
Google expands Gemini for Home with full-stack AI offering for hardware partners
Google is streamlining the development of AI-enabled smart home devices while pushing a premium subscription model to fund its artificial intelligence pivot.
Technology, AI, platforms, chips, and the race to define the next digital order.

Google is streamlining the development of AI-enabled smart home devices while pushing a premium subscription model to fund its artificial intelligence pivot.
The carrier’s latest offering starts at $15 a month for unlimited talk and text with 1GB of data, positioning itself as the lowest entry-level price among major US carriers.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects 8 to 14 named systems for the upcoming season, driven by emerging El Niño conditions, while integrating new AI and drone technologies to offset staffing reductions.
While Google restricts usage to self-portraiture and cites safety priorities, the launch of the Omni video model model highlights ongoing tensions between generative AI innovation and nonconsensual content risks.

A new report from Columbia Law School’s Center for Law and the Economy identifies a systemic privacy risk in corporate surveillance software, warning of a potential ‘shadow worker reputation economy’.

Major technology providers are expanding artificial intelligence capabilities through new APIs and premium tiers, but rising prices have triggered consumer backlash and a shift toward local hardware.

Founded by Sean Raspet and Laura Sisson, Patina utilises machine learning to replicate scent receptors, aiming to create a Pantone-like reference system for smell and taste while reducing reliance on natural extraction.
The streaming giant has released a new trailer for the second season of its Avatar adaptation, set to debut on June 25. The series has been renewed for a third and final season, while creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko continue separate ventures within the franchise.

Letters of intent signed with IBM, GlobalFoundries, and PsiQuantum mark latest intervention in strategic technology sectors, though deals remain non-binding and some major players were excluded.

Analysis of anonymised data from over 6,000 vehicles indicates that plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivers utilise their electric capabilities far more regularly than commonly assumed.

The streaming giant’s latest update shifts focus from passive consumption to user-generated content, mirroring moves by competitors such as Google and NotebookLM.

The streaming giant’s latest release positions it directly against tech peers in the generative audio market, though availability remains limited to a research preview.

Representatives from Spotify, Monday.com and others report reshaping teams around Claude Code, though concerns persist over security and skill erosion.

An unoccupied vehicle became stuck in Atlanta for an hour, compounding existing regulatory scrutiny from the NHTSA and NTSB into the company’s driving behaviour.
A recent critique on Hacker News argues that artificial intelligence companies engage in large-scale unauthorised plagiarism by training on data without consent and selling outputs without compensating original authors.

As Google unveils Rambler, Docs Live, and other voice-first features, analysts question whether reducing the friction of thought will fundamentally alter how users process information.

The 'Talk with the People' series debuts May 21, leveraging Amazon-owned Twitch for direct Q&A while simulcasting across major social networks.

With federal support for electrification receding, New York City and Los Angeles County are establishing a strategic partnership to mandate the production of electric vans, fire trucks, and snowplows, while sharing critical infrastructure and workforce data.

A jury has thrown out Elon Musk’s claim against Sam Altman and OpenAI, finding the suit was filed after the limitation period expired, though the billionaire intends to appeal.

Review highlights trade-offs between protection and functionality, with Dbrand’s Killswitch emerging as the top choice despite docking compromises.

With a $6 billion post-money valuation, Hark joins a crowded field of AI developers but distinguishes itself with a focus on native consumer hardware and a "universal" interface, backed by major tech investors including AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm.

Co-founded by Anson Whitmer and Tyler Sheaffer, The Path utilises a post-trained AI model to address the limitations of consumer chatbots in mental health support.

The new Intelligent Search Box accepts multimedia inputs, while paid subscribers gain access to autonomous booking and coding tools later this year.

The prospectus marks the first time the company’s finances have been made public, highlighting a substantial quarterly loss driven by AI expenditures and identifying founder Elon Musk as a specific risk factor.

The 2027 Q9 SUV will feature multipixel LED systems that mask oncoming traffic, following extensive testing mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

An exclusive session on 21 May 2026 clarified that suction power is not the primary performance metric, while reviewing the latest hardware from Dyson, Shark, and Matic.

New testing reveals that while Google AI Studio can produce functional native applications from text prompts quickly, the resulting software often contains significant bugs, inaccurate data, and gameplay flaws.

The device, priced under $350, operates on a different layer than the popular Flipper Zero, focusing on network connectivity rather than radio frequencies.

The move marks a significant milestone for the electric vehicle maker in the world’s largest auto market, though the technology still requires human oversight.

Blue Apron has abandoned its subscription requirement, and Tempo by Home Chef emerges as the leading service for users on weight-loss medication, according to the latest testing.

The media outlet’s latest assessment identifies the Eastpak Duffel Pack S Tarp as the top pick for general use, while also evaluating options from Patagonia and Baboon to the Moon for specific travel and storage needs.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s new series, which began on 21 May 2026, allows viewers to submit questions via Twitch chat while broadcasting live across multiple social media platforms.
The Flipper One, distinct from the popular Flipper Zero, utilises a Rockchip RK3576 SoC and invites engineers to test Wi-Fi chipsets and contribute to its open-source ecosystem.
The Python 3.15.0b1 feature freeze reveals overlooked updates in structured concurrency, threading utilities, and immutable data types, complementing major announcements like lazy imports.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirms layoffs and transfers to offset massive investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, with no further company-wide cuts expected this year.

The search giant’s latest updates introduce agentic AI for price and compatibility checks, alongside a protocol designed to integrate payment platforms more seamlessly with major brands.

A comprehensive May 2026 assessment by WIRED identifies the Oura Ring 4, RingConn Gen 2 Air, and Samsung Galaxy Ring as the leading options in a crowded wearable market, highlighting diverging strategies on data accuracy and recurring costs.
The publication’s annual buyer’s guide positions the OnePlus Pad 3 as the best overall device, while flagging software limitations and corporate uncertainty affecting competitors Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, and Google.

TechCrunch reports that attackers have leveraged a loophole in Microsoft’s systems to send fraudulent emails from an official internal address, a vulnerability confirmed by The Spamhaus Project.
New formats including Conversational Discovery ads and AI-powered Shopping ads aim to provide personalised product guidance and transparent explanations via an independent AI explainer.

New commitments from major social networks include default privacy settings, AI-driven detection tools, and age assurance systems, while regulators warn of a potential ban for users under 16.

An updated buying guide from WIRED outlines the best cordless and robot vacuums from the manufacturer, detailing performance metrics, maintenance requirements, and warranty terms for investors and consumers monitoring the home appliance sector.

The Apple TV+ adaptation of Rufi Thorpe’s novel offers an authentic look at OnlyFans, diverging sharply from HBO’s dramatized portrayal of the online sexual economy

The latest investment from KKR’s Next Generation Technology Growth fund brings Fresha’s total funding to $285 million, as the company processes over 35 million appointments monthly.
Released on 18 May 2026, the public preview version targets developers seeking detachable, scriptable terminal environments across Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Strategic realignment towards politically popular sectors allows startups to maintain operations while preserving long-term green technology goals.

Research led by Leonie Oehmig identifies a coordinated network where users request and create nonconsensual intimate imagery, often targeting women known to the perpetrators.

The Lululemon mat is named the best all-rounder, while the Manduka eKO Superlite is highlighted for portability, as health experts weigh in on the latest gear.