Strava joins forces with Google Gemini—new insights are rolling out for users

What you need to know

• Strava announced that it's rolling out a Connected Apps experience with Google's Gemini for subscribers.
• Once connected, users will receive details about their progress, and uncover new insights through Gemini's integration with your running data.
• A major Strava update brought AI Performance Prediction to subscribers, which requires at least 20 tracked activities before it can begin.

Strava is starting to roll out new ways for users to interact with their wellness data by joining forces with Google Gemini.

In a press release, Strava announced that users can enjoy a Connected Apps experience in Google's Gemini, beginning this week. Subscribers can reportedly connect their Strava account to view their "progress and uncover insights." The company adds that Gemini will personalize its answers based on your Strava data.

Strava runs users through a few examples, stating they can ask if they're "getting faster at the same heart rate." The post states Gemini will compare your heart rate and speed across your "volume, consistency, and mix of sports." What's more, Strava's Gemini integration can break down your racing performance per mile.

Strava has rolled out recent updates for its Gemini integration, too. According to the post, users can ask Gemini if the weather was why they felt sluggish, or if it was their body.

Subscribers can connect their Strava accounts with Gemini this week in the U.S. The company states this feature is available for all Gemini plans. If you're getting started, users should navigate to Personal Intelligence in Gemini > Strava (in Connected Apps) > Sign In.

Get your steps in (or run)

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Strava app is primarily where users have gotten their daily insights; however, there was a major update that brought its Athlete Intelligence, which turned some heads. Athlete Intelligence was locked away in beta for four and a half months. After launching, it delivered improved accuracy and new insights to users. As part of its "tailored" experience, Athlete Intelligence could interpret a user's "non-GPS activities."

Such activities include running on a treadmill or cycling power. What's more, Athlete Intelligence will "note how your pace or speed compares to other times on that route." In our initial testing, we noticed some errors with Athlete Intelligence early on, but its insights were pretty spot on. Shortly after, Strava brought AI Performance Predictions to its subscribers.

The company's software would estimate how long it would take the user to run a "5K, 10K, and half & full marathons." This data requires a hefty background to begin. Strava states users should catalog around 20 activities before AI Performance Predictions can begin.

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Google rolls out an update that finally tightens the screws on Gemini for Home

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out a late October patch for Gemini for Home and its smart home app, upgrading its capabilities and introducing major fixes.
• The patch notes state Gemini's "Sorry, I didn't understand" response has been fixed, as users would receive this when nothing was explicitly said.
• Fixes for "zero-volume" alarms and timers are rolling out, alongside new additions for Matter devices on Android.

Google concludes the week with a substantial update for Gemini for Home and its smart home app that users should keep an eye out for.

The company detailed the update in a lengthy changelog today (Oct. 29). Gemini for Home, which is still in early access, spearheads the list of fixes this week. According to Google, this week's patch includes a fix for Gemini's frustrating "Sorry, I didn't understand" error messages. The funny thing is, this was happening when users hadn't said anything. This issue reportedly affected displays and speakers, and should be patched in this update.

Gemini should now better understand when a user tells it to switch music to a device in another room. Google states it's rolling out more "reliable" commands for YouTube TV. It says this should help content play as intended whenever the user asks for it. Volume control is another area where Gemini has been shaky.

Google states it's rolling out a fix for "zero volume timers and alarms." In some cases, users would set an alarm, but its volume would drop to zero, meaning they'd never hear it. Elsewhere, Google is solving an issue "where asking to adjust the volume on a speaker or display in another room could accidentally change the volume on the device you were speaking to if the other device couldn’t be found."

(Image credit: Google)

The Google Home app is also receiving quite a few bug fixes/updates this week, beginning with Matter devices. The patch notes state Android devices can now view energy data for supported Matter products. It adds that compatible plugs and energy monitors will soon "display both real-time power (mW) and total energy consumed (kWh) directly on their device tiles and controller screens."

Additionally, users can quickly shift their devices into power-saving modes through the app. Improved icons and controls are also rolling out for Matter devices on Android. Google says the Home app will now organize devices by type: garage doors, gates, windows, blinds, cabinets, and more.

Google Home Premium users can now find their benefits by tapping on their Profile > Google Home Premium > Features (to enable, too).

There are also extensive updates for smart home cameras

(Image credit: Google)

A long road of changes

Google's been down a long road with Gemini for its smart home environment. The company has rolled out purposeful patches to fix issues users have experienced with the AI's responses. In one update, Google worked on improving Gemini's response times. It stated that it quickened the AI by 40%, but it also rolled out additional fixes to make good on that promise.

In a patch in April, Google improved Gemini's smart home understanding. Users won't have to bore themselves with exact commands. The company said Gemini could understand "casual phrases and context better."

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Google brings back app lock in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3

Google's been busy with its Android 17 development cycle, pushing multiple Quarterly Platform Release updates and still working on bug fixes across Pixel devices. QPR3 went into beta testing in early October, and the first two releases focused primarily on squashing stability, connectivity, and performance bugs. Now Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 is here with 26 more fixes, the return of the app lock, and some handy interface improvements.

It’s not a massive visual overhaul by any means, but Google is clearly using these beta releases to tidy up the Android experience ahead of the next big update.

This new release follows QPR3 Beta 2, which was released just over a week ago and also included its own set of bug fixes. According to its release note shared on Reddit, Google has listed 26 fixes ranging from display glitches and app crashes to connectivity and system stability issues this time around.

App lock and bubbles get another shot

The changes to the usability side are more interesting. As noted by one Reddit user, app lock is making a comeback, offering users another way to keep sensitive apps safe from unwanted access. Google is also making app bubbles easier to use by letting users launch them from the Recents menu, rather than having to dig through other interface options.

Quick Settings is also receiving a camera shortcut. That’s a small addition, arguably, but it gives users another way to launch the camera without hunting down its app icon. Google has also fixed the AM/PM display for lock screen alarms and brought back some of the lock screen blur that was lost in a previous update.

A bigger cleanup under the hood

The new fixes cover a number of annoying issues, including random screen flickering, black inner displays when unfolding foldables, poor webcam video quality, and crashes when viewing mentions in X threads. Google has also fixed broken force-stop controls, missing notification elements, crashing Bluetooth scans, and WPA-Enterprise Wi-Fi authentication failures.

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 is available for Pixel 6a and newer devices. Most supported models receive build DP11.261016.003, while Pixel 11 models get DP11.261016.004.

If you want to, you can sign up through Google's Android Beta Program, but it’s always a good idea to back up your data prior to installing beta software.

Android 17 QPR2 is expected to reach stable status around the end of 2026, and QPR3 is looking to be another round of meaningful refinements ahead of its anticipated 2027 release.

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Amazon's latest suite of Alexa-powered Echo devices includes a digital Photo Frame

What you need to know

• Amazon announced a refreshed list of 2026 smart home devices: the Echo Dot, Echo Studio with Home Camera, Echo Time, Echo Show 16, and the Alexa Photo Frame.
• The Echo Dot offers a built-in smart home hub that connects it to "thousands" of available smart home devices, such as lights and locks.
• The Echo Show 16 is ~40% thinner than before, and delivers a 16-inch HD screen that users can use a family or meal planner.
• Amazon's Alexa Photo Frame sync directly with your Amazon Photos account, and brings your latest photos to the forefront.

Amazon is dropping another round of fresh smart home devices at the end of Techtober. The company announced four new Echo devices and an Alexa Photo Frame to digitize years of memories.

Today (Oct. 29), Amazon debuted its latest line of smart home devices, beginning with four new Echo devices, such as the new Echo Dot. Amazon states the 2026 Echo Dot "includes a built-in smart home hub" for the first time. This hub lets its AI, Alexa, connect to "thousands of compatible devices" (think smart lights, locks, etc.). Furthering the Echo Dot's AI ambitions is Amazon's new AI Accelerator for a sharp, quick experience.

If you're playing music or listening to audiobooks, Amazon says the Echo Dot now has 50% more bass and crisper vocals. The Echo Dot is available for $99; however, there is a Kids Echo Dot that starts at $109 with a year of Amazon Plus included.

Elsewhere, we have the 2026 Echo Studio. The design remains similar to that of its 2025 counterpart. Amazon says the Echo Studio features a House Camera to give it a "better understanding" of what's happening around it. In turn, it enhances Alexa's capabilities for homeowners. Users can check in on their house through the Echo Studio, peering in through its included camera.

The Echo Studio boasts "a high-excursion woofer and Dolby Atmos with Advanced Room Adaptation." The Echo Studio with House Camera starts at $249 and is shipping today (Oct. 29). The company states Fire TV support will bring video calling to users in a future update.

Amazon

Amazon

Amazon

The Echo Time has been refreshed with Omnisense, Amazon's sleep-sensing tech. The post states the device can "sense when you're in lighter sleep and wake you within 10 to 60 minutes of your scheduled alarm." In terms of design, the Echo Time features a digital clock face that users can customize with analog or modern themes.

The Echo Time is available starting at $199, and the Kids Echo Time starts at $209 with a year of Kids Plus included.

Rounding out the "Echo" devices is the Echo Show 16. Amazon calls it its "most powerful" version. The device is roughly 40% thinner and features a 16-inch HD screen. There's also a Nanomatte variation to reduce screen glare from sunlight. Amazon highlights "Screen Styles," which lets users turn it into a family planner, meal planner, and more.

The Echo Show 16 can even double as a family picture frame. Then you have the smart home dashboard with the Alexa Home Map. This gives users a clear picture of where every connected smart home device is in their house. Fire TV support is built-in, and the Echo Show 16's camera has been upgraded with a wider FOV, auto-framing for pictures, and more.

The Echo Show 16 can be pre-ordered for $499.99 or for $599 if you're getting the Nanomatte version. However, Amazon states that if you're pre-ordering now, you could get $100 off.

Framing the memories

(Image credit: Amazon)

The final overall product from Amazon is the 10-inch Alexa Photo Frame.

This digital photo frame has Alexa built into its core, connecting to your Amazon Photos account with automatic image sync. The post states that as you take photos, they will appear on the Photo Frame. Alexa reportedly works its AI magic, surfacing photos where people are smiling, skipping over screenshots and other content.

Consumers can purchase the Alexa Photo Frame for $199.99 in black, while its Birch or Walnut wood frames start at $229.00.

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'Immersive Explorations' in Gemini is a visual adventure for traversing stellar topics

What you need to know

• Google announced "Immersive Explorations" in Gemini, which gives students a visual way of learning a subject by unraveling its contents layer-by-layer.
• Users can learn about the complexities of Quasars and more in space, or about dinosaurs, the molecular structure of life, and more.
• Google's previously brought huge updates for teachers in the Classrooms app for students through Gemini to help create lesson plans, Rubrics, and quizzes.

Gemini and astrology go hand-in-hand—it's in the name, after all. Google announced that it's rolling out a new library in Gemini's student hub for stellar topics.

This week, Google announced in a blog post that it's bringing "Immersive Explorations" to the Gemini student hub. This library will reportedly give users an "interactive, visual way to explore topics layer-by-layer..." In a press release, Google states users can forget about scrolling and reading through giant walls of text. Immersive Explorations is more visual (though it comes with a few paragraphs to explain what you're seeing).

Users can "click through layered visuals" to educate themselves about a range of topics. If we're going down the stellar route, users can learn about Quasars, and zoom in to learn about Host Galaxies or Interstellar Dust Lanes. Clicking on different parts of an image unlocks more details. Users can see the bigger picture as a whole, and dive in to learn about every tiny fragment that makes it whole.

Students in the Gemini hub can also learn about dinosaurs, the molecular structure of plants, the "physics of lightning," and more. Google says Immersive Explorations are available now in the Gemini app.

Users can begin exploring in English, Indonesian, Hindi, Brazilian Portuguese, French, and simplified Chinese. Google states users in other languages will default to English until support for those languages arrives at a later time.

More ways to learn

(Image credit: Google)

When Google rolled out Gemini for teens using school accounts, it did so with guardrails and the ability to fact-check the AI's results. The AI was made available in over 100 countries, alongside "Coach." This was a "step-by-step tool to help students build their knowledge of various subjects through quizzes and games." The other side of Google's work to build better AI for educational purposes was its tools for the Classrooms app.

It was a Gemini-focused patch that brought the AI's assistance to NotebookLM (now Gemini Notebook). Teachers could create an AI "expert" for a specific topic to help students if they're struggling with a certain subject. What's more, teachers can create a Rubric and quizzes with ease using the educational material they have.

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Ultrahuman's Ring Pro arrives in the US—consumers can get it fitted in-store, but only at Best Buy

What you need to know

• Ultrahuman announced that its Ring Pro is available now in the U.S. without delay and without pre-order.
• Consumers can purchase the device at online storefronts from Ultrahuman, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy; however, 300 Best Buy stores will also have it for fitting purposes.
• The Ring Pro features a 15-day battery life (45 days with the case), "Enhanced memory" for health data, a titanium build, and more for ~$479.

Ultrahuman's latest smart ring debuted in February. However, the U.S. was excluded from its "global" debut—that changes today (Oct. 29).

Ultrahuman announced in a press release that the Ring Pro is now available to U.S. consumers. Consumers can purchase the Ring Pro online at Ultrahuman's storefront, Target, and Walmart. Additionally, you can grab it at Best Buy online or in-store at one of 300 locations. Ultrahuman states the Ring Pro's presence at Best Buy stores gives users a unique advantage.

You can try on the Ring Pro in-store, have it sized to your finger, and "take it home the same day." The smart ring was announced at $479 at launch in February, so consumers should see similar pricing online and in-store. The company states that it's working on bringing the Ring Pro to Target and Walmart stores "over the next few weeks," so you can try it on and have it sized in person.

To celebrate the Ring Pro's U.S. arrival, Ultrahuman's CEO and founder, Mohit Kumar, said, "We’re delighted to be on sale in the U.S. so customers can get hold of Ring PRO without pre-orders or delays."

Pro-level Ring

Ultrahuman

Ultrahuman

Ultrahuman

Ultrahuman reminds us that the Ring Pro features up to 15 days of battery life. However, paired with its charging case, users can get up to 45 days. The Ring Pro and its charging case feature a pairing so strong, you can find it if you've lost it. Ultrahuman says users will benefit from "Find My Case" and At-a-glance feedback on the case. This feedback delivers "confirmations and alerts via haptics, and view battery level status via an LED indicator."

Plus, users won't need a subscription to unlock its many continuous health-tracking features. Returning to its original launch, Ultrahuman said it will sell the Ring Pro in sizes five through 14.

The Ring Pro was also built with "enhanced memory." Ultrahuman says it can remember up to 250 days of data to "assist with your health history." The company redesigned its heart rate sensor to be more useful when you're sleeping or recovering.

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Google preps more Connected Apps for users and new ways to build for devs

What you need to know

• Google's Android Dev Summit is going on, and it announced a Connected Apps Platform in preview for developers.
• This platform lets developers bring their apps into the Connected Apps experience for Gemini or Search, or both.
• Users should expect apps from Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton in Search in the coming weeks, as well as Calm.

This afternoon (Oct. 28), Google announced a new developer platform en route for Connected Apps in Gemini and Search.

From what Google announced, it looks like users should prepare for an influx of Connected Apps. According to its post, the Connected Apps Platform is launching in preview this week for developers looking to integrate their products into Gemini and Search. Google states this preview gives developers an "opportunity to build once and reach high-intent users..."

After integrating with a cloud-hosted MCP server and running through the required review process, Google says devs can decide whether their app is available in Gemini or Search (or both). Developers will have all the tools they need to understand the stability of their app. They can "track traffic, latency, and error rates," among other pieces of data, to keep everything smooth.

While Google is rolling out the Connected Apps Platform in preview to developers today, it states everyday users at home should expect more goodies, too. The company highlighted partnerships with Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton in Connected Apps. Many of these are already live in Gemini; however, in the weeks ahead, Google says it will roll them out in Search.

Additionally, Google is preparing to integrate Calm (the mental health app) into Gemini and Search soon. If you're a developer and you're interested in the new platform's preview, you can sign up and get started.

Groceries, music, and more

(Image credit: Google)

Android Central's Take

Useful AI is useful. This is a good spot for AI to be: one where it can help take the mundane out of the mundane. It'll shop, and then notify you at the important parts. However, watching what the AI does can't be stressed enough. It's not foolproof, so keeping a watchful eye to ensure disaster doesn't strike is a good rule of thumb. Also, you don't have to connect anything you don't want to. Be mindful, and stay safe with your information.

As far as Connected Apps go, things have improved recently. And by "improved," we mean the fact that Google brought in Instacart and YouTube Music to AI Mode's experience this summer. Even Canva got in on the fun. With all Connected Apps, users are letting Google's AI take the reins. With Instacart, users can say, "get me all the things I need for my BBQ and add them to my grocery cart."

You'll see everything the AI is doing, and you can also intervene if something goes awry. What's more, the AI will notify you when it reaches a critical point: payment. You'll be prompted to open Instacart and complete the transaction once the AI is done shopping. The AI can assist with creating new playlists if YouTube Music is connected.

Google teased that there would be more partnerships in the future, and we've gotten a small glimpse of that today with its new platform preview.

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