Google is finally undoing one of Gmail’s longest standing frustrations. Users who have been stuck for years with outdated or embarrassing email addresses now have a way out that does not involve starting over. A newly updated Google support document confirms that Gmail accounts can now be assigned a new address while keeping the same account, inbox, and data intact. [Read more…]
Google Says the Quiet Part Out Loud: The Open Web Is Dying
In a legal filing meant to defend its advertising empire, Google may have inadvertently said what many in the industry have long suspected: the open web is in serious decline. That’s the phrase the company used in its September 5 court response as it fights against a proposed breakup of its ad business. At stake is whether Google must divest its AdX advertising exchange—an engine that has helped it dominate online display advertising for years.
But in trying to save itself from being carved up by the Department of Justice, Google made an unexpected pivot. After years of insisting that traffic from search is strong and the web is flourishing, the company is now warning that forced divestment could speed up what it calls the “rapid decline” of the open web.
So which is it? A healthy ecosystem driving billions of dollars in value—or a fragile economy on the brink of collapse? [Read more…]
Gmail Mobile Is Auto-Summarizing Your Emails, No Permission Needed
Gmail users on Android and iOS are about to see a lot more AI, whether they ask for it or not. Google has started rolling out a new update that automatically generates summaries for emails in the mobile app. The summaries, powered by Gemini, will show up at the top of the message view—no tapping required.
Previously, users had to opt in by pressing a “Summarize this email” button. That’s gone. Now, Gmail will decide when a summary might be useful and insert it without prompting. Google hasn’t said exactly what criteria it uses to trigger a summary, but the company hints it’s targeting long messages or email threads with multiple replies. In practice, it’s likely going to be a low bar. Google’s been eager to boost user engagement with its AI tools across its entire product line. [Read more…]
