Latest news, developments and reporting on Products & Applications.
Google is extending its Email Verification origin trial to Chrome on Android with Chrome 154, allowing supported sites to confirm an email address through the browser. The feature could replace verification emails or one-time codes, but both the website and email provider must support Google’s protocol.
Meta, Walmart, Stripe, Sierra and other companies are publishing an open standard for how AI agents interact with businesses, after agents like Meta's Muse were blocked by Amazon and other websites. The protocol aims to authenticate agents and separate helpful bots from malicious ones.
Google to limit free Gemini users to Flash-Lite on Oct. 9, ZDNet reports; AI Plus subscribers lose Pro, AI Pro gains Deep Think.
Google offers a simpler Gallery app alongside Google Photos. The two differ mainly in cloud backup and editing tools, with users able to keep both.
Kalshi is adding transparency tools to its midterm election markets, while combo contracts drive much of prediction-market notional volume and raise questions about activity measurement.
Google's new Googlebook laptops launched with "Better Together" Android integration, but the features require Android 17 and currently work only with Pixel phones. Google has confirmed Samsung phones such as the Z Fold 8 are unsupported, with an update promised in coming weeks.
The 2027 Pebble Flow electric camping trailer will add a solar kit capable of up to 4 kW of recharging, according to Ars Technica, building on a 45 kWh LFP battery and Flow's claim that it can generate more power than a typical day of camping uses.
Amazon has confirmed that Alexa can no longer play or pause audio routed through the 3.5mm aux input on older Echo speakers. The port still works, but voice control of it does not.
MasterClass is developing multi-agent AI teaching tools for its MasterClass Executive program, aiming to reduce the cost and staffing limits of one-to-one tutoring. The company is using CoreWeave’s W&B Weave to monitor and improve production agents.
Google released Nano Banana 2.1, sharpening image realism and subject consistency as it rolls out across Gemini and Ads.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 drops to $1,549.99 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra to $1,699.99 during October Prime Day, the lowest prices either foldable has reached, as Apple's iPhone Duo nears launch.
Engadget says surge protectors can lose protection over time and should be checked and replaced when indicators fail.
Lavazza's pod-free Tabli brewer falls to $89 at Amazon for Prime Day from $129.99, with frother bundles also discounted.
Amazon’s Prime Day sale cuts Fire TV Stick prices by up to 67% in the US and UK, according to TechRadar. The Oura Ring 5 has no discount, and TechRadar points to the RingConn Gen 2 Air and Oura Ring 4 as alternatives.
Android Authority's teardown of Android System Intelligence version C.8.playstore.pixel11.993387747 found settings text that appears to add location as a factor in Pixel Launcher app suggestions, replacing routines.
Hark has released Hark Pro, a free AI personal assistant with a paid tier that can operate a user's computer. The startup pitches privacy and plans an AI-native device in 2027.
The Verge lists October Prime Day deals at or near $25, from earbuds and chargers to smart plugs, games and accessories.
Apple will hold a Japan-only Apple Watch Activity Challenge on Oct. 10, requiring a 30-minute workout for an award.
First Googlebooks impressions: slick Android phone integration, but app casting, Continue On, and Glowbar feel underbaked.
Amazon fall Prime Day cuts AirPods Pro 3 to $179 and AirPods Max 2 to $429, with Pro 3 near its lowest Amazon price.
XGIMI has opened US reservations for the Aura 3 Max and Aura 3 Pro before an October 20 Kickstarter launch. Early backer prices start at $2,399 and $2,199, with a refundable $50 deposit cutting $200 more; shipping is expected in December.
Netflix has announced The Conjuring: Unspoken, a horror game set in The Conjuring universe, will launch exclusively on its service on October 13 with a phone as controller.
Apple released iOS 27.2 beta 3 to developers with a redesigned Apple Music logo, changes to the Apple Books reading interface and code hinting at new Messages controls and touchscreen Mac support, according to 9to5Mac.
Anker's Nano 100W universal travel adapter, which carries four USB ports and plugs for US, UK and EU outlets, is discounted to $63.99 from $79.99 at Amazon during October Prime Day, according to The Verge.