On September 18, the European Union's second-ranking court declared that a fine of about 1.5 billion Euros, i.e., 1.7 billion US dollars approximately levied against Google by regulatory authorities must be overturned, supporting the American technology company in its appeal against the sanction according to a report by Reuters.

This decision is a significant victory for Google, as it directly affects the company’s advertising practices and its relationship with the European Union (EU) regulators, while Qualcomm failed to repeal a penalty.

The ruling underlines outgoing EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's complicated record in defending her crackdown on Big Tech in court. She scored two major wins last week against Google in a separate case and against Apple's tax deal with Irish authorities.

Further, it is to be noted that the European Commission in its 2019 decision said Google had abused its dominance to prevent websites from using brokers other than its AdSense platform that provided search adverts. The practices it said were illegal and they primarily took place from 2006 to 2016.<o:p></o:p>

The Luxembourg-based General Court mostly agreed with the European Union competition enforcer's assessments of the case, but annulled the fine, saying that the Commission had failed to take into account all the relevant circumstances.

"The Commission has also not demonstrated that the clauses in question had, first, possibly deterred innovation, next, helped Google to maintain and strengthen its dominant position on the national markets for online search advertising at issue, and, last, that they had possibly harmed consumers," the judges said.

Google’s take on the judgement<o:p></o:p>

Google said the case was about a narrow subset of text-only search ads placed on a limited number of publishers’ websites. "We made changes to our contracts in 2016 to remove the relevant provisions, even before the Commission's decision. We are pleased that the court has recognised errors in the original decision and annulled the fine," the company said in an email.

What are the options left for the Commission?<o:p></o:p>

The Commission, which can appeal to the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) on points of law, stated that it would study the judgment and reflect on possible next steps.

The AdSense fine, one of a trio of fines that have cost Google a total of 8.25 billion Euros, was triggered by a complaint from Microsoft in 2010.<o:p></o:p>

Last week, the company lost its final fight against a 2.42 billion Euro fine levied for using its price comparison shopping service to gain an unfair advantage over smaller European rivals. Whereas in Qualcomm's case, the US chipmaker only managed to convince the General Court to trim its EU antitrust fine to 238.7 million Euros from 242 million Euros.<o:p></o:p>

The deciding judges rejected all its arguments. Further, the Commission imposed the fine in 2019, saying that Qualcomm sold its chipsets below cost between 2009 and 2011, in a practice known as predatory pricing, to hamper the British phone software maker ICERA, which is now part of the Nvidia Corporation. 

"Qualcomm respectfully disagrees with the judgment and the Commission’s decision and believes that we have always remained in compliance with European competition law," the chipmaker said. The Commission said it had also taken note of that ruling. Qualcomm can appeal to the CJEU on points of law.

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

On September 18, the European Union's second-ranking court declared that a fine of about 1.5 billion Euros, i.e., 1.7 billion US dollars approximately levied against Google by regulatory authorities must be overturned, supporting the American technology company in its appeal against the sanction according to a report by Reuters.

On September 18, the European Union's second-ranking court declared that a fine of about 1.5 billion Euros, i.e., 1.7 billion US dollars approximately levied against Google by regulatory authorities must be overturned, supporting the American technology company in its appeal against the sanction according to a report by Reuters. This decision is a significant victory for Google, as it directly affects the company’s advertising practices and its relationship with the European Union (EU) regulators, while Qualcomm failed to repeal a penalty. The ruling underlines outgoing EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's complicated record in defending her crackdown on Big Tech in court. She scored two major wins last week against Google in a separate case and against Apple's tax deal with Irish authorities. Further, it is to be noted that the European Commission in its 2019 decision said Google had abused its dominance to prevent websites from using brokers other than its AdSense platform that provided search adverts. The practices it said were illegal and they primarily took place from 2006 to 2016. The Luxembourg-based General Court mostly agreed with the European Union competition enforcer's assessments of the case, but annulled the fine, saying that the Commission had failed to take into account all the relevant circumstances. "The Commission has also not demonstrated that the clauses in question had, first, possibly deterred innovation, next, helped Google to maintain and strengthen its dominant position on the national markets for online search advertising at issue, and, last, that they had possibly harmed consumers," the judges said. Google’s take on the judgement Google said the case was about a narrow subset of text-only search ads placed on a limited number of publishers’ websites. "We made changes to our contracts in 2016 to remove the relevant provisions, even before the Commission's decision. We are pleased that the court has recognised errors in the original decision and annulled the fine," the company said in an email. What are the options left for the Commission? The Commission, which can appeal to the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) on points of law, stated that it would study the judgment and reflect on possible next steps. The AdSense fine, one of a trio of fines that have cost Google a total of 8.25 billion Euros, was triggered by a complaint from Microsoft in 2010. Last week, the company lost its final fight against a 2.42 billion Euro fine levied for using its price comparison shopping service to gain an unfair advantage over smaller European rivals. Whereas in Qualcomm's case, the US chipmaker only managed to convince the General Court to trim its EU antitrust fine to 238.7 million Euros from 242 million Euros. The deciding judges rejected all its arguments. Further, the Commission imposed the fine in 2019, saying that Qualcomm sold its chipsets below cost between 2009 and 2011, in a practice known as predatory pricing, to hamper the British phone software maker ICERA, which is now part of the Nvidia Corporation. "Qualcomm respectfully disagrees with the judgment and the Commission’s decision and believes that we have always remained in compliance with European competition law," the chipmaker said. The Commission said it had also taken note of that ruling. Qualcomm can appeal to the CJEU on points of law.

Google wins appeal against EU antitrust fine, Qualcomm suffers a setback

Security experts still do not know how the trojan malware got there but say that it has affected 1.3 million Android-based TV boxes across almost 200 countries. Google is trying to distance itself from the 'Android TV' branding, now preferring 'Google TV', and perhaps for good reason.

Report: 1.3 million Android-based TV boxes affected by new 'Vo1d' malware

In a defensive move, Apple has taken the drastic decision to remove its highly anticipated generative AI software, dubbed "Apple Intelligence," from the iPhone 16 Pro in the European Union (EU). This decision comes as a result of the impact of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) on the tech giant's plans for its latest flagship smartphone as detailed in a report by Forbes. 

The DMA, a pro-competition law aimed at fostering a fair digital market, has forced Apple to make significant changes to its traditionally closed ecosystem. One of the most notable impacts is the inability to roll out Apple Intelligence, a key feature that was expected to be a major selling point for the iPhone 16 Pro.

"Due to the regulatory uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act, we do not believe that we will be able to roll out three of these [new] features -- iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence -- to our EU users this year," Apple stated in a recent announcement.

The decision to withhold Apple Intelligence from European users is a drastic one, as the generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) software was poised to revolutionize the way users interact with their smartphones. The feature, which allows for seamless integration of AI-powered capabilities across various apps and services, was expected to be a game-changer in the smartphone market.

However, Apple's concerns about the DMA's impact on user privacy and data security have led the company to take a cautious approach. The tech giant fears that the DMA's interoperability requirements could force it to compromise the integrity of its products, potentially exposing sensitive user data to third parties.

The absence of Apple Intelligence in the European Union will undoubtedly be a disappointment for many iPhone enthusiasts. The feature was touted as a significant upgrade over its competitors, offering a more personalized and efficient user experience powered by advanced AI technology.

This&nbsp;decision puts Apple at a disadvantage <o:p></o:p>

The decision also puts Apple at a disadvantage compared to its rivals in the European market. Google's Gemini AI and Samsung's Galaxy AI, which are set to roll out with their respective flagship devices, will have a head start in gathering user data and improving their AI offerings.

Despite the setback, Apple remains committed to its brand identity, which is largely built upon the promise of user privacy. The company is seeking clarity from regulatory authorities on how to make Apple Intelligence compatible with the DMA's requirements, but until then, European users will have to settle for a downgraded version of the iPhone 16 Pro.

As the tech industry continues to evolve and adapt to new regulatory restrictions, it remains to be seen how Apple and other companies will navigate the challenges posed by the Digital Markets Act.

In a defensive move, Apple has taken the drastic decision to remove its highly anticipated generative AI software, dubbed "Apple Intelligence," from the iPhone 16 Pro in the European Union (EU).

In a defensive move, Apple has taken the drastic decision to remove its highly anticipated generative AI software, dubbed "Apple Intelligence," from the iPhone 16 Pro in the European Union (EU). This decision comes as a result of the impact of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) on the tech giant's plans for its latest flagship smartphone as detailed in a report by Forbes. The DMA, a pro-competition law aimed at fostering a fair digital market, has forced Apple to make significant changes to its traditionally closed ecosystem. One of the most notable impacts is the inability to roll out Apple Intelligence, a key feature that was expected to be a major selling point for the iPhone 16 Pro. "Due to the regulatory uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act, we do not believe that we will be able to roll out three of these [new] features -- iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence -- to our EU users this year," Apple stated in a recent announcement. The decision to withhold Apple Intelligence from European users is a drastic one, as the generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) software was poised to revolutionize the way users interact with their smartphones. The feature, which allows for seamless integration of AI-powered capabilities across various apps and services, was expected to be a game-changer in the smartphone market. However, Apple's concerns about the DMA's impact on user privacy and data security have led the company to take a cautious approach. The tech giant fears that the DMA's interoperability requirements could force it to compromise the integrity of its products, potentially exposing sensitive user data to third parties. The absence of Apple Intelligence in the European Union will undoubtedly be a disappointment for many iPhone enthusiasts. The feature was touted as a significant upgrade over its competitors, offering a more personalized and efficient user experience powered by advanced AI technology. This decision puts Apple at a disadvantage The decision also puts Apple at a disadvantage compared to its rivals in the European market. Google's Gemini AI and Samsung's Galaxy AI, which are set to roll out with their respective flagship devices, will have a head start in gathering user data and improving their AI offerings. Despite the setback, Apple remains committed to its brand identity, which is largely built upon the promise of user privacy. The company is seeking clarity from regulatory authorities on how to make Apple Intelligence compatible with the DMA's requirements, but until then, European users will have to settle for a downgraded version of the iPhone 16 Pro. As the tech industry continues to evolve and adapt to new regulatory restrictions, it remains to be seen how Apple and other companies will navigate the challenges posed by the Digital Markets Act.

iPhone 16 Pro faces drastic downgrade in European Union due to the Digital Markets Act

A major marketing company whose clients include Facebook, Amazon and Google has admitted that it listens to users' smartphone conversations and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to articulate data and later place advertisements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cox Media Group (CMG) privately admitted to the long-held suspicions of smartphone users during a pitch deck to investors. The&nbsp;firm stated that its&nbsp;“Active Listening” software uses AI to&nbsp;“capture real-time intent data by listening to our conversations", according to a report in 404 Media.

"Advertisers can pair this voice data with behavioural data to target in-market consumers," CMG said in the pitch deck.&nbsp;

"Consumers leave a data trail based on their conversations and online behaviour and the AI-powered software collects and analyses behavioural and voice data from 470+ sources,"&nbsp;it added.&nbsp;

Watch | Facebook pressured by US govt to censor Covid content: Mark Zuckerberg

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<h2>Companies issue statement&nbsp;</h2>

After the outlet's report, Google removed CMG from its "Partners Program" website.

“All advertisers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations as well as our Google Ads policies, and when we identify ads or advertisers that violate these policies, we will take appropriate action,” a Google spokesperson was quoted as saying by NY Post.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Meta, the parent company of Facebook said it was reviewing CMG to assess whether it violated any of its terms of service.

“Meta does not use your phone’s microphone for ads and we’ve been public about this for years,” Meta spokesperson said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerberg-reveals-biden-administration-pressured-meta-to-censor-covid-19-related-posts-753534">Also read |&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg reveals Biden administration 'pressured' Meta to censor Covid-related posts</a>

This is not the first time when a company has claimed to be hearing real-life conversations through a smartphone. Last year, MindSift, a&nbsp;New Hampshire-based company similarly claimed that it used voice data to place targeted ads.&nbsp;

“We know what you’re thinking. Is this even legal?” the company wrote in a since-deleted Cox blog post from November 2023.

“It is legal for phones and devices to listen to you. When a new app download or update prompts consumers with a multi-page term of use agreement somewhere in the fine print, Active Listening is often included.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A major marketing company whose clients include Facebook, Amazon and Google has admitted that it listens to users' smartphone conversations and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to articulate data and later place advertisements.

A major marketing company whose clients include Facebook, Amazon and Google has admitted that it listens to users' smartphone conversations and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to articulate data and later place advertisements. Cox Media Group (CMG) privately admitted to the long-held suspicions of smartphone users during a pitch deck to investors. The firm stated that its “Active Listening” software uses AI to “capture real-time intent data by listening to our conversations", according to a report in 404 Media. "Advertisers can pair this voice data with behavioural data to target in-market consumers," CMG said in the pitch deck. "Consumers leave a data trail based on their conversations and online behaviour and the AI-powered software collects and analyses behavioural and voice data from 470+ sources," it added. Watch | Facebook pressured by US govt to censor Covid content: Mark Zuckerberg × Companies issue statement After the outlet's report, Google removed CMG from its "Partners Program" website. “All advertisers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations as well as our Google Ads policies, and when we identify ads or advertisers that violate these policies, we will take appropriate action,” a Google spokesperson was quoted as saying by NY Post. Meanwhile, Meta, the parent company of Facebook said it was reviewing CMG to assess whether it violated any of its terms of service. “Meta does not use your phone’s microphone for ads and we’ve been public about this for years,” Meta spokesperson said. Also read | Mark Zuckerberg reveals Biden administration 'pressured' Meta to censor Covid-related posts This is not the first time when a company has claimed to be hearing real-life conversations through a smartphone. Last year, MindSift, a New Hampshire-based company similarly claimed that it used voice data to place targeted ads. “We know what you’re thinking. Is this even legal?” the company wrote in a since-deleted Cox blog post from November 2023. “It is legal for phones and devices to listen to you. When a new app download or update prompts consumers with a multi-page term of use agreement somewhere in the fine print, Active Listening is often included.” (With inputs from agencies)

Your phone is listening to your conversations, firm working for FB, Google confirms

Google has identified a connection between Russian state hackers and exploits that bear an “identical or strikingly similar” resemblance to those created by spyware companies NSO Group and Intellexa, raising concerns about the spread of commercial spyware into the hands of state-backed threat actors.

Google reveals new exploits targeting Chrome and iOS Webkit

Google has launched a new foldable phone, while China has rolled out an ultra-fast charging EV battery. The past week was full of interesting tech developments, and we have highlighted the most important ones in our Tech Wrap.

Google's new Pixel 9 smartphone series

Google this week unveiled its latest innovation for android users, bringing a new wave of artificial intelligence to your fingertips. The tech giant announced the launch of its first AI-powered android update and the new pixel 9 Smartphone series, all featuring the cutting-edge Gemini AI assistant.

Google Pixel 9: New Android update features Gemini AI

Google has admitted that it knowingly omitted the autocomplete search results regarding the assassination attempt against former US president&nbsp;Donald Trump, according to a report in Fox News.&nbsp;The search giant said the search results were prohibited by design and part of the company's policy for "hypothetical violence against current figures".&nbsp;

Google's admission comes after Senator Roger Marshall lodged a complaint against the company and wrote a letter, questioning the search algorithm.&nbsp;

"We do not allow predictions that can be interpreted as accusations against individuals or groups of serious malevolent acts, where there is a lack of well-established or expert supporting evidence," responded Google Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, US and Canada Mark Isakowitz.&nbsp;

Google clarified that its systems were the same before and after the failed assassination bid against Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"These protections are not event-specific but rather applied to categories of possible searches. As a result, prior to July 13, 2024, it would have been inappropriate for our systems to offer any predictions involving possible assassination attempts on President Trump. In the immediate aftermath of the horrific events in Butler, PA, these systems were still in place and predictions related to the assassination attempt failed to appear."

"We recognise that these out-of-date systems led to an inadequate user experience," Google added.&nbsp;

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Big Tech is trying to interfere in the election AGAIN to help Kamala Harris. We all know this is intentional election interference from Google. Truly despicable. <a href="https://t.co/gWDbFGaHI7">https://t.co/gWDbFGaHI7</a>
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1817581431243395237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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After Google's reply, Senator&nbsp;Marshall said the search engine company had "openly" admitted to "blocking and eliminating search prompts regarding the assassination attempt on former president Trump".&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Most shocking is their bizarre written defence that Trump's assassination attempt was a 'hypothetical act of political violence' even up to the point of our public inquiry on July 28th," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secret-service-director-grilled-by-lawmakers-on-trump-assassination-attempt-743179" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;US Secret Service director grilled by lawmakers on Trump assassination attempt</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secret-service-director-grilled-by-lawmakers-on-trump-assassination-attempt-743179/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Trump survives</h2>

Notably, 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks, had fired a volley of eight rounds towards the former US president using an AR-15 rifle while he was addressing the rally in an open field in Butler County.

It was only after one of the bullets grazed Trump and killed a rallygoer that the Secret Service was able to neutralise Crooks.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-assassination-attempt-ex-us-president-says-he-will-go-back-to-the-place-where-he-was-shot-749641">Also read | Trump assassination attempt: Ex-US president says he will go back to the place where he was shot</a>

Over a month after the incident, the FBI has not been able to uncover what was Crooks' motive&nbsp;behind the shooting. Crooks' digital footprint was minimal which has forced the authorities to search elsewhere for clues.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Google has admitted that it knowingly omitted the autocomplete search results regarding the assassination attempt against former US president Donald Trump, according to a report in Fox News.

Google has admitted that it knowingly omitted the autocomplete search results regarding the assassination attempt against former US president Donald Trump, according to a report in Fox News. The search giant said the search results were prohibited by design and part of the company's policy for "hypothetical violence against current figures". Google's admission comes after Senator Roger Marshall lodged a complaint against the company and wrote a letter, questioning the search algorithm. "We do not allow predictions that can be interpreted as accusations against individuals or groups of serious malevolent acts, where there is a lack of well-established or expert supporting evidence," responded Google Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, US and Canada Mark Isakowitz. Google clarified that its systems were the same before and after the failed assassination bid against Trump. "These protections are not event-specific but rather applied to categories of possible searches. As a result, prior to July 13, 2024, it would have been inappropriate for our systems to offer any predictions involving possible assassination attempts on President Trump. In the immediate aftermath of the horrific events in Butler, PA, these systems were still in place and predictions related to the assassination attempt failed to appear." "We recognise that these out-of-date systems led to an inadequate user experience," Google added. Big Tech is trying to interfere in the election AGAIN to help Kamala Harris. We all know this is intentional election interference from Google. Truly despicable. https://t.co/gWDbFGaHI7 — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 28, 2024 × After Google's reply, Senator Marshall said the search engine company had "openly" admitted to "blocking and eliminating search prompts regarding the assassination attempt on former president Trump". "Most shocking is their bizarre written defence that Trump's assassination attempt was a 'hypothetical act of political violence' even up to the point of our public inquiry on July 28th," he added. Watch | US Secret Service director grilled by lawmakers on Trump assassination attempt Trump survives Notably, 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks, had fired a volley of eight rounds towards the former US president using an AR-15 rifle while he was addressing the rally in an open field in Butler County. It was only after one of the bullets grazed Trump and killed a rallygoer that the Secret Service was able to neutralise Crooks. Also read | Trump assassination attempt: Ex-US president says he will go back to the place where he was shot Over a month after the incident, the FBI has not been able to uncover what was Crooks' motive behind the shooting. Crooks' digital footprint was minimal which has forced the authorities to search elsewhere for clues. (With inputs from agencies)

'We don't allow...': Google admits omitting Trump's assassination attempt search results

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has blamed 'work from home' as the reason for the company's lagging performance in the artificial intelligence (AI) race.&nbsp;Schmidt said the search engine giant had let go of its lead in the field after it started prioritising work-life balance and remote working.

Schmidt led Google as the CEO between 2001 and 2011 and later as executive chairperson until 2015. He has repeatedly raised concerns over the remote work culture prevalent in the industry after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Google decided that work-life balance and going home early and working from home was more important than winning. And the reason the startups work is because the people work like hell,"&nbsp;Schmidt said in a video going viral on social media.&nbsp;

"I'm sorry to be so blunt, but the fact of the matter is, if you all leave the university and go found a company, you're not going to let people work from home and only come in one day a week if you want to compete against the other startups," Schmidt added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-blames-ai-for-its-carbon-emissions-wion-tech-it-out-738588">Watch |&nbsp;Google blames AI for its carbon emissions | WION Tech It Out</a>

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<h2>'Always the employees fault'</h2>

However,&nbsp;Schmidt's statement did not go down well with the netizens who slammed him for being myopic in his worldview, especially when Google was facing other issues.&nbsp;

One of the users said: "They are losing because they embraced bureaucracy and politics a long time ago. They actively hate half their customers and product is not the first thing on their minds."

"But nothing about how Google stopped innovating and is now being run by MBA’s who can’t innovate out of a paper bag," another commented, while a third added: "Amazing how the fault is always the employees no, never the VPs, never the guys that are on the top of the pyramid."

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Former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, told Stanford students earlier this week that Open AI is beating Google in artificial intelligence because “Google decided that work-life balance and going home early and working from home was more important than winning”😬<a href="https://t.co/Ej5ZYXBuXb">pic.twitter.com/Ej5ZYXBuXb</a>
— Dare Obasanjo🐀 (@Carnage4Life) <a href="https://twitter.com/Carnage4Life/status/1823863193955131683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-not-working-past-6-pm-cost-starbucks-ceo-narasimhan-his-job-internet-speculates-749998">Also read |&nbsp;Not working past 6 pm cost Starbucks CEO Narasimhan his job? Internet speculates</a>

While Schmidt had a go at his former company, reports state that Google mandates its employees to come to the office three days in a five-day workweek. Additionally, the company has started closely monitoring office attendance to give annual appraisals.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has blamed 'work from home' as the reason for the company's lagging performance in the artificial intelligence (AI) race. Schmidt said the search engine giant had let go of its lead in the field after it started prioritising work-life balance and remote working.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has blamed 'work from home' as the reason for the company's lagging performance in the artificial intelligence (AI) race. Schmidt said the search engine giant had let go of its lead in the field after it started prioritising work-life balance and remote working. Schmidt led Google as the CEO between 2001 and 2011 and later as executive chairperson until 2015. He has repeatedly raised concerns over the remote work culture prevalent in the industry after the COVID-19 pandemic. "Google decided that work-life balance and going home early and working from home was more important than winning. And the reason the startups work is because the people work like hell," Schmidt said in a video going viral on social media. "I'm sorry to be so blunt, but the fact of the matter is, if you all leave the university and go found a company, you're not going to let people work from home and only come in one day a week if you want to compete against the other startups," Schmidt added. Watch | Google blames AI for its carbon emissions | WION Tech It Out × 'Always the employees fault' However, Schmidt's statement did not go down well with the netizens who slammed him for being myopic in his worldview, especially when Google was facing other issues. One of the users said: "They are losing because they embraced bureaucracy and politics a long time ago. They actively hate half their customers and product is not the first thing on their minds." "But nothing about how Google stopped innovating and is now being run by MBA’s who can’t innovate out of a paper bag," another commented, while a third added: "Amazing how the fault is always the employees no, never the VPs, never the guys that are on the top of the pyramid." Former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, told Stanford students earlier this week that Open AI is beating Google in artificial intelligence because “Google decided that work-life balance and going home early and working from home was more important than winning”😬pic.twitter.com/Ej5ZYXBuXb — Dare Obasanjo🐀 (@Carnage4Life) August 14, 2024 × Also read | Not working past 6 pm cost Starbucks CEO Narasimhan his job? Internet speculates While Schmidt had a go at his former company, reports state that Google mandates its employees to come to the office three days in a five-day workweek. Additionally, the company has started closely monitoring office attendance to give annual appraisals. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Google CEO blames 'work from home' for company losing in AI race. Netizens school him

Google Event 2024 Live Streaming: Google’s much-awaited 'Made By Google'&nbsp;event is set to take place on 13 August 2024. Google enthusiasts all around the world are filled with enthusiasm for the event.&nbsp;

The star of the event will undoubtedly be the unveiling of the Pixel 9 series. It is expected that Google will introduce several models, including the standard Pixel 9 and a more advanced version of Pixel 9 Pro. The Google Pixel will be available in two sizes, a 6.3 inch Google Pixel 9 Pro and a 6.8 inches 9 Pro XL, making it the first time Google will be providing multiple sizes in the pro category.&nbsp;

As per leaked information, the Google Pixel 9 will be powered by a new 4G Tensor chip, a 6.3-inch display, and 12 GB RAM. The pro models are expected to have 16 GB RAM with storage options up to 1 TB. Google Pixel 9 and Google Pixel 9 Pro will likely have noticeable differences between the models.&nbsp;

'Made By Google' will be broadcast live, offering all the fans a chance to witness the launch live. The live broadcast will be accessible via online streaming, ensuring all the audience around the globe can watch the launch live.&nbsp;

<h2>Google Pixel 9 Launch Live Streaming Details:</h2>

<h2>When will the Google Pixel 9 launch event take place?- Date</h2>

The Google Pixel 9 launch event is scheduled on 13 August 2024.

<h2>When to watch Google Pixel launch event?- Time</h2>

The Google Pixel launch event will begin at 10:30 pm IST.&nbsp;

<h2>Where to watch live-stream of&nbsp;Google Pixel 9 launch event?</h2>

The Google Pixel 9 launch event will be streamed live on YouTube.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Google Event 2024 Live Streaming: Google’s much-awaited 'Made By Google' event is set to take place on 13 August 2024. Google enthusiasts all around the world are filled with enthusiasm for the event.

Google Event 2024 Live Streaming: Google’s much-awaited 'Made By Google' event is set to take place on 13 August 2024. Google enthusiasts all around the world are filled with enthusiasm for the event. The star of the event will undoubtedly be the unveiling of the Pixel 9 series. It is expected that Google will introduce several models, including the standard Pixel 9 and a more advanced version of Pixel 9 Pro. The Google Pixel will be available in two sizes, a 6.3 inch Google Pixel 9 Pro and a 6.8 inches 9 Pro XL, making it the first time Google will be providing multiple sizes in the pro category. As per leaked information, the Google Pixel 9 will be powered by a new 4G Tensor chip, a 6.3-inch display, and 12 GB RAM. The pro models are expected to have 16 GB RAM with storage options up to 1 TB. Google Pixel 9 and Google Pixel 9 Pro will likely have noticeable differences between the models. 'Made By Google' will be broadcast live, offering all the fans a chance to witness the launch live. The live broadcast will be accessible via online streaming, ensuring all the audience around the globe can watch the launch live. Google Pixel 9 Launch Live Streaming Details: When will the Google Pixel 9 launch event take place?- Date The Google Pixel 9 launch event is scheduled on 13 August 2024. When to watch Google Pixel launch event?- Time The Google Pixel launch event will begin at 10:30 pm IST. Where to watch live-stream of Google Pixel 9 launch event? The Google Pixel 9 launch event will be streamed live on YouTube. (With inputs from agencies)

Google Pixel 9 Launch Event 2024 Live Streaming: All you should know

Meta and Google are being&nbsp;accused of conducting a covert advertising campaign that targeted teenagers on YouTube with Instagram ads, in violation of Google's own policies. The ad campaign, reported by the Financial Times, has raised serious concerns about the companies' practices and their adherence to advertising regulations.

The Financial Times reported that Meta and Google collaborated to show Instagram ads to users aged 13 to 17 on YouTube, despite Google's strict policies against advertising to individuals under 18. The ads were aimed at a demographic categorised as "unknown" in Google's advertising system—a label typically used for users whose age, gender, or other demographics are not identified.

The report added that it appears that Google could leverage data from app downloads and online behaviour to accurately infer that many of these "unknown" users were, in fact, teenagers. This manoeuvre effectively dodges the restrictions Google implemented in 2021 which were designed to block ads targeting minors based on their age, gender, or interests.

The campaign was reportedly executed with the assistance of Spark Foundry, a US-based advertising agency. It initially ran in Canada and was tested in the United States in May, with plans for a global rollout. According to the report, the&nbsp;campaign's timing coincided with a decline in Google's ad revenue and a shift of Meta's younger user base to rival platforms like TikTok.

Once the story was out, Google said they launched an internal investigation and promptly cancelled the program.&nbsp;

In a statement, Google said it is committed to protecting minors.

"We prohibit ads being personalised to people under 18, period."&nbsp;

The company also said that it will strengthen its policies and ensure that its sales teams fully comply with these standards to prevent future violations.

Also watch |&nbsp;EU accuses Meta of breaking digital rules with ad-free option

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In 2023, Meta introduced changes to its ad system, removing the option to target users under 18 by gender on Facebook and Instagram. These updates were intended to ensure that teens only see age-appropriate ads relevant to the products and services available in their region.

The development has sparked a broader debate about the extent to which tech companies may go to preserve their influence and advertising revenue, even if it means bending their own rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

Meta and Google are being accused of conducting a covert advertising campaign that targeted teenagers on YouTube with Instagram ads, in violation of Google's own policies.

Meta and Google are being accused of conducting a covert advertising campaign that targeted teenagers on YouTube with Instagram ads, in violation of Google's own policies. The ad campaign, reported by the Financial Times, has raised serious concerns about the companies' practices and their adherence to advertising regulations. The Financial Times reported that Meta and Google collaborated to show Instagram ads to users aged 13 to 17 on YouTube, despite Google's strict policies against advertising to individuals under 18. The ads were aimed at a demographic categorised as "unknown" in Google's advertising system—a label typically used for users whose age, gender, or other demographics are not identified. The report added that it appears that Google could leverage data from app downloads and online behaviour to accurately infer that many of these "unknown" users were, in fact, teenagers. This manoeuvre effectively dodges the restrictions Google implemented in 2021 which were designed to block ads targeting minors based on their age, gender, or interests. The campaign was reportedly executed with the assistance of Spark Foundry, a US-based advertising agency. It initially ran in Canada and was tested in the United States in May, with plans for a global rollout. According to the report, the campaign's timing coincided with a decline in Google's ad revenue and a shift of Meta's younger user base to rival platforms like TikTok. Once the story was out, Google said they launched an internal investigation and promptly cancelled the program. In a statement, Google said it is committed to protecting minors. "We prohibit ads being personalised to people under 18, period." The company also said that it will strengthen its policies and ensure that its sales teams fully comply with these standards to prevent future violations. Also watch | EU accuses Meta of breaking digital rules with ad-free option × In 2023, Meta introduced changes to its ad system, removing the option to target users under 18 by gender on Facebook and Instagram. These updates were intended to ensure that teens only see age-appropriate ads relevant to the products and services available in their region. The development has sparked a broader debate about the extent to which tech companies may go to preserve their influence and advertising revenue, even if it means bending their own rules. (With inputs from agencies)

Google, Meta bend their own rules to target teenagers with ad campaigns: Report

A federal judge has ruled that Google’s search business constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling supports the position of state and federal antitrust enforcers who argued that Google’s dominance in search is unlawful.

Apple could gain advantage from Google’s antitrust loss

A U.S. judge has ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by creating an illegal monopoly through billions in spending, marking a significant win for federal authorities against Big Tech. Watch in for more details!

Google's monopoly over internet search illegal: US

A US judge has thrown out a Republican National Committee lawsuit accusing Alphabet's Google of intentionally misdirecting the political party's email messages to users' spam folders.

Google wins major lawsuit against Republican National Committee

Google's top official in the UK believes that Artificial Intelligence will boost productivity of workers and improve their lives. This is in stark contrast to the belief that AI will make workers across industries jobless.

Can Artificial Intelligence boost your productivity? Here's what experts think

Let's now take a look at the developments from the world of technology.

Musk accuses Google of interfering in 2024 US elections

Google Maps has unveiled a suite of innovative features tailored for India, leveraging artificial intelligence and local collaborations to enhance journey efficiency and sustainability. These advancements are designed to address India's unique transportation challenges, including navigation through narrow streets and flyovers, locating electric vehicle charging stations, and facilitating metro ticket purchases through partnerships with ONDC and Namma Yatri.

&nbsp;

Miriam Daniel, Vice President and General Manager of Google Maps, emphasized the company's ongoing commitment to improving the Maps experience, particularly in India. She highlighted the use of advanced AI and geospatial technologies to tackle complex real-world issues, with many solutions being developed specifically for the Indian market. These include an AI-driven approach for managing narrow roads and flyovers, features to support sustainable travel with EV charging information, and empowering a vast community of map contributors to provide real-time updates on road conditions.

&nbsp;

To assist four-wheeler drivers in navigating narrow or congested roads, Google has introduced a new feature that aims to minimize the use of such routes. This system employs a sophisticated AI model tailored for Indian roads, which analyzes various data points including satellite imagery, Street View information, road types, and building layouts to estimate road widths accurately. The routing algorithms have been refined to guide four-wheelers away from narrow roads when possible, without significantly impacting travel times or distances. This enhancement not only reduces stress for drivers but also benefits other road users such as cyclists and pedestrians by improving safety on narrow streets.

&nbsp;

In cases where narrow roads cannot be avoided, Google Maps now provides clear notifications on its Directions and Navigation interfaces, alerting users to narrow sections along their route. This allows drivers to proceed with caution or consider alternative paths. The feature is being rolled out initially on Android devices in eight Indian cities: Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Indore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati, with plans to expand to iOS and additional cities in the future.

&nbsp;

Recognising the prevalence of flyovers in many Indian cities, Google Maps is introducing a feature to highlight flyovers along recommended routes. This helps users anticipate upcoming elevated roads and prepare accordingly, whether they need to access the flyover or remain on the service road below. This feature is being launched in 40 cities across India for both four-wheeler and two-wheeler navigation on Android apps and Android Auto, with support for iOS and CarPlay coming soon.

&nbsp;

Google plans to make these narrow road and flyover features available to developers through the Google Maps Platform Routes API, enabling integration into third-party apps and services to further enhance location-based experiences in India.

&nbsp;

To support the growing adoption of electric vehicles, Google is introducing detailed information about EV charging stations on both Google Maps and Google Search in India. Through partnerships with leading EV charging providers such as ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam, and Statiq, Google has added comprehensive data for over 8,000 charging stations across the country. Users can now access information on plug types (including those for two-wheelers), real-time availability, and filter results by specific charger types. Notably, this marks the global debut of two-wheeler EV charging station information on Google Maps, with India being the first country to receive this feature.

&nbsp;

In collaboration with ONDC and Namma Yatri, Google Maps is launching a metro ticket booking experience in Kochi and Chennai. This integration allows users to purchase metro tickets directly through Google Maps when searching for public transport directions in these cities, streamlining the journey planning process and eliminating the need to queue at stations.

&nbsp;

Google Maps is also enhancing its incident reporting feature, making it easier for users to share information about road conditions, construction, or traffic incidents. The simplified process allows users to report issues with just a few taps, and even confirm reports from other users, increasing the reliability of crowd-sourced information. This update is available across all platforms - Android, iOS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

&nbsp;

To enhance trip planning and exploration, Google Maps is improving its list creation and sharing capabilities. Users can now collaborate on lists of favourite places, share recommendations, and vote on destinations using emojis. Additionally, Google has partnered with local experts like NDTV Food and MagicPin to curate lists for ten major Indian cities and tourist spots, offering insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and explore.

&nbsp;

These new features and partnerships demonstrate Google's commitment to tailoring its Maps service to the unique needs of the Indian market, leveraging AI and local expertise to provide more efficient, sustainable, and enjoyable navigation experiences for users across the country.

Google Maps has unveiled a suite of innovative features tailored for India, leveraging artificial intelligence and local collaborations to enhance journey efficiency and sustainability.

Google Maps has unveiled a suite of innovative features tailored for India, leveraging artificial intelligence and local collaborations to enhance journey efficiency and sustainability. These advancements are designed to address India's unique transportation challenges, including navigation through narrow streets and flyovers, locating electric vehicle charging stations, and facilitating metro ticket purchases through partnerships with ONDC and Namma Yatri. Miriam Daniel, Vice President and General Manager of Google Maps, emphasized the company's ongoing commitment to improving the Maps experience, particularly in India. She highlighted the use of advanced AI and geospatial technologies to tackle complex real-world issues, with many solutions being developed specifically for the Indian market. These include an AI-driven approach for managing narrow roads and flyovers, features to support sustainable travel with EV charging information, and empowering a vast community of map contributors to provide real-time updates on road conditions. To assist four-wheeler drivers in navigating narrow or congested roads, Google has introduced a new feature that aims to minimize the use of such routes. This system employs a sophisticated AI model tailored for Indian roads, which analyzes various data points including satellite imagery, Street View information, road types, and building layouts to estimate road widths accurately. The routing algorithms have been refined to guide four-wheelers away from narrow roads when possible, without significantly impacting travel times or distances. This enhancement not only reduces stress for drivers but also benefits other road users such as cyclists and pedestrians by improving safety on narrow streets. In cases where narrow roads cannot be avoided, Google Maps now provides clear notifications on its Directions and Navigation interfaces, alerting users to narrow sections along their route. This allows drivers to proceed with caution or consider alternative paths. The feature is being rolled out initially on Android devices in eight Indian cities: Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Indore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati, with plans to expand to iOS and additional cities in the future. Recognising the prevalence of flyovers in many Indian cities, Google Maps is introducing a feature to highlight flyovers along recommended routes. This helps users anticipate upcoming elevated roads and prepare accordingly, whether they need to access the flyover or remain on the service road below. This feature is being launched in 40 cities across India for both four-wheeler and two-wheeler navigation on Android apps and Android Auto, with support for iOS and CarPlay coming soon. Google plans to make these narrow road and flyover features available to developers through the Google Maps Platform Routes API, enabling integration into third-party apps and services to further enhance location-based experiences in India. To support the growing adoption of electric vehicles, Google is introducing detailed information about EV charging stations on both Google Maps and Google Search in India. Through partnerships with leading EV charging providers such as ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam, and Statiq, Google has added comprehensive data for over 8,000 charging stations across the country. Users can now access information on plug types (including those for two-wheelers), real-time availability, and filter results by specific charger types. Notably, this marks the global debut of two-wheeler EV charging station information on Google Maps, with India being the first country to receive this feature. In collaboration with ONDC and Namma Yatri, Google Maps is launching a metro ticket booking experience in Kochi and Chennai. This integration allows users to purchase metro tickets directly through Google Maps when searching for public transport directions in these cities, streamlining the journey planning process and eliminating the need to queue at stations. Google Maps is also enhancing its incident reporting feature, making it easier for users to share information about road conditions, construction, or traffic incidents. The simplified process allows users to report issues with just a few taps, and even confirm reports from other users, increasing the reliability of crowd-sourced information. This update is available across all platforms - Android, iOS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. To enhance trip planning and exploration, Google Maps is improving its list creation and sharing capabilities. Users can now collaborate on lists of favourite places, share recommendations, and vote on destinations using emojis. Additionally, Google has partnered with local experts like NDTV Food and MagicPin to curate lists for ten major Indian cities and tourist spots, offering insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and explore. These new features and partnerships demonstrate Google's commitment to tailoring its Maps service to the unique needs of the Indian market, leveraging AI and local expertise to provide more efficient, sustainable, and enjoyable navigation experiences for users across the country.

Google Maps focuses on India: enhances AI features and navigation

Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz has ended acquisition talks with Google-parent Alphabet. The deal, reportedly valued at 23 billion dollars, would have been alphabet's largest-ever acquisition. But what is the reason for this fallout? Take a look.

Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz ends acquisition talks with Alphabet

Google is planning to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, it said on Monday, after years of pledging to phase out the tiny packets of code meant to track users on the internet.

The major reversal follows concerns from advertisers - the company's biggest source of income - saying the loss of cookies in the world's most popular browser will limit their ability to collect information for personalizing ads, making them dependent on Google's user databases.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority had also scrutinized Google's plan over concerns it would impede competition in digital advertising.

"Instead of deprecating third-party cookies, we would introduce a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing, and they'd be able to adjust that choice at any time," Anthony Chavez, vice president of the Google-backed Privacy Sandbox initiative, said in a blog post.

Since 2019, the Alphabet unit has been working on the Privacy Sandbox initiative aimed at enhancing online privacy while supporting digital businesses, with a key goal being the phase-out of third-party cookies.

Cookies are packets of information that allow websites and advertisers to identify individual web surfers and track their browsing habits, but they can also be used for unwanted surveillance.

In the European Union, the use of cookies is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which stipulates that publishers secure explicit consent from users to store their cookies. Major browsers also give the option to delete cookies on command.

Chavez said Google was working with regulators such as the UK's CMA and Information Commissioner's Office as well as publishers and privacy groups on the new approach, while continuing to invest in the Privacy Sandbox program.

The announcement drew mixed reactions.

"Advertising stakeholders will no longer have to prepare to quit third-party cookies cold turkey," eMarketer analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf said in a statement.

Lena Cohen, staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said cookies can lead to consumer harm, for instance predatory ads that target vulnerable groups. "Google's decision to continue allowing third-party cookies, despite other major browsers blocking them for years, is a direct consequence of their advertising-driven business model," Cohen said in a statement.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Google is planning to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, it said on Monday, after years of pledging to phase out the tiny packets of code meant to track users on the internet.

Google is planning to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, it said on Monday, after years of pledging to phase out the tiny packets of code meant to track users on the internet. The major reversal follows concerns from advertisers - the company's biggest source of income - saying the loss of cookies in the world's most popular browser will limit their ability to collect information for personalizing ads, making them dependent on Google's user databases. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority had also scrutinized Google's plan over concerns it would impede competition in digital advertising. "Instead of deprecating third-party cookies, we would introduce a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing, and they'd be able to adjust that choice at any time," Anthony Chavez, vice president of the Google-backed Privacy Sandbox initiative, said in a blog post. Since 2019, the Alphabet unit has been working on the Privacy Sandbox initiative aimed at enhancing online privacy while supporting digital businesses, with a key goal being the phase-out of third-party cookies. Cookies are packets of information that allow websites and advertisers to identify individual web surfers and track their browsing habits, but they can also be used for unwanted surveillance. In the European Union, the use of cookies is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which stipulates that publishers secure explicit consent from users to store their cookies. Major browsers also give the option to delete cookies on command. Chavez said Google was working with regulators such as the UK's CMA and Information Commissioner's Office as well as publishers and privacy groups on the new approach, while continuing to invest in the Privacy Sandbox program. The announcement drew mixed reactions. "Advertising stakeholders will no longer have to prepare to quit third-party cookies cold turkey," eMarketer analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf said in a statement. Lena Cohen, staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said cookies can lead to consumer harm, for instance predatory ads that target vulnerable groups. "Google's decision to continue allowing third-party cookies, despite other major browsers blocking them for years, is a direct consequence of their advertising-driven business model," Cohen said in a statement. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Google chucks plan to eliminate cookies in Chrome browser

Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz has ended talks with&nbsp;Google-parent Alphabet on a reported $23 billion deal in which it would have become the US&nbsp;tech giant's largest-ever acquisition, according to a Wiz memo seen by Reuters.

Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport said the company would now focus on an initial public offering, as it had planned earlier, and aims to achieve an annual recurring revenue of $1 billion.

"Saying no to such humbling offers is tough, but with our exceptional team, I feel confident in making that choice," Rappaport said in the memo, referring to an acquisition offer.

Neither Alphabet nor Wiz have officially acknowledged deal talks. The Wiz memo did not name&nbsp;Google&nbsp;or Alphabet.

Google&nbsp;did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, while Wiz declined to comment.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/unveiling-the-fiscal-blueprint-analysing-indias-economic-strategy-and-revenue-sources-743273">Unveiling the fiscal blueprint: Analysing India’s economic strategy and revenue sources</a>

Reuters reported earlier this month that Alphabet was in advanced talks to buy Wiz for roughly $23 billion, citing a person familiar with the matter, a valuation nearly double of what Wiz had announced in May, when it raised $1 billion in a private funding round at a $12 billion valuation.

Wiz provides cloud-based cybersecurity solutions that help companies identify and remove critical risks on cloud platforms, powered by artificial intelligence.

Wiz's decision to call off the deal will be a setback for&nbsp;Google, which has been investing in its cloud infrastructure and focusing on winning clients for the cloud business that generated more than $33 billion in revenues last year.

The fallout is a second blow for Alphabet in the M&amp;A space in recent times, after reports of its decision to walk away from a deal for online marketing software company HubSpot.

Wiz would have been Alphabet's second big acquisition in the cybersecurity space, since its $5.4 billion purchase of Mandiant in 2022.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz has ended talks with Google-parent Alphabet on a reported $23 billion deal in which it would have become the US tech giant's largest-ever acquisition, according to a Wiz memo seen by Reuters.

Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz has ended talks with Google-parent Alphabet on a reported $23 billion deal in which it would have become the US tech giant's largest-ever acquisition, according to a Wiz memo seen by Reuters. Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport said the company would now focus on an initial public offering, as it had planned earlier, and aims to achieve an annual recurring revenue of $1 billion. "Saying no to such humbling offers is tough, but with our exceptional team, I feel confident in making that choice," Rappaport said in the memo, referring to an acquisition offer. Neither Alphabet nor Wiz have officially acknowledged deal talks. The Wiz memo did not name Google or Alphabet. Google did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, while Wiz declined to comment. Also Read | Unveiling the fiscal blueprint: Analysing India’s economic strategy and revenue sources Reuters reported earlier this month that Alphabet was in advanced talks to buy Wiz for roughly $23 billion, citing a person familiar with the matter, a valuation nearly double of what Wiz had announced in May, when it raised $1 billion in a private funding round at a $12 billion valuation. Wiz provides cloud-based cybersecurity solutions that help companies identify and remove critical risks on cloud platforms, powered by artificial intelligence. Wiz's decision to call off the deal will be a setback for Google, which has been investing in its cloud infrastructure and focusing on winning clients for the cloud business that generated more than $33 billion in revenues last year. The fallout is a second blow for Alphabet in the M&A space in recent times, after reports of its decision to walk away from a deal for online marketing software company HubSpot. Wiz would have been Alphabet's second big acquisition in the cybersecurity space, since its $5.4 billion purchase of Mandiant in 2022. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Google parent company and Wiz end talks on $23bn deal

Google parent Alphabet shelved plans to acquire online marketing software firm HubSpot weeks ago, a source cited by Reuters&nbsp;said on Wednesday.

The talks never reached a due diligence stage and collapsed weeks after initial conversations, the source said, on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential matters.

On Wednesday, shares of HubSpot plunged by 12 per cent, while shares of Alphabet were up 1.2 per cent. Reuters had reported in April about Alphabet's plan to bid for HubSpot with the help of advisers.

A deal for HubSpot, now valued at $25 billion, had the transaction gone forward, it would have been Alphabet's largest deal on record. However, such a large purchase would likely have attracted scrutiny from antitrust regulators. US authorities have grown very queasy about letting large technology firms expand further through acquisitions.

HubSpot is a marketing software company aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. The company's strategy is to get customers involved in a business brand using inbound marketing, where customers start engagement with a brand. The software offered by the company enables customers to produce interactive advertising content.

During the company's financial results call in May, HubSpot CEO Yamini Rangan emphasised that customer demand was fading. This decrease is attributed to small businesses fearing the economic implications of high interest rates.

It had earlier been reported by Bloomberg that Google pulled out of talks to buy HubSpot. The decision of Alphabet to abandon this deal mirrors, at a larger scale, the broad regulatory and market challenges that large technology companies face when contemplating major acquisitions.

Google parent Alphabet shelved plans to acquire online marketing software firm HubSpot weeks ago, a source cited by Reuters said on Wednesday. The talks never reached a due diligence stage and collapsed weeks after initial conversations, the source said, on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential matters.

Google parent Alphabet shelved plans to acquire online marketing software firm HubSpot weeks ago, a source cited by Reuters said on Wednesday. The talks never reached a due diligence stage and collapsed weeks after initial conversations, the source said, on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential matters. On Wednesday, shares of HubSpot plunged by 12 per cent, while shares of Alphabet were up 1.2 per cent. Reuters had reported in April about Alphabet's plan to bid for HubSpot with the help of advisers. A deal for HubSpot, now valued at $25 billion, had the transaction gone forward, it would have been Alphabet's largest deal on record. However, such a large purchase would likely have attracted scrutiny from antitrust regulators. US authorities have grown very queasy about letting large technology firms expand further through acquisitions. HubSpot is a marketing software company aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. The company's strategy is to get customers involved in a business brand using inbound marketing, where customers start engagement with a brand. The software offered by the company enables customers to produce interactive advertising content. During the company's financial results call in May, HubSpot CEO Yamini Rangan emphasised that customer demand was fading. This decrease is attributed to small businesses fearing the economic implications of high interest rates. It had earlier been reported by Bloomberg that Google pulled out of talks to buy HubSpot. The decision of Alphabet to abandon this deal mirrors, at a larger scale, the broad regulatory and market challenges that large technology companies face when contemplating major acquisitions.

Google parent Alphabet scrapped plan to acquire HubSpot weeks ago, source says

Artificial intelligence has the potential to be incredibly useful and is already transforming industries and economies globally. However, this same exciting technology is also harming our environment. This report provides more details on the issue.

Google blames AI for its carbon emissions | WION Tech It Out

Google has teamed up with BlackRock to drive solar energy development in Taiwan. The partnership aims to build a massive 1-gigawatt solar capacity pipeline, powering Google's data centers and cloud regions in the region. This initiative comes amid rising demand for digital services, fueled by artificial intelligence, requiring sustainable energy solutions. The capital investment by google in new green power, a BlackRock-backed Taiwanese solar developer, will help expand clean energy on Taiwan's electricity grid. Google's commitment supports its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, extending the benefits of renewable energy to its supply chain partners and local manufacturers.

Blackrock-backed solar project with Google

Take a look at all the news from the world of technology.

Social media platform X makes likes private to enhance user privacy

EU hits China EVs with upto 38% tariffs | South Korea: Google, Apple fined

Humanoid robots are creating quite a buzz in the tech space. A Chinese company is developing unbelievably lifelike robots capable of mimicking human emotions. Watch this story for more details.

Robots becoming more human than ever | Gravitas

Let's get you a flavor what's happening in the world of technology: Researchers at Cambridge University have unveiled a new controllable extra thumb to enhance productivity. Top EU court backs Amazon, Google, Airbnb in dispute over Italian law. Watch to know more!

Robotic 'third thumb' promises to enhance productivity

In an interesting turn of events the tech giant accidentally published internal documents related to Google search giving an insight into some of the most important elements Google takes into consideration when ranking and displaying web results. Watch in for more details!

Google search leak unearths treasure trove of SEO data

Google apparently "lied" about how its Search algorithm works after the actual inner workings of the search engine were revealed to the public in a massive data leak. Watch in for more details!

Google search's internal engineering documentation leaked

Google's new artificial intelligence (AI) search feature is facing criticism for providing erratic, inaccurate answers. Its experimental "AI Overviews" tool has told some users searching for how to make cheese stick to pizza better that they could use "non-toxic glue". Watch in for more details!

Gravitas: Google introduces AI in search; faces criticism for inaccurate, erratic answers

Google AI overviews: Far from perfect

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