Google

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Google and Alphabet Watch: Insights on Google's ecosystem, including Android, Gmail, Chrome, plus other bets and innovations coming from Mountain View.

android api google play sideloading

Android apps can now block usage if sideloading is detected

A new API, if leveraged, will force users to use Play Store versions instead
A hot potato: Apple's infamous "walled garden" approach is often cited as an example of limiting consumer freedom, but it seems the Android ecosystem is erecting restrictive fences as well. The most recent development in this direction is Google supercharging its Play Integrity API to give developers more power to block apps installed outside the Play Store.
nevada google government generative ai

Nevada will use Google's AI to help decide if people should receive unemployment benefits

What could possibly go wrong?
A hot potato: In the latest instance of generative AI being used for something that AI probably shouldn't be used for, Nevada is set to become the first state to use the technology to make recommendations on unemployment benefit appeals. Since these systems are prone to errors, bias, and hallucinations, there are understandable concerns about the move. The fact that courts may not be able to overturn rulings made on the basis of an AI's mistake is compounding these fears.
marketing

Facebook partner admits to eavesdropping on conversations via phone mics for ad targeting

"We know what you're thinking. Is this even legal?"
A hot potato: For almost as long as we've had smartphones, there has been the belief that they surreptitiously listen to our spoken conversations to serve us targeted ads; most people have experienced seeing an ad on Facebook for something they were recently talking about. It's always been claimed that this type of privacy invasion doesn't happen. However, a marketing agency, whose clients included Facebook and Google, has admitted to using an "Active Listening" feature that eavesdrops on conversations via phone mics to gather data.
google ceo with video eric schmidt work from home openai remote work

Former Google CEO blames work-from-home policy for company lagging behind OpenAI

Eric Schmidt also praised Elon Musk and TSMC's work culture
A hot potato: As artificial intelligence companies race ahead in their development of generative AI technology, Google is being left behind by the likes of OpenAI and Anthropic. According to former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, the reason for this is simple: his former company prioritizes working from home and flexible hours for its employees.
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