Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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Morning Safety Dance
This week's cybersecurity summary highlights ongoing zero-day vulnerabilities in Google Chrome, with the fifth exploited bug of the year reported. CISA is monitoring the situation, and news also includes updates on the UK's child-nudity blocking measures.
Nintendo Direct June 2026: Everything Announced!
Nintendo held a surprise Nintendo Direct presentation showcasing numerous upcoming titles for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The showcase included new releases, ports of existing games, and DLC announcements across various genres, with many titles slated for release in late 2026 and into 2027.
Google reportedly orders at least three million chips from Intel to arrive in 2028, as TSMC struggles to keep up with…
Google has reportedly ordered at least three million Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) from Intel, with deliveries expected in 2028. This move comes as semiconductor leader TSMC struggles to meet demand due to the AI boom. Intel is also reportedly being tested by Nvidia for its next GPU architecture, potentially strengthening Intel's position in the gaming market.
Apple's virtual Siri-ball is a glowing reminder to Google and Microsoft that user interfaces really matter in…
Apple's upcoming AI-powered Siri for visionOS features a glowing orb interface that illuminates its virtual surroundings, contrasting with the less integrated AI interfaces of Google's Gemini and Microsoft's Copilot. This focus on user experience and environmental lighting in augmented reality is highlighted as a key differentiator.
Siri AI & dedicated Siri app announced at Apple WWDC 26
Apple announced a rebuilt version of Siri, named Siri AI, at WWDC 2026, developed with assistance from Google. This new AI will be integrated into OS 27 Golden Gate and will also feature a dedicated Siri application.
Evening Mobilization
Apple's upcoming iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 updates will not drop support for any iPhones but will remove support for a few iPad models. Separately, Apple is reportedly losing ground in the wearable update market to competitors like Samsung and Google.
Google cuts the price of its AI Plus plan and doubles the storage
Google has reduced the price of its AI Plus subscription plan to $5 per month and doubled the included storage. This change aims to make the AI service more accessible to a wider range of users.
Morning Metaverse
Bluesky's COO has expressed concerns that social media regulations could stifle competition from smaller companies. Separately, Google Photos is rolling out a new 'Wardrobe' feature, and the article briefly touches on the topic of 'Momfluencers'.
Morning Legal Briefs
An investigation into damage to an undersea cable in Finland has identified four suspects, with the criminal case now referred to prosecutors for potential charges. Separately, Apple and Google have been given a three-month deadline for unspecified matters.
Sunday Mobilization
Google's Gemini AI is now integrated into Android Auto, allowing users to manage tasks like notes and reminders via voice commands without needing to interact with their phones. This feature aims to improve safety and convenience for drivers.
Sunday Tech Bits
Apple's WWDC 2026 keynote will be available to watch on June 8. Separately, Google is reportedly exploring tapping into thousands of homes for electricity to power its data centers instead of constructing new power plants.
2026's weirdest tech leak involves scuba diving, a Caribbean island, and Gearbox head honcho Randy Pitchford, and…
An unannounced Google Pixel Watch 5 was reportedly found underwater near the Caribbean island of St. Martin by a friend of Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford. Pitchford shared images of the device, which appears to be functional despite a dead battery, and has since arranged for its return to the owner.
Google will pay SpaceX $920 million a month to use xAI's data centers
Google has entered into a significant $30 billion deal with SpaceX to secure AI computing power. This agreement will allow Google to utilize data centers operated by xAI, a company associated with SpaceX.
Google shuts down the AI image app Pixel Studio
Google is shutting down its AI image application, Pixel Studio, less than two years after its launch. The company has not provided specific reasons for the closure of the app.
AI Yi-Yi!
Google may integrate an AI mode into its search results, while NVIDIA and South Korea collaborate on AI development. Additionally, a leak suggests Microsoft is pursuing AI initiatives.
Google experiments with sending Chrome searches straight to AI
Google is reportedly experimenting with a new feature for Chrome that would direct users to an AI-powered search experience by default. This change aims to integrate artificial intelligence more directly into the search process within the browser.
OLED Monitors, Handheld PCs, and the New Era of Premium Gaming Tech
The gaming hardware market has shifted from prioritizing raw power to focusing on immersion, with OLED monitors and handheld PCs becoming premium staples. Factors like advanced game rendering, the public-facing nature of gaming setups, and competition with other tech devices are driving this trend. Additionally, the demand for AI infrastructure is impacting component availability and pricing for gaming hardware.
Google Wallet ID passes will be available in select EU states this summer
Google Wallet will begin offering digital identification passes in select European countries this summer. The company is also implementing a new age verification system in collaboration with a European bank.
You can now use Ask Gemini in Drive to rummage through your Gmail
Google AI subscribers can now utilize the Ask Gemini feature within Google Drive to search through their Gmail accounts. This new functionality aims to simplify the process of finding specific information within emails.
AI Yi-Yi!
NVIDIA has introduced Agent Skills, a new feature enabling advanced physical AI research for autonomous vehicles, robotics, and vision AI. Google's open-source Gemma 4 12B model is also highlighted for its ability to analyze audio and video.