Google is expanding its video editing tool, Google Vids, with new AI-powered features and a free consumer version. Originally launched last year as part of the Google Workspace suite, Vids now includes AI avatars, automatic transcript trimming, and image-to-video tools, making video creation more accessible for businesses and individuals alike.

AI Avatars for Workspace Users

Similar to what companies like Synthesia and D-ID offer, Google is introducing AI avatars to help businesses create training and educational videos without the cost of professional production. Users can upload a script, select from a variety of avatars with different voices and personas, and quickly generate videos.

This feature, first previewed during Google I/O in May, is now moving out of beta and becoming widely available to Workspace users.

Smarter Editing Tools

Google is also adding several tools designed to simplify video editing:

• Filler Word Removal: Automatically detects “um,” “ah,” and long pauses, allowing users to cut them with a single click.
• Image-to-Video Generation: Powered by Google’s Veo 3 model, this tool transforms still images into eight-second video clips.
• Coming Soon: Features like noise cancellation, customizable backgrounds, and support for multiple video formats, including portrait, landscape, and square.

Free Consumer Version

For the first time, Google is making Vids available to general users through a free consumer version. While it won’t include AI-powered features, it will offer:

• Basic editing controls
• Access to Google’s template library
• A collection of fonts and stock media

This move makes Vids appealing to both professionals who need advanced AI tools and everyday users looking for a simple editor.

Availability

The AI features will be accessible to:

• Workspace Business or Enterprise Starter users
• Google AI Pro or Ultra subscribers
• Workspace for Education customers

The consumer version provides a lightweight alternative for those who don’t require advanced tools.

Conclusion

With these updates, Google Vids is positioning itself as a strong player in the AI video editing space. By combining AI avatars, automatic editing tools, and image-to-video capabilities with a consumer-friendly version, Google is lowering the barriers to creating professional-quality video content.

Anthropic has launched a research preview of Claude for Chrome, a browser-based AI agent built on its Claude models. The preview is initially available to 1,000 subscribers on Anthropic’s Max plan, which costs between $100 and $200 per month. A waitlist has also been opened for other interested users.

How Claude for Chrome Works

Through a simple Chrome extension, users can chat with Claude in a side panel that stays aware of their browsing activity. In addition to conversation, Claude can be granted permission to perform certain tasks within the browser, making it easier to manage research, workflows, and everyday online activities.

This launch highlights the browser as the next major focus for AI companies. Perplexity recently introduced its AI-powered browser, Comet, while OpenAI is reportedly preparing a similar product. At the same time, Google has been steadily building Gemini integrations into Chrome.

Safety and Security Challenges

AI agents with browser access also bring potential security risks. Recently, Brave’s security team found vulnerabilities in Perplexity’s Comet, warning that hidden website code could trick the agent into carrying out malicious instructions — a tactic known as prompt injection.

Anthropic has acknowledged these risks, framing this release as a research preview to identify and address them. The company reports that its interventions have reduced the success rate of prompt injection attempts from 23.6% to 11.2%.

Additional safety measures include:

• Blocking access to financial services, adult sites, and pirated content by default.
• Requesting explicit user permission before sensitive actions like publishing, purchasing, or sharing personal data.
• Allowing users to control which sites the agent can access in settings.

A Step Beyond Previous Experiments

This is not Anthropic’s first attempt at building AI agents with direct system control. In October 2024, the company released an AI agent capable of controlling PCs, though it struggled with speed and reliability. Since then, agentic AI models have advanced, with products like Comet and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent showing consistent performance on basic tasks.

Even so, these systems continue to face challenges when handling complex, multi-step processes — a problem Anthropic and its rivals are still working to solve.

Conclusion

The release of Claude for Chrome shows how quickly AI is becoming part of the browsing experience. While the potential for productivity and workflow improvements is significant, security remains the central challenge. By starting with a smaller group of users, Anthropic aims to refine its approach before wider adoption.

The race to build the first truly reliable AI-powered browser is now well underway, with Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and Perplexity all competing to shape the future of how we use the web.

Google is taking a big step to improve Android security. Starting in 2026, developers who distribute apps outside the Play Store will also be required to verify their identities. Until now, this verification was only necessary for apps published through Google Play, but soon it will apply across the entire Android ecosystem.

Why Google Is Making This Change

For years, Android’s openness has been both a strength and a weakness. Users could download apps not only from the Play Store but also from alternative app stores or through direct sideloading. While this flexibility gave developers more freedom, it also created opportunities for bad actors to spread malware, steal data, or carry out fraud.

Google says the numbers speak for themselves: apps sideloaded from the internet carried more than 50 times more malware than those from the Play Store. Since 2023, Play Store apps have required developer verification, and the company has seen notable security improvements. Now, it wants to bring that same protection to every Android device.

How the Rollout Will Work

Google plans to introduce the new system gradually:

• October 2025: Developers can sign up for early access to test verification and provide feedback.
• March 2026: Verification becomes mandatory for all developers.
• September 2026: The rules will first apply in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
• 2027 and beyond: The requirements will expand globally across all certified Android devices.

What Developers Will Need to Do

To meet the requirements, developers will have to provide their legal name, address, email, and phone number. While this may be straightforward for established companies, independent developers might have concerns about privacy. Many may choose to register as a business to protect their personal details.

Google acknowledges these challenges and says it will offer a separate account type for students and hobbyist developers, making sure they can continue building apps without facing the same obligations as commercial publishers.

A Step Similar to Apple’s

Google’s new rules echo Apple’s recent move in the European Union, where the company now requires developers to disclose their “trader status” under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Both companies are moving toward greater transparency in app distribution, though Android will still remain more open than Apple’s tightly controlled system.

What This Means for Users and Developers

For users, these changes are likely to mean a safer experience when downloading apps from any source on their Android device. For developers, the update signals a shift toward accountability and transparency. While larger companies may adapt easily, independent creators will need to navigate new challenges around privacy and compliance.

Conclusion

Google’s decision to extend developer verification beyond the Play Store represents a major change for the Android ecosystem. By prioritizing safety and reducing anonymity, the company is aiming to protect users from the risks that have long accompanied open distribution. At the same time, it raises important questions for independent developers about how to balance privacy with the need to comply.

Meta is stepping up its AI game with a major partnership. The company has struck a licensing deal with Midjourney, the popular AI startup known for its cutting-edge image and video generation tools. The collaboration was confirmed by Meta’s Chief AI Officer, Alexandr Wang, in a post on Threads.

According to Wang, the partnership will strengthen Meta’s research and product pipeline, ensuring that the company can deliver best-in-class AI experiences. He emphasized that Meta’s strategy involves combining top-tier talent, advanced computing power, and partnerships with industry leaders like Midjourney.

Why This Matters

The deal positions Meta to compete more directly with leading AI players such as OpenAI’s Sora, Google’s Veo, and Black Forest Lab’s Flux. While Meta already has its own AI tools — including the Imagine image generator and Movie Gen for video creation — Midjourney’s expertise in hyper-realistic and stylistically unique outputs could push Meta’s offerings to the next level.

Meta’s AI Ambitions

This is the latest in a string of bold AI moves from Meta. Earlier this year, CEO Mark Zuckerberg went on an aggressive hiring spree, offering top researchers compensation packages exceeding $100 million. The company also invested $14 billion in Scale AI and acquired voice AI startup Play AI.

Reports suggest Meta has been in talks with several AI labs about potential acquisitions. At one point, the company even considered buying Midjourney outright, though the startup chose to remain independent.

Midjourney’s Position

Founded in 2022, Midjourney quickly emerged as a leader in AI creativity, generating around $200 million in revenue by 2023. The platform runs on a subscription model starting at $10 per month, with advanced tiers priced up to $120 per month for heavy users. In June, Midjourney expanded its scope by launching its first video-generation model, V1.

Despite its growth, Midjourney has faced legal battles. Both Disney and Universal filed lawsuits this year, accusing the startup of using copyrighted works to train its AI systems. However, recent court rulings on similar cases have largely favored tech companies, providing some cover for Midjourney and its peers.

Conclusion

Meta’s partnership with Midjourney signals a clear push to dominate the AI content generation space. By combining its massive reach with Midjourney’s creative technology, Meta could soon deliver more powerful tools across Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger — putting it in direct competition with the biggest players in AI innovation.

At the Made by Google 2025 event, Google introduced the Pixel Watch 4, its latest smartwatch designed to push the boundaries of connectivity, fitness tracking, and on-wrist AI. Available in two sizes — 41mm and 45mm — the Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349 for the Wi-Fi version and $449 for LTE, while the larger 45mm model starts at $399 (Wi-Fi) and $499 (LTE).

A Refined Design and Brighter Display

The Pixel Watch 4 features a domed Actua 360 display with a curved design that delivers a 10% larger active area and 16% slimmer bezels. The screen itself is now 50% brighter, reaching up to 3,000 nits, making it easier to see in direct sunlight.

Emergency Satellite Communication

For the first time, LTE models of the Pixel Watch 4 come with standalone satellite communication. This allows users to connect with emergency services via geo-stationary satellites, even when off the grid. The feature is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform, giving users peace of mind during outdoor adventures.

Smarter AI at Your Wrist

Google has made Gemini more accessible on the Pixel Watch 4. Instead of pressing buttons or using voice prompts, users can simply raise their wrist to access Gemini for quick answers or assistance.

The watch also includes on-device AI features, such as Smart Replies that suggest context-aware responses during conversations. Under the hood, a new ML-powered co-processor runs 25% faster while using half the power, delivering improved efficiency for AI-driven tasks.

Battery and Charging Improvements

Battery life has been extended to 30 hours on the 41mm model and up to 40 hours on the 45mm model — a 25% increase compared to the Pixel Watch 3. Google also introduced a new fast-charging dock, making recharging more convenient.

Additionally, the Pixel Watch 4 is water-resistant up to 50 meters and, for the first time, is serviceable with a replaceable battery and display, extending its usability.

Advanced Health and Fitness Tracking

Health and fitness remain central to the Pixel Watch 4 experience. The watch now offers:

• 18% more accurate sleep tracking, including classification of all sleep stages
• A new Skin Temperature sensor for detecting well-being changes
• Dual-frequency GPS for more precise route tracking, even in challenging environments
• AI-powered workout detection for automatically recognizing activities users forget to log
• New exercise modes, including basketball and pickleball

Google also unveiled a personal AI health coach, designed to give users fitness and sleep coaching tailored to their individual goals. This feature allows users to ask questions like “What’s the best way to fight jet lag?” or “Is this cold plunge healthy for me?” The health coach preview will roll out in the U.S. this October for Fitbit and Pixel Watch users.

Availability

The Pixel Watch 4 is available for preorder today and officially launches on October 9, 2025.

Conclusion

With a brighter domed display, emergency satellite support, longer battery life, and powerful AI health features, the Pixel Watch 4 is Google’s most advanced smartwatch yet. It blends everyday convenience with life-saving technology, making it a strong contender in the premium wearable space.

At the Made by Google 2025 event, Google unveiled its latest foldable flagship — the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Priced at $1,799, this premium device arrives alongside the new Pixel 10 lineup, bringing a redesigned hinge, brighter displays, advanced camera features, and a major AI boost with the new Tensor G5 chip.

A More Durable Design

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold introduces a gearless hinge, which Google says is twice as durable as the previous model and capable of withstanding more than 10 years of folding. The hinge also allows for a larger 6.4-inch outer display with slimmer bezels, while the 8-inch Super Actual Flex inner display provides an expansive viewing experience.

The inner screen is built with ultra-thin glass and dual anti-impact layers for added durability. For the first time, the foldable also comes with IP68 water and dust resistance.

Displays That Shine Brighter

Both the inner and outer displays are 11% brighter than before, with a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits, making them easier to use outdoors or in direct sunlight.

Battery and Charging Innovations

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers up to 30 hours of battery life and can reach 50% charge in just 30 minutes. It is also the first foldable with Qi2 wireless charging support. With Pixelsnap magnetic technology, users can attach the Pixelsnap Charger with Stand or use the Pixelsnap Ring Stand to keep the phone upright for hands-free use.

Powered by Tensor G5

At its core, the device runs on the new Tensor G5 chip, Google’s biggest leap forward since the Tensor line was introduced. The chip brings:

• A 60% more powerful TPU for AI-driven tasks
• A 34% faster CPU for smoother performance
• Support for over 20 generative AI experiences at launch

The Tensor G5 is also the first to run Gemini Nano, enabling features such as Gemini Live, Magic Cue, Daily Hub, and enhanced AI-powered photography tools like Best Take, Add Me, and Camera Coach.

Smarter Multitasking and Gaming

The foldable comes with improved Split Screen capabilities, letting users resize apps and drag content between them with ease. For gaming, the outer display can function as a game controller, offering a more immersive experience in titles such as Asphalt Legends and Disney Speedstorm. Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ have also been optimized for the foldable’s larger screens.

Advanced Camera System

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features a 48MP wide lens, a 5x telephoto lens with 20x Super Res Zoom, and an ultrawide lens with Macro Focus.

New tools enhance the photography experience, including Instant View, which lets you preview photos side by side on the inner display as you capture them, and Dual Screen Preview, allowing subjects to see themselves while posing.

Availability

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be available in Moonstone and Jade, with 16GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB. Preorders are open now, and the device officially launches on October 9, 2025.

Conclusion

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold combines durability, performance, and advanced AI features in a sleek foldable design. With a stronger hinge, brighter displays, powerful Tensor G5 chip, and versatile camera system, it represents Google’s most ambitious step forward in foldable technology.

Meta is taking a big step toward breaking language barriers on social media. The company has officially rolled out its AI-powered voice translation feature to all Facebook and Instagram users globally, opening the door for creators to reach broader audiences without losing their unique voice.

The feature is available in every market where Meta AI is active, giving creators the ability to translate their content into multiple languages. This means followers can now enjoy posts, reels, and videos in their own language—without creators needing to record separate versions.

First Announced at Meta Connect

Meta first teased this innovation during its Connect developer conference in 2023, where it introduced pilot testing for automatic translations of creators’ voices in reels. After months of testing, the tool is now rolling out to everyone.

Keeping It Authentic

One of the standout elements of Meta’s AI translations is that the dubbed audio preserves the sound and tone of the creator’s own voice. Instead of a robotic translation, the tool delivers a more authentic experience for viewers.

To make things even smoother, creators can enable an optional lip-sync feature. This aligns the translated audio with their lip movements, making the content look and feel more natural.

A Win for Global Creators

This rollout marks a major opportunity for creators who want to expand their audience beyond language boundaries. Whether sharing entertainment, tutorials, or personal stories, creators can now connect with fans worldwide in a way that feels personal and engaging.

Conclusion

Meta’s AI-powered translations are more than just a tool—they’re a bridge connecting voices across cultures. By keeping the creator’s original voice and adding natural lip-syncing, Meta is ensuring that language is no longer a barrier to global reach.