Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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Google's Genie 3 world models start to break down after around a minute
Google DeepMind's Genie 3 generative AI technology, while capable of creating interactive world models, exhibits inconsistencies after approximately one minute due to memory limitations. The technology is not intended to replace traditional video games but rather to explore new AI-driven experiences and assist in the development of artificial general intelligence by creating virtual worlds for AI agents. Google also showcased its SIMA 2 AI agent, designed to play various video games.
Google starts rolling out Gemini in Chrome to users in Canada, India and New Zealand
Google is expanding the rollout of its Gemini AI features within Google Chrome to users in Canada, India, and New Zealand, with support for 50 additional languages. These features, including image generation and chatbot integration, can be accessed via a sidebar icon and will become available in more countries throughout 2026.
Metadata company Gracenote is the latest to sue OpenAI for copyright infringement
Metadata company Gracenote, owned by Nielsen, is suing OpenAI for allegedly using its entertainment data and framework without authorization or payment. Gracenote claims OpenAI infringed on its data and the structure used to organize it, despite previous attempts to establish a licensing agreement. The lawsuit adds a new dimension to ongoing copyright disputes involving AI companies, with Gracenote also having recent AI-related deals with Samsung and Google.
Google to Provide Pentagon with Gemini-powered AI agents
Google is deploying its Gemini AI agents to the Department of Defense's over 3 million employees, initially for unclassified networks. These agents will automate tasks like summarizing notes and building budgets, with the potential to expand to classified systems. The Pentagon is rapidly increasing its AI partnerships following issues with Anthropic, also striking deals with OpenAI and xAI.
Morning Legal Briefs
Workers from OpenAI and Google have filed an amicus brief supporting Anthropic in its legal dispute with the US government. Separately, Valve is facing a lawsuit from The Performing Right Society.
NVIDIA is reportedly working on its own open-source AI agent platform
NVIDIA is reportedly developing an open-source AI agent platform called NemoClaw, aimed at enterprise software companies. The platform will allow users to dispatch AI agents for various tasks, with a focus on security for enterprise networks. This initiative follows the trend of AI agents performing autonomous, complex tasks, with former OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger joining OpenAI.
Google brings Gemini-powered content creation tools to Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drive
Google is integrating its Gemini AI into Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive to assist with content creation. Features include generating first drafts, building spreadsheets from prompts, designing presentations, and answering file-related questions. These updates began rolling out in beta on March 10 for specific subscription tiers.
Anthropic is suing the US government for blacklisting it and it's calling in support from Google and OpenAI
AI company Anthropic is suing the US government after its contract was canceled for refusing to remove safeguards against autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. OpenAI and Google have filed an amicus brief in support of Anthropic, arguing the government's actions threaten US competitiveness in artificial intelligence. Anthropic seeks to have the Department of War's actions declared a violation of constitutional rights.
Evening Mobilization
Rokid smart glasses have added support for Google Gemini, enhancing their capabilities. Separately, T-Mobile is making significant claims about its T-Sat service, though its actual performance is under scrutiny.
Fortnite readies a return to Android as lawsuit settles as Epic pins leaks on a contract worker
Fortnite is set to return to Android devices following a settlement between Epic Games and Google, which will allow third-party payment processors. This resolution is part of a broader legal battle concerning app store payment practices. Separately, Epic Games is suing a former contract worker, Hayden Cohen, for allegedly leaking confidential information about upcoming Fortnite collaborations and events.
Morning Safety Dance
This guide provides information on how to prevent being locked out of your Google account. It also touches upon instances of Russian criminals gaining access to official Signal and WhatsApp accounts through phishing methods.
Morning Legal Briefs
A legal specialist commented on New York's lawsuit against Valve concerning Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2. The article also touches upon Epic Games' efforts to clarify Google's alleged silencing of Tim Sweeney.
Saturday Mobilization
Google Messages is beginning to roll out a new 'Tap to Draft' feature for its Smart Replies. This functionality allows users to more easily utilize suggested responses within conversations.
Engadget review recap: Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Buds 4, Dell XPS 14 and more
Engadget's review team has published new assessments for several devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Buds 4, Dell XPS 14, Google Pixel 10a, and the ASUS ProArt GoPro Edition PX13. The roundup also features reviews for the Ambient Dreamie bedside companion and the Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 kitchen knife, alongside early impressions of Pokémon Pokopia and the Falcon Northwest FragBox gaming PC.
AI Yi-Yi!
Anthropic is identifying professions most vulnerable to AI, with 10 occupations identified as highly exposed. Google has released a new command-line tool, OpenClaw, designed to integrate with Workspace data for developers.
Google resolves dispute with Epic Games, reduces app store fees to 20%
Google has resolved a dispute with Epic Games by reducing its app store fees to 20%. Separately, Good Games Group has launched a new indie publishing label called Balor Games, acquiring the back catalogs of Humble Games and Firestoke Games to support this initiative.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro review: Impressive audio, imperfect ANC
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro offer refined designs and impressive audio quality, though their active noise cancellation remains imperfect, especially on the standard model. While they provide a more polished look and useful features for Samsung phone users, the Pro model is the better choice for superior sound and ANC performance. The earbuds continue to draw parallels to Apple's AirPods in design and functionality.
86% of Creators Use AI, 85% of Gamers Hate It. Here's What That Means for You (2026)
A significant paradox exists in the gaming content landscape: 86% of creators utilize AI tools, while 85% of gamers express negative sentiments towards AI-generated content. This disparity impacts content consumption, with AI search results drastically reducing click-through rates for traditional content. While AI moderation is seen as a clear success in combating toxicity, creators are advised to use AI for backend tasks and maintain human authenticity to succeed.
Fair Play in 2026: Assessing the Reliability of Competitive Platforms - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
In 2026, the reliability of digital platforms is assessed through measurable factors like uptime, licensing transparency, and data protection. Smaller competitors must demonstrate strong technical standards and clear user policies to remain credible against dominant companies like Amazon and Google. Independent analysis, particularly in the iGaming space, and public disclosure of licensing and security audits are crucial for building user trust in a competitive market.
UK government delays AI copyright rules amid artist outcry
The UK government has delayed its proposed data bill concerning AI training on copyrighted materials following significant backlash from artists and creative industries. Concerns were raised that the bill would allow AI companies to use copyrighted works without consent, potentially harming creators' livelihoods. The government will reconsider its approach after a two-month consultation period.