Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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Google brings its Pics image editor to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers
Google is making its Pics image editing tool available to subscribers of its AI Pro and Ultra services. This update expands access to the image editing features for users of Google's AI subscription tiers.
The Google TV Streamer now costs $150 after a 50 percent price hike
The Google TV streaming device has seen a significant price increase, now costing $150 after a 50 percent hike from its previous $100 price point.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Leaks Investigation is “Rapidly Evolving”, Says Take-Two
Take-Two Interactive is actively investigating the leaker of Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay footage, issuing new subpoenas to Discord and withdrawing previous ones against Google. The company is seeking to keep investigation details sealed to avoid tipping off the alleged infringers. Voice actor Ned Luke dismissed claims that the new game resembles Grand Theft Auto 5.
Google Maps has changed Lake Ontario to Lake America for US users
Google Maps has altered the display of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" for users in the United States, while it remains "Lake Ontario" for users in Canada. This change affects how the geographic feature is identified within the mapping software.
Federal Court: Pentagon’s Blacklisting of Anthropic Was Unconstitutional Retaliation
A federal judge ruled that the Pentagon's blacklisting of AI lab Anthropic was unconstitutional retaliation, violating the First Amendment. The court found the "supply chain risk" designation illegal and arbitrary, stemming from Anthropic's refusal to enable mass surveillance or build lethal autonomous weapons.
Google Now Auto-Expands AI Overviews, Pushing Web Links Further Down the Page
Google has begun automatically expanding AI Overviews on its search results page, pushing organic links further down. This change, which is inconsistently applied, aims to increase user engagement with follow-up questions rather than direct link clicks. While Google claims this makes search more helpful, critics suggest it prioritizes the company's own AI content over web links.
Why China’s Carmakers Are Racing Into Humanoid Robots — Tesla’s Bet, Copied
Chinese automakers, facing declining car profit margins, are heavily investing in humanoid robots, mirroring Tesla's strategy. Xpeng's robotics arm recently secured significant funding, highlighting a broader trend across the sector with companies like BYD and Chery also developing humanoid robots. While hardware manufacturing is a strength for these companies, catching up to Tesla in AI development remains a key challenge.
What's the difference between TPU vs. GPU?
This article analyzes the differences between Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), highlighting Google's use of a Tensor G6 processor with a TPU in its Pixel 11 phone. It explores the practical implications of these hardware distinctions for real-world performance.
Android’s new RAM rules come with a Play Store threat attached
Google will begin enforcing per-app memory ceilings on the Google Play Store starting February 2027, impacting Android app distribution. Apps exceeding these limits will face throttling and potential termination, with reduced visibility and publishing capabilities on the Play Store as penalties. Developers are advised to start profiling their apps on 4GB devices to prepare for these new restrictions.
Nvidia’s $12.9 Billion Bet on Hugging Face Arrives as the Closed Labs Drift Away
Nvidia is acquiring the open-source AI platform Hugging Face for $12.9 billion, a price significantly higher than its estimated $150 million annual revenue. This strategic move aims to bolster Nvidia's position in the AI market as major clients like OpenAI and Google develop their own custom silicon, potentially reducing their reliance on Nvidia's hardware. The acquisition is seen as a counterweight to the trend of closed AI labs, securing Nvidia's hardware dominance within the open-source AI community.
Two Hours a Day: Inside Meta’s Sweeping New Teen Limits for Instagram and Facebook
Meta has agreed to impose a daily two-hour time limit on teen accounts for Instagram and Facebook in the US as part of a child safety settlement with attorneys general nationwide. The agreement also includes new safeguards and limits on teen access during certain hours, with most protections mandated for at least 10 years. A significant portion of Meta's $17.1 billion settlement payment is contingent on TikTok and YouTube matching these new teen usage restrictions.
The most popular Android phone brands rarely sold in the US
In the US market, consumer choice for smartphones is largely limited to devices from Apple, Google, and Samsung. However, numerous other Android phone brands exist globally that are not readily available for purchase within the United States.
OpenAI, Google and dozens of other companies publish open letter calling for collective action on cyber defense
OpenAI, Google, and dozens of other companies have published an open letter calling for collective action on cyber defense. The letter emphasizes the need for a unified approach to address cybersecurity threats.
Google brings trip-planning features to Search's AI Mode
Google's AI Mode within Search is being updated with new trip-planning features. These include a flight price tracker, hotel booking capabilities, and the option to view costs in miles or points.
Google deploys support for Encrypted Client Hello on Android 17
Google has implemented support for Encrypted Client Hello on Android 17, enhancing web security for users. This feature aims to improve privacy and security by encrypting the initial connection handshake.
Google's new Pokémon Sleep special edition Fitbit slaps Pikachu on your wrist
Google and Fitbit have collaborated to release a special edition Fitbit Air wearable featuring a Pokémon Sleep theme, including a Snorlaxian blue colorway and a Pikachu design on the strap. This $129.99 device, launching September 15, functions identically to the standard Fitbit Air but adds a premium for the Pokémon branding. While most fitness trackers already support Pokémon Sleep integration, this special edition serves as a statement piece for fans.
Google is releasing a special edition Pokémon Sleep Fitbit Air in September
Google is releasing a special edition Fitbit Air with a sleeping Pikachu design in September, featuring a collaboration with Pokémon Sleep. This special edition wearable will be available next month.
What is Android System Intelligence and what happens if you turn it off?
Android System Intelligence is a feature likely used by many Android users, particularly those with Google Pixel phones. The article explores its functionality and the implications of disabling it.
Google says its latest Gemini transcription model can turn your ramblings into structured text
Google announced that its Gemini 3.5 Transcribe model will soon enable speech-to-text functionality within any web field in the Chrome browser. This feature aims to convert spoken words into structured text for various online applications.
Android’s Motion Assist Dots Actually Stop Car Sickness [Hands-On]
Google has begun rolling out a new Android feature called Motion Assist, designed to reduce motion sickness experienced by passengers in moving vehicles. The feature uses the phone's sensors to display dots on the screen that move in sync with the vehicle's motion, counteracting the sensory conflict that causes nausea. While the rollout is staggered, the feature offers adjustable opacity, shapes, and colors, and can be set to activate automatically.
