Don’t miss what’s happening in the world of tech! From Google AI Updates to Meta on iPad and more, we have you covered in this week’s blog. Check out all the buzz from across the web below!
Google Expands AI with Powerful New Tools
Google introduced new video editing and generation features for its Veo 2 model, including inpainting, outpainting, and cinematic technique presets. A new interpolation tool creates seamless transitions between still images. Imagen 3 now offers improved automatic object removal for more natural results. The Lyria text-to-music model launches in private preview, while Chirp 3 can generate custom voices from only 10 seconds of audio. Google also released Gemini 2.5 Flash for faster processing and updated Agentic AI to enable cross-platform communication between AI agents. A new Cloud Marketplace section lets companies browse and purchase AI agents built by Google partners.
Aqara Expands Matter Support with Advanced Bridging
Aqara is significantly expanding its Matter-compatible smart home platform, adding support for over 50 new device types, including robotic vacuums, air quality sensors, appliances, and electric vehicle chargers. New advanced bridging capabilities will also allow users to integrate Aqara’s automation features—such as facial recognition, package detection, and energy-based triggers—into major smart home platforms like Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home. Aqara’s updated hubs will enable broader interoperability, stronger Thread networking, and more seamless smart home integration when the update rolls out later this month.
Gemini-Powered AI Features Added to Google Workspace
Google is introducing new Gemini-driven features in Workspace, including AI-generated podcast-style audio summaries integrated directly into Google Docs. Additional updates include a helpful editing assistant offering detailed revision suggestions and a forthcoming Sheets feature called “Help me analyze,” designed to interpret data and identify trends. These updates aim to streamline content creation and data analysis, rolling out gradually through the year.
Meta Finally Developing Instagram App for iPad
Meta is reportedly working on an official Instagram app for the iPad after years of resistance, driven partly by TikTok’s uncertain legal status in the U.S. Currently, Instagram users on iPads rely on a scaled-up iPhone app or web version, neither of which fully utilize the tablet’s capabilities. Despite previous statements from Instagram head Adam Mosseri downplaying its importance, a native Instagram app tailored for iPad appears to be in development.
Amazon Testing AI-Powered “Buy for Me” Button
Amazon is experimenting with a new “Buy for Me” feature, allowing users to purchase items from third-party websites directly within its mobile app, powered by the Nova AI system and Anthropic’s Claude. The button automatically fills in payment and shipping details on external sites, streamlining the checkout process without Amazon taking a commission. Currently available to select users on iOS and Android, Amazon plans to expand the feature to more brands and customers in the future.
Waymo Begins Testing Driverless Vehicles in Japan
Waymo is expanding internationally for the first time, beginning tests of its driverless vehicles on Tokyo’s roads next week. Managed by local taxi operator Nihon Kotsu, about 25 Waymo vehicles will manually gather mapping data across central Tokyo to learn the complexities of left-hand driving and dense urban navigation. While no commercial robotaxi launch is confirmed, this step marks a significant milestone as Waymo aims to understand Japan’s unique traffic conditions, following successful commercial deployments in several major U.S. cities.