YouTube receives Gemini Omni at no cost, but the most advanced AI search functionalities remain accessible only through a subscription.

      Google I/O 2026 provided YouTube users with a complimentary AI-driven creative studio while introducing a subscription-based search enhancement.

      At the I/O 2026 event, Google restructured two key aspects of YouTube from the ground up, resulting in features that appear to be genuinely beneficial. The first is a new search function named Ask YouTube, akin to an AI Mode, designed for the extensive collection of videos on the platform.

      Additionally, there’s Gemini Omni, Google’s tool that enables users to "create anything from anything,” which will be integrated into the YouTube Shorts Remix and Create app, marking a significant announcement for content creators. However, while Omni is currently free, Ask YouTube will require a subscription to access.

      With Ask YouTube, we aim to introduce a conversational search experience on @YouTube. Users can type their queries and receive both pertinent videos and text in an engaging, organized response. This feature will begin rolling out in the United States this summer. #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/qB3mgyuxEU— Google (@Google) May 19, 2026

      What exactly is Ask YouTube?

      Ask YouTube is a conversational search feature for the platform, allowing users to describe the type of video they wish to find using natural language, rather than sifting through keywords for unrelated results. It returns a structured and interactive response that includes both long and short-form videos.

      Users can also pose follow-up questions regarding the videos, such as exploring subtopics that were not sufficiently addressed in the watched content or inquiring about other related matters.

      Naturally, the Ask YouTube feature may compel creators to reconsider their content publishing and search engine optimization approaches, as it recommends videos based on user conversations rather than solely relying on keywords in video descriptions or titles. However, this feature is currently exclusive to Premium subscribers in the U.S.

      Gemini Omni is set to debut in YouTube Shorts and the YouTube Create app! We're enhancing our longstanding protections—including clear labels and existing remix settings—while implementing likeness detection to maintain simplicity and transparency. Full… https://t.co/AgorEw33ut— TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) May 19, 2026

      The importance of Gemini Omni in YouTube Shorts may be greater than anticipated

      With Gemini Omni, creators can insert a text prompt or an image into an existing Short using the Remix tool and completely regenerate scenes. They can change the video’s background, feature themselves alongside their favorite creators, or enrich the original video’s story with their insights.

      Every remixed Short will contain a digital watermark, and creators have the option to opt-out of this feature at any time. Likeness detection, a tool preventing unauthorized deepfakes, is now being rolled out to all creators aged 18 and over.

      Unlike the problematic launches of AI-generated short-form content by Meta and OpenAI, YouTube is taking a more measured approach to this rollout. While Omni is likely to boost watch time on the platform, Ask YouTube could entice more users to subscribe to Premium.

      For over five years, Shikhar has consistently distilled advancements in consumer technology and presented them...

      Spotify is introducing verified podcast badges to ensure you’re listening to the genuine host, not an AI duplicate

      Spotify is tightening controls on AI voice imitations, awarding real creators with a badge of authenticity.

      After recently implementing verified artist badges for music creators, Spotify has announced the addition of verified podcast badges to confirm that you’re tuning into your favorite hosts rather than an AI impersonator. The badge will appear as a light green checkmark on show pages and in search results, indicating that the show has been vetted for authenticity. Not every show will receive the badge immediately; Spotify will start with selected shows and gradually expand in the coming months.

      Read more

      Plex is putting users in a subscription bind, and frankly, I'm a bit frustrated

      The most affordable streaming deal just tripled in price overnight.

      As a long-time Plex user who genuinely appreciates the app's capabilities, I was taken aback by their latest announcement. Starting July 1, 2026, Plex will increase the price of its Lifetime Plex Pass from $249.99 to $749.99. This is not just a price hike; it represents a 200% increase, and the manner in which they are rolling it out adds to my frustration. This comes after last year’s price hike, which raised the lifetime pass from $119.99 to $249.99, alongside a recent increase in the remote pass cost.

      Google and Xreal's Project Aura smart glasses will be available later this year

      Xreal Project Aura smart glasses feature built-in display units and can run Android apps.

      Google is developing an array of smart glasses, with the first model operating on the Android XR platform developed by Samsung expected to be released around July. The market for this type of technology seems to be growing quickly. At the I/O 2026 Developers