The European Court of Justice has backed Italy‘s antitrust authority in a ruling against Google, stating that the tech giant’s refusal to allow Enel’s JuicePass app to work with its Android Auto platform could constitute an abuse of market power. This decision supports a 2021 fine of 102 million euros imposed by the Italian watchdog after Google blocked the e-mobility app. Google had argued that the refusal was due to security concerns and the absence of a specific template for compatibility, but the court disagreed, stating that dominant companies must ensure their platforms are interoperable with third-party apps unless doing so would harm security.
Although Google has since resolved the issue, the ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving platform dominance. The court acknowledged that companies could refuse interoperability if it compromises platform security, but if this is not the case, they must develop a compatible template in a reasonable timeframe. Google claimed the feature was only relevant to a small percentage of cars in Italy at the time, but the ruling now forces the company to comply with the antitrust decision. The case is final and cannot be appealed, and the Italian Council of State will follow the court’s guidance in its future ruling.
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Google has quietly disclosed the pricing for its Veo 2 video-generating AI model, setting the cost at 50 cents per second of video. This translates to $30 per minute or $1,800 per hour, positioning Veo 2 as a premium tool for AI-generated video content.
While unlikely to produce big-budget epics, the model can create clips of two minutes or longer, as highlighted in Google’s initial announcement.
Jon Barron, a Google DeepMind researcher, compared Veo 2’s cost to Hollywood productions, noting that Avengers: Endgame had a production cost of around $32,000 per second.
Though Veo 2 operates at a fraction of that price, its output serves different purposes, targeting creators seeking efficient video generation without traditional production expenses.
The AI video generation space has grown increasingly competitive, with OpenAI recently releasing its Sora model to ChatGPT Pro subscribers for $200 a month. Google’s move to price Veo 2 publicly reflects the broader push to commercialise AI video tools as demand surges among content creators and businesses.
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Google is close to selecting locations for its first physical retail stores in India, marking its first such expansion outside the US. The company views India as a key market and has invested $10 billion in the country. Currently, Google operates only five retail stores, all in the US, selling Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds.
New Delhi and Mumbai are emerging as the most likely choices for the initial stores, with Bengaluru also considered. The planned outlets are expected to be around 15,000 square feet and may take at least six months to open. If successful, Google is likely to expand with more stores across the country.
By launching physical stores, Google aims to adopt a retail strategy similar to Apple’s, which has helped drive massive revenue growth over the past two decades.
Apple opened its first company-run stores in India in 2023 and currently dominates the country’s premium smartphone market. Google, which started manufacturing Pixel phones in India, is looking to strengthen its presence in this segment.
Before opening the stores, Google must navigate regulatory and compliance requirements. The company also faces legal challenges in India, including antitrust cases related to its in-app billing system and smart TV market practices. Despite these hurdles, Google remains committed to executing its retail expansion in India.
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Google is reportedly preparing to launch YouTube Premium Lite, a cheaper alternative to its full subscription service, in several countries, including the US, Australia, Germany and Thailand. Bloomberg reports that the service will cater to users who want an ad-free experience for most videos but do not necessarily need access to YouTube Music.
YouTube previously tested a similar version of Premium Lite in parts of Europe in 2021, but the plan was discontinued in 2023. However, recent tests suggest that the updated version may include limited ads rather than a completely ad-free experience. Pricing remains unclear, but in Australia, a test version was listed at $8.99 AUD per month, significantly lower than the standard YouTube Premium price.
A YouTube spokesperson confirmed that the company is working on a new subscription tier with ‘most videos ad-free’ and hopes to expand it with support from its partners. While no official launch date has been announced, the move could provide a middle ground for users seeking fewer interruptions without committing to the full YouTube Premium package.
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Google has introduced an AI tool designed to act as a virtual collaborator for biomedical researchers. Tested by Stanford University and Imperial College London, the tool helps scientists analyse large volumes of literature and generate new hypotheses. It uses advanced reasoning to streamline research processes and assist in problem-solving.
DeepMind, Google’s AI unit, has prioritised science in its innovations. The unit’s leader, Demis Hassabis, recently shared a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for groundbreaking AI technology. In an experiment addressing liver fibrosis, the AI tool proposed promising solutions, showing potential to improve expert-generated approaches over time.
The system is not intended to replace scientists but to enhance their work. Google stated that the tool could accelerate scientific advancements, offering new possibilities for tackling complex challenges. Researchers involved in the project highlighted its role in fostering collaboration, rather than diminishing it.
Experts see this development as part of a growing trend in using AI across various industries. Successes like ChatGPT have demonstrated AI’s ability to support tasks ranging from customer service to legal research.
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Google has removed its AI assistant, Gemini, from the main Google app on iOS, encouraging users to download the standalone Gemini app instead. The change, announced via an email to customers, is seen as a strategic move to position Gemini as a direct competitor to AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude.
The dedicated Gemini app allows users to interact with the AI assistant through voice and text, integrate it with Google services like Search and YouTube, and access advanced features such as AI-generated summaries and image creation. Those who attempt to use Gemini in the main Google app will now see a message directing them to the App Store.
While the shift may enable Google to roll out new AI features more efficiently, it also risks reducing Gemini’s reach, as some users may not be inclined to download a separate app. The company is also promoting its Google One AI Premium plan through the Gemini app, offering access to its more advanced capabilities.
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Google has introduced Career Dreamer, a new AI-powered tool designed to help users discover career possibilities based on their skills, education, and interests. Announced in a blog post, the experiment aims to offer personalised job exploration without the need for multiple searches across different platforms.
The tool creates a ‘career identity statement’ by analysing users’ past and present roles, education, and experiences, which can be used to refine CVs or guide interview discussions. Career Dreamer also provides a visual representation of potential career paths and allows users to collaborate with Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, to draft cover letters or explore further job ideas.
Unlike traditional job search platforms such as LinkedIn or Indeed, Career Dreamer does not link users to actual job postings. Instead, it serves as an exploratory tool to help individuals, whether students, career changers, or military veterans, identify roles that align with their backgrounds. Currently, the experiment is available only in the United States, with no confirmation on future expansion.
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Google is working on a major initiative to simplify Bitcoin usage for billions of users, according to Kyle Song, a Web3 specialist at the company. Speaking at the Hong Kong Bitcoin Tech Carnival on 18 February, he revealed that Google has been exploring ways to integrate Bitcoin into its ecosystem, aiming to lower entry barriers for mainstream users.
The plan includes embedding Bitcoin wallets directly into Google accounts, allowing users to access them as seamlessly as any other Google service. The company is also working on making crypto payments as intuitive as existing Web2 payment methods. Security remains a top priority, with Google looking to deploy Zero-Knowledge Proofs or similar encryption technology to ensure trust between on-chain and off-chain systems.
Although Song’s comments were not an official announcement, the impact of such an integration could be transformative. If Google successfully integrates Bitcoin with Google Pay, crypto adoption could accelerate like never before. Billions of users might suddenly find themselves with an easy and secure way to buy, exchange, and spend Bitcoin.
However, not all ambitious tech projects succeed. Facebook and Telegram both attempted to integrate cryptocurrencies in 2020 but were forced to abandon their plans due to regulatory pressures. The environment in 2025 is different, with Bitcoin ETFs already approved and crypto adoption more widely accepted. If Google follows through, it could mark a new chapter for digital assets, bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralised money.
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Google Meet’s AI-driven note-taking feature is getting a major upgrade with the ability to generate action items from meeting transcripts. The update, powered by Google’s Gemini AI, will automatically identify key tasks, assign deadlines, and designate responsible individuals at the end of each meeting.
Originally launched in August 2024, the AI transcription tool already provides accurate speaker separation and structured summaries in Google Docs. With this latest enhancement, the technology aims to improve productivity by ensuring that key takeaways are actionable and well-organised.
The feature begins rolling out today but at a slower pace than usual, as Google closely monitors its performance and quality. While AI-generated notes can be a helpful time-saver, some users may still prefer manual control over meeting documentation, especially when handling sensitive information.
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Milan prosecutors have announced plans to drop a case against Google’s European division after the company agreed to settle a tax dispute by paying 326 million euros (£277 million). The settlement covers the period from 2015 to 2019, including penalties, sanctions, and interest.
The tax dispute stemmed from allegations that Google had failed to file and pay taxes on revenue generated in Italy, based on the digital infrastructure it operates within the country. This comes after the company settled a previous tax case with Italian authorities in 2017 by paying 306 million euros, which acknowledged Google’s permanent presence in Italy.
In 2023, Italy had requested that Google pay 1 billion euros in unpaid taxes and penalties. However, with this latest settlement, the case against the tech giant appears to be resolved for now.
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