NerdNewsAugust 13, 2026 |
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News & Trends
Google Pixel 11 Launch
Google has launched the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 5. The event, hosted by Trevor Noah, featured various celebrities and showcased the new devices' features, including improved cameras, faster charging, and enhanced health tracking. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a new glass fiber back, while the Pixel Watch 5 offers improved GPS tracking and a built-in workout builder.
Google's Pixel Watch Can Monitor Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance
Google's Pixel Watch 5 features Health Guardian, which can monitor blood pressure, breathing, and insulin resistance. It uses AI algorithms to analyze pulse and motion patterns, providing a monthly trend and tailored recommendations. The feature also includes breathing-related emergency detection, which can call emergency services if oxygen saturation drops critically low.
AI Safety Concerns
Three AI pioneers, Geoffrey Hinton, Fei-Fei Li, and Andrew Ng, made a case for keeping AI open, despite safety concerns. They argued that open models can promote innovation and prevent a few companies from controlling the pace of progress. However, they also acknowledged the need for regulation to mitigate potential risks.
Google Unveils Pixel 11 Lineup, New AirTag Rival, and Gemini Features
Google's Made by Google 2026 event unveiled the Pixel 11 series with improved cameras, the Pixel Watch 5 with health updates, and the Pixel Tag, a rival to Apple's AirTag. The event also showcased new Gemini-powered features, including Live Transcribe for American Sign Language and Rambler for voice input.
Google Gemini Hits 1 Billion Monthly Users
Google's AI chatbot Gemini has reached 1 billion monthly users, surpassing ChatGPT's growth rate. Gemini's user base is primarily composed of Android users, with over 100 million active users on iOS. This milestone marks a significant challenge to OpenAI's dominance in the AI chatbot market. |
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Options & Tutorials
SpaceXAI's Grok Bot
SpaceXAI introduces Grok Bot, an AI agent service that works independently using its own cloud-based computer, can sign into apps and tools, and complete multi-step tasks. It's available in beta for SuperGrok Heavy, Cursor Ultra, and Cursor Teams Premium subscribers.
ChatGPT Free Features 2026
OpenAI's ChatGPT now allows unlimited text chats for free accounts. Free tier users have access to one model, GPT-5.6 Luna, and limited features like web search and image generation. Limits apply to file uploads, image generation, and other tools.
Netflix Adopts Kueue for Batch Job Execution
Netflix replaced its in-house batch job execution system with Kueue, a cloud-native job queueing system, to improve efficiency and scalability. Kueue offers features like job queuing, resource management, and multi-cluster scheduling, allowing Netflix to manage millions of batch workloads in production.
OpenAI-backed Thrive Holdings raises $2B
Thrive Holdings, backed by OpenAI, has raised $2 billion to implement AI into traditional businesses, focusing on accounting, IT, and physical assets, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Facebook Rolls Out Creator Studio App
Facebook has officially rolled out its standalone Creator Studio app, which includes AI tools to help creators grow their audiences and engage with their communities. The app provides personalized recommendations, an AI-powered comment tool, and a daily feed of priorities. It's available for all creators on iOS in the US and Canada. |
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Launches & Tools
Google Pixel 11 Event
Google has unveiled its latest Pixel 11 series, including the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, featuring improved cameras, faster processors, and longer battery life. The company has also announced the Pixel Watch 5 with enhanced health sensing capabilities and the Pixel Tag, a Bluetooth tracker. The new devices will be available for pre-order starting today and will ship on August 20.
Google Pixel 11 Announced
The Google Pixel 11 features a Tensor G6 processor, 30-hour battery life, a slimmer camera bar, and improved camera capabilities, including a 48-megapixel main lens and up to 5x optical zoom. It also has a 6.3-inch OLED display and will be available for pre-order with a starting price of $899.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Announced
Google has introduced the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL, featuring a Tensor G6 processor, improved durability with Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and enhanced camera capabilities, including a 50-megapixel main camera and 48-megapixel ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. The phones also come with a redesigned camera bar, ambient LED lights, and a feature called Flip to Shhh. They will be available for pre-order starting today, with prices starting at $1,099 for the Pro and $1,299 for the Pro XL.
This Coin-Sized Device Can Hack a Boeing 737
Researchers have created a coin-sized device that can hack a Boeing 737's autopilot system, potentially allowing attackers to redirect the aircraft's navigation or sabotage its flight plan. The device can be plugged into a port on the plane's exterior in under 60 seconds and can send electrical signals to spoof commands to the plane's computers.
Google Pixel Watch 5
The Pixel Watch 5 features a smarter Gemini experience, advanced fitness and health monitoring, including blood pressure and insulin resistance tracking. It also has improved GPS route tracking, sleep-stage tracking, and a new bedtime watch face. The watch starts at $399 and is available for preorder. |
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Quick Links
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe to Explain EV, Robot, and Autonomy Strategy at Disrupt 2026
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe is set to speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where he will detail the company's journey and lessons learned from designing, manufacturing, and delivering hardware at scale. Scaringe will discuss Rivian's investments in EVs, robots, and autonomy, including its roadmap to full Level 4 autonomy by 2028 and the launch of its R2 SUV.
Pixel 11 camera upgrades
The Pixel 11 series introduces Instant Night Sight, Magic Capture, and bigger sensors, allowing for faster night capture, improved low-light photos, and enhanced digital zoom capabilities. The new features include a redesigned software, 50% more TPU, and the Tensor T7 chip, enabling faster and more efficient camera performance. Additionally, the Camera Looks feature allows users to create unique film styles for HDR+ photos, and the Pro Stable Video function captures cinematic, ultra-stable footage at up to 8K.
Mesh, Automattic’s CRM for everyone, comes to Android
Mesh, a personal CRM acquired by Automattic, is now available on Android. It allows users to manage their personal and professional networks, add notes, and set reminders. The app integrates with Android features and has a subscription-based model, with plans to add AI features for better relationship management.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold
Google launches the Pixel 11 Pro Fold with a stronger build, brighter screens, and improved camera capabilities. The new foldable features a stronger hinge, 20% brighter inner and outer displays, and supports 25W wireless charging. It also has an updated 48-megapixel sensor and can digitally zoom at 30x.
Google Pixel Tag
Google introduces the Pixel Tag, a wireless item tracker that works with Android 9.0 or later devices, including the Pixel Watch. It costs $29 for a single unit and $99 for a four-pack, and will be available on November 11. |
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