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A federal judge ruled that Google must stop certain practices that have suppressed advertising rates paid to web publishers, addressing antitrust concerns about its dominance in ad technology. However, the court stopped short of ordering Google to sell off its ad exchange or other core advertising tools, rejecting the more severe remedy sought by antitrust enforcers.
Android Authority published its latest Wallpaper Wednesday collection, offering six reader-submitted images and three staff photos as free downloadable wallpapers for phones, tablets, and PCs. The images are provided in JPG and PNG formats in both landscape and portrait orientations, with full-resolution versions available via a shared Drive link.
A Washington Post-Elon University poll found that more than a quarter of Americans use AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini for emotional or personal support, with many saying they consider these tools friends or a way to feel less alone. Apple executives Craig Federighi and Greg Joswiak previously said Siri AI is deliberately built to avoid this kind of engagement-driven, sycophantic behavior seen in rival chatbots.
A clean-energy development is being built on 500 acres of a West Virginia strip mine that was abandoned two decades ago, combining solar power generation with both lithium-ion and zinc battery storage systems. Google is supporting the project, which aims to extend the availability of renewable electricity further into nighttime hours than conventional battery setups typically allow.
Security firm Socket Inc. identified 19 malicious browser extensions for Chrome and Edge that operated for years before being caught. The most popular, a right-click/OCR utility, was installed by 80,000 combined users and secretly harvested cryptocurrency wallet data after receiving malicious updates roughly six months ago.
Android Authority found a new Customize option in Google Photos version 7.90.0 that lets users drag and rearrange folders like On This Device, Places, and People & Pets within the Collections tab. The tool also allows hiding certain albums entirely, though the recently added pinned section can only be hidden, not reordered.
MrBeast is releasing a new video on September 5 showing his team racing across three extreme environments—jungle, desert, and Arctic—while relying on Google's Gemini AI to navigate dangers and survive harsh conditions. The project marks a branded collaboration between Google and one of YouTube's biggest creators to showcase Gemini's practical capabilities.
Judge Leonie Brinkema denied the Justice Department's request to force Google to divest parts of its advertising technology operations, opting instead for behavioral remedies to restore competition. The specific measures, which could include limits on self-preferencing in ad auctions and expanded data access for rival ad tech tools, remain confidential until parties finalize redactions and revisions. Google may still appeal the underlying ruling that found it illegally monopolized the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets.
Google has fixed a bug in its Home app that was preventing owners of older Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices from setting them up. The company confirmed the fix in a Reddit thread and advised affected users to update to Google Home app version 4.26 or later and retry setup. Those still experiencing issues are encouraged to contact Google support.
With the Google Pixel 11 series now available in bold colors and featuring a new HiLight LED on Pro models, reviewers have rounded up recommended protective cases for the phones. Options highlighted include the slim, protective Spigen Liquid Air and the grip-focused dBrand Grip Case, among several others covering different price points and styles.
Acer showed a brief glimpse of its upcoming Googlebook at IFA 2026, confirming the device is
Google's My Pixel app, previously called Pixel Tips, has been sending push notifications to owners of older Pixel phones promoting the new Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5, often without users opting in. Android Authority polled over 9,600 readers on whether smartphone advertising has gone too far, and 93.9% said yes.