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Amazon has reduced the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL to $999, marking a $300 discount from its original $1,299 price. The device features a 6.8-inch display, a triple camera setup with 50MP, 48MP, and 48MP sensors, and runs on the Tensor G6 chip with Android 17. The deal requires an Amazon Prime membership to access the discount.
Google has introduced the ability to view, edit, and collaborate on Markdown files directly within Google Docs and Drive. Users can now import Markdown documents, such as those created in Obsidian, and see them rendered with proper formatting without conversion, while Drive previews display fully formatted Markdown content. The feature is gradually rolling out to all users over the next 15 days.
Google is developing a new 'Focus Peaking' tool for Snapseed, which will assist users in achieving accurate focus by highlighting sharp areas in the viewfinder. The feature was discovered in the latest app version and is expected to be accessible via a toggle in camera settings once released. Additionally, Snapseed is enhancing its LUT editing capabilities with support for HaldCLUT in the recent update.
Analyzing five years of Google Flights data, Google reports that domestic flights for Thanksgiving are cheapest when booked about 39 days prior, around October 21-23. For Christmas, the ideal booking window shifts further out to approximately 56 days before departure, roughly between October 27-29. International flights to Europe tend to be most affordable around 90 days in advance, while trips to Mexico or the Caribbean should be booked about 43 days ahead.
Google’s October System Services update introduces NFC functionality for Find Hub-compatible trackers, allowing users to tap a tag to access details or identify lost items. The update also simplifies setup by enabling naming, categorizing, and configuring features like Left-Behind Reminders during registration. Additional enhancements include displaying card artwork and payment logos in notifications and minor attribution changes for Google Maps integrations.
Nikkei revealed that unknown hackers accessed two employee email accounts, one of which was used to send thousands of phishing emails in September. The breaches involved a Google Workspace account in July and a Microsoft 365 account in September, prompting the company to change passwords and warn staff about ongoing threats. No customer or reader data was affected in these incidents, according to Nikkei.
Since the release of iOS 27.2 beta 2, Apple has been experimenting with code that detects when Google displays promotional banners for Chrome or the Google app within Safari. The system also tracks user interactions with these ads, although it is unclear if this will be included in the final release. The move appears to be related to ongoing regulatory scrutiny of browser competition and user choice on iOS devices.
Researcher Syed Anas Mohiuddin demonstrated that the Model Context Protocol (MCP), used for internal communication among AI agents, has vulnerabilities that can be exploited to spread malicious instructions. Tests across organizations like Google, JP Morgan Chase, and government agencies revealed that trust gaps and lax guardrails enable prompt injection attacks to compromise internal systems. These exploits can lead to unauthorized network requests and data breaches, highlighting a significant security concern for AI-driven environments.
Google announced on launch day that some Android apps may not run optimally on its three new Intel-powered Googlebooks, due to compatibility challenges. The affected models, made by Lenovo, Acer, and Asus, use Intel’s Panther Lake architecture, while the Qualcomm-based models by Dell and HP are expected to perform normally. These issues stem from Android apps originally designed for Arm chips, which may require developer adjustments for better performance on Intel hardware.
Google appears to be extending its Gemini AI feature to enable users to send pre-recorded voice messages to friends and family, as indicated by an APK teardown revealing a 'Gemini Calling' interface. Examples include instructing the AI to tell a parent the user will be late or to ask a friend about dinner plans. The feature seems focused on simple, quick voice messages rather than full conversations, with customizable permissions for app access.
Norway's government has announced plans to introduce a temporary ban on smart glasses in locations where privacy is critical, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and gyms. The proposal aims to restrict device use in these areas while the government assesses the need for permanent regulation and defines which devices would be affected. The move is part of broader discussions on privacy concerns linked to emerging wearable technology.
Google’s new Googlebooks lineup features a Quick Access tool that enables users to browse, open, and transfer files between their Android phones and the device itself. The feature supports drag-and-drop for files under 200MB and requires both devices to run Android 17. Additionally, Files AI will provide instant summaries of folder names within Googlebooks.