Connect with us

Google

How some countries are misusing Google’s AI Tool, Gemini

Published

on

Gemini

Google’s AI tool, Gemini, is designed with safety measures to prevent misuse. However, government-backed groups from countries like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia have attempted to exploit it for harmful purposes. These groups, known as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), have used Gemini to gather information on military and intelligence targets, understand software weaknesses, and assist in coding tasks.

Additionally, Information Operations (IO) groups from these nations have utilized Gemini for translation, refining the tone of their messages, and disguising their true identities to operate secretly.

Despite these attempts, Google reports that most efforts to misuse Gemini have been unsuccessful. Many have tried to bypass Gemini’s safety protocols using known methods, but these attempts have largely failed.

This situation highlights the challenges in preventing AI misuse. While Google has been effective in stopping direct harmful actions through Gemini, malicious actors can still use the AI’s capabilities to support their activities in less obvious ways. This underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and improvement in AI safety measures.

For a more detailed understanding, you can read Google’s full Threat Intelligence Group report.

Apps

Google Maps to Introduce Vehicle Customization Feature

Published

on

By

Google Maps

Currently, navigation uses a blue arrow that you can swap for a car icon only after starting. A new update would move this customization earlier, letting you choose your vehicle icon before you even hit “Start.”You can change this arrow to different car icons, but only after you begin your trip.

Right now, you can only select a different car icon once navigation is active. By tapping your blue arrow icon or checking the menu, you can make the change, but this requires you to already be en route or about to begin.

Google Maps version 25.42.02.817770306 shows signs of letting you set your car icon in settings before starting a drive. This means you can personalize your map safely ahead of time, avoiding distractions while you’re on the move.

Google Maps

Google Maps

 

 

 

To make navigation more personal, Google Maps added new car shapes and colors for Android this year, following their iOS release. The move to let users set this preference in the settings menu is a smart safety and convenience feature, enabling preparation before you drive.

While it’s unclear when this will be widely available, Google commonly phases in new features. Once live, this update will allow for greater personalization and a more focused driving experience by minimizing in-journey screen interactions.

 

Continue Reading

Google

Google Messages boosts your scam defense.

Published

on

By

Message

Message with more confidence. Google’s latest updates to its Messages app add a stronger layer of defense against scams, helping to ensure your conversations are secure from fake messages and dangerous links.

The new “Key Verifier” feature helps you confirm you’re really talking to the right person. You and your contact can simply scan each other’s QR codes to ensure your chat is private and secure.

To verify a contact, open your chat, tap the contact’s name at the top, and scroll down to “Verify keys.” Both you and your contact will see a QR code. Simply scan each other’s codes. Once matched, you will receive a confirmation that your chat is secure.

 

One UI 8 Beta.

 

 

 

This tool is essential for discussing private matters. Please note that if a contact gets a new phone or SIM card, you must reverify them by scanning codes again. While this adds a step, it’s a small price to pay for ensuring your sensitive conversations remain secure.

Google Messages now automatically blocks links inside any message marked as spam. This prevents accidental clicks. If you need to access a link mistakenly flagged as spam, you must first move the message out of the spam folder.

All these changes have one job: to keep you safe. They might not stop 100% of scams, but they add great new defenses to protect you from tricksters.

 

Continue Reading

Google

Following HarmonyOS PC, Google Announces launch Android PC

Published

on

By

HarmonyOS PC

In a new teaser for its fans, Google has not only hinted at an Android PC but has finally pinned down a launch date: 2026. This confirms the plan to debut the first Android-powered computer next year, complete with a suite of dynamic features.

At the Qualcomm Snapdragon 2025 Summit, Google confirmed a 2026 launch for its Android PC and outlined its vision for the innovative product.

Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, took the stage to outline the vision for the Android PC. He stated it would carefully balance introducing new changes with maintaining the reliable user experience of ChromeOS.

“We’re basically taking the ChromeOS experience, and we’re re-baselining the technology underneath it on Android. That combination is something we are super excited about for next year.”

The upcoming Android PC has been described as “incredible” by Qualcomm. Google’s Sameer Samat added that the firm is prioritizing the acceleration of AI advancements on Android for a rapid deployment to the laptop form factor, a step intended to create a seamlessly integrated ecosystem.

HarmonyOS PC

HarmonyOS PC

 

 

 

It is interesting how Google is planning to follow Huawei’s footsteps in the PC world. The Chinese OEM is the first to bring its self-made smartphone OS to computers with HarmonyOS PC.

For Google, this move represents a potential strategy to counter Huawei’s influence in the PC sector. With HarmonyOS PCs currently limited to the Chinese market, Google has an open opportunity to gain a foothold internationally.

Next year will be decisive. The world will be watching to see if Google’s Android PC can rise to the surface and pose a real challenge to HarmonyOS.

 

Continue Reading

Most Popular