Google Play Store Rolls Out AI-Generated Summaries to Simplify App Review Skimming.

The Google Play Store is rolling out a new feature powered by generative AI, designed to save users significant time when researching apps. The platform has begun displaying AI-generated summaries of aggregated user reviews, providing a quick snapshot of public opinion.

This functionality has been in development for some time, with initial signs of its arrival noted over a year ago. The feature is now starting to appear for a broader audience, indicating a general rollout phase.

Cutting Through the Noise of Thousands of Reviews.

The primary role of this new AI tool is to process the large volume of user feedback often associated with popular apps. By absorbing this extensive body of text, the AI can then serve up the information in a concise, easily digestible format.

When available, users will find these summaries under a bolded "Users are saying" heading within the Ratings and reviews section of an app's listing. The summary typically takes the form of a single, informative paragraph.

This paragraph aims to highlight the most common feedback points. Crucially, it attempts to give a balanced view by consolidating both the positive aspects and the prevailing negative points mentioned across the collective user reviews.

Enhancing User Experience and Feature Discovery.

Beyond the paragraph summary, the feature is further enhanced by interactive chips displayed below the text. These chips allow users to "drill down" into the reviews.

Tapping on a chip will filter the results to only show reviews that specifically mention that particular aspect of the app. This makes it easier for potential users to quickly judge features like performance, interface, or specific functionality.

This move by Google follows a trend in the tech industry to use AI for better content aggregation. Amazon has utilized AI-generated product review summaries for some time, and Apple rolled out a similar review summarization feature on the iOS App Store in April.

The new feature is being observed on various devices, though it is not yet universally available across all accounts. This gradual rollout is typical for major Play Store updates.

Google Photos Rolls Out 'Trendy' Video Templates for Easy, Automated Video Creation.

Google Photos is set to drastically simplify the video creation process for its users. The company is introducing a suite of new "trendy" video editing templates, aimed at making it easier than ever to turn a collection of personal memories into a polished, share-worthy video clip.

This significant update is an extension of the existing 'Highlight video' function already found within the application's 'Create' tab. It represents a clear effort by Google to democratize the video editing experience for its massive user base.

What the New Templates Offer.

These new templates are essentially designed as pre-packaged video structures. They allow users to simply slot their photos and video clips into a pre-set, professional-looking visual narrative.

Google has positioned this new tool as a way to offer "easy and automated" video creation for everyone. This removes the barrier of manually aligning clips and music, which can often be time-consuming for casual users.

A key technical aspect of the new feature is the automatic synchronization capabilities. Each template comes pre-loaded with music, ensuring cuts and transitions are precisely beat-matched to the audio rhythm.

Furthermore, the templates include designated placeholders for text overlays. This feature allows users to easily add context, titles, or a complete narrative to their video story.

How to Use the Feature.

The process for using the new templates is straightforward, according to the official support documentation. Users will begin by navigating to the 'Create' tab on their Google Photos mobile app.

From there, they select 'Highlight video' where they can now browse through templates for different themes and narratives. Once a template is selected, users simply tap 'Use template.'

Content selection can be done manually by picking the best photos and videos from the gallery. Alternatively, users can leverage an "assisted content selection" option, which uses AI to select the most relevant media for the chosen template.

A Focus on Share-Worthy Content.

While the official support page details the full step-by-step process, a widespread public rollout of the new templates does not yet appear to be live for all users. The feature is expected to arrive on Android devices first.

This move is a clear step by Google to enhance the media editing capabilities within Photos. It makes high-quality video creation accessible, enabling casual users to produce "polished, share-worthy" content with minimal effort.

How To Change Default Search Engine of Chrome Browser.

Your web browser does more than just open websites; it’s your gateway to the internet. Every time you type a query into Chrome’s address bar (also known as the omnibox), it instantly directs you to results powered by your default search engine. 

Most of us stick with Google because it’s the preset option, but Chrome actually allows you to change this default anytime. Whether you prefer the privacy of DuckDuckGo, the rewards of Bing, or a specialized engine like Startpage, the process is quick and easy. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to change your default search engine on desktop, Android, and iPhone, along with key notes and troubleshooting tips that will help you get the most out of Chrome.

Change Default Search Engine on Desktop.

Let’s start with the desktop version of Chrome, since it offers the most flexibility and customization.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome Settings.

To get started, open Google Chrome on your computer, then click the three-dot menu located at the top-right corner of the browser window. From the dropdown menu, select Settings to open Chrome’s configuration page. 

Alternatively, you can simply type chrome://settings in the address bar and press Enter to access it directly.

Step 2: Go to the search engine section.

In the Settings menu, navigate to the left-hand sidebar and click on Search engine, where you’ll find a Change button, and a list of pre-configured options will appear (e.g., Google, Bing, Yahoo!, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia). Select your desired new default search engine.

Step 3: Managing and Manually Adding a Search Engine.

If your desired search provider is not among the default options, navigate to "Manage search engines and site search" (or "Manage search engines"). Here, you can click Add and manually input the required details: the Search engine name, a Shortcut (keyword), and the URL with %s in place of the query. 

Alternatively, a simpler method is to first visit the desired search engine's website and perform a search; Chrome will often detect and automatically list it in the "Site search" section, from which you can easily click the three dots (⋮) next to the entry and select "Make default."

Change Default Search Engine on Mobile.

You can easily change the default search engine within the Google Chrome app on both Android and iOS devices. This setting controls the engine used when you type a query into the address bar (omnibox).

Here are the professional steps to change the default search engine on mobile:

Step 1: Open Chrome Settings.

To access settings on mobile, open the Chrome app and tap the menu icon (⋮ on Android, typically top right; or ••• on iOS, typically bottom right), then select Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to the Search Engine.

Scroll down to the "Basics" section (on Android) or look through the main menu (on iOS). Tap on the Search engine.

Step 3: Select a New Default Engine.

A list of available search providers (such as Google, Bing, Yahoo!, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, etc.) will be displayed. Tap the name of the search engine you wish to set as your new default.

The change will be applied immediately. All future searches performed by typing into the Chrome address bar will use the newly selected search engine.

By following these simple steps, users can efficiently customize their Google Chrome browsing experience to align with their privacy preferences, search result format requirements, or regional defaults. Regularly reviewing and managing your default search engine settings ensures your browser behaves optimally according to your specific needs.

Google Gemini AI Starts Rolling Out to Chrome on iOS.

Google is continuing its aggressive strategy of embedding its Gemini AI capabilities across its entire ecosystem, with the latest integration arriving in Chrome for iOS. This move brings powerful, on-demand AI functionality directly into the mobile browser experience for iPhone users.

While many iOS users default to Safari, the integration caters to a significant subset of users who prefer the Chrome environment on their Apple devices. It eliminates the need to switch to the standalone Gemini app for common queries and page-specific insights.

In-Browser Assistance on iPhone.

The arrival of Gemini in Chrome for iOS was first anticipated after a similar integration was announced for Mac users earlier this year. Its appearance now ensures a unified, in-browser AI experience across platforms.

For those receiving the update, the functionality is reportedly highlighted by a "Get started" banner appearing within the Chrome interface.

The key feature is "Ask Gemini," which allows users to get relevant, contextual answers based on the webpage they are currently viewing. It promises to deliver swift key takeaways and insights without disrupting the browsing flow.

Quick Access and Opt-In Requirement.

Users can access the Gemini feature via the three-dot menu (Page Tools) within Chrome. This opens a dedicated interface where they can input a custom query or select from pre-populated options.

Available prompts include highly useful functions like "summarize page" and "create FAQ about this topic," transforming the way users digest long-form content on their mobile devices.

Crucially, the feature requires an explicit user opt-in to begin functioning. Users must grant permission for the browser to send webpage data to Google for processing by the Gemini model. This ensures transparency and user control over their data.

Phased Rollout Underway.

The rollout appears to be phased, with initial reports suggesting the integration is landing for a subset of users. It is highly likely that, as with many of Google's initial AI launches, the support is currently limited to English-language users in the United States.

As the technology continues to mature, and with Gemini now established on various Android and desktop platforms, its arrival on the iPhone browser signals Google's commitment to making its flagship AI assistant universally accessible, regardless of the operating system.

Viral 'Nano Banana' AI Image Editing Arrives in Google Lens and Search AI Mode.

Google is dramatically enhancing the creative capabilities of its core apps, bringing the popular "Nano Banana" image editing and generation feature directly into Google Lens and the Search AI Mode. This integration provides users with a powerful, fun, and accessible way to generate and manipulate images using simple prompts.

The feature, which utilizes the advanced Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model, first gained viral traction within the standalone Gemini app. Its expansion signifies Google’s push to embed generative AI directly into the daily tools people use for visual search and creation.

AI Mode Gets a Dedicated Creation Shortcut.

In the Search app's dedicated AI Mode, the "Nano Banana" functionality is now easier to access than ever. Users will notice a new plus icon ('+') situated in the bottom-left corner of the main prompt box.

Tapping this icon reveals a menu that allows users to access the Gallery, Camera, or a new option: "Create Images," accompanied by a banana emoji. This dedicated shortcut streamlines the creative workflow.

Upon selecting this option, the standard prompt hint changes to "Describe your image." From here, users can either type a prompt to generate an entirely new image or select an existing photograph to apply edits.

Any image generated through this feature will be marked with the standard Gemini spark watermark in the bottom-right corner, clearly identifying its AI origin.

Google Lens Launches New 'Create' Tab.

Perhaps the most significant change is the introduction of a new "Create" tab within Google Lens. This redesign also features a minor UI tweak, moving the text labels below the icons to better accommodate multiple filters.

The new tab is heavily geared toward real-time capture and sharing, prompting users to "capture, create, and share" their creations. A prominent banana emoji is even featured on the shutter button.

Notably, the "Create" tab defaults to the front-facing camera, suggesting an immediate focus on AI-enhanced selfies and real-time artistic manipulations.

After capturing an image, it is automatically routed to the AI Mode's prompt box, where users can then add a text prompt to apply generative edits or transformations.

Availability and Broader AI Push.

The "Nano Banana" integration in Google Lens and AI Mode is currently being observed on Android devices in the US for users who have opted into the AI Mode Search Lab. A wider rollout is expected in the coming weeks.

This rollout aligns with Google’s broader global expansion of its AI capabilities. Just this week, the company announced that AI Mode has been expanded to support 35 new languages and over 40 new countries/territories, bringing its total reach to over 200 regions globally.

Chrome Fights Notification Fatigue with Automatic Permission Revocation.

Google is taking a major step to combat "notification fatigue" by updating its Chrome browser on both desktop and Android platforms. The new feature will automatically revoke notification permissions from websites that users no longer interact with regularly. This aims to restore the signal-to-noise ratio of notifications, making the alerts that do appear more meaningful.

This privacy-and-usability-focused move mirrors a similar permission revocation system that Google introduced for native apps back in Android 11. That system allows the operating system to cut off access to sensitive permissions, such as camera or location, for apps that haven't been used in a while.

Chrome previously gained a similar trick via its Safety Check feature, which could automatically revoke permissions like camera, microphone, and location access from infrequently visited sites. Notifications, however, were notably excluded from this automated cleanup until now.

The new policy will specifically target notification permissions for standard websites, excluding installed web apps. Google confirms the browser will always notify the user when a permission is being revoked, preventing any sudden surprises about missing alerts.

For sites where Chrome might have incorrectly guessed user intent, the user retains full control. They can easily choose to re-enable notifications for a specific site or even disable the entire automatic revocation tool if they prefer the old system. Ultimately, this change offers a much-needed, low-effort way for users to clear out excessive notification chatter and focus on the alerts that truly matter.

Also Read:

• Google Chrome Move Address Bar to Bottom in Android.
• Google Chrome Rolls Out AI-Powered Store Reviews to Help Shoppers.

Gemini App Unveils Prompt Bar Redesign, Bringing Model Switching Mid-Conversation

Google is rolling out a significant overhaul to the user interface of the Gemini app on both Android and iOS, transforming the familiar prompt bar into a dynamic "bottom sheet." This redesign marks one of the most substantial visual and functional updates to the AI assistant’s mobile experience since its launch, aiming for greater efficiency and a cleaner aesthetic.

The traditional rounded rectangular prompt box is now completely gone, replaced by a bottom sheet that visually floats above the application’s main content. This new UI layer is designed to merge seamlessly with the device's open keyboard, using a subtle shadow effect along the top edge to distinguish it from the conversation history.

This transition from a static box to a dynamic sheet aligns the mobile app with modern design paradigms seen across other Google applications. By removing the container, the interface feels less cluttered, creating more horizontal screen real estate for users to type their queries.

Perhaps the most crucial functional update is the relocation of the AI model selector. Previously, users had to tap a dropdown menu near the top of the home screen to switch between models like Gemini 2.5 Flash and 2.5 Pro.

With the new design, the model picker is now embedded directly in the bottom-right corner of the prompt sheet, adjacent to a newly-circular microphone icon. This change streamlines the workflow, finally allowing users to select a different model for their next prompt without navigating away from the active chat.

Furthermore, Google has utilized this redesign to implement several user experience (UX) quality-of-life improvements. The '+' menu for adding inputs and the Gemini Live button are now positioned closer to the edges of the screen, benefiting from the freed-up space.

The standard but often disruptive disclaimer, "Gemini can make mistakes, so double-check it," has also been repositioned. Instead of sitting permanently below the prompt bar, it now appears concisely at the end of the AI's response, ensuring a cleaner visual flow while users are chatting.

The rollout for the box-less prompt bar redesign is now widely available for Gemini users on both major mobile operating systems. However, the accompanying change—the repositioning of the model picker—is being implemented gradually and is not yet universal across all accounts.

Also Read:

• Google Gemini Now Lets You Share Custom 'Gems'.
• Google Redesigns Gemini's Tools Menu for a Cleaner Mobile Experience.

Gboard Rolls Out 'Tap-to-Undo' Feature to Fix Annoying Auto-Corrections.

In a highly welcomed quality-of-life update, Google’s popular virtual keyboard, Gboard, is introducing a simple yet crucial feature that addresses one of the most frustrating aspects of mobile typing: aggressive auto-correction. Users can now easily spot and revert unwanted changes with a new tap-to-undo mechanism.

The new functionality works by subtly highlighting any text that Gboard has automatically changed while a user is typing a sentence. This visual cue makes it significantly easier for users to identify exactly which words were altered without needing to carefully proofread the entire text.

Once an auto-corrected word is highlighted, tapping on it immediately reveals the original, user-typed word as a suggestion in the prediction bar. This allows for a swift, single-tap reversal of the correction, restoring the text to the user's intended spelling or phrasing.

This method offers a marked improvement over previous correction methods, such as the "undo auto-correct on backspace" feature. That older tool often mistakenly reverted valid corrections when a user was merely attempting to fix a spacing error or a minor typo nearby.

While Gboard recently added dedicated undo/redo buttons, the tap-to-undo feature is a more elegant, context-aware solution. It saves valuable space on the toolbar and allows users to fix auto-corrections without interrupting the flow of their typing process.

The feature is currently rolling out to users, appears to be controlled by the main auto-correction setting, and is expected to be particularly useful when interacting with Gboard’s growing suite of AI writing and grammar-proofing tools. This enhancement reinforces Gboard’s status as a leading mobile keyboard by prioritizing user control and accuracy.

Google Meet Finally Adds Meeting Timers to Combat Endless Virtual Calls.

In a move aimed squarely at boosting productivity and curbing the scourge of sprawling virtual meetings, Google Meet has begun rolling out a highly anticipated native timer feature. This addition brings a visible, ticking clock into the meeting interface, creating a subtle but effective sense of urgency for all participants.

This new tool directly responds to the prevalent issue of "meeting creep," especially in organizations with distributed workforces. By providing a clear visual countdown, Google is offering users a simple mechanism to stick to their intended agenda and time limits.

The feature is accessible via the Meeting tools button, located in the lower right corner of the desktop user interface. Depending on the meeting's settings, the timer can be set and controlled by either the meeting host or all participants.

Users have the flexibility to set an optional audible alarm that sounds when the designated time expires. However, it is important to note that the timer will not automatically terminate the meeting; it is simply a reminder tool for time management.

The new timers are currently available exclusively through the Google Meet web interface on desktop, with Google confirming they are not yet accessible on the mobile applications. A full rollout is underway and is expected to reach all types of Google accounts, including free personal accounts and paid Workspace users, over the next few days.

This small but significant update underscores Google’s commitment to improving the core functionality of its video conferencing platform. For teams looking to shave valuable minutes off their weekly commitments, the new timer is an essential tool for maintaining focus and efficiency in the digital workplace.

Also Read: 

• Generate a Background Image in Google Meet With AI.
• Google Meet Gets a Personal AI Advisor with New 'Ask Gemini' Feature.

Google Photos AI Set to Revolutionize 'Photo to Video' Feature with Custom Prompts.

Google Photos is reportedly preparing a significant upgrade to its generative AI capabilities, specifically for the popular "Photo to video" tool. The new functionality, uncovered in a recent app teardown, suggests users will soon gain highly detailed creative control over video generation.

This move underscores Google's commitment to embedding sophisticated AI features directly into its core consumer applications. The update could transform how users animate their static memories, moving beyond simple preset effects to truly customized digital storytelling.

From Subtle Movements to Creative Commands.

The existing "Photo to video" tool is already powerful, leveraging AI to turn still images into short, dynamic clips. It currently offers two main options for users: "Subtle movements" and the randomized "I'm feeling lucky" effect.

While functional, these choices are creatively restrictive, often requiring multiple tries to get a desired result. The feature recently received an internal boost with the integration of the Veo 3 video generation model.

App Teardown Reveals New Prompt Box

Evidence for the impending update was discovered within an app teardown of Google Photos version 6.48, conducted by Android Authority. This analysis revealed a clear visual element indicating the introduction of a text prompt box.

This prompt box would allow users to describe in detail the action, style, or effect they want applied to their image, unlocking a level of customization previously unavailable. This shift grants users the "creative muscles" to dictate the outcome, making the tool much more versatile.

Expanding Generative AI Access

If released, the prompt-based generation will likely skyrocket the feature's popularity by ensuring greater user satisfaction with the generated results. Users will no longer be reliant on the luck of the draw but on the specificity of their text input.

However, current restrictions on Google’s generative AI tools still apply. Features like "Photo to video" and the "Remix" image editor are currently limited to users in the United States.

Furthermore, generation limits are expected to be in place. While all users will receive a "limited number" of free daily generations, subscribers to the Google AI Pro or Ultra plans will likely benefit from increased usage caps, aligning with Google's broader AI monetization strategy. While not guaranteed for public release, the discovery strongly suggests Google is actively developing this powerful, customizable AI video creation feature.

YouTube Music Begins Testing In-App Lyrics Translation Tool.

YouTube Music is currently rolling out a significant new feature to a limited number of users: native lyrics translation. The long-awaited tool is designed to eliminate language barriers, allowing fans globally to understand the meaning behind songs in languages they do not speak.

For music enthusiasts who enjoy international genres like K-pop or Latin music, this feature offers a major boost to accessibility. Until now, users were limited to viewing lyrics only in the song’s native language when they were available.

The new functionality is accessed directly within the lyrics view of the app. Users have spotted a "Translate" option that, once selected, instantly generates a machine translation of the text, displaying it directly beneath the original lyrics.

Interestingly, the translation’s output language is not manually selectable within the tool itself. Instead, it defaults to the primary language set for the user's system or the specific language configured for the YouTube Music application.

A key detail of this initial test is the restricted access. Reports indicate that the lyrics translation feature is currently only available to users who are subscribed to YouTube Music Premium. This limitation suggests Google may be testing it as a potential perk for paying members.

As this is an early and limited test, the final scope of the feature, including its availability to non-Premium users, remains to be seen. However, its existence signals Google’s commitment to making its music platform more globally inclusive.

Google and Apple Remove 'Red Dot' ICE Alert App Over Policy Violations.

Google has removed the "Red Dot" application, an alert tool designed to track U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, from its Play Store. The decision follows a similar move by Apple, effectively pulling the app from both major mobile ecosystems.

The app's developers marketed Red Dot as a "safety tool" that would alert users to nearby ICE activity. It reportedly aggregated information from both "reputable sources" and anonymous, user-generated reports of agent movements.

A spokesperson for Google confirmed the removal to Android Authority, stating that the app was in violation of the Play Store policy. The company specifically cited its rule against applications that carry a "high risk of abuse."

Furthermore, Google noted that apps featuring user-generated content, as Red Dot did with its anonymous reporting system, are subject to stringent moderation requirements. The platform concluded that Red Dot failed to meet these necessary content control standards.

The removal comes amid heightened public interest and scrutiny regarding the aggressive tactics of federal immigration enforcement. However, Google clarified that the Department of Justice had not contacted the company regarding the app prior to its takedown.

This incident is not isolated; the takedown mirrors Apple's earlier removal of the iOS-exclusive app "ICEBlock," which performed a similar function. This signals a unified stance by the major mobile platforms on applications involving law enforcement agencies' location-tracking.

Discord Customer Service Provider Hacked, Exposing User Data and Government IDs.

Discord, the popular voice, video, and text communication platform, has recently disclosed a security incident stemming from a breach at one of its third-party customer service providers. The company confirmed that an unauthorized party gained access to limited user information, impacting individuals who had recently interacted with its Customer Support or Trust & Safety teams.

The company emphasized that the breach did not compromise Discord’s core systems or platform directly. The attackers targeted the external vendor responsible for handling support tickets, with the ultimate goal of extorting a financial ransom from Discord.

Data exposed in the incident includes essential contact information provided during support requests. Compromised data may consist of user names, Discord usernames, email addresses, IP addresses, and the full content of messages exchanged with customer service agents.

Most alarmingly, the breach exposed a "small number" of government-issued photo identification documents, such as passports and driver's licenses. These sensitive files belonged to users who had submitted them to appeal age determinations on the platform. Limited billing information, specifically the payment type, the last four digits of a credit card, and purchase history, was also compromised for some users.

Crucially, Discord confirmed that user passwords, full credit card numbers, CCV codes, and private in-app messages and activity outside of customer support threads were not affected by the breach. This containment ensures that core account credentials remain secured.

Upon discovering the compromise, Discord immediately revoked the third-party provider's access to its ticketing system. The company has since launched a full internal investigation, engaged a leading computer forensics firm, and notified law enforcement to pursue the unauthorized party.

Discord is currently in the process of notifying all affected users via email. Impacted users should look for an official message from noreply@discord.com that will specify exactly what data, including whether their government ID, may have been accessed. Users are strongly advised to remain vigilant against potential phishing attempts.

Gemini App's Major Visual Redesign to Feature Scrollable Feed.

Google appears to be preparing a significant visual revamp for its Gemini AI application, shifting away from the traditional, minimalist chatbot interface. Recent reports, stemming from an APK teardown, suggest the company is testing a bold, new home screen featuring a scrollable, Instagram-like feed.

This dramatic design departure signals Google's intent to position Gemini not just as a text assistant, but as a visual discovery engine for its powerful multimodal AI capabilities. The move comes as Google seeks to maintain its competitive edge against rivals like OpenAI.

From Blank Slate to Visual Inspiration.

The current Gemini app typically greets users with a blank chat screen and a simple text input box, similar to interfaces used by competitors such as ChatGPT. The proposed redesign flips this model entirely.

The new interface, discovered in an app teardown by Android Authority, introduces a vibrant, card-based scrollable feed. This feed is packed with suggested prompts and conversation starters, each accompanied by eye-catching visuals or photos.

Key shortcuts to core tools like "Create Image" and "Deep Research" will reportedly be shifted to the top of the screen. The feed then unfolds beneath them, showcasing what is possible with the AI rather than making users figure it out on their own.

Highlighting Multimodal Strengths.

The suggested prompts are designed to highlight Gemini's diverse functionalities, moving beyond simple text queries. Examples found in the testing code include requests like “Teleport me to deep space,” “Give me a vintage grunge look,” and “Quiz me on basic biology.”

Many of these suggestions leverage Google's latest imaging models, like the popular Nano Banana editor, to showcase image generation, photo editing, and creative styling. By proactively displaying these creative use cases, Google aims to drive deeper user engagement.

This focus on visual discovery makes sense for Gemini, which excels at generating images, analyzing photos, and handling complex, multimodal reasoning tasks. The redesign acts as a discovery layer, lowering the barrier to entry for many advanced features.

A Competitive Edge in the AI Space.

The timing of this potential rollout underscores the growing importance of user experience in the competitive AI market. While the Spartan interfaces of competitors can be intimidating, Google is betting on inspiration to drive adoption.

The visual, card-based design mimics successful social platforms like Pinterest and TikTok, prioritizing scrollable content discovery. If the change goes live, it could give Gemini a distinct visual advantage and redefine user expectations for how an AI assistant should look and function.

However, since these changes were uncovered via an APK teardown, Google has yet to officially confirm the new interface. It remains unclear exactly when—or if—this dramatically redesigned version of the Gemini app will be released to the public.

Xiaomi Launches 2025 Creativity Competition with Google Gemini to Explore Future of Mobile Design.

Xiaomi, a global leader in consumer electronics and smart manufacturing, has officially inaugurated its 2025 Creativity Competition. Titled "Your Screen, Your Story," the contest aims to push the boundaries of design and innovation, inviting creators worldwide to redefine the mobile user experience.

The competition is a significant collaborative effort, jointly organized by Xiaomi's International Internet Business (IIB) Department and Google Gemini. This partnership highlights a focus on integrating artificial intelligence into creative workflows, anticipating the next generation of personalized mobile interfaces.

Three Avenues for Digital Expression.

The 2025 competition is segmented into three distinct categories, each designed to capture a different facet of digital creativity. These segments encourage participants to submit works ranging from pure aesthetics to functional user design.

The categories are "One Shot, One Moment" (Wallpaper Photography), "Vision Through Intelligence" (AI Wallpapers), and "Redefining UX" (Theme Design). This structure allows photographers, AI artists, and interface designers to showcase their specific expertise.

Significantly, creators in the AI Wallpapers and Photography categories are strongly encouraged to leverage the capabilities of Google Gemini. The integration demonstrates how generative AI tools can supercharge creativity and design processes within the mobile ecosystem.

Recognition and Rewards for Top Talent.

To attract and reward the world's most innovative minds, the competition offers substantial incentives. The prestigious Gold Award winner stands to receive a prize of up to $10,000, along with broad industry exposure.

Winning works will also receive potential commercial opportunities, allowing creators to monetize their designs through Xiaomi's vast international content ecosystem. Furthermore, select exceptional entries may be featured in dedicated offline exhibitions, granting global visibility.

A distinguished panel of international design experts will evaluate the submissions. The competition also includes special awards reserved for Xiaomi Fans, fostering engagement within its dedicated user community.

Key Dates for Submissions and Awards.

The submission window opened on September 10, with user voting currently underway, having started on September 30. Creators still have time to finalize and submit their groundbreaking concepts.

Expert reviews are scheduled to take place throughout November, leading up to the final announcement of winners and the awarding of prizes in December. This timeline sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the year of design innovation.

Google Play Store Rolls Out New In-App ‘Gift Card Mall’ for Top Brands.

The Google Play Store is significantly expanding its utility, with a new update rolling out that allows users to directly purchase and send digital gift cards from a variety of top retailers and brands.

This new functionality transforms the Play Store from solely a content distribution platform into a centralized digital gifting hub.

The feature is designed to create a streamlined, one-stop shopping experience for users on Android devices.

Dedicated Gift Cards Section Appears.

Users now have a new entry point for digital gifting that is accessible directly through the app’s main profile menu.

A new “Gift cards” option is appearing for some users, nestled between the existing “Payments & subscriptions” and “Play Protect” tabs.

This new section is currently rolling out widely, allowing users to discover and purchase cards without needing to leave the Play Store app.

Beyond Google Play Credit.

While Google Play credit gift cards are available in denominations from $15 to $100, the new feature extends far beyond its own ecosystem.

The section functions as an extensive “gift card mall,” offering digital cards from premier brands across numerous consumer categories.

These categories include Dining, Retail, Fashion, Beauty, Entertainment, and Electronics, making the selection highly diverse.

Seamless Purchase and Digital Delivery.

The in-app process for purchasing a gift card is designed for simplicity and convenience.

Users can select from various virtual card designs, choose their desired monetary amount, and then personalize the gift.

Delivery is handled digitally, requiring only the recipient’s email address or phone number, along with an optional custom gift message.

Powered by Blackhawk Network Partnership.

Google has partnered with global branded payment solutions leader, Blackhawk Network (BHN), to power this expansive new feature.

This collaboration leverages BHN’s extensive digital gifting portfolio and technology, providing the wide range of available third-party brand options.

The move simplifies the user journey, fulfilling Google’s goal to allow users to "discover, purchase and send value without jumping between apps or sites."

YouTube TV and NBCUniversal Ink Multi-Year Deal, Bringing Peacock to Primetime Channels.

Google and NBCUniversal have successfully concluded long-term negotiations, securing a multi-year commitment that will keep the entire NBCUniversal portfolio on YouTube TV.

The agreement resolves a contract dispute, ensuring millions of YouTube TV subscribers will not lose access to critical channels.

The deal also marks a significant expansion of the partnership, integrating the Peacock streaming service into the YouTube ecosystem.

Full Portfolio Retained for YouTube TV.

The new commitment guarantees the continued carriage of all NBCUniversal networks on the popular live TV streaming service.

Subscribers will retain access to channels including NBC, Telemundo, USA Network, Bravo, CNBC, MSNBC, Syfy, E!, and Universo, among others.

Furthermore, the new NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) is set to launch and become available on YouTube TV later this fall. This addition will provide fans with broader access to NBCUniversal’s extensive sports programming, complementing the content already on the main NBC broadcast network.

Peacock Joins YouTube Primetime Channels.

Perhaps the most impactful element of the new deal is the arrival of Peacock on YouTube Primetime Channels.

In the coming months, the NBCUniversal streaming service will be available as an add-on subscription directly through the YouTube platform.

Peacock joins a growing roster of services on Primetime Channels, which already includes competitors like Paramount+ and HBO Max. This integration streamlines the subscription process, allowing users to manage their streaming services all within the native YouTube interface.

Broader Ecosystem Commitments.

The agreement extends beyond YouTube TV and Primetime Channels, solidifying NBCUniversal's content presence across Google’s wider digital ecosystem.

The partnership includes a multi-year extension ensuring Peacock's continued availability across all Google Android platforms, including Google Play and Google TV. Additionally, Universal Pictures films and TV shows will remain available for purchase or rental via Google TV and YouTube.

The deal also maintains the rights for short-form clips, highlights, and shows from NBCUniversal to be featured across YouTube.