Tag: google

  • Fitbit Co-founders Exit Google During Hardware Division Restructuring

    Fitbit Co-founders Exit Google During Hardware Division Restructuring

    Shifts in Google’s Hardware Strategy Highlighted by Exiting Executives, Reorganization, and Workforce Reductions

    Founders of Fitbit, James Park and Eric Friedman, along with several team members, are leaving Google, marking a significant development for the tech giant post its acquisition of Fitbit three years ago. The departures, as disclosed by 9to5Google, signify a pivotal transition within the company.

    Google is not only bidding farewell to some personnel but also streamlining its operations by implementing job cuts across various crucial divisions. The company, as confirmed to 9to5Google, is set to eliminate "a few hundred roles," with a primary focus on its augmented reality (AR) sector.

    Consolidation of Hardware Teams and Implementation of a New Organizational Framework

    Alongside these departures and workforce adjustments, Google is amalgamating its Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit hardware divisions into a unified organizational structure. Rather than maintaining separate engineering teams for each product line, Google is establishing a singular hardware group led by a unified leader.

    This restructured setup adopts a "functional" model where teams are structured based on expertise rather than product lines. For example, there will be a dedicated hardware engineering team overseeing all Google devices. The objective behind this restructuring is to achieve a more cohesive product design across Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit product offerings.

    Emulating Apple’s Organizational Approach

    Google’s shift towards a functional organizational model draws parallels with Apple’s team organization strategy, indicating a potential emulation of its competitor’s successful approach.

    Emphasis on AR Hardware Endeavors

    Despite the recent downsizing and restructuring initiatives, Google continues to play a crucial role in the realm of augmented reality (AR) hardware projects. Qualcomm’s recent introduction of a new AR/VR chip at CES 2024, expected to power Samsung’s forthcoming AR headset featuring Google-designed software, underscores Google’s ongoing involvement in the AR domain, with the headset’s launch slated for later this year.

    Opportunities for Impacted Employees

    Google has assured those affected by the job cuts of the possibility to apply for other available positions within the company, offering a glimmer of hope to individuals impacted by the restructuring.

    Shifting Hardware Strategy

    The transformations in Google’s hardware strategy reflect its evolving nature. While the departure of Fitbit’s founders may signal a change, their technological contributions will persist within the unified hardware group. Furthermore, the downsizing within the AR team hints at a potential pivot towards software and collaborative ventures for Google’s AR aspirations, shifting the focus from solely hardware development.

    Looking Forward

    The upcoming months will uncover how these strategic alterations reshape Google’s hardware landscape. The launch of Samsung’s AR headset powered by Google technology could provide early insight into the company’s new trajectory. As Google continues to adapt its hardware initiatives, the impact on future products and partnerships remains a topic of interest.

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  • Preliminary Settlement Reached by Google in Lawsuit Over Incognito Mode

    Preliminary Settlement Reached by Google in Lawsuit Over Incognito Mode

    Google Reaches Preliminary Settlement in Class-Action Lawsuit Over Chrome’s Incognito Mode

    Google has reached a preliminary settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed in 2020 over its Chrome browser’s Incognito mode. The lawsuit, which originated in the Northern District of California, accused Google of secretly tracking, collecting, and identifying users’ browsing data in real-time, even when using Incognito mode.

    Accusations and Violations

    The legal action, led by Florida resident William Byatt and Californians Chasom Brown and Maria Nguyen, alleged that Google violated wiretap laws. It claimed that websites using Google Analytics or Ad Manager gathered information from browsers in Incognito mode, including web page content, device data, and IP addresses. The lawsuit also accused Google of linking users’ private browsing activity with their existing profiles.

    Dismissal Attempt and Judge’s Ruling

    Google initially tried to dismiss the lawsuit by arguing that the warning displayed when activating Incognito mode should serve as sufficient notice to users. However, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected this argument in August. The judge emphasized that Google had not explicitly informed users about the continued data collection during private browsing.

    Settlement Agreement

    After negotiations, Google and the plaintiffs have agreed to terms that will ultimately lead to the dismissal of the litigation. The finalized agreement is expected to be presented to the court by the end of January, and court approval is anticipated by the end of February.

    Trial Cancellation and Damages

    This development effectively halts a scheduled February 5, 2024 trial. The lawsuit sought at least $5 billion in damages, claiming that Google’s analytics, cookies, and apps allowed tracking even when users believed they were browsing privately. The specific terms of the settlement remain undisclosed until court approval is obtained by February 24, 2024.

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  • Google’s VideoPOET Achieves Innovative Coherent Video Generation

    Google’s VideoPOET Achieves Innovative Coherent Video Generation

    Google Unveils VideoPoet: Revolutionizing Video Generation

    Google has revealed VideoPoet, an innovative large language model (LLM) that is transforming the landscape of video generation. VideoPoet stands out by excelling in creating coherent large-motion videos with minimal artifacts, departing from its predecessors. This cutting-edge model is equipped to handle a variety of video generation tasks, encompassing text-to-video conversion, image-to-video transformation, video stylization, inpainting, and video-to-audio functionalities.

    Breakthroughs in Video Generation

    VideoPoet distinguishes itself by its ability to produce ten-second-long videos, surpassing its competitors like Gen-2. Notably, this model does not rely on specific data inputs for video creation, setting it apart from models that demand detailed information for optimal performance. With its diverse capabilities, VideoPoet leverages a multi-modal large model, positioning itself as a potential frontrunner in the realm of video generation.

    Leveraging the Potential of Large Language Models

    In a departure from prevalent trends in video generation models, Google’s VideoPoet shifts away from diffusion-based approaches. Instead, it harnesses the power of large language models (LLMs) to seamlessly integrate a range of video generation tasks within a singular model. This integration eliminates the necessity for separately trained components for each function, resulting in videos that showcase varying lengths, actions, and styles informed by the input text content.

    Adaptability and Future Prospects

    Apart from generating 10-second video clips from text prompts, VideoPoet demonstrates its adaptability by animating static images based on provided cues. This versatility across various inputs underscores VideoPoet’s potential in AI-powered video generation. With the introduction of VideoPoet marking a new era in this domain, it hints at the exciting opportunities that await in 2024.

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  • Google Resolves Play Store Antitrust Lawsuit with $700 Million Settlement and Enhancements

    Google Resolves Play Store Antitrust Lawsuit with $700 Million Settlement and Enhancements

    Google Settles Antitrust Lawsuit with $700 Million Payment

    Google's parent company, Alphabet, has reached a settlement in a major antitrust lawsuit, agreeing to pay $700 million and make changes to the Google Play Store's policies. The settlement comes after pressure from all 50 US states and consumers, who accused Google of using unfair tactics to force developers to exclusively use the Play Store, resulting in inflated app prices. Google would take a 30% cut from each Play Store transaction, which affected both consumers and developers.

    Changes to the Play Store Ecosystem

    To resolve the legal dispute, Google has agreed to pay a significant sum and loosen its control over the Play Store ecosystem. Here are the key changes:

    $630 Million Consumer Fund

    Google will establish a $630 million consumer fund, which aims to compensate consumers who may have overpaid for in-app purchases made through Google Play. The distribution of this fund will be subject to court approval, and specific details regarding its distribution have not been disclosed.

    $70 Million State Fund

    In addition to the consumer fund, Google will pay an additional $70 million to the states. The states will have the discretion to allocate this fund as they see fit.

    Opening Up the App Ecosystem

    As part of the settlement, Google will also make changes to the app ecosystem, allowing for more flexibility and options for developers and consumers.

    Separate Billing System for Developers

    Developers will now have the choice to use a separate billing system, which will save them 4% on the fees imposed by the Play Store. This change comes after Google tested the system for over a year and is now ready to implement it officially. Additionally, developers will be able to offer different price options within their apps, providing consumers with more flexibility.

    Easier App Downloads Outside the Play Store

    Google is making it easier for users to download apps directly from developers' websites, bypassing the Play Store entirely. This move aims to loosen the Play Store's hold on app downloads and provide users with more options.

    Updates Through Alternative App Stores

    Phone makers will no longer require Google's permission to pre-install other app stores, even skipping the Play Store altogether. In the upcoming Android 14, these alternative stores will also be able to handle app updates, reducing Google's control over the app distribution process.

    Overall, this settlement and the changes implemented by Google aim to address the concerns raised in the antitrust lawsuit. By opening up the app market and reducing its control, Google seeks to create a more competitive and consumer-friendly environment for app developers and users alike.

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  • Google Announces Stadia Controller Users will have Bluetooth Mode Option by 2024’s End

    Google Announces Stadia Controller Users will have Bluetooth Mode Option by 2024’s End

    Google Extends Deadline for Stadia Controller Bluetooth Synchronization

    Google has announced that the deadline to synchronize Stadia controllers with Bluetooth has been extended. Previously, users were required to connect their controllers to a computer and utilize an online application provided by Google to activate Bluetooth mode. However, Google has now pushed out the deadline from December 31, 2023, to December 31, 2024.

    Switching to Bluetooth Mode

    Switching to Bluetooth mode is a relatively straightforward process, as outlined in the step-by-step directions provided by the application. Once the procedure is complete, the Stadia controller will begin utilizing Bluetooth low-energy connections.

    Permanent Changes

    It is important to note that once the controller is switched to Bluetooth mode, certain capabilities such as wireless passthrough audio, which are only available with Wi-Fi connectivity, will no longer be accessible. However, Google has deemed this modification to be permanent. Despite losing these functions, users may still prefer to use the controller in Bluetooth mode rather than not being able to use it at all.

    Verifying Bluetooth Patch

    To ensure that your Stadia controller has the most recent Bluetooth patch, you can visit the Stadia website and connect the controller to a PC. This will allow you to check if any updates are needed.

    In conclusion, Google has provided Stadia controller users with more time to switch to Bluetooth mode by extending the deadline to December 31, 2024. By following the step-by-step directions provided by the online application, users can easily activate Bluetooth and enjoy the flexibility of using their Stadia controller with various devices and gaming platforms.

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  • Apple and Google under investigation by European Commission for compliance with Digital Services Act

    Apple and Google under investigation by European Commission for compliance with Digital Services Act

    European Commission Requests Information from Apple and Google on Risk Management Practices in App Stores

    The European Commission has formally requested information from tech giants Apple and Google regarding their risk management practices within their app stores. This move comes as both the App Store and Google Play have been designated as “Very Large Online Platforms” (VLOPs) under the recently enacted Digital Services Act (DSA). As VLOPs, these platforms are subject to compliance with the DSA, and the Commission is particularly interested in identifying and mitigating “systemic risks” associated with them.

    Identifying and Mitigating Systemic Risks

    The European Commission’s inquiry focuses on the potential risks posed by these app stores, including the dissemination of illegal and harmful content, as well as the potential negative impacts on fundamental rights, public security, public health, and minors. The Commission aims to understand how Apple and Google address these issues within their app ecosystems.

    Transparency and Clarity in Risk Management

    One key aspect of the inquiry is the transparency of recommender systems and online advertisements linked to app stores. The Commission seeks clarity on areas such as the assessment of app safety before it goes live and the evaluation of targeted advertisements based on the anticipated audience. This inquiry highlights the need for clear guidelines and practices in these areas.

    Ambiguity Surrounding “Illegal and Harmful Content”

    A notable challenge outlined in the Commission’s request is the lack of a clear definition for “illegal and harmful content.” This ambiguity leaves room for interpretation, potentially encompassing aspects such as pre-launch app safety assessments and the determination of appropriate advertisements based on the target audience. The Commission seeks further information on how Apple and Google address this challenge.

    Deadline for Compliance

    Both Apple and Google have been given until January 15 to comply with the European Commission’s request for detailed information. Failure to do so could result in formal proceedings under Article 66 of the DSA, demonstrating the Commission’s commitment to enforcing the new regulations.

    In conclusion, the European Commission has requested information from Apple and Google regarding their risk management practices in their app stores. The Commission aims to identify and mitigate systemic risks associated with these platforms, particularly in relation to illegal and harmful content and potential negative impacts on fundamental rights and public security. The inquiry also focuses on the transparency and clarity of recommender systems and online advertisements. Apple and Google have until January 15 to provide the requested information, failure to do so could lead to formal proceedings under the DSA.

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  • Google Report Indicates Upcoming Pixel 9 Series with Exclusive Pixie AI Assistant

    Google Report Indicates Upcoming Pixel 9 Series with Exclusive Pixie AI Assistant

    Google Pixie: A Unique AI Assistant Tailored for Pixel 9 Series

    The Google Pixel has garnered acclaim for delivering a premium Android experience on mobile devices. With its distinctive attributes and exceptional performance, it has earned a special place in the hearts of Android aficionados. Now, Google is poised to elevate this experience by unveiling a novel AI assistant known as Pixie, exclusively designed for the upcoming Pixel 9 series.

    Progress in AI Support

    Presently, Google Assistant serves as a proficient AI voice aide accessible on all Android smartphones and various gadgets. Nevertheless, fueled by recent developments in AI technology, Google is said to be developing a more sophisticated assistant. Rumored to be christened Pixie, this assistant is anticipated to bring forth a plethora of fresh features and capabilities.

    Reserved for Pixel Devices

    Insiders familiar with the situation suggest that Google’s endeavors concerning Pixie are already underway. Expected to be a Pixel-exclusive trait, this AI assistant is projected to make its debut alongside the Pixel 9 series in 2024. Although Pixie is expected to undertake tasks akin to those of Google Assistant, it is poised to introduce novel advancements enabling its adeptness in handling complex tasks.

    Augmented Functionality

    A standout feature of Pixie is its capacity to recommend nearby retail outlets where users can procure items they have captured in photos. While this might seem straightforward, the underlying process is intricate, yet Pixie is equipped to manage it seamlessly. Additionally, Pixie might extend offline functionality, empowering users to issue commands and execute tasks on their devices sans an internet connection—a notable departure from the capabilities of Google Assistant.

    Empowered by Gemini Nano

    Speculation suggests that Pixie will harness the power of Gemini Nano, further enhancing its capacities and performance. Nonetheless, it should be noted that "Pixie" currently serves as an internal codename, subject to potential modification before its official launch.

    To sum up, the advent of Pixie as an exclusive AI assistant tailored for the Pixel 9 series underscores Google’s dedication to furnishing a superlative Android encounter for its users. With cutting-edge features and enriched functionality, Pixie is poised to elevate the Pixel experience to unprecedented levels.

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  • Google Confirms Alteration of Gemini AI Demo in Recent Report

    Google Confirms Alteration of Gemini AI Demo in Recent Report

    Google’s Gemini AI Model Faces Skepticism Over Demo Video

    Google recently introduced its new Gemini AI model, positioning it as a competitor to OpenAI’s GPT-4. However, the authenticity of Gemini’s demo video has come under scrutiny following a report by Bloomberg.

    Gemini Outperforms GPT-4

    According to Google, the Gemini model surpasses GPT-4 in terms of performance. It achieved a score of 90.04% on the MMLU benchmark, while GPT-4 scored 87.29%.

    Questionable Demo Video

    Google also released a demo video showcasing Gemini’s impressive capabilities. In the video, Gemini interacted with humans in real-time, demonstrating its ability to understand and respond to complex visuals and prompts seamlessly.

    Edited Video Raises Doubts

    However, Bloomberg’s investigation revealed that the video was edited and did not accurately represent real-time interactions. The “live” demonstration relied on still image frames and pre-written prompts, rather than actual responses in real-time.

    Google’s Response

    In response to the controversy, Google co-lead Oriol Vinyals defended the video. He claimed that the purpose of the video was to inspire developers by showcasing the potential of Gemini-powered user experiences. However, many believe that his statement failed to address the discrepancy between the video’s presentation and the actual capabilities of the technology.

    Lack of Transparency

    Even Google’s official disclaimer for the video on YouTube mentions “reduced latency” and “shortened outputs.” However, it does not fully disclose the extent of the editing that Bloomberg uncovered. This discrepancy has diminished the appeal of Gemini AI for many.

    Past Criticisms

    This is not the first time Google has faced criticism for such practices. Earlier in 2023, a rushed demo of its Bard AI resulted in significant errors, damaging the company’s reputation.

    Communication Challenges

    Despite being a leader in machine learning research, Google seems to struggle with effectively communicating the capabilities of its AI tools. Only time will tell whether Gemini can live up to the initial hype.

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  • Samsung received $8 billion from Google to secure its role as the default search engine, app store, and voice assistant.

    Samsung received $8 billion from Google to secure its role as the default search engine, app store, and voice assistant.

    Google’s Multibillion-Dollar Strategy to Dominate Android Ecosystem

    In a recent antitrust trial involving Google and Epic Games, significant information has come to light regarding Google’s tactics to maintain its dominant position within the Android market. A key aspect of this strategy involves its relationship with Samsung, the largest Android Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

    A Lucrative Partnership

    According to a Bloomberg report, Google paid Samsung a substantial $8 billion over a four-year period to ensure that its key services, including Google Search, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, remained the default options on Samsung Galaxy devices. This move was part of Google’s broader agenda to solidify its presence within the Android ecosystem and discourage OEMs from promoting competing services. For instance, Samsung has its own Bixby voice assistant and Galaxy Store, which could have potentially overshadowed Google’s offerings.

    The Crucial Role of Samsung Devices

    James Kolotouros, Google’s Vice President for Partnerships, revealed these details during his testimony. He emphasized that Samsung’s contribution accounted for more than half of the Google Play Store’s revenue, underscoring the crucial role of Samsung devices in Google’s ecosystem.

    Project Banyan: Securing Dominance

    This partnership between Google and Samsung forms part of a larger initiative by Google, known as Project Banyan, aimed at maintaining the dominance of its services on Android devices. Under this project, Google not only secured its apps’ pre-eminence on devices but also shared advertising revenue and offered incentives to OEMs for prioritizing Google’s apps. For instance, in 2020, Google proposed spending $2.9 billion, which would increase to $4.5 billion by 2023, to ensure the availability of its search, Play, and other critical apps on various devices, including those from non-Android OEMs and wireless carriers.

    Responding to Competition

    Furthermore, Google’s agreement with Samsung initially included a proposal to prevent the Galaxy Store from being placed on home screens, though this plan was later abandoned. This strategy was partly in response to competition from Apple, as Google aimed to improve the Android experience to attract potential iPhone switchers.

    Overall, the revelations from the antitrust trial shed light on Google’s multibillion-dollar strategy to dominate the Android ecosystem. By investing heavily in its partnership with Samsung and implementing Project Banyan, Google aims to solidify its position and maintain its control over key services and revenue streams within the Android market.

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  • In three weeks, Google plans to remove inactive Gmail accounts, warns company

    In three weeks, Google plans to remove inactive Gmail accounts, warns company

    Google Warns Inactive Gmail Users to Update or Lose Accounts

    Google has issued a three-week warning to inactive Gmail account holders to update their records or risk losing their accounts. The internet search giant plans to purge millions of Gmail accounts that have been inactive for up to two years, resulting in the permanent loss of emails, documents, photos, and videos.

    The removal of inactive Gmail accounts is part of a major update to the email service. All personal Gmail accounts that have been dormant for at least two years will be affected by the purge. The updated policy, which was introduced this year, is expected to take effect by December 2023. Google is updating its inactivity policy for Google Accounts to two years across all Google products. Additionally, the policy limits the amount of time that Google can retain unused personal information from dormant accounts.

    Enhancing User Safety

    The move by Google to delete inactive Google accounts has positive safety implications. It is expected to protect active Google users from security threats like phishing, account hijacking, and scams. Dormant Google accounts are at a higher risk of being compromised by hackers. Google will send multiple notifications to affected inactive or dormant Gmail account holders before taking any action.

    Notifications will also be sent to the attached recovery email address of affected accounts. Google has already begun sending emails to the affected accounts. Account holders facing the risk of account deletion can prevent it by performing various actions, such as sending or opening an email, accessing Google Drive, downloading an app from the Google Play Store, or simply conducting a Google search while logged into the account.

    Protection for YouTube Users

    Gmail has grown into a massive email platform with a ubiquitous appeal. Google has stated that any account that has posted a YouTube video will not be impacted by the account purge, regardless of its last activity date.

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