Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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Evening Metaverse
Users suspect Google is discontinuing the original Chromecast, with reports from Android Police indicating the device is nearing the end of its life. This follows a period of declining support and availability for the older streaming hardware.
CapCut AI video editing suite partners with Google Gemini
CapCut is partnering with Google to integrate its AI video editing technology and tools into the Gemini app. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of both platforms by combining their respective strengths in AI and video creation.
PlayStation's dynamic pricing experiment, and Sony's lack of transparency about it, reportedly might violate European law
Sony's recent dynamic pricing experiments on the PlayStation Store may violate European Union consumer law due to a lack of transparency. Experts suggest that failing to clearly communicate personalized pricing to users contravenes EU Directive 2011/83/EU. While Microsoft also uses personalized pricing on Xbox, they disclose it, unlike Sony's undisclosed methods which could lead to fines or competition law issues.
Google won't rest until Gemini is everywhere in your home
Google is aiming to integrate its Gemini AI into a wide range of smart devices in homes. The company is facilitating manufacturers to develop and produce more devices powered by Gemini technology.
Are you really going to talk to Gemini like that?
Google's new AI features leverage the growing trend of voice dictation and a user desire to delegate cognitive tasks to artificial intelligence. The article touches upon the user interaction with AI models like Gemini.
Google is bringing new AI-powered ad formats to search
Google announced new AI-powered advertising formats for its search engine. These updates were revealed during the Google I/O event, signaling advancements in how ads will be integrated and presented to users.
Xreal's Project Aura smartglasses are a maximalist take on Android XR
Xreal's Project Aura smartglasses were showcased at Google I/O 2026 as one of the first devices to run on Android XR. The glasses represent a maximalist approach to the augmented reality platform.
Midday Metaverse
Google is reportedly combating the manipulation of its AI systems and is also transitioning free G Suite legacy users to paid plans. The article touches on Firefox's developments as well.
Midday Tech Bits
Google I/O 2026 is set to feature major announcements regarding Gemini AI and Android XR smart glasses. The event will cover the latest developments in artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies.
AI Yi-Yi!
Google's I/O 2026 event will feature updates on AI agents. A report from WIRED suggests that opt-out forms provided by data brokers and AI firms are designed to be ineffective.
An AI speaker messed up and skipped the names of students at a college commencement ceremony and yes, there were many…
An AI speaker malfunctioned during a college commencement ceremony, failing to announce the names of students. College president Tiffany Hernandez apologized for the incident, which involved a new AI system being used as the reader. The ceremony was paused multiple times, and a human speaker eventually read the names after vocal complaints from the audience.
Android Auto's big 2026 makeover is Gemini at its most practical
Android Auto is set to receive a significant update in 2026, integrating Google's Gemini AI to provide practical enhancements. This makeover focuses on small but helpful upgrades to the in-car infotainment system.
Web infrastructure company Cloudflare says Claude Mythos reasoning 'looks like the work of a senior…
Cloudflare has analyzed Anthropic's Claude Mythos AI model, finding it to be a significant advancement in identifying and exploiting software vulnerabilities. While the model can chain low-severity bugs into severe exploits, Cloudflare suggests a more directed, multi-agent approach is more effective than a single agent reviewing large codebases. The company believes the focus should shift from rapid patching to architectural defenses that make exploitation harder, even when bugs exist.
'If engineers are becoming three or four times more productive, then we just [want to] do three or four times more stuff': Google DeepMind CEO reckons AI-induced job cuts aren't inevitable
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis believes that AI-induced job cuts are not inevitable, arguing that increased engineer productivity should lead to more ambitious projects rather than workforce reductions. He suggests that companies replacing engineers with AI lack imagination and understanding of future possibilities. Hassabis also reflected on his past in the game industry and the current limitations of AI in creating compelling game experiences.
'AI Mode has been a revelation, our biggest upgrade to Search ever. People love it,' says Google CEO
Google CEO Sundar Pichai claims its AI integration in Search, dubbed 'AI Mode,' has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users and is the company's biggest upgrade ever. The Gemini app also reportedly has over 900 million users. The article questions these metrics and Google's focus on user count over profit, while also noting the significant capital expenditure and energy consumption associated with AI development.
Engadget Podcast: Google I/O 2026 was AI all the way down
Google I/O 2026 was heavily focused on artificial intelligence, with numerous announcements and demonstrations. However, the article questions the practical utility and long-term impact of these AI advancements for consumers and developers.
Google Audio Glasses coming to its Intelligent Eyewear lineup in fall 2026
Google is set to release its new Audio Glasses in the fall of 2026, which will provide users with spoken assistance. This follows their existing Display Glasses that offer augmented reality information directly on the lens.
Gemini Omni multimodal generative AI platform announced at Google I/O
Google announced Gemini Omni, a new all-encompassing generative AI service that consolidates its existing AI models. This platform aims to provide a unified generative AI experience.
Xreal & Google reveal Project Aura Android XR glasses at Google I/O 2026
Xreal and Google have revealed Project Aura, new Android-based XR glasses developed in collaboration with Qualcomm. These augmented reality glasses are slated for release in 2026.
Google (GOOGL) CEO Sundar Pichai says the company is processing over 3.2 quadrillion tokens/month
During its 2026 I/O keynote, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced that the company is processing over 3.2 quadrillion tokens per month for its artificial intelligence initiatives. This figure highlights the massive scale of Google's AI operations and data processing capabilities.