Google’s $5.1 billion antitrust fine could mean the end of free Android
The European Commission has fined Google a record breaking $5.1 billion over anti-trust issues related to the search engine giant's handling of the Android ecosystem. But while the fine is still small beans to Google, it's the EU's continued attention that could be making the company nervous.
Google to run a 4,000-mile cable between Virginia and France
There will soon be a cable connecting France and Virginia, and it's all in the name of providing better internet service. In a statement this week, Google announced that it would be constructing an undersea, transatlantic cable that will have one end in Virginia Beach, and will span 4,000 miles across the ocean.
Google, Microsoft, Twitter, and Facebook team up on new data transfer project
Some of the largest tech companies in the world have teamed up to make data portability a little easier. The initiative is called the Data Transfer Project, and the likes of Google, Twitter, Microsoft, and Facebook are all on board. There's no product to show off just yet, but the project could be groundbreaking.
How to improve your Android privacy
If you have an Android phone or tablet and you’re concerned about your privacy, then we have a few tips for you. Learn about the settings you can change to improve your Android privacy and safeguard your personal data. Prevent the tracking of your activity, stop sharing files, and hide sensitive content.
Nest will merge into Google’s home and living room team as CEO steps down
Nests' CEO is the CEO no more. Marwan Fawaz is no longer at the helm of the Google-owned smart appliance maker. Nest will join Google's home and living room products team, which Google says will streamline the integration of its machine learning technology and A.I. capabilities.
To celebrate World Emoji Day, Google’s blobmoji are back as sticker packs
Google replaced the humble Blob Emoji, or blobmoji, as the standard in Android last year with Android 8.0 Oreo. Now, however, it's finally bringing it back -- sort of. Users can download blobmoji as sticker packs in Google's Gboard, and reports indicate the blobs will be coming to Android Messages too.
European Commission may slap Google with a game-changing fine over Android
Sources close to the European Commission claim Google will likely face a multi-billion-dollar fine come July arising from Android's dominance in the smartphone market, along with a few "suggestions" to keep the company out of hot water. But analysts don't think this will make a drastic change.
Google Assistant’s new Visual Snapshot tab prepares you for the day
Ever wish you could get an instant update of your day at a glance? Google Assistant now can show you upcoming travel plans, deliveries, bills and more as a part of the new Visual Snapshot feature. Expect more to be added as time goes by, such as the ability to see details from various to-do list apps.
How to turn off targeted ads in Google
Ever wonder why you see ads that seem to know you too well? Google tailors ads that are specifically for you. It knows your age, gender, interests and sends you pop-ups that you are more likely to click on. Now you can turn off those personalized ads from Google. Here's how to do it.
Google Chrome now consumes more memory due to a new Spectre fix
Version 67 of Google’s Chrome browser for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS now includes a new security feature called Site Isolation. This new component protects web surfers against Spectre-based attacks on the internet but for a price: 10 to 13 percent more system memory consumption.
iPhone users can now access Morse code on Gboard for iOS
In a huge accessibility win, Google has announced that Gboard for iOS will be getting the option to type in Morse code. While this may seem odd to some, the inclusion of this mode will open smartphone technology up to many disabled people who may find it hard to type on a regular keyboard.
Google’s Chrome desktop browser is about to receive a major facelift
If you subscribe to Google’s nightly build of Chrome “Canary,” the latest release for Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS now sports a much-needed facelift thanks to the new Material Design user interface. It’s set as the default, providing enhancements to the boring outdated Chrome look.
Congress demands answers over Gmail fiasco, data collection on phones
Congress is now demanding answers from Apple and Google regarding data collection on iOS and Android devices. Both Apple CEO Tim Cook and Alphabet CEO Larry Page received letters from the Energy and Commerce Committee seeking explanations about how these devices use recorded audio and more.
How to use YouTube’s Incognito Mode in the Android app
The YouTube Android app is finally getting Incognito Mode -- a feature that Google has been testing out for a few months, and that will help you browse YouTube in private whenever you want. Here's how to activate Incognito Mode in the YouTube Android app.
Apple’s HomePod only makes up 4 percent of the smart speaker market
Canalys recently published new data about the burgeoning smart speaker market, and revealed that Apple's HomePod, once a highly anticipated competitor to the Google Home and Amazon Echo lines, isn't catching on quite the way the Apple hoped. The HomePod only makes up about 4% of market share.
Google offers giant discounts on speakers and phones during its summer sale
Amazon Prime Day is fast approaching, but don't think that Amazon is the only online giant putting on a massive summer sale. Not to be outdone, Google is throwing a price-slashing party of its own, and is cutting the prices of some of its most popular flagship products, including the Pixel and Home.
Pumpkin Pie perhaps? Just what should Android P be called?
We run through a list of the most likely -- and unlikely -- names for Google's next version of Android. There are many possibilities for Android P, as plenty of desserts start with the 16th letter of the alphabet. Will it be another brand-name tie-in or a generic dessert name this time around?
How to get the best Android P features on any Android phone
Android P, the forthcoming update for the Android operating system, brings with it a slew of new features. If you don't have one of the phones that supports the Android P beta, you can still outfit your phone with P's new features, thanks to some clever apps. Here's how to do it.
Chrome OS keeps improving, but it still doesn’t work for me
Chrome OS continues to improve, with Android app support, better tablet functionality, and a continuous stream of improvements that makes it increasingly capable. But whether or not it works for you comes down to how you use your PCs -- and for me, Chrome OS is too limited to fill my every need.
Google’s smart home mastermind talks security, A.I., the future of control
Google product lead Mark Spates works on the company’s smart speakers, including Google Home. In an interview with Digital Trends, he talked about the role of voice in the smart home and where the future might lead, including gesture control, proximity sensors, and new smart speaker hardware.
T-Mobile rolls out better texting — but only to the Samsung Galaxy S7
T-Mobile may have supported RCS in some iteration since 2015, but the company is now finally adopting Universal Profile, which will bring smarter messaging features to those who communicate with non-T-Mobile customers too. So far, only the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge is getting support.
Google ‘Yeti’ game console rumors: Everything we know
Reports claim that Google could be planning to enter the game console space with its own streaming-based platform. The service will reportedly function similarly to GeForce Now. Here is everything we know, including details on the controller, hardware, and games we can expect.
Google might be planning a game console. That doesn’t mean it will happen
A new report suggests Google is working on a game console, code-named Yeti, and took a variety of meetings at E3 to interest from game developers. It seems likely the reports about Google's game console are true, but that doesn't mean we'll ever see it.
How to use Google’s Datally to save data
If you're not on an unlimited data plan, then mobile data is a precious resource, and you want to save it. Background data-slurping is second nature to many modern apps, and it can be tough to stay on top of your allowances. Here's how to use Google Datally to conserve your mobile data.
‘Hey, Google, what’s wrong?’ Google Home ‘glitch’ gets a fix
Google has announced a fix for a glitch that took down users' Chromecast and Google Home devices all day on Wednesday, June 27. The company explained what happened, and said users can either reboot their devices now or wait until the fix is automatically made in a few hours.
‘Can I book a table for Thursday?’ Google Duplex duped me, but I didn’t mind
Google’s Duplex technology enables the Google Assistant to make calls, so you can ask it to book a reservation at a restaurant or schedule a haircut, and it’ll do all the work for you. We spent some time with the team behind Duplex to learn more about how it works, and to take a call from the Assistant.
Google’s Tilt Brush gets new brushes, ‘Beginner Mode,’ sound effects, and more
Google has updated the highly popular Tilt Brush app with a slew of new features, including a set of new brushes that should help make creating realistic landscapes a whole lot easier. On top of that, the app is getting new sound effects, and a Beginner Mode that makes getting used to the app easier.
Get all your pods in one place with Google’s streamlined Podcasts app
Play Music no more! Google's long-awaited stand-alone podcast app, Google Podcasts, is here, and it's being constantly updated. With Google's sleek design, super-smart integration with Google Home, and millions of podcasts available at launch, there's nowhere better to listen to your favorite podcasts.
Google Classroom to stop students peeking online for test answers
Google Classroom is rolling out a bunch of new updates for educators. Among them is an option for teachers to prevent cheating during online tests by locking students onto the quiz webpage so they can't research answers via the web, and a new tool that allows for the easy creation of virtual reality tours.
Google is adding DRM to Play Store apps for offline verification
Google has worked hard to beef up security on the Google Play Store in the last few years, and it's showing no signs of stopping. Google is adding DRM to each app that makes it way through Google-verified app stores, so offline users can be sure they're downloading a legitimate app.
From J.A.R.V.I.S to John Legend, here are our favorite A.I. assistants
From a wise and pragmatic Pontiac Trans Am to a trusted computer aboard the spacecraft Discovery One, the voices of artificial intelligence have solidified their place in pop culture. So, we decided to round up our favorites., concluding that giving a voice to technology subsequently brings it to life.
How to use Android Messages on the web
Google is rolling out its latest messaging app -- yes, another one -- to Android users starting this week. With the new version you'll be able to send and receive all your text messages right from any browser window. Here's how to get yourself all set up with the new system.
Bitter lawmakers tell Google to justify Huawei link after A.I. military deal ends
The U.S. Congress has attacked Google over its partnership with Huawei, after a deal to develop A.I. tech between Google and the U.S. Department of Defense ended. Members of Congress asked Google to justify working with Huawei over the U.S. military. Google employees previously called for the project to end.
Google’s A.I. tools can predict death risks more accurately than hospitals
Google is beating hospitals at their own game -- at least when it comes to death risk assessment. Google’s Medical Brain team has begun training its A.I. system to evaluate the risk of death among hospital patients, and the results so far are more accurate than the prediction rates in hospitals.