Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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Google makes Gemini personalization available to free users
Google is expanding the availability of its Gemini Personal Intelligence feature to free users in the US. This feature allows the AI chatbot to access information from other Google apps and services to provide personalized responses. Personalization is disabled by default and is only available for personal accounts, with international rollout planned for the coming weeks.
The Best Play Pass Games On Android – Updated!
This guide highlights the best games available on Google Play Pass for Android devices. It features a curated list of titles across various genres, including Stardew Valley, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dead Cells, and Terraria, emphasizing their quality and suitability for the subscription service.
How useful is AI for coding?
This article explores the utility of AI in game development coding, presenting both the advantages and disadvantages cited by industry professionals. While some developers find AI tools transformative for tasks like code navigation, summarization, and rapid prototyping, others express concerns about accuracy, understanding, and the potential for increased technical debt. The consensus suggests AI is a powerful supporting tool rather than a replacement for human programmers.
How to make your smartphone last longer
This guide provides methods to extend the lifespan of smartphones, reducing electronic waste and saving money. Tips include using protective cases, proper battery care to mitigate degradation, cleaning phone storage, and understanding software update commitments from manufacturers like Google, Samsung, and Apple. The article also touches on the growing right-to-repair movement and the availability of repair services and parts.
The Morning After: Apple's surprise AirPods Max refresh
Apple has released an updated version of its AirPods Max headphones, featuring an H2 chip for improved noise cancellation and support for Adaptive Audio and Live Translation. The new AirPods Max retain their original design and $549 price point, with pre-orders starting March 25 and shipping in early April. The article also touches on other tech news including Samsung's discontinuation of the Galaxy Z TriFold, NVIDIA's collaboration on robotaxis, a review of the Samsung Galaxy S26, a reboot of Firefly as an animated series, NVIDIA's DLSS 5 claims, and a lawsuit against xAI's Grok AI for allegedly generating child sexual abuse material.
Android tablets and foldables are getting a Chrome bookmark bar
Google is rolling out a new feature for Chrome on Android foldables and tablets that adds a bookmark bar below the Omnibox. This update, available in version 146, aims to provide a more desktop-like browsing experience on larger mobile devices. Users can enable the feature through the browser's Appearance settings.
Tech creator proves for a second time that AA batteries are not a practical power alternative for your gaming PC
A tech creator demonstrated that 64 AA batteries can power a gaming PC for approximately 33 minutes, an improvement over a previous attempt. This experiment highlights the significant power demands of modern technology, including AI data centers, and the ongoing challenges in meeting them, even for major tech companies.
GDC: Ramen Acquisition of Coplay Brings Together the Best-In-Class Multi-agent AI Assistants for Unreal Engine and Unity Under One Roof
Ramen has acquired Coplay, integrating Coplay's AI tool for Unity with Ramen's Aura AI assistant for Unreal Engine. This combined offering aims to be the first AI assistant to support 80% of all game platforms and work across both major game engines. Ramen CEO Andy Tsen highlighted the synergy, bringing together the best of AI development for both Unity and Unreal developers.
How to find and cancel your unused subscriptions
This guide provides instructions on how to find and cancel unused subscriptions across various services and platforms. It details methods for checking bank statements, searching emails, and navigating cancellation processes for popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Spotify, and YouTube TV. The article also discusses finance apps that can assist with subscription management.
Tech companies are teaming up to combat scammers
A coalition of major tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, has signed the Online Services Accord Against Scams to combat online fraud. The agreement outlines measures such as enhanced fraud detection tools, new user security features, and improved verification processes. The coalition also plans to advocate for scam prevention to be declared a national priority by governments.
Clair Obscur and Dispatch lead BAFTA Game Awards 2026 nominations
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch lead the BAFTA Game Awards 2026 nominations with 12 and nine nods respectively. A total of 42 titles received nominations across various categories, with Ghost of Yotei, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Arc Raiders also securing multiple nominations. The awards ceremony is scheduled for April 17, 2026, in London.
How and where to buy refurbished tech online
This guide explains how to buy refurbished electronics, emphasizing that refurbished items undergo testing and cleaning, unlike 'used' items sold 'as-is.' Key considerations include checking for warranties and return policies, as well as sanitation practices. Recommended places to buy include direct manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, and specialized marketplaces like Back Market.
Terrorizing Pasadena – The TouchArcade Show #604 – TouchArcade
This episode of The TouchArcade Show discusses AR/VR devices like Apple's Vision Pro and Meta's Orion glasses, touching on the decline of the Metaverse. It also covers current events including the Epic vs. Google ruling and issues surrounding Roblox, alongside listener emails and updates on their Patreon content strategy.
AI Yi-Yi!
Meta is reportedly planning significant layoffs as the company faces mounting costs associated with artificial intelligence development. This comes after previous workforce reductions related to the metaverse initiative. Meanwhile, Google's AI-powered search results are noted for frequently directing users back to Google's own platforms.
Sunday Safety Dance
Google has released an urgent update for its Chrome browser to address two zero-day vulnerabilities that were actively being exploited. Users are strongly advised to update their Chrome installations immediately to protect against potential malware threats.
Microsoft is bringing an AI helper to Xbox consoles
Microsoft is bringing its AI-powered Gaming Copilot assistant to Xbox Series X and S consoles by the end of the year. This feature, already in beta on PC, mobile, and ROG Ally, aims to enhance the console gaming experience by providing in-game help and information. Google is also developing a similar AI assistant for Android games, indicating a growing trend in AI integration within the gaming industry.
Evening Mobilization
F-Droid has stated that Google's new Android developer verification plan poses an 'existential' threat to alternative app stores. This initiative by Google could significantly impact the distribution landscape for applications on the Android platform.
Googles Genie 3 draws a crowd at GDC
Google's Genie 3 AI model has garnered significant attention at GDC, though its primary purpose is not video game creation. The model represents a notable advancement in artificial intelligence capabilities.
Google is adding official Chrome support for users running Arm and Linux and it's about time
Google will officially support its Chrome browser on Linux distributions utilizing Arm64 processors in the second quarter of this year. This expansion follows previous support for Arm-based macOS and Windows devices, aiming to provide a seamless experience for users switching to Arm-based Linux systems.
Google’s Genie 3 draws a crowd at GDC
Google's Genie 3 was a notable presence at GDC, drawing significant attention. Separately, NEKOPARA Sekai Connect is set to launch on April 14 for iOS and Android, with a PC release via Steam planned for this fall.
