Tag: google

  • 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.

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Tags: , , ,
  • 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.

    Tags: ,
  • Generative AI in search by Google now available in over 120 new countries and territories

    Generative AI in search by Google now available in over 120 new countries and territories

    Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is now available in over 120 new countries and territories, thanks to its utilization of artificial intelligence to provide more interactive and informative search results.

    Initially launched in the United States, SGE has expanded to India and Japan, and now includes countries such as Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. A complete list of supported countries and territories can be found on Google’s website.

    To enable SGE in Chrome on desktop, users can visit Search Labs. Access to SGE through the Google app on Android and iOS will be available in the coming week.

    In addition to the expanded availability, Google has introduced four new languages for SGE: Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, and Indonesian. This means that users in these countries can now enjoy the benefits of SGE in their native language.

    New Features

    SGE also includes new features that enhance the search experience. Users can now ask follow-up questions directly from search results pages, allowing for a more conversational approach. Additionally, there is now a dedicated ad slot for displaying prior questions and search results, including search ads. These features will be rolled out gradually over the next few weeks, starting with English in the US.

    Google is also working on new AI-powered translation capabilities for SGE. Users will soon be able to indicate the specific meaning they have in mind when asking SGE to translate a phrase with words that can have multiple meanings. This feature is currently being launched in the US for English to Spanish translations, with plans to support more countries and languages in the future.

    Tags: ,
  • Google Chrome Enhances User Experience by Providing Easy Access to Tab RAM Consumption

    Google Chrome Enhances User Experience by Providing Easy Access to Tab RAM Consumption

    Where multitasking on browsers has become a norm, managing system resources effectively is crucial. Google Chrome, a web browser used by millions, has introduced a nifty feature that lets users keep tabs on the memory usage of individual tabs, quite literally. This new update, as reported by 9to5Google, is a step towards providing users with transparent information about how much system memory their open pages are consuming.

    Real-Time Memory Usage Data

    Previously, Chrome had launched a Memory Saver mode, which conserves system memory by limiting the resources used by inactive tabs. But this latest feature goes a step further by providing real-time memory usage data with a simple hover over a tab. This means you can now see which of your open websites are hogging system resources without the need to navigate through multiple settings.

    This convenience is particularly useful for users who work with numerous tabs open and need to keep their computers running smoothly. It’s a feature that speaks to the everyday user’s needs—no need for technical know-how to monitor your computer’s performance. Simple, on-the-fly, and informative, it can help you decide which tabs to close when your machine starts to lag.

    Accessing Memory and Energy Saver Modes

    To access the Memory and Energy Saver modes, users can go into the browser’s settings under the ‘Performance’ section. There’s also an option to keep certain important sites always active, ensuring that critical pages are not reloaded every time you click on them.

    The update is already available on the stable Chrome 119 channel and is expected to be accessible to all users soon. For those who can’t wait, there’s a way to enable it manually via Chrome’s experimental settings.

    Tags: ,
  • Home Panel is being expanded to all Android 14 devices by Google.

    Home Panel is being expanded to all Android 14 devices by Google.

    Google has recently announced that its Home Panel feature will soon be available to all Android devices running Android 14. Previously, this feature was exclusive to Pixel smartphones and the Pixel Tablet. However, Google has now confirmed that it will expand the feature to all Android devices running the latest version of the operating system.

    Control Your Smart Home Devices with Ease

    The Home Panel feature allows users to conveniently control their smart home devices directly from their lock screen or Quick Settings. Users can quickly access their Spaces and Favorites, which are groups of smart home devices that have been configured to work together. This makes it effortless to perform actions like turning off all the lights in a room or initiating a scene that adjusts the lighting and plays music.

    The Home Panel eliminates the need to open the Google Home app every time you want to control your smart home devices. It is particularly useful for frequently used devices such as lights and thermostats.

    Expanding Access to All Android Devices

    In the past, only users of Pixel smartphones and the Pixel Tablet had access to the Home Panel feature. However, Google has now made the decision to make this feature available to all Android devices running Android 14. This means that regardless of the device you own, as long as it is running the latest version of Android, you will be able to enjoy the convenience of controlling your smart home devices through the Home Panel.

    The rollout of the Home Panel feature to all Android devices is dependent on users updating their devices to Android 14. Once the latest operating system update is available for a particular device, the Home Panel will become accessible.

    Pricing and Availability

    As of now, there is no information regarding any pricing changes or limitations for the Home Panel feature. It is expected that the feature will be available to all Android users with devices running Android 14, free of charge.

    Overall, the expansion of the Home Panel feature to all Android devices running Android 14 is great news for users who want a more convenient way to control their smart home devices. With the Home Panel, managing your smart home has never been easier.

    Tags: ,
  • Possible alternative: “Potential Gesture Recognition Controls Expected in Google Pixel Watch 3”

    Possible alternative: “Potential Gesture Recognition Controls Expected in Google Pixel Watch 3”




    New Smartwatch Sensors: Google Files Patent for Gesture Recognition