Google to Pay Billion-Dollar Settlement Over Texas Privacy Claims

Friday, May 9, 2025, 8:20 pm more...

Google has agreed to a settlement of roughly $1.375 billion to settle allegations of invasive data tracking practices in Texas. Both reports detail the breach of users’ sensitive geolocation and privacy rights, marking another hefty reminder that digital privacy demands serious oversight—even if enforcement sometimes seems as elusive as a mirage.

theverge.com / Google will pay a $1.375 billion settlement to Texas over privacy violations

cnbc.com / Google agrees to pay Texas $1.4 billion data privacy settlement

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 6 hours ago #dataprivacy #google #privacy #law +

Google Gemini API introduces caching to slash developer costs

Friday, May 9, 2025, 12:20 pm more...

Google is shaking up the developer playground by adding an implicit caching feature to its Gemini 2.5 API, promising to cut costs by up to 75%. By reusing common data prefixes, this move transforms repetitive prompt handling, making high-powered AI more efficient—and a bit more wallet‐friendly—for tech innovators.

winbuzzer.com / Google Gemini API Adds Implicit Caching, Promises Usage Cost Reduction up to 75%

the-decoder.com / Google's new caching feature for Gemini 2.5 aims to reduce costs by up to 75 percent

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 14 hours ago #ai #google #aiethics #alphabet +

Google Upgrades Chrome with AI Scam-Detection Tools

Thursday, May 8, 2025, 1:20 pm more...

Google has ramped up its anti-scam arsenal by embedding its on-device Gemini Nano AI technology into Chrome, along with additional AI-powered safeguards. These measures, detailed in several announcements, are designed to detect and disrupt online scams and fraudulent tech support schemes with a bit of algorithmic snark.

winbuzzer.com / Google Chrome Gets On-Device AI Scam Shield with Gemini Nano Model

macrumors.com / Google Using AI to Combat Scams in Chrome

cnet.com / Google Launches New AI-Powered Scam Detection Features

engadget.com / Chrome will now use Gemini Nano to catch scams

techcrunch.com / Google rolls out AI tools to protect Chrome users against scams

permalink / 6 stories from sources in 37 hours ago #ai #google #scam +

Google Maps Unveils AI-Enhanced Screenshot Location Feature

Thursday, May 8, 2025, 7:20 am more...

Google Maps has rolled out a Gemini AI-powered upgrade that scours your iPhone screenshots for location cues, automatically compiling them into a curated list. Travelers get to rediscover forgotten dining spots or hidden gems, while privacy enthusiasts may wonder if they’ve just turned their photo gallery into a digital treasure map.

Bluesky: @macrumors.bsky.social

appleinsider.com / Google Maps for iOS uses Gemini to pull places from screenshots

macrumors.com / Google Maps Can Now Scan Your iPhone Screenshots for Places

bgr.com / Why you’re crazy if you travel without using ChatGPT and this new Google Maps AI feature

betanews.com / Google Maps can now use your screenshots to help you plan trips thanks to Gemini AI

permalink / 4 stories from sources in 43 hours ago #ai #mobile #google #apps +

Google implements global business unit layoffs amid restructuring moves

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 8:20 pm more...

Two independent reports confirm that Google is trimming roughly 200 jobs from its global business unit as part of a broader restructuring. Amid the chaos of tech cost-cutting, this move is a stark reminder that even industry giants aren’t immune to market pressures—hard lessons served with a side of corporate dystopia.

reuters.com/business / Google cuts about 200 staff in global business unit, The Information reports - Reuters

theinformation.com / Google Cuts Staff in Global Business Organization - The Information

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 2 days ago #google #business #jobs +

Google Rolls Out Gemini App for iPad

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 3:20 pm more...

Google has decided that iPads deserve a native AI experience, launching a Gemini app designed exclusively for the tablet’s larger display and multitasking prowess. Gone are the days of squished iPhone versions—users can now enjoy a full-fledged, intelligently crafted interface right on their iPads.

Bluesky: @verge-poster.bsky.social

macrumors.com / Google Gemini App Gets iPad Optimization

theverge.com / Google launched a Gemini app for iPad

engadget.com / Google launches a Gemini app for iPad

betanews.com / Google brings Gemini to Apple iPad

permalink / 4 stories from sources in 2 days ago #google #apps #ipad +

Google Patches Actively Exploited FreeType Flaw in Android Update

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 12:21 pm more...

Google has swiftly addressed security concerns by patching an actively exploited zero‐click FreeType vulnerability in Android. The update counters risks that could lead to remote code execution, underscoring the tech giant’s rapid response amid mounting cyber threats. Users are urged to update immediately.

androidheadlines.com / Google Patches Android's Critical Flaw Already Under Attack

bleepingcomputer.com / Google fixes actively exploited FreeType flaw on Android

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 3 days ago #cybersecurity #infosec #google #android +

Google Leaks Android’s Upcoming Material 3 Expressive Design Update

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 12:21 pm more...

In a surprising twist, Google accidentally revealed details about its next-generation Android interface—Material 3 Expressive. The leaked design promises a bold, refreshed look aimed at shaking off the mundane and ushering in a more engaging user experience, much to everyone’s unexpected delight.

mobilesyrup.com / Google leaks its own upcoming Android design changes

cnet.com / Google Accidentally Leaks Android's Upcoming Material 3 Expressive Design Language

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 3 days ago #google #android #ux +

Google iOS App Simplifies Dense Tech Jargon Using AI

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 12:21 pm more...

Google has launched a clever new “Simplify” feature in its iOS app that employs AI to turn overly technical, jargon-filled text into clear, digestible language. Users now get on-the-spot clarity without leaving their favorite app—making the esoteric suddenly understandable.

macrumors.com / Google Search App Can Now 'Simplify' Complex Search Results

theregister.com / Feeling dumb? Let Google's latest AI invention simplify that wordy writing for you

theverge.com / Google’s iOS app will use AI to simplify jargon

techcrunch.com / Google’s new ‘Simplify’ feature for iOS uses AI to make dense text easier to understand 

permalink / 4 stories from sources in 3 days ago #ai #google #ios #apps +

Google Gemini 2.5 Pro Unveiled Ahead of I/O Conference

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 11:20 am more...

Google has pre-released its upgraded Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model, touting enhanced coding and app development capabilities ahead of its I/O showcase. The new version aims to set fresh performance benchmarks for developers, leaving the tech community both intrigued and skeptical of what’s next.

Bluesky: @techcrunch.com, @simonwillison.net, @simon.fedi.simonwillison.net.ap.brid.gy

androidheadlines.com / Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview (I/O edition) Is Here To Be Your Coding Buddy

engadget.com / Google I/O 2025: What to expect over the next two weeks on Android 16, Android XR and Gemini

venturebeat.com / Meet the new king of AI coding: Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro I/O Edition dethrones Claude 3.7 Sonnet

simonwillison.net / Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview: even better coding performance

cnet.com / Gemini 2.5 Pro Update Boosts Coding Abilities Ahead of Google I/O Splash

permalink / 9 stories from sources in 3 days ago #ai #google #genai #technology +