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Demis Hassabis steps down as DeepMind CEO to focus on AGI strategy
Sundar Pichai announced leadership changes at Google DeepMind in which Demis Hassabis steps down from the CEO post to become Chair of GDM and Chief Scientist of Alphabet, citing the proximity of AGI. Koray Kavukcuoglu, previously Chief Technology Officer, takes over as Senior Vice President reporting to Pichai and will oversee Gemini model development, Frontier AI research, and the Gemini app and developer teams.

Google Adds Selfie Video for Account Recovery
Google has rolled out a selfie video option that lets users recover their Google Accounts by recording head movements for comparison against a stored video. The encrypted feature adds another recovery method while recommending multiple sign-in options and includes safeguards against AI-based impersonation.

EU slaps Alphabet with €890 million fine over Google Search favoritism and Play Store restrictions
The European Commission has fined Alphabet €890 million for two DMA violations: self-preferencing its own services in Google Search and restricting payment steering options in the Play Store. Google must revise its policies within 60 days or face further penalties.

SigNoz 0.133.0 Open Redirect Lets Attackers Steal SSO Tokens
SigNoz through 0.133.0 is affected by a reported open redirect in the SSO flow (referenced in NVD as CVE-2026-63094) that lets unauthenticated attackers steal access and refresh tokens from users on Google OAuth, SAML, or OIDC instances. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1 from VulnCheck marks it high severity and requires immediate patching on affected self-hosted deployments.

Critical Privilege Escalation Flaw Reported in WordPress Plugin Aimogen Pro
Aimogen Pro for WordPress through version 2.8.4 allows unauthenticated privilege escalation because the aiomatic_call_google_ai_function omits a capability check, letting attackers clear blacklists and run arbitrary PHP such as creating admin accounts. Wordfence rates it critical at CVSS 9.8; the CVE reached NVD on July 17, 2026.

Google opens Android to third-party app stores July 22
Google will allow US third-party app stores to access the Play catalog starting July 22 under the new Play Catalog Access Program. The change complies with the Epic Games court order while imposing $5,000 onboarding and annual fees plus US-only distribution rules.

Samsung Health requires AI data consent or deletes user records
Samsung Health now requires users to consent to their data being used for AI training and human review or the app will delete the data and stop syncing it. The policy covers step counts, sleep, medication, cycle tracking and full health records, arriving alongside a redesign of the service.

Google Phone G4HCD Receives FCC Approval
Google received FCC equipment authorization for the Phone G4HCD on July 13, 2026. The approval covers operation across ten frequency bands and includes dozens of supporting test reports required for market entry.

Google sets August 31 for full Manifest V2 extension removal
Google will remove all Manifest V2 extensions from the Chrome Web Store on August 31, 2026. The move completes a four-year transition to Manifest V3, which the company says is more secure but has drawn criticism for restricting ad blockers and similar tools.

Google sets August date for Pixel 11 hardware event in New York
Google will hold its upcoming Made by Google event on August 12 in New York City, an invitation received by The Verge states. An animated clip in the message hints at a gold-colored handset belonging to the Pixel 11 lineup.

Google, FBI disrupt NetNut proxy botnet of 2M devices
Google and partners including the FBI have disrupted the NetNut residential proxy botnet, cutting off an estimated 2 million compromised Android devices used by hundreds of threat actors. The operation degrades a major tool for concealing cyberattacks and is expected to ripple through the interconnected proxy services industry.

Europe's Highest Court Rejects Google's Appeal of $4.7 Billion Antitrust Penalty
Europe's top court upheld an approximately $4.7 billion antitrust penalty targeting Google for allegedly abusing Android's dominance through pre-installation deals with device makers. The ruling ends years of appeals, follows a reduction by a lower court, and comes as the EU expands oversight of large technology platforms under new rules while drawing criticism from U.S. officials.

Google Brings Gemini Spark to macOS With Local File Automation
Google introduced Gemini Spark in its macOS app to let the AI automate actions on local files, such as sorting PDFs into folders or pulling invoice details for scheduled spreadsheets. The expansion adds third-party service links, custom MCP server support, and real-time monitoring of selected topics, currently restricted to beta access for qualifying subscribers.

Cloudflare to block mixed-purpose bots from ad-supported sites by default
Cloudflare will block mixed-use crawlers from ad-supported pages by default beginning September 15, 2026, aiming to protect publisher revenue from unpermitted AI training scrapes while still allowing search indexing. The policy affects bots from Apple, Google, and Microsoft that combine indexing with data harvesting and encourages clearer separation of those activities.

Google to lower Play Store fees in US, Europe, UK on June 30
Google is set to implement lower Play Store fees and external payment options in Europe, the UK, and the US starting June 30 as part of its Epic Games settlement. The changes introduce a 10 percent service fee on the first $1 million in annual earnings for small developers and expand globally through 2027.

DeepMind partners with A24 on AI film tools after Google invests $75 million
DeepMind is collaborating with A24 to create AI systems for film production and distribution. The business daily reported that Google is investing around $75 million in the studio, marking its first equity stake in a movie company. The non-exclusive multiyear agreement stresses artist-guided development while surfacing Hollywood worries about training data and alleged copyright issues.

Google discontinues Nest Mini and Nest Audio
Google has discontinued the Nest Mini and Nest Audio while launching its first new smart speaker in six years, which ships June 25 at $100. The move reflects a shift toward Gemini integration and leaves the product lineup without a direct low-cost option.

Gmail reply bug stops keyboard from appearing for some Pixel owners
Some Pixel users cannot get the keyboard to appear when replying to emails in the Gmail app despite visible AI suggestions. The bug emerged in the last 24 hours on Pixel devices only and Google has not yet acknowledged it.

Android 17 brings floating bubbles to all apps for easier multitasking
Google has rolled out stable Android 17 with floating bubbles now available for any app instead of just messaging. The change simplifies switching between applications on Pixel devices and larger screens by turning long-pressed icons into dockable floating windows.

Google begins pre-orders for new $100 Home speaker with 360-degree sound and Gemini
Google started taking pre-orders for its redesigned $100 Home speaker that features 360-degree audio, a recycled-fabric shell in four colors and Gemini as the default voice assistant. A Google Home Premium subscription is reportedly required to unlock Gemini Live, advanced automation and AI-generated home summaries.

Google invests $1.5B to expand Alabama data center
Google is spending $1.5 billion to expand its Jackson County, Alabama data center from 2026 to 2027 while fully funding energy infrastructure to protect local rates. The site will eventually draw nuclear power under a 2025 agreement, accompanied by millions in community grants for efficiency, education, and workforce programs.

China-linked UNC6508 deploys InfiniteRed malware on exposed REDCap servers
Google Threat Intelligence Group linked China-associated actor UNC6508 to a campaign that breached REDCap servers at a North American medical research organization in September 2023. The group deployed custom InfiniteRed malware three months later and maintained access until November 2025, exfiltrating targeted data through a novel email-based method using content compliance rules.

Google sues Chinese network using Gemini for scams
Google sued Outsider Enterprise, a Chinese group that allegedly used Gemini to generate nearly 300 phishing templates and send over 2.5 million scam texts. The action highlights the clash between AI accessibility and its criminal misuse, prompting Google to back new federal legislation.

Google DeepMind releases DiffusionGemma for 4x faster local AI
Google DeepMind released DiffusionGemma, a parallel text-generation model that produces up to four times more tokens per second than similarly sized autoregressive Gemma models on local GPUs. The approach trades higher error rates for better compute efficiency on non-linear tasks but remains experimental.

Google patches fifth Chrome zero-day exploited in 2026
Google released emergency patches for CVE-2026-11645, the fifth Chrome zero-day exploited in the wild this year. The out-of-bounds read/write flaw in V8 could allow arbitrary code execution and ASLR bypass, with details withheld until most users update.

Gemini 3.5 and Antigravity arrive in NotebookLM
Google is updating NotebookLM with the Gemini 3.5 model, Antigravity-powered code execution, multi-format document generation, and automated web source import. The changes are available first to AI Ultra and qualifying enterprise users.

Apple reintroduces AI-powered Siri at WWDC 2026
Apple demonstrated a redesigned Siri AI at WWDC 2026, two years after first announcing the AI-powered assistant. The update integrates with Dynamic Island, adds new gestures and voice controls, and runs on Google's Gemini models via a new partnership.

Bloomberg details Apple’s 2025 AI shakeup ahead of iOS 27
A Bloomberg report details the early 2025 executive meeting that triggered Apple’s AI strategy overhaul after Apple Intelligence underperformed and Siri faced delays. The changes, including new leadership assignments and a Google Gemini partnership, will debut in iOS 27 at WWDC today.

Google Fixes Actively Exploited Android Zero-Day in June Patches
Google released the June 2026 Android security patches fixing 124 vulnerabilities including one zero-day under limited targeted exploitation in the Framework component. The updates also resolve 18 critical issues and arrive as Google scales back some bug bounties for AI-discoverable flaws.

Samsung Shares Surge 6.5% After Shipping HBM4E Samples
Samsung shares surged as much as 6.51% after the company began shipping samples of its industry-first 12-layer HBM4E AI memory chip globally. The development advances Samsung's push to compete with SK Hynix in high-bandwidth memory for AI accelerators from Nvidia and Google.

Apple to Position On-Device AI as Key WWDC 2026 Focus
Apple will spotlight on-device AI as its edge at WWDC 2026, capitalizing on 15 years of custom silicon to favor local inference over cloud systems for privacy and efficiency. The approach includes distilling Google's Gemini model, weighing acquisitions such as Liquid AI, adopting Nvidia confidential compute in Google Cloud, and moving away from exclusive Private Cloud Compute promises amid limits on massive models, as the firm seeks to reset its Apple Intelligence story after earlier rollout hurdles.

Google Outlines Health App Changes After Fitbit Complaints
Google is rolling out updates to its Health app this week and in June to address complaints from users after the service replaced Fitbit. The changes improve dashboard customization, add missing features including custom food logging and sleep overviews, refine the divisive AI coach with more concise messages and visuals, and fix run labeling and family account migration issues.

Google Appeals Antitrust Ruling, Claims Apple Chose Search on Merit
Google appealed a 2024 antitrust ruling over payments to be default search on iPhones, arguing it won on merit through innovation and that the court erred on claims of harm to competition. The filing seeks to undo data-sharing remedies with rivals and block AI companies like OpenAI from benefiting, as remedies remain unimplemented pending appeal details.

Google Launches AI Remix Tool for YouTube Shorts
Google announced a new YouTube Shorts Remix feature powered by Gemini Omni that lets users restyle videos as pixel art or anime or alter content by inserting themselves or inflating heads. Creators can disable remixing on their videos and all AI-generated versions carry a digital watermark linking back to the original.

Google Rolls Out Gemini 3.5 Flash and Android XR Glasses at I/O 2026
Google detailed extensive Gemini AI advancements and new Android XR hardware at its 2026 I/O conference. The updates span models, Search, Workspace tools, shopping features, and wearable devices with specific rollout timelines.

Google Launches Full Gemini App Redesign With Neural Expressive UI
Google has deployed a full redesign of the Gemini app on Android, iOS and web featuring Neural Expressive visuals, structured responses and instant Gemini Live access. The changes support 900 million users and accompany new models plus agent capabilities for paid subscribers.

Blackstone Commits $5B to Google AI Infrastructure Venture
Blackstone invests $5 billion in a new U.S.-based AI infrastructure venture with Google that will use the tech giant’s TPUs to bring the first 500 MW of compute capacity online by 2027. The deal underscores Google’s push to challenge Nvidia’s dominance in AI hardware while Blackstone deepens its bets on the exploding demand for compute.

Apple to Debut Standalone Siri App in Beta at WWDC 2026
Apple will launch a new standalone Siri app in beta at WWDC 2026 featuring auto-deleting chat history and a persistent beta label through the iOS 27 public release this fall. The app adds conversation history, file uploads and dual interfaces while running on Apple's private cloud servers to limit data sharing with Google.

Google Updates Spam Policy to Cover AI Manipulation
Google updated its spam policy to treat attempts to manipulate generative AI responses in search results, such as AI Overview, as spam violations. The change targets tactics like recommendation poisoning and could result in lower rankings or removal for offending sites.

Google Reveals List of AirDrop-Compatible Android Phones
Google has unveiled the specific Android models compatible with iPhone AirDrop via Quick Share after an initial brand announcement. The cross-platform file sharing feature is restricted to devices with hardware supporting Apple's Wireless Direct Link protocol.

Anthropic in Advanced Talks to Acquire Stainless
Anthropic is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Stainless, an SDK startup serving Google and OpenAI. The deal could value Stainless at over $300 million according to The Information.

Google Unveils AI-Native Googlebook Laptop Line
Google unveiled Googlebook on May 12 as the first laptop line designed from the ground up for AI. The devices merge Android's app ecosystem with ChromeOS while centering Gemini as the core intelligence layer.

Google Embeds Gemini Deeply into Android with New Intelligence Features
Google is embedding the Gemini AI model deeply into Android via the Gemini Intelligence update to enable website summarization, automatic form filling, multi-step task automation and more. The features will first reach Samsung Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 10 devices next summer before expanding to other Android hardware, shifting the OS toward proactive assistance while keeping users in control.

Google Unveils Create My Widget for Gemini-Powered Android Tools
Google unveiled Create My Widget at The Android Show, a Gemini Intelligence tool that generates resizable Android widgets and Wear OS complications from natural language descriptions. It marks the company's first step into generative interfaces created on the fly by AI.

Google Rolls Out Android 17 AI Updates Ahead of Apple’s Siri Revamp
Google announced Android 17 AI features including Gemini upgrades, emoji redesign and Instagram video improvements on May 12, 2026. The moves come weeks before Apple’s planned Siri and iOS AI overhaul, setting up direct competition ahead of Google I/O.

Google: AI Built First Zero-Day Exploit to Bypass 2FA
Google’s Threat Intelligence Group confirms that cybercriminals used AI to build the first observed zero-day exploit that bypassed two-factor authentication in an open-source web tool. The report highlights growing AI use by state-linked actors while noting a Cambridge study finding limited AI sophistication in most cybercrime.

Apple Rolls Out End-to-End Encrypted RCS Beta on iOS 26.5
Apple and Google have begun rolling out end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in beta for iOS 26.5 and latest Google Messages users. The update adds default encryption and a lock icon to the cross-platform SMS replacement, enhancing message privacy in transit.

Google Finds Hackers Used AI for First Zero-Day Exploit
Google Threat Intelligence Group reports that hackers used AI to develop a zero-day exploit bypassing 2FA in an unnamed popular open-source web admin tool. The attack was stopped before mass exploitation, but the case marks the first time GTIG has seen AI used this way and highlights growing adversary reliance on the technology.

Google Launches $99 Fitbit Air and Health App
Google launches the $99 screenless Fitbit Air tracker—its first new Fitbit device in four years—plus a unified Google Health app and public AI Health Coach. The moves deepen Fitbit's integration into Google's ecosystem after the 2021 acquisition.

Google Adds Five New Features to AI Mode for Deeper Web Searches
Google has rolled out five new search features inside its AI mode to add context and interactivity to web queries. The changes include contextual links, source lists, community viewpoints, and planning aids, though availability in Europe remains uncertain.

Google Rolls Gemini 3.1 to Home Speakers with Camera, Automation Upgrades
Google expands Gemini 3.1 to Home smart speakers and adds camera navigation plus automation triggers. Early-access users gain complex multi-step commands and web/app device management for smoother smart home control.

Gemini AI upgrades Google built-in cars
Google updates cars with Google built-in to the Gemini AI assistant, replacing Google Assistant. The software brings natural conversations, vehicle info, and EV insights to existing vehicles via over-the-air updates.

Google Search Queries Hit All-Time High in Q1 2026
Google Search queries hit an all-time high in Q1 2026 amid 19% revenue growth, per CEO Sundar Pichai. AI features drove the surge as Alphabet posted $109.9 billion in revenues, beating expectations.

Google Photos launches AI wardrobe try-on feature
Google Photos introduces an AI feature to build a virtual wardrobe from users' photo galleries for trying on existing clothes. It allows mixing outfits captured in photos and sharing looks, rolling out first on Android this summer.

GM Deploys Gemini AI to Four Million Vehicles
General Motors plans to add Google's Gemini AI to four million US vehicles via OTA updates. The rollout targets 2022+ models from Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC, marking one of the largest Gemini deployments.

Tesla launches Robotaxi app on Android nearly a year after iOS
Tesla releases its Robotaxi app on the Google Play Store for Android users. The launch follows the iOS version by nearly a year and coincides with service expansion to new Texas cities.
From the feed · 60
A leak shows the Pixel Watch 5 adding a Stephen Curry edition, the first time that Fitbit Air style appears on a Pixel Watch.
Leaks for the Pixel 11 are accumulating fast, with detailed specs and design elements already circulating ahead of launch.
A game developer claims Google's AI extracted a secret character from a private Docs document. The company denies training models on Workspace files and says only publicly shared documents are scanned.
Google's Pixel Watch 5 teaser video claims the device has the decency to look like a watch, taking a direct jab at Apple and Samsung designs.
$28 billion in SpaceX holdings has been erased from Google's portfolio after the private company's valuation dropped. The adjustment reflects a broader markdown on the shares held by Alphabet.
Sony is reportedly planning a re-release of its 2020 WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones at around $250. The move would bring back the older model at a lower price point than current XM5 units.
Google released Gemini Omni Flash, the first model in its new Omni family. It generates and edits videos from text, image, video or audio references.
Samsung cut trade-in values for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 on release day after scaling back pre-order incentives. Best remaining deals now sit with third-party carriers and retailers.
Google Photos added a toggle to disable the shimmer animation that plays when converting photo subjects into stickers. The option appears in the app's sticker settings.
Square Enix is deploying Google's Gemini to hunt bugs in its games, backed by Japanese government subsidies to automate a substantial share of quality control.
Android Canary 2608 shows early work on AI-generated lockscreen clocks for Pixel phones.
Google Messages is expanding beta access to a long-press menu redesign that improves one-handed usage and precise copying. Testing began in January.
Android Canary 2608 adds the ability to customize Quick Settings layout on Pixel. The change appears in the latest canary build now rolling out.
Google named Trevor Noah to host its Made by Google 2026 event, which will feature the Pixel 11 launch. The show takes place in less than a week.
Google Chrome on Android is testing a dual navigation bar layout that adds a dedicated Gemini button in the top bar. The change is rolling out gradually alongside a similar redesign for iOS.
A solo Steam developer alleges Google's AI scraped their private Docs for details on upcoming game content. The leak surfaced in responses from Gemini.
Google Wallet now lets parents send money to their kids for use at any Google Pay merchant. The feature adds controls for secure transfers within family accounts.
24 hours of extra lead time on average: WeatherNext hits state-of-the-art accuracy on cyclone track and intensity forecasts.
Google Drive stops backing up photos next week. Users have days left to download libraries or switch to paid storage before the free tier ends.
Google Maps Ask is expanding to over 150 countries. • Australia, Brazil, Canada • Indonesia, Japan, Mexico
Google's largest AI reorganization yet moved several executives while leadership framed the shifts as setup for future gains. The changes reportedly point to deeper organizational strains in its AI race position.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 pre-orders in Europe are running 70% ahead of the Z Fold 7. Samsung calls the new foldables its strongest launch yet on the continent.
Google Maps' Ask Maps now handles food orders, hotel searches, and plan-aware suggestions through conversational requests inside the app.
Google Maps is expanding its Gemini-powered Ask Maps chat globally, adding Personal Intelligence and real-time transit queries after the March rollout.
Google is reportedly testing Device Help, a Gemini mode that lets Pixel users troubleshoot and configure their phones by asking questions directly.
Zillow's Q2 revenue rose 18% to $772 million, but a $36 million restructuring charge from layoffs produced a $4 million net loss. The company also expanded CFO Jeremy Hofmann's role to include chief operating officer and hired its first chief legal and policy officer from Google.
Google Home's latest update adds Gemini-powered interactive storytelling and support for a wider range of cameras.
UAG's case for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 adds magnetic accessory support despite Samsung's stacked camera layout. The change targets the incompatibility that affects most recent Galaxy phones.
Google Contacts for Android has added strings detailing upcoming HiLight color support for the Pixel 11. The update surfaces ahead of the phone's expected launch.
Google is restructuring its AI leadership, moving the DeepMind chief into a new role. The change comes as the company consolidates oversight across its various AI teams.
Google posted an update on its AI momentum on blog.google, signaling the next phase of development. No specific metrics or product details were included in the announcement.
Google is cutting 52 employees in Washington state, according to a state filing. The reductions follow earlier rounds at the company this year.
CMF launched open-ear earbuds with AI-generated models in the marketing images. The choice has drawn immediate backlash online.
Google is discounting official Pixel 10 series cases ahead of next week's Pixel 11 launch. The move clears remaining stock as the company shifts focus to the new models.
Google Assistant support ends across Android phones and connected devices in September. Gemini is taking over the slot.
Samsung confirmed record initial sales for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 as pre-order deals end. The company backed earlier media reports with its own figures.
Leaked marketing images for the Pixel Watch 5 have surfaced online one week before launch. They expand on previously known specs while adding a few new details.
Hundreds of Blogger sites were locked after Google flagged them under its malware policy in a false positive. Some accounts were deleted outright.
Sunbird has launched its iMessage for Android app after years in beta, asking users to trust its servers with end-to-end encrypted messages to enable blue bubbles.
Google Assistant is reportedly weeks from being fully replaced by Gemini. The transition marks the end of the original voice assistant's run.
Google Home is preparing a fix for Familiar Faces alerts that have stopped working on Walmart's Onn cameras. The devices use the same integration path as Nest models.
SpaceX's AI revenue tripled to $2.6 billion year over year, fueled by new compute deals with Anthropic and Google. The division posted a $1.5 billion loss.
Asus's CX9406 has surfaced as the first Googlebook from the Taiwanese maker, appearing online a day after images of a rival version. The device joins a wave of third-party models now hitting leaks and listings.
Three Pixel 10 fixes arrive with the August 2026 security patch for Android 17, now rolling out to Pixel 8, 8a, 9, and 10 series devices.
$600 off Samsung's Z Flip 8 for new Google Fi lines. The discount applies through the carrier's current promotion.
A leak shows three hardware changes for the Pixel Watch 5, including an accelerated chip and second-generation Active Band.
Google posted a 15-second official teaser for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold a week before the planned announcement. The clip mostly lines up with the design leaks already circulating.
1.44 million pre-order sales for Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 series have already surpassed the Galaxy Note 10 record, with the tally still rising.
A leak shows Google's Pixel 11 Glow feature will be branded HiLight, along with details on its functions.
Three attacks let malware on compromised Windows devices hijack Google-synced passkeys, bypass verification, and extract private keys from the Password Manager.
First reported case of agent-on-agent violence traces to a Google dev kit, where poisoned pull requests use prompt injection to let one agent seize control of another.
Android's August 2026 Google System Release Notes outline changes to Play services, the Play Store, and Play system modules. The updates span phones, tablets, Wear OS, TV, Auto, and PC, with some aimed at developers.
Google Health 5.05 now routes Fitbit workouts, steps, and vitals straight into Apple Health. Users tap the profile icon, open Partner apps, and select Apple Health to complete the link.
Four AI labs, Meta, Anthropic, Google and OpenAI, are set to meet Trump officials to discuss AI safety testing.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2 is rolling out to Pixel devices today. The prior beta two weeks earlier contained no visible changes.
25% off marks Notability's first release on Android after years as an iOS-only note-taking app.
Samsung says the Galaxy Z Fold 8's new shape exists because "one size does not fit all". The company also addressed color options across its foldables and the cushion design on the Galaxy Watch 9.
OnePlus has closed its US operations. Stock of the OnePlus 15 and most other products has now sold out.
Google Clock 9.0 adds Live Update notifications for stopwatches and timers on Pixel devices. The feature surfaces running timers directly in the notification shade and lock screen.