Google’s 2026 Android Show gave us some early information forward of subsequent week’s huge I/O occasion. It included a number of updates centered on deeper AI integration, a brand new type of laptop computer that is not a Chromebook and a few safety overhauls.
The Googlebook might be a brand new class of premium laptops constructed for Gemini. That features a multicolor “glowbar” and a Magic Pointer—a redesigned cursor that may work as a contextual AI shortcut. (Gemini is right here and also you will use it.)This is not a renamed Pixelbook, nevertheless. Google will not immediately make the laptops; the primary will come from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo this fall.
Google might be calling all its superior AI options Gemini Intelligence, with the official rebrand touchdown this summer season on the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26. This consists of app automation: Gemini will be capable to carry out multi-step duties throughout apps, like pulling information from an electronic mail to construct a purchasing cart or reserving a taxi.
A brand new built-in software (coming to Pixel first) will let creators document themselves and their display concurrently for “response” movies sans inexperienced display.
Safety and privateness updates embody mechanically figuring out and ending calls from spoofed numbers impersonating banks. On the identical time, the Mark as Misplaced characteristic now requires a biometric unlock (fingerprint) for anybody who finds the machine. On-device AI may also try to flag apps that abuse permissions or conceal icons.
Some interoperability options are on their manner, too, together with a rebuilt iOS-to-Android switch course of that handles all of it wirelessly and even preserves your private home display layouts from Apple to… whichever Android cellphone you’ve got determined to leap to. In the meantime, Android Auto is getting a contemporary Materials 3 design to higher match your cellphone, with edge-to-edge Google Map views and extra Gemini hooks.
Phew, this wasn’t even Google I/O. What else does the corporate have up its sleeve?
– Mat Smith
The most important tales you might need missed
Motorola Razr Fold evaluate
Motorola’s been cooking up foldables for just a few years, however they’ve all been within the Razr flip-phone type issue. Till now. The Razr Fold has extremely vivid screens (7,000 nits!), assist for its personal stylus and first rate cameras. Be careful, Pixel Fold and Galaxy Fold: you’ve got obtained firm.
Instagram makes an attempt disappearing picture apps (once more) with Instants
Bolt walked in order that Instants may run. Instagram is making one other try on the ephemeral picture format, out there each as a standalone app and as a characteristic inside the principle app. You’ll be able to entry Instants out of your DM inbox by tapping on the picture stack within the backside proper nook. The one manner you’ll be able to modify Instants is by including a caption. There aren’t any modifying instruments or filters right here. It is, nicely, prompt. You’ll be able to select who you need to share one in every of these images with (both shut associates or mutuals) and ship it. There’s an undo button in case you screw up.
In case your Instagram notifications are already clogged with blurry Instants from confused customers, you’ll be able to dig into the Instagram app’s settings and switch off Instants — which I’ve already carried out.
Persons are keen to observe Netflix with advertisements
Netflix has greater than 250 million month-to-month lively customers on its ad-supported tier. It is a bounce. In 2024, the plan with advertisements had 70 million customers and in 2025, it reached 94 million. Netflix now plans to additionally launch the ad-supported plan in 15 extra nations.
What number of advertisements will customers abdomen for that incoming AI-generated content material?
