Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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SpaceX (SPCX) & Anthropic investments added $98 billion to Google (GOOGL) Q2 2026 income
Google reported a significant increase in its Q2 2026 income, with "other income" reflecting a net gain of $98 billion. This substantial figure is primarily attributed to unrealized gains from major investments in SpaceX and Anthropic, the creator of the AI model Claude. This marks a dramatic increase from the previous year's "other investments" figure.
Google (GOOGL) Q2 2026 earnings results beat revenue and EPS expectations
Google reported its Q2 2026 financial results, exceeding revenue and earnings per share expectations. The company announced $119.796 billion in revenue, surpassing the $101.22 billion estimate, and earned $9.11 per share, significantly beating the consensus estimate of $2.87. Tesla also released its quarterly earnings on the same day.
Google (GOOGL) reports $11.055 billion of YouTube ad revenue in Q2 2026
Google reported $11.055 billion in YouTube ad revenue for Q2 2026, marking a year-over-year increase from $9.79 billion in Q2 2025. This figure also represents growth from the $9.883 billion reported in Q1 2026, highlighting a strong performance for Google's video platform.
Before you disable Google Play Protect, here's what you need to know
This article discusses Google Play Protect, a security feature on Android devices that some users find too restrictive. It explains how to disable the feature and outlines the potential risks associated with doing so.
Google shipped three new Gemini models, but only one changes your bottom line [2026]
Google has released three new Gemini models: 3.6 Flash, 3.5 Flash-Lite, and 3.5 Flash Cyber. While 3.6 Flash offers improved performance and a 17% reduction in output token usage, 3.5 Flash-Lite prioritizes speed with 350 output tokens per second. The 3.5 Flash Cyber model is specialized for cybersecurity vulnerabilities and is designed to work in conjunction with the CodeMender agent.
AMD pours up to $5B into Anthropic — but the payoff waits until 2027
AMD is investing up to $5 billion in AI company Anthropic, with a significant portion of this funding being used by Anthropic to purchase AMD's Instinct MI450 GPUs and Helios rack-scale systems. This strategic partnership also includes a multi-year engineering collaboration where AMD will utilize Anthropic's Claude AI model. The initial deployment of hardware is expected in the first half of 2027.
Samsung's new foldables come with Gemini Notebook pre-installed
Samsung's new foldable devices will come pre-installed with Gemini-powered AI tools from Google. These AI features will also be available on new Galaxy smartwatches, enhancing user experience with advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.
Reddit is forcing Google AI into hallucinating The Duskbloods characters before FromSoftware's Switch 2 exclusive is even out
Google's AI search is reportedly hallucinating characters and details for the unreleased FromSoftware Nintendo Switch exclusive, The Duskbloods, by misinterpreting jokes and fan-made content from Reddit as official information. This behavior has been observed with other games, raising concerns about the reliability of AI-generated search results, especially as the game's first playtest approaches.
'With the power of illustration, we can capture the true, playful vibe of a kangaroo': Google explains the…
Google has detailed its design process for the Noto 3D emoji collection, emphasizing the use of illustration to capture playful vibes rather than anatomical perfection. The company highlighted how modern internet culture has shifted emoji usage towards hyperbole and overwhelm, with the 'face with tears of joy' emoji declining in popularity. Google is releasing the 3D emoji files for community use in VR worlds, apps, and memes.
AI Yi-Yi!
A new report highlights concerns regarding the potential risks of Google's AI search features for children. Separately, OpenAI is implementing a system to notify parents if their teenagers are removed from ChatGPT for policy violations.
Apple and Google ordered by San Francisco attorney to take action against 'nudify' apps
Google and Apple have been issued cease-and-desist letters by a San Francisco attorney concerning 13 applications available on their respective app stores. The action calls for the companies to take measures against these apps, which are reportedly related to 'nudify' technology.
Morning Legal Briefs
San Francisco has formally requested that Apple and Google remove AI applications capable of 'nudifying' images from their respective app stores. This action highlights ongoing concerns regarding the misuse of AI technology and content moderation on major mobile platforms.
Nobel laureates and tech chiefs sign ‘We Must Act Now’ warning over AI’s threat to jobs
Over 200 economists, academics, and tech leaders, including 16 Nobel laureates, have signed a document warning that Artificial Intelligence poses a significant threat to jobs within the next decade. The signatories emphasize the rapid advancement of AI and the urgent need for governments and institutions to prepare for its economic and social impacts, which could exceed those of the Industrial Revolution in speed and scale.
A24 Is Reportedly Copyright-Striking Backrooms Content It Doesn’t Own
A24 Films LLC is reportedly issuing copyright strikes against creators of Backrooms-inspired content, including artwork and games, even when the work is not directly derived from the A24 film. This has led to issues for independent creators and game developers, with Backrooms director Kane Parsons stating he is investigating the matter. The company's actions have drawn criticism, especially in light of its recent AI research partnership with Google DeepMind.
Over 4,500 Google workers have signed a petition calling for layoff protections: 'These layoffs and cuts are not difficult decisions, but simply profit being put over the people that make this company run'
Over 4,500 Google workers have signed a union-led petition demanding layoff protections, including guaranteed severance and buyouts, citing profit over people. The petition was delivered to CEO Sundar Pichai's office amidst ongoing tech industry layoffs attributed partly to AI advancements. Google parent company Alphabet's market cap has quadrupled, yet workers feel their contributions are undervalued.
AI Yi-Yi!
The European Union is compelling Google to share search data and open its AI on Android. Separately, OpenAI has acknowledged that GPT-5.6 occasionally deletes files, which it attributes to an 'honest mistake'.
Evening Safety Dance
Google Wallet may soon offer a solution for online age verification, according to a report from Android Police. This feature could streamline the process of confirming user ages for various online services.
Google AI Mode now integrates with Canva, YouTube Music and Instacart
Google's AI Mode in Search now integrates with third-party services like Canva, YouTube Music, and Instacart. This allows users to create playlists, design flyers, and compile shopping lists directly through AI-powered search functionalities.
Google's NotebookLM is now Gemini Notebook
Google has renamed its AI-powered research tool NotebookLM to Gemini Notebook, reflecting a deeper integration with its Gemini AI model. This change signifies the platform's evolution and its closer ties to Google's broader AI initiatives.
PlayZap sends its debut title to YouTube Playables for review
PlayZap has submitted its first game to YouTube Playables, a browser-game library integrated into YouTube. The crypto gaming platform, built on Polygon, aims to reach a wider audience through this integration. The game is not yet live and is awaiting Google's review and approval for placement.
