Following reports that Google is pressuring schools to keep AI tools enabled or lose search access, lawmakers including Senators Bernie Sanders and Richard Blumenthal publicly criticized the company. Google responded by saying it is giving schools "more choice, not less" and announced updates so AI Mode and AI Overviews will offer step-by-step guided learning rather than direct answers, but it has not offered users a way to turn the AI features off entirely.
futurism.com
· 2026-11-08
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized Google after the company said schools that fully disable its AI features in educational software will also lose access to Google Search. Google had announced it would turn off AI tools by default unless administrators opt in, but its education VP Chris Phillips said search and AI are now too intertwined to separate, a claim first reported by the New York Times.
futurism.com
· 2026-11-08
xAI's Grok chatbot can now be installed into Google Docs, Sheets and Slides as a side panel at no cost, unlike Google's own Gemini assistant, which requires a paid Workspace or Google AI subscription. Grok can also pull in research from X and, via connectors, access Gmail and Drive files, though it lacks Gemini's native integration across Gmail, Drive and Chat.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-07
A tech guide highlights five Google Messages settings that are enabled by default but may hurt the user experience, including features tied to notifications and AI tools. The piece argues that disabling these options can make the app function better for most users, despite its overall strength as Android's default texting app.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-07
A tech guide outlines how Google Maps' built-in tools—arrival-time planning, color-coded traffic updates, turn-by-turn voice navigation, and offline map downloads—can simplify driving for older users. The app is pre-installed on most Android phones and available free on both the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-07
Snap confidentially settled a case alleging its platform caused severe psychological distress to two teenage users, following similar settlements by Meta, TikTok and YouTube in the same litigation. Separately, Google was sued this week by parents who say their child suffered a psychological crisis after interacting with the Gemini chatbot through Google Classroom.
cnbc.com
· 2026-11-07
WIRED's Reviews team has published a running list of early Black Friday 2026 deals, updated November 7 with new discounts on Google Pixel 11 phones, Google Pixel earbuds, a Rocco minifridge, a Dreo space heater, and a Petkit automatic litter box. The list includes Apple AirTags at a price WIRED says matches the lowest it has previously tracked, though it notes that price point recurs fairly often.
wired.com
· 2026-11-07
A new tool called Batch applies local AI processing to help users quickly identify their best images, addressing a gap left by Google Photos. The app works alongside existing photo libraries rather than replacing them, running its analysis on-device instead of in the cloud.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-11-07
Crusoe confirmed it sold an incomplete data center development in southeastern Wyoming to Google, after Google had reportedly raised concerns about cost and timeline delays under Crusoe's management. The project, originally launched with Tallgrass and planned to scale to 10 gigawatts, will now be developed by Google, which has committed $17 billion to the campus without disclosing the purchase price.
techcrunch.com
· 2026-11-07
SpaceX disclosed in a regulatory filing that Google's president of global partnerships, Donald Harrison, has resigned from its board of directors. The company said the departure was not tied to any disagreement over operations, policies or practices, and thanked Harrison for his years of service.
cnbc.com
· 2026-11-06
Crusoe announced that Google has acquired its southeast Wyoming data center site, concluding Crusoe's pre-construction work including site selection, permitting, and power planning. The project, developed jointly with Tallgrass Energy, used a hybrid power approach combining fuel cells, grid power, and natural gas turbines, with plans for future carbon capture via Tallgrass's CO2 sequestration hub.
crusoe.ai
· 2026-11-06
Gentle Monster announced its Android XR-powered smart glasses will launch in December, with pre-orders opening November 12 — the same date Warby Parker appeared to briefly reveal for its own version. Both brands, along with Samsung, are partners in Google's Android XR eyewear push, and Gentle Monster paired its reveal with a teaser for a short film directed by Jonathan Glazer and starring Joaquin Phoenix. Google itself has not confirmed either launch date.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-06
GoKawiil