As the curtain closes on Google Assistant’s decade-long reign, the technology world is left wondering what lies ahead. This seemingly abrupt end-of-life announcement marks a significant shift in the voice assistant landscape, with far-reaching implications for users and the industry as a whole.

The Evolution of Voice Assistants

Google Assistant’s inception in 2016 marked a milestone in the evolution of voice assistants. Initially, it was designed to provide a simple yet effective way to interact with devices using voice commands. The classic “Hey Google” wake phrase became synonymous with smart home control and information retrieval. While its functionality has remained largely unchanged since then, the Assistant’s rigid deterministic architecture limited its capabilities.

In a surprising turn of events, the popular Gemini app has been beset by a bug that has reversed several key features and UI elements on Android devices. As users of the stable and beta channels with Google app 17.14 have discovered over the past day or so, the experience has taken an unexpected step back in time.

One of the most notable changes is the disappearance of the “Temporary chat” button from the top-right corner of the screen next to the user’s avatar. This feature, which allowed for quick and easy temporary chats with other users, has been a staple of the Gemini app since its inception. Its sudden removal has left many wondering if it will be restored in the near future.

In a significant development, AI chip startup Cerebras Systems has filed to go public, marking a major milestone in its rapid ascent to becoming one of the most valuable privately held companies in the industry. The company’s decision to go public comes after a tumultuous year, which saw it raise a whopping $2.1 billion in funding and announce several high-profile partnerships.

Cerebras’ impressive journey began when it started building what CEO Andrew Feldman describes as “the fastest AI hardware for training and inference.” This unique value proposition has enabled the company to carve out a niche for itself in the highly competitive AI chip market, which is dominated by industry giants like Nvidia. In recent months, Cerebras has made significant strides in solidifying its position through strategic partnerships with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and OpenAI.

The news industry was abuzz with the announcement that renowned venture capitalist Ron Conway has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. The entrepreneur and investor, known for his successful career in Silicon Valley, shared the information on X, a platform where he regularly updates his followers about his latest endeavors. In a heartfelt post, Conway revealed that he will be scaling back some of his activities to focus on his treatment while continuing to support the founders backed by his firm, SV Angel.

The recent ruling by Judge Jorge L. Alonso in the Northern District of Illinois has sent a strong message that the Trump administration’s attempts to silence groups and apps tracking ICE activities violate the fundamental right to free speech enshrined in the First Amendment. The judge granted a preliminary injunction to Kassandra Rosado, the administrator of the ICE Sightings – Chicagoland Facebook group, and Kreisau Group, the developers of Eyes Up, a mobile app designed to track ICE activity.

In a surprising twist, the App Store is experiencing a resurgence in new app launches, defying predictions that AI-powered chatbots and agents would render mobile applications obsolete. According to market intelligence provider Appfigures, worldwide app releases in Q1 2026 saw a whopping 60% year-over-year growth across both Apple’s App Store and Google Play, with the iOS App Store alone witnessing an even more impressive 80% increase.

The resurgence of new app launches can be attributed, in part, to the emergence of AI-powered tools that make it easier for creators without technical expertise to design mobile software. This democratization of app development has led to a proliferation of innovative ideas and novel applications, which are now flooding the App Store. The data suggests that certain categories, such as productivity apps, utilities, lifestyle apps, and health and fitness applications, have seen significant increases in new releases.

The ongoing saga surrounding AI startup Anthropic and its relationship with the Trump administration has taken a surprising turn, with reports indicating that high-level officials are still engaging with the company despite recent tensions. The development is all the more noteworthy given the Pentagon’s decision to designate Anthropic as a supply-chain risk, a designation typically reserved for foreign adversaries.

At the heart of the issue is Anthropic’s commitment to maintaining safeguards around its technology, specifically regarding its use in fully autonomous weapons and mass domestic surveillance. This stance has led to failed negotiations with the military, prompting the Pentagon to take action against the company. However, it appears that other agencies within the Trump administration are more receptive to Anthropic’s technology.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the digital age, one trend stands out as particularly significant: the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In this installment of Installer, we’ll take a closer look at the latest developments in AI and explore what they mean for our daily lives.

First up is OpenAI’s Codex, an all-in-one AI superapp that’s generating buzz among tech enthusiasts. Codex promises to simplify coding tasks and provide a seamless user experience, leveraging the power of AI to make complex processes more accessible. With its web browser, new coding tools, and “use my computer for me” setting, Codex has the potential to democratize AI development, making it easier for non-experts to create innovative solutions.

Vacations are the perfect time to unwind with a great game, and I found just that in “People of Note”, a music-themed RPG from Annapurna Interactive and Iridium Studios. As an aspiring pop singer named Cadence, you embark on a journey to outperform a popular boy band, only to discover a sprawling adventure where the fate of the world is decided by your ragtag band. What makes this game truly special is its relentless focus on music.

The latest offering from Dyson, the $99.99 handheld fan, has left many wondering if its promise of powerful performance and sleek design can truly deliver. In a world where portability and ease-of-use are paramount, this device seeks to revolutionize the way we beat the heat on-the-go. But just how effective is it in reality?

A Delicate Balance between Power and Portability

One of the standout features of the HushJet Mini Cool is its compact design, which manages to pack an impressive amount of power into a package that’s only 38mm in diameter. This remarkable feat of engineering allows for a motor, rechargeable battery, and spinning blades to be safely contained within a cylindrical body that’s easy to slip into a pocket. In comparison, many handheld fans rely on flexible or folding blades that leave exposed moving parts, making them less than ideal for kids or those who value safety.