What would breaking up Big Tech companies mean for you?
Breaking up Big Tech would have a massive impact on Silicon Valley. But if the government used its antitrust powers to break up Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple, would you even notice the effects in your day-to-day life? We spoke to experts to find out the impact it would have on regular people
Google feature lets you communicate with a 911 operator without speaking
Google is launching a new feature that lets emergency callers communicate with a 911 operator without uttering a word. If a caller can't speak due to injury, danger, or some kind of impairment, they can simply tap a couple of buttons on their phone to launch an automated voice service to get their message across.
The Google Files app now has a dark mode and better offline playback controls
Google has launched an update to the Files app, finally bringing a dark mode that should help save battery life and reduce eye strain. On top of that, the new app now also offers better offline playback controls, which is great for those who listen to music and watch videos through the app.
Google’s $5 Play Pass will make all the apps you want from the Play Store free
Google is testing a subscription service for the Google Play Store, called Play Pass, where anyone paying a single $5-per-month fee will gain access to a massive catalog of apps to download without any further charge. The Play Pass is not official yet, but here's what we know about it so far.
Hands on with Android Auto’s redesign and Assistant’s driver mode
Google just rolled out a series of updates to its Android Auto software. The new interface is darker and more intuitive to use, and requires fewer taps. There's also a driving mode coming to Google Assistant, as well as remote control options for certain cars.
More games for Stadia? Google quietly launches Cloud Game Servers alpha test
Google has begun private testing for its Google Cloud Game Servers system, which promise easier dedicated server implementation in your game. You can sign up now on the official website. The move comes just a few months before the launch of Google Stadia, a cloud game streaming service.
Project xCloud tests draw closer as new apps surface on Microsoft Store
It appears Microsoft is planning to commence tests for its Project xCloud game-streaming service shortly, as applications related to it have popped up on the official Microsoft Store. Both versions of the application are listed for Xbox One only, but xCloud will also work on PC, mobile, and more.
With voice and gestures, Google’s Pixel 4 takes us closer to a hands-free future
The forthcoming Pixel 4 smartphone from Google is going to feature gestures using a radar system, secure face unlock, and a whole new level of contextual voice commands. Google is leading the way towards a hands-free future that may finally free us from the tyranny of the touchscreen.
The Pixel 4’s coolest new feature means you don’t have to touch it
Google has tweeted a new teaser for the Google Pixel 4, showing facial recognition and gesture controls that will allow users to control certain aspects of the device without ever touching it. The tech is likely based on Google's Project Soli, which has been in the works for a few years now.
Google’s DeepMind is training Waymo’s self-driving cars like StarCraft II bots
DeepMind is teaming up with Waymo, a fellow unit of Google parent Alphabet, to train the neural networks of self-driving cars. The partnership is using the technique named population-based training, which was created as a way to speed up the learning process of computers playing StarCraft II.
Google Nest gives 100,000 Home Minis to people living with paralysis
Google Nest is giving away 100,000 free Home Minis to people who are living with paralysis. The company announced a partnership with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Friday to provide the devices to paralyzed individuals to help them gain some additional independence.
Enough is enough: It’s time to break up big tech companies
The Justice Department is starting an antitrust review of Big Tech companies. Antitrust investigations are needed when a business’ sheer bulk is abused, when innovative smaller companies are squashed, and when consumers are impacted. And frankly, that’s a very real problem in the tech world today.
The Justice Department is opening an antitrust review of Big Tech
The Justice Department will open a “broad antitrust review” into the country’s biggest tech companies. The review comes at a time when Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple face intense scrutiny from Washington.
The third generation of Google Glass may be nearly ready for release
Google Glass may not have been as popular among consumers as Google had hoped it would be, but the company is still developing the concept. In fact, according to recent reports, Google has finished testing of the third generation of Glass, and is entering manufacturing, suggesting it may soon be ready for release.
The Pixel 4 may have face-sensing tech that goes beyond the iPhone XS
It doesn't take long for a smartphone to age, and though the Pixel 3 is barely out, the Pixel 4 is on the way. It may be packing some new tech for Google too, and leaked screen protectors are implying Google's next flagship will have face-sensing tech that's beyond even Apple's iPhone XS.
Google Chrome 76 will stop websites from seeing users in Incognito Mode
Google Chrome 76 will implement a fix that will stop websites from detecting visitors who are in Incognito Mode. Google acknowledged that the change will complicate matters for publishers who have metered paywalls on their news websites, but it is more committed to the principles of private browsing.
Google says Stadia is not Netflix for games, more like Xbox Live Gold or PS Plus
The Director of Product for Google Stadia took to Reddit for an AMA. While no breaking news was reported, we got a clearer picture of the cloud gaming platform and its plans for mobile device support, free monthly games, and the reason developers should create for Stadia over home consoles.
These 6 popular browser extensions are selling your data
Some popular browser extensions are collecting and selling your data, according to a a new investigation. The extensions in question are Hover Zoom, SpeakIt!, SuperZoom, SaveFrom.net Helper, FairShare Unlock and PanelMeasurement.
Stalking apps: Google deletes 7 Android trackers from the Play Store
Google has removed from the Play Store seven stalking apps that let a snoop track someone's phone without them knowing about it. The sneaky software also offers access to a handset’s contact list, as well as its SMS and call history. Such apps are sometimes used by abusive partners or dodgy employers, among others.
5 questions the Google Stadia team needs to answer in its Reddit AMA
Google's Stadia team is planning to take part in a Reddit AMA on July 18. These are five questions we believe it must answer about the upcoming game-streaming service. Stadia will launch later in 2019 with its Founder's Edition, with other subscription plans arriving the following year.
It’s World Emoji Day! Here are the emojis coming to Android and iPhone this year
It's World Emoji Day! Google and Apple are celebrating by releasing sneak previews of the new emojis that they're bringing to their respective platforms in the next year. With new inclusions for those with disabilities and new gender-neutral options, here some of the new emojis you can expect to see.
No, the Pixel 4’s bezels are not a major crime against smartphone design
Leaks have shown us what the Google Pixel may look like from the front, and the bezels around the screen have sent the masses into a panic, claiming the design is outdated and ugly. Except it's not. We've been slowly conditioned to think this. Here's why.
Google Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra: Everything you need to know
Google's Chromecast devices stream content from your mobile device or computer right to your TV, even in 4K. The device is offered in three iterations, including a 4K HDR version, as well as an audio-only version. Here's everything you need to know about Chromecast.
Forget work and find Google’s hidden, fun, time-wasting Wimbledon tennis game
Google has hidden another of its fun Easter egg games in its Search engine, this time based on the Wimbledon tennis tournament, ready for those looking to take a short (or not so short) break from what you should really be doing. Work, probably. Here's how to find it. Just don't let the boss see.
Google Fit is so buggy that some users can’t even log in
Google Fit may have gotten a major redesign less than a year ago, but it doesn't seem as though Google is keeping up with the app. According to new reports, the app is so buggy that some users can't even log in, while others are experiencing issues with syncing and tracking.
Digital Trends Live: Google and Amazon call truce, IBM foldable watch, and more
On this episode of Digital Trends Live, we discuss the biggest trending tech stories of the day, including a Google and Amazon video service truce, an IBM foldable watch, Waymo’s robo-taxi perks, Amazon moves to be your home internet provider, Donkey Kong celebrates a birthday, and more.
U.S. vs. Huawei: As trade war escalates, tech companies sit in the crosshairs
The U.S. Commerce Department has added Huawei to its "Entity List," meaning it cannot trade with the U.S. without permission. Google, Intel, and ARM are all confirmed or rumored to be ceasing business, which may have disastrous long-term effects on Huawei's smartphones. Here's what you need to know.
Over 1,000 Android apps are collecting user data without permission
According to a new report, around 1,325 Android apps collect user location data and phone identifier data even without the user's permission to do so. According to Google, a fix to the issue won't be released until Android Q -- and that will still leave those who don't get Android Q vulnerable.
Renders reveal Google’s upcoming Pixel 4 XL in all its notch-less glory
The Google Pixel 4 is coming this year, and if you’re wondering how it will look, here is a good idea. This is a render of the phone based on official news, leaked information, and alleged schematics, and the good news from a design standpoint is that the Pixel 3 XL's notch looks likely to disappear.
Gmail tracks everything you purchase and you STILL can’t delete it or opt out
In May, it was revealed that Google was tracking the purchase history of its users, through a little-known Purchases page which pulls information from Gmail emails like order confirmations. This was bad enough, but it gets worse. Even when emails are deleted, the information remains on the Purchases page.
Google denies working on touchscreen tech for Chinese fighter jets
Google denied that it helped China's military build a new touchscreen tool for its J-20 fighter jets. The tech giant said that it had no role in the military aspect of touchscreen research that could potentially give an advantage to Chinese fighter jets in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat
Amazon, Google retail rivals throw weight behind antitrust probes of tech giants
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) penned a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Sunday commending the antitrust probes from the FTC and the Department of Justice.
Google’s Fast Share to replace Android Beam, will be similar to Apple’s AirDrop
Android Beam, which uses NFC connections to send information between smartphones, will no longer be available in Android Q. Google is working on a new feature named Fast Share as a replacement, and 9to5Google got it working on a Pixel 3 XL to give a glimpse of how it will work.
Digital Trends Live: Amazon’s Counter service, Google’s folding smartbook
On this episode of Digital Trends Live, host Greg Nibler and Nicole Raney, managing editor of The Manual, discuss the biggest tech stories of the day, including Amazon’s new “Counter” service, Google’s folding smartbook, robo-bees, anime smart home assistants, and more.