Google Pays AI Researchers Not to Work for Competitors After Leaving
DeepMind's London office enforces year-long non-compete agreements while continuing to pay departing AI researchers their full salaries. The controversial practice highlights the fierce battle for AI talent among tech giants, even as some researchers express frustration about being sidelined from industry developments.
Epic Games CEO Condemns Apple and Google's 'Gangster-Style' App Store Tactics
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney unleashes fierce criticism against Apple and Google, accusing them of deliberately maintaining illegal app store practices despite fines. The gaming giant faces significant hurdles launching its store on mobile platforms due to warning messages and fees that deter users and developers.
Google's Historic $32B Acquisition of Israeli Cloud Security Giant Wiz
Google unveils plans to acquire Wiz, an Israeli cloud security firm founded by military intelligence veterans, for $32 billion. The landmark deal promises significant economic benefits for Israel while strengthening ties between Silicon Valley and the Israeli cybersecurity sector.
Google Abandons Smart Home Hardware: Nest Protect and Yale Lock Discontinued
Google announces the end of production for two major smart home products - Nest Protect smoke detector and Nest x Yale smart lock. The company shifts strategy towards partnerships, with First Alert and Yale set to launch alternative products incorporating similar features.
Apple's $20B Google Search Deal in Jeopardy After Court Bars Trial Participation
A DC Circuit Court ruling has denied Apple's attempt to join Google's antitrust trial, potentially endangering their lucrative $20 billion search engine deal. The decision limits Apple's ability to defend the arrangement that makes Google the default search provider across Safari browsers.
DOJ Demands Google Divest Chrome and Android in Major Antitrust Battle
The U.S. Department of Justice has escalated its antitrust fight against Google, demanding the tech giant sell off Chrome browser and potentially Android OS. The landmark case, set for April hearings, aims to address Google's alleged monopolistic practices in search through forced divestitures and other remedies.
Google Expands AI-Powered Healthcare Features with Enhanced Search and Medical Records Integration
Google unveils comprehensive healthcare updates across platforms, introducing AI-enhanced medical search panels and expanded medical records capabilities for Android. The company's latest features include real user health insights, standardized health data management, and advanced safety monitoring through Pixel devices.
Google's Gemini AI to Add Live Video Analysis Capabilities in March Update
Google is expanding Gemini's capabilities with live video feed processing and screen sharing features, allowing users to interact with the AI assistant through their camera lens. The premium feature, launching this March for Gemini Advanced subscribers, aims to create more intuitive human-AI interactions despite potential operational costs.
Google's SpeciesNet: AI-Powered Wildlife Recognition Revolutionizes Conservation
Google introduces SpeciesNet, an open-source AI model capable of identifying over 2,000 animal species from camera trap photos. Trained on 65 million images, this groundbreaking technology aims to accelerate wildlife research and conservation efforts globally.
Qualcomm Partners with Google to Deliver 8 Years of Android Updates
Qualcomm announces extended software support for Android phones, promising up to eight years of updates for devices with newer Snapdragon chips. The initiative, starting with flagship phones before expanding to mid-range devices, aims to reduce e-waste by enabling longer device lifespans.