Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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Evening Mobilization
Google's Android Automotive is preparing for a significant expansion into vehicle systems. Separately, the creator of the metaverse has described Meta's virtual reality glasses as 'creepy'.
OpenAI is shutting down its Sora video generation app
OpenAI is discontinuing its Sora video generation app and API service, with details on the shutdown timeline to be announced later. The company stated its research team will now focus on world simulation for robotics. This decision follows a reported decline in app interest and aligns with OpenAI's strategic shift towards enterprise customers.
Apple could give Siri a standalone app and an 'Ask Siri' button in iOS 27
Apple is reportedly planning a significant overhaul for its AI assistant Siri, potentially including a standalone app and an "Ask Siri" feature for more conversational interactions. Siri is expected to leverage personal data from messages, emails, and notes to complete requests and execute tasks within apps. These improvements are slated for iOS 27 and macOS 27, with an official announcement anticipated at WWDC 2026, powered by Google Gemini.
Three new Gemini features come to Google TV
Google is rolling out three new AI-powered features for Google TV, leveraging its Gemini technology. These include richer visual help for queries, interactive deep dives on various topics, and AI-generated sports briefs. While richer visual help is available in the US and Canada, deep dives and sports briefs are initially limited to Gemini-enabled devices in the US, with broader international rollout planned for 2026.
Morning Mobilization
Users of Google's Pixel and Samsung phones are experiencing connection problems with Android Auto. The issues appear to be widespread, affecting the usability of the in-car infotainment system for these device owners.
Man creates £4,500 gaming rig in his truck to play driving games when in traffic
A gamer named ZanaZamora has installed a custom £4,500 ($6,000) gaming rig in their truck's passenger seat to play simulation racing games like Le Mans Ultimate and iRacing while stuck in traffic. The setup includes a large racing wheel and monitor, with the user highlighting the rewarding nature of sim racing and their competitive achievements. The article also touches on other instances of in-car gaming, such as Tesla's built-in arcade and Honda's partnership with Sony for PlayStation Remote Play in future models.
The Morning After: WWDC 2026 is happening June 8th
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place from June 8-12, 2026, with CEO Tim Cook expected to keynote on June 8. The event will focus on upcoming operating systems like iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, with potential upgrades to Apple Intelligence and Siri. The article also touches on other tech news including Samsung's Galaxy S26 Series gaining AirDrop-like functionality and a review of the Nothing Phone 4a Pro.
Evening Metaverse
Polymarket has updated its rules to address insider trading. Separately, Walmart and Vizio are revealing their combined streaming advertising strategy, while Google is discontinuing a notable service.
Apple will reportedly start stuffing ads into the Maps app
Apple is reportedly planning to introduce advertisements into its Maps app on iPhones this summer, with an announcement potentially coming this month. This move, similar to implementations by Google Maps and Yelp, aims to boost Apple's services business revenue. The company already features ads on its App Store and News app.
Wing expands its drone delivery service to the Bay Area
Wing, a drone delivery startup, has expanded its service to the Bay Area, including Silicon Valley. The company, which originated from Google's X incubator, now offers delivery of groceries and food weighing up to five pounds within 30 minutes. Wing has also increased its service to 150 Walmart locations across the US and extended operating hours in other metros with FAA approval.
Square Enix partners with Google for new Slime AI chatbot in Dragon Quest
Square Enix is partnering with Google to integrate its Gemini AI into the Japanese-exclusive MMORPG Dragon Quest 10. The AI companion, named 'Chatty Slimey', will generate text and voice responses, and can initiate conversations based on in-game events. Meanwhile, Capcom has stated it will not use AI-generated assets in its games but will leverage AI for development efficiency.
After all that furore over Nvidia's AI-powered DLSS 5 makeover of Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom promises gen-AI assets won't be part of its games any time soon
Capcom has stated it will not implement generative AI-created assets into its games, though it will use other AI tools to improve development efficiency. The company plans to explore generative AI for idea generation in collaboration with Google. This stance comes after controversy surrounding Nvidia's AI upscaling in Resident Evil 4 and similar issues with Pearl Abyss's Crimson Desert.
Square Enix plans to add Google gen AI to Dragon Quest 10 so a chatbot called "Oshaberi Slimey" can call your…
Square Enix is collaborating with Google to integrate generative AI, specifically the Gemini model, into its MMO Dragon Quest 10. This will introduce a chatbot companion named "Oshaberi Slimey" that can interact with players using AI-generated text and voice. The move has been met with some fan backlash, with some players expressing disappointment with the implementation of AI in games.
Google's Gemini will make its way into Dragon Quest X to power a "Chatty Slimey" AI companion, Square Enix has announced
Square Enix is partnering with Google to integrate Gemini AI into the Japan-exclusive MMORPG Dragon Quest X, creating an AI companion called "Chatty Slimey." This companion will generate conversations and react to in-game events to help new players feel less lonely. Details on how the AI will be managed and its specific functionalities are still forthcoming.
"New Players Won't Feel Alone" - Square Enix Partners With Google For AI-Powered Dragon Quest Companion
Square Enix is partnering with Google to integrate a generative AI-powered companion, "Chatty Slimey," into the MMORPG Dragon Quest X. This feature, powered by Google's Gemini, aims to assist new players by analyzing gameplay and initiating conversations. While currently Japan-only, the move highlights Square Enix's increasing exploration of AI in game development and quality assurance.
Square Enix Is Turning Slimes Into AI Chatbots In Dragon Quest X
Square Enix is partnering with Google to integrate its AI, Gemini, into the MMORPG Dragon Quest X. The collaboration will introduce an AI-powered chatbot named Chatty Slimey, based on the game's iconic slimes, which players can interact with via voice and text for guidance and commentary. This initiative aims to make the game more accessible to new players and follows Square Enix's broader interest in AI for game development and QA.
Samsung's Galaxy S26 will get Apple AirDrop support starting today
Samsung has announced that its Galaxy S26 Series smartphones will gain support for Apple's AirDrop file sharing technology via the Quick Share feature. This update, rolling out starting March 23, will allow Android users to send and receive files with Apple devices. Google plans to expand this compatibility to additional Android devices soon.
Fortnite returns to Google Play, releases Star Wars creator items with very specific ‘brand rules’
Fortnite has returned to Google Play for Android devices after a legal dispute between Epic Games and Google was resolved. The game's latest season is now available, along with new content for its Marvel Blitz game and a portrait mode for Festival Main Stage. Additionally, creators can now develop Star Wars-themed games within Fortnite using official characters and items, provided they adhere to strict brand rules that prohibit political or religious commentary and the use of existing Star Wars titles for their creations.
That Dragon Quest MMO still isn't coming to the west, but it is getting a Gemini-powered AI slime companion
Square Enix is partnering with Google to introduce a conversational AI companion called Chatty Slimey to the MMO Dragon Quest X. This AI will generate voices and engage in conversation with players, and can even initiate dialogue based on in-game events. A beta test is planned, with applications open until March 30th.
Square Enix announces it will integrate Google’s generative AI Gemini into popular online game Dragon Quest X
Square Enix is integrating Google's generative AI, Gemini, into its online game Dragon Quest X to provide players with conversational assistance and hints. This feature, embodied by the companion character Oshaberi Slimey, aims to help new players navigate the game. Square Enix is also collaborating with Google Cloud to expand AI usage, with executives predicting AI will significantly transform gaming within the next three to five years.
