Google Search Archives

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Japan orders Google to unwind deals with smartphone OEMs

Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has ordered Google to stop certain business practices related to its Android operating system, specifically the Mobile Application Distribution Agreements (MADAs) that required manufacturers to pre-install specific Google applications. The JFTC found that these agreements violate Japan’s Antimonopoly Act, stifling competition and creating market barriers. Google must cease mandating pre-installation of its applications, allow installation of competing products, and enable users to choose their default search service. This action is the first regulatory measure by the JFTC against a major American tech firm. Additionally, Google is facing scrutiny for allegedly obstructing Yahoo! Japan's use of its advertising technology and has been warned of fines for not opening its app store to more competition. Globally, Google is dealing with antitrust challenges, including potential forced divestitures in the U.S. The company has also signed a power purchase agreement in Taiwan for a ten-megawatt geothermal energy project, aiming to pursue similar initiatives in Asia.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

AI Mode takes the spotlight in the Google app’s latest revamp

Google Search has introduced AI Mode in its Android app, enhancing the user interface with shortcut icons for voice input and Lens, along with quick access to features like translation and homework assistance. AI Mode is being prioritized, with plans to replace existing shortcuts in the main Search bar with a dedicated icon for this feature. This change is currently in a limited testing phase and aims to streamline the interface by condensing options into three essential features. AI Mode has improved in summarizing complex information into digestible formats, although it may not yet fully replace traditional Google Search for all users.

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

Google app removing Assistant settings on Android

The Google app version 16.12+ has removed the link to "Google Assistant" from the profile menu under Settings, affecting how users access Assistant settings. Users can still manage Assistant settings through the Google Home app or by navigating through System Settings on their mobile device. Some users have also noted that "Gemini" is not present in the Google app settings, which primarily focuses on Google Search functionalities.

AppWizard

April 7, 2025

Song search history finally comes to Google app in beta (APK teardown)

Google is rolling out a song history feature in its app for Android users, allowing them to access a record of previously identified songs directly within the app. This feature is part of the 16.13.38 beta release and includes a history icon in the song search interface. Users can view thumbnails, song and artist information, and timestamps of searches. Engaging with an entry initiates a Google Search for the song. This update enhances the user experience but does not change the accuracy of Google's song recognition capabilities. Further improvements in song recognition are also anticipated.

AppWizard

March 11, 2025

Google tracks Android users before they open apps, report says

A study by D.J. Leith at Trinity College Dublin found that Google begins tracking users on Android devices even before they interact with them, creating at least 14 cookies and trackers without user consent. These tracking mechanisms operate immediately upon device setup and continue to collect data even when the device is idle, following a factory reset. The sign-in process with Google accounts automatically connects users to various preinstalled applications, raising concerns about user autonomy. Notable trackers include the DSID cookie and the Google Android ID, which persist through factory resets. Users face challenges in managing tracking settings, as there is no straightforward way to opt out or delete these tracking elements. Additionally, Google's recent installation of SafetyCore on devices occurred without user consent, while the Results About You tool for managing data removal from Google Search was more positively received.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Google wants to use your search history to personalize Gemini responses

Google is developing a "Gemini Personalization" model that uses users' Search history to provide tailored responses. This feature is available in the beta version 16.8.31 of the Gemini app. Users must share their search history and enable Web and Apps Activity in the settings to activate it. The search history will only influence the Gemini Personalization model and will not affect other models. Data will be retained for 60 days before being purged. Initial assessments show that the model effectively utilizes search history for relevant responses, referencing searches as far back as January 2025. Access may be limited to Google One AI Premium users, and Google has not formally announced this feature.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft tries again with aggressive tactics against Google and Chrome, touting Edge’s “world-class performance” with a pop-up ad promo

Microsoft is intensifying efforts to promote Bing and Edge, encouraging users to stay loyal to Edge while searching for the Google Web Store via Bing. A pop-up message promotes Edge's advantages, contrasting with straightforward Google Search results that lack similar ads. Microsoft is also using its Bing Wallpaper app to recommend Bing as the default search engine and automatically adding the Bing extension to Chrome. The company has faced criticism for mimicking Google's interface, including replicating the Google Doodle, which Google Chrome lead Parisa Tabriz described as a "new low." Mozilla has raised concerns about Microsoft's misleading designs giving Edge an unfair advantage. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella acknowledged that Google generates more revenue from Windows than Microsoft does.

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

Google Search widget now lets you set a custom shortcut on Android

The Google app has introduced a feature for Android users that allows customization of shortcuts within the Search widget. Users can access this by going to the Google app settings and selecting "Customize Search widget," where they can adjust the theme and transparency settings. The new “Shortcuts” feature offers nine options: None, Translate (text), Song Search, Weather, Translate (camera), Sports, Dictionary, Homework, and Finance. The shortcut icon appears to the left of the microphone and camera icons in a 3×1 layout, and in a compact 2×1 view, it shows only the ‘G’ icon. This update is available for non-Pixel devices as well as Google phones and tablets, and it is part of version 16.3.34 of the Google app, which was rolled out in the stable channel.

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

Google taps into retro arcade nostalgia with this in-browser Breakout clone

Google has introduced a new block breaker game that users can play by searching for "block breaker" on Google.

BetaBeacon

December 27, 2024

Google’s latest Easter egg invites you to try your luck at Squid Game’s Red Light, Green Light game

Google has released a Squid Game Easter egg that can be accessed by searching for "Squid Game" on Google. The Easter egg is an in-browser game based on the Red Light, Green Light game from the show.