Google is expanding its Ask Play chatbot into a broader AI-powered search tool for the Play Store, letting users ask questions and get app comparisons, with similar functionality coming to Gemini. The company also launched Game Finder, a recommendation engine using a 'Gamer DNA' profile built from usage data across 1.2 billion Android gamers, rolling out in the US now. Separately, Google plans to let users privately host and share apps they build themselves using AI coding tools through the Play Store.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-10-13
Starting Thursday, Google Maps will show petrol and diesel prices at UK fuel stations, sourced from the government’s Fuel Finder scheme. This addition aims to help drivers locate cheaper fuel options amid rising costs, with prices updated within 30 minutes of change as required by law. The feature is already available on Waze, while Apple Maps does not currently display fuel prices.
bbc.co.uk
· 2026-10-07
Android Authority found code in Google Messages beta version 20260921 suggesting Google is building support for Samsung's Finder search tool to search text messages. The feature is not yet functional and Google Messages currently doesn't appear in Finder's list of supported apps.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-28
Ahead of installing an iOS public beta, users are advised to make a computer-based backup rather than relying on iCloud, since iCloud automatically overwrites backups with newer beta versions. This can leave users unable to restore a stable iOS version if they need to downgrade. The recommended process involves connecting the iPhone to a Mac or PC, creating an encrypted local backup, and archiving it manually.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-05
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