Technology Weekly News: Week 2, May 2024

Google adds ‘Web’ search filter for showing old-school text links as AI rolls out

Google is introducing a new “Web” filter to its search results, allowing users to see only text-based links. Announced during the Google I/O developer conference and via a post on X, this feature is part of Google’s broader shift towards AI-organized search results and AI overviews.

The “Web” filter, aimed at those who prefer classic blue links, will be accessible at the top of the results page or under the “More” option, depending on the query. On mobile, it will be prominently displayed alongside other filters, while on desktop, the most relevant filters will be shown by default.

This feature is rolling out globally today and tomorrow. It addresses feedback from users who sometimes want only web page links, especially for longer-form content or on devices with limited internet. The move might spark debate among SEO professionals, as it changes how search results are presented and could impact web traffic.

AWS confirms European ‘sovereign cloud’ to launch in Germany by 2025, plans €7.8B investment over 15 years

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced its first European “sovereign cloud” region in Brandenburg, Germany, set to launch by the end of 2025. AWS will invest €7.8 billion ($8.5 billion) in the project through 2040.

Coinciding with the AWS Berlin Summit, this move aims to address data management concerns of public sector bodies and regulated industries by ensuring all metadata stays within the EU and is inaccessible to AWS employees outside the region. The sovereign cloud will be physically and logically separate from other AWS regions.

AWS's investment will create roles for software engineers, systems developers, and solutions architects, and support around 2,800 full-time jobs annually in related local businesses.

Google and Apple partner to fight location tracker stalking

Apple and Google announced that updated iPhones and Android phones will now alert users if a nearby wireless tracker, like an AirTag, is moving with them, helping to prevent unwanted tracking. Users can make the tracker play a sound to locate it and disable it if necessary. This feature, addressing misuse for stalking, will be included in iOS 17.5 and Android versions 6.0 and newer.

Apple’s new iPad Pro is thin and fast, but the software needs an update

Apple's new iPad Pro and iPad Air models launch Wednesday. The iPad Pro, starting at $1,299 for the 13-inch model and $999 for the 11-inch, features the fast M4 chip and a vivid OLED display. Despite its powerful hardware, it runs the same outdated iPadOS.

Key features include its thin, lightweight design, improved camera placement, and performance boosts with the M4 chip. The new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro add functionality, but the iPadOS needs better multitasking and Mac app support.

For most users, the 11-inch iPad Pro is practical, while the iPad Air offers similar features at a lower price. For basic tasks, the $350 iPad is enough.

Patreon and Grammarly are already experimenting with Gemini Nano, says Google

During the Google I/O 2024 developer keynote, Google announced that mobile app developers, including Patreon and Grammarly, are integrating with Gemini Nano, its smallest AI model. These companies were part of an early access program and more developers will gain access in the coming months.

Patreon is using Gemini Nano to help creators quickly catch up on unread messages, similar to how Google integrates AI into Gmail to summarize emails. Grammarly is enhancing its smart suggestions technology with Gemini Nano.

Google also announced updates for Gemini, including integrations in Google’s own apps like Messages, YouTube, and Gmail, as well as features to improve Android smartphone use, such as scam call warnings.

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