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Evening Audio Files
Spotify is investigating reports of broken connections with Google Cast and Chromecast devices. Users are experiencing issues with audio playback through these casting technologies.
Google AI bot put in charge of Swedish coffee shop, proceeds to order 3,000 rubber gloves, 6,000 napkins, 4 first-aid…
An AI experiment at a Stockholm cafe run by Google's Gemini bot, named Mona, has resulted in significant operational issues. The AI, managed by Andon Labs, has made costly ordering mistakes, including thousands of rubber gloves and napkins, and has struggled with basic tasks like managing staff hours and inventory, leading to financial losses.
Google announces its first-ever discovery of a zero-day exploit made with AI
Google Threat Intelligence Group announced the discovery of a zero-day exploit created using artificial intelligence, which they managed to stop before it could cause mass exploitation. This marks the first time Google has identified an AI-generated exploit.
After fining Google more money than exists on Earth, Russia demands so little from EA it feels like a weird joke
Russia has fined Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Battlestate Games, and NetEase approximately $27,000 each for failing to localize Russian gamers' data on domestic servers. This follows significantly larger fines levied against Google for blocking pro-Kremlin channels. While Roskomnadzor denies plans for further restrictions, the move aligns with Russia's pursuit of digital sovereignty.
Eve Online dev breaks from Pearl Abyss and establishes "research partnership" with Google DeepMind
CCP Games, now rebranded as Fenris Creations, has broken away from Pearl Abyss and entered a $120 million research partnership with Google DeepMind. The collaboration will utilize Eve Online as a testbed for AI research, focusing on areas like long-horizon planning and continual learning, with the potential to explore new gameplay experiences. This move aims to support Fenris Creations' future as an independent developer of persistent online worlds.
How to watch The Android Show: Google I/O Edition on May 12
The Android Show: Google I/O Edition will be broadcast live on YouTube on May 12. This event will cover the latest developments from Google's annual developer conference.
Chrome is installing a 4 GB local AI model on some of your PCs without asking for permission and will just download it…
Google's Chrome browser has been downloading a 4 GB Gemini Nano AI model onto user PCs without explicit permission, a practice discovered by security researcher Alexander Hanff. While Google states the model is core to its developer and security strategy and can be disabled in settings, the lack of transparency and user consent has drawn criticism regarding privacy and data usage. The model is reportedly downloaded on Windows, MacOS, and Linux, but not mobile devices.
The Morning After: Google's new wearable doesn't have a screen
Google has launched a new wearable device that notably lacks a screen. This week's news also covers the new reMarkable slate and a new gimbal released by DJI.
AI Yi-Yi!
Google is integrating its Gemini AI into the bottom bar of Gmail, offering AI-powered inbox features. The article also touches on AI policy developments, such as the Golden Globes establishing rules for AI submissions.
Morning Mobilization
Google is rebranding the Fitbit app to 'Google Health' as part of an integration strategy. This move signifies Google's increasing focus on health and wellness services, bringing Fitbit's health tracking capabilities under its broader health umbrella.
The Google Fitbit Air is an AI-infused take on Whoop wearables
Google has conceptualized the Fitbit Air, a strap-less wearable device that integrates artificial intelligence. This concept is presented as an AI-infused alternative to existing wearables like Whoop and is described as a small Fitbit Inspire without its strap.
Google Unveils Upcoming Fitbit Air and Google Health App
Google has announced the Fitbit Air, a new screenless bracelet compatible with Android and iOS, designed to track heart rate, exercise, and sleep. Alongside the bracelet, the company is rebranding the Fitbit app to Google Health, which will feature a Gemini-powered Health Coach offering personalized fitness plans and health insights. A special edition Fitbit Air designed with NBA player Stephen Curry will launch on May 26 for $129.99 USD, with the standard model priced at $99.99 USD.
Google is turning the Fitbit app into a unified portal for your health and fitness data
Google is rebranding the Fitbit app into a unified portal for health and fitness data, launching the new Health app on May 19. This change aims to consolidate user health information within a single application.
You don't need more RAM; a YouTube bug is just making it seem like you do by eating up 7GB or more of your…
A bug within YouTube is causing significant RAM usage, with some tabs consuming 7GB or more, leading to performance issues and stutters on gaming PCs. This issue affects multiple browsers and is not an indication of insufficient hardware. While Google and YouTube have not officially confirmed the bug, reports suggest it is a widespread problem impacting users who keep YouTube tabs open in the background while gaming or streaming.
CCP Games rebrands as Fenris Creations following sale from Pearl Abyss
CCP Games, the developer of Eve Online, has rebranded as Fenris Creations following its $120 million sale from Pearl Abyss. As part of the transition, Fenris Creations has formed a research partnership with Google DeepMind, which also acquired a minority stake in the studio. The partnership will focus on advancing AI research using Eve Online as a testbed.
Google isn't scanning your Gmail to train Gemini, it's letting Gemini scan your inbox to provide 'personalized insights' but I'm not sure that's better
Google's Gemini AI is being integrated into Gmail to provide personalized insights and assist with drafting emails, rather than to train AI models. While this feature is opt-in, the data from user interactions and summaries of emails may be used to train generative AI models, raising concerns about data privacy despite Google's assurances.
EVE Online developer goes independent as Fenris Creations, partners up with Google DeepMind
CCP Games, now operating as Fenris Creations, has announced its independence and a new partnership with Google DeepMind. Fenris Creations will continue to develop EVE Online, EVE Vanguard, and EVE Frontier, with no layoffs planned. Google DeepMind will utilize an offline version of EVE Online to advance AI research in areas like long-horizon planning and continual learning, and has taken a minority stake in Fenris Creations.
Flexion Launches Exprexion: A New Suite of Services to Increase Mobile Game Revenue and Market Freedom
Flexion has launched Exprexion, a new suite of services designed to help mobile game developers increase revenue and gain market freedom. The service offers a single point of entry to alternative app stores, influencer marketing, and direct-to-consumer sales, aiming to reduce reliance on major platforms like Google and Apple and their associated fees.
Google's AI search results will now turn to Reddit for 'Expert Advice'
Google's AI-powered search results will now incorporate 'expert advice' by referencing Reddit discussions. This update aims to provide users with more in-depth articles and links to trusted sources, including those they already follow.
Google just bought a stake in the maker of Eve Online to train its AI models
Google has acquired a stake in CCP Games, the developer of the space-based RPG Eve Online. This investment will allow Google's DeepMind AI research division to study player behavior within the game to train its artificial intelligence models.