Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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Google Home Speaker review: A modest update for the Gemini era
This review examines Google's latest speaker, assessing whether its update is significant and if the Gemini AI serves as a capable smart home assistant. The article focuses on the practical performance and utility of the device in a connected home environment.
YouTube settles early test case over social media harm to children
Google has settled a lawsuit brought by a minor who alleged harm caused by social media platforms. The settlement resolves an early test case concerning the impact of social media on children.
Google (GOOGL) to replace Verizon (VZ) in the Dow Jones Industrial Average
Alphabet, Google's parent company, will replace Verizon Communications in the Dow Jones Industrial Average starting June 29, 2026. This move, announced by S&P Global, will add Alphabet alongside other tech giants like NVIDIA, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft in the blue-chip index. The inclusion is expected to increase exposure to popular tech sectors, particularly in light of Google's significant investments and advancements in Artificial Intelligence.
Valve Admits That it Didn’t Have Bargaining Power With RAM Companies for Steam Machine
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais revealed that the high cost of the Steam Machine was partly due to a lack of bargaining power with memory manufacturers. These companies dictated prices with no room for negotiation, a situation exacerbated by the demand from AI data centers. Griffais also explained Valve's commitment to an open PC ecosystem, which prevented them from subsidizing the hardware cost like a console.
AI Yi-Yi!
Electronic Arts reports that Artificial Intelligence is accelerating prototyping and fostering creativity within its studios. The article also briefly mentions a Google AI deal impacting A24 and Oracle's AI initiatives.
Evening Metaverse
Approximately 2,000 retired Google Pixel phones are being repurposed to create a private cloud infrastructure. This initiative gives the older devices a second life by utilizing them for cloud computing purposes.
AI Yi-Yi!
Google has invested in A24 to develop AI-powered filmmaking tools, signaling a new direction for the production company. Separately, the increasing use of AI tokens is predicted to significantly raise enterprise cloud computing costs.
A24 takes on Google money help build AI tools
A24 is receiving $75 million in funding from Google to develop artificial intelligence tools specifically for movie production. This investment aims to enhance various aspects of the filmmaking process through AI.
Elden Ring, Death Stranding Movie Studio Gets $75 Million From Google For AI Research, Report Says
Google is reportedly investing $75 million into the movie studio A24 for AI-based research, with the aim of developing new tools for movie production. While A24 is producing films based on Elden Ring and Death Stranding, the investment is not expected to directly impact those projects. This move marks Google's first investment in a movie studio and comes amid growing concerns about AI's role in creative industries.
Sunday Mobilization
Google has confirmed a timeline for Android verification, which will impact supported app stores. Additionally, Amazon's Kindle platform has introduced new personalization options for its screensaver feature.
Morning Safety Dance
Google acknowledged a researcher's discovery of a security flaw but denied a bug bounty, stating the issue is still unfixed. The article also briefly mentions a privacy watchdog quitting due to poor judgment.
Google has discontinued the Nest Home Mini and Nest Audio
Google has officially discontinued the Nest Home Mini and Nest Audio smart speakers. The company is shifting its focus to newer products, though specific details on what will replace these devices have not yet been revealed.
How to pay with Google Wallet using your Samsung Galaxy Watch
This guide explains how to set up and use Google Wallet on a Samsung Galaxy Watch, demonstrating that the feature is not exclusive to Pixel Watch devices. It provides instructions for integrating mobile payment functionality into the Samsung smartwatch.
Google Calendar lets you use any color you want for your events
Google Calendar is introducing a new feature that allows users to select any color they desire for their events, offering greater customization for personal organization.
Evening Metaverse
Google is discontinuing its Nest Mini and Nest Audio smart speakers. The Tor Project has released version 15.0.16 of its Tor Browser.
The all-new Google Home speaker has finally arrived for $100
Google has released a new Google Home speaker priced at $100. The updated device features 360-degree audio and enhanced integration with Google's Gemini AI.
The Pokemon Company Announces Pokemon TCG AI Battle Challenge, Fully Exploring Controversial Technology
The Pokemon Company has announced the Pokemon TCG AI Battle Challenge, a competition where players train AI bots to compete in the Pokemon Trading Card Game for cash prizes. Organized in partnership with HEROZ and the Matsuo Institute, with support from Google, NVIDIA, and Kaggle, the event aims to explore AI's strategic capabilities in complex card games. The competition has sparked controversy due to its public endorsement of AI technology, which contrasts with Nintendo's human-first approach, and concerns about using the event for AI training.
Google launches 'bubble' multi-tasking and foldable gaming mode with Android 17
Google has begun rolling out Android 17, introducing new features such as 'bubble' multitasking and a dedicated gaming mode for foldable devices. These updates aim to enhance user experience and optimize performance on a variety of hardware.
AWE 2026: Live updates from keynotes by Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, Google and Qualcomm at the XR show
This article provides live updates from the AWE XR 2026 event, focusing on keynotes from Snap CEO Evan Spiegel and Qualcomm. The event covers advancements in augmented and virtual reality technologies.
This Google Chrome extension warns you about Steam games are made with generative AI
A new Google Chrome extension called 'AI warning for Steam' helps users identify games on Steam that disclose the use of generative AI in their development. The extension alerts users with a pop-up detailing the AI usage, allowing them to decide whether to proceed with viewing the game's page. This tool addresses Valve's requirement for developers to disclose AI usage, which is often buried deep within game descriptions.
