Google

Google adds narrated slide videos to NotebookLM

Google has added a new dimension to NotebookLM by introducing Video Overviews, a feature that transforms your content into narrated slide presentations.

Originally revealed at Google I/O, the tool builds on the popularity of Audio Overviews, which generated AI-hosted podcast-style summaries. Instead of relying solely on audio, users can now enjoy visual storytelling powered by the same AI.

Video Overviews automatically pulls elements like images, diagrams, quotes and statistics from documents to create slide-based summaries.

The tool supports professionals and students by simplifying complex reports or academic papers into engaging visual formats. Users can also customise the video output by defining learning goals, selecting key topics, or tailoring it to a specific audience.

For now, the rollout is limited to English-speaking users on desktops, but Google plans to expand the formats. Narrated slides are the first to launch, combining clear visuals with spoken summaries, helping visual learners engage with content more effectively instead of reading lengthy text.

Alongside the new feature, Google has redesigned the NotebookLM Studio interface. Users can now generate and store multiple outputs—Audio Overviews, Reports, Study Guides, or Mind Maps—all within a single notebook.

The update also allows users to interact with different tools simultaneously, such as listening to an AI podcast while reviewing a study guide, offering a more integrated and versatile learning experience.

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

Google brings AI Mode to UK search results

Google has officially introduced its AI Mode to UK users, calling it the most advanced version of its search engine.

Instead of listing web links, the feature provides direct, human-like answers to queries. It allows users to follow up with more detailed questions or multimedia inputs such as voice and images. The update aims to keep pace with the rising trend of longer, more conversational search phrases.

The tool first launched in the US and uses a ‘query fan-out’ method, breaking down complex questions into multiple search threads to create a combined answer from different sources.

While Google claims this will result in more meaningful site visits, marketers and publishers are worried about a growing trend known as ‘zero-click searches’, where users find what they need without clicking external links.

Research already shows a steep drop in engagement. Data from the Pew Research Centre reveals that only 8% of users click a link when AI summaries are present, nearly half the rate of traditional search pages. Experts warn that without adjusting strategies, many online brands risk becoming invisible.

Instead of relying solely on classic SEO tactics, businesses are being urged to adopt Generative Engine Optimisation. Using tools like schema markup, GEO focuses on conversational content, visual media, and context-aware formatting.

With nearly half of UK users engaging with AI search daily, adapting to these shifts may prove essential for maintaining visibility and sales.

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

Chrome update brings AI shopping summaries to US users

Google has updated its Chrome browser to include AI-generated summaries of online stores, aimed at helping shoppers in the US make more informed buying decisions.

Instead of manually searching through reviews, users can now click an icon next to the web address to see a summary of a shop’s performance across key areas like product quality, pricing, returns, and customer service.

The feature is currently available only in English and is limited to desktop users.

The summaries are generated from a range of trusted review platforms, including Trustpilot, Bazaarvoice, Bizrate Insights, and others. Google says that the tool will offer a more efficient and secure online shopping experience.

It also helps the tech giant better compete with Amazon, which has already rolled out AI tools for product comparisons, fit suggestions, and ratings analysis. The move forms part of Google’s wider push to turn Chrome into a more powerful e-commerce assistant.

The company is also integrating AI tools like the Gemini assistant and developing agentic AI systems that can carry out tasks in the browser on a user’s behalf.

At the same time, Chrome faces fresh competition from AI-first browsers such as Perplexity’s Comet, Opera Neon, and a possible entry from OpenAI.

By adding AI-powered features directly into Chrome, Google hopes to future-proof its browser while strengthening its position in online retail.

As rivals begin to build intelligent browsers from the ground up, Google is reimagining how Chrome can serve users beyond simple search and browsing.

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

Google seeks balance between user satisfaction and ecosystem health

At the Search Central Live Deep Dive 2025 event, Google’s Gary Illyes acknowledged that they are still calibrating how to weigh user needs, especially around AI-powered features, and the health of the broader web publishing community.

The company gathers internal survey data and tracks the adoption of external AI tools to assess satisfaction and guide product decisions.

While Google aims to enrich user experience with AI Overviews, critics warn these features may shrink organic traffic for publishers, as users often consume information without visiting source sites.

Illyes reaffirmed that Google does not intend disruption but is navigating a trade-off between serving users efficiently and maintaining a healthy content ecosystem.

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

Google brings Gemini AI shortcut to Android home screens

Google has launched a new AI Mode shortcut in Android Search, offering direct home-screen access to its Gemini-powered tools. The upgrade brings conversational AI to everyday mobile searches, enabling users to ask complex questions and receive context-rich responses without leaving the home screen.

AI Mode, introduced in Google Labs and now available on a wide range of Android devices, marks a leap in integrating AI across Android’s ecosystem. The feature’s rise from a limited beta to mass adoption follows enhancements powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro and Deep Search, now with 100 million monthly users.

Key functions include multimodal inputs, advanced planning tools, and even the ability for AI to call businesses to verify local information. These capabilities are already live for paid subscribers, while core features remain free, drawing comparisons with rivals such as ChatGPT and Bing AI.

Privacy concerns surfaced as real-time interactions expand, but Google claims strong data protection controls are in place. As AI-powered results blend into traditional search, SEO strategies and user trust will be tested, signalling a new era in mobile discovery and digital engagement.

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

Google launches AI feature to reshape how search results appear

Google has introduced a new experimental feature named Web Guide, aimed at reorganising search results by using AI to group information based on the query’s different aspects.

Available through Search Labs, the tool helps users explore topics in a more structured way instead of relying on the standard, linear results page.

Powered by Google’s Gemini AI, Web Guide works particularly well for open-ended or complex queries. For example, searches such as ‘how to solo travel in Japan’ would return results neatly arranged into guides, safety advice, or personal experiences instead of a simple list.

The feature handles multi-sentence questions, offering relevant answers broken into themed sections.

Users who opt in can access Web Guide via the Web tab and toggle it off without exiting the entire experiment. While it works only on that tab, Google plans to expand it to the broader ‘All’ tab in time.

The move follows Google’s broader push to incorporate Gemini into tools like AI Mode, Flow, and other experimental products.

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

Google’s AI Overviews reach 2 billion users monthly, reshaping the web’s future

Google’s AI Overviews, the generative summaries placed above traditional search results, now serve over 2 billion users monthly, a sharp rise from 1.5 billion just last quarter.

First launched in May 2023 and widely available in the US by mid-2024, the feature has rapidly expanded across more than 200 countries and 40 languages.

The widespread use of AI Overviews transforms how people search and who benefits. Google reports that the feature boosts engagement by over 10% for queries where it appears.

However, a study by Pew Research shows clicks on search results drop significantly when AI Overviews are shown, with just 8% of users clicking any link, and only 1% clicking within the overview itself.

While Google claims AI Overviews monetise at the same rate as regular search, publishers are left out unless users click through, which they rarely do.

Google has started testing ads within the summaries and is reportedly negotiating licensing deals with select publishers, hinting at a possible revenue-sharing shift. Meanwhile, regulators in the US and EU are scrutinising whether the feature violates antitrust laws or misuses content.

Industry experts warn of a looming ‘Google Zero’ future — a web where search traffic dries up and AI-generated answers dominate.

As visibility in search becomes more about entity recognition than page ranking, publishers and marketers must rethink how they maintain relevance in an increasingly post-click environment.

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

FBI alert: Fake Chrome updates used to spread malware

The FBI has warned Windows users about the rising threat of fake Chrome update installers quietly distributing malware when downloaded from unverified sites.

Windows PCs remain especially vulnerable when users sideload these installers based on aggressive prompts or misleading advice.

These counterfeit Chrome updates often bypass security defences, installing malicious software that can steal data, turn off protections, or give attackers persistent access to infected machines.

In contrast, genuine Chrome updates, distributed through the browser’s built‑in update mechanism, remain secure and advisable.

To reduce risk, the FBI recommends that users remove any Chrome software that is not sourced directly from Google’s official site or the browser’s automatic updater.

They further advise enabling auto‑updates and dismissing pop-ups urging urgent manual downloads. This caution aligns with previous security guidance targeting fake installers masquerading as browser or system updates.

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

Google expands AI tools in Search with new subscriber perks

Google has begun rolling out new AI features in Search, introducing AI-powered phone calling to help users gather business information instead of contacting places manually.

The service, free for everyone in the US, allows people to search for businesses and have Google’s AI check pricing and availability on their behalf.

Subscribers to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra receive additional exclusive capabilities. These include access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google’s most advanced AI model, which supports complex queries such as coding or financial analysis.

Users can enable Gemini 2.5 Pro through the AI Mode tab instead of relying on the default model. Google is also launching Deep Research tools through Deep Search for in-depth investigations related to work, studies, or major life decisions.

Rather than rolling everything out all at once, Google is phasing in the features gradually. AI-powered calling is now available to all Search users in the US, while Gemini 2.5 Pro and Deep Research are becoming available specifically to AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers.

With these updates, Google aims to position Search as more than a simple information tool by transforming it into an active digital assistant capable of handling everyday tasks and complex research instead of merely providing quick answers.

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

OpenAI and Shopify explore product sales via ChatGPT

OpenAI is preparing to take a commission from product sales made directly through ChatGPT, signalling a significant shift in its business model. The move aims to monetise free users by embedding e-commerce checkout within the chatbot.

Currently, ChatGPT provides product links that redirect users to external sites. In April, OpenAI partnered with Shopify to support this feature. Sources say the next step is enabling purchases without leaving the platform, with merchants paying OpenAI a fee per transaction.

Until now, OpenAI has earned revenue mainly from ChatGPT Plus subscriptions and enterprise deals. Despite a $300 billion valuation, the company remains loss-making and seeks new commercial avenues tied to its conversational AI tools.

E-commerce integration would also challenge Google’s grip on product discovery and paid search, as more users turn to chatbots for recommendations.

Early prototypes have been shown to brands, and financial terms are under discussion. Shopify, which powers checkout on platforms like TikTok, may also provide the backend infrastructure for ChatGPT.

Product suggestions in ChatGPT are generated based on query relevance and user-specific context, including budgets and saved preferences. With memory upgrades, the chatbot can personalise results more effectively over time.

Currently, clicking on a product shows a list of sellers based on third-party data. Rankings rely mainly on metadata rather than price or delivery speed, though this is expected to evolve.

Marketers are already experimenting with ‘AIO’ — AI optimisation — to boost visibility in AI-generated product listings, similar to SEO for search engines.

An advertising agency executive said this shift could disrupt paid search and traditional ad models. Concerns are growing around how AI handles preferences and the fairness of its recommendations.

OpenAI has previously said it had ‘no active plans to pursue advertising’. However, CFO Sarah Friar recently confirmed that the company is open to ads in the future, using a selective approach.

CEO Sam Altman said OpenAI would not accept payments for preferential placement, but may charge small affiliate fees on purchases made through ChatGPT.

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