Google’s $100 AI Initiative Seeks to Evolve Gemini into an All-Encompassing Productivity Resource

Google eliminates daily prompt restrictions and unveils a more affordable $100 AI Ultra plan.

Key information you should be aware of

  • Google has revamped its AI subscription plans, introducing a new $100/month Ultra tier, lowering the price of the flagship option, and implementing a novel approach to managing AI usage.
  • This new AI Ultra $100 plan is designed for intensive users, featuring 5x usage limits, access to Gemini 3.5 Flash, support for Google Antigravity, 20TB of storage, and includes YouTube Premium.
  • Gemini Spark represents Google’s latest always-on AI assistant that seamlessly navigates Google services, integrates information, and acts on your behalf like a digital representative.

Google is transforming your payment method and interaction with its AI ecosystem. Fresh from I/O 2026, the tech giant revealed significant changes to its Google AI subscriptions, including a new tier, a reduction in its highest pricing plan, and an adjustment in how prompt limits are managed.

The standout update is the introduction of a $100/month AI Ultra plan that specifically targets advanced users, developers, technical leaders, and creative professionals. It boasts a 5x higher usage threshold compared to the Pro plan and is compatible with both the Gemini app and Google Antigravity, the firm’s new agent-first development environment.

Additionally, it provides an impressive 20TB of cloud storage and includes an ad-free YouTube Premium individual plan, enabling you to enjoy music or stream tutorials while coding. Deep within this tier is the rapid testing and debugging offered by Gemini 3.5 Flash.

Simultaneously, Google is reducing the price of its flagship AI Ultra plan from $250 to $200. You will still receive the same capabilities, which include an extensive 20x usage limit compared to the Pro tier in the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www

Google’s Utilization of a MacBook Amid Live Demonstration at Google I/O: Truth or Myth?

The Apple emblem was spotted during the Antigravity presentation….LOL

It’s Google I/O, the largest conference of the year for Android developers held in Mountain View. So why did we observe that the company was utilizing a MacBook in one of its live demonstrations? Varun Mohan, an engineer for Antigravity at Google Deepmind, is demonstrating the functionality of Antigravity. However, one detail we spotted was right at the top of his computer screenshare, where a small Apple logo is visible. One would expect the company to opt for a Chromebook. Despite the absence of any glitches, this oversight is quite amusing.

Here’s a closer look at the logo:

And that’s not the sole instance of Google employing Apple devices during the event. An iPhone 17 Pro (Max?) was prominently displayed during Google’s Gemini Spark demo, showcasing the agent in action while the phone lay down.

But why did Google choose to do this??

Google typically presents these kinds of new features and announcements using the company’s own devices (for evident reasons), but it appears they are attempting to subtly convey that Gemini’s latest capabilities aren’t exclusively for Android users. Will Apple users take notice?

Oura and Resmed Collaboration Discovers Overlooked Sleep Health Problems

It’s Time to Focus on Rest (and Get Some Sleep, Too)

In the hustle of today’s world, the significance of rest and sleep is frequently disregarded. Nevertheless, recent advancements in wearable technology are facilitating individuals in tracking their sleep health and taking essential steps to enhance it. One notable progress is the alliance between Oura and Resmed, aimed at tackling sleep health challenges like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Oura, recognized for its cutting-edge health monitoring rings, has collaborated with Resmed, a frontrunner in sleep technology, to deliver users improved sleep health education and avenues for care. This partnership enables Oura members to merge their sleep data with Resmed’s platform, providing insights into their sleep habits and linking them with healthcare professionals if necessary.

The alliance underscores the increasing acknowledgment of sleep as a vital foundation of long-term health. Despite the rising popularity of sleep tracking devices, numerous individuals continue to overlook early indications of sleep disorders. With Resmed’s proficiency, Oura seeks to alter this by equipping users with educational materials and a novel sleep assessment tool. This initiative promotes users to connect with care providers, whether virtually or in person, to address any sleep health issues.

Oura’s commitment to sleep health forms a part of a larger effort to equip users with significant insights into their overall wellness. The company has additionally collaborated with Vita Health to improve metabolic health monitoring and introduced features to support women’s health, including hormonal birth control and menopause insights.

For those facing sleep disturbances, Oura’s collaboration with Resmed provides a crucial resource for comprehending and enhancing their sleep health. By being attentive to sleep patterns and seeking expert advice when required, users can take proactive measures toward improved health and well-being.

In summary, it’s essential to emphasize rest and sleep. With the aid of wearable technology and collaborations such as Oura and Resmed’s, individuals can obtain a deeper understanding of their sleep health and take effective actions to enhance it. Therefore, if you’ve been feeling off recently, consider taking some time to rest and focus on your sleep patterns. Your body will appreciate it.

Best Buy Memorial Day Clearance: Save $220 on This Budget-Friendly Chromebook

This 14-inch HP Chromebook is currently priced at $180 during the promotional event.

Several of the top budget-friendly Chromebook choices are available during sales events, and this one fits the bill. For a limited period as part of its Memorial Day weekend promotion, Best Buy is providing this 14-inch HP Chromebook for a discount of $220, bringing it down to just $180.

The HP Chromebook N4500 may have been introduced in 2021, but the user-friendly Chrome OS platform keeps it relevant even now. When you consider its balanced size, overall portability, and a decent 14-inch display, you have a well-priced laptop.

While this laptop may not be particularly remarkable, one shouldn’t anticipate a high-end device at the $180 price point. Nevertheless, if your primary uses for the laptop involve streaming movies and shows through the web browser, general internet browsing, or basic word processing and spreadsheet tasks, this could be an ideal moment to acquire this economical laptop.

Recommended if: you seek a budget laptop that offers solid functionality, and are in the market for a device with an approximately 14-inch display; you don’t require extensive onboard storage and mainly intend to use your laptop for low-demand tasks; you have appreciated devices with Chrome OS and other Google products in the past.

Avoid this deal if: you are seeking the finest Chromebooks currently available and have the budget to invest in something more robust; you desire a laptop with a larger or smaller screen, or one with a more streamlined design; you need a device capable of handling intensive tasks like video and audio editing, or if you prefer top-tier performance speeds.

The HP Chromebook N4500 is a fundamental laptop equipped with a 14-inch display, 64GB of storage, and the popular Chrome OS. Users appreciate this laptop for its durable battery life and the Google Chrome operating system, along with its price point (which frequently includes even larger discounts, such as this one).

HP claims the laptop can deliver up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, while it estimates that charging from 0 to 50% will take approximately 45 minutes in total.

Overall, this price point is difficult to dispute, and those in search of something affordable yet functional may want to consider if $180 fits within their budget.

RedMagic 11S Pro: An Advanced Gaming Smartphone Incorporating Liquid Cooling Innovation

Stay optimistic, a worldwide announcement is on the horizon for later this month.

(Image credit: RedMagic)

Key information you should know

  • Today (May 18), RedMagic revealed the launch of its 11S Pro series for consumers in China.
  • This series boasts a 6.8-inch BOE X10 AMOLED display with a 95% screen-to-body ratio, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 alongside the RedCore R4 gaming processor.
  • The 11S Pro series is equipped with an advanced AquaCore Liquid Cooling system, a TurboFan, and robust internals to manage the heat generated during gaming.
  • RedMagic has announced that a global reveal is scheduled for May 27.

RedMagic unveiled its latest contribution to mobile gaming, aiming to set the standard for devices capable of handling today’s graphics and performance demands.

For gamers in search of a new device, expectations soar, which is why RedMagic introduced its 11S Pro series (11S Pro, 11S Pro Plus) to the international market specifically for these users. The standout feature is the 6.8-inch BOE X10 AMOLED screen with a projected 95% screen-to-body ratio. Additionally, RedMagic has implemented super slim bezels at just 1.25mm, and the 11S Pro offers a display free of a camera notch or punch-hole.

Consequently, users will access a 16MP UDC (under-display camera). To ensure a seamless gaming experience, RedMagic emphasizes a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz for the display, complemented by support for 1.5K resolution. For gaming, both power and smoothness are crucial. The press release highlights that the RedMagic 11S Pro is outfitted with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the RedCore R4 gaming processor.

This device also incorporates Energy Cube 3.0 software. RedMagic claims this powerful triad “provides consistent high-frame-rate performance for intensive mobile gaming and cross-platform play.” That’s not the end of it, as RedMagic

Google Aims to Tackle Significant Passkey Problem on Android

Google Password Manager is simplifying the process of transferring your passkeys to other comparable services.

(Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google is allegedly developing support for passkey import and export on Android.
  • Users of Android might soon be able to transfer passkeys seamlessly between Google Password Manager, Bitwarden, 1Password, and other compatible applications without the need to recreate accounts individually.
  • Google’s approach seems to be based on the FIDO Alliance’s Credential Exchange Protocol (CXP).

Google may be starting to ease its restrictions on passkeys on Android, potentially addressing one of the major challenges associated with the passwordless future it has been advocating for years.

Currently, while passkeys offer security and convenience in principle, they become complicated when moving between ecosystems. If you saved your credentials in Google Password Manager and wished to transition to platforms like Bitwarden or 1Password, you would have to recreate your logins one by one.

That situation may be set to change shortly. Reports indicate that Google is working on enabling passkey import and export features for Password Manager on Android, based on discoveries from <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-passkeys-move-to-another-password-manager-android-3666965/" target="_blank" data-url="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-passkeys

Apple Unveils WWDC 26 Information Concurrently with Google I/O Event

Wait a minute, Apple, Google is on the horizon.

Important information to consider

  • In an attempt to capture our focus, Apple has revealed that WWDC 2026 will occur from June 8-12.
  • The firm aims to showcase its upcoming technologies during the main keynote on June 8 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET).
  • Nevertheless, our attention is predominantly fixed on Google’s I/O 2026 event scheduled for tomorrow, May 19 at 1 pm ET, where Android XR, Android 17, and Gemini Intelligence are expected to take the spotlight.

In a seemingly scripted turn of events, Apple has begun distributing alerts for its upcoming significant occasion, centering around the future of its technology.

Today (May 18), Apple officially disclosed what lies ahead, and if you predicted WWDC 2026, you would be correct. The company’s announcement includes a concise schedule for the event, which takes place from June 8-12. As per usual, Apple asserts that this gathering will unite “developers from across the globe to delve into the tools, frameworks, and technologies” pertaining to its platforms.

The “main event” is planned for June 8 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET), featuring Apple’s keynote and a “first look at the newest updates arriving to Apple platforms.” Naturally, users can access this through Apple’s YouTube channel or its official website (including the Apple TV app). Subsequently, users can remain engaged for the Platforms State of the Union. If you’re eager to explore Apple’s technology, it promises a comprehensive insight into its latest features, APIs, and beyond.

The Apple Developer <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@AppleDeveloper/" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/@AppleDeveloper/" target="_blank

A Sneak Peek at Google’s Upcoming 3D Emojis for Android 17

The redesign is apparent, although perhaps not as striking as one might anticipate. Google’s updated Android 17 emojis introduce a 3D depth effect, supplanting the flatter aesthetic seen in previous Android versions. A recent leak discloses approximately 250 revamped emojis, featuring new facial expressions, animals, food, and beverage icons. Google is anticipated to initially release the new Noto 3D emojis to Pixel devices later this year.

A significant leak has provided a comprehensive preview of the upcoming 3D emojis associated with the Android 17 update arriving later this year. During The Android Show last week, one of the more modest yet surprisingly crucial announcements was Google’s reimagined emojis for Android 17. For years, users have voiced concerns that Android emojis appear flat and lackluster compared to those on iPhones, and it seems Google is finally making an effort to rectify that.

Google disclosed that Android 17 will unveil new 3D emojis named Noto 3D. These fresh emojis offer increased depth and dimensionality, with Google asserting they are crafted to better convey emotions and enhance the “sense of presence.” At The Android Show, Google merely teased a small selection of emojis, but a new leak has since exposed a much more extensive assortment.

The leak was disseminated by RKBDI in a post on X, highlighting around 250 revamped emojis. The visuals showcase new emoji faces alongside various animals, food items, drinks, and more. As illustrated by the leaked images, the new emojis indeed exhibit greater depth and a more 3D-like quality than before, though it’s not a complete overhaul from the previous design.

Google has yet to initiate the rollout or testing of these emojis on Android 17 beta devices, but we expect their arrival in upcoming beta updates relatively soon. However, if you are using the stable version of Android, these redesigned emojis are likely to debut first on Pixel phones later this year, probably coinciding with the Pixel 11 launch period.

Android Central’s Perspective

To be honest, I was hoping for a much bolder redesign, but it seems that’s not the case with Android 17. These leaked emojis surprisingly bear a resemblance to Samsung’s emoji style while still reflecting elements of Google’s earlier Android emojis. They’re certainly an upgrade, but they don’t quite match the quality of Apple’s current offerings.

Budget-Friendly Wireless Headphones Offered at a 43% Price Reduction on Amazon for a Short Duration

The Anker Soundcore Q20i headphones represent an exceptional selection for cost-sensitive consumers in search of audio gear rich in features. These headphones provide Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), high-resolution audio functionality, and adjustable sound settings via a mobile application. Currently discounted by 43% on Amazon, they can be purchased for only $40, appealing to those who desire budget-friendly yet contemporary headphones.

The Q20i headphones are recognized for their remarkable battery longevity, offering up to 40 hours of playback time with ANC enabled, and up to 60 hours when it’s disabled. Additionally, they feature fast charging, delivering four extra hours of listening from a mere five-minute charge. Available in Black and Almond White, they also come in Navy and Pink for a slightly elevated price.

Although they might not achieve the audio fidelity of high-end models, the Q20i headphones provide commendable performance with attributes like ANC, high-res audio codecs, and EQ customization. This positions them as an excellent option for individuals who value battery life and tactile button controls more than touch gestures.

In conclusion, the Anker Soundcore Q20i headphones offer outstanding value for those in pursuit of wireless headphones equipped with modern features at a reasonable cost.

Google Starts Deployment of Updated Gradient Icons for Gmail, Calendar, and Drive

Welcome the refreshed icons for Docs, Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Tasks, and more.

Essential information

  • Google has commenced the rollout of vibrant new gradient icons for Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar, and more.
  • The revamped Workspace icons replace Google’s rigid four-color scheme with a gentler gradient style.
  • New icons are already present in Google’s web app launcher, although the applications still display older versions for the time being.

Right before Google I/O 2026, Google initiated the rollout of redesigned gradient icons for its Workspace applications, including Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar, Tasks, and others.

Last month, a leak indicated that Google was gearing up for a significant visual overhaul of its Workspace icons, almost six years post the last redesign. The leak suggested that apps such as Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Sheets, and Slides would get updated icons with a much greater emphasis on gradients and blended hues.

The leak also hinted at Google’s shift away from its more stringent color separation across icons, and those refreshed icons are now gradually appearing for users.

Currently, if you navigate to Google’s website and access the quick app launcher in the upper-right corner, you’ll begin to notice the new Workspace icons there. Notably, the icons have not yet fully transitioned across the applications themselves. For instance, Gmail and Drive still utilize the previous icons inside the applications, but the new icons are now visible from Google’s main webpage and launcher menu.

And as indicated by the leak, these icons display significantly more color and gradient than previously. The Google Drive icon primarily showcases green, yellow, and blue, removing the small red corner detail from the former design. Likewise, the Docs, Slides, and Sheets icons now exhibit a much gentler gradient look instead of the flatter appearance they had before.

The <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/google-calendars-new-task-feature-is-the-productivity-upgrade-you-actually-need" data-url="https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/google-calendars-new-task-feature-is-the-productivity-upgrade-you-actually-need" data-hl-processed="none