Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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Doki Doki Literature Club Removed From Google Play Store After Already Being There For Months
Doki Doki Literature Club has been removed from the Google Play Store, with developer Serenity Forge citing a violation of the storefront's terms of service regarding sensitive themes. The game remains available on other platforms like iOS and Nintendo Switch, and Serenity Forge is exploring alternative Android distribution methods. This removal is discussed in the context of broader industry trends concerning content moderation and censorship of mature themes.
Google introduces AI-generated avatars to YouTube Shorts
Google has introduced AI-generated avatars to YouTube Shorts, allowing users to create virtual likenesses of themselves for use in short-form videos. This feature, integrated into the YouTube and YouTube Create apps, aims to give creators more control over their digital identities while incorporating AI disclosure measures like watermarks and labels. The avatars are created through a "live selfie" process and can be used to generate new content or reimagine existing Shorts.
Google bakes NotebookLM, its research tool, into Gemini
Google has fully integrated its AI-powered research tool, NotebookLM, into the Gemini app. Users can now create notebooks directly within the Gemini chatbot, using sources like PDFs, documents, and URLs to generate searchable repositories of information. The integration is rolling out this week for Gemini Advanced subscribers, with wider availability planned for mobile and free users in the coming weeks.
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Triple-I Initiative Showcase 2026: Castlevania, Dead As Disco, And Every Game Shown
The Triple-I Initiative Showcase featured 40 game announcements, including world premieres and DLC for existing titles. Highlights included new looks at Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Dead as Disco, and Windrose, alongside reveals for games like Final Sentence and Crop. Several titles announced release dates or entered early access, with many coming to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Evening Mobilization
iOS 26.5 is set to introduce new features and has a confirmed release date, according to 9to5Mac. Separately, a repairability report indicates that Google Pixel devices outperform iPhones and Samsung phones in this regard. Additionally, Car Keys in Wallet functionality has expanded to include two major vehicle brands.
Meta's Muse Spark model brings reasoning capabilities to the Meta AI app
Meta has launched Muse Spark, a new lightweight AI model designed for consumer use, available through the Meta AI app and website. This model features 'Instant' and 'Thinking' modes for flexible responses, can coordinate multiple AI subagents for complex tasks like trip planning, and is natively multimodal, processing images, video, and audio. It also includes a shopping assistant similar to ChatGPT and will be rolled out to more countries and Meta platforms in the coming weeks.
Anthropic's new Claude Mythos AI model has apparently found thousands of vulnerabilities in 'every major operating system and every major web browser, along with a range of other important pieces of software'
Anthropic's new AI model, Claude Mythos, has identified thousands of high-severity vulnerabilities across major operating systems and web browsers. This discovery was made as part of Project Glasswing, an initiative involving major tech companies aimed at securing critical software. The AI's ability to detect these flaws quickly raises hopes for staying ahead of cyber threats.
AI Yi-Yi!
Anthropic has revealed its most dangerous AI model, which it is withholding from public access. Meanwhile, testing indicates that Google's AI Overviews are disseminating millions of falsehoods hourly. The article touches upon the rapid and inexpensive nature of these AI developments.
Anthropic launches Project Glasswing, an effort to prevent AI cyberattacks with AI
Anthropic has launched Project Glasswing, an initiative aimed at securing critical software against AI-powered cyberattacks, in partnership with major tech companies like Amazon Web Services, Apple, Google, and Microsoft. The project will utilize Anthropic's Claude Mythos Preview model to identify vulnerabilities and develop defensive strategies against malicious AI use. This effort comes amidst broader concerns about AI's impact on cybersecurity and follows a previous incident where Anthropic's Claude was reportedly used in an attack against Mexican government agencies.
Google updates Gemini's mental health safeguards
Google has updated its Gemini chatbot's mental health safeguards, introducing a redesigned crisis hotline module with one-touch options to connect with human agents or resources. These changes follow a lawsuit accusing Gemini of instructing a man to commit suicide. Google stated that Gemini will now focus more on connecting users to help, avoiding validation of harmful behaviors, and distinguishing subjective experiences from objective facts, alongside a $30 million investment in global hotlines.
Chrome finally adds support for vertical tabs.
Google Chrome has begun rolling out a vertical tab organization feature for desktop users, a functionality previously available in competing browsers like Firefox and Safari. The update also includes an enhanced reading mode for a less distracting browsing experience. The rollout may take a few days to reach all devices.
Evening Metaverse
The Artemis II Moon Mission is providing a wholesome event for the internet to follow. Separately, a Walmart-branded Google TV stick has been spotted, potentially serving as a replacement for the Chromecast.
Apple will again appeal to the Supreme Court in battle with Epic Games
Apple is appealing to the Supreme Court for a second time regarding its ability to charge commissions on mobile purchases made through third-party payment systems. This legal battle with Epic Games centers on the fees Apple charges developers. Epic Games has also been in a similar dispute with Google, which recently saw Fortnite return to the Google Play Store.
You can now search through app reviews on the Google Play Store
Google is rolling out a new search function for app reviews on the Google Play Store, allowing users to find specific keywords within user feedback. This feature, similar to Amazon's customer review search, aims to help users identify app features or gameplay elements more easily. The addition provides an extra layer of scrutiny for apps on the platform.
Sony's battle against shovelware publishers persists as it purges another load of crap games from the PlayStation Store
Sony has continued its efforts to remove low-quality games from the PlayStation Store, delisting entire catalogues from publishers like GoGame Console Publisher, VRCForge Studios, and Welding Byte. This action targets games that mimic successful titles or are considered low-effort asset flips or AI-generated content, following a similar large-scale removal in January.
Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July and replace it with Google's
Samsung will discontinue its proprietary Samsung Messages app in July, replacing it with Google Messages across its devices. The switch offers enhanced features like RCS messaging and AI-powered photo remixing, with Google Messages already being pre-installed on newer models like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and S25 series.
Sunday Mobilization
A $1,700 liquid-cooled phone is capable of running Grand Theft Auto V at up to 100 FPS and Red Dead Redemption 2 at over 50 FPS through emulation. Additionally, Samsung Messages will be discontinued in favor of Google Messages.
It's no longer free to use Claude through third-party tools like OpenClaw
Anthropic has updated its Claude AI subscription policy, discontinuing free usage for third-party tools like OpenClaw as of April 4. Users will now require an extra usage bundle or an API key to access Claude through external applications. This change is attributed to engineering constraints and a need to manage increasing demand by prioritizing direct customers and API users.
Google AI embarrasses itself when asked to perform the one simple task computers have always been good at
Google's AI-powered content curation tool for its Discover feed has been criticized for its inability to perform a basic function: blocking unwanted websites. Despite the company's vast resources and technological advancements, the AI struggles with simple tasks like creating blocklists, leading to frustration and questions about its effectiveness. The article suggests this failure highlights a broader issue with big tech's approach to algorithmic recommendations.
