NASDAQ:GOOG 15 January 2026 - 28 April 2026

New Pixel Weather Rival Gradient Weather Draws Android Buzz — But There’s a Catch

New Pixel Weather Rival Gradient Weather Draws Android Buzz — But There’s a Catch

Gradient Weather, a new Android app from London-based Subtle Signals, is gaining traction as an alternative to Google’s Pixel Weather after Google limited its weather features for non-Pixel users. The app offers customizable alerts, animated effects, and dashboard cards, but some features require a Premium upgrade. Its Play Store listing shows over 1,000 downloads. Pixel Weather remains exclusive to Pixel 6 and newer devices.
April 28, 2026
Alphabet Stock Today: GOOG Cuts Google Play Fees as Epic Deal Rewrites Android Rules

Alphabet Stock Today: GOOG Cuts Google Play Fees as Epic Deal Rewrites Android Rules

Google will cut Play Store fees, expand billing options, and ease access for rival app stores under a new policy resolving its global dispute with Epic Games. Developers can use their own billing or direct users to external sites, with new fees starting at 20% for new installs and 10% for subscriptions. The changes roll out by June 30 in the U.S., U.K., and EEA, and globally by September 2027. Alphabet shares fell 0.8% to $300.91.
March 5, 2026
Fortnite’s back: Alphabet’s Google loosens Play Store billing and cuts Android fees

Fortnite’s back: Alphabet’s Google loosens Play Store billing and cuts Android fees

Google will allow Android app developers to use their own billing systems and reduce fees, following a settlement with Epic Games that could return Fortnite to the Play Store after five years. The agreement, filed in San Francisco federal court, awaits a judge’s approval with a hearing set for April 9. Google plans to lower its standard in-app purchase fee to 20% and subscription fee to 10%, phasing in changes through 2027.
March 5, 2026
Google’s February 2026 Pixel update is rolling out — and it fixes just one security flaw

Google’s February 2026 Pixel update is rolling out — and it fixes just one security flaw

Google released the February 2026 Android 16 update for Pixel 7a and newer devices, addressing only a high-severity VPU driver vulnerability, CVE-2026-0106. The patch, under 25 MB, brings no new features or bug fixes. Pixel 6 and 7 models are not included in this rollout. Build numbers and release timing vary by carrier and region.
February 4, 2026
Google’s NotebookLM adds Video Overviews on Android and iOS — turning your sources into AI videos

Google’s NotebookLM adds Video Overviews on Android and iOS — turning your sources into AI videos

Google has begun rolling out Video Overviews to NotebookLM’s Android and iOS apps, allowing users to generate AI-narrated slide videos from their own documents, according to multiple tech sites. Some users report the feature is not yet available on all devices. The update also adds new controls for infographics and slides, and introduces an “Ultra” plan with higher content limits. Google warns the videos may contain errors or glitches.
February 1, 2026
Technology News 27.01.2026

Technology News 27.01.2026

Pinterest will cut about 700 jobs, nearly 15% of its staff, as it shifts resources toward AI-focused roles and products. OpenAI VP and CISO Matt Knight resigned after five years, highlighting the launch of Aardvark and the company’s expanded security program. SpaceX opposes BEAD broadband grants tied to subscriber milestones, seeking more flexible Starlink funding. Gemini 3 Flash now supports agentic vision with code execution for visual reasoning.
January 27, 2026
Doomscrolling in 2026? Minimalist Android apps and digital detox tips are back

Doomscrolling in 2026? Minimalist Android apps and digital detox tips are back

Two new guides this week are promoting simpler phones and curated apps to combat digital fatigue and “doomscrolling.” In China, unplugging groups on Douban have reached nearly 40,000 members as young people test analog routines. A Columbia study found “addictive use,” not just screen time, links more closely to mental health. Writers now focus on triggers and patterns, not hours online.
January 26, 2026
Technology News 26.01.2026

Technology News 26.01.2026

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Sunday morning triggered loud sonic booms across California’s Central Coast as it carried 25 Starlink satellites. BraX Technologies announced the open_slate, a privacy-focused 12-inch tablet running de-Googled Android and Ubuntu, with crowdfunding set for February and shipping in August. Owlchemy Labs’ Job Simulator surpassed 6 million installs, boosted by bundles and VR platform expansions.
January 26, 2026
Google’s “high-friction” Android sideloading update is coming — here’s what changes

Google’s “high-friction” Android sideloading update is coming — here’s what changes

Google will require extra steps for sideloading apps on Android, calling it an “Accountability Layer” rather than a ban. New Play Store text strings show an “Install without verifying” option with added warnings and online checks. The rollout is expected to start later this year in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, according to Android Authority. The change also affects Google TV and Android TV devices.
January 20, 2026

Stock Market Today

  • UK Gilt Yields Fall Amid Political Stability and Eased Rate Hike Concerns
    May 26, 2026, 9:28 AM EDT. U.K. gilt yields declined to five-week lows as investor worries about political instability eased following Labour's local election setbacks. The 10-year gilt yield dropped to 4.85%, down about 30 basis points, reflecting reduced expectations for interest rate hikes. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, though challenged by potential rivals including Andy Burnham, remains in charge, calming markets concerned about fiscal policy shifts. Additionally, optimism surrounding a possible U.S.-Iran peace deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has eased inflation fears, further reducing yield pressures. Analysts at Pantheon Macroeconomics noted that investors are discounting weak economic data and now anticipate fewer rate increases in 2026, driving the largest weekly drop in gilt yields since late 2023.