Google Search Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Easterly helms RSAC, Windows update problems, Police Copilot gaffe

Jen Easterly has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the RSA Conference. She is a cybersecurity expert and former Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Palo Alto Networks has released security updates for a vulnerability (CVE-2026-0227) with a CVSS score of 7.7 affecting its GlobalProtect Gateway and Portal, which can cause a denial-of-service condition in PAN-OS software. The January 2026 security update from Microsoft has caused connection and authentication failures in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, affecting users across various Windows versions. Microsoft is working on a resolution. The chief constable of West Midlands Police acknowledged an error by Microsoft’s Copilot AI in generating a fictional intelligence report. Microsoft has not confirmed Copilot's involvement. Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has collaborated with Five Eyes partners to provide guidance on securing industrial operational technology, highlighting risks associated with remotely monitored systems. Kyowon, a South Korean conglomerate, confirmed a ransomware attack on January 10 that may have compromised customer information, affecting approximately 5.5 million members. Researchers at Varonis have identified a new attack technique called "Reprompt" that allows data exfiltration from Microsoft Copilot via a malicious link, exploiting a Parameter 2 Prompt (P2P) injection technique. Central Maine Healthcare is notifying over 145,000 patients about a data breach that compromised personal, treatment, and health insurance information, discovered on June 1.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Google’s latest move brings AI shopping a lot closer to reality

Google has introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), which enables AI agents to manage product searches, checkout processes, and payments for users. UCP standardizes communication between AI agents and various retailers and payment platforms, including Shopify, Walmart, and Visa. The AI-driven checkout feature will be available in Google Search's AI Mode and the Gemini app, using data from Google Pay and Google Wallet. Google is also launching Business Agents and Direct Offers to enhance customer engagement within AI shopping environments. UCP allows AI agents to perform the entire shopping process with a single command, simplifying online shopping. Google has partnered with companies like Etsy, Target, American Express, Best Buy, Flipkart, Mastercard, Stripe, and Visa to implement this protocol. Users in the U.S. will benefit from features like automatic shipping information usage and upcoming support for PayPal. The Business Agent acts as a virtual sales assistant, and Direct Offers provide exclusive coupons to shoppers. Google aims to make AI-driven shopping experiences standard, allowing seamless retailer interactions.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

Gmail is getting a new AI inbox as Google brings Gemini front and center

Google has transformed Gmail by integrating its Gemini technology to improve user experience, making email writing, searching, and message presentation simpler. Features like personalized Suggested Replies and Help Me Write are now available to all Gmail users for free. A key addition is the AI Overviews, which generate summaries of relevant emails based on user inquiries, allowing for quick retrieval of information. This feature is currently available only to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. Additionally, an "AI Inbox" will prioritize emails based on significance rather than chronological order, highlighting important tasks and key contacts. This feature is in testing for select users, with a broader rollout expected soon.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

Google is quietly making the Pixel Launcher faster with a new shortcut

Google is rolling out an upgrade to the Pixel Launcher that allows users to launch applications by typing part of the app's name and pressing the Enter key on their keyboard. This change eliminates the need to tap on the app icon from search results, making the app-launching process more efficient. Previously, pressing the bottom-right button on the keyboard would trigger a Google Search instead of launching the app, but the update changes this button to an arrow or Enter key when an app match is detected. This enhancement improves one-handed usability and reflects Google's commitment to refining user experience. The rollout is server-side and not tied to a specific app update, with some users already experiencing the new functionality while others have not yet seen it.

Tech Optimizer

January 2, 2026

Fake AI chat results are spreading dangerous Mac malware

Cybercriminals are exploiting trust in AI chat tools to spread malware, specifically the Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS), by infiltrating Google search results with fake AI conversations. These conversations mislead Mac users into executing commands that install AMOS without triggering security alerts. Investigators have found that both ChatGPT and Grok have been manipulated in this scheme. Users searching for help with routine tasks may encounter polished AI chat results that appear legitimate, ultimately leading them to run harmful commands in the macOS Terminal. This tactic mirrors previous campaigns that used sponsored search results and SEO-poisoned links to direct users to counterfeit macOS software. The effectiveness of this attack lies in the combination of trust in AI responses and the credibility of search results. To stay safe, users should avoid pasting terminal commands from search results, treat AI instructions as suggestions, use password managers, keep software updated, employ strong antivirus solutions, be skeptical of sponsored results, avoid unknown cleanup guides, and question overly polished instructions.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Android Auto Lets You Install a Web Browser, and It Isn’t Actually Dangerous

Android Auto lacks a built-in web browser, but users can utilize the open-source AA Browser to access web content and streaming services while parked. The AA Browser disables itself when the vehicle is in motion for safety. To install AA Browser, users must enable developer mode in Android Auto settings, download the AAAD app, and install AA Browser from the list of available apps. Once installed, AA Browser appears in the Android Auto interface, allowing users to browse the internet, access bookmarks, and navigate using a touchscreen. Most websites are compatible, but some may not function properly. Users can exit the browser to return to other applications.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Pixel’s home screen search just got worse for everyday use

Google is replacing the Pixel Launcher's native search with a full-screen Google Search interface powered by the Google app as part of the November 2025 Pixel Feature Drop. The new search UI removes quick access to contacts and device settings, which many users perceive as a downgrade. The change aims to facilitate quicker access to AI Mode and will display more suggested apps at the top of the screen.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

Gemini revamps its web interface with fresh look and new ‘My Stuff’ folder

Google has redesigned its Gemini web interface, featuring a cleaner look and an updated dark theme. The new "My Stuff" folder simplifies access to previous content, while UI improvements coincide with the launch of Gemini's latest AI models, including Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro. The homepage now greets users with "Hi," and includes a prompt bar with suggestions, along with a spinning animation of the Gemini logo. The left menu has been adjusted to include "My Stuff," allowing users to store images, videos, and Canvas creations separately from chat interactions. The chat interface has enhancements such as a dropdown menu for sharing, pinning, renaming, and deleting conversations.

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Gemini’s refresh: Unveiling the new ‘My Stuff’ folder for seamless user navigation

Google introduced a refined design for its Gemini web interface on December 3, featuring a modern aesthetic with a sleek dark theme and an enhanced "My Stuff" folder. The new design includes a bluish-gray background in light mode and a fully-black backdrop in dark mode, with a friendly greeting and tailored suggestions. The "My Stuff" section allows users to store images, videos, and Canvas creations separately from chat interactions. The chat interface has been improved with a new dropdown menu for managing conversations. This update coincides with the launch of Gemini's latest AI models, Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro, which enhance Google Search with multimodal responses.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Unlock Better Android App Results With These Google Play Search Hacks

The Google Play Store is the main source for Android applications, but its built-in filters can be inadequate, making it difficult to find valuable apps. To improve search results, users can employ several strategies: 1. Search Using Multiple Modifiers: Incorporate additional keywords to refine searches, as the Play Store treats spaces as the AND operator. 2. Use Quotation Marks: Enclose queries in quotes for exact phrase searches, which helps filter out irrelevant results. 3. Use Keywords in Different Order: Experimenting with the arrangement of keywords can yield different search results. 4. Take Advantage of Suggestions: Utilize the suggestions provided by Google while typing to inspire more specific queries. 5. Use Any Filters Available: Leverage filters like Rating, Editor’s Choice, and Price to enhance the search experience. 6. Search Play Store With App Finder: This tool offers a clean interface and various filters for improved app discovery. Users can sort by relevance, user rating, and more, and it provides detailed information about each app. 7. Consider Alternatives: Web-based platforms like AppBrain or KPlaySearch offer enhanced filtering options for app searches without needing to download another app.