Meta has added an AI assistant to Threads that you can ask questions, but the company won't let you block it from your account—a decision that's frustrating users who want control over what appears in their feeds. For anyone on Threads, this means you could see Meta's AI pop up in conversations whether you want it there or not, similar to how pop-ups or ads can feel intrusive. Worth knowing: if you find the AI account annoying, you can mute it instead of blocking it, though that's not quite the same control you might expect.
# Can AI Help Make Our Streets Safer?
Cities are using artificial intelligence to spot dangerous potholes, cracks, and hazards in roads before they cause accidents or damage to cars. For people over 50 who drive regularly, this means fewer unexpected jolts and potential damage to your vehicle, plus lower chances of falls if you're walking on uneven pavement. Worth knowing: some cities are already testing this technology, so check your local government's website to see if your area has reported plans to use AI for road safety.
Two brothers who worked for a US government contractor reportedly deleted 96 databases containing sensitive government information within minutes of being fired, causing significant damage before their access could be shut down. This incident highlights why companies immediately cut off computer access when letting workers go—it's a basic safety measure to prevent angry or disgruntled employees from causing harm to important systems. Worth knowing: If you're in a position where you manage staff or work in HR, make sure your organization removes access to all computer systems on the same day someone is fired, ideally before they're told.
Waymo, the self-driving taxi company, discovered that nearly 4,000 of its robotaxis had a problem recognizing flooded roads and would drive straight into them instead of taking a safer route. The company fixed this dangerous flaw remotely through a software update sent over the internet, without needing to bring the cars into a service center. Worth knowing: if you're considering a ride in a robotaxi or have family members who use them, these kinds of real-world safety issues show the technology is still being tested and improved in live conditions.
Google is giving Android phone owners free upgrades that add smarter AI features to help you work better and avoid getting sidetracked by distracting apps. These improvements will roll out gradually over the next year on both new and older high-end phones, so you'll likely benefit whether you've just bought a device or have had yours for a while.
You can keep an eye out for these updates arriving on your phone over the coming months, and if you find yourself spending too much time scrolling, the new distraction-blocking tool might be worth trying once it appears.
Google has added a new feature to Android phones called Pause Point, which makes you wait a few seconds before you can open apps like social media—giving your brain a chance to reconsider whether you really want to open them. Worth knowing: this kind of built-in pause can be surprisingly effective at breaking the habit of mindlessly reaching for your phone during quiet moments, and you can set it up yourself in your phone's settings if you want to reduce time spent scrolling through news feeds or social apps.
Android 17, Google's next phone update, is bringing AI tools that make typing easier and let you customize your phone's appearance, plus practical features like a tool to help you spend less time on distracting apps. These changes aim to make your phone smarter and easier to control, whether you care about the latest AI bells and whistles or just want better ways to manage your screen time. Worth knowing: when this update rolls out to your phone later this year, you don't have to use the AI features if you prefer to stick with how things work now.
Google is adding smart AI assistants to Android phones that can handle tasks like filling out forms and taking dictation, making your phone work more like a helpful assistant rather than just a tool you command. For someone who types a lot or deals with online forms regularly, this could save you time and reduce frustration with repetitive typing on a small screen.
Google is redesigning Android Auto, the system that connects your smartphone to your car's screen, with a fresher look, helpful widgets you can customize, and maps that show your surroundings in realistic 3D. If you spend time driving and rely on your phone for navigation or music, these changes will make your dashboard experience smoother and more intuitive—fewer taps to find what you need. Worth knowing: if you have a compatible Android phone and a newer car with Android Auto capability, you'll want to check your car's system settings in 2026 to see when these updates roll out to you.
Google is bringing its AI assistant called Gemini directly into the Chrome browser on Android phones and tablets starting in June, making it easier to get help without switching between apps. You can access this assistant right from your browser to ask questions, get writing help, or understand what you're reading online—as long as your device has at least 4GB of memory, which most modern phones do.
Google's AI assistant Gemini is getting smarter about helping you control your phone—it can now answer questions, fill in forms, and handle tasks across Chrome, apps, and your phone's settings without you having to do the work yourself. For anyone juggling multiple apps and passwords, this means less typing and fewer steps to get things done on your device. Worth knowing: you can choose which apps and features you want Gemini to help with, so you're in control of what it accesses.
# Google's New Shield for Your Phone
Google is adding new safety features to Android phones that will warn you when scammers try to trick you with fake banking calls and other fraud attempts. These protections work quietly in the background, spotting danger before it reaches you—much like a security guard checking visitors before they enter your home.
You can look for these features rolling out to Android phones in the coming months, and it's worth checking your phone's security settings to make sure you have the latest protections enabled.
