Operating system by Google for touch-screen devices
A roundup of latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 coverage from multiple outlets shows a refined, passport-like design with strong cameras and battery in Ultra, while Fold 8 remains compact and versatile. Preorder deals and reviews vary on value versus flagship status as launches roll out.
The government has issued an unprecedented emergency alert warning England and Wales about a very high risk of wildfires, urging people to avoid anything that could start a blaze. The alert follows dozens of fires, including in Stourbridge, and comes with a ban on disposable barbecues and a deployment of military resources to support firefighting efforts.
Recent legal actions and new security tools underscore the growing role of AI in cybercrime and the ongoing efforts by tech giants and law enforcement to curb scams, data breaches, and impersonation attempts across sectors.
Google has filed a civil lawsuit to dismantle Outsider Enterprise, a Chinese-led cybercrime network accused of using Gemini AI to power phishing campaigns that impersonate Google and other brands. The operation allegedly created thousands of fake sites and millions of scam texts, stealing credentials and payment data from hundreds of thousands of victims.
Google is rolling out the promised Play Store fee reductions and external payment options in Europe, the UK, and the US, as part of its Epic settlement. Android 17 begins a staged rollout on Pixel devices, bringing multitasking bubbles, foldable gaming mode, and Gemini/AI features, with broader release planned via Pixel Drops and Wear OS updates.
Slate Auto has unveiled a bare‑bones two‑seat electric pickup with a $24,950 base price and a two‑row SUV conversion starting at $29,950. The company has raised the base EPA range estimate to about 205 miles, is taking preorders with a $300 deposit, and plans production to begin in late 2026 with direct online sales.
Executives are leaving top AI labs for rivals, highlighting a talent war as Google loses senior researchers to Anthropic and OpenAI. The exits come as industry leaders push for faster AI deployment and policy alignment, with investors watching margins amid heavy AI compute spending.
TechCrunch and other outlets report a wave of AI agents moving into consumer tools. OpenClaw launches on iOS/Android; Acti unveils an agent-enabled keyboard; OKX launches AI agents marketplace; Meta exploring Arena-style prediction markets; Bloomberg/Times detail Kalshi and Polymarket stakes.
The Trump administration has restricted refugee admissions globally while planning to admit white South Africans, and may for the first time offer welcome kits and materials that present a pro-Trump historical narrative. The policy shift is provoking debate about refugee treatment and racial politics in the United States.
Google has released a stand-alone Google Finance app for Android, bringing the AI-powered web facelift to mobile. The app mirrors the updated Finance web experience, including AI-generated key moments, an AI research tool, and chat-based insights tied to users’ portfolios and watchlists. An iOS version is planned for later, with more features rolling out over time.
The European Court of Justice has dismissed Google's appeal against the Android antitrust ruling, confirming the European Commission's 4.1–4.3 billion euro penalty for pre-installation practices. The decision comes after years of litigation, as Brussels continues to push for stronger digital regulation.
Enterprises are shifting from chasing the top model to integrating best-fit open-weight options, aiming to cut costs while preserving performance. Open-weight models are gaining traction as a flexible backbone for task-specific systems, with large labs facing pressure as organizations route work to cheaper, capable engines.
OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Elon Musk are trading blunt exchanges as Apple accuses OpenAI of stealing trade secrets. Musk intensifies with taunts about SpaceX’s future IPO and Altman counters with notes on GPT-5.6 Sol’s benchmarks, amid OpenAI’s confidential IPO plans.
Apple has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that OpenAI stole confidential trade secrets as it builds a hardware division, naming former Apple employees involved in the alleged misconduct. OpenAI denies the claims, stating it has no evidence of merit and remains focused on innovative technology.
Waze has rolled out five new features, including personalized navigation, a new motorcycle mode, and a less chatty voice. The updates are rolling out globally on Android and iOS as the company leans on Gemini AI to refine routing and communications.
Linus Torvalds has publicly backed AI-assisted code reviews as a pragmatic tool for Linux, while the broader community weighs automated bug reporting and safety concerns. Rust is gaining traction for safer kernel code, and maintenance workflows are adapting to AI-driven inputs amid ongoing release cadence.
EU rules under the Digital Markets Act require Google to allow rival AI assistants on Android and to share anonymized search data with competing engines. The measures aim to boost choice while preserving privacy, with compliance set for 2027.
Preorder promotions for Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8 are flooding the market. Deals include trade-ins, carrier credits, and Amazon gift cards, with official release set for August 7, 2026 and deliveries starting mid-August as stock rolls out.
The European Union has issued fines under the Digital Markets Act against Google for anticompetitive practices, signaling a hardening stance on Big Tech. The Commission says the penalties aim to protect consumers and ensure a level playing field, while Google argues the move undermines real-time services and safety features.
The European Commission has fined Google €890m for breaching the Digital Markets Act by self‑preferencing search results and blocking app developers from steering users away from Google Play. President Donald Trump has announced an immediate Section 301 trade investigation and threatened substantial tariffs, raising the prospect of fresh US‑EU trade tensions over tech regulation.
Samsung has expanded its foldable lineup with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, plus Z Flip 8, triggering price changes and new trade-in incentives. Independent and other outlets detail storage options, colorways, and regional deals as devices get pricier amid memory shortages.
Google is poised to unveil a first‑party Bluetooth tracker, Pixel Tag, tied to Find My Device/Find Hub networks. Leaked listings suggest a pebble-like design, a loudspeaker, privacy features, and pricing around €34.90 in Europe. Launch could coincide with the Pixel 11 event.
The Guardian and other outlets report increasing concern over Meta’s Ray‑Ban smartglasses. Pubs, theatres and schools ban or restrict wearables to protect privacy as regulators weigh rules. While advocates highlight accessibility benefits, critics warn surreptitious filming and harassment threaten safety in public spaces.
The Pixel 11 lineup is set for an August 12 Made by Google event. Leaks point to incremental upgrades across models, a new LED camera light, a Pixel Fold, and a Pixel Watch 5. Pricing is rising across the range, with 256GB starting storage for most models and a likely $899 base price.
Global firms are increasingly turning to Chinese technology, AI, and battery suppliers as China deepens its role in global supply chains. Auto makers and tech majors are partnering with CATL, Baidu, Alibaba, and Xpeng, while Hong Kong is rising as a testing ground for AI models and data-center capacity. The shift signals a broader move from China as a manufacturing base to a source of advanced capabilities, even as US constraints persist.
The US market now allows installation of third-party app stores in Google Play, following a ruling connected to the Epic Games suit. Aptoide is the first such store available in Play Store, with broader catalog access promised later. Other regions will follow, though initial access remains limited.
Google has revealed its Pixel 11 lineup and Pixel Watch 5, introducing the HiLight LED notification ring, Gemini-powered features, and updated cameras and health tracking. Prices start at $899 for the base Pixel 11, with higher-end models and a Fold available. The Pixel Watch 5 adds blood pressure and insulin resistance tracking.
Google has unveiled a new Pixel 11 lineup featuring Gemini AI across devices, including Live Transcribe for ASL, Rambler voice transcription, Circle to Search in-camera, and a pro/fold variant lineup with expanded storage and higher prices. New camera and accessibility features aim to showcase AI-driven task automation and smarter interfaces.
Google has unveiled the Pixel 11 lineup—the Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold—with preorder offers including Amazon gift cards up to $350 and carrier deals. The devices feature Gemini-powered performance, upgraded cameras, and longer-lasting battery life. Deals vary by retailer and trade-in options.