Wednesday, May 15

Tag: Google

A Massive Pixel 8a Leak Surfaces Prior to Google
Technology

A Massive Pixel 8a Leak Surfaces Prior to Google

As the much-anticipated Google I/O 2024 event draws closer, scheduled for May 14th, the tech world is abuzz with excitement surrounding the potential unveiling of Google's eagerly awaited mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 8a. In a significant development, a major leak has emerged, offering what could be our most comprehensive glimpse yet at the specifications of this highly anticipated device. The leak, originating from the X/Twitter user @MysteryLupin, comprises a translated document outlining an extensive list of the Pixel 8a's technical specifications. Additionally, the leaker has shared a promotional image that suggests European pricing for the device, as well as a potential discount for those who pre-order the phone. https://twitter.com/MysteryLupin/status/1786508830408339841 C...
Google Strong Cybersecurity with Expanded Passkey Integration
Technology

Google Strong Cybersecurity with Expanded Passkey Integration

In a proactive move to reinforce online security, Google has announced its decision to integrate passkeys into its renowned Advanced Protection Program (APP). This strategic expansion underscores the company's unwavering commitment to safeguarding individuals at heightened risk of targeted attacks, such as campaign workers, candidates, journalists, and human rights advocates. As the world navigates an increasingly complex digital landscape, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more pressing. Google's APP has long been a bastion of protection, offering an extra layer of defense against potential threats. However, with the incorporation of passkeys, the program is poised to reach new heights of efficacy and user-friendliness. Passkeys represent the cutting edge of ...
Google Terminates 28 Employees Amidst Israel Cloud Deal Protest
Technology

Google Terminates 28 Employees Amidst Israel Cloud Deal Protest

The recent termination of 28 employees by Google, who were protesting against the tech behemoth's cloud deal with the Israeli government, has rekindled the debate about the company's shift from its unconventional roots. Silicon Valley's top-tier companies have a history of promoting a campus-like environment, encouraging employees to bring their unique ideas to work and make a positive impact on the world. However, employees who believed in this vision are now facing a harsh reality. The 28 terminations were a response to sit-in protests staged by these employees at Google's offices in Silicon Valley and New York City. The bone of contention was Google's $1.2 billion 2021 Cloud contract with the Israeli government, named Project Nimbus. The protesters believed that Google's involveme...
Epic Games Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Google Play Store
Technology

Epic Games Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Google Play Store

Epic Games and Google have been entangled in a legal confrontation for some time now. The main point of contention is Google's monopolistic control over the Play Store and its associated billing systems. In December 2023, a US Federal Court ruled in favor of Epic Games, stating that Google indeed unlawfully monopolized the Play Store. In response to the court's decision, Epic Games has filed a proposed injunction outlining the changes they believe Google should make to the Play Store. They have outlined three main areas of concern: Freedom to Download Apps: Epic Games is advocating for users' right to download apps from any source without interference from Google. They argue that Google's scare tactics and warnings dissuade users from downloading apps from alternative sources. R...
Former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer’s new app has just 1,000 downloads: Report
Technology

Former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer’s new app has just 1,000 downloads: Report

Despite her commendable tenure as the first female engineer at Google and as the former CEO of Yahoo, Marissa Mayer's recent foray into the tech world, Shine, seems to be off to a rocky start, as reported by numerous sources. Designed and developed under the umbrella of Mayer's startup studio, Sunshine, Shine is a photo-sharing app aimed at making the sharing of images at events a seamless experience. However, the app's launch has been met with criticism and a lukewarm response, with just over a thousand downloads reported since its unveiling. Mayer's vision for Shine was clear from the outset. She envisioned an app where users could effortlessly share photos at group events, with the images automatically uploaded into a gallery accessible by all attendees. However, the implementatio...
Google is considering charging for AI-enhanced search: Report
Technology

Google is considering charging for AI-enhanced search: Report

According to a recent report,Google is considering a significant shift in its business model. The tech giant might start charging subscription fees for artificial intelligence (AI) powered online search features. This unprecedented move could alter the dynamics of the online search market, in which Google has been a dominant player for years. For the first time in its history, Google is considering a subscription model for its search engine. The change primarily targets its AI-powered search features, which have generated significant controversy in the tech and regulatory spheres. However, this plan raises several questions and concerns, especially about its potential impact on the company's relationship with regulators and its position in the online search market. This development c...
Google Podcasts discontinue. Here’s how to transfer your subscription
Technology

Google Podcasts discontinue. Here’s how to transfer your subscription

Google Podcasts, a popular application for streaming podcast content, made its final bow on April 2, 2024. The app's retirement has paved the way for YouTube Music to take over as Google's new platform for podcast listening. Steve McLendon, a product manager at Google, expressed a sense of nostalgia as Google Podcasts moved towards digital oblivion. He highlighted the app's simplicity as one of its main attractions, but also a factor that contributed to its downfall. Google Podcasts, launched in 2018, was appreciated for its straightforward interface and function as an RSS feed catcher for podcasts. However, McLendon envisions a future where algorithmic discovery and video podcast snippets become integral to the user experience. YouTube Music, Google's new hub for podcast listenin...
The Impact of Gemini and AI on Google’s Stock Performance
Technology

The Impact of Gemini and AI on Google’s Stock Performance

In the world of technology and innovation, Google (now Alphabet) has always been at the forefront. With its continuous focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of cutting-edge technologies, Google has remained a key player in the industry. However, recent events surrounding its Gemini AI system have raised concerns and impacted the performance of Google's stock. Google's Gemini AI system has been a significant focus for the company, as it aims to leverage AI capabilities in various domains. However, recent challenges have arisen that have affected Gemini's reputation and raised concerns among investors. One of the major issues encountered by Gemini was related to the generation of human imagery. Users of the chatbot technology were able to produce images that depicted h...
Google’s Mind-Blowing AI Image Generator
Technology

Google’s Mind-Blowing AI Image Generator

Google is constantly pushing boundaries and surprising us with groundbreaking innovations. One of their latest feats is the development of an AI-powered image generator called ImageFX. This cutting-edge tool, underpinned by the advanced Imagen 2 model developed by Google's DeepMind team, is set to revolutionize the way we create and edit images. ImageFX offers a user-friendly interface that allows individuals to effortlessly generate and modify images using simple text prompts. This concept is not entirely new, as we have seen similar tools like OpenAI's DALL-E 3, Midjourney, Meta's Imagine with Meta AI, and Microsoft Designer. However, ImageFX brings a unique twist to the table with its "expressive chips," which are keyword suggestions that enable users to explore different dimensions ...
Google Testing Multiview for YouTube TV
Technology

Google Testing Multiview for YouTube TV

In a world where streaming has become the go-to choice for many consumers, YouTube TV has emerged as a prominent player in the market. Offering a cable TV replacement service, YouTube TV has been constantly innovating to enhance the user experience. One of its most popular features, Multiview, allows viewers to watch multiple games or events simultaneously on the same screen. However, until now, the options for customizing the Multiview experience were limited. But that is about to change. In recent months, YouTube TV has been testing a new feature called "Build a Multiview" that allows users to pick the games or channels they want to watch. This exciting development has generated a lot of buzz among cord-cutters and sports enthusiasts alike. Let's dive deeper into this game-changing up...