Google LLC

Sundar Pichai Says Google Engineers Deserve Rest After Gemini 3 Push as AI Efforts Propel Stock Surge

Nov 27, 2025 - After the high-stakes launch of Google’s latest AI model, Gemini 3, CEO Sundar Pichai acknowledged that his engineering teams are due for a break. Speaking on the company’s “Google AI: Release Notes” podcast, Pichai quipped, “I think some folks need some sleep,” adding, “Hopefully we all get a bit of rest,” following what he described as an intense lead-up to the release.

The rollout of Gemini 3 has been a pivotal moment for Google. The model, praised for its speed, reasoning abilities, and multimodal functionality, reignited the AI competition and significantly boosted the company’s market valuation. Google’s stock has surged nearly 70% this year, including a 12% jump immediately after Gemini 3’s launch, pushing the company’s market cap close to $4 trillion.

Industry leaders have responded positively, with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff calling Gemini 3 an “insane” leap in performance. In a post on X, he noted, “After two hours on Gemini 3, I’m not going back” to ChatGPT.

This launch marks a critical turning point for Google, which has faced mounting pressure from rivals like OpenAI and Anthropic since ChatGPT’s debut in 2022. Pichai, however, pointed out that the groundwork for Gemini 3 was laid nearly a decade ago. “In 2016, I wanted the whole company to be AI-first,” he said, referencing earlier investments like the 2012 launch of Google Brain, the 2014 acquisition of DeepMind, and the development of Tensor Processing Units (TPUs).

Pichai described the company’s path as “full-stack innovation,” emphasizing Google’s focus on building its AI capabilities across infrastructure, model training, and performance optimization. “If you were on the outside, it would look like we were quiet or we were behind, but we were putting all the building blocks in place,” he explained.

The merger of Google Brain and DeepMind, along with expanded infrastructure, has accelerated AI development at Google, culminating in Gemini 3’s successful release. “We’re on the other side now,” said Pichai, signaling confidence in Google’s strategic direction.

While the immediate rush may be over, Pichai made clear that the company’s broader AI ambitions remain in full stride.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/sundar-pichai-says-google-teams-need-sleep-after-gemini-3-launch-sends-company-soaring-2826784-2025-11-27

Google Expands AI-Based Fraud Protection in India Amid Growing Scam Threats

November 20, 2025 - Google is intensifying its efforts to combat digital fraud in India by introducing advanced AI-powered protections, including real-time scam detection for Pixel 9 devices and new alerts designed to prevent screen-sharing scams during financial transactions.

India has seen a significant increase in online fraud, driven by rapid digital adoption and widespread smartphone usage for payments, shopping, and government services. According to the Reserve Bank of India, digital transaction-related fraud accounted for over half of all reported bank fraud in 2024, with 13,516 cases leading to losses of ₹5.2 billion (approximately $58.6 million). In the first five months of 2025 alone, online scams reportedly caused damages totaling ₹70 billion (about $789 million), according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

To help address these challenges, Google is rolling out its on-device scam detection feature in India. The system, powered by Gemini Nano, analyzes calls in real-time on the device to identify fraudulent activity. It does not record or transmit audio, and it only functions for incoming calls from unknown numbers. A notification beep is played during these calls to alert users.

Originally launched in the U.S. earlier this year, the feature is now available to English-speaking users of the Pixel 9 series in India. However, its reach is currently limited due to both the language restriction and the low market share of Pixel devices in India, which accounted for less than 1% of the smartphone market in 2024. While Android dominates with a 96% market share, most users communicate in local languages.

Google noted that it plans to extend scam detection capabilities to more Android devices in India, though no specific timeline has been shared.

Additionally, Google has begun piloting a new anti-screen-sharing scam feature in India through partnerships with financial apps such as Navi, Paytm, and Google Pay. Initially introduced during Google I/O and tested in the U.K., the feature alerts users if screen-sharing is initiated during a suspicious call, helping prevent fraudsters from capturing sensitive information such as OTPs or PINs. These alerts, which are compatible with Android 11 and above, include a quick option to terminate the call and stop screen sharing. Google said the alerts will eventually be available in Indian languages and more app integrations are expected.

To support broader fraud prevention, Google continues to leverage Play Protect, which this year has blocked over 115 million attempts to install predatory loan apps that misuse permissions. Google Pay alone generates over a million fraud-related warnings each week, according to the company.

Through its DigiKavach awareness initiative, Google claims to have reached more than 250 million individuals with fraud prevention messaging. The company has also partnered with the Reserve Bank of India to publish an official list of authorized digital lending apps and their associated NBFCs, aimed at curbing illegal lending operations.

Earlier this year, Google introduced a Safety Charter for India to reinforce its AI-driven fraud mitigation efforts, forming part of a larger strategy to scale AI tools for public safety.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Google — like Apple — has faced criticism for allowing deceptive apps to bypass its Play Store review mechanisms. Several fraudulent investment and loan apps have remained accessible on the platform until they were flagged by authorities or cybersecurity researchers, raising concerns about the effectiveness of app store moderation in India’s dominant mobile ecosystem.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/20/google-steps-up-ai-scam-protection-in-india-but-gaps-remain/

Google Expands AI-Powered ‘Flight Deals’ Tool Globally, Introduces New Travel Planning Features in Search

November 17, 2025 - Google has announced a global rollout of its AI-driven travel features in Search, including the expansion of its “Flight Deals” tool and the addition of enhanced travel planning capabilities using its “Canvas” tool in AI Mode. The update also broadens access to AI-powered booking features for more users.

Originally launched in August for users in the U.S., Canada, and India, Flight Deals is now being made available in over 200 countries and territories, including major markets like the U.K., France, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. The tool now supports more than 60 languages, making it significantly more accessible worldwide.

To use Flight Deals, travelers simply describe their desired destination, travel dates, and preferences. The AI then presents the most affordable travel options available via Google Flights.

In addition to the global expansion of Flight Deals, Google is enhancing AI Mode in Search with new functionality. The Canvas tool, originally introduced as a productivity aid for organizing study plans and compiling session-based data, can now be used for travel planning.

“Right away, you’ll get a plan in the Canvas side panel that brings together real-time Search data for flights and hotels, details from Google Maps like photos and reviews and relevant information from sites across the web,” the company explained in a blog post. “You’ll find suggestions that fit your criteria, like hotel comparisons based on pricing and amenities or ideas for restaurants and activities optimized by travel time from where you’re staying.”

To get started, users specify the kind of trip they want and select the “Create with Canvas” option. Canvas then generates an itinerary in a side panel, incorporating live travel data, hotel comparisons, and local activity suggestions. Users can continue refining their plans by asking follow-up questions, such as choosing between hotels based on proximity to specific restaurants or hiking trails.

Currently, travel planning with Canvas is available on desktop for U.S. users enrolled in Google’s AI Mode experiment through Labs.

Google is also expanding its AI Mode’s agentic capabilities—originally introduced earlier this year to help with restaurant bookings, event tickets, and appointments—to a broader audience. These features are now available to all U.S. users.

Users can request dinner reservations by specifying preferences like party size, time, location, and cuisine. AI Mode will then search various reservation platforms in real time and return a curated list of matching options.

Looking ahead, Google says it will soon allow users to book flights and hotels directly through AI Mode. Travelers will be able to describe their requirements and explore available options with detailed comparisons, including prices, room photos, schedules, amenities, and user reviews.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/17/google-rolls-out-its-ai-flight-deals-tool-globally-adds-new-travel-features-in-search/

Google rolls out “Deep Research” for NotebookLM and extends file‑type support

November 13, 2025 - Google has introduced a significant update to NotebookLM, its AI-powered note-taking and research assistant, with the launch of a new feature called “Deep Research” and expanded support for various file types.

The newly added Deep Research tool is designed to automate and simplify complex online investigations. According to Google, the feature functions like a personal researcher, capable of generating detailed reports and recommending relevant articles, academic papers, or websites based on user queries.

By inputting a question, users can trigger Deep Research to build a research plan and browse web sources independently. After a few minutes, it compiles a source-grounded report that users can directly add to their notebook. Users can continue uploading other materials while the tool operates in the background, allowing for seamless multitasking.

The tool is intended to help users build a comprehensive and well-organized knowledge base on a topic without disrupting their workflow. To access it, users start a search in the source panel, select “Web” as the source, and choose between two modes: “Deep Research” for a thorough briefing or “Fast Research” for quicker results.

Alongside this, NotebookLM now supports a wider range of file types. Users can upload Google Sheets, insert Drive files as URLs, import PDFs from Google Drive, and add Microsoft Word documents. Google notes that this update enables users to generate summaries from spreadsheets and more easily link multiple files.

These enhancements are expected to roll out to all users within a week.

Since its debut in late 2023, Google has continuously expanded NotebookLM’s capabilities. Previous updates include the introduction of Video Overviews to transform dense media into visual presentations and Audio Overviews, which generate podcast-style summaries from user documents. In May, the service launched dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS, extending access beyond desktop platforms.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/13/googles-notebooklm-adds-deep-research-tool-support-for-more-file-types/

Google Opens Applications for 2026 PhD Software Engineering Internship in India

Nov 2, 2025 - Google has officially opened applications for its 2026 Summer PhD Software Engineering Internship program in India. The paid internship spans 12 to 14 weeks and will be offered across three locations: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. Interested candidates can apply through the Google Careers portal.

"Join us for a unique 12-14 week paid internship that offers personal and professional development, an executive speaker series and community-building," Google announced.

Interns will contribute to projects critical to Google’s operations, working on complex computer science problems, scalable distributed systems, and multiple high-impact software initiatives. Candidates will design, test, deploy, and maintain software solutions while growing their technical skills.

Key responsibilities include:

Developing scalable engineering solutions for Google products

Collaborating with peers, managers, and cross-functional teams

Applying academic knowledge of computer science to real-world challenges

Analyzing and evaluating data to identify effective solutions

Minimum qualifications:

Enrollment in a PhD program focusing on software development or a technical discipline

Proficiency in at least one general-purpose programming language (Java, C/C++, Python, JavaScript, Go, etc.)

Experience working in Unix/Linux environments

Familiarity with data structures, algorithms, and software design

Preferred qualifications:

Research background in areas such as Algorithms, AI, Distributed Systems, Machine Learning, or Networking

Programming experience in languages including C/C++, Java, Python, Go, Objective-C, and JavaScript

Strong competencies in software design, algorithms, and data structures

"You will work on a specific project critical to Google's needs. We need our engineers to be versatile and enthusiastic in addressing problems as we continue to push technology forward," the company noted.

Google's recruitment team will match candidates to suitable roles based on their resumes. However, details regarding compensation have not been disclosed.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/education/google-opens-applications-for-2026-phd-software-engineering-internship-in-india-9559988

Google to revive shuttered Iowa nuclear plant in partnership with NextEra Energy

October 29, 2025 - Google announced this week that it is collaborating with NextEra Energy to reopen a nuclear power facility in Iowa that was shut down in 2020.

NextEra has spent the past year seeking a partner to restart the reactor, and it has now secured Google— which has been increasingly sourcing zero‑carbon energy to support its expanding data‑centre network.

Neither party disclosed the financial terms of the agreement.

The reactor in question is the Duane Arnold Energy Center, which closed following a summer derecho that damaged part of its secondary‑containment system designed to prevent radioactive‑gas release.

Originally designed to produce 601 megawatts of electricity, the refurbished reactor is projected to generate an additional 14 megawatts if commissioning proceeds as planned.

NextEra aims for a restart in 2029, with Google committing to purchase the majority of the power generated for 25 years. The residual output will be supplied to the Central Iowa Power Cooperative under similar terms. The cooperative currently holds a 20 percent stake in the Duane Arnold plant, though NextEra stated it has agreements to acquire both the co‑op’s and the other minority owner’s shares.

Nuclear power is undergoing a resurgence as technology firms and data‑centre operators seek fresh energy sources in response to resurgent electricity demand.

The Iowa reactor project is not the first such revival. Last year, Microsoft revealed plans with Constellation Energy to revive a reactor at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station that shut down in 2019. Constellation estimated the effort at US$1.6 billion. If successful, the 835 megawatt reactor is expected back online in 2028.

Bringing reactors back into service offers a shortcut to adding new nuclear capacity to the grid—potentially reducing the development time compared to building entirely new plants. However, these remain multi‑year projects, which means they still compete with new natural‑gas plants that also require significant development time.

Meanwhile, companies like Google continue to deploy solar and battery systems, which can be brought online in months rather than years—drastically reducing the window for powering new data centres.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/29/google-to-bring-shuttered-nuclear-power-plant-back-from-the-dead/

Google Debuts Gemini-Powered Calendar Scheduling Tool in Gmail

October 14, 2025 - Google is rolling out a new AI-driven feature aimed at simplifying calendar scheduling for Gmail users. The newly launched “Help me schedule” tool, powered by Gemini, helps users identify ideal meeting times by analyzing Google Calendar availability and suggesting them directly in email conversations.

This feature is tailored for one-on-one meeting scheduling and does not currently support group meetings or multiple recipients, the company clarified.

The release comes amid a broader wave of AI updates to Google Workspace, which includes the debut of the Nano Banana image editing model, new Gemini integrations in Google Slides, custom AI assistants called Gems that teams can share, enhancements to NotebookLM formats, upgraded video editing capabilities in Google Vids, and more.

To use the new scheduling option, Gmail users will see a “Help me schedule” button beneath the email compose box. Clicking it brings up available time slots, which can be edited or removed before inserting into the email. Once the recipient selects a time, the meeting is automatically added to both parties’ calendars.

Although tools from companies like Calendly, Doodle, Zoom, and HubSpot already offer automated scheduling, Google emphasized that its solution uniquely leverages Gemini’s AI to analyze the email’s content for contextual clues. For example, if a sender mentions needing a “30-minute slot next week,” the assistant will filter options accordingly.

Previously, Google Calendar offered an appointment scheduling tool, but it lacked Gmail integration and AI capabilities.

In a separate update, Google also announced that reminders created in Google Keep will now automatically sync with Google Tasks.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/14/googles-gemini-can-now-help-you-schedule-google-calendar-meetings/

Google Accelerates AI Push in Enterprise with Launch of Gemini Enterprise

October 9, 2025 - Google on Thursday introduced Gemini Enterprise, a robust AI platform developed for businesses, marking its latest strategic move to rival Anthropic and OpenAI in the expanding market for workplace AI solutions.

Among the early adopters of the platform are design software company Figma, buy-now-pay-later firm Klarna, foodservice distributor Gordon Food Service, Australian bank Macquarie, and Virgin Voyages, which has implemented over 50 AI agents on Gemini Enterprise to autonomously handle specific tasks.

While Gemini Enterprise builds upon Google's previous AI initiatives for business, the company emphasized that this is not a simple rebranding exercise. In February 2024, Google Workspace adopted the Gemini name and began offering Gemini Enterprise as a generative AI add-on. That add-on was phased out earlier this year as AI tools were integrated into existing Workspace Business and Enterprise tiers.

Unlike those earlier offerings, the newly launched Gemini Enterprise is a standalone platform housed within Google Cloud. It acts as an AI agent toolkit, allowing organizations to build, deploy, and manage their own custom AI assistants. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian described it as “the new front door for AI in the workplace.”

The platform is designed to help companies securely create, collaborate with, and deploy AI agents across departments such as sales, marketing, HR, engineering, and finance. These agents can now pull and analyze data from both internal systems and Google tools such as Code Assist and Deep Research — all within a single workflow.

Accessed via a Gemini Enterprise chatbot, the system can integrate with a user’s data from platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and SAP. It includes Gemini AI models and tools such as pre-built research and analytics agents, a no-code automation builder, and a centralized governance system to manage agent activity.

The pricing for Gemini Enterprise starts at $30 per seat per month for standard and plus annual editions. A more affordable Gemini Business plan, aimed at smaller teams and startups, costs $21 per seat per month and launches with a 30-day free trial.

This launch highlights Google’s ongoing push to carve out a larger share of the enterprise AI sector, where competition is intensifying as generative AI tools become more deeply embedded in business operations.

OpenAI, for instance, reports 5 million users on its ChatGPT Enterprise platform introduced in 2023. Deloitte recently announced it will roll out Anthropic’s Claude AI assistant to its 500,000 employees globally.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/09/google-ramps-up-its-ai-in-the-workplace-ambitions-with-gemini-enterprise/

Google Enhances AI Mode with Richer Visual Responses for Shopping and Search

September 30, 2025 - Google is enhancing its AI Mode with a more visually rich experience, particularly for shopping-related queries. This improvement leverages the company’s visual variant of its "fan out" search technique, combined with the vast Google Shopping Graph, to deliver more engaging and image-driven results.

For certain searches, especially those centered around shopping, AI Mode now offers graphic-heavy responses. "You’ll see rich visuals that match the vibe you’re looking for," said Robby Stein, VP of Product Management at Google Search, in an interview with Search Engine Land.

The update enables AI Mode to interpret queries not only through text but also visually, producing responses that combine both elements. Google described this as a continuous, interactive experience designed to "spark inspiration."

Visual Fan-Out in Action

The visual fan-out technique builds on Google’s existing method of breaking down user queries into subtopics and running multiple searches simultaneously. This upgraded version analyzes both image and text inputs, including image region metadata and contextual details, to generate a grid-style visual response.

"This means AI Mode can perform a more comprehensive analysis of an image, recognizing subtle details and secondary objects in addition to the primary subjects – and then runs multiple queries in the background. This helps it understand the full visual context and the nuance of your natural language question to deliver highly relevant visual results," Google explained.

A More Visual AI Experience

While AI Mode previously incorporated images in responses, this enhancement elevates visuals to a more central and prominent position. Users can also interact further by asking follow-up questions directly related to visual elements.

"Each image has a link, so you can click out and learn more when something catches your eye," Google added. "And because the experience is multimodal, you can also start your search by uploading an image or snapping a photo."

Enhanced Shopping Through AI

Lilian Rincon, VP of Product Management for Google Shopping, highlighted that shopping queries benefit significantly from this update. The more visually immersive AI Mode allows for a conversational shopping journey, underpinned by the Google Shopping Graph, which holds 50 billion product listings, with 2 billion items refreshed hourly.

This system doesn’t just inspire interior design ideas or clothing choices; it helps users discover items that match specific styles, colors, and fits in real-time.

Launch and Availability

The enhanced AI Mode visuals are now live for English-language users in the U.S. This feature is part of free listings, separate from shopping ads or affiliate models. While Google is testing ads within AI Overviews, AI Mode currently remains ad-free, though experiments may be ongoing.

Some agentic features, like helping users find and purchase items, are available through Search Labs. However, Google emphasizes that purchases should be completed on the retailer's website.

Why It Matters

This evolution in AI Mode points to a broader shift in Google Search, aiming to create more immersive and helpful experiences. The focus on visual and multimodal responses could redefine how users interact with search, particularly in areas like shopping where inspiration and detail matter.

Source: https://searchengineland.com/google-ai-mode-gets-more-visual-including-inspirational-shopping-responses-462714

Google Cloud COO Unfazed by AI Giants’ Big-Name Deals

September 23, 2025 - On the latest episode of StrictlyVC Download, TechCrunch Editor-in-Chief Connie Loizos sat down with Francis deSouza, the well-known entrepreneur and operator who took over as COO of Google Cloud in January. The discussion centered on Google Cloud's strategic priorities and how it continues to compete effectively — even as major players like AWS and Oracle secure high-profile partnerships with AI leaders such as OpenAI and Anthropic.

DeSouza emphasized that Google Cloud remains focused on startups as a core growth area. While competitors chase marquee AI clients, Google Cloud is doubling down on building relationships across a broader ecosystem.

The episode also explored the complex dynamics within the AI sector. Despite fierce competition among parent companies in generative AI, infrastructure providers like Google Cloud often serve as backend partners — even to firms backed by their corporate rivals. This intricate network of alliances and investments underscores the nuanced landscape of AI innovation and infrastructure.

Another key topic was Google Cloud’s approach to the ongoing GPU shortage. DeSouza detailed how the company is leveraging its resources to ensure reliable access for customers, forming a cornerstone of its retention and growth strategy.

StrictlyVC Download is released every Tuesday. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform for weekly updates.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/podcast/google-clouds-coo-isnt-stressed-about-landing-the-ai-giants/

Google Introduces Experimental Windows Desktop App Featuring Spotlight-Style Search

September 16, 2025 - Google has unveiled a new experimental desktop application for Windows aimed at streamlining how users locate information. Announced Tuesday, the app enables users to quickly search through local files, installed applications, Google Drive documents, and the web using a simple Alt + Space keyboard shortcut.

Functionally similar to macOS’s Spotlight search, the new tool offers a centralized search experience across both local and cloud-based content.

The app is being launched through Search Labs, Google's platform for testing early-stage features and collecting user feedback prior to broader rollouts.

One standout feature of the app is Google Lens integration, allowing users to select any content on their screen to perform actions such as translating text or images, solving math problems, and more. The app also supports Google’s AI Mode, a generative AI interface designed for complex, multi-part queries.

Users can toggle between different result types—including AI responses, images, shopping, and videos—and also switch to dark mode for a more comfortable viewing experience.

Currently, the app is only available in English and limited to U.S. users. It requires a PC running Windows 10 or higher.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/16/google-rolls-out-new-windows-desktop-app-with-spotlight-like-search-tool/

Google to Sunset Tables, Its Airtable Alternative

September 11, 2025 - Google has announced it will discontinue support for Tables, its work-tracking and automation tool developed as a rival to Airtable.

In an email sent to users this week, the company confirmed that support for Tables will end on December 16, 2025. Users are advised to migrate or export their data to either Google Sheets or AppSheet, depending on their workflow needs.

Initially launched in 2020, Tables aimed to simplify project tracking through automation. It was one of several experimental projects born out of Google’s internal incubator, Area 120. While many of Area 120's initiatives were short-lived, some, including Tables, transitioned into official Google products.

In 2021, Google promoted Tables from beta to an official Google Cloud offering, highlighting its versatility for use cases like project management, IT operations, customer service tracking, CRM, recruiting, and product development.

Tables was developed by longtime Google employee Tim Gleason, who had been with the company for over ten years. Gleason later became a tech lead manager for NotebookLM before announcing his retirement, effective September 2024.

Area 120 underwent significant downsizing in 2022 as part of a company-wide reorganization. Google cut half of Area 120's projects and reduced its staff, shifting the division's focus to artificial intelligence. In 2023, the remaining part of Area 120 was phased out amid broader layoffs, with only a few projects—like Aloud, a video dubbing tool—transitioning into Google's core product ecosystem. YouTube later integrated Aloud’s features, introducing auto-dubbing in 2023, which expanded in 2024.

Despite surviving these organizational changes under Google Cloud’s Workspace team, Tables is now set for deprecation.

In its communication, Google encouraged Tables administrators to either transfer data to Google Sheets and continue using tables and notifications there, or use a migration tool to move data into AppSheet. Google noted that AppSheet preserves data formatting, including column types and relationships, while supporting automation, detailed permissions, and integration with Google Workspace.

The company had previously disclosed the impending shutdown on the Tables website earlier this month, directing users to a detailed FAQ. That resource explains that the Tables team had been working on a new data experience within AppSheet, which launched in June 2023. This updated platform allows users to design data models and automated workflows directly inside AppSheet.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/11/google-is-shutting-down-tables-its-airtable-rival/

Google Faces Data Breach Threat as Hackers Demand Firing of Two Employees, Austin Larsen and Charles Carmakal

September 2, 2025 - If you're a user of Google or Gmail, caution is advised. Tech giant Google is currently under threat from a hacker collective known as Scattered LapSus Hunters, which is demanding the dismissal of two employees and an end to internal network investigations. The group warns that failure to comply will result in the exposure of sensitive user data, including passwords and personal information of millions worldwide.

Who Is Behind the Threat?

The group behind the ultimatum, Scattered LapSus Hunters, is believed to be a coalition of three prominent cybercriminal groups: Scattered Spider, LapSus, and ShinyHunters. In a recent post on Telegram, the group outlined its conditions, explicitly demanding Google fire two staff members—Austin Larsen and Charles Carmakal—and stop all threat intelligence probes being conducted by its security team.

Why Are These Employees Targeted?

While the group has not provided any evidence of having breached Google's systems, the two named employees are reportedly linked to Google’s Threat Intelligence Group. The threat follows Google's announcement in August that ShinyHunters had accessed information from Salesforce, a third-party vendor working with Google. Authorities are still investigating whether other motivations may be behind the demand.

Current Security Status

Google has confirmed that, as of now, there is no breach of Gmail or Google Cloud user accounts. However, the incident has led to a significant uptick in phishing and impersonation scams. The stolen data included business contact details, which are now being used to craft convincing phishing emails and voice-based fraud schemes. The company reports that 37% of account hijackings across its platforms stem from phishing or “vishing”—voice phishing calls.

How Did the Breach Occur?

On August 5, Google disclosed that ShinyHunters had gained access by impersonating IT help desk staff to deceive a Salesforce employee. Once inside, malware was used to extract contact information from the system. No passwords or private consumer data were directly compromised, but the contact data has enabled a wave of realistic scams targeting users and businesses.

What It Means for Users

Although no direct breach of Gmail accounts has occurred, users are advised to remain vigilant. The exposure of corporate contacts has heightened the effectiveness of phishing campaigns, prompting Google to issue global security alerts. With billions of accounts at stake, even indirect breaches pose serious risks.

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/life/technology-google-faces-risk-of-data-breach-as-hackers-demand-firing-of-two-employees-austin-larsen-and-charles-carmakal-who-are-they-3964310/

Google to Enforce Developer Verification for Android Apps Outside Play Store

August 25, 2025 - Google is set to introduce stricter security protocols for Android app distribution, expanding its developer identity verification requirement beyond the Play Store. Beginning next year, all developers who distribute Android apps—regardless of the platform—will be subject to identity verification, the company confirmed Monday.

This policy will apply to all certified Android devices, with a phased rollout planned. While Android will continue to support sideloading and alternative app stores, the era of anonymous app distribution is coming to an end. Google asserts the move aims to reduce the number of malicious actors using unverified channels to spread malware, conduct fraud, or access personal data.

According to Google, malware was found over 50 times more often in sideloaded apps from the web compared to those from Google Play, where developer identity checks have been mandatory since 2023.

Developers will have an opportunity to enroll in early access starting October 2025 to test the new system and offer feedback. The verification process becomes mandatory in March 2026. By September 2026, apps installed on Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand must comply. A broader global rollout is expected to follow in 2027.

To comply, developers will need to submit their legal name, address, phone number, and email. This requirement may prompt some independent developers to register as businesses to protect their privacy. Apple enacted a comparable rule earlier this year in the EU App Store in alignment with the Digital Services Act (DSA), requiring developers to disclose their "trader status."

Google also stated that a distinct version of the Android Developer Console will be made available for students and hobbyists, recognizing that their development needs differ from those of commercial app developers.

This initiative is poised to reshape the Android app distribution landscape, as Google intensifies its efforts to address longstanding security vulnerabilities in its ecosystem.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/

Made by Google 2025: How to Tune In as Google Unveils Pixel 10, Pixel Watch 4, and More

August 18, 2025 - Google is set to livestream its annual Made by Google event this Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT via the official Made by Google YouTube channel. The company is widely expected to debut its latest Pixel 10 smartphone lineup, along with the Pixel Watch 4, updated earbuds, and potentially new AI-powered features.

Ahead of the event, the livestream will be embedded directly in this article. As always, TechCrunch will deliver real-time updates throughout the announcement.

The spotlight will be on the Pixel 10 series, which is anticipated to include four models: the base Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Speculation also points to the launch of the Pixel Watch 4, rumored to offer improved battery performance and faster charging capabilities. A new generation of earbuds—possibly a revamped Pixel Buds 2a—could also be part of the reveal.

Google may also showcase fresh AI capabilities for the Pixel 10, reflecting its growing emphasis on integrating its Gemini AI model suite across hardware products.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/18/made-by-google-2025-how-to-watch-google-debut-the-pixel-10-pixel-watch-4-and-more/

Google Photos Introduces New Image-to-Video Tools via 'Create' Tab

August 14, 2025 - Google Photos is rolling out a new 'Create' tab designed to help users transform their static images into dynamic content like videos, GIFs, and animations, according to a recent blog post from the company.

The new tab, accessible within the Google Photos app, enables users to animate photos, generate six-second video clips from still images, and apply various artistic styles, including anime-inspired visuals. It also supports creating animated GIFs, cinematic 3D effects, collages, and music-backed montages from photos and videos.

This enhancement builds on Google's broader push into AI-powered creativity tools. The feature allows photos to be remixed in multiple formats, offering greater personalization and visual storytelling.

Additionally, Google's Gemini AI continues to expand its capabilities, now able to produce illustrated storybooks using prompts, photos, essays, and other input formats.

The launch of the 'Create' feature comes shortly after X, Elon Musk's social media platform, introduced a similar image-to-video feature called Grok Imagine, available to premium subscribers.

With these updates, Google Photos users can now more easily animate and reimagine their photo libraries, adding a fresh layer of interactivity and creativity to their memories.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/google-photos-adds-image-to-video-transformation-tools/article69931728.ece

Google Rolls Out AI-Powered Overhaul of Google Finance, Adds Live News Feed

August 8, 2025 - Google announced Friday that it is revamping Google Finance, its platform for financial data and business news, with new AI capabilities. The update will allow users to explore financial questions using AI, access enhanced charting tools, and view real-time market data and headlines.

With the upgrade, users can now pose in-depth finance-related queries and receive detailed AI-generated answers, complete with links to relevant resources. Rather than searching for individual stock information, users can ask complex questions and get consolidated responses in a single step.

Regarding the enhanced charting tools, Google notes these “will help you visualize financial data beyond simple asset performance. You can view technical indicators, like moving average envelopes, or adjust the display to see candlestick charts and more.”

Image Credits: Google

The update also expands market coverage, adding commodities and more cryptocurrencies to the platform. A newly integrated live news feed will deliver headlines as they happen.

By introducing AI-driven answers and advanced charting directly into Google Finance, the company is positioning itself against competitors like Yahoo Finance and Seeking Alpha—while aiming to keep users from turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT for complex market analysis.

Google confirmed that the AI-enhanced Google Finance will roll out in the U.S. over the coming weeks. Users will be able to switch between the updated and classic versions of the service.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/08/google-tests-revamped-google-finance-with-ai-upgrades-live-news-feed/

Google Launches ‘Guided Learning’ in Gemini to Rival ChatGPT’s Study Mode

August 6, 2025 - Google has introduced a new feature in Gemini called Guided Learning, aimed at transforming the AI chatbot into an interactive educational companion. Launched just days after OpenAI debuted Study Mode for ChatGPT, the feature is designed to help users develop deeper understanding and critical thinking rather than simply retrieving direct answers.

As concerns grow over AI chatbots potentially short-circuiting the learning process, both tech giants are repositioning their tools as study aids. Google’s new offering tackles this by guiding users through material step-by-step, using visual aids and quizzes to support active learning.

The Guided Learning feature delivers explanations tailored to the learner’s needs and uses images, diagrams, videos, and interactive quizzes to build knowledge progressively. The goal is to help users uncover the reasoning and mechanics behind concepts—not just the conclusions.

“Whether you’re preparing for an exam about enzymes, starting the first draft of a paper on the importance of bee populations in supporting our food systems, or exploring your passion for photography, Guided Learning is a collaborative thinking partner that helps you get it — each step of the way,” said Maureen Heymans, VP of Learning & Sustainability at Google.

In addition to this new functionality, Google is also enhancing Gemini’s overall educational capabilities. Responses will now automatically include relevant visual content such as diagrams and YouTube videos to clarify complex subjects. Users can also generate flashcards and study guides based on classroom materials or quiz outcomes.

To further support learners, Google is offering a free one-year subscription to its AI Pro plan for students in the United States, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and Brazil. The plan grants extended access to tools including Gemini 2.5 Pro, NotebookLM, Veo 3, and Deep Research.

Source: http://techcrunch.com/2025/08/06/google-takes-on-chatgpts-study-mode-with-new-guided-learning-tool-in-gemini/

Sundar Pichai ‘Very Excited’ About Google Cloud's Partnership with OpenAI

July 23, 2025 - Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed enthusiasm about a new collaboration with OpenAI, despite the company being one of Google’s fiercest competitors in the AI space. During the company’s Q2 earnings call on Wednesday, Pichai said he’s “very excited” to provide cloud infrastructure to OpenAI for training and deploying its AI models.

“With respect to OpenAI, look, we are very excited to be partnering with them on Google Cloud,” Pichai stated. “Google Cloud is an open platform, and we have a strong history of supporting great companies, startups, AI labs, etc. So super excited about our partnership there on the cloud side, and we look forward to investing more in that relationship and growing that.”

Pichai’s remarks followed analyst concerns over AI’s impact on Google’s search business and the company’s additional $10 billion in capital spending this year to maintain competitiveness in the AI race. Nearly three years after ChatGPT’s debut, Google has prioritized building advanced AI technologies to rival OpenAI.

Although ChatGPT poses a direct challenge to Google Search, the partnership turns OpenAI into a significant new client for Google Cloud. The dynamic presents both opportunity and risk, as OpenAI might eventually leverage Google’s infrastructure to compete against it in core services.

Earlier this month, OpenAI discreetly included Google Cloud in its list of official cloud service providers, alongside Microsoft and Oracle. Reuters reported in June that OpenAI was evaluating Google Cloud for its increasing compute needs.

In Q2 2025, Google Cloud’s revenue surged to $13.6 billion, up from $10.3 billion in the same quarter last year. Google credits much of this growth to services offered to AI firms via the Google Cloud Platform. Though still smaller than Google’s search business, the cloud division is expanding rapidly in the AI-driven era.

Among the AI companies choosing Google Cloud are Anthropic, Safe Superintelligence (founded by Ilya Sutskever), Fei-Fei Li’s World Labs, and now OpenAI. Pichai attributed this momentum to Google’s ample supply of Nvidia GPUs and proprietary TPU chips.

As for OpenAI, its collaboration with Google Cloud is partly driven by hardware constraints. The startup faces severe GPU shortages—needed to train and run models at scale—compounded by its reliance on Microsoft, its primary backer and cloud provider. This has led OpenAI to diversify its cloud partnerships.

On the AI product front, Google reported promising adoption numbers: its chatbot Gemini now reaches 450 million monthly users, and AI Overviews see 2 billion monthly users. Still, the revenue and search query share generated by these services remain uncertain.

Despite Pichai’s optimistic tone, the alliance with OpenAI may echo Google's historic partnership with Yahoo—where a seemingly minor deal helped Google rise to dominance. Whether this current relationship will follow a similar trajectory is yet to be seen.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/23/sundar-pichai-is-very-excited-about-google-clouds-openai-partnership/