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This week has brought a handful of exciting updates across Google’s hardware and software ecosystem. From long-awaited Chromecast improvements to some nifty new tweaks for Pixel Weather and Google Photos, here’s everything you need to know.
Android 14 finally arrives on Chromecast with Google TV
Google has officially begun rolling out Android 14 to Chromecast with Google TV, marking a significant upgrade from Android 12. Originally expected by the end of 2024, the update (version UTTC.241218.004) comes as an 809MB download packed with system stability improvements and security patches, jumping from November 2024 to January 2025.
One of the most notable additions is the integration of Find My Remote and a Customizable Button on the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote. This means those who purchased the standalone accessory can now enjoy these long-awaited features.
Although Chromecast with Google TV recently went out of stock, Google is still pushing out updates, suggesting continued support. In 2024, we saw eight updates, and 2025 is already off to a strong start with this being the second release.
To grab the update, navigate to Settings > System > About > System update on your Chromecast with Google TV.
Pixel Weather gets smarter and more convenient
Pixel Weather might not be the flashiest app, but Google has added some thoughtful new tweaks to make it more useful. The latest version (v1.0.20250127.729684887) introduces two handy features:
- Date labels on forecasts: The 10-day forecast now clearly shows dates under each day, making it easier to plan your week.
- Save location button: Previously, you had to manually search and add locations. Now, a new “Save” button lets you pin your current location with one tap.
In addition, a limited rollout appears to be adding snowfall forecasts, complete with estimated hourly snowfall, intensity, and duration. This feature has been spotted in some regions but isn’t widely available yet. If you’re seeing it, let us know!
Google Photos adds ‘Undo device backup’ option on Android
After launching first on iOS, Google Photos has finally introduced the “Undo device backup” feature on Android with version 7.18. This option allows users to remove all backed-up photos and videos from Google Photos while keeping them on the device.
To access it:
- Open Google Photos.
- Tap your Profile picture > Photos settings > Backup.
- Scroll down and select Undo backup for this device.
- Confirm by checking the box and tapping Delete Google Photos backup.
Once undone, your media will no longer appear in cloud albums, shared albums, search results, memories, or the Locked Folder. Google Photos backup will also be disabled moving forward.
This feature is perfect for those who no longer want all their device photos backed up but still want to keep them locally.
Google continues to refine and enhance the Pixel experience across devices, from streaming to weather tracking and cloud management. Whether you’re updating your Chromecast, tweaking your Pixel Weather settings, or reclaiming storage on Google Photos, these improvements make everyday interactions with your devices smoother and more intuitive.
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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