Google Taara has the potential to provide internet connectivity at the speed of light.

      Everyone is familiar with the frustrations of slow internet speeds, but the Google Taara chip could offer connectivity to areas that have been difficult to reach, achieving speeds of up to 20Gbps. This project has been in the works for several years, but the team recently unveiled the next-generation Taara chip. Taara is a silicon photonic chip, which means it transmits data through the air using light beams. While the original Taara was functional, it had some drawbacks, particularly the complex arrangement of mirrors and hardware required to direct the beam. The updated version employs advanced software for beam steering.

      Additionally, the initial Taara Lightbridge project was comparable in size to a traffic light. While these may seem small from a distance, they are much bulkier up close. The new generation has reduced the size requirement to that of a fingernail.

      By harnessing light as its medium, Taara can access almost limitless bandwidth within the electromagnetic spectrum. To explain briefly, the electromagnetic spectrum is categorized by different frequencies, with visible light being one of them. Taara utilizes the portion of the spectrum that exists between infrared and visible light.

      Using a narrow beam of light (which is invisible to the naked eye), Taara can transmit data at speeds of 20Gbps over distances of up to 20 kilometers simultaneously. The installation and setup process can be completed in a few hours, in stark contrast to the months or years needed for fiber optic infrastructure.

      Taara is expected to be available in 2026. While installation may be quick, widespread adoption is projected to take longer. It could take years before this technology is commonly accessible for everyday consumers, but this advancement represents significant progress and is crucial for extending internet access to regions where traditional infrastructure is unfeasible.

      Patrick Hearn covers smart home technology, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

      Google is considering introducing advertisements to Gemini AI. CEO Sundar Pichai mentioned this idea during an earnings call but did not provide a timeline, as reported by The Verge. He reiterated that the company has "very good ideas" regarding how ads might be integrated in the future. The current priority remains on enhancing user experience and expanding subscription services. Pichai indicated that advertising has played a vital role in scaling other Google services like YouTube, suggesting that ads may eventually be introduced in Gemini. However, he did not elaborate on the strategy for incorporating ads within the AI, stating the company's commitment to ensuring the products function effectively and reach a broad audience.

      Google unveiled a new experimental AI feature called "Ask for Me" that will be available to select users. This AI agent will search for pricing and appointment availability at local businesses and can automatically make reservations on your behalf, although it currently works only for nail salons and auto repair shops. Accessible through Google Search Labs, Ask for Me activates when users search for nail salons or auto repair centers. For instance, if you need a mechanic, the feature will ask several questions about the service required, your car's make and model, and your availability before contacting the shop. Users must also provide their contact information (phone number and email) so the AI can update them on its progress.

      Using Google ads to promote malicious sites is a common tactic among cybercriminals. A recent instance involves a fake Homebrew website that employs an infostealer to extract personal information, browsing history, login credentials, and bank data from unsuspecting users. Identified by Ryan Chenkie on X and reported by BleepingComputer, the deceptive Google ad even presents the authentic Homebrew URL "brew.sh," making it challenging to identify the scam prior to clicking.