Google Pixel 9 may pack advanced AI assistant 'Pixie'; will track your Gmail, Google Maps data

I don’t want to leap to hyperbole in the first week of the year, but I am quite confident in saying that The Brothers Sun has the best fight scene with men in inflatable dinosaur costumes that I’ve seen in 2024. Sure, it’s the only one I’ve seen in this or any year, and I doubt there will be another anytime soon. But that doesn’t diminish how much it kicks ass. It’s simply great to start the year with a show that capably gives me something I’ve been lacking in television for some time: a series that is just as interested in good goofs as it is killer brawls.

Civil liberties advocates are mounting a new challenge to the use by police of Google search data for help solving criminal cases, as the practice draws greater scrutiny nationwide. After a Pennsylvania woman was raped in 2016, police submitted a search warrant to Alphabet's Google for information about users who had typed the victim's name or address into the search engine in the week leading up to the attack, according to court papers. Google responded with the IP address of a user who had searched for the victim's address twice shortly before the incident, court papers show. That breakthrough prompted police to begin monitoring a corrections officer, who was ultimately arrested and convicted.

Even as Google is waging its biggest to maintain its number one position in the web browsing market, it has been revealed that the company has introduced a new feature that will be very beneficial for its users - Google is blocking data tracking. According to reports, Google has blocked third-party cookies for various Chrome users which is used to monitor their online browsing behaviour. The number of users with blocked cookies is small and only includes only 1 percent of total Google Chrome browser users. However, this is nothing new as other browsers, including Apple and Mozilla already provide this cookie-killer feature to its users.

We already knew that Ubisoft was plotting a 2024 launch for its open world sci-fi shooter Star Wars Outlaws, but a since-edited post on a Disney Parks blog may have nailed down more precisely when we can expect to visit a galaxy far, far away. Multiple outlets, including IGN, noticed the original blurb referenced a “late this year” release window for the title – but that line’s since been edited to a more neutral “in 2024”.

The year has barely started and the tech titan Google is indicating it is business as usual, as far as it is concerned. And that spells some good news for Google Pixel smartphone users as the first Android update of 2024 has been released today. The Google Android update includes some security and some bug fixes and it is being recommended that you hit that update button and download it immediately. Having said that, just remember, there are times when a new update may itself have some problems. So, in case you go ahead and update your phone, be very careful and keep and eye out for something out of the ordinary happening on your device.

2023 has been an eventful year in the smartphone industry, with a myriad of launches taking place. From budget entry-level smartphones to flamboyant flagships, a new smartphone has been launched for every user and need. But in the ocean of smartphones out there, choosing the perfect smartphone tailored to your needs can be a daunting task. But worry not, we've got your back. We have curated a list of the top 5 smartphones that we tried this year, and these devices shone brightly like the Sirius star on a dark night. From iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to Google Pixel 8 Pro, check out the top 5 smartphones that we tried this year.

When Google launched its Google Pixel 8 lineup, the artificial intelligence wave was probably at its highest. The smartphone series, which has captured the loyalty of a particular consumer base due to its software-first approach and camera-centric functionalities, was expected to come with AI features that would underline its capabilities and the mood of the market. And Google does not generally miss opportunities.

has a lot of different features, some of which are hidden behind menus or console commands and may be hard to find or figure out for new players. Those who are veterans of the franchise and come from likely know many of the tricks, but even for them — some things have changed with the newest iteration of the title from Studio Wildcard.

8 Best Android smartwatches: In the smartwatch market, you will find multiple ranges and features. However, deciding on the right smartwatch does not come easy as one has to look for design, sports modes, battery, performance, and other features. However, one common thing that users forget to look at is the operating system of the smartwatch. While most brands develop their own OS, most of them are based on Android, unlike the Apple Watch. If you are someone who is looking for a feature-filled smartwatch then we have curated a list of 8 best Android smartwatches to help you pick the one which matches your requirements. Check out the list of smartwatches below.

Driving Mode in Google Maps is one of the most handy features of the app. Whether you are driving yourself or driving with someone, it can always be useful as it allows for a much more convenient and safer way of navigating with audio queues, helping you navigate better. However, if the latest information is legit, we might be saying goodbye to it in the future.

Now that Tekken 8’s 32-character launch roster has been unveiled, Bandai Namco has been releasing gameplay trailers for the fighters that didn’t get one the first time around. It's Kuma's turn now, and the fighting bear is embearrassing challengers left and right.

As the year comes to a close, Google has rolled out several new features to Google Maps in India. This move aims to enhance the overall user experience of the app as well as set the base for the next year and beyond. One of the standout features of this expansive update is the Lens integration which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to make searching things easier. It is the latest in line with a slew of AI features rolled out onto the platform lately. Rumours have also hinted that the tech giant might be planning to roll out an AI chatbot in Maps, but more about that later. Check out all the new AI-powered features rolled out in Google Maps such as Lens in Maps, Live View walking navigation, and more.