Tag: Google

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New Google accounts may face 5GB storage limit

Google is reportedly testing a new approach to free cloud storage that could reduce the default limit for new accounts from 15GB to 5GB. The storage applies across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos, which all draw from a shared quota.

In the test, some users signing up for new Google accounts are shown only 5GB of free storage initially. To access the full 15GB, users may need to complete phone number verification during or after the registration process.

This change does not appear to affect existing Google accounts, which continue to receive the standard 15GB free storage allocation. The experiment is currently limited in scope and has not been officially rolled out worldwide.

For years, the 15GB free storage plan has been a key part of Google’s ecosystem, giving users a unified space for emails, files and photo backups. It has also been a competitive advantage in the cloud storage market.

However, storage usage has increased significantly over time as users store more high-resolution photos, videos and documents. This has led many users to eventually upgrade to paid Google One plans once their free limit is reached.

The new test suggests Google may be exploring ways to better manage storage demand while also tightening account verification processes. Industry observers note that linking storage benefits to identity confirmation could become a broader trend across digital platforms.

Google has described the move as a controlled experiment aimed at improving platform security and reducing the creation of fake or spam accounts. By linking full storage access to verification, the company may be trying to discourage mass sign-ups that exploit free storage offerings.

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Technology

Google showcases next-generation AI tools

Google has unveiled a range of new artificial intelligence features for Android devices along with a new AI-powered laptop platform called GoogleBook during its Android Show 2026 event.

The company introduced “Gemini Intelligence”, an upgraded AI assistant integrated directly into Android smartphones and tablets. Google said the system is designed to help users perform tasks more naturally through voice and text commands.

According to the company, Gemini Intelligence can summarise conversations, organise information, draft messages and assist users across multiple apps. Google said the AI will make Android devices more personalised and interactive.

Another major announcement was GoogleBook, a lightweight laptop platform built around AI-powered tools. Google showcased features such as real-time summarisation, smart writing assistance, voice-based commands and AI-supported search.

The company demonstrated how users could ask Gemini to manage schedules, write emails, edit photos and retrieve information from files using simple conversational prompts.

Google said more details about the rollout of Gemini Intelligence and GoogleBook will be shared during its upcoming developer conference, Google I/O.

Industry experts believe the announcements highlight Google’s push to compete aggressively in the rapidly growing AI market, where companies including Microsoft, Apple and OpenAI are introducing similar technologies. Google said the new AI features will also improve services like Maps, Search, messaging and accessibility tools on Android devices.

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Technology

Google introduces AI-powered Fitbit Air

Google has entered the growing AI-driven wearable market with the launch of Fitbit Air, a new screenless fitness tracker designed to focus on health monitoring rather than smartwatch-style features. The company said the wearable combines passive health tracking with artificial intelligence-based wellness insights.

Priced at $99, Fitbit Air does not include a display, notifications, or apps. Instead, the lightweight wrist strap continuously tracks user health data in the background and delivers personalised recommendations through Google’s new Health app. The device is powered by Google’s Gemini AI technology, which analyses fitness and biometric information to provide coaching related to sleep, recovery, activity levels, and overall wellness.

The wearable includes features such as continuous heart-rate monitoring, sleep analysis, blood oxygen tracking, activity tracking, temperature sensing, and heart rhythm notifications. Google claims the device can offer up to seven days of battery life on a single charge.

According to the company, Fitbit Air is aimed at users who want health insights without the distractions associated with traditional smartwatches. The product reflects a growing trend in the wearable technology industry, where companies are shifting focus toward continuous biometric tracking and AI-powered health analysis.

Google has also announced a unified Google Health app that will replace the older Fitbit app experience. The new platform combines fitness, sleep, and wellness information in one interface while offering AI-generated recommendations based on user data patterns.

The company confirmed that Fitbit Air will support both Android and iPhone users, widening its potential customer base. Alongside the device, Google is also introducing a subscription-based AI Health Coach service that provides more advanced health analysis and customised wellness guidance.

Fitbit Air directly competes with popular screenless wearable brands such as Whoop and Oura, which have gained popularity among fitness-focused users and professional athletes.

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1 Minute-Read

Google tests YouTube AI search tool

Google is testing a new AI-powered feature called “Ask YouTube” that allows users to search using full questions instead of simple keywords.

The tool provides text summaries, suggested videos, Shorts and highlighted clips related to the query. Users can also ask follow-up questions, making search more conversational.

The feature is currently being tested with selected YouTube Premium users in the United States. Google has not announced a wider rollout date yet.

The move is part of its broader AI push and could change how users discover tutorials, reviews and educational content on YouTube.

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Technology

Google plans a huge $40 bn investment in Anthropic

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has announced plans to invest up to $40 billion in artificial intelligence startup Anthropic, one of the leading rivals in the fast-growing AI space. The deal strengthens an already close partnership between the two companies.

According to reports, Google will immediately invest about $10 billion in Anthropic. A further $30 billion may follow, but only if the startup meets certain performance targets. The investment values Anthropic at around $350 billion.

Anthropic is best known for its AI chatbot family called Claude, which competes directly with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s own Gemini models. The company has seen rapid growth in demand, especially for its coding-focused tools.

Along with funding, the deal also includes major support for computing power. Google will provide large-scale access to its cloud infrastructure and specialized AI chips to help Anthropic train and run its models. This kind of computing capacity is seen as critical for building advanced AI systems.

The investment comes as competition among big tech firms intensifies. Amazon recently announced its own multi-billion-dollar backing for Anthropic, making the startup one of the most heavily funded AI companies in the world.

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Leaders

Gucci-owner to launch AI smart glasses with Google

French luxury group Kering, best known for brands like Gucci, is planning to step into the world of smart technology with a new line of high-end smart glasses, developed in partnership with Google. The company aims to launch the product as early as next year, signalling a shift toward combining fashion with advanced digital features.

The idea is simple: take the elegance and style associated with Gucci and merge it with Google’s expertise in artificial intelligence and wearable tech. The result could be a pair of smart glasses that not only look premium but also offer practical features powered by AI.

This move comes at a time when the luxury industry is looking for new ways to attract customers. Kering, in particular, has been facing slower growth at Gucci, its biggest brand. By entering the smart eyewear space, the company hopes to open up a fresh revenue stream and appeal to younger, tech-savvy consumers.

Competition in this space is already heating up. Companies like EssilorLuxottica have partnered with Meta to produce Ray-Ban smart glasses, which combine classic design with features like cameras and voice assistance. Kering’s entry could raise the bar by bringing a stronger focus on luxury and design.

Kering’s leadership says the project is part of a broader plan to expand beyond traditional fashion and adapt to changing consumer habits. As people increasingly look for products that combine style with functionality, smart glasses could become a key category in the future.

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Technology

Google brings AI search to Windows desktop

Google has introduced a new desktop app for Windows users, making it easier to search the web and access information without opening a browser.

The app works on Windows 10 and newer versions and is currently available in English. It is designed to simplify how people search by bringing everything—web results, files, apps, and even cloud content—into one place.

One of its main features is “AI Mode,” which allows users to ask questions in a natural, conversational way. Instead of just showing a list of links, the app provides clear answers along with useful sources. This makes searching feel more like having a conversation than typing keywords.

Another useful feature is a quick shortcut. By pressing Alt + Space, users can instantly open the search bar and look for anything on their computer or online. This helps save time and reduces the need to switch between apps or browser tabs.

The app also includes tools like screen-based search and image recognition. Users can select something on their screen and ask questions about it, translate text, or identify images using built-in tools similar to Google Lens.

This launch is part of Google’s broader push to bring artificial intelligence into daily use. By placing AI tools directly on the desktop, the company is trying to make technology more helpful and less time-consuming.

For now, the app is limited to English, but more languages are expected in the future. With this move, Google is taking a step towards making search more personal, faster, and easier to use.

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Technology

Anthropic partners Google, Broadcom for AI expansion

Anthropic has entered into a major long-term partnership with Google and Broadcom to strengthen its access to advanced AI chips and computing infrastructure.

The agreement is aimed at meeting the growing demand for high-performance computing required to train and run advanced artificial intelligence models. As part of the deal, Anthropic will use Google’s custom-built Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), which are designed specifically for AI workloads.

The partnership is expected to significantly scale Anthropic’s computing capacity over the coming years. Reports suggest that the company could gain access to several gigawatts of compute power, reflecting the massive infrastructure needed for next-generation AI systems.

Broadcom will play a key role by helping design and supply custom chips that power Google’s AI infrastructure. The collaboration is part of a broader, multi-year arrangement that will support the development of future AI processors.

For Anthropic, the deal ensures a steady supply of critical resources needed to expand its AI offerings, including its Claude chatbot. The company has been rapidly growing and requires large-scale computing to keep up with increasing user demand and more complex AI models.

The partnership also highlights a wider trend in the tech industry, where companies are entering long-term agreements to secure access to chips and computing power. With AI systems becoming more resource-intensive, reliable infrastructure has become a key competitive factor.

For Google, the deal strengthens its cloud and AI ecosystem by promoting the use of its in-house chips. For Broadcom, it reinforces its role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

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Technology

Google unveils Gemma 4 AI model

Google has launched its new AI model, Gemma 4, to help developers create smarter applications with ease. Built by Google DeepMind, the model is designed to be simple to use while still offering powerful features.

Gemma 4 is available in multiple sizes, allowing it to run on a variety of devices such as smartphones, laptops, and servers. This makes it more accessible, especially for developers who may not have high-end hardware.

The model can perform tasks like answering questions, generating text, and assisting with coding. It also supports text, images, and audio, making it capable of handling different types of data in one system.

Another key feature is that Gemma 4 can work directly on devices, sometimes without needing an internet connection. This helps improve speed and enhances data privacy.

With support for over 140 languages, the model can be used to build applications for users around the world. It can also process large amounts of information at once, making it suitable for more advanced tasks.

Google has made Gemma 4 available under an open licence, allowing developers to freely use, modify, and build on it, including for commercial use.

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Technology

Google restricts ‘Agent Smith’ AI tool after internal surge

Google has limited access to its internal AI tool “Agent Smith” after it quickly gained popularity among employees. The tool is designed to automate coding and handle routine work tasks with minimal human involvement.

Agent Smith stands out for its ability to perform multi-step tasks independently. Employees can assign work from their smartphones, and the AI continues processing in the background, allowing greater flexibility and efficiency.

The system also connects with Google’s internal platforms to retrieve documents and relevant data, reducing manual effort and speeding up workflows. Its growing use reflects a shift from basic AI assistants to more advanced, autonomous agents.

The rise of the tool aligns with CEO Sundar Pichai’s focus on integrating AI into daily operations. Sergey Brin has also emphasized that such AI agents will play a key role in the company’s future.

While details remain limited, Agent Smith’s rapid adoption signals how AI is increasingly transforming workplace productivity.

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