Google’s AI Searches Love to Refer You Back to Google

Google seems to Have a Google addiction. If you click on a hyperlink in Google’s chatbot-style search tool, AI Mode, you are likely to be looped into another Google search, according to a new study from SE Rankinga search engine optimization company. Currently, Google.com is the most commonly linked site in AI Mode. Many website … Read more

Google Is Not Ruling Out Ads in Gemini

Second is advertiser tools. If you’re a small business, you’re not thinking about all the queries people are going to type in. AI is great at figuring out which keywords to use, what’s the optimal creative, and generating all of that. The third piece is the most nascent: ads in new experiences. The general philosophy … Read more

Google Maps Gets Chatty With a New Gemini-Powered Interface

There’s a new button in Google Maps: “Ask Maps.” Google started rolling out this new generative AI feature today, a conversational, in-app tool that combines data from Maps with a user experience similar to the company’s Gemini chatbot. It’s designed to answer questions about locations and schedule routes in the navigation app. This is part … Read more

I Used Google’s New Gemini-Powered ‘Help Me Create’ Tool in Docs. It’s Great at Corporate-Speak

Google rolled out Multiple new AI features today for its core Workspace products: Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. These apps now include additional tools powered by Gemini, Google’s AI assistant. The features range from generating entire rough drafts in your Docs to finding information tucked away in the recesses of your Drive. This Google … Read more

OpenAI and Google Workers File Amicus Brief in Support of Anthropic Against the US Government

more than 30 employees from OpenAI and Google, including Google DeepMind chief scientist Jeff Dean, filed an amicus brief on Monday in support of Anthropic in its legal fight against the US government. “If allowed to proceed, this effort to punish one of the leading US AI companies will undoubtedly have consequences for the United … Read more

Big Tech Signs White House Data Center Pledge With Good Optics and Little Substance

Several key technology companies signed a nonbinding pledge at the White House on Wednesday that the Trump administration claims will ensure that tech companies do not pass the cost of data centers on to consumers’ utility bills. “Data centers … they need some PR help,” President Donald Trump said at the event. “People think that … Read more

Hands-On With Nano Banana 2, the Latest Version of Google’s AI Image Generator

Google just debuted Nano Banana 2, an updated version of its AI image generator. It combines the abilities of Google’s previous release, Nano Banana Pro—like text rendering and web searching—with speedier image generation. This tool will be the new default in Google’s Gemini chatbot. The first image model from Google under the Nano Banana moniker … Read more

Gemini Can Now Book You an Uber or Order a DoorDash Meal on Your Phone. Here’s How It Works

You might be feeling déjà vu. A decade ago, companies like Google and Apple made promises that their respective voice assistants could complete tasks on your behalf. Apple said Siri could request an Uber—try it today, and Siri just opens the Uber app. Google claimed you’d be able to “Order my usual” at Starbucks with … Read more

How to Hide Google’s AI Overviews From Your Search Results

Going online in 2026 means subjecting yourself to a relentless bombardment of generative AI tools. How about a few AI agents to get you started? Do you want to use this chatbot sidebar? Would you like every search query to be answered with an AI summary? While there is no off switch to avoid this … Read more

Perplexity’s Retreat From Ads Signals a Bigger Strategic Shift

Perplexity is abandoning plans to put ads in its AI search product as the industry looks for sustainable business models that won’t hurt user trust. The changes are part of a larger strategic shift for the company, which has long focused on disrupting Google Search’s business. “Google is changing to be like Perplexity more than … Read more