Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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Yes, some DDR5 RAM prices have dropped recently—but I wouldn't pop the champagne just yet
Despite recent price drops in DDR5 RAM, the author advises caution, suggesting it's too early to celebrate a return to reasonable prices. Factors like Google's TurboQuant AI compression algorithm and market conditions are discussed as potential influences, but significant savings are not yet apparent for gaming PCs.
Analysts believe Fortnite’s performance isn’t the only factor in Epic Games’ latest firing round
Analysts suggest Epic Games' recent layoffs of 1,000 employees are due to a combination of factors beyond Fortnite's performance, including costly legal battles with Apple and Google, upcoming competition from Roblox, and past pandemic-era expansion. Despite workforce reductions, Epic Games remains committed to developing Fortnite into an "everything game" in partnership with Disney.
Google’s Veo AI Could Transform How Gaming Companies Market Their Games
Google has launched Veo AI within Google Ads, a tool that allows advertisers to transform still images into video content. This technology could significantly impact game marketing by enabling developers, especially indies, to create promotional videos more affordably. The tool integrates with Google Ads and YouTube campaigns, potentially democratizing video marketing in the gaming industry.
Meta to pay $375 million for 'thousands' of children's safety violations, a whole 0.19% of its 2025…
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has been ordered by a New Mexico jury to pay $375 million for thousands of children's safety violations. Prosecutors argued that Meta prioritized profits over safety, violating the state's Unfair Practices Act by failing to protect children from sexual exploitation. A similar verdict in California found Meta and Google negligent in protecting young users, though the shared penalty was significantly lower.
Google says its new algorithm reduces AI memory overhead by 6x which could be good news for the RAMpocalypse but bad…
Google has developed a new compression algorithm called TurboQuant that reportedly reduces AI memory overhead by up to 6x without sacrificing accuracy. This development could potentially alleviate the current high demand for computer memory, impacting manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology, and possibly leading to lower prices for consumers.
Engadget Podcast: Can Microsoft fix Windows 11 by dumping AI?
This podcast episode discusses Microsoft's potential shift in Windows 11 strategy, moving away from heavy AI integration like Copilot towards core features and customization. The hosts also touch upon OpenAI's Sora, Meta's legal troubles regarding child engagement and social media addiction, an iOS exploit, Epic Games layoffs, and the dissolution of the Afeela EV collaboration between Honda and Sony.
Monado becomes the open source foundation for various OpenXR (VR) vendors
Collabora's open-source XR runtime, Monado, has become the foundational technology for numerous vendors in the VR and AR industry, including Google's AndroidXR, Hololight Stream, NVIDIA CloudXR, Pico, PortalVR, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon Spaces. Monado's modularity, quality, permissive licensing, and lower barrier to entry are cited as key advantages for its widespread adoption.
Google Gemini now lets you import your chats and data from other AI apps
Google Gemini has introduced new features allowing users to import chat history and data from other AI platforms. This move aims to facilitate easier transitions for users switching to Gemini, with similar functionality recently added by Anthropic. These options are available for both free and paid consumer accounts.
Google begins rolling out Search Live globally
Google has begun a global rollout of its Search Live feature, which allows users to ask questions about objects or scenes captured by their phone's camera. This expansion makes the tool available in over 200 countries and territories where Google's AI Mode chatbot is offered. Additionally, Google is bringing its Live Translate feature to iOS devices, supporting over 70 languages for real-time audio translation.
Google says it's preparing for the quantum apocalypse, when traditional encryption methods are broken by quantum computers, by 2029—which is much sooner than originally expected
Google is preparing for a 'quantum apocalypse' by 2029, a timeframe when quantum computers are expected to break current encryption methods. The company aims to migrate to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and encourages the tech industry to follow suit. This proactive approach addresses concerns about data security in the face of advancing quantum computing capabilities.
How social media’s landmark court loss will affect gaming, whether we like it or not
A recent court ruling against social media platforms, likened to Big Tobacco's legal battles, could significantly impact the gaming industry. The article discusses how restrictions on social media's engagement-farming business models might affect game announcements, advertising, and news dissemination. It also touches upon the potential positive effects on children's mental health and addiction cycles.
Morning Metaverse
This article touches on various topics including the metaverse, a YouTube spinoff of Jeopardy!, and a UK social media ban. It also mentions the government's website and briefly references Google and Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Morning Tech Bits
AMD has announced the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition Processor. Separately, a report from Bloomberg indicates a deepening chip selloff following Google's announcement of a memory breakthrough.
Analyst says Epic Games layoffs send a clear signal: 'This will not get any easier'
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced over 1,000 layoffs due to a decline in Fortnite engagement since 2025, leading to the company spending more than it earns. Analysts suggest this signals a challenging period for the entire industry, exacerbated by inflation and increased competition from platforms like Roblox. The company is also shutting down several Fortnite game modes, including Rocket Racing and Festival Battle Stage.
Senator Bernie Sanders announces bill to pause US data center construction: 'AI and robotics will impact our economy, our democracy, our privacy rights... even our very survival as human beings on this planet'
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, proposing a pause on new data center construction in the US. The bill aims to establish national safeguards for AI development, addressing concerns about economic impact, privacy, misinformation, and environmental costs associated with AI's growing energy and water demands.
Trump appoints Nvidia's Jensen Huang, AMD's Lisa Su, Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, and more to science and…
President Trump has appointed a business-heavy group to the reestablished President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The council includes CEOs from major tech companies like Nvidia, AMD, Meta, Oracle, and Dell, alongside venture capitalists and researchers. The stated goal is to ensure American technological dominance in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Jury rules against Meta and YouTube in social media addiction case
A Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube negligent in a lawsuit concerning social media addiction, ordering them to pay $3 million in damages to a plaintiff who claimed harm from addictive features during her childhood. Meta was found responsible for 70% of the compensatory damages, with YouTube covering the rest. This case is significant as it's the first time a jury has heard testimony and seen internal documents regarding allegations that social media platforms harmed minors due to their design.
Google's Lyria 3 Pro can now generate AI music (slop) up to 3 minutes in length
Google has updated its Lyria 3 Pro AI model to generate full three-minute songs, an increase from its previous 30-second limit. The tool offers enhanced customization for song elements and is available to paid Gemini users, enterprise customers on Vertex AI, and developers via API access. Google emphasizes responsible AI development, embedding all outputs with SynthID watermarks.
Mark Zuckerberg, Jensen Huang and Sergey Brin join Trump's tech advisory panel
Leaders from major tech companies including Meta, NVIDIA, Dell, Oracle, Google, and AMD have joined an advisory council for former President Donald Trump, focusing on technology and science policy. The council, known as the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), will address emerging technologies and their impact on the American workforce. Several executives expressed honor in joining the council to help ensure US leadership in AI.
Samsung Galaxy A37 and A57 hands-on: The cheaper phone might be a winner
Samsung has launched its Galaxy A37 and A57 smartphones, offering upgrades over the previous generation at competitive prices. The A37, starting at $450, features an Exynos 1480 chip and a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, while the A57, starting at $550, offers a slightly more powerful chip and improved ultra-wide camera. Both phones include AI features and fast wired charging, with official sales beginning April 9.