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Tech News
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.
Tado has unveiled its Smart Thermostat X, a 17.8mm-thick device priced at £159.99-£199.99 depending on wired or battery-powered versions. The company says Google's decision to shut down servers for older Nest thermostats has already driven a surge in sales, and it's betting more Nest owners will switch as support for older generations lapses.
E-commerce SEO firm Productrise found that identical products listed through Google's AI Mode averaged 21.6 percent higher prices than the same items shown via traditional Google Search. The study also found AI Mode listings appeared 49 percent more prominently to users, and nearly half the time recommended a different primary retailer than standard search results.
Google has released Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 to supported Pixel devices, a smaller update than the previous beta but one that introduces meaningful refinements. The standout addition lets users control which notification and system icons appear in the status bar through a new settings menu, alongside a Voice Broadcast option added to Quick Settings.
An Android Authority roundup argues that buyers considering the newly US-available Fairphone Gen 6 Plus ($650) might get more for their money elsewhere. It highlights the HMD Skyline as a nearly as repairable but cheaper (~$400) alternative with a better camera, bigger battery and faster display, alongside four other Android phones recommended for shoppers willing to trade some repairability for extra performance and features.