Kagi News - Google

Google Messages beta groups settings into sections

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:32:00 +0000

Google is testing a redesigned settings menu for Google Messages, replacing its long list of options with separate sections for messaging, privacy, notifications and other controls. The interface appeared in a beta build and is still in development; Google has not announced when it will be available to general users. The redesigned menus group RCS chat options together and add a page for SIM details and country settings. Privacy settings include profile controls, read receipts and typing indicators. Spam controls appear under a Protection & Safety heading, and some pages feature new illustrations, including one for Gemini. Labels remain inconsistent, and some screens have substantial blank space. The layout may change before release.

Highlights:

Beta build: The preview appeared in Google Messages version messages.android_20261020_00_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic, identified through an app teardown.

Sources:

Google Messages is working to finally clean up its messy settings menu - androidauthority.com
Google Messages Finally Cleaning Up Its Messy Settings Menu - sammyguru.com
Google Messages update leaves the app looking cleaner - phonearena.com

Google’s 2026 Halloween search guide shows regional costume favorites

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 20:11:57 +0000

Google’s 2026 Frightgeist guide ranks Halloween costumes by Google search interest, with Buddy the Unicorn from the film “Buddy” topping the national list. NeeDoh, Nikki from “Obsession” and Agamemnon from “The Odyssey” also ranked among the leading searches. The rankings vary by location: mermaids topped Portland’s list, while Alice in Wonderland led in metro Detroit. Google’s Michigan breakdown also listed Skeleton in Lansing, Velma Dinkley in Flint and Starfire in Grand Rapids among local favorites. The guide includes regional and state-level rankings, as well as separate lists for children’s, pet and couples’ costumes.

Highlights:

Other searches: Halloween searches also included witches’ brew punch, cauldron slow cookers and where to buy dry ice; “how to make a bubbling cauldron” was a breakout search.
Local standouts: Michigan’s regional leaders included Beetlejuice in Alpena, Donkey from “Shrek” in Traverse City and Sault Ste. Marie, and Poison Ivy in Marquette.
Retail caveat: Retailers can use Google search rankings to target regional promotions, but search volume does not establish how many costumes shoppers will buy.

Sources:

Here Are The Most Popular Halloween Costumes Across MI - patch.com
Looking for spooky attire? See Michigan's popular Halloween costumes - freep.com
Here are Portland’s most-searched Halloween costumes, according to Google trends data - koin.com
Google Maps Out 2026 Halloween Costume Trends by State - almcorp.com
What Halloween costumes are North Carolinians searching? - myfox8.com

OnePlus starts Android 17 rollout as OxygenOS gives way

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 11:54:00 +0000

OnePlus has begun releasing its stable Android 17-based ColorOS 17 software for the OnePlus 15 phone and OnePlus Pad 4 tablet ahead of the planned Oct. 29 rollout. These are the first devices to switch from OxygenOS, OnePlus’ previous software branding, to ColorOS. The update is rolling out in stages, with open-beta participants among the first to receive it. ColorOS 17 brings redesigned animations, a revised Quick Settings panel, expanded customization and updated privacy controls. OnePlus says changes to background processes are intended to improve battery efficiency. OnePlus has listed the OnePlus 15R, OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13s for the next release wave, with a stable rollout planned for Oct. 30.

Highlights:

Rollback option: OnePlus says eligible users can opt into ColorOS 17 and later return to OxygenOS, but it has not specified which OxygenOS versions will be available for rollback.
Regional rollout: The rollout is starting in India, with availability expected to expand to other regions in the coming days.
User response: Some longtime OxygenOS users criticized the branding change, while others praised ColorOS for its smoothness and features.

Sources:

Goodbye Oxygen OS, hello Color OS: OnePlus 15 is now getting stable Android 17 - androidauthority.com
Goodbye OxygenOS: OnePlus 15 Gets ColorOS 17 Ahead of Schedule - androidheadlines.com
OnePlus starts rolling out stable Android 17 updates early, marking the end of OxygenOS - 9to5google.com
OnePlus rolls out Android 17 to the OnePlus 15 ahead of schedule - androidcentral.com

YouTube study finds creators use AI video to express identity

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 17:16:20 +0000

YouTube’s Culture & Trends research, conducted with NRG among U.S. respondents ages 14 to 44 who post videos, found that 72% had used AI to create or edit videos or images. More than two-thirds of respondents who post AI videos said they had featured themselves, and 61% of all respondents said they were interested in using AI to place themselves in content. Examples include animating childhood photographs, imagining different careers and turning fashion sketches into runway-style visuals. ContentGrip advises making clear to viewers when scenes are synthetic if they could be mistaken for real events or people.

Highlights:

Fan engagement: A fan-made Instagram Reel placing Ariana Grande in LISA’s “SaWaDiKa” video drew 82,200 likes and 24,700 shares—more than 100 times the creator’s usual engagement, Music Ally reported.
Campaign example: Music Ally cited Ghost’s “Satanizer” campaign, which invited fans to face-swap themselves into the music video.

Sources:

YouTube study links AI video to creator identity - contentgrip.com
YouTube report provides insight into latest AI UGC trend - musically.com
YouTube’s AI Video Report Shows Creators Using Generative Tools to Express Identity - wersm.com

Google lets eligible Gemini users publish interactive apps through Google Sites

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:18:00 +0000

Google has added an export feature that sends interactive apps created in Gemini directly to Google Sites, letting users share them as web pages without copying code or rebuilding the apps. Choosing Export > Google Sites creates a private draft with the app embedded; users must review and publish it themselves and can set who may access the page. The feature works on the web, Android and iOS for eligible personal Google accounts, Workspace accounts and Workspace Individual subscribers. Users need permission to create and edit Google Sites, while organizational administrators can restrict that access.

Highlights:

Page editing: After export, users can add text, images and other page elements. They can also add files from Google Drive before publishing, according to SammyGuru.

Sources:

Google just made your Gemini-built web apps a lot easier to share - androidauthority.com
Google Now Lets You Turn Gemini Apps Into Websites - sammyguru.com
Sharing Your Gemini-Generated AI Apps Just Got Effortless - androidheadlines.com
Gemini agora permite publicar miniaplicativos direto no Google Sites - canaltech.com.br

Google launches free India esports championship with MS Dhoni club

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:53:00 +0000

Google Play launched Google Play Arena, a national mobile gaming championship, on Oct. 23 in partnership with esports company NODWIN Gaming. The competition features six clubs across six games: Mahi Clutchers, a new team formed under former India cricket captain MS Dhoni, and five established esports organizations. Registration is free for players aged 18 and older, who can compete in open online qualifiers for places on club rosters. The qualifiers lead to a Grand Finale on Dec. 19 and 20, 2026. Mahi Clutchers will build its roster from scratch through the open qualifiers.

Highlights:

Tournament operations: NODWIN Gaming will manage tournament operations, event production, partnerships, campaign management and community engagement.
Game lineup: The six titles include battle royale and multiplayer online battle arena games, cricket and football simulations, and chess.
Fan activities: Organizers say they plan community activities, exclusive game offers and opportunities for fans to attend the finale in person.

By offering a structured, merit-led pathway from grassroots play to professional recognition, we are thrilled to partner with NODWIN Gaming to bring this celebration of gaming to life for players and fans across the country - Kanika Kalra, Google India director of consumer apps and platforms marketing

Sources:

Google Play Arena Ultimate Mobile Gaming championship launched with MS Dhoni and top esports clubs - indiatimes.com
Introducing Google Play Arena: India’s Ultimate Mobile Gaming Championship - blog.google
Google Play & NODWIN Gaming launch championship with MS Dhoni-led Mahi Clutchers - indiantelevision.com

Finland suspends Google data center work after forest clearing

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 07:01:00 +0000

Finland’s Licensing and Supervision Authority ordered Google subsidiary Tuike Finland to suspend preparatory work likely to significantly affect the environment at planned data center sites in Muhos and Kajaani. The order followed the company’s clearing of an estimated 250,000 trees near Muhos before completing required environmental impact assessments. Conservationists estimate another 150,000 trees were felled near Otanmäki, and residents say runoff has turned the water in nearby streams brown. The sites are part of Google’s €13 billion Finnish AI infrastructure investment, announced in September and described by the company as its largest single investment in Europe. Planning, measurements and reversible, lower-impact tasks may continue under the suspension order. Google’s Finland country manager apologized and said the company acted according to its understanding of the law at the time. Google says it will protect water quality and plant trees on 130 hectares. The authority’s order requires the company to complete the assessments before resuming the affected work.

Highlights:

Public petition: More than 96,000 people signed a citizens’ initiative seeking tighter data-center controls, limits to protect electricity supply and affordability, and a fee to compensate communities for environmental damage.
Economic debate: Jussi Kangasharju, head of computer science at the University of Helsinki, said data centers create relatively few jobs and international operators pay little corporate tax in Finland.
Local response: Muhos resident Antti Jakonen wants Google to help restore the local salmon population, which he says hydropower damaged decades ago.
Industry pipeline: Finland has 145 additional data centers at various stages of planning, while advocates have called for a centralized authority to coordinate projects now largely handled locally.

It has been done in the wrong way. American style. No sense. No sense at all. - Antti Jakonen, Muhos resident

Perspectives:

Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority: The agency said tree removal, topsoil stripping, access roads and drainage changes had already altered the sites before the assessment process designed to identify and evaluate those impacts was complete. (Fortune)
Finnish government: Prime Minister Petteri Orpo initially promoted the investment as a national priority, but later called the Muhos episode a “cold shower”. (Mother Jones)
Anni Ranta, Otanmäki resident: Ranta said wolves entered the village after wildlife left the cleared forest, and described construction noise as especially disruptive on the area’s hard-rock ground. (Mother Jones)

Sources:

Google Maps adds Gemini to CarPlay as global rollout begins

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:46:05 +0000

Google is adding its Gemini conversational assistant to Google Maps on Apple CarPlay for iPhone drivers, with an international rollout proceeding alongside the U.S. launch. Drivers can ask questions and request navigation help through Google Maps on CarPlay. The rollout is tied to Google Maps version 26.43.1, but Google has not given a schedule for availability outside the United States, according to German technology publication Heise. Early user feedback ranges from excitement to complaints that Gemini is slower and less reliable than the previous voice address search. One Reddit user described errors even when searching for simple addresses.

Highlights:

Voice reporting: Drivers can use Gemini to report traffic disruptions, potentially alerting other road users.

Sources:

Google Maps Is Getting Gemini AI In CarPlay - insideevs.com
Google Maps is integrating Gemini AI into Apple CarPlay in a massive new upgrade for drivers - supercarblondie.com
The Ask Gemini feature suddenly showed up in my CarPlay’s Google Maps app today - reddit.com
Google Maps für CarPlay: Mit Gemini sprechen bei der Fahrt - heise.de
Kagi News earlier coverage: Gemini in Google Maps reaches some European Apple CarPlay drivers - news.kagi.com

YouTube starts U.S. mobile custom-feed rollout, moves Subscriptions

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:48:03 +0000

YouTube is rolling out custom video feeds to U.S. mobile users, letting viewers describe topics, channels or moods to get tailored recommendations, while moving Subscriptions into a redesigned Home tab. The feeds refresh as new videos appear and replace the Home page’s existing topic chips for eligible users. The feature is available to signed-in U.S. users aged 13 or older with English-language settings and both watch and search history turned on; it also works on desktop and syncs across devices. Free accounts can save up to three feeds, compared with eight for YouTube Premium subscribers. YouTube has not announced when the feature will reach other countries, and custom feeds are not available on tablets. The redesign places “Subs” beside Home at the top of the app, alongside shortcuts for Live and Music; Movies & TV appears for viewers with qualifying active subscriptions. The bottom navigation now contains Home, Shorts, Create and Profile, with the Subscriptions shortcut removed.

Highlights:

Feed controls: Users can edit a feed’s prompt, refresh its recommendations, or delete it; feeds are private and expire after 30 days without activity.
Recommendation effects: Watching videos in a custom feed still influences recommendations in the regular Home feed.
Navigation change: The redesign removes YouTube’s side navigation drawer as category feeds move to the Home page’s top bar.

Sources:

YouTube is moving your subscriptions and handing you the feed controls - androidpolice.com
YouTube Relocates Its Subscriptions Tab to the Top Bar on Mobile - macobserver.com
YouTube’s Redesigned Mobile UI Puts Custom Feeds Front and Center - thurrott.com
Your YouTube Muscle Memory Is About to Break: Subscriptions Is Leaving the Bottom Bar - androidheadlines.com
YouTube Removes Subscriptions Tab In Major Interface Redesign - ubergizmo.com
YouTube removing 'Subscriptions' bottom bar tab on Android, iOS - reddit.com
YouTube's latest trick lets you build a custom feed for every viewing mood - androidauthority.com
Your YouTube App is About to Look a Lot Different - droid-life.com
YouTube Is Letting Us Vibe Our Video Feeds, and I’m Liking It - cnet.com
YouTube baut um: Das ändert sich für Nutzer - computerbild.de
YouTube przebudowuje stronę główną. Stworzysz własny widok - dobreprogramy.pl
YouTube訂閱分頁搬家　用了近10年的底部按鈕移到上方 - nextapple.com
YouTube introduces custom feeds, new design for android and iOS apps - dailyausaf.com
Grande mudança no app do YouTube libera feeds personalizados por comando - canaltech.com.br
YouTube versteckt beliebte Funktion für einige Nutzer - giga.de
Kagi News earlier coverage: YouTube adds custom video feeds, moves subscriptions out of mobile bottom bar - news.kagi.com

Google expands Pixel Watch, Fitbit tracking beyond 100 activities

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:56:18 +0000

Google has begun rolling out version 5.11 of its Health app, expanding automatic workout detection from 10 activities to more than 100 on Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 3, 4 and 5. Google says the system uses workout routines, past activity, manual corrections and, with permission, location data to improve recognition; its evaluation found nearly twice the detection accuracy and more than half as many missed workouts as before. The Fitbit Edge is due to receive the feature when it launches on October 27. The update also adds Health Guardian reports on blood-pressure and insulin-resistance trends for Fitbit Air owners with Google Health Premium; the first reports are expected in early November for users who meet monthly wear requirements. The reports provide trend insights, not direct measurements or medical diagnoses. Version 5.11 also revises glucose tracking and sleep-record editing.

Highlights:

Workout threshold: Workouts need a sustained elevated heart rate and a minimum duration, set to 15 minutes by default, and the app typically sends a logged-workout summary within 30 minutes.
Glucose tools: Users with connected continuous glucose monitors can set custom time-in-range goals; in the United States, Lingo by Abbott can sync readings to Google Health within 30 minutes.
Sleep controls: Google says the app now uses step data to improve detection of brief awakenings, and users can remove an incorrectly recorded nap from its nap card.
Wear requirements: The first blood-pressure trend report requires at least five consecutive days wearing Fitbit Air in October, while insulin-resistance reporting requires at least seven days and nights.

Sources:

Google Health 5.11 brings automatic tracking for 100+ workouts - androidpolice.com
Google Health 5.11 Update Introduces New Features for Fitbit Devices - indianewsnetwork.com
Google Health 5.11 rolling out expanded 100+ activity detection to Fitbit Air, Pixel Watch - 9to5google.com
Your Pixel Watch is getting smarter about tracking activity with Google Health 5.11 - androidauthority.com
Google Health Update to 5.11 Brings Several Huge Upgrades - droid-life.com
Fitbit Air and Google Health get updates including blood pressure and insulin resistance trends - indiatimes.com
Google Fitbit Air’s new health guardian feature tracks trends: How it works - wionews.com
How We're Continuing to Make Fitbit and Google Health Better - blog.google
Fitbit and Pixel Watch can now recognize more than 100 activities automatically - digitaltrends.com
Google Health: Update auf Version 5.11 bringt besseres Aktivitäts-Tracking - stadt-bremerhaven.de

Trump says Google rejected Atlantic rename, floats Pacific name

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 02:06:05 +0000

President Donald Trump said Google CEO Sundar Pichai refused his request to rename the Atlantic Ocean on Google Maps, recounting the conversation at a South Carolina rally. Google has not confirmed that the call took place. Trump said Pichai argued that oceans span many countries. Trump told the crowd he would “probably pass” on changing the Atlantic’s name, then suggested calling the Pacific the “American Ocean”. The request follows earlier U.S. naming changes: Google Maps displays “Gulf of America” and “Lake America” for users in the United States after federal actions, while users in Mexico and Canada continue to see the original names. Google has not verified Trump’s account of his conversation with Pichai. A U.S. president can direct federal agencies to use a different name domestically, but cannot compel other countries or private map companies to adopt it. International naming practices allow countries sharing a geographic feature to retain different names when they do not agree.

Highlights:

Federal authority: The U.S. Board on Geographic Names’ Foreign Names Committee handles names of oceans and seas for federal use; a presidential naming decision would not bind other countries.
Map policy: Google says its domestic map labels follow updates to the U.S. Geographic Names Information System.
Global conventions: The International Hydrographic Organization coordinates standards for nautical charts, while international naming rules recognize separate national names when countries sharing a feature cannot agree.

No, no, no. This time, I’m not doing it - Sundar Pichai, as quoted by President Donald Trump

Perspectives:

Place-name scholars Reuben Rose-Redwood, Derek Alderman and Frédéric Giraut argue that names of shared geographic features should not be changed unilaterally without due process and dialogue with affected countries and communities. (Time)

Sources:

Google tests AI Search ads using connected Gmail and Photos data

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 20:42:11 +0000

Google began testing personalized ads in Search’s AI Mode using information from connected apps, according to Brazilian technology site Canaltech, as a revised privacy policy took effect Oct. 16. The update allows information users share from Gmail, Drive and Google Photos to inform ads in Google services that support personalized advertising. The feature is linked to Personal Intelligence, which lets Search use information from connected apps to tailor answers and recommendations. In Brazil, Personal Intelligence in Search is available to personal-account holders over 18, although some features, including the option to connect Google Photos, remain regionally restricted, Canaltech reported. Google’s connected-app access also extends to services including Discover, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate and News. Google says app connections are opt-in and that advertisers do not receive users’ emails, photos or identifying details. The Gemini app does not currently show ads, while sponsored content can appear in AI-powered Search tools, Ars Technica reported.

Highlights:

Five-year pledge: Google’s explicit promise not to personalize ads using Drive, Gmail or Photos content appeared in its July 1, 2021 policy and remained in place through 17 versions up to Oct. 1, 2026.
Ad controls: Turning off personalized ads in My Ad Center does not stop Google from using connected-app data for AI personalization, IndiaTimes reported.
Saved records: Disconnecting an app does not necessarily erase information already stored in Search Services History; users may need to delete those records separately through My Activity.
Cross-service example: Google’s policy says a search for “mountain bikes” may be followed by sports-equipment ads on YouTube.

Perspectives:

Google: A company spokesperson told Ars Technica that Google was not scanning entire inboxes to build ad profiles. (Ars Technica)

Sources:

Google quietly changes privacy policy so your Gmail and Photos could be used in targeted ads - reddit.com
Now Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads - theverge.com
Google Explains When It Can Use Your Gmail and Photos Data for Ads - sammyguru.com
Google changes its privacy policy: Your Gmail, Photos data may now be used for ads; what it means for you - indiatimes.com
Google may use Gmail and Photos data to personalize ads — The Verge - ua.news
Google gives itself permission to use data from Gmail and Google Photos for ads - howtogeek.com
Google makes a privacy policy exception to use your Gmail and Photos data for ads - androidauthority.com
Google Policy Change Lets Connected Gmail and Photos Data Shape Ads - northeasttimes.com
Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising - arstechnica.com
Google will target ads based on Gmail, Photos data if Personal Intelligence is enabled - 9to5google.com
Google lets connected Gmail and Photos data shape ads, 5 years after pledge - ppc.land
Google Privacy Policy Gmail Ads: Oct. 16 Change [2026] - tech-insider.org
Google use your Gmail: What to Know - journalarta.com
Google updates its privacy policy to clarify it could use data shared via Personal Intelligence from connected apps, including Gmail and Photos, to target ads (Shimul Sood/Android Authority) - techmeme.com
Google sử dụng Gmail và hình ảnh của người dùng để 'chạy' quảng cáo - thanhnien.vn
Google: Daten aus Gmail, Drive und Fotos können für personalisierte Werbung genutzt werden - stadt-bremerhaven.de
Google muda regras e pode usar seus dados do Gmail e Fotos para anúncios - canaltech.com.br
구글, AI 연동하면 지메일·포토 내용으로 광고 고른다 - martincid.com