European Union Fines Google €2.95 Billion for Adtech Abuses.

The European Commission has levied a massive €2.95 billion ($3.5 billion) fine against Google, marking the fourth time the tech giant has been sanctioned by the EU's top antitrust regulator. The decision follows a multi-year investigation that concluded Google illegally abused its dominant position in the online advertising technology (adtech) market to the detriment of competitors, publishers, and advertisers.

The Heart of the Matter: Abusing Dominance.

The European Commission’s investigation, which began in June 2021, found that Google engaged in a series of "self-preferencing" practices. The company, which is a key player at every stage of the adtech supply chain, was found to have systematically favored its own ad exchange, AdX, over rival services.

Key findings of the investigation include:

• Information Asymmetry: Google allegedly gave its own ad exchange, AdX, an informational advantage in auctions, allowing it to beat competing bids.
• Discouraging Competition: The Commission found that Google's ad-buying tools actively avoided placing bids on competing ad exchanges, thereby reinforcing the central role of AdX and allowing Google to charge higher fees.
• Dominant Position: The investigation confirmed that Google holds a dominant position in two key adtech markets: publisher ad servers with its service "DFP," and programmatic ad buying tools with "Google Ads" and "DV360."

The EU executive vice-president, Teresa Ribera, stated that Google's behavior was "illegal under EU antitrust rules" and harmed all parties in the digital advertising ecosystem, from publishers who received lower revenues to advertisers who faced higher costs.

Beyond the Fine: A Demand for Change.

In addition to the financial penalty, the European Commission has ordered Google to cease its illegal practices and to implement measures that will resolve its "inherent conflicts of interest" within the adtech supply chain. Google has been given 60 days to propose a viable plan. 

The Commission has also warned that if Google fails to come up with a sufficient remedy, it will not hesitate to impose "strong remedies," including the potential for structural changes, such as forcing a divestment of parts of its adtech business.

Google’s Response and International Ramifications.

Google has publicly stated that it disagrees with the decision and plans to appeal. The company's global head of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, said the fine was "unjustified" and that the required changes "will hurt thousands of European businesses by making it harder for them to make money."

This ruling is not an isolated event. It mirrors a similar case brought against Google by the U.S. Department of Justice, with a remedies trial set to begin in the coming weeks. The EU's finding that Google abused its dominance could prove to be an important factor in the US proceedings.

The decision has also drawn a sharp reaction from President Donald Trump, who criticized the fine as "very unfair" and threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs against the EU.

This decision serves as a clear signal from the European Union that it is committed to reining in the power of Big Tech and ensuring fair competition in the digital economy.

Google's New Nest Cams and Doorbells with 2K and Gemini Spotted in Stores.

Google's next generation of smart home security devices appears to be arriving sooner than expected. The new Nest Cam and Doorbell models, distinguished by "2K" and "with Gemini" badges on their packaging, have been spotted in retail stores ahead of their anticipated official announcement on October 1.

The new product names are expected to be the Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd Gen), Nest Cam Indoor (wired, 3rd Gen), and Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen). While the physical designs of the cameras remain largely unchanged from the 2021 models, Google is introducing new color options, including a vibrant red.

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The most notable changes are highlighted on the packaging. The "2K" designation points to a significant upgrade in video resolution, promising clearer and more detailed footage. The "with Gemini" badge suggests that these devices will leverage Google's latest AI models to provide enhanced features, such as more intelligent object recognition, improved activity detection, and more nuanced alerts.

The early appearance of these products in stores indicates that they will be available for purchase immediately following the October 1 announcement, which is sure to excite consumers and smart home enthusiasts alike. This is a significant step for Google's Nest lineup, bringing higher resolution and advanced AI capabilities to its core security products.

Google Keep Reminders are Moving to Google Tasks.

For years, Google has been working to unify its diverse suite of productivity tools. The latest and most significant step in this effort is the long-awaited migration of Google Keep reminders to Google Tasks. This change aims to make Google Tasks the central hub for all your to-dos across the Google ecosystem, from Gmail and Calendar to Assistant and now, Keep.

The Background: A Long Time Coming.

The integration of reminders has been a gradual process. Back in 2023, Google first announced that it would migrate reminders from Google Calendar and Assistant to Google Tasks. The company later confirmed that Keep reminders would also be part of this consolidation. While the full migration has been pending, Google has provided more concrete details on what to expect.

The transition is set to occur in the second half of 2025, with new reminders created in Keep being automatically saved as tasks in the Google Tasks app.

What This Means for You.

• One Hub for All Your To-Dos: The biggest change is that Google Tasks will become the single, unified solution for managing your to-dos. You will be able to view, edit, and complete reminders created in Keep, as well as those from Calendar and Gemini, all in one place.
• Keep is Still Relevant: You will still be able to create new reminders directly within the Google Keep app. The key difference is that these reminders will be saved to Tasks, and their notifications will be handled by either the Google Tasks or Google Calendar app.
• The Loss of Location-Based Reminders: A notable change is the discontinuation of location-based reminders within Google Keep. This feature will not be carried over to Google Tasks. While any existing location data will be added to the task's description, you will no longer receive notifications based on your physical location.
• Badge for Keep Reminders: To help you distinguish them, reminders that originated in Keep will be badged as "From Keep" within the Google Tasks and Calendar apps.
• Where to find Your Reminders: Once the migration is complete, you will find your reminders in the Tasks calendar within Google Calendar and in the Google Tasks app itself.

This move reinforces Google's strategy to streamline its productivity suite and make Google Tasks the central, cross-platform to-do manager. For Keep users, this is a significant update that will change how they manage their reminders, consolidating their workflow into a single, more powerful system.

Also Read: Google Keep for Android Gains Essential "Sort" Feature for Enhanced Organization.

Erase Unwanted Objects From Photo Using Google Photos.

Have you ever taken a great photo, only to realize later that an unwanted object, like a stray person, a power line, or a piece of trash that is ruining the shot? It’s a common frustration, but it doesn't have to be the end of the road for your perfect picture.

Thanks to the Magic Eraser feature in Google Photos, you no longer need expensive or complicated software to fix your images. This powerful and easy-to-use tool lets you effortlessly remove distractions with just a few taps, transforming your photos from almost-perfect to absolutely flawless.

Google Photos Magic Eraser: What It Is & How It Works.

The Google Photos Magic Eraser is an AI-powered editing tool designed to make unwanted distractions in your photos simply disappear. Unlike traditional photo editing, which might require a steady hand and complex software, Magic Eraser is built for simplicity. It's an intelligent solution that lets you quickly and easily clean up your pictures.

So, how does it accomplish this? The core of Magic Eraser is its advanced artificial intelligence. When you activate the tool, the AI scans your image to identify elements that might be distracting, such as people, power lines, or objects in the background. It then uses a sophisticated technique called "in-painting." 

This process involves analyzing the surrounding pixels, textures, and colors to intelligently fill in the space where the unwanted object was, creating a seamless and natural-looking result.

How To Use Magic Eraser in Google Photos?

Prerequisite

The Magic Eraser feature is now available for free on all devices running the Google Photos app, both on Android and iOS. You must have the latest version of the Google Photos app installed and a stable internet connection for the AI processing to work.

Here’s how to use Magic Eraser to remove unwanted objects from your photos, a process that is largely the same for both Android and iOS devices.

1. Open the Google Photos App and select the photo you want to edit.
2. At the bottom of your screen, you'll see a row of icons. Tap the "Edit" icon (it looks like a series of sliders).
   
   
   
3. Simply use your finger to circle or brush over the unwanted object you want to erase and click on the "Erase" icon that appears on the screen.
   
   
   
4. Once the object is removed, you can click on undo and redo to see the exact difference between the before and after image.
   
   
   
5. Once you are satisfied with the result, tap "Done." The app will then give you the option to "Save as Copy," to keep your original photo untouched.
   
   
   

Note: The Magic Eraser is very good, but sometimes it may leave behind a small residue or an imperfect patch. If this happens, you can simply zoom in and circle or brush over the area again to refine the result.

Google Photos Magic Eraser is Better Than Similar Editors.

While many apps now offer a way to erase objects, Google Photos' Magic Eraser stands apart with its unique combination of convenience and intelligent design. It's not just another editing tool; it's a seamless part of the app where you already store your memories. And more importantly is free for all Google Photos users.

This integration means you can fix a photo the moment you see it, without the hassle of downloading, paying for, or learning a new app. The feature is also powered by Google's advanced AI, which goes beyond simple blurring. 

It intelligently analyzes your photo's content, filling in the erased area with realistic details to create a flawless and natural-looking result. This makes professional-quality edits simple and accessible for everyone, turning an otherwise complicated task into a quick, effortless fix.

Conclusion.

In a world filled with countless editing apps, Google Photos’ Magic Eraser distinguishes itself not just with its powerful AI but with its commitment to user-friendly design. It takes a complex, frustrating problem of removing unwanted objects from a photo and offers a solution that is both incredibly effective and remarkably simple.

Also Read: Google Photos Rolls Out AI Tools to Animate Images and Add Artistic Effects.

Google’s Circle to Search Gets a Major Upgrade with 'Scroll and Translate'.

Google is expanding the capabilities of its popular Circle to Search feature on Android with a significant update to its translation function. This new enhancement, dubbed "Scroll and Translate," brings a seamless, continuous real-time translation experience that eliminates the need to restart the process every time you scroll.

What is Circle to Search?

Circle to Search is an AI-powered feature that allows you to quickly search for anything on your phone's screen without switching apps. You can circle, highlight, scribble, or tap on text or images to get instant search results by simply long-pressing the home button or navigation bar. The feature integrates with Google Lens and provides a powerful, intuitive way to get information on the go.

The New "Scroll and Translate" Feature.

Previously, using Circle to Search to translate text was a one-off action. If you were scrolling through a social media feed, a long document, or a webpage and wanted to translate content, you would have to trigger the translation for each new section of the screen that appeared. This could be frustrating, especially when reading through long articles or feeds.

The "Scroll and Translate" update changes this entirely. The new feature creates a continuous translation experience. Once activated, the translation will keep working as you scroll down the page or even switch to a different app. This is a game-changer for users who frequently consume content in different languages, as it provides a fluid and uninterrupted reading experience.

How to Use Google Circle Search.

Using the new feature is straightforward:

1. Activate Circle to Search: Long-press the home button or navigation bar on your compatible Android device.
2. Tap the Translate Icon: Look for the "Translate" icon that appears on the Circle to Search overlay.
3. Enable Continuous Translation: Tap the "Scroll and translate" option.

Once enabled, the feature will automatically translate the text on your screen as you continue to scroll, making it easier than ever to read foreign-language content.

Availability.

The "Scroll and Translate" feature is a significant improvement for Google's ecosystem and is a great example of how AI can be used to make everyday tasks easier. The update is beginning to roll out this week on select Samsung Galaxy devices and will likely expand to other Android devices, including the Pixel lineup, in the coming weeks.

This update not only improves an existing tool but also showcases Google’s commitment to using AI to break down language barriers and enhance the user experience. You can use this information to write a comprehensive article, perhaps with a hands-on guide, for your readers.

Also Read: Google Translate Introduces AI-Powered Live Translation and Language Learning.

Gboard New AI Powered Writing Tool For Better Messaging.

Google is fundamentally changing how we type on our phones by integrating advanced artificial intelligence directly into Gboard. This new feature, officially called "Writing Tools," leverages the on-device Gemini Nano model to provide a seamless, private, and powerful writing experience. As this update rolls out to more Android phones, here is a comprehensive look at what the feature does, how to use it, and what it means for mobile communication.

What Are Gboard's New AI Writing Tools?

The Gboard Writing Tools are a suite of generative AI features designed to assist with drafting and refining text. Unlike cloud-based tools, all processing happens securely on your device, ensuring that your data remains private. This feature is a significant leap beyond simple autocorrect, offering a range of capabilities that can be accessed with a single tap.

The primary functions include:

• Proofread: Instantly scan and correct your text for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues. This is a one-tap solution for cleaning up your messages.
• Rephrase: Offers alternative phrasing for your text. This can be used to improve clarity, make a message more concise, or simply find a better way to express an idea.
• Tone Adjustment: Adjust the tone of your writing to fit the context. Options include making your text more Professional, Friendly, or adding Emojis for a more expressive tone.

How to Use the New Gboard Feature: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using the AI writing tools is designed to be intuitive. If your device supports the on-device Gemini Nano v2 model (found in flagship phones with chipsets like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite and MediaTek Dimensity 9400), you can follow these steps:

1. Look for the Icon: Open any app where you can type, like Gmail or Messages. A new pencil with a star icon will appear in the Gboard toolbar, either next to the microphone icon or within the menu.
2. Tap to Activate: After typing or selecting a paragraph of text, tap the Writing Tools icon.
3. Choose a Function: A menu will pop up with options like "Proofread," "Rephrase," and various tone adjustments.
4. Review and Apply: The AI will generate a suggestion. You can then review the new text and, if you like it, tap "Use this" to replace your original text.

It's important to note that the first time you use the feature, it may require a brief one-time download and a stable internet connection for setup, but all subsequent processing is done offline.

Roku and YouTube TV Join Forces for an Enhanced Sports Experience.

Roku is enhancing the sports-watching experience for its users by officially integrating YouTube TV content, including NFL games and NFL Sunday Ticket, directly into its Roku Sports app. This new integration, which began rolling out to all Roku devices in the U.S. on September 5, 2025, marks a major step in making it easier for sports fans to find and stream live games.

How the Integration Works.

The Roku Sports app, a centralized hub for discovering sports content, previously highlighted content from services like Fox One, DAZN Live Sports, and Xfinity Stream. Now, it will also surface live sports games from YouTube TV. This means that if you are a YouTube TV subscriber, you can use the Roku Sports app as a starting point to quickly find and launch the games you want to watch without having to manually open the YouTube TV app.

This partnership is part of a broader strategy by Roku to tailor its operating system to better surface content from various third-party services. Joe Franzetta, Roku's Head of Sports Media, stated in a press release that the move is a "major step in delivering a comprehensive fan-centered experience that simplifies sports discovery."

More than Just Football.

While the integration is timely for the start of the NFL season and prominently features NFL Sunday Ticket, the partnership will also extend to other live sports and programming. Roku has indicated that in the future, YouTube TV will be accessible in other content discovery destinations across the Roku platform, giving viewers broader access to a variety of live content.

This collaboration is a win-win for both companies. For Roku, it solidifies its position as a leading streaming platform by making its sports hub more valuable to users. For Google, it helps drive engagement and viewership for its flagship live TV streaming service. This strategic timing, just as the NFL and NBA seasons are getting into full swing, ensures millions of sports fans can take advantage of the seamless integration.

Find out more about the new features coming to Roku in this video from CFL-TECH, which also covers the recent Roku-Google TV integration.