Google Maps Unveils America's Favorite State Parks of Summer 2025.

Hey there, summer explorers! 🌞

Can you believe summer is almost over? But wait—before you pack away the sunscreen and fold up the picnic blankets, have you squeezed in that perfect outdoor escape yet?

If you're still scratching your head about where to go for that final summer getaway, don’t worry—Google Maps has your back!

Google just revealed the most popular state parks in the U.S. this summer, based on location trends and search interest. Whether you want to hike, picnic, or simply relax in nature, Google has compiled data to spotlight the most popular state parks across the U.S. based on how many people asked for directions since Memorial Day 2025. So grab your shades and water bottle—your next adventure might just be a few taps away.

So… where is everyone going?

Most Popular U.S. State Parks This Summer.

Wondering which parks everyone is flocking to this year? Google Maps analyzed millions of searches and shared the parks that have received the most navigation requests. The results are in, and here's the ultimate summer bucket list:

• Watkins Glen State Park (New York)
• Liberty State Park (New Jersey)
• Silver Falls State Park (Oregon)
• Starved Rock State Park (Illinois)
• Letchworth State Park (New York)
• Hammonasset Beach State Park (Connecticut)
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (California)
• Warren Dunes State Park (Michigan)
• Blue Spring State Park (Florida)
• Jones Beach State Park (New York)

So if you’re wondering where the trails are hot (literally and figuratively), these are the places people are heading to the most.

Fan-Favorite Parks for the Perfect Picnic.

If your idea of summer includes a checkered blanket, cold lemonade, and sandwiches under the sun, then you’ll love this. Google also looked at which parks were most mentioned for picnicking in reviews.

Here are the top parks where you’ll find picnic heaven:

• Liberty State Park (New Jersey)
• Bear Mountain State Park (New York)
• Letchworth State Park (New York)
• Colt State Park (Rhode Island)
• Lake Sammamish State Park (Washington)
• Devil’s Lake State Park (Wisconsin)
• Blue Spring State Park (Florida)
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (Florida)
• McKinney Falls State Park (Texas)
• Harkness Memorial State Park (Connecticut)

If you’re planning a family day out or a chill spot with friends, these are great picks to lay down that blanket.

Peak Performer Parks for Hiking Lovers.

Are you someone who thinks of summer as a time to conquer trails and chase sunsets? Google Maps has also revealed which parks hikers love the most, based on the number of reviewers mentioning hiking.

Here are the top hiking destinations that stood out:

• Devil’s Lake State Park (Wisconsin)
• Starved Rock State Park (Illinois)
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Texas)
• Watkins Glen State Park (New York)
• Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)
• Turkey Run State Park (Indiana)
• Bear Mountain State Park (New York)
• Letchworth State Park (New York)
• Cloudland Canyon State Park (Georgia)
• Smith Rock State Park (Oregon)

From waterfalls to canyons, these parks deliver the wow-factor for your hiking boots.

This data isn't just a guess, Google Maps analyzed the number of direction requests and review mentions from Memorial Day 2025 onward to spotlight which parks Americans are loving this summer. These insights can help you pick a destination based on what real people are actually searching for, not just marketing hype.

So, what are you waiting for?

There’s still time to make this summer unforgettable. Grab your water bottle, lace up those hiking boots, and let Google Maps guide you to your next outdoor escape. 🍃

Create Custom Storybooks in Gemini App.

Google has launched an imaginative new feature in its Gemini app called Storybook, allowing anyone to generate a custom illustrated storybook with audio narration using just a short prompt. Whether for bedtime stories, educational content, or creative fun, Gemini can now bring stories to life in seconds.

Storytelling Meet Gemini Creativity.

Gemini’s Storybook feature uses the latest advances in its Gemini 2.5 models to produce 10-page stories including text, illustrations, and voice narration. You simply enter a prompt like “Tell a story about a dragon who learns to share,” and Gemini generates a complete narrative. You can specify styles from pixel art and comics to claymation or coloring book, and even upload personal images or artwork for inspiration. The system then builds a visually rich story, often narrated in a child-friendly voice.

Storybooks are crafted in over 45 languages and built to be universal. Each story can be customized via an interactive interface: browse story pages, edit text, change styles, and listen to the AI narration. Once finalized, users can download the story as a PDF or grab a shareable link for family and friends.

It is useful to:

• Help your child understand a complex topic: Create a story that explains the solar system to your 5-year-old.
• Teach a lesson through storytelling: Teach a 7-year-old boy about the importance of being kind to his little brother. My son loves elephants, so let’s make the main character an elephant.
• Bring personal artwork to life: Upload an image of a kid's drawing and modify this example prompt for your use case: "This is my kid’s drawing. He’s 7 years old. Write a creative storybook that brings his drawing to life.”
• Turn memories into magical stories: Upload photos from your family trip to Paris and create a personalized adventure.

This feature is clearly aimed at families, educators, and creators who want accessible storytelling tools. Google suggests use cases like explaining complex topics to children, teaching virtues via personalized tales, or turning a family photo into a magical narrative setting. It’s a powerful blend of personalization and creativity.

Google’s Storybook feature showcases how generative AI can redefine creative expression for everyday users. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or storyteller, it enables custom-illustrated content with minimal effort. With global availability and support for dozens of languages, it’s poised to become a popular tool for education, creativity, and family-safe entertainment.

Also Read:

• Google Rolls Out ‘Deep Think’ Mode in Gemini 2.5.

How To Audit File Sharing of Personal Google Drive.

We all use Google Drive’s file-sharing feature so frequently that it's easy to lose track of who has access to what. Over time, we may forget which files or folders we’ve shared and what level of access others have, especially with old clients, colleagues, or friends we’re no longer in touch with. 

Imagine if one of those shared files contains sensitive or confidential information, and it’s still accessible to someone who no longer needs it. That was exactly the situation I found myself in recently. So, I decided to create an audit log to track everything. It was a tedious and time-consuming process, but I can't do this every time I share some files with someone, so I decided to automate this task. Let's learn how?

Audit Google Drive File Sharing in Google Sheets.

There is no direct method for storing Google Drive file-sharing logs, so we are going to use Google App Script to write our own custom code to store all the required details directly inside a Google Sheet.

In this process, we will automatically scan your drive for all the files to get the required details like file name, file type, file path, file owner, link, type of access, user IDs, shared date, and last modified date. 

After collecting all these details, we will store them inside a clean new Google Sheet. At the end, we will set a trigger so our code will perform this activity every week to update your Google Sheet with new records.

Note: If you are using a custom domain with the premium version of Google Workspace that you can use this feature for free by using the Add-on available in Google Marketplace.

Here is a step-by-step process for automating auditing Google Drive Files.

Step 1: Create a Google Sheet for Audit Logs.

Open a new Google Sheet in your Google Drive and name the sheet as well as the first tab of the sheet. In my case, the sheet name is "Audit_Sheet" and the sheet's first tab name is "Audit". The sheet name can be anything based on your choice.

In the top-right corner of the sheet, click on the share button drop-down and copy the link. Keep this link handy, as we are going to use this link in our App Script Code.

Step 2: Open Google App Script Code.

In the sheet, click on Extensions > App Script. A new window will open with the Google App Script code editor. Make sure that your app script page is logged in with the same ID for which you want to audit file sharing details.

⚠️ Warning

If you're encountering a "400 Bad Request" error when running your Google Apps Script, it may be due to a mismatch between the Google account currently active in the browser and the one used to authorize the script.

Google Apps Script tends to "remember" the account that was used the last time you accessed the Script Editor. If you're now opening or running the script using a different account in the same browser session, the script can fail to authenticate properly, resulting in this error.

Step 3: Write Google App Script Code.

Copy and paste the full code into the Google Apps Script Code Editor, then click on “Untitled project” at the top left and give your project a meaningful name (e.g., “Drive Sharing Audit Tool”). In the second line of the code, replace the placeholder with the link to your Google Sheet where you want to store the audit logs. In the fourth line, enter the name of the first sheet (tab) in that Google Sheet, which you can find in the lower-left corner of the spreadsheet (e.g., “Sheet1” or “AuditLog”).

Script Code:

function scanAllDriveFilesToSheet() {
  const sheetUrl = '<Paste_Google_Sheet_Link_Here>';
  const ss = SpreadsheetApp.openByUrl(sheetUrl);
  const sheet = ss.getSheetByName("<Paste_Sheet_1_Name_Here>");
  sheet.clearContents(); // Optional: clear old logs

  // Set headers
  sheet.appendRow(["File Name", "File Type", "File Path", "Owner", "Link", "Access Type", "User IDs", "Shared Date", "Last Modified"]);

  const files = DriveApp.getFiles();
  while (files.hasNext()) {
    const file = files.next();
    const fileName = file.getName();
    const fileType = file.getMimeType();
    const filePath = file.getParents().hasNext() ? file.getParents().next().getName() : "Root";
    const owner = file.getOwner() ? file.getOwner().getEmail() : "Unknown";
    const url = file.getUrl();
    const lastModified = file.getLastUpdated();
    const sharedDate = file.getDateCreated();
    const viewers = file.getViewers().map(u => u.getEmail()).join(", ");
    const editors = file.getEditors().map(u => u.getEmail()).join(", ");
    const access = (editors ? "Edit: " + editors : "") + " | View: " + viewers;

    sheet.appendRow([fileName, fileType, filePath, owner, url, access, viewers + " " + editors, sharedDate, lastModified]);
  }
}

Step 3: Give Permission to Run the Script.

After making all the required changes to the script, click the Save icon and then click the Run ▶️ button to execute the script. If this is your first time running an Apps Script, Google will prompt you to authorize the script to access your Google account. This access is necessary for the script to read and write data in your Google Drive in order to perform the audit.

When you click "Review Permissions", a pop-up window may appear saying "Google hasn’t verified this app". This is normal for custom scripts. Click on Advanced, then select "Go to <Project_Name>" (your project name will appear there). 

Google will then ask you to review and approve access by checking the required boxes. Select both the checkbox and click on Continue. This is a one-time, safe process and ensures the script can function as intended.

Code will start executing and you can open your Google sheet to see the updated audit logs for the the files present in your Google Drive.

Step 4: Schedule the Automation.

If you don't want to run the Script every time to see the updated details, then you can schedule this script to run automatically. To schedule your Apps Script to run weekly, open the Script Editor and click on the clock icon 🕒 in the left toolbar (called Triggers). Click "+ Add Trigger", choose the function you want to run, set the event source to Time-driven, and then choose time based trigger as "Week timer" and select the desired day and time.

Once saved, the script will automatically run every week based on your selected schedule and no manual execution needed.

⚠️ Important: This script reads sensitive Drive data, so do not share your script with unknown users or publish it without a proper security review.

I hope you find this method helpful for Auditing Google Drive Files. It is specifically useful for someone using their Google Personal Account to manage everything.

Tip: If you ever make changes to your script (like updating logic or the linked Sheet), don't forget to re-save and re-authorize the script if needed. Also, it's a good practice to occasionally check the Executions log under Apps Script → Executions to ensure the script is running correctly on schedule and handling all files as expected.

Google Using AI To Predict Cyclones.

Key Takeaway.

• Google’s Weather Lab uses AI to predict cyclone paths and intensity up to 15 days in advance with high accuracy.
• The tool offers real-time, interactive forecasts and is being tested with NOAA for potential integration into emergency planning.

Google DeepMind and Google Research have unveiled Weather Lab, a public preview of their experimental cyclone prediction model powered by AI. The new platform specializes in forecasting tropical cyclone formation, trajectory, intensity, size, and structure up to 15 days in advance, generating 50 possible storm scenarios to provide richer insights.

Google AI-Driven Cyclone Forecasting.

Traditional cyclone forecasting relies on physics-based models, which are accurate but computationally intensive. DeepMind’s AI model, built using stochastic neural networks and trained on decades of historical atmospheric data and nearly 5,000 recorded cyclone observations, offers predictions orders of magnitude faster. It can process and visualize a full ensemble forecast in real time, without supercomputers.

Early internal evaluations show that Weather Lab’s model matches or exceeds the accuracy of leading physics-based systems in both cyclone path and intensity forecasting. For example, it successfully predicted Cyclone Alfred’s landfall in Queensland seven days in advance, demonstrating high reliability for moderate scenarios.

Google Interactive Weather App.

Weather Lab’s interface allows users to explore live and historical forecasts side-by-side with established predictive models like those from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). It includes WeatherNext Graph and WeatherNext Gen models and offers two-plus years of archived data for public research and evaluation.

Users can visualize cyclone predictions, including ensemble tracks, wind field maps, and probability zones, to better understand uncertainty and forecast variability. A dedicated “expert mode” lets trusted testers simulate cyclogenesis, visualizing potential future storms before formation, providing planning insights for emergency agencies.

Weather Lab is already collaborating with the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), which reviews live AI forecasts alongside traditional tools. This marks the first time that AI-based cyclone predictions are being evaluated within an operational emergency forecasting environment. Through this cooperation, official forecasters gain access to alternative scenarios that could improve early warning systems.

Google emphasizes that Weather Lab is a research tool, not an official forecast provider. It aims to complement—not replace—public meteorological services. The company is also reaching out to academic, government, and meteorological organizations globally to further refine and expand the project.

Importance of Cyclone Prediction.

Accurate cyclone tracking is critical because cyclones have caused over $1.4 trillion in damage worldwide in recent decades. With longer lead times and more accurate intensity predictions, AI tools like the one showcased in Weather Lab could save lives, enable better evacuation planning, and improve disaster readiness.

Related Posts:

• How the Android Earthquake Alerts System Works?

Google Chrome Move Address Bar to Bottom in Android.

Google has introduced the feature to move the Chrome Address bar to the bottom of the screen on Android Devices. Announced in a blog post on August 3, 2025, this update enhances browsing comfort for users who prefer one-handed operation or find it easier to reach the bottom of their screens on larger devices.

The Chrome team stated, “We launched this feature because we heard your requests loud and clear. Now you can customize your browsing experience to suit your habits.” This update aligns with Google's broader efforts to offer more flexible and personalized experiences across its platforms.

Having a bigger phone screen, I will use this feature to improve control of the screen while browsing on my favourite browser. What about you? If you are using an Android phone and not using Chrome's Address Bar at the bottom, you must try it. Follow the steps given below to enable it:

How To Move the Chrome Address Bar To The Bottom?

Google has made it simple to switch the location of the address bar:

Method 1: Long-Press Option.

1. Open your Google Chrome app on your Android phone.
2. Long-press the address bar, and you will get options to move the address bar or to copy the link. 
3. Tap “Move address bar to bottom,” and you can see a smooth integration of the Address bar at the bottom of your screen.

Method 2: From Settings

1. Tap the three-dot menu in Google Chrome on your Android Device.
2. Go to Settings > Address Bar.
3. Choose Top or Bottom according to your preference.

You can move the address bar back to the top at any time using the same methods.

If you are not able to see the above setting in your Google Chrome App, then it is the right time for you to update your Chrome Browser.

The repositioning of the address bar might seem like a small UI tweak, but it’s part of a larger design philosophy making tools more ergonomic, accessible, and tailored to user behavior. One-handed usability is becoming increasingly important as smartphone screen sizes grow.

Google is Quietly Preserving Some Goo.gl Links Despite Shutting Down.

In a surprising twist, Google is preserving access to select goo.gl short links, even though the official Google URL Shortener service was discontinued years ago. According to a recent investigation by Android Authority, while the public-facing service is no longer functional, some old shortened links still redirect properly, raising questions about Google’s handling of legacy data and link preservation.

In an update to its developer blog, Google explained:

While we previously announced discontinuing support for all goo.gl URLs after August 25, 2025, we've adjusted our approach to preserve actively used links. We understand these links are embedded in countless documents, videos, posts, and more, and we appreciate the input received.

The End of Goo.gl.

The Google URL Shortener service, launched in 2009, was originally created to help users share links in a more compact format, especially for mobile users and platforms like Twitter. Over the years, it gained popularity among marketers, bloggers, and everyday users.

However, in March 2018, Google announced the gradual shutdown of the goo.gl service in favor of Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL), citing a shift in user behavior toward more dynamic mobile-first solutions. The URL shortener was fully shut down to the public in March 2019, and Google stated that existing links would continue to redirect, but the creation and management of new ones would no longer be supported.

Originally announced in July 2024, Google planned to sunset the legacy goo.gl shortener entirely, citing declining usage as 99 % of links had no activity as of mid‑2024. Those links were set to return errors, breaking outdated or embedded references across the web.

Fast forward to 2025, and some goo.gl links are surprisingly still active and functional, redirecting users to the correct destination. However, not all goo.gl links behave the same, and some now lead to a generic error page, while others continue to work perfectly.

This inconsistency suggests that Google might be selectively preserving certain high-traffic or important goo.gl links, possibly based on usage history or relevance. While there’s no official statement from Google on the exact criteria, it’s clear that some level of backend maintenance or archival logic is in place.

Implications for Users and the Web.

This partial survival of goo.gl links offers both opportunity and caution for users. On one hand, those with important legacy content tied to goo.gl links might find relief knowing some of their URLs still work. On the other hand, the unpredictability means businesses or publishers relying on goo.gl for permanent redirects should consider migrating to a more stable URL shortening service.

From a web archiving and digital preservation perspective, this raises interesting questions about Google’s long-term commitment to preserving parts of the internet’s past infrastructure. It also shows that tech giants, even when discontinuing a service, may still quietly maintain support for legacy features that serve value behind the scenes.

What is Google AI Mode in Search?

Google AI Mode is now officially available to all users beyond Google Pixel, and no sign-in to Google Labs is required. You may have already tried it or seen someone using its full capabilities. If not, this is the perfect time to explore it.

This isn’t your traditional Google Search experience. AI Mode transforms how you interact with information, offering a completely new and immersive way to browse. Integrated directly into Google Search, it can answer almost anything you ask, not just through typing, but also using your voice, an image, or even a live video.

Yes, you read that right, you can ask live questions just by opening your camera. Amazing, isn’t it? It truly feels like we’re stepping into a whole new era of intelligent and interactive searching.

To better understand how AI Mode transforms your search experience, here’s a deep dive into what it is and how it works:

What is Google AI Mode?

Google AI Mode is a next-generation search experience built directly into Google Search, powered by the advanced Gemini 2.x language models. It transforms traditional searches by generating conversational, AI-generated responses instead of just listing links or snippets. The system can break down complex or multi-part queries into subtopics, conduct simultaneous searches, and synthesize findings into a clear, readable overview.

What sets AI Mode apart is its multimodal capability: you can interact using text, voice, or images, and even use your phone’s camera for live video searching. Whether you’re snapping a photo, speaking a question aloud, or typing your query, AI Mode understands context and delivers helpful responses all within the familiar Google Search interface.

Launched experimentally in March 2025 through Search Labs, AI Mode has since rolled out more broadly in the U.S., India, and the U.K., but still operates as an opt-in experience for many users. You can enable it by selecting the dedicated AI Mode tab inside Google Search on mobile or desktop. As Google refines the feature with user feedback, it’s gradually expanding globally, offering richer, more intuitive search interactions.

How To Access Google AI Mode?

Google AI Mode is available directly through the Google Search bar with a glowing icon named "AI Mode". Initially launched via Search Labs, this feature was opt-in only. As of mid-2025, Google has started rolling it out more widely, especially in countries like the United States, India, and the United Kingdom. If you are in one of these supported regions, you can see the “AI Mode” tab in Google Search on Chrome or the Google app for Android and iOS. If you are using the Google app, then you can also enable or disable AI Mode search from the custom widget shortcuts settings.

On mobile, this appears as a toggle or extra card above regular search results. On a desktop, it may show as a separate section at the top. In some devices, tapping the mic icon or camera icon also opens access to the multimodal AI features built into the mode. If you don't see this option, you can go to labs.google.com/search and manually enroll if it’s still available in your country.

Importantly, while Google AI Mode is part of the Search experience, it differs from Gemini chat. You don’t need to visit a separate site like gemini.google.com. Instead, AI Mode blends into your regular browsing and searching activities, offering instant answers, breakdowns, summaries, and follow-up suggestions all within the main Google interface. Over time, it is expected to become the default search experience for many users as Google continues its AI-first transformation.

How To Use Google AI Mode?

Google AI Mode is powered by Google's advanced Gemini models, which are designed to handle multiple types of input like text, images, audio, and video. Instead of simply matching keywords like traditional search, Gemini understands the context behind your query and responds with smart, conversational answers. This allows AI Mode to offer a more natural and interactive experience.

You can interact with AI Mode in several ways. Here are the three main modes of interaction available in Google AI Mode:

1. Text Input Mode

You can simply type your question or search query in the usual Google Search bar. With AI Mode enabled, instead of standard blue links, you'll receive AI-generated overviews with relevant insights, summaries, and suggested next steps. It makes your search more informative and contextual.

2. Voice Input Mode

Using your microphone, you can speak your queries just like talking to a voice assistant. AI Mode processes your speech in real time and returns results in the same AI-generated format. It’s great for hands-free use or when you're on the move.

3. Visual (Camera) Input Mode

This is one of the most futuristic features. You can point your camera at an object, document, or place and ask questions about it. For example, take a photo of a math problem or a plant, and AI Mode will try to answer or provide information based on what it sees, like Google Lens, but now powered by generative AI for smarter responses. 

This makes Google AI Mode feel less like a search engine and more like a helpful assistant that works across different inputs.

The underlying Gemini model is capable of drawing on the latest information from the web while simultaneously integrating learned user preferences to refine its output over time. This makes Google AI Mode not only faster and more convenient than older search methods, but also significantly more intelligent and capable. It represents a major leap forward in how users find, understand, and interact with information online.

How Is Google AI Mode Different from ChatGPT or Gemini?

As AI tools become more integrated into our daily digital lives, it’s natural to wonder how Google's new AI Mode stands apart from other popular tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. While all three leverage powerful AI models, their purpose, design, and experience vary greatly. Here's how AI Mode differs:

AI Mode vs ChatGPT:

ChatGPT is a conversational AI designed for open-ended dialogue, writing, learning, and creative tasks. You usually access it through a dedicated interface like the ChatGPT website or app. In contrast, Google AI Mode is embedded directly into Google Search. It enhances your search experience with live, AI-generated overviews and real-time web results. Plus, AI Mode supports multimodal input—you can interact using text, voice, or even your phone’s camera to ask about what you see.

AI Mode vs Gemini App:

Google Gemini is a standalone AI app that functions like a full digital assistant. It’s better suited for in-depth tasks like writing, brainstorming, or coding. While both Gemini and AI Mode are powered by Google’s Gemini models, AI Mode is focused on enriching the search experience, not replacing your assistant. It helps you get instant answers while browsing or searching, especially using visual or spoken input.

The Core Difference:

Google AI Mode is search-enhancing and visually interactive, while ChatGPT and the Gemini app are conversation-based and more general-purpose. AI Mode is ideal when you want quick, AI-powered context while browsing, especially when using your phone's camera or voice, making it feel like a smart layer over traditional Google Search.

Conclusion.

Google AI Mode represents a significant leap in how we interact with information online. Unlike traditional search experiences, it brings AI directly into your fingertips, allowing you to search and learn using text, voice, images, or even live video. Whether you’re looking for quick facts, exploring visual content, or asking complex questions in natural language, AI Mode simplifies and enhances the process with speed and context.

Its integration into everyday Google Search means you don’t need to switch to a different app or platform. The experience is seamless, intuitive, and designed to feel like you’re having a conversation with your browser. And with Google continuing to expand its multimodal capabilities, this is just the beginning of a new era of intelligent, interactive browsing.

If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the perfect time to explore Google AI Mode and see how it can reshape your digital habits.