Google stories

Anthropic launches Claude Sonnet 4.6 with major coding and computer-use upgrades, keeping pricing flat at USD $3 and USD $15 per million tokens.

Wagepoint rolls out built-in timesheets and a new mobile app, aiming to simplify payroll and time tracking for small Canadian businesses.

Mylobster.ai unveils plan for kernel-level AI assistants across major platforms, targeting a USD $200 billion-plus systems-level market.

Unilever taps Google Cloud’s AI and data platforms in a five-year deal to build an enterprise-wide digital backbone for its global brands.

Google Lens will soon read GS1 barcodes on Australian medicine packs, giving patients instant access to digital leaflets via phone cameras.

Mainstream AI tools flunk detailed Australia and New Zealand K-10 curriculum tests, raising risks for teachers relying on chatbots in class.

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 3 deliver impressive ANC, comfort and crisp audio, though simplistic touch controls and lack of earbud volume may irk.

Google DeepMind teams with Darren Aronofsky’s Primordial Soup to produce three AI-driven short films, starting with ANCESTRA, On This Day...1776.

Cognizant is expanding its Google Cloud partnership to accelerate enterprise deployment of agentic AI using Gemini Enterprise at scale.

Google extends its Gemini 3 Deep Think reasoning mode to researchers and developers, opening early access through the Gemini API for advanced work.

Firgun’s debut quantum fund deal backs Canada’s Photonic from its $250m pot, deepening cross-border UK-North America ties.

Brinqa lists unified exposure management on Google Cloud Marketplace, streamlining procurement and deployment for committed cloud customers.

New TELUS Digital research finds asking AI assistants “Are you sure?” seldom boosts accuracy and can even make correct answers worse.

Okta launches Agent Discovery to uncover and rein in shadow AI agents, mapping risky app access and tightening identity-based controls.

Avast rolls out Deepfake Guard for Windows and expands Scam Guardian on mobile, promising real-time protection from AI-powered scams.

BADIIS malware is hijacking over 1,800 IIS servers worldwide, quietly boosting illicit gambling and crypto phishing sites via poisoned SEO.

Google flags surging attempts to steal AI models as state-backed hackers weaponise Gemini for phishing, intel gathering and malware support.

Portnox extends zero trust network access to RDP, SSH, VNC and Telnet, promising passwordless admin access and fewer VPN dependencies.

Amazon, Temu and Shein tighten their grip on Australian eCommerce as local marketplaces retreat and shoppers chase speed and social.

Google maps out an AI-first overhaul of ads, Search and shopping, betting on creator-led influence and emerging agentic commerce tools.