Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
Latest coverage
Morning Tech Bits
Google I/O 2026 is set to feature updates on Gemini AI and smart glasses, as detailed in a live blog. Separately, a report claims Intel is pressuring PC makers to adopt their 18A CPUs to secure supply. The article also briefly mentions Forza.
Google I/O 2026: Live updates as the company announces new features for Gemini, AI, Search and more
Google is holding its I/O 2026 developer conference, providing live updates on new features for its Gemini AI, advancements in artificial intelligence, and updates to its Search engine. The event will cover a range of announcements from the technology giant.
YouTube to expand likeness detection to all creators 18 & over
YouTube is expanding its likeness detection feature to all creators aged 18 and over. This move by Google aims to combat misinformation and protect users in response to the rise of AI and deepfakes.
How to watch the Google I/O 2026 keynote
Google's upcoming keynote will feature significant announcements regarding Artificial Intelligence and potential updates for Android XR. The event is scheduled for Tuesday.
Morning Metaverse
Google I/O 2026 is set to begin tomorrow, with expectations for announcements regarding Android 17 and Gemini AI. Separately, Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has increased its monthly subscription prices by $5 to $10.
AI Yi-Yi!
Concerns are being raised about the impact of artificial intelligence, with warnings that instant AI answers could trivialize human intelligence. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt faced boos at an Arizona commencement ceremony following remarks about AI, while Linus Torvalds also commented on the technology.
Google's much-improved app icons are rolling out now
Google is rolling out updated app icons that feature improved visual differentiation compared to the previous versions released five years ago. The redesign aims to make the icons more distinct from one another.
Removing Doki Doki Literature Club from Google Is a Bad Idea (for Google)
Google has removed the visual novel Doki Doki Literature Club from its Play Store and Android App Store, citing its inappropriate content. Developers Dan Salvato and Serenity Forge confirmed the removal, while other platforms like Steam still offer the game. This decision has sparked community outrage and discussions about censorship and arbitrary policy enforcement, especially given the game's 2017 release date.
'I understand that fear': Ex-Google CEO loudly booed by stadium full of students after talking about AI
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was loudly booed by students at the University of Arizona's commencement ceremony when discussing the impact of artificial intelligence. Schmidt attempted to address fears about AI's influence on jobs and the future, but the audience's jeers intensified, with some attendees also reportedly booing due to past sexual assault allegations against him.
If these AI spying allegations are true, that's another reason to get a VPN
A new class action lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT shares user data with Google and Meta, potentially for targeted advertising and content manipulation. The article suggests this controversy is another reason to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect personal data when interacting with AI chatbots. It recommends using reputable VPN services and avoiding account creation with AI tools to limit data collection.
6 million more people are using Firefox because of new EU rules, which is good news for Chrome haters like me
Mozilla's Firefox web browser has seen a significant increase of six million users since 2024, attributed to the European Union's Digital Markets Act. The author, a long-time Firefox user, expresses concern over the browser's low market share but notes this recent growth as positive news, particularly in contrast to Chrome and Edge.
AI Yi-Yi!
Google has confirmed that its spam policies will extend to AI Overviews and AI Mode within its search engine. Meanwhile, Intercom, now operating as Fin, has launched an AI agent specifically designed to manage other AI agents.
The Nest app is down for many users
Many users are reporting that the Nest app is currently down. Google's official status page, however, indicates that all services are operating normally.
Hot on the heels of Apple's iPhone-in-a-laptop, Google and Intel have teamed up to give us the Googlebook
Google and Intel have partnered to announce the Googlebook, a new laptop designed to integrate Android and ChromeOS with a focus on AI capabilities powered by Gemini. The device will allow seamless casting of Android apps and file access, aiming to offer a work-on-the-go solution. The Googlebook is expected to launch later this autumn, potentially utilizing Intel's Panther Lake or Wildcat Lake chips.
The Morning After: Google teases the Android-based Googlebook
Google has teased an upcoming Android-based device referred to as a "Googlebook" ahead of its Google I/O developer conference. Further details are expected to be revealed next week.
Evening Metaverse
Google is reducing its free cloud storage offering, decreasing the default free tier from 15GB to 5GB. This change affects users across various Google services that utilize this storage.
AI Yi-Yi!
ChatGPT has seen its lowest referral share as users migrate to competitors like Google's Gemini and Perplexity AI. This shift indicates a growing dissatisfaction with ChatGPT and a rise in the adoption of alternative AI tools.
New Google accounts may only get 5GB free storage — unless you link a phone number
Google is reducing the free cloud storage for new accounts to 5GB, a decrease from the previous 15GB. Users may need to link a phone number to receive the full storage amount.
Mobile gaming has a new, and growing, measurement problem | Opinion
The mobile gaming industry faces a growing measurement problem as companies increasingly bypass app stores for direct-to-consumer web stores. This shift, driven by reduced platform fees and regulatory changes, makes it difficult to accurately track revenue and market performance. Companies like Apple and Google are adapting their fee structures, but the lack of reliable data across all channels hinders strategic decision-making and marketing campaign evaluation.
Manchester Games Network launches to put UK region 'back on the games map'
Industry veterans have launched the Manchester Games Network (MGN) to support and advocate for local game developers in Greater Manchester. The organization aims to consolidate the region's position as a game development hub by providing networking opportunities, influencing policy, and promoting inclusive representation. MGN also plans to strengthen ties with educational institutions and attract larger companies to the area.
