Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
Latest coverage
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.
Social media is awful but the UK under-16 ban won't solve anything: 'Instead of punishing children, the…
The UK government's proposed ban on social media access for under-16s is criticized by multiple writers as an ineffective and misguided policy. They argue that such bans are easily circumvented, push children to less safe platforms, and fail to address the root causes of social media's negative impacts. Instead, the focus should be on holding tech companies accountable and improving platform regulation and parental guidance.
You Can Actually Fly Around the World Using Google Earth’s Hidden Flight Simulator
Google Earth includes a hidden flight simulator feature that allows users to fly around the world from an aircraft perspective. Users can select an aircraft and an airport to begin their flight, controlling it with a keyboard, mouse, or joystick. This feature turns Google Earth into a simple flying experience using its detailed world map.
Evening Metaverse
Google Chrome is implementing an update that will effectively disable ad blockers. This change aims to close the door on ad-blocking software within the browser, impacting how users experience web content.
Google Earth's flight simulator mode is now available in your browser
Google Earth's flight simulator mode is now accessible directly within a web browser. This feature allows users to experience flying in a simulated environment without needing to download additional software.
Uni researchers plan to build a low-carbon data center hivemind from 2,000 Pixel smartphones—with Google's…
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, are developing a low-carbon data center by repurposing 2,000 Google Pixel smartphones. This initiative aims to reduce e-waste and the environmental impact of traditional data centers by utilizing existing hardware for cloud computing tasks. Google is supporting the project, which is expected to provide cost-effective and eco-friendly computing resources for researchers and students.
The UK's dramatic under-16 social media ban will also apply to "gaming services", but at least they're not coming for multiplayer
The UK government has announced a ban on social media platforms for individuals under 16, which will also extend to certain gaming services, set to take effect in spring 2027. While multiplayer gaming will not be affected, the government is considering age-gating access to gaming sites. The ban aims to protect children from harmful online content and manipulative algorithms, drawing parallels to similar regulations in Australia.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer targets online gaming in under-16 social media ban
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban social media and restrict online gaming features for individuals under 16. The proposed legislation aims to prevent children from communicating with strangers through in-game chat or livestreams, with specific measures to be implemented by game developers and regulated by Ofcom. The government intends to pass these regulations before the end of 2026, with enforcement expected in early 2027.
AI Yi-Yi!
This article touches on several developments in artificial intelligence, including Jeff Bezos' new startup Prometheus, Google's rollout of AI information agents, and NVIDIA's Blackwell platform for AI.
Morning Legal Briefs
A Dutch non-profit is preparing to sue Valve over allegations of keeping game prices artificially high on PC. Separately, Google is suing scammers who are using its Gemini AI for financial fraud. The article also briefly mentions Republican lawmakers urging a federal agency.
Gemini can now adjust your picture settings on Google TV
Google's Gemini AI can now adjust picture settings on some TCL models of Google TV. This feature allows users to fine-tune their display for an improved viewing experience.
Google sues Chinese scammers using Gemini AI for fraud
Google has filed a lawsuit against a Chinese cybercrime network accused of using its Gemini AI technology for a large-scale fraud operation. The scammers allegedly leveraged the AI to facilitate their illicit activities.
If I had known how incredibly useful a NAS would be, I would've set one up a lot sooner
This guide details the process of setting up a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system, focusing on the Ugreen NASync DXP4800 Pro. It covers selecting appropriate hard drives like Seagate IronWolf Pro, configuring the system, and utilizing software like Jellyfin and Tailscale for media serving and remote access. The author emphasizes the benefits of local data control over cloud services and the potential for a personalized home server.
Evening Metaverse
Some users are experiencing issues with their Chromecast with Google TV remotes. Separately, Google's Gemini AI is rolling out to Chrome users in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.
Evening Legal Briefs
A court has ruled against Google, stating that AI is not necessary for internet searches. Meanwhile, Anthropic's CEO is advocating for FAA-style regulation for advanced AI models, a topic of interest for enterprises.
German court holds Google liable for false AI Overview answers
A German court has found Google liable for incorrect information provided by its AI Overviews. A recent study indicated that these AI-generated answers frequently contain inaccuracies and information not supported by their cited sources.
Gemini in Chrome expands further to Latin America and the Middle East
Google's Gemini AI feature is expanding its availability within the Chrome browser to users in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. This rollout signifies a broader integration of AI capabilities into web browsing experiences across these regions.
Google claims most users know 'information generated with AI should not be blindly trusted,' but a court ruled it's still liable for false claims made in AI Overview
A German court has ruled that Google is liable for false claims made in its AI Overviews, distinguishing them from traditional search results. The court argued that Google has sole influence over the AI's output, making it responsible for substantive statements. Google's defense that users know AI-generated information shouldn't be blindly trusted was rejected.
Evening Mobilization
Google Translate and Meet are receiving significant enhancements to their language translation capabilities. These updates aim to improve the user experience for multilingual communication on Android devices.
Morning Mobilization
The Pebble Round 2 smartwatch release has been delayed. Additionally, Google is rolling out further fixes for ongoing Android Auto issues.