News/Google
YouTube Labs debuts AI-powered music hosts for Premium subscribers
YouTube has launched YouTube Labs, a new platform dedicated to testing "cutting edge AI experiments" for users, with its first feature adding AI-powered music hosts to YouTube Music. The initiative marks YouTube's focused effort to explore artificial intelligence applications within its ecosystem, offering Premium subscribers early access to experimental AI features. What you should know: YouTube Labs represents a dedicated space for AI experimentation, separate from the existing youtube.com/new testing platform that focuses on general feature previews.• The platform is currently available to "a limited number of US-based participants" who can opt into AI experiments before wider release.• Users receive...
read Sep 25, 2025AI-powered fraud apps surge 300% on iOS, even worse on Android
A new study reveals a dramatic surge in fraudulent mobile apps powered by artificial intelligence, with iOS seeing a 300% increase and Android experiencing a 600% spike in fake applications during 2025. The research from DV Fraud Lab, a digital fraud detection company, highlights how AI tools are enabling cybercriminals to create more convincing fraudulent apps that can bypass traditional app store security measures, targeting both unsuspecting users and advertisers. What you should know: DV Fraud Lab's research shows fraudulent apps are using two primary attack vectors to exploit mobile ecosystems. Fake versions of popular apps like Facebook attempt to...
read Sep 25, 2025Now docking at Contemplation Station: DeepMind’s new AI models let robots think before they act
Google DeepMind has unveiled Gemini Robotics 1.5 and Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5, the first AI models that enable robots to "think" before taking action, marking what researchers call the dawn of agentic robots. This breakthrough represents a fundamental shift from task-specific robotic programming to general-purpose AI that can adapt to new situations without reprogramming, potentially transforming how robots operate in real-world environments. How it works: The system uses two complementary AI models that work together to enable more sophisticated robotic behavior. Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5 serves as the "thinking" model, processing visual and text input to generate step-by-step natural language instructions for...
read Sep 24, 2025Google Sheets gets smarter with Gemini’s formula assistance
Google has enhanced Gemini's capabilities within Google Sheets, adding formula explanation, error correction, and multi-formula generation features. These updates aim to reduce spreadsheet-related busywork for professionals while building user trust through improved transparency in AI-generated formulas. What you should know: Gemini can now explain how formulas work, diagnose why they fail, and provide multiple formula options for complex tasks. When Gemini creates a formula, users can ask for explanations that break down each component with bulleted descriptions of what each part does. If a formula fails, users can request error analysis and corrections from the AI assistant. The system can...
read Sep 24, 2025YouTube’s AI age verification restricts millions of accounts flagged as <18
YouTube has significantly expanded its AI-powered age verification system this week, with numerous users reporting their accounts have been restricted after being flagged as potentially under 18. The widespread rollout marks a major escalation from the limited testing that began in August, as Google leverages artificial intelligence to enforce stricter content controls for younger viewers. What you should know: YouTube's AI system analyzes account activity and longevity to estimate user age, automatically imposing restrictions on accounts it believes belong to minors. The age estimation model uses "a variety of signals such as YouTube activity and longevity of the account," according...
read Sep 23, 2025Google launches MCP Server to democratize AI data access
Google launched the Model Context Protocol Server to provide developers with standardized access to public data from its Data Commons knowledge graph without requiring complex API integrations. The server builds on Anthropic's open MCP standard and aims to reduce AI hallucinations by giving large language models access to trusted public datasets, potentially democratizing data access for AI development at an unprecedented scale. What you should know: The MCP Server simplifies how AI agents consume publicly available data by eliminating the need for developers to navigate complex APIs. Data Commons provides public datasets from trusted sources for AI developers, data scientists...
read Sep 23, 2025Google AI Plus expands to 40 countries with affordable features
Google has expanded its AI Plus subscription service to 40 additional countries, following its initial launch in Indonesia two weeks ago. The mid-tier subscription plan aims to make Google's AI capabilities more accessible globally by offering advanced features at a lower price point than the company's Pro and Ultra tiers. What you should know: Google AI Plus is positioned as an affordable entry point into Google's premium AI ecosystem, designed to "help more people do more with Google AI for less."• Users receive 200 GB of storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Photos that can be shared with up to...
read Sep 23, 2025Google.org funds $240K “AI in the D” training program for Detroit seniors
The Chapman Family Foundation, Google.org, and the City of Detroit have launched "AI in the D," a groundbreaking artificial intelligence literacy program specifically designed for senior citizens. The initiative represents the first program of its kind focused on teaching older adults practical AI applications, building on a successful summer workshop that introduced Detroit high school students to AI entrepreneurship. What you should know: More than 70 Detroit seniors will participate in a half-day workshop on September 23, 2025, at Kemeny Recreation Center, receiving hands-on AI training tailored to their daily needs. Attendees will learn how to use AI for spotting...
read Sep 23, 2025AI usage among tech workers jumps from 14% to 90%, Google study reveals
Google's research arm has found that 90% of technology workers are now using artificial intelligence in their daily work, representing a dramatic surge from just 14% last year. The findings underscore how rapidly AI tools have become integral to software development, even as questions persist about their reliability and impact on entry-level employment in the tech sector. What you should know: The study surveyed 5,000 technology professionals globally and reveals the scale of AI adoption in coding and development work. Google's DORA research division conducted the survey, showing AI usage jumped from 14% to 90% year-over-year among tech workers. Workers...
read Sep 23, 2025Google launches Gemini AI gaming assistant with real-time overlay
Google is rolling out a new Gemini AI integration that will help users with mobile gaming by providing real-time assistance through an overlay on Google Play Store games. The feature mirrors Microsoft's Gaming Copilot and represents Google's push to make AI assistance more contextually aware and accessible during gameplay. How it works: The Gemini Live integration appears as a sidebar overlay that can "see" what's happening on your screen while you play. Players can ask questions aloud during gameplay and receive audible responses from Gemini AI. The AI assistant tailors its suggestions based on what's currently displayed in your game....
read Sep 22, 2025Google tests AI-style voice search redesign in Android app
Google is testing a redesigned voice and song search interface in its Android app that aligns with the company's AI Mode aesthetics. The new interface removes recent search suggestions and incorporates pulsing animations similar to those used in Google's AI features, signaling a broader shift toward AI-integrated user experiences across Google's mobile applications. What you should know: The redesigned interface represents a significant departure from Google's current voice search functionality. The new design eliminates previous and suggested searches that currently appear below the "listening..." prompt. Voice search now uses the same pulsing animation found in Google's AI Mode, asking users...
read Sep 22, 2025Google’s Gemini tops App Store with 3 major visual AI updates
Google's Gemini AI assistant recently claimed the top spot as the most downloaded app on both Apple's App Store and Google Play, surpassing OpenAI's ChatGPT in a significant milestone for Google's artificial intelligence ambitions. This achievement coincides with Google's September Gemini Drop, a comprehensive update package that introduces powerful new capabilities across the platform. Gemini, Google's flagship AI assistant, competes directly with ChatGPT and other conversational AI tools by offering text generation, image creation, and voice interaction features. For business users and consumers alike, these latest updates represent a substantial leap forward in practical AI functionality, particularly in areas like...
read Sep 18, 2025Chatbot fount of knowledge Reddit seeks better Google AI deal with higher pay, traffic
Reddit is seeking to renegotiate its AI data licensing deal with Google, pushing for both higher payments and user traffic referrals in exchange for its content. The discussions highlight a growing tension between content platforms and AI companies, as platforms struggle to maintain engagement while their data powers AI tools that potentially reduce direct site visits. What you should know: Reddit executives are back at the negotiating table with Google, seeking to expand their relationship beyond the current $60 million annual data-sharing agreement. The platform wants Google to actively drive users to Reddit's forums to create more content, rather than...
read Sep 18, 2025Google brings Gemini AI to all Chrome users with cross-tab features
Google is expanding Gemini AI integration to all Chrome desktop users in the US on Windows and Mac, bringing cross-tab functionality, YouTube video navigation, and Google app integration directly into the browser. This move positions Chrome to compete directly with AI-first browsers like Perplexity's Comet and signals the mainstream arrival of AI-powered browsing experiences for billions of users. What you should know: Gemini in Chrome was previously limited to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers but is now rolling out widely with enhanced capabilities. Users can access Gemini through a new sparkle icon in the top-right corner of the tab...
read Sep 17, 2025Google Meet launches Ask Gemini AI for real-time meeting assistance
Google has introduced Ask Gemini, an AI assistant for Google Meet that can answer questions about meeting content and provide summaries of discussions participants may have missed. The feature initially launches for select Google Workspace customers and represents Google's effort to integrate AI-powered productivity tools directly into its video conferencing platform. What you should know: Ask Gemini can analyze meeting content in real-time and provide personalized assistance to participants without storing data after calls end. The AI assistant answers questions by referencing live captions, accessible Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, plus public websites. It can summarize what specific participants said,...
read Sep 17, 2025Google’s AP2 protocol enables secure AI agent payments with cryptographic proof
Google introduced the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) on Tuesday, a standardization framework designed to enable AI agents to authorize and complete purchases while maintaining accountability and audit trails. The protocol addresses a fundamental challenge in AI-driven commerce: proving that automated transactions carry the same legitimacy as human-initiated purchases, with backing from over 60 companies including American Express, Mastercard, PayPal, and Coinbase. How it works: AP2 uses cryptographically signed "mandates" that create tamper-evident records for each transaction phase. An intent mandate captures when a user requests an item, followed by a cart mandate that approves the final purchase basket. A third...
read Sep 17, 2025Google DeepMind’s Gemini 2.5 AI wins gold at international programming contest
Google DeepMind has achieved what it calls a "historic" AI breakthrough after its Gemini 2.5 model became the first AI to win a gold medal at an international programming competition, solving complex problems that stumped human programmers from top universities. The achievement represents a significant leap toward artificial general intelligence, with the model demonstrating advanced reasoning capabilities that could transform scientific and engineering disciplines. What happened: The AI model competed against 139 of the world's strongest college-level programmers at a competition in Azerbaijan, finishing second overall despite failing two of 12 tasks. In under 30 minutes, it solved a complex...
read Sep 16, 2025Google cuts 200+ elite AI contractors amid unionization efforts
Google has laid off more than 200 contractors who work on improving its AI products, including Gemini and AI Overviews, in at least two rounds of cuts last month. The layoffs come amid an ongoing dispute over pay, working conditions, and alleged retaliation against workers attempting to unionize at outsourcing company GlobalLogic, which is owned by Hitachi. What you should know: These AI raters are highly skilled contractors responsible for training Google's chatbots and search features to provide more human-like responses. Most raters are required to have master's degrees or PhDs and include writers, teachers, and creative professionals who evaluate...
read Sep 16, 2025Google’s image generation feature drives Gemini past ChatGPT in downloads in win for strategic vision
Google's Gemini app recently achieved a significant milestone by surpassing ChatGPT to become the most downloaded app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This shift in user preference signals a broader change in how consumers interact with AI technology, driven largely by a single breakthrough feature that prioritizes visual creativity over text-based conversations. The driving force behind Gemini's ascent is Nano Banana, an AI image generation tool that transforms photos and sketches into toy-like 3D figurines and applies dramatic style transfers to everyday images. Unlike traditional AI chatbots that focus on text generation and reasoning, Nano...
read Sep 16, 2025YouTube launches AI dubbing in Spanish, Japanese, Hindi and Korean
YouTube has launched multilingual dubbing for creators after nearly two years of testing, offering both manual upload options and AI-generated dubs powered by Google Gemini in languages including Spanish, Japanese, Hindi, and Korean. The rollout addresses the growing demand for global content accessibility while positioning YouTube to compete with similar features from Meta, Microsoft, and other platforms introducing AI dubbing capabilities. What you should know: Creators can now choose between uploading their own professionally created dubs or using YouTube's automated AI dubbing system. YouTube warns that AI-generated dubs may struggle with tone and local idioms, making human-created versions preferable for...
read Sep 15, 2025Publish or perish: Rolling Stone owner sues Google over AI summaries feature
Penske Media Corporation, publisher of Rolling Stone, Variety, Billboard, and The Hollywood Reporter, has filed a federal lawsuit against Google over its AI Summaries feature. The suit alleges that Google is abusing its search monopoly to republish content without permission in AI-generated answers, violating U.S. antitrust laws and threatening the traditional web publishing model. What you should know: PMC claims Google's AI Summaries are significantly damaging publisher revenue and web traffic through unfair competition. The lawsuit accuses Google of "coercing online publishers like PMC to supply content that Google republishes without permission in AI-generated answers." PMC reports that 20% of...
read Sep 12, 2025“Learning how to learn”: Humans’ own inference ability will be key, says Nobel winner
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, who recently won the 2024 Nobel Prize in chemistry, told an Athens audience that "learning how to learn" will be the most crucial skill for the next generation as AI rapidly transforms education and workplaces. Speaking at an ancient Roman theater beneath the Acropolis, the neuroscientist warned that artificial general intelligence could arrive within a decade, making continuous adaptation essential for career survival. What they're saying: Hassabis emphasized the unpredictable pace of AI development and its implications for future planning. "It's very hard to predict the future, like 10 years from now, in normal cases....
read Sep 11, 2025Google Home app gets major automation upgrade with smart triggers
Google has rolled out a substantial upgrade to its Home app's automation system, giving users significantly more control over how their smart home devices respond to daily routines and environmental changes. This enhancement, now available for both Android and iOS users, represents the company's most comprehensive update to household automation tools in recent years. The upgrade addresses a common frustration among smart home users: the inability to create nuanced, context-aware automations that adapt to real-world scenarios. Previously, users were limited to basic if-then commands, but the new system allows for multiple conditions and more sophisticated triggers that can account for...
read Sep 10, 2025Google pulls Daily Hub AI from Pixel 10 weeks after launch
Google has removed the Daily Hub AI feature from Pixel 10 phones just weeks after launch, citing the need to improve its performance and personalized experience. The company says it will reintroduce an enhanced version when ready, but the pullback highlights ongoing challenges with on-device AI features that promise more than they deliver. What you should know: Daily Hub was designed to create personalized daily digests using on-device AI processing, appearing in Google Discover feeds and the At a Glance home screen widget. The feature pulled data from users' apps and ran it through Tensor processor AI models to generate...
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