Report Wire

Tag: google

  • How To Find Cheap Flight Tickets Online? Try This Google Flight Tool |

    Cheapest Flight Tickets Online India: If you are planning to go home this Diwali 2024 or want to make a trip during long weekends, then you can book cheap flight tickets with the help of Google’s tool. The tech giant has introduced its Flights tool as an extensive travel planner for users.

    This Google Flight offers a range of features including the option to find the cheapest possible flight tickets, hotels and car/bike rentals. Moreover, the tool sports a feature that can help flyers find tickets and hotels at affordable prices.

    However, the company has announced that it will be rolling out the feature over the next 2 weeks worldwide. Notably, the tool offers a range of features designed to help you find the “best flight fares.” Let’s have a quick look at the features-

    Price Tracking:

    For travelers looking to wait for better deals, price tracking is a useful tool. By enabling it, you’ll receive notifications about significant price drops.

    Price Graph:

    The Price Graph feature offers insights into flight price trends, showing whether current prices are low, typical, or high compared to past averages for the same route.

    Data Grid:

    The Data Grid displays prices by specific dates, helping you choose the best time to book. You can also refine your search using filters like stops, airlines, baggage limits, time of day, connecting airports, and flight duration.

    How To Find Cheap Flight Tickets Online Via Google Flight Tool

    Step 1: Enter your trip details on Google Flights, such as departure, destination, and travel dates.

    Step 2: Google Flights will show the best options at the top, balancing price and convenience.

    Step 3: Tap on the new “Cheapest” tab to filter results for the lowest-priced flights.

    Step 4: The “Cheapest” tab displays affordable options for those willing to trade convenience for cost. Cheaper flights may include longer layovers, self-transfers, or multiple airline bookings.

    Step 5: Prices highlighted in green indicate the most affordable flight choices.

  • Google Announces AI-led Collaborations For India’s Health, Sustainability, And Agriculture Sectors |

    New Delhi: Google has unveiled a series of new AI-powered partnerships aimed at advancing healthcare, sustainability, and agriculture in India. The tech giant is collaborating with both local and international organizations to implement AI-driven solutions in diabetic retinopathy screening, urban waste management, and agricultural development.

    According to Google, these announcements were made during a roundtable in Bengaluru, marking the fifth anniversary of Google’s Research Lab in the city. This follows the 10th edition of the Google for India event, which showcased the potential of AI to benefit individuals, businesses, and society at large.

    Dr Manish Gupta, Research Director of Google DeepMind, stated, “Collaborating with key Indian organizations, our focused research in India across language understanding, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainability is helping tackle many of the country’s unique challenges and creating AI-led solutions that will improve billions of lives.”

    Google is working with Forus Health and AuroLab in India and Perceptra in Thailand to provide 6 million AI-assisted screenings for diabetic retinopathy over the next decade. These screenings aim to detect and prevent blindness in diabetic patients, particularly in resource-limited communities. The AI ​​model has already supported over 600,000 screenings worldwide, with initial research and deployment carried out in India.

    Sunny Virmani, Group Product Manager, Health AI Research at Google, remarked, “From our initial research to the first patient screening in Madurai, India, we’ve been committed to translating AI’s potential into meaningful change for people globally. And now the partnerships with Forus Health, AuroLab, and Perceptra are helping us expand on this commitment, as a global network of innovators comes together to eradicate preventable blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.”

    Google’s CircularNet, an AI-driven computer vision model for waste management, is being deployed in partnership with Bengaluru-based Saahas Zero Waste. CircularNet helps identify and sort plastic waste, facilitating recycling and reducing the strain on landfills. Powered by Google’s TensorFlow, the model has shown approximately 85% accuracy in detecting plastic waste during a pilot program, potentially boosting revenue for material recovery facilities by 10-12%.

    To support data-driven decision-making in agriculture, Google is also opening its Agricultural Landscape Understanding (ALU) Research API to developers. The API leverages satellite imagery and machine learning to provide farm-level insights, such as field boundaries, water bodies, and vegetation. The technology aims to optimize resource allocation and guide sustainable farming practices in India.

  • Google Gemini Live Now Free For All Android Users For Free; Here’s How To Access |

    Gemini Live Free: Tech giant Google is rolling out its Gemini Live AI-powered assistant to all Android users for free. This AI-powered assistant allows users to have natural conversations with the chatbot on their phone. Earlier, Gemini Live was exclusively available to users with a Gemini Advanced subscription, priced at Rs 1,950 per month following a one-month free trial.

    This subscription also grants access to Gemini 1.5 Pro, Google’s most advanced AI model. Google introduced the assistant with the Google Pixel 9 series last month with several new AI features which include the Pixel Studio, enhanced Magic Eraser, and Gemini Live. Notably, this new AI-powered assistant or Google Live chatbot was only available to Gemini Advanced subscribers.

    Gemini Live AI Availability

    The free version of the Gemini Live chatbot is currently available only for Android users through the Gemini app and exclusively in English. iPhone users, who can access Gemini Live via the Google app on iOS, are not able to use the free version at this time.

    Android users eager to try Gemini Live without subscribing can explore the free version once it’s released. Google is also expected to introduce the free version of Gemini Live in additional languages ​​and expand its availability to other platforms, including iOS.

    How To Access Gemini Live

    Step 1: Open the Gemini app on your phone and locate the new feature by tapping on the “new circular waveform with a sparkle icon” in the bottom right corner of the app or overlay.

    Step 2: After tapping the icon, a fullscreen window will appear, displaying “Hold” and “End” buttons at the bottom of the screen.

    Step 3: Users Interact with Gemini by holding the “Hold” button to engage in a conversation.

    Step 4: If needed, exit the fullscreen interface to multitask and continue using your phone while the conversation with Gemini remains active.

    Step 5: To end the session, tap on the notification or simply say “Stop” to disable Gemini Live.

    What Gemini Live Subscription Model Offers

    The subscription model includes Gemini support for Google services such as Gmail and Docs, along with Python code access for developers, and offers priority access to new features.

    With Gemini Advanced, users get 2TB of Google One storage, which can be utilized across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. This storage also serves as a backup for devices, functioning similarly to other Google One plans.

  • Samsung Introduces Music Identification In Circle To Search Feature |

    Washington: Samsung has expanded the capabilities of its Circle to Search feature by integrating music recognition technology, a move that enhances the functionality of its devices.

    According to GSM Arena, this new feature, akin to the popular music identification app Shazam, is now available on Samsung devices equipped with Circle to Search and running version 15.32.37.28 of the Google app.

    The music recognition feature allows users to identify music playing around them by simply tapping a new music note icon within Circle to Search.

    This functionality extends to music playing on the device itself, nearby environments, or even tunes that users sing or hum. According to GSM Arena, this update offers a built-in solution for music discovery, which could potentially diminish the need for standalone apps like Shazam.

    This new capability is part of a broader rollout managed by Google, which means that while it is available on devices with the specified app version, the feature’s availability may vary.

    The activation of this feature is controlled server-side by Google, and it may take some time for it to be enabled on all eligible Samsung devices.

    According to GSM Arena, Samsung’s Circle to Search, which was previously introduced on the company’s mid-range A series devices, now combines its search functions with the ability to recognize music, providing a seamless user experience.

    The integration of music recognition technology within Circle to Search represents a significant enhancement, leveraging existing features to deliver a new level of convenience for users.

    As Samsung continues to innovate and expand its device features, this addition might help enhance user experience through advanced technology and practical applications.

  • Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro Receive Massive Discount On Flipkart Ahead Of Pixel 9 Series Launch |

    New Delhi: Google has given a massive discount on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models on Flipkart in India. The tech giant has announced this huge discount after announcing the launch date of the Google Pixel 9 series in the country.

    Discount on Google Pixel 8:

    The e-commerce giant is selling the smartphone Pixel 8 with a starting price tag of Rs 61,999 for the 8GB+128GB storage model. This price is down from its original price tag of Rs 75,999. There is also an extra Rs 4,000 discount on ICICI bank credit and debit card transactions.

    This means that users are getting a flat Rs 18,000 discount, which effectively drops the price to Rs 57,999. Notably, consumers can also opt for an exchange offers as well.

    Discount on Google Pixel 8 Pro:

    The smartphone is now priced at Rs 98,999, down from its original price of Rs 1,06,999, indicating a flat discount of Rs 8,000 from Flipkart on the Pixel 8 Pro.

    Adding further, there’s an extra Rs 10,000 discount on ICICI bank credit and debit card transactions, reducing the effective price to Rs 88,999. In total, consumers benefit from a discount of Rs 18,000, which includes both the flat discount and the bank offer.

    Google Pixel 9 Series India Launch

    To recall, the tech giant is set to launch its flagship Google Pixel 9 series during the company’s Made By Google Event, scheduled for August 13, at 10:30 PM IST. The Google Pixel 9 series is expected to arrive with next-generation mobile artificial intelligence (AI) features. The series includes 4 devices, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Fold, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

    Google will reportedly promise seven years of security updates for the Pixel 9 series, ensuring long-term protection against malware and phishing attacks. Adding further, the Emergency SOS feature will provide real-time alerts for nearby fires and floods.

  • Tech Showdown: Google Pixel 9 Vs iPhone 16; What New AI Features To Expect From Anticipated Smartphones? ,

    Google Pixel 9 Vs iPhone 16: The tech world is abuzz with excitement and curiosity as two of the most anticipated smartphones of 2024 prepare to go head-to-head: the Google Pixel 9 and the iPhone 16. Both devices are expected to promise groundbreaking. AI features and performance enhancements that aim to push the boundaries of what a new generation of smartphones can do.

    Let’s have a quick look at the much-anticipated smartphones equipped with AI features

    Google Pixel 9 AI Features (Expected)

    The Pixel 9 series is expected to be loaded with AI features including Gemini AI and Circle to Search. The Magic Editor reportedly accepts text prompts for more intuitive image editing, and the “Add Me” feature allows you to insert yourself into group photos even if you weren’t originally there.

    Adding further, the Circle to Search feature will enhance search capabilities, and the Pixel Screenshots feature will make it easier for users to save and find information from their screenshots. Pixel 9 users are also expected to gain access to Pixel Drops, a platform providing exclusive features and enhancements.

    iPhone 16 AI Features (Expected)

    Apple plans to introduce Apple Intelligence through software updates by October, a few weeks after releasing iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, according to reports. Meanwhile, Apple will let developers test Apple Intelligence early, starting this week, through iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 betas.

    This delay means the first iPhone 16 models sold might not have the new AI features right away; Users will need a software update a few weeks after purchasing. Apple Intelligence includes features like better notification prioritization, web page and voice note summaries, improved writing tools, a revamped Siri, and integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

    Google Pixel 9 Specifications (Expected)

    The upcoming smartphone is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate, complemented by a punch-hole design. It could be Powered by the Google Tensor 4 octa-core processor. The device is expected to be loaded with a 5000 mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging.

    For Connectivity, the smartphone could support dual SIM, 3G, 4G, 5G, VoLTE, Vo5G, Wi-Fi, and NFC. It will come with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of inbuilt storage. For photography, there is a dual rear camera setup with two 50 MP sensors and a 10.5 MP front camera. The smartphone will run on Android v14.

    iPhone 16 Specifications (Expected)

    The premium smartphone could sport a 6.1-inch OLED screen and offers a 120Hz refresh rate with micro-lens technology, according to MacRumors report. Under the hood, the model could use an A18 chipset and an upgraded Neural Engine for generative AI tasks in iOS 18. The iPhone 16 is expected to support Apple Intelligence features, rolling out in beta this fall. It might come with 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. In terms of optics, it could feature a 48MP + 12MP rear camera setup and a 12MP selfie lens.

    The rear cameras might be vertically aligned in a pill-shaped bump to enable Spatial Video recording support. The phone could be equipped with a 3,561mAh battery that supports both wired and wireless charging.

    Adding further, the iPhone 16 may feature an enhanced graphene thermal system. Other notable highlights include Wi-Fi 7, an Action Button, and a new ‘Capture Button’ designed to unlock various photo and video shooting capabilities. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 16 will likely be available in black, green, pink, blue, and white, with no purple or yellow options.

  • Google now lets you switch between different modes in slides |

    New Delhi: Google has said that it is making it easier for users to switch between different modes such as edit, view and comment in Slides. If users want to hide comments within a presentation or avoid accidental edits, they can switch to view mode. Choosing commenting mode will hide all options associated with editing, but still allow users to read and add comments, the tech giant explained.

    To change mode, users will be required to navigate to the View, Mode, select a mode. This capability will be available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. The tech giant also announced a feature that will let users scroll and zoom in or out on their content directly from Google Meet. (Also Read: HR Warns Employee For Social Media And Netflix Use During Work Hours: “Caught Watching…”)

    According to the company, this feature will eliminate the need to switch between tabs, helping users focus more on delivering their presentation. Meanwhile, Google has rolled out features like “polls, Q&A, and reactions” on its video conferencing app Meet for mobile devices to make it easier for users to interact with people during a live stream. According to the tech giant, this update is applicable for “ultra-low latency live streams” only, the standard live streaming experience remains the same. (Also Read: Motorola Edge 50 Ultra India Launch Confirmed, Third Phone After Edge 50 Pro And Edge 50 Fusion; Check Expected Specs And Price)

  • Google Meet Now Lets You Use Features Like Polls, Q&A During Live Streams On Mobile |

    New Delhi: To make it easier for users to interact with people during a live stream, Google has rolled out features like “polls, Q&A, and reactions” on its video conferencing app Meet for mobile devices. According to the tech giant, if users join a live stream from the Google Meet Android or iOS app, they can use these features “when they’re available”.

    In addition, the company noted that this update is applicable for “ultra-low latency live streams” only, the standard live streaming experience remains the same. According to the tech giant, the ‘Q&A’ ​​feature in Meet will offer an easy way to better engage audiences and help them get their questions answered, both at work and in school, whereas ‘polls’ can be used to identify topics that need more discussion or test understanding of the meeting content.

    Meanwhile, Google has introduced new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features for its Chromebook Plus laptops that will allow users to chat with Gemini, reimagine photos and others. Starting at $350, Chromebook Plus devices provide additional AI features such as industry-leading security, Google apps, and extended battery life.

  • Google Confirms Authenticity Of 2,500 Leaked Internal Search Documents |

    New Delhi: Tech Giant Google has confirmed the authenticity of around 2,500 leaked internal documents related to its search feature. These documents were initially reported by SEO experts Rand Fishkin and Mike King, as per the reports

    In a statement to The Verge, Google has warned people not to make incorrect assumptions about their search feature based on the leaked documents as the information might be out of context, outdated or incomplete. It further stated that it has provided a lot of information about how its Search feature works and the factors its system considers. They have also highlighted their efforts to protect search results from being manipulated.

    The leaked material allegedly suggests that Google “collects and potentially uses data” that company representatives have said does not contribute to ranking webpages in Google Search. However, the leaked information is likely to create some panic across the SEO industry. (Also Read: Government Issues Alert on Critical Vulnerability in TP-Link Router: Here’s How to Protect Your Device)

    According to Fishkin, the leaked documents outline Google’s search API and break down what information is available to employees. SEO expert King said in his overview of the documents that “Lied” is harsh but “it’s the only accurate word to use here”. (Also Read: What Is India’s EU-Like Anti-Trust Proposal That Irked Tech Giants Google, Amazon, Apple?)

    “While I don’t necessarily fault Google’s public representatives for protecting their proprietary information, I do take issue with their efforts to actively discredit people in the marketing, tech, and journalism worlds who have presented reproducible discoveries,” he wrote. (With IANS Inputs)

  • Ashwini Vaishnaw's BIG Statement On Google-Indian Startups Row, Says… |

    New Delhi: Taking a strong view of Google pulling out some apps from its Play Store, the government on Saturday said delisting of Indian apps cannot be permitted and that the tech company and the startups concerned have been called for a meeting next week. In an interview to PTI, IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the startup ecosystem is key to the Indian economy and their fate cannot be left to any big tech to decide.

    The minister's comments assume significance as Google on Friday began removing some apps, including popular matrimony apps, from its Play Store in India over a dispute on service fee payments, even as apps and well-known startup founders cried foul. (Also Read: Google Responds To Criticism By Reinstating Shaadi.com, Naukri, And Other Apps On Play Store)

    Taking a serious view of the issue, Vaishnaw said: “India is very clear, our policy is very clear…our startups will get the protection that they need.” The minister said the government will be meeting Google and app developers who have been delisted, next week, to resolve the dispute. (Also Read: Google Faces Backlash For Removing Indian Apps From Play Store Amid Fee Dispute)

    “I have already called Google…I have already called the app developers who have been delisted, we will be meeting them next week. This cannot be permitted..This kind of delisting cannot be permitted,” Vaishnaw asserted.

    Stating that India has built a strong startup ecosystem of over one lakh startups, and more than 100 unicorns from scratch in a matter of 10 years, the minister said the energy of youth and entrepreneurs must be channelised fully and “cannot be left to the policies of any big tech.”

    “I will be telling Google…Our entrepreneurial energy…startups, look at the whole startup India programme, 10 years back we had practically nothing and today we have more than 1,00,000 startups, more than 100 unicorns… This is something…the energy of our youth, the energy of our entrepreneurs, energy of our talented people that has to be channelised fully well, it cannot be left to the policies of any big tech,” Vaishnaw said.

    On Friday, Google said 10 companies in the country, including “many well-established” ones had avoided paying fees despite benefiting from the platform and Play Store, and proceeded to delist some apps.

    It did not name the firms but a search of Play Store on android phones did not give results for matrimonial apps such as Shaadi, Matrimony.com and Bharat Matrimony. Balaji Telefilms' Altt (formerly ALTBalaji), audio platform Kuku FM, dating service Quack Quack, Truly Madly also disappeared from Play Store.

    Separately, Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said he has been flagging the concerns around dominance of Google stifling competition and startups. The government, he said, has to find if the current issue “trespasses” into the “abuse and misuse” of dominance category.

    “I have raised concerns on the dominance of Google in the past, it controls more than 90 per cent of the app ecosystem in India, the fact that they are a vertically integrated large company, we are concerned that their dominance does stifle competitions and startups , and it can be misused against startups, and there are some legitimate concerns that the government has,” Chandrasekhar said.

    The government and court has to look whether this particular incident trespasses into that territory of abuse and misuse, he added. The raging dispute is over Google imposing a fee of 11 to 26 per cent on in-app payments after anti-competition body CCI ordered scrapping of an earlier system of charging 15 to 30 per cent.

    Google went ahead to remove the apps not paying the fee after the Supreme Court did not provide interim relief to companies behind these apps in their battle against the search giant's app marketplace fee.

    While Bharat Matrimony founder Murugavel Janakiraman described the move as “dark day” for the Internet in India, Kuku FM Co-founder Vinod Kumar Meena in a statement had said that Google was behaving like a 'monopoly'.

    Quack Quack Founder Ravi Mittal said the company would comply with rules to get back on the marketplace. Google previously sent notices of Play Store violations to Matrimony.com, which runs app BharatMatrimony, and Info Edge, which runs a similar app, Jeevansathi.

    Info Edge (India) Ltd on Saturday said its apps, including naukri.com, 99 acres.com, and shiksha.com have been removed from Google Play Store but within hours stated that some of them have been restored.

    “Many of the Info Edge apps are back on the play store. An effort very well led by (company MD and CEO) Hitesh and the entire Info Edge team. People were up all night for this. Great crisis management,” Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani said in a post on

    On Friday, Bikhchandani had emphasized on the need of an app store/ play store that is a part of Digital Public Infrastructure. “Indian companies will comply – for now. But what India needs is an App Store/ Play Store that is a part of Digital Public Infrastructure – like UPI and ONDC. The response needs to be strategic,” he had said.

    Bikhchandani had claimed that Info Edge had cleared all pending Google invoices in a timely manner and was compliant with its policies. IAMAI – an industry association that represents some of the largest Indian startups as well as international firms – condemned the removal of apps and had urged Google to reinstate delisted apps.