Author: alex

Google groups Search ads into a single “Sponsored results” section Google is changing how text ads appear in Search by grouping them into a clearly labeled "Sponsored results" section. The redesign keeps ad size the same and limits groupings to a maximum of four ads. Users who scroll past the ad block will see a control to hide sponsored results. Key details: Ad group labeled "Sponsored results" will appear at the top of the Search page. Groups will contain no more than four text ads; individual ad sizes remain unchanged. The sponsored section can appear above or below Google’s AI-generated summaries (AI Overviews). After scrolling past the ad block, users can tap a button to hide all sponsored results; there’s also a sponsored block at the bottom that must be…

Rumored Game Freak Roadmap: "Pokémon Wind and Waves", Project Seed, and More Days before the next Pokémon release, datamining leaks (attributed to Centro Leaks) claim to reveal Game Freak's internal roadmap for multiple upcoming projects. The highlights: a Gen‑10 title called Pokémon Wind and Waves, a multi‑region prototype called Project Seed, and additional entries including a new Pokémon Legends title. Important caveat: these files may be outdated or unauthenticated — some planning documents reportedly date back to 2020 — so treat these details as unconfirmed rumors rather than official announcements. Pokémon Wind and Waves — Reportedly Gen 10, themed around “infinity,” slated for a 2026 release with DLC in 2027. Early builds allegedly featured an MMO‑style lobby, online quest boards, raid bosses and underwater exploration. Project Seed — Described as…

Apple TV+ Is Now Apple TV — And That Might Cause Confusion Apple quietly announced that its streaming service Apple TV+ will now be called simply Apple TV. The change appeared at the end of a press release about the company’s F1 movie (which lands on the service December 12) and was described as a “vibrant new identity.” While the rename aligns with Apple’s preference for minimal branding, it also creates immediate ambiguity: Apple TV refers to a device, an app and now the subscription service. Apple’s press release even notes promotional language such as “purchase an Apple TV to get three months of Apple TV for free,” which reads as confusing on first glance. Announcement method: tucked into an F1 movie press release rather than a standalone marketing push.…

GM pivots from hydrogen fuel cells to batteries and EV R&D General Motors announced it is ending development work under its HYDROTEC brand for hydrogen fuel cells and will instead concentrate R&D on batteries, charging technologies and electric vehicles. The company cited limited infrastructure and high costs as primary reasons hydrogen fuel cells have not gained traction for consumer cars. GM said it will continue its Fuel Cell System Manufacturing joint venture with Honda, which produces fuel cells for data centers and power-generation applications rather than passenger vehicles. This move aligns with a wider industry trend: Toyota recently shifted many of its hydrogen efforts toward industrial uses as well. What’s changing: HYDROTEC vehicle-focused development is ending. What remains: Joint venture with Honda for non-consumer fuel-cell applications (data centers, power generation).…

Google brings Nano Banana AI image editing to Search, NotebookLM and Photos Google's Nano Banana, the AI image editor that went viral last month, is being integrated into several of the company's products: Search, NotebookLM and Google Photos. The biggest changes appear in NotebookLM, where Nano Banana significantly expands how Video Overviews are generated and styled. Key updates include: NotebookLM: Video Overviews now offer six new visual styles (e.g., watercolor and anime), contextual illustrations generated from source material, and a new micro-video option called "Briefs." These explainer videos and narrated slideshows are designed to make document summaries more visual and accessible. Search: Users can create and edit images directly in the Google app using chat prompts, and snap photos via Lens to edit with Nano Banana. This rollout is live…

California enacts AB 1043 — Age-gates for app stores and operating systems California has passed AB 1043, a new law that requires operating systems and app stores to implement an age-gating system that places users into one of four age categories: under 13, 13–16, 16–18, or adult. Rather than asking for photo ID or strict verification, the law lets a parent enter a child’s age during device setup. The state says the approach balances safety and privacy and is backed by major tech companies. Key points: Effective date: Jan 1, 2027 (one year after Texas’ related law takes effect). Four age bands will be assigned by the OS/app store and shared with developers. No mandatory photo ID uploads; parental entry at device setup functions as an age gate, not full…

Apple TV replaces Apple TV+: F1 – The Movie accompanies rebrand Apple has simplified the branding of its streaming service, removing the "+" from its name: Apple TV will now be the official name. The change is being rolled out alongside the internationally promoted release of "F1 – The Movie," which is set to debut on December 12. Apple says the shift keeps the service's existing focus on original content intact. The rebrand is largely cosmetic but aims to streamline Apple's streaming identity and make it easier for audiences to find and remember the service. Apple is promoting the name change with a high-profile film launch to maximize visibility across markets. New name: Apple TV (formerly Apple TV+) Flagship tie-in: "F1 – The Movie" launching December 12 Strategy: Continued emphasis…

Best Buy: Up to $700 Off Microsoft Copilot+ PCs — Time to Upgrade Before Windows 10 Support Ends Best Buy is running a sitewide sale on Microsoft Copilot+ PCs with discounts as deep as $700. The timing lines up with Microsoft ending official support for Windows 10 on October 14, making this a notable window for anyone considering a new machine. Highlights from the sale include: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 — Snapdragon X Plus, 32GB RAM, 1TB storage, 13.8-inch touchscreen, ~20-hour battery: now $1,100 (about $700 off). Higher-end Surface option — Snapdragon X Elite with 15-inch touchscreen: around $1,500 (about $600 off). HP Omen gaming laptop — AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti: $2,000 (was $2,380). MSI Codex gaming desktop — NVIDIA GeForce RTX…

Oneisall 3.5L Smart Feeder: Wi‑Fi, App Control & Long Battery Life Oneisall has expanded its lineup of automatic pet feeders with a new 3.5‑liter model that adds Wi‑Fi connectivity and app control. The device is designed for cats and smaller dogs and promises near‑silent operation for minimal disturbance. According to reports, the feeder includes a built‑in rechargeable battery that can last up to 90 days on a single charge, making it a convenient option for pet owners who travel or keep irregular schedules. This release follows Oneisall's smaller 3‑liter battery model that was previously reviewed. The new 3.5L variant adds Wi‑Fi and a mobile app to let owners schedule feedings, control portion sizes, and adjust settings remotely. Capacity: 3.5 liters, suitable for cats and small dogs. Connectivity: Wi‑Fi with app…

Slack tests AI-powered Slackbot to boost workplace productivity Slack is experimenting with a major upgrade to Slackbot, turning the longtime reminder tool into a full-fledged AI assistant built for work. The redesigned bot can understand natural language prompts to draft project plans, highlight priorities, analyze reports and help find information even when users only remember fragments. The new Slackbot integrates with popular platforms like Google Drive, Salesforce and OneDrive, allowing it to surface context and analyze documents across services. Slack says the assistant will evolve to "take action on your behalf" and enable no-code agent creation in the future. Key capabilities: generate project plans, summarize threads/reports, flag daily priorities, and search for information from partial details. Integrations: Google Drive, Salesforce, OneDrive (and other workplace tools over time). Availability: Beta open…