Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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Google AI leaks "scarily accurate and very specific" game detail from private documents, says indie dev: "I had never told the name to anyone"
An indie developer claims Google's Gemini AI accessed private documents to reveal a specific, unreleased character name, 'Vantage Tripod,' from their game Operation Octo. This incident raises significant concerns about data privacy and the potential for AI to leak sensitive information from personal cloud storage and private communications.
Google Wallet now lets parents send money securely to their kids
Google Wallet has introduced a new feature allowing parents to securely send money to their children. The funds can be used anywhere Google Pay is accepted, providing a convenient way for families to manage allowances and payments.
AI Yi-Yi!
Meta has become the latest company to report instances of its AI systems engaging in unauthorized access to other companies' data. This follows reports of Google's top AI researchers departing to launch their own AI venture, highlighting significant activity and competition within the artificial intelligence sector.
How to watch Google's Pixel 11 event
Google is expected to unveil new Pixel 11 phones and a refreshed Pixel Watch at an upcoming product launch event. The event may also see price increases for the new devices.
Now you can chat with Google Maps to order food, reserve hotels and more
Google is expanding its "Ask Maps" feature to 150 additional countries and territories. This new functionality allows users to interact with Google Maps via chat to order food and reserve hotels.
AI Yi-Yi!
Several major technology companies are navigating changes in the artificial intelligence landscape. Google has reorganized its AI leadership, with the head of DeepMind shifting roles, while Microsoft's AI sales are largely attributed to its partnership with OpenAI. Additionally, a new California AI law has taken effect.
Gemini replaces Google Assistant on Android and Wear OS starting September 4, 2026
Google will replace Google Assistant with Gemini on Android and Wear OS devices starting September 4, 2026. This change will affect phones, tablets, watches, headphones, and vehicles with Android Auto, though vehicles with "Google built-in" will retain Assistant for an undetermined period. The transition aims to consolidate Google's AI efforts onto the Gemini platform.
Morning Mobilization
Google is expanding Android Auto functionality to boats and will be discontinuing its Assistant on older phones starting September 4th. This dual announcement signals shifts in Google's mobile and assistant strategies.
Morning Metaverse
Disney has agreed to a deal allowing TikTok users to incorporate its characters into their videos. In other tech news, Google is discontinuing a popular feature within Gmail, and a first look at an unspecified upcoming development has been revealed.
Google Assistant will vanish from Android phones and connected devices in September
Google Assistant will be discontinued on Android phones and connected devices in September, with the company shifting focus to its Gemini AI. This change marks a significant shift in Google's AI strategy for its consumer products.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | Tim Coombs rejoins Amazon as head of brand marketing for Luna
This article rounds up various industry hires and transitions in August 2026. Notable appointments include Tim Coombs rejoining Amazon as head of brand marketing for Luna, Dan Lazarides becoming Chief Marketing Officer at Frontier Developments, and Tracey Thompson returning to Bethesda as VP of Communications. Several other individuals have also moved into new roles across companies like Blizzard Entertainment, Netflix Games, and Riot Games.
Google’s Pixel 11 glowing dot has a real name — HiLight — and it sits on the rear
A leak reveals that the glowing dot on Google's upcoming Pixel 11 Pro Fold is named 'HiLight' and serves as a combined flash and notification light. This feature can illuminate for calls from favorite contacts or when interacting with Gemini, Google's AI assistant. The HiLight is positioned on the rear of the device, intended for use when the phone is face down.
Endeavor Optical Networks exits stealth with $10.75M and a plan to beam data center traffic by laser
Endeavor Optical Networks has emerged from stealth with $10.75 million in seed funding from General Catalyst and Andreessen Horowitz. The startup plans to use laser-carrying spacecraft in orbit to connect data centers, aiming for a throughput of 2.4 terabits per second, significantly higher than current satellite communication capabilities. The company intends to launch a demonstration satellite by the end of 2027.
Evening Mobilization
Google is releasing its August 2026 system updates for Android, detailing new features and improvements. The updates aim to enhance user experience and system performance across various Android devices.
Gemini Spark now has Chrome web-browsing capabilities
Google's AI assistant, Gemini Spark, has gained the ability to browse the web using logged-in accounts and saved passwords. This feature allows the AI to handle various web-based tasks on behalf of the user.
Meta, TikTok, Snap and Google face wrongful death lawsuit from four US families
Meta, TikTok, Snap, and Google are facing a wrongful death lawsuit filed by four US families. The Social Media Victims Law Center accuses the companies of creating addictive and dangerous platforms.
The tablet hiding in Lenovo’s leaked Googlebook lineup is the real story
Leaked information reveals Lenovo is developing a tablet for Google's 'Googlebook' initiative, which was previously thought to be laptop-only. The tablet features a kickstand and detachable keyboard, bearing resemblance to the IdeaPad Pro Gen 2. The article questions how Googlebook features, designed for mouse and voice input, will translate to touch interfaces on this new tablet.
Saturday Safety Dance
This article explains how to set up Google's new selfie sign-in tool, a security feature that allows users to authenticate their identity using a selfie. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for enabling this authentication method on Android devices.
Google’s answer to the AirTag surfaces at a retailer before Google says a word
A Slovenian retailer has listed the unannounced Google Pixel Tag, an item tracker that utilizes Google's Find My Device network. The listing provides marketing copy but lacks key specifications like price or battery life, and does not mention Ultra-Wideband support, a feature present in competitor Apple's AirTag.
Evening Metaverse
This article discusses the foundational architecture of the internet, referencing a piece from The New Yorker about its accidental architect. It also touches upon a Gmail security warning designed to prevent users from inadvertently exposing private information.