make the higher price a little easier to justify.

Alongside access to its latest and most capable Gemini models, Google AI Pro also includes benefits such as YouTube Premium Lite, Google Home Premium, Google Health Premium, and 5TB of cloud storage that can be shared across Google services.

Those are some pretty useful additions, especially if you're already paying for several of Google's services separately. But that doesn't change the fact that users who were previously getting access to Gemini's Pro models for $5 per month will now have to spend four times as much to retain that functionality.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out several updates for Search AI (AI Mode and AI Overviews) to help fuel user confidence when searching.
• Search AI will now feature inline source links higher in responses, while also displaying "more engaging" links with thumbnail photos.
• Timely news articles in Search AI will be housed in a carousel for quicker perusal.

AI Mode and AI Overviews are two prominent features in Google Search nowadays, but they're far from flawless. Google states it's rolling out updates to improve its inline source links.

This morning (Oct. 15), Google announced that it's rolling out updates to how AI Mode and AI Overviews help users discover the right information. No matter which feature you're using, Google's AI offers links back to its sources; however, it's never been perfect. According to the post, Google is moving its inline links "higher up in responses more frequently."

Users will find quicker access to true, verified sources for information across their searches. Additionally, if you're diving deeper into topics with AI Mode, Google says it's now displaying "more engaging and prominent" links. Users will notice links with thumbnail photos and a more click-encouraging design.

Elsewhere, the company detailed a test it's preparing to run for its AI responses. Some users may notice a new display at the top of some responses under a "Quick results from the web" category. Google says these links will feature a quick explanation of why they're the "best" sources for what you've searched.

These changes should help Search AI

Aside from your standard searches, Google is updating how published news stories appear. Preferred Sources helps users find content from websites they enjoy much more easily in Search. Google says it's rolling out a "prominent carousel" of news stories for timely articles. If you've searched for a recent event or a breaking news story, you will likely see this carousel of articles ready for your perusal.

Elsewhere, Google has now rolled out clickable creator and publisher profiles in video results. This will send users to their Search Profile, which holds the full scope of their content and more. Search Profiles gave us social media vibes when Google launched the feature in June. Primarily for your Discover feed, creators and publishers will feature a "Follow on Google" button in their knowledge panel.

Their profile will host their articles, social media posts, and videos.

These updates to Google's Search AI will roll out throughout October, so keep an eye out

What you need to know

• YouTube Music will label AI-generated songs to help listeners identify AI involvement.
• YouTube combines partner disclosures with AI detection tools to identify tracks, even when creators leave disclosure fields blank.
• YouTube plans to bring AI labels to its main video platform, extending transparency beyond music streaming.

YouTube Music is rolling out new labels that tell listeners when generative AI played a big part in making a song, the company announced Wednesday. The labels will appear directly on the music player, providing users a more transparent idea of what they are listening to without having to sift through descriptions or wonder if a track was created by a human artist or an AI model.

The feature covers music created largely with AI, including songs where generative models contribute both the composition and vocals. Tap a label, and a menu appears with more information about the song’s AI participation. YouTube says the labels will eventually reach its main video platform as well.

The move comes as generative AI makes it easier to produce music at scale. The challenge for streaming services is to help listeners distinguish between AI-assisted work and AI-made work, without treating all uses of AI the same.

YouTube pairs creator disclosures with detection tools

YouTube is using a mix of disclosure from its music partners and its own detection tools instead of relying on artists and music distributors to flag AI-created content. Partners can identify delivered tracks as “Fully Gen AI”, “Partly Gen AI”, or “No Gen AI” through supported metadata workflows.

This distinction is important since an artist using AI to help in a certain part of the production is not the same as a fully AI-generated song. The labels are not intended to lump every AI-assisted track into one category but rather to provide more context for listeners about that difference.

YouTube's help page says it may use additional signals when partners don't provide AI information. If the platform can detect that a track has content created by AI, it could be marked as fully or partially AI-generated. Therefore, not entering anything in the disclosure field is no guarantee a song won’t be tagged.

Not an AI-free listening experience, but transparency

The new labels are not a prohibition on AI-generated music. Instead, YouTube is providing listeners with more information on how tracks were made and letting them choose what belongs in their playlists.

That approach puts the spotlight on transparency as AI music becomes more prevalent across streaming platforms.

I would love to see AI labels become the standard for everything I consume online, from music and videos to news articles and social media posts. I’m not necessarily against content produced by AI, but I want to be told that I’m hearing or seeing it before I decide what I think about it.

YouTube Music adding these labels is moving in the right direction, and I’d welcome the additional transparency. I just hope the labelling on YouTube is accurate; a disclosure system is only useful if listeners can trust it.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out a new Shop Devices section in the Play Store for browsing Pixel and Samsung Galaxy hardware.
• The new option appears in the Play Store's profile menu and redirects users to Google's existing hardware storefront.
• The portal lists devices like the Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 4, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Google TV Streamer, and more.

Google is rolling out a new Shop devices option in the Play Store, allowing users to buy not just apps and games, but also smartphones and other hardware directly through the app.

For years, the Google Play Store has been the go-to storefront for downloading apps, games, books, and more. But now, Google wants to expand that experience to hardware as well. As spotted by 9to5Google, the company has added a new "Shop devices" section within the Play Store that lets users shop for not only Google Pixel phones and Pixel Watches, but also Samsung Galaxy devices.

The new Shop Devices option appears when you tap your profile icon in the top-right corner of the Google Play Store. Selecting it opens the Google Store where you can browse and purchase Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices.

Currently, the portal lists several devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra, alongside Google's own products like the Pixel 10a, Pixel Watch 4, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google TV Streamer, Pixel 11, and Pixel 11 Pro.

Other devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip 8, are also listed. However, it doesn't appear to be a complete storefront for either brand just yet, with only select devices available for now. Google could expand the selection as more products are added to the portal.

It's worth noting that eligible Google One subscribers can also take advantage of the 10% Google Store credit benefit when purchasing supported devices through the portal. You can then use the 10% credit towards any other future Google Store purchase.

But perhaps the more interesting part is that Google doesn't seem to have updated the prices of Samsung's Galaxy S26 series in the new shopping section.

For those unaware, Samsung recently increased the prices of the Galaxy S26 lineup in the U.S. by $100, meaning the base Galaxy S26 now starts at $1,000, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,400.

However, the Shop Devices portal still shows the older, lower prices for both phones. So, at least for now, you may be able to pick up the Galaxy S26 or Galaxy S26 Ultra for less than Samsung's revised pricing, although it's worth checking the final price at checkout.

That said, if you're specifically looking for a deal on the Galaxy S26 series, it's still worth comparing prices with retailers like Amazon, where you might find better discounts than what's available through Google's new shopping portal.

What you need to know

• Google is developing new Pixel diagnostic tools to help troubleshoot problems with calls, Wi-Fi, and mobile data.
• The new tools appear under Device Health & Support, alongside existing battery, Bluetooth, and touchscreen diagnostics.
• Pixel phones could soon identify connectivity problems and either attempt a fix or guide users through troubleshooting..

One of the issues we regularly run into on Android phones, unfortunately, is related to mobile data, Wi-Fi, and overall connectivity. But it looks like Android 17 could soon be able to diagnose and fix some of these problems for you.

Google has been building out its Pixel troubleshooting and diagnostics tool for a while now. Pixel phones can already check for issues related to battery health, connectivity, Bluetooth, and even touchscreen problems. But now, it looks like Google is expanding these tools to help users fix calling, Wi-Fi, and mobile data issues as well.

As spotted by Android Police, the recently released Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1, alongside the latest Google Play Services beta, introduces new diagnostic tools designed to troubleshoot problems with calls, Wi-Fi, and mobile data. The new options appear under the Device health & support section.

So, if you're having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, experiencing dropped calls, or your mobile data suddenly stops working, you'll be able to open the relevant diagnostic tool and have your Pixel check what's going wrong behind the scenes.

Depending on the issue, the tool could either attempt to fix the problem automatically or guide you through the necessary steps to get things working again. This could save users from having to manually dig through network settings or reset their connections every time something stops working.

For now, these new tools have only been spotted in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 with the Google Play Services beta, so they aren't widely available yet. However, considering they're already showing up in testing, there's a chance Google could introduce them with the stable Android 17 QPR3 release early next year.

Given how frequently Pixel owners have complained about connectivity issues over the years, having built-in tools that can actually help diagnose and fix those problems could be a pretty useful addition.

What you need to know

• Google officially replaced Assistant with Gemini in September, but a Redditor has found a way to bring it back.
• The workaround involves uninstalling Google app updates and reopening Google Assistant through the Play Store.
• Users can reportedly decline the Gemini switch and set Google Assistant as their default digital assistant again.
• You'll need to disable automatic Google app updates to keep the workaround working.

A Redditor seems to have found a new trick to get Google Assistant working again on Android phones, even after Google officially shut it down.

Last month, Google pulled the plug on Google Assistant for Android phones on September 4, 2026, replacing the good old assistant with Gemini. Gemini is now the default assistant on Android smartphones, whether you like it or not. However, a new workaround discovered by a Redditor (via Android Police) claims to bring back the Google Assistant experience.

According to the Reddit post, the user managed to get Google Assistant working again by uninstalling updates to the Google app on their Android phone. They then opened the Google Assistant listing on the Play Store, after which the old assistant reportedly started working again.

When Google Assistant launches, a prompt appears asking users to switch to Gemini. But according to the Redditor, there's still an option to decline the switch and continue using Google Assistant instead.

Selecting that option reportedly lets users set Google Assistant as their default digital assistant again, restoring the familiar experience Google discontinued last month. Of course, there's another step you'll need to follow if you want to keep Google Assistant working through this method.

You'll have to disable automatic updates for the Google app on the Play Store. Otherwise, the app could update itself to the latest version and replace Google Assistant with Gemini again. To do this, open the Google Play Store and search for the Google app. Open its listing, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and uncheck Enable auto-update.

And that's it. If you've been missing the good old Google Assistant experience on your Android phone, this workaround appears to offer a way to bring it back, at least for now.

Of course, there's no guarantee it'll continue working. Google could disable the workaround through a future update or server-side change at any time. But if you still prefer Google Assistant over Gemini, or simply want to give the old assistant another go for nostalgia's sake, this might be worth trying.>

What you need to know

• Vehicles with Google built-in are getting a redesigned Play Store, new apps, and improved YouTube playback over the next few weeks.
• The updated Play Store will make its catalog of apps easier to browse, with featured picks, new releases, and curated collections.
• YouTube will automatically switch to audio-only playback when drivers shift into drive, letting videos continue without distracting visuals.

Google is rolling out a more useful entertainment experience for cars with Google built-in, including a redesigned Play Store, new apps, and a YouTube upgrade that lets you keep listening after shifting into drive. Drivers will not have to do anything themselves to install it, as the changes will come automatically over the next few weeks.

The Play Store refresh is meant to make the app-finding process less painful. Google notes that there are already more than 700 available apps on compatible vehicles, but the new interface should help make browsing that catalog a lot easier. You'll see featured apps, new releases, and useful app details directly on the homepage, and curated collections will help you find options depending on whether your car is parked or moving.

Google is also moving on from one-size-fits-all interfaces. The new storefront will be able to adapt to the size, shape, and orientation of each vehicle’s infotainment display. One-tap downloads will make it easier and quicker to get new apps.

And there’s more to come. STARZ, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar are coming to the in-car app lineup, giving you more ways to stream shows, browse the web, and play games while you’re parked. These additions should make the charging stops and waiting periods more useful for passengers and drivers taking a break.

YouTube finally makes driving less annoying

The bigger improvement might be YouTube’s new background playback behavior. Previously, starting a drive would stop YouTube playback. In the new update, you can watch a video while parked and automatically switch to audio-only playback as you shift into drive.

That means podcasts, interviews, and other videos can continue to play without distracting visuals on the dashboard. The catch is, you’ll need a YouTube Premium subscription to take advantage of the feature.

Google has talked about this park-to-driving functionality before, but the latest announcement confirms it’s coming to YouTube on cars with Google built-in. Don’t confuse this with Android Auto, which shows compatible phone apps on a car’s display. Google has not said if the same automatic background playback feature is coming to Android Auto.

The updates will be pushed automatically to eligible vehicles over the next few weeks.

What you need to know

• Threads is reportedly starting a test in the U.S. called "Gems."
• These are badges that the platform's algorithm will reportedly hand out to posts and replies that spur conversation with original thoughts, perspective, and more.
• Earlier this year, Threads rolled out "Dear Algo," which puts users in the driver's seat of their algorithm for content they want to see more of.

Meta is starting a new test in the U.S. on Threads to spotlight posts and comments from users that get the conversation going.

Meta published an "About Gems on Threads" document this week, highlighting the test (via Android Headlines). The company states a "Threads Gem" will appear on "public posts and replies that started or continued these (standout) conversations." An automated system within the Threads app is responsible for dishing out these purple badges.

Gems are given based on the level of conversation, "not on how many followers a profile has." The company clarifies that Gems are decided based on a few factors, such as "Perspective." If a conversation or comment brings a fresh take (or a hot take), that could be the catalyst for a Gem badge. Originality is another key player in deciding these new badges.

Threads will also factor in the level of discussion, which seems like the bar for something like this. It states that if the post or reply facilitates "real back-and-forth dialogue" that progresses the thread, that might warrant a Gem.

Everything isn't fair game for Gems on Threads. The document says content is only eligible if you've posted on Threads and you're directly replying to the original post (if you're replying to a reply, that won't count). If you're given a Gem badge, it'll appear publicly for everyone to see, and you'll receive a notification about it.

You're a Gem

Threads has had a couple of updates worthy of discussion. If we're talking about discussions on the internet (oh boy), you can't leave out the hottest of hot takes. Threads rolled out "ghost posts," otherwise known as disappearing posts. Users can set a ghost post to disappear in 24 hours. Threads says it rolled out ghost posts for "fresh takes/thoughts." Users can post their hot takes and more without "the pressure of permanence or polish."

However, since these are active for a time on the platform, others can reply. If this happens, all replies are sent to your DMs.

Threads had another update earlier this year called "Dear Algo." This is a system that puts users in the driver's seat of the algorithm. You can control what you see on Threads for up to three days via a "request." Users can share their algorithm requests with others to share the vibes.

What you need to know

• Reports on Reddit from the Google Messages and Pixel communities state the Messages app is failing to send media in RCS.
• One report states the app will fail outright or "randomly send all the files at once" in their experience.
• Google is reportedly aware of the issue and is rolling out a fix; however, it could take a couple of weeks.
• This problem mirrors another media-related issue Google Messages had last year when media texts failed to send in RCS.

Google Messages has been suffering from a major problem these past few days: If you're one of the (un)lucky, you might've noticed that you can't send photos.

Over the past few days, users on the Google Messages subreddit reported issues sending photos and other media (via SamMobile). One user with a Pixel 10 Pro Fold said they started encountering problems after the August update. They state that the app will enter a "weird cycle" of "undeliverable media and then randomly all the files send at once."

The user said the Messages app will suffer from this for anywhere from two to four days at a time.

As others joined the discussion, it was revealed that these problems occurred over RCS in the app. SamMobile discovered a similar thread on the Pixel subreddit, where one Pixel 8 owner says they're unable to send links, as well as other media (photos, videos). Users attempted to troubleshoot and rectify the issue on their own, but to no avail. One report states the user tried a hard reset of their phone "several times." While this worked (once), the issue has returned.

Good news comes via Android Authority who received a statement from Google about the problem. The company is reportedly aware "of a bug affecting a subset of Google Messages users that can lead to disrupted RCS message delivery." A Google spokesperson informed the publication that a fix is rolling out, but you might have to wait a couple of weeks before you see it.

Similar problems

The current Messages app issue reminds us of another media-related problem that RCS chats encountered. At one point, users couldn't send media messages to others with RCS active, encountering one of two issues: either the message would outright fail, or it would be slow to send. A Google Community manager said the company was aware and "working toward" a fix for users.

And a fix did arrive, thanks to a server-side patch. We're likely looking at a similar situation again. Earlier this year, Samsung Galaxy users ran into a snag with the Messages app after using Smart Switch. Widespread RCS chat failures were reported after users swapped to a new phone. Many received error code 3100 when trying to enable RCS or send a message.

Google confirmed to Android Central in April that it was aware and working with phone carriers to fix the problem. Google has been pretty timely with its fixes for major issues like this. So hopefully anyone experiencing problems this week (or last week) will see them gone soon.