European Commission ordered Google to open 11 Android features to AI/search rivals and share anonymized search data under the DMA, while U.S. antitrust remedies continue reshaping default search deals. Simultaneously, Google fully replaced traditional Search results with Gemini 3.5 Flash-generated AI answers globally (rolled out July 10), triggering a reported 58% publisher click-through drop and fresh lawsuits. On the product side, Waymo is racing toward its 1-million-weekly-rides goal (currently ~500K/week, expanding to 4 new cities) despite a brief SF outage and July 4th battery-drain incident. Android/Play Store is opening to third-party app stores July 22 (Epic settlement), and Pixel/Android hardware chatter (Pixel 11, 11a leaks) is heating up ahead of the August 12 launch event.
Search
- AI takeover of Search is complete: Google confirmed on July 10 that Gemini 3.5 Flash now powers every query — not merely the opt-in AI Mode tab, but all searches globally. Tech Times
- Impact: AI-generated answers now push blue links below the fold, publisher clicks reportedly fell 58%, antitrust suits are accumulating, and a German court stripped Google of its search liability shield.
- Multiple publishers (Penske Media, The Atlantic) and the European Publishers Council have filed antitrust actions over the shift.
- EU regulatory action: The European Commission ordered Google to open 11 Android features to AI rivals like OpenAI and share anonymized search data with competing AI chatbots/search engines under the Digital Markets Act; Google warned this “risks undermining vital privacy and security guardrails.” Android changes take effect by July 2027; data-sharing starts January 2027. X
- U.S. antitrust remedies continue requiring annual renegotiation of default search contracts on devices (Judge Mehta ruling), opening room for AI rivals to compete for default placement.
Productivity & Collaboration (Google Workspace)
- NotebookLM renamed to “Gemini Notebook” as part of broader ecosystem integration.
- Gemini in Docs expanded to 11 new languages (Mandarin, Dutch, Hebrew, Polish, Turkish, etc.).
- Gemini Omni now lets users edit videos in Google Vids via text prompts (e.g., fix color grading, restyle, remove background noise); not yet available in EU/UK/Switzerland/Texas/Illinois.
- New Sheets “Combo” chart types and improved Excel import compatibility for secondary-axis charts.
- Security: GCPW now supports FIDO2 hardware security keys for Windows login 2SV enforcement; new Meet hardware health reporting in Admin console.
- Gmail’s “Help me write” now supports custom refine instructions for drafts via prompt bar.
Android
- Google Play opens to third-party U.S. app stores starting July 22, following the Epic Games antitrust settlement — Google dropped its motion to modify the court injunction.
- July Android/Play system update adds a native Google One storefront, AI-generated image labels (EU), and Play Store layout improvements for large screens.
- Policy change: Google adjusted what counts toward Google Account storage for Android backups.
- New “Signatures” app rolling out to Pixel and other Android phones.
- 3D redesign of all 3,977 emoji unveiled for World Emoji Day.
Waymo
- Expanding fully driverless (no safety driver) service to San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver, initially for employees before public rollout.
- Currently giving about 500,000 paid rides a week across US markets, up from roughly 50,000 two years ago; closed a $16 billion round in February at a $126 billion valuation. Space Daily
- Goal: 1 million weekly rides by end of 2026, though independent forecasts suggest ~775,000–840,000 is more likely given fleet growth pace.
- Recent hiccups: a brief SF service pause July 18 amid a PG&E power outage, and a July 4th incident where several vehicles were towed after batteries drained in holiday gridlock.
ChromeOS
- ChromeOS 150 rolling out with improved reauthentication reliability at the login screen (fewer unexpected re-logins).
- New Long-Term Support Candidate (LTC) release 150 begins rolling out July 21, 2026.
- Ongoing Stable/Dev/Beta channel updates continue on regular cadence (OS builds in the 16600–16700 range).
Google Play Store
- Same as Android: third-party app store catalog access opens July 22 per court order.
- Play Store gets a redesigned large-screen layout and a smoother native purchase flow for Google One.
- Security note: RedHook malware using fake banking/government apps has been found targeting Android users in Vietnam and Indonesia.
Maps
- Continued rollout of Gemini-powered “Ask Maps” conversational feature, AI-driven predictive traffic routing, and 3D route visualization.
- Enhanced AR “Live View” navigation layer improvements for dense urban areas.
- Route recommendations now explain trade-offs (e.g., faster toll road vs. slower toll-free option).
Media & Entertainment (YouTube)
- YouTube Shorts UI update: removed thumbs up/down, added a “Heart” icon, plus new “Not interested” and “Don’t recommend this channel” filtering options, and a “Clear Screen” viewing mode.
- YouTube Studio’s Content tab redesigned with a new estimated-revenue column and a “Notices” column replacing separate Monetization/Restriction columns.
- New “Attributed Branded Searches” reporting metric now global in Google Ads for YouTube campaigns.
Hardware & Devices / Mobile
- Pixel 11 family leaks intensifying ahead of the August 12 launch event: rumored Tensor G6 chip (possibly first 2nm chip on the market), MediaTek modem (ending Samsung modem reliance), improved low-light Face Unlock, storage bump to 256GB base, and new colorways (Midnight, Fuchsia, Moss, Dune, Pine). A “Pixel Tag” location tracker accessory has also surfaced in listings.
- Pixel 11a leaks suggest Tensor G6, Titan M3 security chip, 8GB RAM, 4,870mAh battery, and MediaTek M90 modem — expected spring 2027 launch.
- July Pixel software update (for Pixel 6 and later) fixed boot loops, app crashes/launch failures, and foldable navigation button misalignment; no new Pixel-specific security patches this month since Android 17 already shipped with the July baseline.
- Competing leak: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 / Z Flip 8 marketing images have also leaked this week.
OS & Developer Tools
- Google updated how it judges AI models for Android coding tasks, adding Claude Fable 5 to its evaluation list.
- New developer features supporting third-party app “Utilities” processes across Auto, PC, Phone, TV, and Wear.
- Chrome browser channels (Stable 150/151, Dev 152, Beta) continue routine security/performance updates across Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
