Mountain View
- Oct 7
Google opens SynthID Detector to the public to verify AI-generated images, audio, and video
Google made its SynthID Detector tool freely available on Wednesday, allowing users to check whether images, audio, and video contain digital watermarks embedded by AI tools from Google, OpenAI, Nvidia, and Kakao.
- Oct 7
Google launches prompt-driven Playground gaming platform with Unity integration
Google has released Playground, a browser-based tool allowing US users aged 18 and older to generate playable 2D and 3D video games from text prompts without coding.
- Oct 6
Google limits free Gemini access to Flash-Lite and removes Pro from AI Plus tier
Starting 9 October, Google will restrict free Gemini users to its entry-level Flash-Lite model while removing Pro model access from its entry paid subscription.
- Sep 30
Google restricts Gemini 4 Argon release to cyber experts after White House safety pact
Google has unveiled Gemini 4 Argon with a 1-million-token output capacity, limiting initial deployment to select cybersecurity specialists and federal reviewers under a voluntary White House safety framework.
- Sep 21
Google and hardware partners unveil first Googlebook laptops starting at $899
Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo opened preorders for five Googlebook laptops running GooglebookOS, with retail availability set for 4 October 2026.
- Aug 12
Google's Gemini app surpasses 1 billion monthly users, closing gap with ChatGPT
Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced the Gemini app has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, making it the fastest-growing Google product ever to reach the mark. OpenAI's ChatGPT crossed the same threshold in June.
- Aug 6
Google AI leadership shakeup: DeepMind's Hassabis moves to Alphabet Chief Scientist, Jeff Dean exits for startup Discovery Loop
Alphabet announced a sweeping reorganization of its AI division on Wednesday, with Demis Hassabis stepping down as Google DeepMind CEO to become Chairman and Alphabet Chief Scientist, while veteran engineer Jeff Dean and three other top researchers depart to found Discovery Loop, a public benefit corporation backed by Google.
- Jun 20
Turkey exits 2026 World Cup after 1-0 loss to Paraguay, sets record with 62 shots and zero goals in two matches
Turkey became the second team eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a 1-0 defeat to Paraguay at Levi’s Stadium, failing to score despite 62 attempts across two group matches.
- Jun 16
Google releases Android 17 on Pixel with floating Bubbles, Screen Reactions, and foldable gaming mode
Google has begun rolling out Android 17 to Pixel phones, introducing floating app windows for multitasking, a built-in screen recorder with selfie overlay, and a split-screen gaming layout for foldables. Other device manufacturers are expected to deliver the update throughout 2026.
- Jun 16
Google Earth's hidden flight simulator now flies directly in your browser
The once-hidden feature, tucked inside the desktop app since 2007, is now an experimental global web tool at earth.google.com.
- Jun 1
Alphabet plans $80 billion equity raise for AI buildout, with $10 billion from Berkshire Hathaway
Google parent Alphabet is launching an $80 billion equity fundraising package, including a $10 billion private placement with Berkshire Hathaway, to finance a massive expansion of its artificial intelligence infrastructure.
- May 26
EU Prepares Record DMA Fine Against Google Over Search Self-Preferencing, Decision Expected Before Summer
The European Commission is finalizing a penalty of several hundred million euros against Alphabet's Google for allegedly favoring its own services in search results, in what would be the largest fine under the Digital Markets Act.