From ZDNET · 40 stories
Google Wallet Introduces Supervised Balances for Minors in the US
Google Wallet has launched a new feature allowing parents in the US to set up secure digital balances for children under 18. This enables minors to make tap-to-pay purchases using Android or Wear OS devices where Google Pay is accepted, without needing a bank account, while parents can monitor spending and set limits.
Samsung Unpacked 2026 Introduces Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and Galaxy Watch 9 Series
Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, alongside the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, at its Unpacked 2026 event in London. The new devices feature enhancements in design, battery life, and processing power, with preorders now available and sales beginning August 7.
Google Maps Adds Food Ordering, Hotel Booking, and Event Ticket Capabilities
Google Maps has expanded its "Ask Maps" feature with new agentic capabilities, allowing users to order food, book hotels, and find event tickets directly within the application. This update integrates "Personal Intelligence," which uses data from Gmail and Google Calendar to personalize responses, transforming Google Maps into a more comprehensive assistant for real-world tasks. The new features are rolling out in English to over 150 countries.
LG to Suspend Smart TV Apps Using Residential Proxies
LG Electronics USA will ban apps on its smart TVs that use residential proxy technology after research revealed over 42% of apps on its webOS store included such features. This decision aims to enhance user security and ensure that smart TVs are not misused as proxy nodes.
Google Enhances Gemini AI and Pre-installs Gemini Notebook on New Samsung Foldables
Google has announced updates to its Gemini Intelligence platform at Galaxy Unpacked 2026, which includes expanded AI task automation now supporting over 40 apps, and the introduction of Gemini Notebook pre-installed on Samsung's latest foldable devices. The task automation upgrades enable users to manage tasks through advanced AI capabilities, increasing productivity on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8.
Linus Torvalds Backs AI Tools in Linux Development Amid Community Debate
Linus Torvalds has confirmed his support for using AI tools in Linux development, amid controversy over AI-generated code. He emphasized Linux will not take an anti-AI stance and suggested dissenters fork the project or leave. This stance reflects AI's growing role in open-source projects.
Microsoft Removes Ads from Windows 11 Search Box for Cleaner Experience
Microsoft is testing a refined Windows 11 Search Box through the Windows Insider program, featuring a decluttered interface and the removal of advertisements in web searches. These changes aim to enhance user experience by prioritizing recent searches and presenting relevant local content without promotional clutter, addressing user feedback.
Google Updates Android Backup Policy to Include All Data Types in Storage Limit
Starting July 7, Google will include all Android backup data types, such as SMS and device settings, in its Google Account storage calculations, impacting new and existing users. This change, which may increase backup sizes by 40MB on average, gives users more control over backup data and aligns with broader storage policy adjustments.
Ernst & Young Discloses Data Breach: Client Tax Information Compromised
Ernst & Young experienced a data breach via a third-party support system, compromising clients' personal and financial data. The breach, spanning March 28 to April 12, included sensitive tax information, with notifications sent to affected clients and state regulators. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities associated with third-party IT services.
Ransomware Payment Dilemma Intensifies Amid Sophisticated Threat Landscape
Ransomware attacks have surged, with nearly half of victims opting to pay attackers. Many jurisdictions, including the UK, are proposing bans on public sector ransom payments due to the inefficacy of negotiations and the risk of repeated attacks. Advanced AI tools and strategic targeting increase the threat level, complicating response strategies.
Google Uses User-Uploaded Search Media for AI Training, Opt-Out Available
Google has updated its privacy settings to include user-uploaded media, such as images and audio, in AI training. Users are automatically opted in unless they choose to opt out via new settings affecting various Google search services. This move reflects broader tech industry trends in utilizing personal data for AI development, raising privacy concerns.
Microsoft Utilizes AI to Enhance Windows Security Updates Frequency and Efficiency
Microsoft announced the integration of AI to improve the frequency and effectiveness of Windows security updates. Using advanced AI models, Microsoft seeks to accelerate the detection of vulnerabilities in its codebase. This change aims to improve protections against increasingly AI-driven cyber threats.
DuckDuckGo Browser Now Blocks YouTube Video Ads Using Community Filters
DuckDuckGo has released a feature that blocks video ads, including those on YouTube, on its browser. This feature, based on community-maintained filter lists and additional rules for compatibility, is enabled by default on iOS, Windows, and Mac, with Android support to follow. Users can enjoy ad-free video playback while maintaining privacy, but may experience longer buffering times.
73% of Tech Job Listings Now Require AI Skills Amid Job Market Shift
A report indicates that 73% of tech job listings in the U.S. currently require AI skills, a significant increase from 15% in January 2024. This shift reflects the growing expectation among employers for job seekers to demonstrate practical AI fluency alongside their domain expertise.
Linux kernel will increasingly adopt Rust programming language
The Linux kernel is moving towards integrating Rust for some subsystems, as stated by maintainer Greg Kroah-Hartman. Rust's ownership and type system could significantly reduce the number of common vulnerabilities, estimated to eliminate around 80% of current issues caused by C programming errors.
AI chatbots produce predictable passwords, research reveals security risks
Research indicates that passwords generated by AI chatbots like Claude and ChatGPT display predictable patterns, undermining their security. The findings suggest that using trusted password generators is a safer alternative for creating secure passwords.
IBM and Red Hat launch Lightwell to protect open-source from AI attacks
IBM and Red Hat launched Lightwell, a service aimed at defending open-source software from AI-driven attacks. The initiative includes two offerings: Lightwell Network and Lightwell Clearinghouse Premier, both designed to secure open-source components at scale, addressing vulnerabilities identified by AI.
Linux Desktop Market Share Reaches Over 10% in North America, Data Suggests
Statcounter reported that Linux desktop usage in North America reached 10.65% in July 2026, marking its first time in double digits for the region. This increase is partly attributed to a reduction in Statcounter's "Unknown" category, suggesting improved classification rather than a mass migration of users. Other data sources, including the US federal government's Digital Analytics Program and Cloudflare, also indicate significant Linux desktop usage, with Cloudflare observing a peak of 22% on a specific workday.
Google Maps Rolls Out 3D 'Immersive Navigation' for Android Auto
Google Maps has launched its 3D 'Immersive Navigation' feature for Android Auto, enhancing visual clarity and navigation. The update provides detailed 3D visuals of buildings and lanes, coupled with AI-guided voice navigation. It aims to improve navigation experiences, particularly in urban areas.
Flock Cameras Expand Surveillance Across U.S., Sparking Privacy Concerns
Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are using Flock cameras, initially for vehicle tracking, to search for individuals through detailed descriptions. This usage extends beyond license plate recognition, incorporating AI to track people based on physical characteristics or affiliations. The widespread deployment of 90,000 cameras has raised significant privacy concerns due to lack of public consent.
Firefox 153 Introduces Native Containers for Better Privacy Management
Firefox 153 introduces a native Containers feature, allowing users to separate online activities by context within the same browser. This integration enhances user privacy by isolating cookies and ad tracking across different accounts and workflows.
Microsoft Tests Cloud Rebuild for Remote Windows 11 Recovery
Microsoft is testing Cloud Rebuild for Windows 11, allowing remote OS reinstalls from the cloud. This feature, in Insider Preview, provides a clean reinstall, handling device drivers and updates automatically without USB media, even if the OS won't boot. It enhances recovery options beyond 'Reset this PC', crucial for fixing persistent system issues.
Tor Project Releases Snowflake Volunteer Android App to Combat Censorship
The Tor Project, in collaboration with Bloco and Guardian Project, released the Snowflake Volunteer Android app on the Google Play Store. This app allows users to turn their smartphones into Snowflake proxies, enabling others in censored regions to access the Tor Network.
Google Images Revamps Homepage with Personalized Gallery and AI Features
Google Images is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a redesigned homepage. The update introduces a dynamic, personalized image gallery and includes AI features like image generation via Nano Banana 2 Lite. These changes aim to enhance user engagement and improve the visual search experience.
Microsoft Details Windows 11 Performance and Reliability Improvements
Microsoft has released a progress report outlining improvements to Windows 11 focusing on reliability, performance, stability, and usability. This initiative follows an open letter from Windows boss Pavan Davuluri earlier this year, addressing user feedback regarding the operating system's experience over the past five years. Fixes are planned for components like File Explorer, Search, and Start.
Apple Releases Emergency Fix for macOS Screen Sharing Vulnerability
Apple has issued an urgent software update for macOS to patch a critical vulnerability in the Screen Sharing feature. This flaw could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access and control over a Mac without needing valid credentials, posing a significant security risk.
Wi-Fi 7 Adoption Quadruples in US, Driven by Cable and Fiber Providers
Wi-Fi 7 adoption in the US quadrupled year-over-year between Q1 2025 and Q2 2026, reaching 7.2% of deployed routers, according to Ookla's Speedtest data. This growth is largely due to aggressive bundling of Wi-Fi 7 gateways by cable operators like Charter and Comcast, and significant upgrades by fiber providers such as CenturyLink and Frontier.
75% of European Businesses Fear US Tech 'Kill Switch', Proton Survey Reveals
A Proton survey of 1,500 European business decision-makers found that 75% fear a "kill switch" scenario where access to US tech services is revoked, with over half estimating they could operate for only one day or less without these services. This concern highlights growing anxieties about digital sovereignty and geopolitical risks associated with reliance on a few major US tech providers. The survey indicates a potential shift in strategy for businesses globally, including those in the US, to mitigate such risks.
CrowdStrike Report Warns AI is Both a Cyber Weapon and a Target for Attackers
CrowdStrike's 2026 Threat Hunting Report states that AI models and tools are being weaponized by cybercriminals, making AI both a target and a weapon in cyberattacks. This development forces businesses to re-evaluate defensive strategies as AI-driven attack signals outpace manual handling capabilities.
AI Shopping Searches Increased 200% Annually, Becoming Top Priority for Commerce Leaders
Salesforce's State of Commerce report indicates that agentic AI use in online shopping grew 200% year-over-year, making AI implementation and expansion the top priority for commerce leaders. This surge in AI adoption is raising customer expectations and presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses in the e-commerce sector.
CDW Survey: 43% of Companies Experienced AI-Enhanced Phishing Attacks
A new CDW survey reveals that 43% of organizations have experienced AI-enhanced or AI-generated phishing attacks, and 37% encountered AI-augmented malware. This indicates an increasing use of AI in cyberattacks, prompting 41% of companies to plan investments in AI-driven threat detection systems.
International Standards Bodies Propose JPEG Trust Additions to Combat AI Image Fraud
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) introduced two additions to their JPEG Trust standards to help verify image authenticity. These standards aim to provide tools for distinguishing real images from AI-generated content, addressing a growing credibility crisis and potential financial fraud losses estimated to reach $40 billion by 2027.
AI Boosts Evolution of Software Models, Leading to Hybrid Services
The emergence of AI is transforming the software landscape, leading to a shift towards hybrid models that combine software and services. Experts argue that while the traditional SaaS model is evolving, businesses continue to seek solutions that seamlessly integrate AI capabilities without abandoning SaaS frameworks.
Ookla ranks T-Mobile as best mobile carrier and AT&T Fiber as top internet provider
Ookla's latest Speedtest Connectivity Report ranks T-Mobile as the best mobile carrier and AT&T Fiber as the top internet provider in the US for the first half of 2026. T-Mobile achieved the highest speeds, including median download speeds of 275.55 Mbps and the best 5G performance, highlighting significant advantages in both speed and connection consistency over AT&T and Verizon.
Android 17 introduces Intrusion Logging to monitor suspicious activity
Android 17 has introduced Intrusion Logging, a feature that logs and stores security events on devices. This feature helps users diagnose issues related to security and app activity, ensuring greater transparency and control over device behavior.
Survey reveals tech workers fear more workload due to AI, not job loss
A survey of 6,000 tech professionals shows that their primary concern is increased workload without pay increase due to AI advancements. The sentiments indicate rising burnout and declining optimism among tech workers, who report feeling squeezed by higher expectations as AI capabilities grow.
Fitbit Air Shows Less Accuracy Compared to Polar H10 in Heart Rate Tests
A comparison test reveals that the Fitbit Air is less accurate than the Polar H10 chest strap when measuring heart rates during workouts. This finding highlights ongoing challenges in the accuracy of consumer wearable heart rate monitors, which generally prioritize general fitness tracking over clinical precision.
Middle managers key to AI adoption, with high accountability and optimism
A Salesforce survey reveals that over two-thirds of middle managers are optimistic about AI's impact on work, with 78% feeling accountable for their teams' AI adoption. Managers are reporting significant time savings and recognize their role in facilitating AI's integration into business processes.
Windows 11 Focus Sessions Introduce New Productivity Features
Windows 11 has integrated Focus Sessions in the Clock app, consolidating productivity tools.
Firewally: A Free Mac App for Controlling Internet Access of Applications
Firewally, a new free app available on the Apple App Store, allows Mac users to control which applications can access the internet. This additional layer of control enhances MacOS security by enabling users to set default policies and block app access when necessary.