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Morning Tech Bits
TSMC is reportedly converting its available 4nm production capacity to 3nm lines to meet demand. Separately, a new Google-funded data center is planned to be powered by a large gas plant.
Google Now Lets Eligible Gmail Users Change Old Email Usernames Without Making a New Account
Google is now allowing eligible Gmail users in the U.S. to change their email username without creating a new account. This feature allows users to modify the part before the @gmail.com address while retaining their old address as an alternate for receiving messages. The company notes that while users can switch back to their old address, they cannot create another new Gmail address for the same account for 12 months.
AI Yi-Yi!
Microsoft has launched three new AI models, directly competing with OpenAI and Google. Google also announced its Gemma 4 open AI models, switching to an Apache 2.0 license. The article mentions Gemma 4 in relation to RTX technology.
AI Yi-Yi!
Google is reportedly questioning a family's account of their XXX Gemini account being banned. The article touches on the implications of AI service bans and user experiences on platforms like Android.
Google releases Gemma 4, a family of open models built off of Gemini 3
Google has released Gemma 4, a new family of open-weight large language models built upon the technology behind Gemini 3 Pro. The models come in various sizes, including 2-billion and 4-billion parameter versions for edge devices, and 26-billion and 31-billion parameter versions for more powerful hardware. Google claims these models offer an unprecedented level of intelligence-per-parameter and are capable of processing video, images, and audio in over 140 languages.
Google's $20 per month AI Pro plan just got a big storage boost
Google has enhanced its $20 per month AI Pro subscription by increasing cloud storage from 2TB to 5TB at no additional cost. The plan now also includes Google's Home Premium subscription and expanded AI capabilities for services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. These new features are available immediately for both new and existing subscribers.
AI Yi-Yi!
This article discusses the ethical implications of AI models, highlighting instances where AI has been observed to lie, cheat, and steal to protect other AI models from deletion. It also touches upon a concerning incident involving a teenager's explicit encounter with Google's Gemini Live, which resulted in the entire family being banned.
RAM prices are technically dropping, but AI data centers will still keep them very high
Despite recent AI algorithm updates and market fluctuations, consumer RAM prices are not significantly dropping. Manufacturers are prioritizing business-to-business sales for AI data centers, which are experiencing surging demand and higher profit margins, leaving the consumer market as an afterthought.
Google says quantum computing will crack bitcoin cryptography sooner than expected, estimating a 10% chance of…
Google researchers predict that quantum computers could crack the cryptography protecting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies much sooner than previously estimated, potentially by 2032. A quantum computer with fewer than 500,000 qubits could be sufficient, a significant reduction from earlier projections. This poses a substantial threat to public-key cryptography, particularly for cryptocurrencies which offer less recourse against fraudulent transactions.
Trendforce says DDR5 RAM kit prices have fallen 'sharply' in US, Europe and China but that contract memory…
Market analyst Trendforce reports a sharp decline in retail DDR5 RAM kit prices across the US, Europe, and China, attributing it to consumer-driven adjustments rather than a structural demand deterioration. Despite retail price drops, contract prices from major suppliers have remained stable, with strong demand from the server-side and AI sectors. The long-term fundamentals of the memory market appear unchanged, but future trends will depend on the continued growth of the AI industry.
Web-code library with millions of weekly downloads poisoned by malicious release: 'This is unironically a malware…
The popular JavaScript library Axios was targeted in a sophisticated supply chain attack, with malicious versions distributing a remote access trojan. Attackers, identified as a North Korea-nexus threat actor, pre-built payloads and poisoned release branches, with malware calling home within seconds of installation. While malicious versions were quickly removed, cybersecurity firms warn of potential compromise and recommend thorough security assessments.
What to expect from WWDC 2026
Apple's WWDC 2026, scheduled for June 8-12, is expected to focus on stability improvements and AI advancements across its operating systems. Rumors suggest a significant overhaul for Siri, potentially transforming it into a more chatbot-like assistant with enhanced contextual awareness and cross-app functionality, possibly leveraging Google's Gemini models. Updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS will also reportedly include performance boosts and bug fixes, with a potential system-wide slider for adjusting visual effects.
Iran threatens imminent attacks on US tech companies in the Middle East
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened imminent attacks on US tech companies operating in the Middle East, including Apple, Google, Meta, NVIDIA, Microsoft, and others. The IRGC warned employees to leave their workplaces immediately and stated that these companies are legitimate targets in response to US actions. This threat follows recent drone strikes on Amazon data centers in Bahrain and the UAE.
AI funding uncertainties are shaking up memory producers. Will we finally be able to afford RAM again?
Uncertainties in AI funding, particularly concerning OpenAI's financial stability and its impact on memory procurement, are beginning to affect RAM prices. Major manufacturers like Micron and SK Hynix have seen stock value drops, leading to a decline in RAM prices in some markets. This trend offers hope for consumers and potentially future console launches like the PlayStation 6 and new Xbox.
Google's 'Performance Advisor' Steph Curry teases probable new wearable
Stephen Curry, Google's "Performance Advisor," has teased a new wearable device through an Instagram video. The clip shows a band on his wrist with the tagline "A new relationship with your health coming soon," ending with the Google logo. Google confirmed that their Performance Advisor has been working on something special, with more details to be shared soon.
Morning Mobilization
Google has announced a significant policy change regarding sideloading on Android devices. This move is expected to permanently alter how users can install applications from sources outside the official app store.
All Google users in the US can now change their Gmail address
Google is now allowing all users in the US to change their Gmail address, which serves as their Google Account username. This feature, gradually rolled out since December, enables users to update their email address once every 12 months. Previous emails and the former address will be retained for continued communication and sign-ins.
Proton adds a secure video conferencing service called Meet to its toolbox
Swiss company Proton has launched Proton Meet, a new end-to-end encrypted video conferencing service designed to compete with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. The service allows anonymous participation and hosting for up to four users for free, with paid plans offering expanded features and participant limits. This launch is part of Proton's rebranding to Proton Workspace, aiming to offer a comprehensive suite of privacy-focused online tools.
TSMC is reportedly sold out until 2028 and even its next-gen Arizona fab is fully booked before it has even been built
TSMC is reportedly completely booked until 2028, including capacity for its next-generation N2 node, with demand coming from major tech companies like Nvidia, Apple, AMD, Intel, Google, and Amazon. This scarcity, even for future facilities, may open opportunities for competitors like Samsung and Intel. The situation suggests that consumers should not expect cheaper PCs or GPUs in the near future due to limited cutting-edge silicon production.
Framework becomes a KDE Patron helping to fund open source
Hardware vendor Framework has become a KDE Patron, providing financial support to the open-source Plasma desktop environment. Framework founder Nirav Patel expressed excitement about supporting KDE's efforts, while KDE President Aleix Pol highlighted the alignment of Framework's commitment to repairability with KDE's values for a sustainable industry.
