Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Google.
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Inside Claude’s Invisible Watermark — and the Subscriber Backlash It Triggered
AI company Anthropic has introduced an invisible watermark system for its Claude chatbot to comply with the EU's AI Act, which has led to backlash from some paid subscribers who are canceling their subscriptions. The watermark subtly influences word choices, making AI-generated text harder to pass off as human work, though it may not be effective on short texts or certain types of code. Despite user complaints and cancellations, Anthropic claims that overall cancellation rates have not significantly increased.
viaim OpenNote Review
The viaim OpenNote earbuds offer a premium open-ear audio experience, prioritizing comfort and situational awareness over noise cancellation, making them unsuitable for immersive gaming. While the AI features for note-taking and transcription are innovative, they are overshadowed by more established AI assistants like Google's Gemini. The earbuds excel as comfortable, sweat-resistant audio devices for everyday use and voice calls, with a decent battery life, though the AI integration feels like a secondary, less compelling feature.
Google will now allow users to remove visible watermarks from AI content
Google will now allow users to remove visible watermarks from AI-generated content, though the invisible SynthID watermark will remain. This policy change affects how AI-generated media is identified and shared.
Google must make it easier to install alternative app stores, judge orders
A judge has ordered Google to make it easier for users to find and install alternative app stores. Google has one week to implement these changes, which will impact how users access third-party applications on its platform.
Apple proposes taking a 5-to-15 percent cut from external App Store payments
Apple is proposing to take a 5-to-15 percent commission on external App Store payments. This proposal comes amidst ongoing legal battles between Apple, Google, and Epic Games regarding App Store policies.
Save space in your Google storage by changing this one Android setting
This article provides a tip for Android users to save space in their Google storage by changing a specific setting. It suggests this as an alternative to paying for more storage if a Google One plan is nearing its data limit.
One Lord of the Rings fan is fighting back after Google removed the extended edition from their digital library
A fan reported that Google Play removed the extended edition trilogy of The Lord of the Rings from their digital library, despite the user having purchased it. Google initially refused a refund, citing policy, but later offered a partial credit and links to the films, though some remain inaccessible. This incident highlights concerns about digital ownership and the reliability of digital libraries compared to physical media.
Gemini Passes 1 Billion Users Faster Than Any Google Product Before It [Breaking Down The Numbers]
Google's AI product Gemini has surpassed one billion monthly active users faster than any other Google product, with a significant portion utilizing voice input. Despite this rapid growth, the article highlights concerns about Gemini's development pace and its performance compared to competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic, with some key personnel departing and product releases delayed.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 and 2a are getting some upgrades, including deeper Gemini integration
Google is bringing new features to its Pixel Buds Pro 2 and 2a, including enhanced integration with its Gemini AI. While no new hardware was released this year, existing models will receive these software upgrades.
The pros and cons of using a digital wallet
The article discusses the advantages of using digital wallets like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet on smartphones. It suggests that users who haven't adopted this technology may find compelling reasons to start using it.
Google's newest Pixel Watch feature can monitor your blood pressure and insulin resistance
Google has introduced new features for its Pixel Watch that can monitor blood pressure and insulin resistance. These tools are designed to serve as an early warning system for potential diabetes diagnoses.
Everything Google announced today: Pixel 11 series, Pixel Watch 5 and a totally new device
Google announced the Pixel 11 series and the Pixel Watch 5, alongside a new unannounced device. The company revealed these new hardware products today.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold hands-on: Stagnating instead of innovating
The Google Pixel Fold is criticized for a lack of innovation compared to Samsung's latest foldable offerings. Despite Samsung releasing two new flagship foldables this year, the Pixel Fold is seen as a disappointing iteration.
This is the $1,900 Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold
The Google Pixel Fold is priced at $1,900, positioning it as a premium foldable smartphone. The device features Google's Tensor G6 chip, indicating advanced processing capabilities for its mobile operations.
Google's Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL have less RAM despite price increases
Google's new Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold models will feature less RAM compared to their predecessors. Despite this reduction in memory, all four devices are expected to see a price increase of approximately $100.
Pixel 11 Pro vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Comparing their cameras, display, battery and specs
This article compares the Pixel 11 Pro and the Galaxy S26 Ultra, focusing on their camera capabilities, display quality, battery life, and overall specifications. Google's flagship devices are positioned as direct competitors to Samsung's offerings.
Google's Pixel 11 phones offer more proactive AI notifications and help
Google is enhancing its Pixel 11 smartphones with proactive AI notifications and assistance powered by Gemini Intelligence. This upgrade focuses on leveraging AI for a more intuitive user experience on the latest hardware.
Google makes Quick Share even more like Apple's AirDrop
Google has updated its Quick Share feature, making it more similar to Apple's AirDrop for sharing contact information, photos, and videos between supported devices with a single tap.
Google's Pixel Watch 5 can keep track of your blood pressure and insulin resistance
The upcoming Google Pixel Watch 5 will feature new health tracking capabilities, including the ability to monitor blood pressure and insulin resistance. These additions aim to enhance the smartwatch's utility for users focused on health and wellness.
Google's Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL are the toughest Pixel phones yet
Google's upcoming Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL smartphones are set to feature significant hardware upgrades, including enhanced camera capabilities, a refined camera bar design, and a more powerful processor. These improvements aim to make the Pixel devices more durable and performant.