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Technology Google Begins Android 17 Rollout; Key AI Upgrades Coming Later This Year
Alphabet's Google has begun rolling out Android 17, the latest major update to its mobile operating system, with initial enhancements for Pixel devices. While the update introduces new multitasking tools like Bubbles and security improvements, marquee artificial intelligence features such as Gemini Intelligence will arrive later this year. Wear OS 7 is also receiving updates with longer battery life and better interoperability.
Technology Google Earth's Flight Simulator Mode Now Available in Your Browser Globally
Google Earth has released its flight simulator mode as an experimental feature accessible globally through web browsers. Announced via social media on June 12, 2026, the tool allows users to explore a simulated flight experience without requiring desktop software, though Google cautions it is designed for casual exploration rather than professional training.
Manufacturing Google Home Speaker Launch Next Week Signals New Import Wave for Smart Home Devices
Google will launch its new Google Home Speaker as soon as next week, according to a Google executive's email and a Best Buy Canada listing. The device, Google's first new smart speaker in six years, will roll out to 20 countries. For trade professionals, this signals a potential uptick in imports of smart home hubs and the need to review tariff classifications.
Technology iOS 27 Screen Time vs Android 17 Pause Point: Why Google's Mindfulness Approach Wins
At WWDC 2026, Apple announced new Screen Time features for children, but a TechRadar columnist argues Android 17's Pause Point is more effective for adults. Pause Point interrupts app access with a 10-second breathing exercise and suggests alternative apps like Play Books and Mellow Mindspace.
Technology Google TV's Gemini Voice Assistant Now Controls Picture Settings on TCL TVs
Google's Gemini voice assistant on Google TV has gained the ability to adjust audio and video settings, change picture modes, and troubleshoot display issues via voice commands. The feature is initially rolling out to select 2025 and 2026 TCL TV models in the US.
Technology Google Slashes Gemini AI Plus Price to $4.99, Doubles Storage to 400GB
Google has reduced the price of its Gemini AI Plus subscription from $7.99 to $4.99 per month and doubled included storage from 200GB to 400GB. The move positions the plan as a cheaper alternative to OpenAI's ChatGPT Go, which costs $8 monthly. Subscribers gain access to enhanced Gemini capabilities, video generation, NotebookLM, and 200 Google Flow credits.
Tech Expert Wishes Apple Would Copy 5 Google Features in iOS 27 at WWDC 2026
David Nield, a technology journalist covering both iOS and Android, shares five features he hopes Apple will incorporate from Google's ecosystem in the upcoming iOS 27 update at WWDC 2026. The wishlist includes an improved keyboard, more Liquid Glass customizations, version history in Apple Notes, and additional place details in Apple Maps.
Technology Google Gemini outage hits users globally with error messages and no official fix yet
A spike in reports on Downdetector shows Google Gemini is down for many users, with 480 reports in the US and 440 in the UK as of 6:11am ET. Despite error messages like 'error 1099' and 'error 1076', Google's status page states all systems are operational. A temporary workaround involves retyping the query.
Technology Gemini in Chrome Expands to Latin America, Middle East, and Africa, Bypassing Europe
Google's Gemini in Chrome, an AI browsing assistant, has expanded to Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, covering nearly every region except Europe. The feature offers personalized help with summarizing content, comparing tabs, and integrating with Google apps like Calendar and Gmail, but European availability remains blocked by GDPR compliance hurdles.
Technology German Court Rules Google Directly Liable for False AI Overview Content, Setting Precedent for Enterprise AI Risk
A German court has ruled that Google is directly liable for incorrect information generated by its AI Overviews, classifying the summaries as Google's own content rather than mere search results. The decision, stemming from false claims about two Munich-based publishers, could have broad implications for enterprises deploying AI in critical operations like supply chain and trade documentation.
Technology Android Is Fighting Phone Scams With a New Feature to Prove Who’s Calling
Google has introduced a new Android security feature that uses the RCS communication standard to verify caller identity and flag spoofed calls. The feature, rolling out for Android 12 and later, aims to combat AI-powered voice cloning scams by providing a hardware-based confirmation signal between Android phones.
Technology Google Sues Chinese Cybercrime Network Exploiting Gemini AI in Massive Fraud Cam
Google has filed a lawsuit against a Chinese cybercrime network called Outsider Enterprise for using its Gemini AI to perpetrate a massive fraud operation, creating fake Google, YouTube, and government websites. The company reports hundreds of thousands of victims and losses in the millions, while advocating for seven bipartisan bills to combat AI-driven scams.
Technology German Court Rules Google Liable for False AI Overviews: A Global Precedent
The Munich Regional Court preliminarily ruled that Google is liable for false statements generated by its AI Overviews feature, marking a significant departure from traditional search engine protections. The court held that AI systems producing 'independent, new, and substantial statements' make the operator responsible, ordering Google to remove defamatory content and cover 80% of legal costs. The decision could set a precedent for AI liability globally.
Technology Crusoe Pauses Wyoming Data Center After Google Backs Out
Crusoe has paused development of a massive 1.8GW data center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, after key customer Google raised concerns about cost and construction time. The project may proceed without Crusoe as Black Hills Corp moves forward, and Crusoe's interest in the site is likely to be bought out by development partners.
Technology Gemini voice control now tunes picture and audio on Google TV
Google TV has integrated Gemini to allow natural-language voice commands for picture and audio adjustments, including brightness, contrast, picture mode, and EQ. The feature is currently exclusive to select TCL models in the US, with a rollout to additional TCL lines expected soon.
Technology Google director quits over Pentagon AI contracts, cites lost moral compass
René Mayrhofer, a Google director for Android platform security, resigned over the company's decision to allow the Pentagon to use its AI models for any lawful purpose. In an internal letter titled 'Google Management Has Lost Its Moral Compass,' he cited abandonment of carbon-neutral goals and deals with the 'US Ministry of War.' The resignation follows employee protests and Google's removal of its AI weapons ban.
Technology Phishing campaign exploiting Google Cloud links reaches 12,000 servers worldwide
An investigation by Comparitech revealed a coordinated phishing and spam network spanning 12,704 servers across 55 countries. Attackers use Google Cloud Storage links to evade detection, with fake New York Times pages as decoys. 99.8% of servers run end-of-life software, and 89% had no prior abuse history, indicating a rapidly rotating infrastructure aimed at bypassing traditional security tools.
Technology Test Your Google Knowledge with Our Tech Quiz
Google's expansive tech portfolio extends beyond search and YouTube. Test your knowledge of its products and services with our 15-question quiz. Discover how well you know Google.
Technology AI Enters World Cup with Google Gemini Partnership
Google Gemini partners with Argentina's national team to integrate AI into the World Cup, enhancing play analysis and fan interaction. The collaboration marks a significant step in AI's role in sports, with potential risks and rewards.
Technology Sundar Pichai: AI's Impact Rivals Electricity and Fire
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has likened the potential impact of AI to that of electricity and fire, emphasizing its transformative power. Despite AI's current limitations, Pichai's vision suggests a future where AI fundamentally alters human civilization.
Technology Google Urges Immediate Chrome Update to Fix Zero-Day Flaw
Google has released a patch for a high-severity zero-day vulnerability in Chrome, identified as CVE-2026-11645. The flaw allows remote code execution and is actively exploited. Users should update Chrome immediately to version 149.0.7827.103 or later.
Technology Apple's Siri AI Lacks Health Coach to Compete with Google Fitbit
Apple's latest Siri AI enhancements at WWDC 2026 fell short of expectations for a dedicated health coach feature, unlike Google's Fitbit Air. The absence of this feature leaves a gap in Apple's health and fitness offerings.
Technology Apple's New Siri: A Collaborative AI Leap with Google and Nvidia
Apple has unveiled a significantly enhanced Siri, developed with Google's Gemini foundation models and Nvidia's technology. This collaboration aims to deliver a more integrated and intelligent voice assistant across Apple's ecosystem.
Technology Cosmeticorexia: The Skincare Obsession Impacting Young Consumers
The skincare industry is witnessing a surge in young consumers driven by social media influencers. This trend, termed 'Cosmeticorexia,' is reshaping market dynamics as companies target younger demographics with sophisticated products.
Technology AI and Automation: Transforming Global Trade Logistics
AI and automation are revolutionizing global trade logistics by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. This article delves into the technologies driving these changes and their impact on international commerce.