Google

Gemini 3 powers new conversational AI features across Google Search

Google has unveiled two major Search upgrades, making Gemini 3 the default model for AI Overviews and enabling smoother conversational AI interactions. The updates improve exploration of complex topics, enabling longer questions and more natural follow-up interactions.

Gemini 3 now powers AI Overviews directly within search results, delivering faster, more precise responses where AI assistance adds value. Users can move seamlessly from summaries into deeper, contextual conversations in AI Mode.

The enhanced experience combines quick snapshots with in-depth exploration, offering prominent links for further discovery. Testing shows that users favour fluid interactions that allow natural back-and-forth exchanges, improving clarity and efficiency across search journeys.

The rollout extends globally on mobile, enabling direct entry into AI Mode from AI Overviews. Google says the updates reflect its broader goal of making Search more intuitive, flexible, and capable of handling increasingly complex information needs.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

AI Plus subscription by Google expands to 35 new countries and territories

Google has expanded its AI subscription offering to 35 additional countries and territories, bringing Google AI Plus to all regions where its AI plans are currently available, including the United States.

The paid tier bundles access to advanced tools such as Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro in the Gemini app, alongside creative features in Flow and research assistance through NotebookLM.

Users also receive 200GB of cloud storage, with the option to share benefits across up to five family members, positioning the plan as both a productivity and household service.

Existing Google One Premium 2TB subscribers in newly supported markets will automatically gain access to Google AI Plus features in the coming days, according to the company.

In the US, pricing starts at $7.99 per month, with a limited-time offer providing a 50 percent discount for new subscribers during the first two months.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

The EU Commission opens DMA proceedings on Google interoperability and search data

The European Commission has opened two specification proceedings to spell out how Google should meet key obligations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), focusing on Android’s AI-related features and access to Google Search data for competitors.

The first proceeding targets the DMA’s interoperability requirement for Android. In practical terms, Brussels wants to clarify how third-party AI services can get access, free and effectively, to the same Android hardware/software functionalities that power Google’s own AI offerings, including Gemini, so that rivals can compete on a more equal footing on mobile devices.

The second proceeding addresses Google’s obligation to provide rival search engines access to anonymised search data (such as ranking, query, click, and view data) on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms. The Commission is also considering whether AI chatbot providers should qualify for that access, an essential question as ‘search’ increasingly blurs with conversational AI.

These proceedings are designed to define how compliance should work rather than immediately sanction Google. The Commission is expected to wrap them up within six months, with draft measures and preliminary findings shared earlier in the process, and with scope for third-party feedback. A separate non-compliance track could still follow later, and DMA penalties for breaches can reach up to 10% of global turnover.

Google, for its part, says Android is ‘open by design’ and argues it is already licensing Search data, while warning that additional requirements, especially those it views as competitor-driven, could undermine user privacy, security, and innovation.

Why does it matter?

The EU is trying to prevent dominant platforms from turning control over operating systems and data into an ‘unfair advantage’ in the next wave of consumer tech, particularly as AI assistants become built into phones and as search data becomes fuel for competing discovery tools. The move also sits within a broader DMA enforcement push: the Commission has already opened DMA-related proceedings into Alphabet in other areas, signalling that Brussels sees gatekeeper compliance as an ongoing, hands-on exercise rather than a one-off checkbox.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

AI Overviews leans heavily on YouTube for health information

Google’s health-related search results increasingly draw on YouTube rather than hospitals, government agencies, or academic institutions, as new research reveals how AI Overviews select citation sources in automated results.

An analysis by SEO platform SE Ranking reviewed more than 50,000 German-language health queries and found AI Overviews appeared on over 82% of searches, making healthcare one of the most AI-influenced information categories on Google.

Across all cited sources, YouTube ranked first by a wide margin, accounting for more than 20,000 references and surpassing medical publishers, hospital websites, and public health authorities.

Academic journals and research institutions accounted for less than 1% of citations, while national and international government health bodies accounted for under 0.5%, highlighting a sharp imbalance in source authority.

Researchers warn that when platform-scale content outweighs evidence-based medical sources, the risk extends beyond misinformation to long-term erosion of trust in AI-powered search systems.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Gemini introduces Answer Now button for faster AI replies

A new ‘Answer Now’ button has been added to Gemini, allowing users to skip extended reasoning and receive instant replies. The feature appears alongside the spinning status indicator in Gemini 3 Pro and Thinking/Flash, but is not available in the Fast model.

When selected, the button confirms that Gemini is ‘skipping in-depth thinking’ before delivering a quicker response. Google says the tool is designed for general questions where speed is prioritised over detailed analysis.

The update coincides with changes to usage limits across subscription plans. AI Pro users now receive 300 Thinking prompts and 100 Pro prompts per day, while AI Ultra users get 1,500 Thinking prompts and 500 Pro prompts daily.

Free users also gain access to the revised limits, listed as ‘Basic access’ for both the Thinking and Pro models. Google has not indicated whether the Fast model will receive the Answer Now feature.

The rollout follows the recent launch of Gemini’s Personal Intelligence feature, which allows the chatbot to draw on Google services such as Gmail and Search history. Google says Answer Now will replace the existing Skip button and is now available on Android, iOS, and the web.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Gemini gains new features through Personal Intelligence

A new beta feature has been launched in the United States that lets users personalise the Gemini assistant by connecting Google apps such as Gmail, Photos, YouTube and Search. The tool, called Personal Intelligence, is designed to make the service more proactive and context-aware.

When enabled, Personal Intelligence allows Gemini to reason across a user’s emails, photos, and search history to answer questions or retrieve specific details. Google says users remain in control of which apps are connected and can turn the feature off at any time.

The company showed how Gemini can use connected data to offer tailored suggestions, such as identifying vehicle details from Photos or recommending trips based on past travel.

Google said the system includes privacy safeguards. Personal Intelligence is turned off by default, and Gemini does not train on users’ Gmail inboxes or photo libraries.

The beta is rolling out to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the US and will work across web, Android, and iOS. Google plans to expand access over time and bring the feature to more countries and users.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Google and Ant expand agentic commerce standards

Ant International has announced a partnership with Google to support the launch of the Universal Commerce Protocol, a new open standard designed to enable agent-driven commerce across discovery, purchasing and post-purchase support.

A collaboration that aims to simplify how AI agents, merchants and payment providers interact across platforms.

The protocol establishes a shared language that enables agents to collaborate seamlessly without requiring bespoke integrations, while remaining compatible with existing industry frameworks. Google says alignment on common standards is essential for agentic commerce to scale across sectors and markets.

AI interfaces such as the Gemini app and AI Mode in Google Search are expected to support native purchasing within conversations. Users expressing shopping intent will receive curated product options and complete payments through integrated wallet services without leaving the chat environment.

Ant International is contributing payment expertise, alternative payment methods and AI-based risk management to ensure traceable transactions and consumer trust.

The company states that secure intent verification and fraud protection are crucial as users entrust purchasing decisions to intelligent agents.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Next-generation Siri will use Google’s Gemini AI model

Apple and Google have confirmed a multi-year partnership that will see Google’s Gemini models powering Siri and future Apple Intelligence features. The collaboration will underpin Apple’s next-generation AI models, with updates coming later this year.

The move follows delays in rolling out Siri upgrades first unveiled at WWDC 2024. While most Apple Intelligence features have already been launched, the redesigned Siri has been postponed due to development taking longer than anticipated.

According to reports, Apple will continue using its own models for specific tasks, while Gemini is expected to handle summarisation, planning, and other advanced functions.

Bloomberg reports the upcoming Siri will be structured around three layers: query planning, knowledge retrieval, and summarisation. Gemini will handle planning and summarisation, helping Siri structure responses and create clear summaries.

Knowledge retrieval may also benefit from Gemini, potentially broadening Siri’s general knowledge capabilities beyond its current hand-off system.

All AI processing will operate on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute platform, ensuring user privacy and keeping data secure. Analysts suggest this integration will embed Gemini more deeply into Siri’s core functionality, rather than serving as a supplementary tool.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

Google expands AI shopping through Gemini

Google is expanding shopping features inside its Gemini chatbot through partnerships with Walmart and other retailers. Users will be able to browse and buy products without leaving the chat interface.

An instant checkout function allows purchases through linked accounts and selected payment providers. Walmart customers can receive personalised recommendations based on previous shopping activity.

The move was announced at the latest National Retail Federation convention in New York. Tech groups are racing to turn AI assistants into end-to-end retail tools.

Google said the service will launch first in the US before international expansion. Payments initially rely on Google-linked cards, with PayPal support planned.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

Gmail enters the Gemini era with AI-powered inbox tools

Google is reshaping Gmail around its Gemini AI models, aiming to turn email into a proactive assistant for more than three billion users worldwide.

With inbox volumes continuing to rise, the focus shifts towards managing information flows instead of simply sending and receiving messages.

New AI Overviews allow Gmail to summarise long email threads and answer natural language questions directly from inbox content.

Users can retrieve details from past conversations without complex searches, while conversation summaries roll out globally at no cost, with advanced query features reserved for paid AI subscriptions.

Writing tools are also expanding, with Help Me Write, upgraded Suggested Replies, and Proofread features designed to speed up drafting while preserving individual tone and style.

Deeper personalisation is planned through connections with other Google services, enabling emails to reflect broader user context.

A redesigned AI Inbox further prioritises urgent messages and key tasks by analysing communication patterns and relationships.

Powered by Gemini 3, these features begin rolling out in the US in English, with additional languages and regions scheduled to follow during 2026.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!