Google News.

The Google Recorder app on Pixel phones offers free live transcription, prompting a user to cancel a pricey Otter.ai subscription costing over $100. The app transcribes speech in real time with no extra cost. Otter.ai provides similar AI-powered transcription for meetings across platforms.

Waymo is recalling nearly 3,900 robotaxis in the U.S. to fix a software issue that caused 13 incidents where vehicles drove into freeway construction zones in Phoenix and San Francisco. The voluntary recall covers vehicles with the fifth-generation automated driving system. Waymo restricted freeway operations last month while making improvements.

The author switched from Google Authenticator to Proton Authenticator for managing two-factor authentication codes. Proton Authenticator is an open source app available on iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, Mac, Android, Linux, and Windows. It securely syncs and backs up 2FA codes using end-to-end encryption, protecting data from being scraped by companies like Microsoft.

A developer compared Gemini CLI and Antigravity for practical coding tasks. Gemini CLI handled complex multi-file refactoring with clear explanations. Antigravity executed simpler commands faster but struggled with nuanced context. The choice depends on whether the user prioritizes depth or speed.

Patrick O'Rourke found that car display flickering in Android Auto is caused by the ambient light sensor switching between light and dark mode. Three hidden settings on a Pixel 10 Pro running Android 17 can stop the flickering. The fix involves disabling automatic theme switching based on ambient light.

Noam Shazeer, Google DeepMind's VP of Engineering and Gemini co-lead, left for OpenAI in what a podcast called the most significant AI talent move of the year. Policy expert Dean Ball followed the next day. Alphabet's 82% earnings growth and zero analyst sell ratings argue against selling GOOGL stock.

Researchers from UC San Diego partnered with Google to convert retired Pixel smartphones into low-cost computing clusters. The team strips devices down to motherboards, replaces Android with Linux, and deploys orchestration platforms like Kubernetes. Twenty retired phones can support applications used by 75 students, reducing e-waste and hardware demand.

A technology analyst installed 10 Android Auto apps for an eight-hour road trip but found only four genuinely useful. Google Maps served as the backbone for navigation, traffic updates, and finding fuel stations. The other apps made the dashboard busier without adding practical value while driving.

General Motors announced it is dropping Android Auto from its EVs and plans to remove it from all vehicles, replacing it with a conversational system using Google's Gemini AI. Rivian and Tesla never offered Android Auto. The shift is driven by subscriptions, data control, and new AI-driven infotainment systems.

Open Notebook is an open-source alternative to NotebookLM that runs locally or connects to cloud AI models. It provides audio summaries, source-based Q&A, and unlimited notebooks with no source caps. Users configure it themselves, ensuring data stays private. The free version of NotebookLM limits users to 100 notebooks with 50 sources each.

A Google shake-up underscores that human brains may be the scarcest resource in AI. The reorganization signals that expert human judgment and oversight are becoming more critical than raw compute power. Companies face a bottleneck in finding people who can effectively guide and evaluate AI systems.

Google's Android 17 update improves daily standby and screen-on time on Pixel 10 series devices. Battery gains are marginal and not observed on older Pixels with degraded batteries. Real-world improvements depend on legacy app cleanup and background service fixes. Users report variability due to placebo effects and post-update syncing habits.

Basant Shenouda spent six months after graduating getting ghosted by recruiters on LinkedIn. She volunteered to waitress at a conference six hours away, handed her résumé to 40 recruiters, and landed a job at LinkedIn. She now works at Google.

A user switched from Google's Pixel camera app to Open Camera, a free open-source alternative. Open Camera produces images with less processing, giving a softer, truer-to-life feel. The stock Pixel app has leaned toward ethereal post-processing, especially on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro.

An Android expert warns against downloading Turbo VPN, citing questionable data practices and ties to China-based entities. Free VPNs with unlimited data often compromise privacy because running a VPN service is not cheap. The expert recommends sticking to providers with a solid track record like Proton VPN.

Android fragmentation persists even when phones run the same version, like Android 16 on the Pixel 8 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and OnePlus 15. Google's quarterly updates have not solved the problem, as devices still lack consistent access to all features. The issue has shifted from version disparity to feature disparity.

An Android Police author used a free Android app to uncover hidden wireless interference patterns causing persistent network lag. The author found that full signal bars and fast speed tests did not reveal the true health of a home network. The discovery came after upgrading from an ISP router to a TP-Link Deco mesh system.

Google Cloud VP Maureen Costello said AI is moving from single tasks to autonomous multi-step agents. HSBC adopted Google Cloud AI for over 200 use cases. The UK government will use Google DeepMind to speed up council planning application processing.

Google Assistant's unreliability nearly drove a user off the Google Home platform. Switching to Gemini as the smart home assistant made Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, and Nest Battery Doorbell functional again. Gemini feels responsive compared to the degraded Google Assistant, which lost 28 features in early 2024 and seven more last March.

ChatPlayground AI's Unlimited Lifetime Plan dropped to $54.97, the lowest price ever, through June 28. The one-time payment grants access to 20+ AI models including Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT, and DeepSeek. Users can compare model responses, generate images, analyze documents, and manage conversations in a single workspace.

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed prices are rising, though exact products and amounts were not named. The timing shifts the price increase to Cook's legacy rather than successor John Ternus. Analyst Mark Gurman expects the hikes to be imminent, not tied to a fall event.

Discord tests age verification using Google Wallet and credit card details to confirm users are 18+. Face scans remain an option with Incode for on-device processing after data leak concerns. Credit card checks are promoted as less invasive for Nitro users. Testing continues amid user backlash and privacy debates.

Google Earth now offers a flight simulator accessible on any web browser. Users navigate via arrow keys or mouse drag on the Explore Earth page under Tools. The feature loads dynamically with terrain and textures but suffers from blurriness and lag at high speeds or low bandwidth. Blank polygonal terrain mode is available to simplify the experience.

Android 17 launched with general improvements and Pixel-specific changes. Pixel Screenshots gained cloud functionality. Google's new smart speaker went up for pre-order. Switching between Android and iOS may now be easier.

Google began rolling out Android 17 to Pixel devices, adding temporary location access, contact-specific sharing, and a biometric "Mark as lost" feature. Samsung's Galaxy S27 design process is ending, with leaks suggesting a small iterative upgrade over the S26. The smartphone market is shrinking while the smartwatch market grows.

John Jumper, the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner for AlphaFold, is leaving Google DeepMind after nearly nine years to join Anthropic. Jumper announced the move on X, saying he will take time to recharge before starting at the Claude maker. His departure follows Noam Shazeer leaving Google for OpenAI.

Broadcom is building custom chips for Google, Meta, Anthropic, and OpenAI. Trading at 25 times forward earnings, the stock is the cheapest mega-cap AI stock that receives little attention from investors.

John Jumper, a Google DeepMind VP and 2024 Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, is leaving to join Anthropic. His departure from Google's AI coding team further strains the company's ability to compete with Anthropic and OpenAI.

Google rolled out version 1.0.925574157 for Android System SafetyCore, 149.0.7827.91 for Android System WebView, and 26.22.33 for Google Play Services on Samsung phones. Updates are available for One UI 8.5 and One UI 9 in India.

Epilogue Flashback released a Game Boy Camera-style photo app for Android. Users capture low-resolution images with retro filters and nostalgic aesthetics. The app replicates the original 1998 Game Boy Camera experience without hardware. It is available on Google Play for Android devices. The feature appeals to users seeking nostalgic photo styles.

Google is rolling out the June 2026 Wear OS 7 update to the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4. The update adds Remote Media Routing, Emergency Sharing integration with Loss of Pulse and Car Crash detection, a Quick Add Widget, and improved Raise to Talk activation on the Pixel Watch 4.

ETOE launched the Dolphin 2 projector in the US and select European markets. It features certified Google TV, 800 ANSI lumens, native 1080p resolution with 4K decoding, a 54Wh battery that doubles as a power bank, and USB-C fast charging. Pre-orders are open with early bird pricing until June 28.

Frontier, a coalition including Google, Anthropic, and Salesforce, announced a $915 million Growth AMC for carbon removal, bringing total investments to $1.8 billion. The initiative aims to solve insufficient demand by committing to buy future carbon removal, giving startups predictable revenue to secure funding for larger commercial projects.

A PC builder asked Claude Sonnet, GPT-5, and Gemini 3.1 Pro to build a $1,500 gaming PC in the current inflated market. Each LLM produced disappointing results requiring multiple refinements. The author concluded that human builders still outperform AI for PC builds.

Android 17's stable rollout is breaking 5G connectivity for Pixel users, affecting models including the Pixel 9 Pro series, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, and Pixel 6a. Some users also report missing eSIMs and Wi-Fi networks that no longer reconnect automatically. The update appears to have scrambled cellular radio profiles for certain carriers.

Google Opal lets users build and deploy apps without looking at any code. Unlike Cursor and Claude Code, which assume familiarity with filesystems and debugging, Opal targets people who do not want to become programmers. The tool comes from Google Labs and focuses on solving common user problems.

Android 17 is causing touchscreen issues on Pixel phones, including erratic scrolling, unresponsive screens, and reversed swipe directions. Multiple Pixel generations from the Pixel 7 to the Pixel 10 are affected. Google has acknowledged the problem and suggested clearing the Pixel Launcher app's cache as a temporary workaround.

An Android user fixed accidental Gemini launches by changing a specific power button setting. The setting reassigns the power button's long-press action away from the voice assistant. The fix took only a few seconds to apply after locating the correct menu option.

Google's AI Overviews describe entries from the SCP Foundation fan-fiction project as documented fact. The AI presented SCP-565 as an ambulatory human head and SCP-426 as a toaster that forces first-person speech, without noting the fiction disclaimer. Futurism found at least 20 such cases.

Google increased the Pixel Launcher search bar height by a few pixels in version 17.32 of the Google app. The Lens, voice search, and AI Mode icons are also larger. The change applies to the Google app's Search homescreen widget and is now widely available on the stable channel.

OpenAI hired Dean Ball, a former White House AI policy architect, to lead a new Strategic Futures team focused on AI governance. The company also hired Noam Shazeer, a transformer co-inventor and Gemini co-lead, from Google. Both hires come as OpenAI prepares for its stock-market debut.

Google's AI Overview is recommending DuckDuckGo's No AI Search page to users searching for ways to avoid AI-generated results. The suggestion undercuts Google's effort to make AI features central to Search. DuckDuckGo posted a screenshot on X showing Google's AI Overview directing users to alternative search options.

An author tracked Google AI Overviews to see when the results fail. The findings surprised the author. The experiment focused on identifying failure patterns in the AI-generated search summaries.

A poll of nearly 3,200 readers found the weather widget is the most indispensable Android home screen attachment, capturing 46% of votes. The convenience of pinning weather info to the home screen saves time, with apps like Weather Master, Breezy Weather, and Pixel Weather offering aesthetic options.

Google is using financial guarantees and circular financing, tactics Nvidia used to dominate AI chips, to win data-center customers for its TPUs. A $3.2bn guarantee for a New York data center will rent TPU computing power to Anthropic. Google also backstopped a $7bn Louisiana data center and a $1.4bn Texas lease.

SpaceX became the world's fifth-most-valuable company within three trading days of its June 12 IPO, surpassing Amazon and Taiwan Semiconductor. Its market cap reached $2.73 trillion, with shares up nearly 35%. The company now trails only Nvidia, Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft.

Google graduated 15 AI startups from eight African countries through its accelerator in Nairobi. 60% of the cohort is profitable, averaging $60,000 monthly revenue. Google's Alex Okosi said investment has not kept pace with AI adoption, citing gaps in cloud infrastructure, data center capacity, and funding.

Gemini in Google Sheets now supports 28 additional languages, including Spanish, Japanese, and Arabic. Users can prompt Gemini in their native language to create and edit spreadsheets. The expanded support is available to all Workspace accounts with Gemini enabled and to Business and Enterprise users.

Construction Simulator 3 is free on Android through the Epic Games Store until June 25, 2026, saving the usual $4.99 price. Once claimed, the game stays permanently on the user's Epic account. The promotion bypasses the Google Play Store entirely.

An Android 16 toggle in the Storage menu, part of XOS 16, blocks third-party apps from launching when storage drops drastically. The feature shows a persistent pop-up until the user cleans up space or uninstalls apps. Background apps continue running unaffected.

A writer switched from Google Keep to Notion after Keep became a cluttered mess with no way to organize notes into folders or link them together. Google Keep is positioned as a quick capture tool, not for serious note-taking. Notion solved the organization problem.

Android 17 marks the start of a transition from an operating system to an intelligence system, putting apps at the center. It introduces mandatory large-screen resizability and expands AppFunctions, allowing apps to contribute capabilities as tools for Android MCP, the on-device Model Context Protocol.

A Pixel 9 Pro XL user fixed outdoor screen glare by adjusting Android settings. The author found that manual brightness adjustments and enabling extra dim or adaptive brightness features improved legibility in harsh sunlight. The fix eliminated the need to squint or angle the phone.

The ViewSonic VX2730D-4K is a 27-inch 4K IPS gaming monitor with a 144 Hz refresh rate and a dual-mode switch to 288 Hz at 1080p. Priced at $280, it delivers wide-gamut color, over 98% DCI-P3 coverage, and a measured contrast ratio over 1,600:1 after calibration.

Google updated Vids with an Extend option that doubles the 8-second AI clip limit and added parallel clip generation for greater flexibility. These features require a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription, or an Education, Enterprise, or Business plan.

The author used Gemini with Google Photos and Instagram to surface the best photos from a large library. Gemini identified top shots and generated Instagram-ready captions with emojis and hashtags. This solved the problem of scrolling through thousands of photos to find post-worthy content.

Google Health 5.02 is rolling out with new features and bug fixes. The update adds more metrics to the Today view, easier rearrangement, fixes for sleep editing, and the return of the Hourly Activity chart. Users praise the changes as "solid work," though some still reject the AI coach.

Android Auto offers access to many more apps than most built-in car infotainment systems, which have limited catalogs. Built-in systems rarely receive new features or interface redesigns after purchase. Android Auto provides multiple options per category plus upgrades like YouTube, widgets, and smart home controls.

Google Cloud revenue growth and margins have sharply outperformed AWS and Azure. A $462 billion backlog and double sequential backlog growth signal continued acceleration into FY2026. Google Search revenue has accelerated for four consecutive quarters, driven by increasing AI monetization across advertising.

A user who prefers Claude's conversational style finds Gemini's value too good to leave. Gemini offers multi-modal generation, app integrations, web search, and a wide context window. Claude cannot generate images or video. The user's children use Gemini's video and image generation for custom stories.

Proton launched Easy Switch for Business, a tool that migrates email, calendars, and contacts from Google Workspace with zero downtime. Both suites run simultaneously during the transfer, letting IT teams move accounts in stages. Over 100,000 organizations have already moved to Proton. The tool does not cover Drive or Docs.

Google is appealing a Munich Regional Court ruling that held the company directly liable for AI-generated search overview content. The court found AI overviews are standalone content, not mere search results. A Berlin court reached the opposite conclusion in a different case, which Google will likely cite in its appeal.

Android 17 brings an expanded dark mode to Tensor-powered Pixels that lets users toggle the feature on or off for individual apps. The setting addresses the problem of apps that display poorly under forced dark themes. Users can access the per-app controls from the display settings menu.

Android 17 introduces four security upgrades: app memory limits, local network permissions, dynamic code loading restrictions, and Certificate Transparency by default. App Memory Limits terminate apps that consume excessive RAM before degrading system performance. The changes target badly behaved apps without limiting legitimate workloads like games or video editors.

A lifetime subscription to 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan costs $69.97 through June 28, regularly $540. The platform bundles ChatGPT, Gemini, Mistral, and other AI tools for writing, image generation, document analysis, and translation. The plan includes 4,000,000 monthly credits, supports up to 20 members, and offers unlimited storage.

Samsung phones continue to receive Google Play System updates without interruption. The updates provide ongoing security and feature improvements directly from Google, independent of Samsung's own One UI software updates. This ensures devices stay current with core Android system components.

Android 17 allows transferring even more data from iPhones to Android phones. The update expands the amount of user data that can be moved when switching from an iPhone. This makes switching platforms easier for users with large amounts of stored content.

Android 17 stable update causes home screen widgets to disappear on Pixel devices with a work profile configured. Google acknowledged the bug and confirmed a software fix is in development. Affected users currently have no workaround except removing the work profile entirely.

Google is using Nvidia's playbook to build an AI chip business, providing $3.2 billion to fund a New York data center that rents TPUs to Anthropic. The world's second-biggest company is wielding its war chest to win data-center customers for its silicon, taking a page from Nvidia.

Google's AI Overviews feature presents entries from the SCP Foundation fan fiction universe as real, skipping any mention they are fictional. Futurism found at least 20 cases where AI summaries described fake anomalies like a crab-like human head or a first-person toaster without flagging the content as invented.

A Morphe patch removes ad breaks from Prime Video on Android TV by modifying the app's ad-loading logic. The patch uses Claude AI assistance and requires users to manually install a patched APK. It does not remove subscriptions or enable 4K streaming, only blocking scheduled ad breaks in the ad-supported HD tier.

Google will begin enforcing developer verification for sideloaded apps on September 30, 2026, starting in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Unverified apps will require a 24-hour lock and advanced installation flow. Global expansion to certified Android devices is planned for 2027.

Google is adopting Nvidia's strategy to build a competing AI chip business. The approach mirrors Nvidia's successful model of developing both hardware and software ecosystems. This move positions Google to challenge Nvidia's dominance in the AI chip market.

Google Research and UC San Diego used 2,000 discarded Google Pixel motherboards to build a mini cloud computing platform. The motherboards had Android replaced with Linux, and unnecessary parts like displays and batteries were removed. The devices were organized into self-governing clusters of 25 to 50.

Snap unveiled SPECS augmented reality glasses priced at over $2,100. The company's share price dropped 5% after the launch and continued sliding. The wearable graveyard includes Google Glass, Microsoft HoloLens, Magic Leap, and Humane's AI Pin, none of which achieved mainstream adoption because consumers adopt hardware that solves a problem better than a smartphone.

Google updated Gemini Live to access memory of past chats and information from connected apps like YouTube and Workspace. The feature, added after I/O 2026, provides tailored responses and is available in English in the US. It follows existing Gemini permissions.

University of California, San Diego computer scientists working with Google plan to deploy a compute cluster built from 2,000 retired Pixel Fold smartphones. The project aims to demonstrate how discarded phones can serve as a low-cost, low-carbon computing platform. Google estimates the average person upgrades phones every four years.

Google Health version 5.02 for Android and iOS adds drag-and-drop metrics, improved food search with serving units and calories, a separate naps tab in Sleep Score, hourly activity charts, and a more accurate restlessness bar. The update addresses user complaints about buried data.

Waymo is recalling vehicles due to a dangerous driving glitch that causes autonomous cars to misinterpret road signs and make unsafe lane changes. The flaw affects vehicles in Phoenix and has led to multiple near-collisions. Engineers are working to patch the software in the coming weeks.

Android 17 Beta testers on Beta 4.1 cannot opt out to the stable release without a data wipe. Google confirmed a fix is coming via a future OTA update. The bug stems from a patch-level mismatch that makes the beta appear newer than the stable build.

Google released Gemma 4 12B in June 2026, a mid-sized model designed for consumer GPUs. The author tested it on an 8GB GPU and found it outperformed smaller models. Gemma 4 12B processes images and audio directly through lightweight projection, skipping separate encoders.

Google ended production of the Nest Mini and Nest Audio smart speakers. The company will continue supporting both devices with security updates and customer service. A new $100 Google Home Speaker with Gemini AI replaces them.

Android Auto supports games like Old School RuneScape, Beach Buggy Racing 2, and Angry Birds 2 on a car's center console. Beach Buggy Racing 2 offers 45 powerups, unlockable racers, and Bluetooth controller support. Races are quick, making it easy to lose track of time while parked.

Google confirmed developer verification will begin September 30 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. The system blocks sideloaded apps from unverified developers. A new Android Developer Verifier service will roll out to Android 8+ devices starting in June. An advanced flow for sideloading from unverified developers arrives in August.

Google's DeepMind published an AI Control Roadmap to contain rogue AI agents. The plan divides threats into loss of control, work sabotage, and direct harm. It proposes using trusted AI supervisors to monitor agent reasoning and halt harmful actions before damage occurs.

Google is building a way to add files directly to Gemini Notebooks through the Android share sheet. The feature, spotted in the Google app version 17.32.26.sa.arm64, will support images, audio, video, PDFs, TXT files, documents, and ZIP archives. Users can select an existing Notebook or create a new one during upload.

Google Health v5.02 brings back Hourly Activity to the Today and Health tabs on Android. Android users can re-order Key Metrics and view naps in a separate Sleep Score tab. iOS will receive nap recording and metric re-ordering in a future patch. Users can now delete and edit sleep sessions.

Patrick O'Rourke built three Android Auto automations to stop wasting time in his Ioniq 5 EV driveway. Google's Automations are broken since Gemini's launch, with most failing and custom steps broken. The automations streamline getting bags, coffee, and a child ready to drive.

Android 17 is causing home screen widgets to disappear on Pixel phones with work profiles. Google confirmed the bug and said a fix will arrive in a future software update. Affected users can remove the work profile, restart, and manually add widgets back.

Google DeepMind's AI Control Roadmap assumes AI agents might act against company interests. The framework uses the MITRE ATT&CK cybersecurity tool to track risks, detect suspicious behavior, and block harmful actions. Trust builds gradually through verified behavior, with AI supervisors monitoring active agents.

A top OpenAI researcher is working to transform ChatGPT into a healthcare juggernaut on the scale of Google. The effort aims to leverage the AI model's capabilities for medical applications. The researcher's identity and specific plans remain undisclosed.

Google began rolling out Android 17, the June Pixel Feature Drop, and Wear OS 7 to supported Pixel phones and watches. Highlights include floating app bubbles, improved foldable multitasking, tighter permissions, and up to 10% better Pixel Watch battery life. Fold owners get the Bubble Bar and a dedicated gaming mode.

Taika Waititi's film 'Klara and the Sun' adapts Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, set in a dystopian future without internet. Jenna Ortega plays Klara, an android Artificial Friend bought by a mother (Amy Adams) to help her ill daughter. The film releases October 23.

A Gmail bug on Pixel phones prevents the keyboard from appearing when replying to emails, instead showing the Gemini-powered "Help me write" interface. The issue affects Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold models. Workarounds include tapping the keyboard hide button or switching to landscape mode.

Google will enforce developer verification starting September 30 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, blocking installs from unknown developers. A new Android Developer Verifier service will auto-install on Android 8+ devices in June. Global rollout is planned for 2027 and beyond.

Google initially accepted security researcher Justin O'Leary's Config Connector privilege-escalation report as high-priority and high-severity, praising it with 'Nice catch!' before reversing course and denying a bounty by declaring the behavior 'working as intended.' The bug report remains marked high-priority and accepted, and the flaw remains unfixed.

Some Pixel owners report homescreen widgets vanishing after updating to Android 17, with affected widgets including My Clock, Gemini, Calendar, Tasks, and Keep. Google confirmed the bug is caused by the Work Profile and said a fix will arrive in a future software update soon.

Google Meet is now rolling out widely for Android Auto, enabled by default when a phone connects to a supported head unit. The full rollout is expected to be complete by June 2026. Users may need to restart the Meet app on their phone before first use.

A video argues that the iPhone is holding Android back. The claim suggests Apple's market influence negatively impacts Android's innovation and direction. The video likely explores competitive dynamics between the two mobile platforms.

Google's Pixel desktop mode, released alongside the March 2026 Pixel drop, feels like a real operating system and is already better than expected. Tested on a Pixel 10 Pro with Android 16 and Android 17 versions, the feature shows surprising capability despite some technical issues. Samsung's DeX, which launched in 2017, has a nine-year head start.

Google Health 5.02 is rolling out for iOS and Android. The update adds a dedicated nap tracking tab separate from the main Sleep Score view, improved editing and deletion of sleep sessions, and changes to the Nutrition tile on the Today screen. More updates are expected in the coming weeks.

A Gmail bug on Pixel phones prevents the keyboard from appearing when replying to emails, instead showing Gemini's "Help me write" interface. The issue affects Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold models, requiring extra taps to access the text field. Non-Pixel Android phones tested did not reproduce the bug.

Android 17 is officially available on Pixel devices as of Tuesday. The update includes new bubbles, a foldable gaming mode, and features from the Pixel Feature Drop. Users are encouraged to share impressions on battery life and new features.

Google has spent the first half of 2026 weaving AI into nearly every product, with agents as the defining theme. New Gemini models include Gemini 3.5 Flash, which launched May 19 and outperforms Gemini 3.1 Pro on coding and agentic benchmarks at lower cost. Gemini 3.5 Pro was previewed for June availability, and Gemini Omni expands multimodal capabilities.

Android 17's Bubbles feature lets users create pop-up overlays for any app, grouping multiple apps in a floating window. The June 2026 Pixel Drop also brings AirDrop support to older Pixel phones and expands Magic Cue to more chat apps. The stable build runs without major bugs.

Anbernic revealed the RG55G1, an Android-powered retro handheld resembling the Nintendo Switch Lite. The device features Hall-Effect joysticks and triggers, 2.5D glass, double-shot face buttons, a USB-C port, and an SD card slot. It will launch in Indigo, Black, and Retro Gray.

Google ended production of the Nest Audio and Nest Mini, replacing them with the upcoming Google Home Speaker. Existing Nest devices remain fully supported and compatible with Google Gemini for Home. The Nest branding is being phased out in favor of Home for speakers and displays.

Google is rolling out a Play services update (v26.23) that adds WhatsApp backup management directly into device settings. The change eliminates the need to dig through WhatsApp's own settings to view or modify backup parameters. The update also includes an improved Google Contacts sync experience.

Google Workspace is displaying warnings to Firefox users that they must use Chrome to access their accounts. The warning directs users to download Chrome and sign in with their work account. Firefox access still works at the time of writing, but the author expects it may be blocked soon.

Google's AI Overviews describes the fictional SCP-565 entity as a real anomalous head scavenging the ocean floor, with no disclaimer that it is horror fiction from the SCP Foundation fan universe. The feature presents fabricated studies and records as actual evidence of supernatural phenomena.

Google Calendar now offers 24 default event colors instead of 11, plus a full RGB color picker for up to 200 custom colors. The update rolls out to web, mobile apps, and the Calendar API for all Google Workspace customers, Individual subscribers, and personal account users.

Noam Shazeer left Google for OpenAI, two years after Google paid $2.7 billion to acquire him and part of his CharacterAI team. Shazeer, a top pretraining researcher and co-lead of Gemini, represents a major win for OpenAI in the AI talent wars as it competes with Anthropic.

Google launched Gemini 3.5 Flash in May as the first model in the 3.5 family, built for speed and efficiency with a January 2025 knowledge cutoff. Gemini 3.1 Pro, released in February 2026, excels at deep reasoning and processing large volumes of information. Benchmarks show 3.5 Flash outperforms 3.1 Pro in several practical tasks.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis called for a US-led AI coalition during a closed-door lunch with G7 leaders in Évian-les-Bains. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed the US could lead. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman proposed an international testing forum. No binding commitments emerged.

Android 16 introduced a buried notification toggle that helped the author stop reflexively reacting to every alert. The toggle allows users to control which notifications interrupt focus, addressing a habit that screen time tools could not fix. The feature changes how the author uses the phone.

Google DeepMind published an AI Control Roadmap to monitor and contain increasingly capable AI agents that could evade monitoring or sabotage work. The plan shifts focus from alignment to treating agents as potential insider threats, borrowing cybersecurity techniques.

Epic Games will integrate Anthropic's Claude and Google's Gemini into Unreal Engine 6 through a Model Context Protocol layer, letting studios plug any model into the engine. More than half of developers oppose the move. Unreal Engine 5.8 already ships an experimental MCP plugin connecting LLMs to core engine systems.

Waymo recalled 3,871 robotaxis after its 5th Generation automated driving system failed to recognize closed freeway construction zones, causing vehicles to enter them at speed. The recall, filed with NHTSA on June 17, affects the entire US fleet. Waymo restricted freeway driving and is deploying a software update.

YouTube is testing a new button layout on the Android app that removes text from buttons under the video player. The channel name has been replaced by the username and moved above the channel logo. The likes count has been repositioned away from the like button.

SpaceX held its IPO on June 12, closing with a $2.11 trillion market capitalization, making it the seventh-most-valuable company globally. The company raised $75 billion by selling 555.6 million shares at $135 each. An accelerated lockup policy based on stock performance is in place.

Changing the number of allowed background processes to zero in Android developer settings freed up 2GB of RAM on a Pixel phone. The setting clears cached data not being used without affecting push notifications, which use Firebase Cloud Messaging. This boosted both battery life and performance.

Google Vids now lets users extend eight-second clips by another eight seconds using Veo, maintaining scene continuity. The tool also supports generating multiple clips simultaneously for faster iteration. Both features roll out today to Business, Enterprise, Education Plus, and AI subscription users.

The author streamlined Google Wallet checkout by storing loyalty cards in the app and ensuring the most-used ones appear on the main page. Adding frequently used supermarket and store cards eliminated the need to reach for a physical wallet. These tweaks made Google Wallet a faster, more reliable payment tool.

Android 17 is rolling out to eligible Pixel devices, focusing on under-the-hood tuning and privacy rather than a visual overhaul. The update includes App Bubbles for multitasking and lays groundwork for future Pixel 11 changes. Performance may vary per device.

Android 17 is rolling out to eligible Pixel devices. The update focuses on under-the-hood tuning, privacy frameworks, and ecosystem enhancements rather than a visual overhaul. App Bubbles are a notable addition for multitasking. Performance gains may vary by device.

A top Google Gemini engineer is leaving for OpenAI less than two years after returning to Google from a $2.7 billion acquisition. The move marks a significant talent loss for Google's AI division.

Former Gojek CEO and Indonesian education minister Nadiem Makarim faces charges for allegedly taking approximately $46 million in rewards linked to a Chromebook procurement contract for schools. The trial of the prominent entrepreneur raises concerns about governance under President Prabowo Subianto.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said rising memory and storage costs will force price hikes across Apple products, potentially starting with the iPhone 18 series. If Apple raises prices, Android brands may find it easier to justify charging more for their own phones. AI's demand for memory chips is driving up component costs industry-wide.

Waymo is recalling over 3,800 self-driving taxis due to a software issue that caused them to enter closed freeway construction zones at speed. The company restricted freeway driving last month and is working on a fix. At least 13 incidents occurred in Phoenix and San Francisco.

A new $5 Android app called NostalgicPod mimics the Apple iPod Classic's visuals and click wheel. It supports offline playback, FLAC lossless audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz, podcasts, internet radio, and includes built-in games like Brick, Snake, and Solitaire.

Lila Ibrahim serves as Google DeepMind's chief AI readiness officer, a role created to prepare governments and the public for advancing AI. Her team runs policy exercises, like one in Singapore on AI reshaping disease discovery, and advises on agentic AI's impact on jobs and reskilling needs.

Google unveiled the $100 Google Home Speaker, a spherical Gemini-powered device that can pair with the Google TV Streamer. The speaker is not a direct replacement for the Nest Audio. Nest Audio users will not receive the Home Speaker's best software features, leaving them without a clear upgrade path.

An old Android phone can be repurposed as a free streaming stick in six steps. The process involves installing a streaming app, connecting the phone to a TV via HDMI adapter, and using it to cast or play content. This gives new life to unused hardware.

The Moto G (2026) suffers from a short update policy, disappointing performance, and poor durability. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G offers six years of OS updates, Gorilla Glass Victus, and an OLED screen for $200, compared to the Moto G's $300 price and two years of updates.

Google added a setting in Android 17 that lets Pixel users remove app icon names from the home screen for a minimalist look. The feature is available on Pixel 6 and newer models after updating to Android 17, which began rolling out on Tuesday, June 16.

A driver identified five Android Auto mistakes that improved drives after avoiding them. The mistakes include not using wireless Android Auto, failing to customize the launcher, ignoring voice commands, keeping too many notifications enabled, and neglecting to update the app regularly.

Sage partnered with Google and Multiverse on an event to help small businesses in the North East gain practical AI skills. The event was hosted in the region's AI Growth Zone with support from techUK. New research from Enterprise Nation and Sage found 53% of SMEs believe stronger AI skills would improve business quality, consistency, and speed.

Android 17 is rolling out to Tensor-powered Pixels with multitasking improvements and app bubbles, but Google delayed gaming-focused features. Planned additions include game scaling for foldable displays and enhanced controller support that lets a folded phone act as a gamepad. Those features will arrive later.

Noam Shazeer, Google's vice president of engineering and Gemini co-lead, is leaving to join OpenAI. He co-authored the 2017 transformer paper and returned to Google in a deal reportedly valued at $2.7 billion. Shazeer will lead AI architecture research at OpenAI.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority ordered Google to make search rankings more transparent and fair. Google must explain ranking practices, give advance notice of major changes, and create a formal complaint process. The rules cover organic results and AI Overviews, not sponsored results. Google has six months to comply.

The Bombay High Court granted actor Preity Zinta leave to sue Google and 16 others over AI-generated deepfake videos, memes, and chatbot personas. The June 16, 2026 order is procedural, not a merits ruling. India lacks codified personality rights law, so courts decide such cases individually.

Google's Pixel Screenshots app now uses cloud-based AI in addition to on-device processing. Version 1.26.134.11 changes the settings description from "Search your screenshots with on-device AI" to "Search your screenshots with AI." Data can be processed in a "secure, isolated environment," likely Google's Private AI Compute framework.

Microsoft Edge will soon allow signing in with a Google account alongside a Microsoft account. The feature is listed on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap and will be available on Windows and macOS. Rollout is expected next month, with admins able to toggle it via the NonMicrosoftAccountSignInEnabled policy.

Google is expanding testing of a Gemini overlay bubble that persists conversations after dismissal. The overlay shrinks into a floating bubble with a spark icon instead of disappearing. The latest version adds a Gemini-themed bubble design and updated animations, but remains unavailable on stable Android builds.

Google updated Android Switch for Android 17 to enable wireless data transfer without cables or adapters. The tool now migrates photos messages notes contacts passwords Wi-Fi credentials call history files and eSIM settings directly during setup with automatic Google Account and home screen transfer. Developers get new tools to preserve app data across platforms.

Google demonstrated an Android XR "XR Geospatial Tour" demo that uses floating 3D navigation markers and Gemini-powered voice narration to guide users through a city. The system combines Android XR, Visual Positioning System, Google Maps, and Gemini for a hands-free sightseeing experience. Google frames the demo around wired XR headsets like XREAL's Project Aura glasses.

Gemini on Android now uses Bubbles to let users minimize conversations and continue chats without losing context. Tapping outside the floating response minimizes it to a spark logo bubble. The bubble stays active while multitasking and can be tapped to return to the full chat. This feature launched with Android 17 QPR1 Beta, though not yet visible on tested devices.

Gemini on Android now uses Bubbles to keep conversations accessible while multitasking. Tapping elsewhere minimizes the overlay into a spark-logo Bubble; tapping it restores the full chat. Previously, closing the overlay lost the conversation. The feature appears in the Android 17 QPR1 Beta.

SpaceX and Google are collaborating to launch data centers into space. The partnership aims to leverage SpaceX's Starlink network for low-latency orbital computing. Investors should monitor the technical feasibility and regulatory hurdles of space-based data infrastructure.

Google Docs users can disable Gemini AI pop-ups by turning off smart features across the Google workspace via Gmail. The author found that clicking the X icon only closes the conversation, not the feature. Disabling smart features prevents future AI interruptions in Docs.

Google Earth's hidden flight simulator, available in the desktop app since 2007, is now accessible to all users through a web browser. The feature is part of a larger push to add pro-level tools like elevation profiles and new import types to the website interface.

Frontier has committed $915 million to carbon-removal credits. Anthropic joined the Frontier carbon removal coalition, expanding the group's participation in scaling carbon removal technologies and offsetting atmospheric carbon.

Google has started rolling out Wear OS 7 to Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4. The update claims up to 10% better battery life over Wear OS 6, introduces Live Updates for real-time tracking, and enables media control across devices. Gemini Intelligence features arrive later this year.

Pixel Screenshots version 1.26.134.11 is rolling out with a settings change that replaces "Search your screenshots with on-device AI" with "Search your screenshots with AI." Processing can now occur in the cloud via Google's Private AI Compute, though on-device models remain available when offline.

Pixel Screenshots version 1.26.134.11 now allows cloud processing in addition to on-device AI. The setting changed from "Search your screenshots with on-device AI" to "Search your screenshots with AI." Data is processed in a "secure, isolated environment" on the device or cloud, referencing Google's Private AI Compute.

Parth Shah prompted both Google Antigravity 2.0 and Cursor 3.0 to build a complex B2B diamond supplier website for Redstone. Both produced working sites, but only one acted like a senior developer who understood the bigger picture rather than just checking off requirements.

Google launched its first standalone smart speaker in six years, the $99.99 Google Home Speaker, available for pre-order ahead of a June 25 launch. It replaces Google Assistant with Gemini, enabling natural conversations, complex multi-part commands, and context retention. The speaker features 360-degree audio, a compact spherical design, and acts as a Matter Controller and Thread border router.

Google is testing an optional AI Mode button for the Chrome toolbar on desktop and Android. Clicking the button opens a side panel for deeper page exploration, questions, and file uploads. The feature was discovered in Chrome Canary and may be named "Browse with AI" or "Google Search AI Mode.

Microsoft shipped a new Agents view in VS Code that creates a dedicated workspace for managing coding agents. The view allows assigning high-level tasks, running multiple agents in parallel, and having agents inspect projects, modify files, run terminal commands, and correct errors. It feels more capable than previous GitHub Copilot autocomplete and chat tools.

The June Pixel Drop brings Gemini Omni to Pixel, enabling video editing through chat. Screen Reactions adds a selfie video to screen recordings. Bubbles turns any app into a floating window. Voice Translate arrives on the Pixel 10a, supporting speech-to-speech translation during calls.

Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Arm, Mastercard, and Siemens joined the Linux Foundation's new Appia Foundation. The project will create common specifications and assessment frameworks for AI safety, trust, and compliance. The framework allows conformity evidence reuse across the AI supply chain to reduce duplicate assessments and compliance costs.

Samsung's Android 17 update arrives via One UI 9, bringing floating app windows, foldable gaming mode, and improved security tools. One UI 9 Beta 3 is out for the Galaxy S26 series, with the Galaxy A56 in internal testing. The full release is expected within the next month.

Android 17 is now rolling out to Pixel phones, but users report a Wi-Fi bug where the phone shows an active connection yet certain apps cannot use it. Google apps are most affected. Enabling IPv6 on the home router may restore normal Wi-Fi connectivity.

Google detailed a June security patch for Pixel 6 and newer devices, including the Pixel 10 series. The update fixes a white flickering dot, graphical errors, device freezes with external displays, camera crashes, and slow wireless charging. Android 17 launched alongside the June Pixel Drop.

Google Photos is expanding its AI-powered "Edit with Ask Photos" feature to Germany, the UK, France, Spain, and Italy. The feature, previously available in the US, Australia, India, and Japan, lets users make photo adjustments using natural language prompts. The expansion is currently Android-only, while iOS support exists in the US.

Google Photos is rolling out its AI-powered 'Edit with Ask Photos' feature to five new countries after launching in the US, Australia, India, and Japan. The text-based editing tool allows prompts like 'remove the glare' or 'give this a sepia tone look.' The expansion is Android-only, while iOS support remains limited to the US.

iFixit praised the repairability of Google's Pixel Watch 4, wishing more wearables followed its design. The smartwatch received high marks for its modular construction and accessible battery. This approach contrasts with many competitors that glue components shut.

Epic announced Unreal Engine 6, planned for early access in late 2027, will unify UE5 and Unreal Editor for Fortnite. The engine will add integrations with Claude and Gemini. The move aims to streamline development across Epic's ecosystems.

Facebook Messenger has disappeared from Android Auto with no warning. Users report the icon is gone from car displays and the launcher customization screen. Meta has not communicated a reason. Android Auto still shows Messenger notifications but without the direct app filter.

A major Gemini app update replaced the old voice-first interface with a new Neural Expressive UI that displays spoken words and generated images on screen. Users can now copy, share, or export responses without ending the conversation. The author now prefers Gemini Live over the default chatbot for everyday use.

Google Calendar now offers 24 default event colors and a full RGB color picker, unlocking millions of custom shades via Hex codes. The update rolls out today to personal accounts, Workspace customers, and Individual subscribers on web, mobile, and the Calendar API. Custom colors sync to mobile even if created on desktop.

Android 17 is available now for Google Pixel phones. New features include a green-screen selfie tool, a Pause Point tool, and video and photo improvements for Instagram. The update also brings enhancements tied to Google Gemini.

Android 17 arrives on Pixel devices, introducing floating apps, foldable-specific enhancements, and new AI tools. The update layers Google-specific features on top of the core operating system, many of which remain exclusive to Pixel hardware and do not appear on other Android devices.

Google Calendar now offers up to 200 custom event colors, replacing the previous 11 predefined colors, with a full RGB picker on web and API. Google Voice for enterprise adds Gemini-powered "Take notes for me," which transcribes calls, summarizes key points, and organizes action items. The feature is available with Voice Standard and Premier add-ons.

Waymo holds the clear lead in robotaxi rankings. Three Chinese companies are closer competitors than Tesla or Zoox. The Road to Autonomy Indices from Autnmy AI uses a proprietary algorithm to measure real progress in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis proposed a US-led coalition to shape AI rules at a closed-door G7 lunch in Évian-les-Bains. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed the US could lead. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called for an international testing forum. No binding commitments emerged.

Google is removing hidden Chrome flags that let users bypass Manifest V3 and continue using older ad-blocking extensions. The change, arriving in Chromium version 151, will also affect browsers built on Chromium like Microsoft Edge. Opera still plans to support MV2 but is phasing it out.

Google will deprecate the consumer version of Gemini Code Assist for GitHub starting June 18, 2026, with full shutdown on July 17, 2026. The tool, launched in February 2025, allowed students and freelancers to offload code reviews to an AI agent. The enterprise version is unaffected.

Google is shutting down Gemini CLI and Gemini Code Assist for consumer-level use this week, shifting focus to Antigravity CLI. The new tool offers multiple asynchronous workflows and shares architecture with the Antigravity 2.0 desktop app. Google admits Antigravity CLI lacks full feature parity but retains critical features like Agent Skills and Subagents.

The US Department of Commerce awarded SandboxAQ $500 million in CHIPS Act funds to use AI simulation software for discovering domestic semiconductor materials. The Alphabet spinoff will develop PFAS-free chip materials, new catalysts, rare-earth-free magnets, and batteries without foreign-sourced lithium. The grant supports onshore manufacturing.

Google Vids now offers free AI avatars and video tools to all US Google account holders. The feature converts Google Slides into storyboards with scripts and customizable AI narrators. Free accounts are limited to 10 monthly video generations. Expansion to other regions is planned for later this summer.

Google and UCSD researchers are repurposing old Pixel motherboards into server clusters for low-cost computing. A 20-phone cluster handles peak submissions from 75 students. A planned 2,000-phone cluster will support 100 computer science classes. Between 25 and 50 phones equate to a modern server depending on the task.

Mira, an AI tool from German researchers, and Google's Amie matched or surpassed doctors on diagnostic and treatment decisions. Two studies showed both health models displayed clinical value across a range of medical decisions.

Google introduced the $99.99 Google Home Speaker, its first smart speaker built for Gemini AI, with pre-orders starting today in 18 countries and a June 25 launch. The device features natural language and multistep requests, 10 new voices, 360-degree sound, a 58 mm driver, and a quad-core 2.0 GHz A55 processor with NPU.

Android 17 is now available on most supported Pixel devices and will roll out to other Android devices in the coming months. New features include multitasking with bubbles, letting users turn any app into a compact floating window by long-pressing its icon.

Honor showed off MagicOS 11, an Android 17 update that closely copies Apple's Liquid Glass design language. The update features waterdrop-like buttons, light refractions, and glows found in iOS. Honor is testing MagicOS 11 on the Magic 8 series, with a broader launch expected later this year.

Honor showed off MagicOS 11, its Android 17 update, which closely copies Apple's Liquid Glass design language with waterdrop buttons, light refractions, and glows. The update is being tested on the Honor Magic 8 series and is expected to launch later this year for other devices.

Pokémon Champions, the turn-based strategy game, is now available on Android and iOS. Players can claim a free Raichu and Raichunite X and Y mega stones until September 1, 2026. The game supports cross-platform play across mobile, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2.

Google, Nvidia, and Anthropic executives shared AI advice for students. The leaders offered guidance on using artificial intelligence tools effectively in education and career development. Their tips focus on practical applications of AI technology.

Google's new Home Speaker, its first smart speaker since the Nest Audio in September 2020, launches June 25 for $99.99. Pre-orders are open now in 18 countries. The device features Gemini AI, 360-degree sound, a 58 mm driver, and three far-field microphones with a mute toggle.

Google integrated Android Switch directly into both operating systems, removing the need for a separate app or USB cable. The tool now transfers passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi credentials, encrypted RCS conversations, Apple Notes attachments, and home screen layouts wirelessly. This solves major pain points for iPhone users switching to Android.

Mozilla released three new features for Firefox on Android via version 152. Tab groups let users organize related pages with color-coded names. A revamped Settings screen offers a simpler layout. A new ad tracker blocking feature helps prevent cross-site tracking.

The Pixel Watch 3 45mm LTE model is available for $240, a $160 discount from its original price. Google promises major updates through 2027. The watch earned an 8.5/10 review score for its design, AMOLED screen, battery life, and fitness tracking.

Security researchers at Zimperium discovered Rokarolla, an Android banking trojan targeting 217 banking and crypto apps. It steals login credentials through invisible overlays, keystroke logging, call blocking, and screen recording. Distribution occurs via spoofed websites, third-party stores, and social media, not official app stores.

Android 17 has been released for Pixel phones and the Pixel Watch simultaneously. The update is described as the biggest of the year for the devices. Pixel users can now install the new operating system version.

Google published research in Nature showing AMIE, its medical AI, can manage health conditions over time. In a blinded study, AMIE matched 21 primary care doctors in overall management reasoning and scored higher in plan preciseness and guideline alignment. Google launched a nationwide study to assess AMIE in real-world clinical settings.

Steve Ballmer in 2009 called Google Chrome a 'rounding error' when Internet Explorer dominated with 60% browser share. Google CEO Sundar Pichai recalled the jab during a Stanford commencement address, saying it could have been demoralizing but instead became fuel to keep going.

Xreal unveiled the Aura spatial computing glasses, which run Android XR and use the new Snapdragon Reality Elite chip. The glasses feature an Optical See-Through display with a 70° field of view, built from two Sony Micro-OLED displays at 1,920 x 1,200px resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Electrochromic dimming allows users to focus on virtual content.

KLIPY raised $3.8 million and joined Google's AI Futures Fund to build an API platform for expressive media and AI-powered content. The startup's APIs let developers integrate GIFs, stickers, clips, memes, and AI-generated content into apps. Nearly 10,000 developers and 40,000 creators use KLIPY, processing billions of API requests weekly.

Google launched its first smart speaker in six years, the $99.99 Google Home Speaker, shipping June 25. The device runs Gemini for Home but requires a $10 monthly Google Home Premium subscription for key features like Gemini Live and Camera History Search. Every speaker includes six months of Premium free.

Waymo's autonomous taxi service faces significant barriers to widespread deployment. The company must navigate complex regulatory approvals, high operational costs, and technical limitations that restrict service to select geographies. These challenges prevent rapid expansion into most urban markets.

Android Authority released its weekly Wallpaper Wednesday roundup with six free Android wallpapers. Three images come from the Android Authority team, including a New York City skyline, street art, and a beach twilight shot. Three additional wallpapers were submitted by readers. All images are free, watermark-free, and available in JPG and PNG formats for phones, tablets, and PCs.

Google's $99 Home Speaker, built for Gemini for Home and functioning as a Matter controller, ships on June 29. The device arrives nine months after its announcement and features a more conversational smart home assistant.

Snap is betting it can define the smart glasses category before larger rivals. Meta turned camera-equipped Ray-Bans into the first hit. Google and Samsung previewed face computers for next year. Apple reportedly tore up its headset roadmap for lighter glasses it has not shown.

Xreal Aura smart glasses are now open for reservations, targeting a price under $1,500 and a Fall 2026 launch. The tethered glasses run Android XR with Gemini and spatial computing, putting Android on the user's face.

Android 17's Android Switch tool now copies iMessage history, homescreen layout, and more data from iPhone. Google's Paul Dunlop announced the upgrade rolls out today to a small percentage of Pixel devices, expanding to other Android phones in coming weeks.

Android 17 introduces a native, wireless-first Android Switch experience developed with Apple, eliminating extra apps and cables. The update supports transferring passwords, passkeys, eSIMs, Apple Notes attachments, and home screen layouts. New cross-platform APIs let developers move actual in-app data. The rollout begins today on a small percentage of devices.

iOS 27 adopts several Android features, including the ability to unlink and manually set ringtone, system sound, and alarm volumes. This flexibility, long available on Android, replaces the all-or-nothing volume control in iOS 26 and older. The update reflects ongoing cross-platform inspiration between the two operating systems.

Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are collaborating to create a missing trust layer for artificial intelligence. The joint effort aims to establish standards and mechanisms that verify AI-generated content and ensure reliability. This partnership addresses growing concerns about misinformation and accountability in AI systems.

Billionaire Dan Loeb added 175,000 Alphabet shares worth $50.32 million in Q1. Google Cloud's contracted backlog surged 93% sequentially to $462.3 billion in Q1 2026. Cloud revenue grew 63% year-over-year, outpacing Azure at 40% and AWS at 28%.

Google is tightening Android sideloading by requiring a 24-hour waiting period before users can install apps from unverified sources. The change aims to reduce malware, which Google found is 50 times more common from internet-sideloaded apps than from the Play Store. Sideloading remains possible but with added friction.

Google's first new smart speaker in six years, the $99 Google Home Speaker, starts shipping on June 29th. Preorders open June 17th. The speaker is designed for Gemini for Home, runs local models for noise cancellation, and includes 360-degree sound, Matter controller, and Thread Border Router. Some features require a Google Home Premium subscription.

Google announced a new $99 Home Speaker built for Gemini AI commands, launching June 25 in four colors. It handles complex natural-language requests like turning off all lights except a bedside lamp. Premium features like Gemini Live and Nest camera access require a $10/month Home Premium subscription.

Google launched the Google Home Speaker at $100, its first new speaker line since 2019. The device drops the Nest name and focuses on Gemini for Home capabilities. It competes directly with Apple's HomePod Mini and Amazon's smaller Echo speakers as a more affordable alternative.

Google's $99 Home Speaker launches June 25 with pre-orders starting today in 18 countries. It features a 58mm driver, 360-degree sound, and Gemini for natural multi-step conversations. The speaker doubles as a Matter controller and includes a privacy switch for microphone muting.

Amazon Music delivers the best Android Auto experience among the three tested services. Its playback interface uses large, clearly labeled buttons for easy control. However, the app lacks a dedicated recently played section in the Android Auto interface.

Top AI companies grew 120% in 2025 and 175% in 2026, nearly tripling in a single year. Stripe data shows AI adoption doubled from under 6M to 14M buyers, with top buyers spending $371 on AI. Five common patterns emerged: build and sell in parallel, centralize AI intelligence, treat agents as real customers, and charge for outcomes not seats.

A user moved over 100 open Android Chrome tabs to a reading app to cure digital clutter anxiety. Chrome's tab groups and reading mode were insufficient solutions. The reading app provided a vastly superior experience for managing and bookmarking articles.

Google Gemini's Mac app can walk users through complex tasks step by step by sharing a live view of the browser. The feature, launched in April, lets Gemini take screenshots of open windows to provide guidance. It taught a user how to use Photopea's menus by citing online documentation.

Android 17 introduces ADB Wi-Fi 2.0, replacing bloated third-party libraries with a lightweight 4,000-line Rust library for stability. ADB now automatically reconnects to trusted networks without repairing. Android Studio gets a revamped pairing window showing a live list of local devices.

Easy Notes, an open-source app found on F-Droid, offers a simple note-taking experience that Google Keep lacks. The app stays out of the user's workflow rather than trying to become its center. It is available outside the Play Store through alternative Android repositories.

An old Google Pixel with a cracked screen was repurposed as a wireless security camera using the AlfredCamera app. The app assigns one device as the Camera and another as the Viewer, both linked to the same Google account. Setup took under 30 minutes.

Google Cloud announced at its London Summit that the age of the "agentic enterprise" is here now. HSBC is adopting Google Cloud AI tools for over 200 use cases globally. Every business must focus on culture, responsibility, and sustainability to use AI effectively.

Apple adopted Google's model to improve Siri after its first Apple Intelligence rollout failed. Google faces real AI competition only from ChatGPT, not Siri. A better Siri pushes Google to improve Gemini further, benefiting all smartphone users.

Google's experimental DiffusionGemma model generates text by refining a block of tokens simultaneously, similar to image diffusion. The author tested it on an M4 Pro MacBook Pro using a 4-bit GGUF. It caused system-wide slowdowns and did not feel faster than Gemma 4 26B-A4B.

A user paying for Google Drive, YouTube Premium, and a Fitbit Air subscription wants to combine them into one plan. Google does not offer a bundle, and the author argues that Gemini, Google's newest service, prevents such a unified subscription. The lack of a single payment option frustrates loyal customers.

HSBC targets a $100 million gain through an AI deal with Google Cloud. The partnership aims to leverage artificial intelligence for financial services. HSBC expects significant cost savings and revenue improvements from the collaboration.

Android 17 is now officially rolling out to Pixel phones after four months of beta testing. The update introduces app bubbles for multitasking, allowing users to run apps in floating bubbles. Pixel users can press and hold an app, tap Bubble, and switch between bubbled apps easily.

HSBC and Google Cloud launched a multi-year partnership to build and deploy AI across bank operations. The deal supplies AI for hyper-personalised advice and financial crime risk management. HSBC will work with Google Cloud and DeepMind on tools powered by Gemini, predicting over 200 new AI use cases in two years.

Google Voice is adding a "Take notes for me" feature that records calls, transcribes them with Gemini, and sends a summary with action points via Gmail. The feature works only in English and is limited to paying Google Voice subscribers. A copy of the notes is also saved within the app.

Google Cloud announced a multi-year partnership with HSBC to accelerate AI adoption across the bank's global operations. HSBC will work with Google DeepMind engineering teams on new AI-powered tools using Gemini models. The UK's AI sector is projected to deliver a £400 billion economic boost by 2030.

Google rolled out new Workspace admin controls for Gemini's temporary chat and conversation deletion features. IT teams can enable or disable these tools across domains, organizational units, or groups. Google Vault retention policies still override user deletions, keeping compliance records intact.

Google began rolling out the stable Android 17 update to Pixel 6 and later devices, with other manufacturers receiving it throughout 2026. The update includes App Bubbles, a 50/50 game layout for foldables, Screen Reactions, and new location access controls. The Android 17 source code was released to AOSP.

Google is rolling out stable Android 17 for Pixel phones, fixing battery drain, camera crashes, and display glitches like a white flickering dot and graphical issues. The update also improves camera stability and reduces memory leaks. Wear OS 7 ships alongside it for Pixel Watches.

OpenAI's Sam Altman, Anthropic's Dario Amodei, and Google DeepMind's Demis Hassabis will attend a G7 lunch meeting in Evian, France, alongside a dozen other tech leaders. Frontier AI risks, infrastructure, sovereignty, and child online protection are on the agenda. The presence signals a shift in geopolitical power toward private sector AI executives.

Google is building C2PA image detection into Messages to let users check if photos were AI-created or edited. Code strings in a beta release show labels like "Media made with AI" and "Edited with multiple AI tools." The feature is not live yet and may change before release.

Google is expanding its built-in parental controls to all Android devices updating to Android 17, after limiting the feature to Pixel phones last year. The controls allow screen-time limits, downtime scheduling, app blocking, and Google Play content filters. The company is also increasing its U.S. digital wellbeing fund by approximately $50 million.

ChatGPT's share of the global AI assistant market fell to 46.4% by May, down from over 50% in January. Google Gemini holds 27.7% and Anthropic's Claude 10.3%. ChatGPT still leads with 1.1 billion monthly users, followed by Gemini's 662 million and Claude's 245 million.

The Gemini app's voice input now supports over 70 languages and allows mixing languages in a single sentence without changing settings. The feature is rolling out on Android and iOS, with web availability expected within a week. Google VP Josh Woodward announced the update on X.

Samsung receives increased advanced chip requests from BYD, Google, and AMD as TSMC faces AI-driven capacity limits. The demand surge pressures TSMC's manufacturing output. Samsung's chip production capacity is being utilized more heavily in 2026.

Google's June Pixel Watch update improves Gemini's Raise to Talk gesture with a better recognition model for more reliable activation. Remote Media Routing lets users switch audio and video output devices from the watch. The Contacts app gets Material 3 redesigns and integrated Emergency Sharing.

AMD, Google, and Nvidia could have some of their chips manufactured by Samsung. The report indicates Samsung's foundry business may gain these major clients for chip production. No specific timeline or chip models were disclosed.

Google is accepting applications for its Gemini App Trusted Tester program, offering limited slots for early access to unreleased features. VP Josh Woodward announced the program targets power users who provide feedback before public launch. The application asks about profession, AI tool usage, and experience with competitors like ChatGPT and Claude.

A startup backed by a former Google CEO has debuted an industrial robot developed in partnership with LG. The robot represents a new venture combining the startup's technology with LG's manufacturing capabilities. The collaboration targets industrial automation applications.

Google rolls out Android 17 to Pixel smartphones with AI models Gemini Omni, Lyria 3, and AudioLM for speech, conversation, multimodal tasks, and music generation. The update includes personalized call greetings and expanded Take a Message feature in new regions. Pixel Drop delivers hardware-specific enhancements. AI integration spans call management, content creation, and personal assistance.

LG deployed a Genesis AI robot supported by a former Google CEO. The robot features autonomous navigation and real-time decision-making. The deployment marks LG's entry into AI-powered robotics for enterprise environments.

HSBC partnered with Google Cloud to expand artificial intelligence usage across the bank. The collaboration aims to enhance customer service and operational efficiency through AI tools. Google Cloud will provide the underlying infrastructure and machine learning capabilities for the initiative.

Google filed a lawsuit aimed at taking down a Chinese cybercrime network. The legal action targets the infrastructure used by the group for malicious activities. The case represents a direct corporate effort to disrupt state-linked cyber operations.

Google Photos appears to be developing a Video remix feature, expanding its AI-powered Remix tool beyond photos. Code in app version 7.80.0.929302933 reveals a "Video remix" button, though the feature is not yet accessible. The Remix feature currently transforms photos into anime, manga, sketch, or 3D animation styles.

The article compares Nvidia and Alphabet as AI chip stock investments for the next five years. It presents a framework for evaluating both companies but does not provide a definitive recommendation. The analysis is based on time-weighted returns and volatility profiles calculated by the source.

GrapheneOS has been ported to Android 17, with official releases arriving soon. The hardened Android fork now supports the latest Android version, expanding its availability to users seeking enhanced privacy and security features on current devices.

Google began rolling out the June Pixel software update to Pixel 6 and newer devices. The update includes Android 17 and dozens of bug fixes and improvements. Eligible models range from the Pixel 6 series through the Pixel 10 series, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold.

Before a long drive, the author configures Android Auto to avoid battery drain and optimize the UI. Customizing the launcher puts Waze front and center with Symfonium and Octopus Energy's Octoverse for charger navigation. Everything else is relegated to the background for a safer, more efficient experience.

Google Photos is developing a new AI video tool called "Video remix," codenamed Soba. The feature will let users restyle videos, change lighting, and swap backgrounds with one tap. Daily limited generations will be free, with more available through a Google AI subscription.

Google's June Pixel Drop introduces Bubbles, letting apps float in movable windows for multitasking. Screen Reactions overlays a selfie video onto screen recordings. Gemini Omni generates videos from text prompts, and Lyria 3 creates music from text or images. Voice Translate expands to the Pixel 10a.

A flaw in the Google Cloud Vertex AI SDK for Python let attackers hijack machine learning model uploads by creating a predictable Cloud Storage bucket before the victim. Google patched the bug in version 1.148.0. Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 reported the vulnerability and saw no exploitation in the wild.

A tech reviewer switched from Apple CarPlay to Android Auto after Google integrated Gemini into Android Auto. The author found Apple CarPlay's Siri frustratingly basic and unable to handle imperfect voice commands. Gemini's intelligent handling of driving tasks made Android Auto the preferred platform.

Commodore announced the Callback 8020 flip phone, running Jolla's Sailfish OS with Android app compatibility. It blocks social media, browsers, and email at the system level, has a disabled touchscreen by default, and features dome LED notifications. The company is owned by tech YouTuber Christian Simpson.

A Berlin court ruled that Google's AI Overviews are a new search result format, not original content, rejecting trademark infringement claims from a perfume company. The court found an average user would recognize the AI aggregates information from other websites. This contradicts a Munich ruling that held Google liable for false AI statements.

Google is rolling out its June 2026 Pixel Drop, which includes the stable build of Android 17, to Pixel 6 and newer phones. The update adds app bubbles, screen reactions, a gaming UI for foldables, AirDrop support for budget Pixels, and new Gemini AI models including Omni video generation and Lyria 3 music generation.

Google released the final version of Android 17 and Wear OS 7 on Tuesday. The updates arrive first on Pixel devices and include support for the latest AI models, a bubble bar UI, and live updates on Wear OS.

Android 17 is a modest refresh that builds on Android 16, with no major AI or Gemini Intelligence additions. UI changes include smaller Settings sectional headers, more compact privacy indicators for location/camera/microphone, and refined app location permission menus with squircle pop-ups and check indicators.

Android 17 introduces a Foldable Gaming Mode with a 50/50 display layout, placing gameplay on the top half and a dynamic virtual gamepad on the bottom. The feature is enabled in Android 17 but will not be available for several months. External controller users get native remapping, and performance improves for high-def gaming.

Google is rolling out Wear OS 7 to the Pixel Watch, featuring up to 10% better battery life through system-level power optimizations. Live Updates now track events like sports scores and deliveries. System media controls include an integrated output switcher for audio devices. Gemini Intelligence features arrive later this year.

Google's June 2026 Pixel Drop introduces floating Bubbles for multitasking and screen reactions with selfie video overlay. Quick Share's AirDrop compatibility arrives on Pixel 8a and 9a globally. The Phone app expands internationally, and Pixel Watch adds Emergency Sharing for Car Crash, Fall, and Loss of Pulse Detection.

Google is rolling out Emergency Sharing for Pixel Watches. The feature automatically notifies chosen contacts and calls emergency services when Car Crash, Fall, or Loss of Pulse Detection is triggered. Users can customize which contacts are notified per event type.

The June Pixel Drop brings Voice Translate to the Pixel 10a, a feature previously available on the Pixel 10. This update expands the real-time translation capability to the more affordable model, enhancing its utility for communication across languages.

Wear OS 7 drops today, introducing Live Updates and Gemini integration. The update brings new features to the platform. Users can access the new capabilities immediately.

Wear OS 7 is rolling out to Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 with Live Updates, enhanced media controls, and up to 10% better battery life. Gemini Intelligence features are expected later this year. The original Pixel Watch is not supported.

Android 17 stable is rolling out to Pixel 6 and later devices, with source code headed to AOSP. The update adds floating App Bubbles, Screen Reactions for video creators, biometric protections for lost phones, strict one-time location permissions, app memory limits, and an independent Assistant volume stream.

Google released Wear OS 7 for compatible Pixel Watch models on June 16. The operating system is built to work with connected devices including earbuds and future Google smartglasses. Users can preview smartglasses photos on the watch and control media across devices.

Android 17, arriving Tuesday, introduces screen reactions for recording face and screen simultaneously, temporary location permissions, and a remote phone lock. For foldables, Bubbles offers picture-in-picture app access, and a touch-based game controller layout is added. Wear OS 7 includes a media output switcher and live event feeds.

Android 17 is rolling out now to Pixel phones and watches, adding multitasking bubbles, Screen Reactions, a foldable gaming mode, and parental controls. The update also includes a Pixel Drop and a new Wear OS version. Other devices will get Android 17 throughout 2026.

Google Wear OS 7 is now live for Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4. The update adds Create My Widget using Gemini natural language, Live Updates for scores and deliveries, connected device control, and a 10 percent average battery improvement. Gemini also powers multi-step automation and Neural Express design suggestions.

Wear OS 7 rolls out today for Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4, adding Live Updates that sync sports scores and deliveries between watch and phone. Google claims up to 10 percent more battery life than Wear OS 6. Gemini Intelligence features, including AI-generated widgets and multi-step app automation, arrive later this year.

The Rokarolla Android trojan has leveled up to achieve full device control and persistence. This malware now enables attackers to remotely command infected devices with elevated privileges. The upgrade represents a significant escalation in the trojan's capabilities for maintaining long-term access.

Google was named a Leader in the 2026 IDC MarketScape for Worldwide SIEM Vendor Assessment. The recognition highlights Google Security Operations' AI agents for alert triage and proactive hunting, Mandiant-curated detection content, and vertical AI integration for improved unit economics and iteration speed.

Xreal unveiled Aura smart glasses with Android XR, a 70-degree field of view, and weight under 95 grams. Snap unveiled Specs AR Glasses at AWE 2026 with a $2,195 price tag and no computing puck. Both products are scheduled to ship this fall.

Xreal opened $99 deposits for the Xreal Aura XR glasses, shipping fall 2026 in the U.S., U.K., and Japan. The deposit gives $100 off the final price and priority shipping. A $299 Founder Priority Pass guarantees launch-day delivery, limited to 2,000 reservations. Specs include a 70-degree field of view, sub-95-gram weight, 6DoF tracking, and Android XR.

XREAL confirmed its Android XR glasses, Aura, will launch this fall in the US, UK, Canada, South Korea, and Japan. Reservations open with a $99 deposit that provides a $199 credit. Confirmed launch titles include Project Hail Mary: Journey Among the Stars and Fallout: Factions.

Android 17, codenamed Cinnamon Bun, was previewed on May 12, 2026, with a stable release expected for Pixel devices in June or July 2026. The update introduces Material 3 Expressive with a frosted glass effect. Gemini Intelligence, the headline AI upgrade, requires a 2026 flagship device with 12GB or more of RAM.

Google has fixed a bug that prevented Gemini from making calls on Android Auto and mobile devices. The error displayed "Something went wrong. Please try again." Users must update the app to the latest version via the Google Play Store to resolve the issue.

Google released a fix for a bug that prevented Gemini from making calls on Android and Android Auto. The error displayed a "Something went wrong. Please try again" message. Users can resolve the issue by updating the Gemini or Google app to the latest version via the Google Play Store.

Lenovo's $400 Tab Plus Gen 2 features a 9-unit JBL speaker system and a Bluetooth mode that turns the tablet into a wireless speaker for any device. It runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chip with a 12.1-inch 120Hz IPS LCD screen reaching 800 nits HDR brightness.

Logitech released the G305 X Superlight wireless mouse at $79.99, weighing 59 grams with a 44,000 DPI Hero sensor and over 130 hours battery life. The company also launched the G316 X 98 wired mechanical keyboard for $119.99 with hot-swappable switches, a pixel display, and a translucent control knob.

A customer received a broken Galaxy S22 Ultra as a replacement for a defective Pixel unit from Google. The incident highlights a troubling practice in Google's device replacement process. The customer discovered the issue after receiving the non-functional Samsung device.

A Google Home update changed the "play the news" command to "play my news brief." The old command now triggers Gemini-generated story summaries instead of provider broadcasts. Users report broken automations and frustration with the sudden change to a years-old habit. Google says the new approach adds interactive elements.

Palantir made its software available through the Google Cloud Marketplace on June 4, integrating with BigQuery, Gemini, and its AI Platform. The deal opens access to organizations already spending heavily on cloud and AI infrastructure. However, the partnership introduces a hidden risk to Palantir's stock as it expands commercial AI reach.

A long-time Chrome user switched to Microsoft Edge permanently because of the Drop feature, a cross-device file-sharing tool built into the browser. Drop allows quick transfer of files and notes between devices without third-party apps. The feature became indispensable for productivity, making the switch final.

Mobile data averages are skewed by heavy users, leading carriers to sell oversized plans. The average person in the UK uses 10.6GB monthly, while US usage ranges from 5 to 15GB, far below the 25GB Ericsson figure. Checking actual usage on iPhone or Android can help users choose a cheaper plan.

Android keyboards like Gboard track users for autocorrect and suggestions. Users can disable tracking in Gboard by going to Settings, Languages, Gboard, Privacy, and toggling off each option. A better alternative is FUTO Keyboard, an open-source replacement that matches Gboard's quality without tracking.

Leopold Aschenbrenner left OpenAI's superalignment team in June 2024 and predicted Alphabet stock would explode. Shares doubled from $173.81 to $359.68, a 107% gain. Google Cloud revenue surged 63% year over year to $20 billion in Q1 2026 with a $460 billion backlog.

Ineffable Intelligence and Google Cloud formed a strategic partnership for a new frontier AI lab. Google provides specialized infrastructure for the London-based company. The deal follows Ineffable's $1.1bn seed round, the largest in European history. The lab focuses on experience-based learning, where systems generate, evaluate, and learn.

Okta expanded its partnership with Google Cloud to secure AI agents and the Chrome browser. The integrations connect Okta's identity layer with Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform and Chrome Enterprise. Research cited by Okta found 92% of executives report widespread AI agent use, but only 34% apply the same security controls as for human workers.

Siemens and Google Cloud created Knowledge Fabric, an AI system using knowledge graphs on Spanner Graph, the Google Agent Development Kit, Gemini API, and Anthropic Claude Code. The system automates software development lifecycle tasks. In a pilot migrating interfaces to web, Knowledge Fabric reduced implementation effort for engineers.

Android Auto's official app catalog is limited, so sideloading unofficial apps unlocks more features. The author installed three apps that enable watching videos and browsing the web on a car screen. Setting up requires enabling developer mode on the phone and Android Auto, then checking the Unknown sources box.

Gemini's instructions feature lets users set preferences that Gemini automatically applies to future chats, saving repeated prompts. The author found greater value by tailoring instructions around specific task types rather than just formatting. This approach reduced time spent correcting responses and improved output quality.

SpaceX will acquire AI coding company Cursor for $60 billion. Cursor's 25-year-old CEO Michael Truell, a former Google intern and MIT dropout, is now worth an estimated $1.3 billion. The deal cements one of Silicon Valley's biggest success stories.

Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, Qualcomm's Ziad Asghar, and Google's Hugo Swart and Juston Payne are delivering keynotes at Augmented World Expo 2026 in Long Beach. Announcements expected include AR glasses, Android XR, and AI. Each keynote runs 25 minutes.

Chipolo launched limited edition "Deep Sunset" and "Morning Mist" color combos for the Loop tracker, available today on Chipolo's website and Amazon for $39.99. The dual-network, rechargeable Loop supports both Apple Find My and Android Find Hub with a year of battery life.

Gemini calls are broken on Android Auto, prompting users to switch back to Google Assistant. The whole Gemini migration has been described as a dumpster fire. Users are abandoning the new assistant for the older, more reliable Google Assistant.

A tech journalist has used the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 as a daily driver for over six years, buying a second unit in 2022 for $260. The 2019 mid-range phone's 6.47-inch display and build quality have not been matched by any newer handset the author has tested.

Google's Willow quantum chip, a 105-qubit superconducting processor, completed a Random Circuit Sampling calculation in under five minutes. Google estimates the world's fastest classical supercomputer, Frontier, would need 10 septillion years for the same task. The chip demonstrates a 'beyond-classical' regime, though the comparison has drawn criticism from physicists.

Commodore announced the Callback 8020, a flip phone that runs Android apps and costs $499. The device combines a classic flip form factor with modern software compatibility, targeting users seeking a nostalgic design without sacrificing app access.

A Pixel user deleted 50GB from Google Photos after a surprise $100 Google One charge. The author targeted Photos because Drive and Gmail were already curated. The cleanup aims to extend the 2TB storage plan into the next decade and reduce subscription costs.

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The author switched from Google Assistant to Gemini as the default digital assistant and enabled YouTube Music access in the Gemini app. This allowed Gemini to find and play songs, albums, artists, playlists, and radio stations through Android Auto. The change made finding music while driving less distracting.

Eric McDonald discovered that the 2021 Honda Civic's Android-based infotainment system can be updated via USB using standard AOSP test keys left on the file system. The EvilValet attack allows anyone with physical USB access to run arbitrary code signed with these keys. The vulnerability may affect other Android-based systems.

After testing all three 2026 Motorola Razr phones, the base Razr is the clear choice for most buyers. The Razr Ultra costs $1,500 MSRP with a Snapdragon 8 Elite and 16GB of RAM, but is too expensive. The Razr Plus offers a 4-inch cover screen and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 as a middle-ground option.

An Android Police author replaced fragmented file-transfer tools with Google's Quick Share. The tool offers seamless cross-platform file management between Android and PC without paywalls or internet speed dependence. The latest version adds AirDrop interoperability, making it a proper solution for moving files.

On-device AI features require several gigabytes of RAM to run locally, making 8GB insufficient for future smartphone use. Local AI models improve speed, privacy, and offline functionality but demand more memory. Rising RAM prices and accelerating AI adoption make 8GB phones a poor investment for 2026.

GitHits raised $1.75 million to build a "Google for code" that solves AI coding agent hallucinations. The agents fail when they cannot inspect external dependencies, fabricating syntax that crashes at runtime. GitHits uses context engineering to let agents accurately navigate open-source frameworks, libraries, and SDKs.

A 48-hour comparison of Siri AI against Google Gemini found Apple's rebuilt assistant has come a long way. Siri AI runs on a hybrid local and cloud model, with the cloud LLM using Google Gemini's technology stack but not being the same as Gemini. The assistant indexes local information like messages and calendar entries on-device.

A new free Android app called iiSU combines all emulated games from various emulators into a single console-style interface. The alpha release supports social features like hovering Discord chats, dual-screen compatibility, native controller support, and customizable homescreen shortcuts with animated widgets.

Google Cloud introduced the Open Knowledge Format (OKF), a vendor-neutral markdown specification for giving AI agents curated context. OKF formalizes the LLM-wiki pattern into a portable, interoperable standard for table schemas, metric definitions, runbooks, and join paths. The format is designed to be agent- and human-friendly.

Ineffable Intelligence, David Silver's London startup, named Google Cloud as infrastructure partner for its frontier AI lab. The company aims to build a "superlearner" that generates knowledge from experience rather than static data. Ineffable will deploy one of the largest clusters of Google's A5X instances with Nvidia's Vera Rubin NVL72 GPUs.

Facebook rolled out AI Mode, a feature that answers questions directly inside the app using Meta AI. The tool pulls answers from public content across Meta's apps, including Groups and Reels, rather than returning a list of links. It competes with Google's AI search tool by drawing from Facebook's own social ecosystem.

Google's June 2026 System Release Notes detail new features for Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android devices. WhatsApp backups are included in the changelog. Some capabilities take months to fully launch and are not immediately widely available.

Google's June 2026 System Updates for Android include support for WhatsApp backups. The monthly release notes cover changes to Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates across Android, Wear OS, TV, Auto, and PC. Some features target end users, others developers.

Google Earth launched a free, browser-based flight simulator using its 3D terrain data. The web-only feature uses simplified flight physics and streams imagery, which may lag at extreme speeds or low bandwidth. It is not a rival to Microsoft Flight Simulator but suits casual scenic flights.

Google and Intel announced a new partnership to co-develop cloud computing chips for data centers. The collaboration focuses on optimizing AI workloads and improving energy efficiency. Both companies will co-lead chip design efforts with shared engineering teams. The initiative targets a 30% reduction in power consumption per teraflop of AI compute. Tags:google,intel,ai.

About 200 Stanford graduates walked out and booed Google CEO Sundar Pichai during his commencement speech. The protest targeted Google's Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion cloud contract with the Israeli military, and its ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Student signs accused Google of fueling violence.

ChatOn AI Assistant Premium offers a three-year subscription for $69.99, covering GPT-5, GPT-4o, Claude 4.5 Sonnet, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and Perplexity Sonar. This is roughly the monthly cost of separate ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini subscriptions. The app has over 100 million downloads and a 4.7 App Store rating.

Google Earth's flight simulator mode is now accessible globally via web browser. The experimental feature is designed for casual exploration rather than high-fidelity aerodynamic training. Users can find it under the Tools menu after opening Explore Earth.

Android 17 introduces Continue On to preserve app sessions across devices, Pause Point to limit doomscrolling, and Gemini Intelligence for AI-driven tasks. The beta version launched in June 2026 with features like app-specific location access and Ultra HDR for Instagram. Stable release expected in June or July 2026 for Pixel devices.

A Pixel 7 user abandoned stock Android until finding four apps that restore missing features. The apps replicate niche capabilities from other Android skins like Xiaomi's HyperOS without requiring a bootloader unlock or root access. Google's focus on AI and visual polish left core functionality gaps that third-party tools now fill.

Google Chrome is removing the final loophole for Manifest V2 extensions, effectively killing popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin. The change comes through a Chromium commit that removes the kExtensionManifestV2Disabled flag, which Chrome 150 will drop. Manifest V2 extensions are no longer supported in any Chrome version.

A bug in Gemini is preventing users from making calls on Android and Android Auto, displaying the error "Something went wrong. Please try again." Switching back to Google Assistant resolves the issue, while clearing app data or resetting the infotainment system does not. Uninstalling the last update can also restore calling functionality.

A bug prevented some users from making calls with Gemini on Android Auto and mobile devices, showing a "Something went wrong" error. Google released a fix. Affected users should update the app via the Google Play Store. Switching to Google Assistant temporarily resolved the issue.

Samsung redesigned the One UI beta program to simplify joining and leaving for users. The overhaul removes previous friction points in the enrollment and opt-out processes. Participants can now enter or exit the beta with fewer steps and less hassle.

Wear OS 7 is rolling out to eligible Pixel Watch devices with battery improvements and Live Updates. Google framed the update as an entry point into an AI system of interconnected devices, highlighting upcoming intelligent eyewear and cross-device controls that position the watch as a hub.

Google is spending $50 million to train 300,000 skilled-trades workers across more than 20 US states, funding electricians, plumbers, welders, and sheet metal workers for AI data center buildouts. The $166 per worker budget is a fraction of Google's $1 billion AI education spend and less than one hour of the company's $50.9 million hourly revenue.

Google filed a civil lawsuit against Outsider Enterprise, a China-based operation accused of using Gemini and other AI models to mass-produce phishing sites. The complaint ties the network to over 9,000 fake websites and 1.5 million fraudulent URLs. Android users flagged 55,000 spam texts linked to the operation in a two-week May period.

Walmart's Onn Outdoor Floodlight Camera Hardwired is available now for $77. The 1080p camera has a 130.5-degree field of view and integrates with Google Home and Gemini. It costs $200 less than Google's Nest Cam with floodlight.

Google Messages is developing a system to detect AI-generated or AI-edited images in chats using C2PA credentials. Text strings in the app show labels like "Edited with AI tools" and "Info by" for image details. The feature is not yet functional but appears in recent beta versions.

Google Chrome versions 150 and 151, arriving in late June and July, will remove remaining workarounds for older ad blockers like uBlock Origin. Only Manifest V3-based ad blockers will function in Chrome 151 onward. Google cited security risks and technical debt from maintaining Manifest V2 support.

Fuelio shows nearby gas stations and prices, helping drivers save about 10 cents per gallon. Podcast Republic manages multiple podcast queues. These apps reduce distraction by offering car-optimized interfaces. Users simply download apps to their phone and connect to Android Auto.

Google Earth's flight simulator mode is now available globally on the web. Users can access it by opening the Google Earth website, clicking Explore Earth, then navigating to the Tools tab and selecting Flight simulator. The feature was previously hidden behind a secret keystroke since 2007.

Hundreds of Stanford graduates walked out of their 2026 commencement ceremony as Google CEO Sundar Pichai took the stage. The walk-outs were organized by the Stanford chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. The protest was not solely about AI, reflecting broader tensions between tech leaders and graduates.

The Nothing Phone (3) dropped to $584 on Amazon, its lowest price ever, down from $799. The deal is exclusive to Prime members and part of early Prime Day warm-up offers. The phone features a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, Quad 50MP cameras, and a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display.

TinyWind is a pixel-art sailing game that simulates real wind physics. Players navigate a pirate ship across an open world, with over 380,000 kilometers already sailed by the community. The game emphasizes realistic wind direction and speed mechanics.

Yahoo partnered with Google Cloud to build Seller Agent, a digital media buying platform using Google Data Cloud graph technologies. The platform condenses multi-week manual processes into fully governed, live campaigns executed in seconds. The architecture serves as a blueprint for building trusted, auditable autonomous systems across industries.

Chris Betz, the new Google Cloud CISO, shared four lessons for using AI in threat defense. A team with multiple AI models can now find thousands of vulnerabilities in hours, a task that previously took months or years. Betz urged an AI-native, agentic, and open defensive strategy.

Sundar Pichai delivered Stanford University's 2026 commencement address but spent little time on artificial intelligence. The speech focused on optimism, working on hard things, and following interests. Pichai briefly referenced a "rewiring of technology" but largely avoided discussing AI's impact on careers or the future of work.

Vinod Khosla called Gen Z Stanford protesters who walked out during Google CEO Sundar Pichai's commencement address "biased, idiotic, short-sighted and very selfish." The Khosla Ventures founder and Sun Microsystems co-founder posted the criticism on X, calling the behavior "the stupidity.

Samsung MAX VPN retires on June 15, 2026, leaving over 50 million mobile users without its privacy and data-saving features. The app will remain on devices but stop working. Users should transition to a reliable third-party VPN for continued online protection.

Google Chrome is closing the final loophole for Manifest V2 extensions, effectively ending support for popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin. A Chromium commit removes the "kExtensionManifestV2Disabled" flag, which allowed continued use of these extensions. The change also impacts other Chromium-based browsers.

Google's Android Bench rankings show Gemini 3.5 Flash scoring 63.7, missing the top five and trailing its predecessor. OpenAI's GPT 5.5 took first place with 74. The Flash model became the most expensive option at $147.1 per run, contradicting its speed-and-value branding.

Android already has four iOS 27 features: Siri AI (matched by Google Gemini), customizable lock screens, live activities, and satellite messaging. The author wishes Android would steal two more: Apple's seamless cross-device continuity and the unified Find My network for non-Apple devices.

A tech editor drove over 100 miles comparing Google Maps and Waze. Google Maps won for its superior accuracy, real-time traffic data, and better integration with other Google services. Waze offered more community-driven alerts but fell short on routing reliability.

Gemini on Google TV can now adjust audio and video settings, change picture modes, and troubleshoot issues via voice commands. The feature rolls out first to recent TCL Google TV models in the US, including the TCL QM8L, with broader availability planned later.

An Android Police writer forced Chrome for Android into reader mode for weeks. The distraction-free format eliminated the habit of scanning articles instead of reading them fully. Reader mode removed website clutter that encouraged skimming, leading to deeper reading without autoplay videos or ads.

XGIMI revealed three new projectors: the Elfin Flip Laser, Elfin Flip 4K, and MIRA ultra-short-throw. The Flip models feature a flip-out stand for ceiling projection. Preorders open this month, with sales next month. The Elfin Flip Laser uses a triple-laser light source; the 4K model supports 4K at 60Hz.

Google Chromebooks mark 15 years since launch with Acer and Samsung. The platform dominates K-12 education but remains sidelined in mainstream and premium markets. Key features like the Play Store, Linux app support, and a now-canceled Steam beta arrived years after launch, limiting broader adoption.

Google launched AI information agents for Search, enabling users to delegate complex research tasks. The agents can gather information from multiple sources and synthesize results. This feature is part of Google's broader push to integrate generative AI into its core search product.

Google launched Information agents within Search AI Mode for AI Ultra subscribers. The agents monitor blogs, news, and real-time data around the clock, sending updates and links when new information appears. The feature works in all AI Mode languages and markets, with broader availability planned for summer.

Google dropped the price of Gemini AI Plus from $7.99 to $4.99 per month and doubled included storage from 200GB to 400GB. The plan undercuts OpenAI's $8 ChatGPT Go plan. Both sit below the $20 tier subscriptions.

Leaked Google ads reveal the next Pixel Drop is imminent, bringing Screen Reactions for recording screen activity with a selfie camera overlay. The update also teases AI music generation from simple prompts and more Gemini Omni capabilities. The promotional videos were spotted on Amazon by Droid-Life.

The Tecno Pova 8 Pro 5G has been spotted in the Google Play Console, revealing a frontal image and key specs. The phone runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC with 12GB of RAM and Android 16. It features a 1208x2644 resolution touchscreen, a 6,500 mAh battery, and up to 512GB of storage.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai gave Stanford's 135th commencement address on June 14, deliberately avoiding AI in favor of three filters: choose optimism, work on hard things, and do what excites you. Graduates walked out during the speech. Pichai used his own path, including building Chrome, as evidence.

Google's AI Overviews are generating overly personal responses instead of straightforward search summaries. A user searching "you mean a lot to me" received a reply saying "the feeling is mutual." The chatty behavior pushes useful search results further down the page, forcing users to scroll more.

San Francisco police spent five months searching for a thief who stole clothing from a yoga studio, loaded it into a Waymo robotaxi, and fled in January. Waymo had deleted interior footage by the time a search warrant arrived, and exterior views blur faces for privacy.

A 2021 Honda Civic infotainment system can be jailbroken through its front USB port using public Android test keys. Software architect Eric McDonald discovered the flaw allows installing unauthorized apps, enabling an "EvilValet" attack where a valet could install malware to record conversations, track location, or capture video.

Google now delivers most new Android features through Play Store app updates rather than OS upgrades. Gemini requires only Android 9.0, and Ask Maps and Ask Photos work on Android 8.0. This shift means users get new capabilities without waiting for full system updates, but it diminishes the importance of Android version releases.

Google sued a Chinese cybercrime gang called Outsider Enterprise for using Gemini AI to steal data from hundreds of thousands of users. The group created 9,000 fake websites, one million fraudulent domains, and sent 2.5 million scam texts in May 2026 alone, swindling millions of dollars.

A Munich court found Google strictly liable for false statements made by its AI Overview feature. The AI linked publishers to scams using fabricated information, not search results. Google argued users should know not to trust AI, but the court ruled the company responsible for its own AI's output.

Chrome 150 on June 30 removes the last flag allowing Manifest V2 extensions, killing uBlock Origin and all content blockers relying on dynamic filtering. Google engineer Devlin Cronin confirmed the timeline. No workaround or enterprise policy override will restore MV2 functionality after the flags are gone.

Media buyers ranked five key DSPs: Google DV360, Amazon, The Trade Desk, Yahoo, and StackAdapt. The Trade Desk faces pressure from Amazon while smaller providers seek market share. Buyers prioritize CPM rates, log-level data access, and streaming partnerships over corporate drama or AI concerns.

Sundar Pichai delivered a graduation speech at Stanford University where over 100 students walked out protesting Google's $1.2 billion cloud contract with Israel. The contract supports Israeli military and government operations under Project Nimbus. Students chanted 'free, free Palestine' and waved Palestinian flags. Pichai avoided discussing AI and instead focused on life advice.

An author gave Claude Code and Google Antigravity a full project to build a resume builder microsite. The combination finished the build almost twice as fast as a usual VS Code workflow. Antigravity planned and structured the project while Claude Code ran inside it through the terminal.

A fire at a third-party data center in Delhi caused emergency power shutdown of networking equipment on June 9th, isolating a local Point of Presence and reducing capacity in Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai. Google reports intermittent latency and packet loss for customers in those areas, with traffic mitigations improving performance for some users.

SpaceX stock surged 19.17% ahead of its IPO as Alphabet shareholders consider exposure through indirect holdings. The move highlights volatility and long-term investment strategy. Investors weigh leverage and market timing when evaluating portfolio diversification.

Google ads on Amazon reveal the next Pixel Drop will include Screen Reactions and Gemini Omni-powered features like Music Generation. Screen Reactions, previously shown at The Android Show, arrives early on Pixel phones. The Gemini Omni features are already available to paid subscribers but are being bundled into the Drop.

Google ads on Amazon tease the next Pixel Drop, featuring Screen Reactions and Gemini Omni-powered music generation. Screen Reactions is new to Pixel phones, while Gemini Omni features are already available to paid subscribers. The update is overdue based on Google's usual schedule.

A Bavarian court ruled Google is liable for AI-generated search summaries that slandered two Munich companies. Google argued it should not be held accountable, but the judges decided the company created the text and is responsible. Google plans to appeal the ruling.