The article discusses the benefits of running Google’s Gemma 4 models locally on personal hardware to ensure data privacy and independence from cloud services. By executing these multimodal models on a laptop, users can process images and audio without exposing sensitive information to third-party servers. The text highlights how efficient architecture allows for vision capabilities and speech recognition even with limited VRAM.
* Localized processing avoids the risks of uploading private or regulated data
* Native audio support in specific model variants like E2B and E4B
* Large context windows allow for deep analysis of lengthy documents and codebases
* Reduced reliance on internet connectivity during mobile workflows
* Localized processing avoids the risks of uploading private or regulated data
* Native audio support in specific model variants like E2B and E4B
* Large context windows allow for deep analysis of lengthy documents and codebases
* Reduced reliance on internet connectivity during mobile workflows
Google announces several new AI-powered features designed to enhance productivity within the Google Workspace ecosystem and apps.
- Conversational voice features in Gmail Live, Docs Live, and Keep
- Google Pics image generation and precise editing tool
- Enhanced AI Inbox for streamlined task management
- Gemini Spark 24/7 personal AI agent integration
- Conversational voice features in Gmail Live, Docs Live, and Keep
- Google Pics image generation and precise editing tool
- Enhanced AI Inbox for streamlined task management
- Gemini Spark 24/7 personal AI agent integration
The author explores how Gemini Scheduled Actions represents a significant shift in Android automation by moving from rigid, trigger-based logic like Tasker to an intent-first architecture powered by Large Language Models. Unlike traditional tools that require programming knowledge and are prone to breaking when UI changes occur, Gemini understands natural language requests and manages complex workflows across devices via the cloud.
Key points:
* Comparison between brittle IFTTT engines and flexible LLM-based automation.
* The benefit of cross-device synchronization through Google accounts.
* Using the desktop web interface for easier setup and access to an Inspiration Gallery.
* Practical use cases including automated SEO idea generation, sports updates, grocery list creation in Google Keep, and email summaries.
* Current limitation of up to 10 active scheduled actions at a time.
Key points:
* Comparison between brittle IFTTT engines and flexible LLM-based automation.
* The benefit of cross-device synchronization through Google accounts.
* Using the desktop web interface for easier setup and access to an Inspiration Gallery.
* Practical use cases including automated SEO idea generation, sports updates, grocery list creation in Google Keep, and email summaries.
* Current limitation of up to 10 active scheduled actions at a time.
Google's recent Pixel Drop introduces a groundbreaking, albeit unusual, screen automation feature for Gemini. Unlike previous assistants limited by strict APIs, Gemini uses visual reasoning to interact with third-party applications directly. By reading on-screen elements like menus and text fields, the AI can perform complex tasks such as ordering food or booking rides within a secure sandbox. While this offers significant benefits for multitasking and accessibility, it also raises critical questions regarding privacy, the stability of automation when app UIs change, and the potential disruption of the ad-supported economy. Currently, this beta feature is limited to high-end devices like the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26 series in select regions.
A watch face is the first thing people see when they take a look at their watch, making it the most used surface of Wear OS. Learn how to create watch faces for Wear OS using Watch Face Format, Watch Face Studio, or Watch Face Designer.
Google will host a separate event, 'The Android Show: I/O Edition,' on May 13th to discuss Android updates, a week before Google I/O. This suggests Google I/O will focus more on Gemini and other AI efforts. Android will still be present at I/O, but it's no longer the primary focus.
The Android Linux Terminal app is now widely available for Pixel users running the March 2025 update, allowing them to carry a Debian-based Linux instance with them.
With Developer mode enabled on your Pixel 8 Pro, you can proceed as follows:
1. **Navigate to Settings**: Go to your device's Settings app.
2. **System Settings**: Scroll down and tap on "System."
3. **Developer Options**: Tap on "Developer options."
4. **Linux Development Environment**: Look for the option to toggle on the "Linux development environment." Tap the switch to enable it.
5. **Linux Terminal App**: Once the environment is enabled, you should see the Linux Terminal app icon appear on your home screen or in your app list.
6. **Allow Download**: Tap the Linux Terminal app icon. You will be prompted to allow a 567MB download. Confirm the download.
After the download is complete, you should be able to open the terminal and start running basic commands.
With Developer mode enabled on your Pixel 8 Pro, you can proceed as follows:
1. **Navigate to Settings**: Go to your device's Settings app.
2. **System Settings**: Scroll down and tap on "System."
3. **Developer Options**: Tap on "Developer options."
4. **Linux Development Environment**: Look for the option to toggle on the "Linux development environment." Tap the switch to enable it.
5. **Linux Terminal App**: Once the environment is enabled, you should see the Linux Terminal app icon appear on your home screen or in your app list.
6. **Allow Download**: Tap the Linux Terminal app icon. You will be prompted to allow a 567MB download. Confirm the download.
After the download is complete, you should be able to open the terminal and start running basic commands.
The GSMA has announced that RCS Universal Profile 3.0 will add end-to-end encryption via the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, with both Google and Apple confirming support. Apple and Google will release updates to their respective platforms to implement this new standard.
Google is developing new capabilities for its AI assistant Gemini in Android 16, allowing it to perform actions within apps, similar to Apple's plans for iOS 18.
Google is developing new features for its AI assistant, Gemini, through an API called "app functions" in the Android 16 developer preview. This API allows app developers to expose specific functionalities to the system, enabling Gemini to perform actions within apps without needing to open them directly. For example, users could order food from a restaurant using Gemini without launching a food delivery app.
This development is similar to Apple's efforts in iOS 18, where Siri is gaining the ability to take actions in apps. While Apple's update is expected in spring 2025, Google's integration could provide users with a more integrated and useful AI assistant experience. Currently, Gemini can access information in some apps and Siri can handle more complex queries, but both assistants are yet to fully realize their potential to "do things for you."
The advancements hint at a significant evolution in how AI assistants function on smartphones in 2025.
Google is developing new features for its AI assistant, Gemini, through an API called "app functions" in the Android 16 developer preview. This API allows app developers to expose specific functionalities to the system, enabling Gemini to perform actions within apps without needing to open them directly. For example, users could order food from a restaurant using Gemini without launching a food delivery app.
This development is similar to Apple's efforts in iOS 18, where Siri is gaining the ability to take actions in apps. While Apple's update is expected in spring 2025, Google's integration could provide users with a more integrated and useful AI assistant experience. Currently, Gemini can access information in some apps and Siri can handle more complex queries, but both assistants are yet to fully realize their potential to "do things for you."
The advancements hint at a significant evolution in how AI assistants function on smartphones in 2025.
Google has released an updated version of its Authenticator app, featuring a Material 3 design overhaul and a new privacy screen that requires a PIN or biometric approval before accessing 2FA authentication codes.
