Code found in the latest Google app build suggests Google is developing a feature letting parents set daily usage limits for Gemini on supervised accounts. Strings found in version 17.72.13.sa.arm64 reference a notification telling kids their parent set a time limit, and a lockout screen showing when access resumes. Currently, Family Link only allows parents to fully allow or block Gemini access, with no option for partial restrictions.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-11-02
Google has enabled Gemini AI features by default across Gmail, including email summaries, to-do list creation, reply drafting and AI search. These features require Gemini to read email content to function, though Google maintains the data is used only for those specific tasks rather than broader model training. Users can disable the integration through account settings if they prefer Gemini not to access their inbox.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-02
Researchers placed 50 AI agents, each running an OpenAI GPT-6.1 Sol model, into Minecraft for a three-hour trial aimed at building a 'thriving civilization,' using an open-sourced agent harness built for the experiment. Instead of cooperating efficiently, the agents established leadership purely by directory order, invented redundant administrative roles like 'rod holder' and 'fishing shift,' and spent long stretches on trivial coordination tasks while failing to secure a stable food supply.
zdnet.com
· 2026-11-02
Amazon is currently selling the Google Pixel 11 Pro for $799, a $300 reduction from its $1,099 list price. The discount marks the lowest price the phone has reached since its launch, surpassing an earlier 2024 low of $899, and the device carries a 4.4-star rating on Amazon.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-11-02
Searching Google for "Zelda" or "Ocarina of Time" now triggers an animation leading to a retro version of the search results page styled like 1998, complete with blue hyperlinks and the old "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, timed to Nintendo's Ocarina of Time remake launch. The effect only applies to game-related searches and reverts to Google's current results page, including AI Overviews, for anything else.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-02
Google's new Fitbit Edge fitness tracker does not include an NFC chip, meaning it cannot support Google Wallet tap-to-pay. Several older Fitbit models, including the Charge 4, 5 and 6 and various Sense and Versa smartwatches, do include NFC and can use Google Wallet, which replaced Fitbit Pay in 2024. Apple Wallet is not supported on any Fitbit device regardless of NFC.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-02
Apple is due to release its quarterly financial results today, following a rocky week of earnings from major tech companies. Google and Amazon both disappointed investors last week, triggering a broad sell-off in tech stocks, while Microsoft was a notable exception that satisfied Wall Street.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-11-02
Google's latest Android distribution figures show Android 17 running on only 0.9% of devices worldwide, while Android 16 leads with 25.4% share and Android 15 holds 14.7%. Older versions remain widespread, with Android 13 still on 11.8% of devices and Android 12 on 9.6%. By contrast, StatCounter data cited shows roughly 15% of Apple mobile users on iOS 27 and nearly half on iOS 26.
techspot.com
· 2026-11-02
The Hermantown, Minnesota city council unanimously approved Google's proposed 200-acre data center after two delayed meetings and hours of public opposition. Google reduced the project from four buildings to three, capped building height at 33 feet, agreed to monitor nearby private wells, and withdrew its request for up to $80 million in property tax breaks.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-11-02
Google Messages beta version v20261030 introduces a redesigned app icon that replaces the current flat, interlocking pill design with a rounded speech bubble rendered in a blue gradient. A smaller, darker blue bubble sits behind it, echoing the old icon's conversation motif. The new icon is also appearing on Wear OS in the same beta release, though Google hasn't said when it will reach stable channels.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-11-02
A Wired investigation identified more than 400 interconnected apps and domains, reportedly built by a single Chinese organization, that disguise themselves as ordinary tools like language-learning or pet-photo apps. Once activated through hidden server checks—often triggered via Facebook or Instagram ads—the apps reveal interfaces for generating explicit and violent deepfake images, including depictions of rape and knife threats, using photos uploaded by users. Apple removed 19 of the apps after being contacted by Wired, while similar apps remained available on Google Play.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-11-02
A hands-on review of the Dell XPS laptop running Googlebook OS praises the same screen, keyboard and build quality found on the Windows version of the XPS 13, crediting Dell's hardware design. However, the reviewer reports that the software experience is inconsistent, citing poor Android app support through the Google Play store, including a stripped-down Slack app and the complete absence of Evernote.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-02
GoKawiil