Google - Softonic English

Has Google died or is it more alive than ever? Even the company itself doesn't know

In a recent court presentation, Google’s lawyers claimed that the web is collapsing, an argument that starkly contradicts the company’s statements over the past few months, in which its executives maintained that the web is not only thriving but is also an open and healthy space. This contradiction has raised concerns among publishers and content creators, who fear that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) will negatively impact their traffic and, therefore, their business. Dying or resurrecting? Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, has publicly defended that the company will continue to send […]

In a recent court presentation, Google’s lawyers claimed that the web is collapsing, an argument that starkly contradicts the company’s statements over the past few months, in which its executives maintained that the web is not only thriving, but is an open and healthy space. This contradiction has raised concerns among publishers and content creators, who fear that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) will negatively impact their traffic and, therefore, their business.

Dying or Rising?

The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, has publicly defended that the company will continue to send more traffic to publishers, despite criticism regarding how the AI tool called “AI Overviews” is altering the business model of search and the web. However, the fact that Google, in a judicial context, describes the web as a “sinking ship” raises doubts about the sincerity of its public statements.

This situation has led to questioning Google’s role as a defender of the open web. While the company promotes a positive image in the media and public opinion, its defense in courts reveals a different picture, arguing that the current state of the web ecosystem is serious. If the web is indeed in decline, this could validate the fears of publishers regarding the impact of AI on their operations and traffic.

Google’s ability to maintain a coherent narrative about the health of the web is under scrutiny, and the question arises as to how the company can sustain both messages simultaneously. The struggle to balance economic interests and public perception becomes increasingly complex in a landscape where technology and the digital industry are rapidly evolving.

Google will make AI searches the default search mode "soon"

Logan Kilpatrick, product manager at Google, announced this Friday that AI Mode will soon become the default search experience for Google Search. This change not only marks a milestone in the evolution of online search but also solidifies the future direction of Google Search, according to Liz Reid, head of Google Search, who stated in May 2025 that AI Mode will represent the future of the platform. If you don’t want AI in your daily life, you will have to find another search engine. Since its launch, AI Mode has been implemented in 180 countries […]

Logan Kilpatrick, product manager at Google, announced this Friday that AI Mode will soon become the default search experience for Google Search. This change not only marks a milestone in the evolution of online search but also solidifies the future direction of Google Search, according to Liz Reid, head of Google Search, who stated in May 2025 that AI Mode will represent the future of the platform.

If you don’t want AI in your day-to-day life, you’re going to have to find another search engine

Since its launch, AI Mode has been implemented in 180 countries and territories, with recent expansions in the United Kingdom, India, and the United States. This feature allows users to perform searches using text, voice, and images, in addition to offering conversational follow-up questions. Through a technique called query fan-out, AI Mode provides more comprehensive answers by issuing related searches simultaneously across subtopics and multiple data sources.

Despite the advantages it offers, the integration of AI Mode poses challenges for tracking specific data in Search Console, as the results are grouped with conventional searches. This could complicate things for SEO professionals, who will need to quickly adapt to these new dynamics. With the shift to AI Mode as the default option, significant repercussions are anticipated in search engine optimization strategies.

The SEO community faces an uncertain future, but experts have proven to be resilient and creative in the face of the changing digital landscape. Adaptation and innovation are expected to be crucial for moving forward in an environment where artificial intelligence will play an increasingly prominent role. In this context, those who fail to adapt may find themselves at a disadvantage.

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Google will update the Google Ads API monthly starting in 2026

Google has announced that starting in 2026 it will implement a monthly release cycle for the Google Ads API, which means an increase in the frequency of updates and new features. This change will allow developers to enjoy between three and four major releases per year, accompanied by several minor releases that will introduce features incrementally, without affecting existing compatibility. A change that may not necessarily be received with enthusiasm. With this new schedule, each major release will be available for a year, which aims to ease the migration burden for developers of the […]

Google has announced that starting in 2026 it will implement a monthly release cycle for the Google Ads API, which means an increase in the frequency of updates and new features. This change will allow developers to enjoy between three and four major releases per year, accompanied by several minor releases that will introduce features incrementally, without affecting existing compatibility.

A change that will not necessarily be received with enthusiasm

With this new schedule, each major release will be available for a year, which aims to ease the migration burden for API developers. The company has adjusted the deprecation timelines to minimize the impact of these migrations, allowing integrators to adapt their solutions without the pressure of excessive and sudden changes.

Compliance with this new schedule could make it easier for API users to access new features and changes more frequently, providing them with additional tools to manage their advertising campaigns. Google has indicated that this frequency of updates will also benefit both those using proprietary software and those relying on third-party applications that integrate the Google Ads API.

It is important to highlight that the release schedule for 2026 is tentative and subject to adjustments, which means that release dates may be added, removed, or modified between major and minor versions. This flexibility suggests that Google is proactively responding to the needs of developers and advertisers, thus ensuring a more dynamic and adaptive environment.

With these modifications, Google reaffirms its commitment to providing a more agile and efficient platform for digital advertising management, echoing the importance of continuous innovation in a constantly evolving sector.

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Google is facing a court decision that could very well end its monopoly forever

Judge Amit Mehta of the District of Columbia has ruled that Google must share its search data with its competitors and cannot maintain exclusive search agreements, a decision that represents a significant blow to the core of the company’s business. This ruling is the result of a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2020, which accused Google of illegally sustaining its dominance in the search market. Google could very well stop being the best search engine out there. Mehta’s decision directly affects the way Google […]

Google could very well stop being the best search engine out there

Mehta’s decision directly affects the way Google operates, as its search revenue largely depends on exclusive contracts that have established the company as the default search engine on high-relevance devices, such as those from Apple, to whom it pays around 20 billion dollars a year. Although Google will be able to continue operating its Chrome browser, losing the ability to have these exclusive agreements transforms the competitive dynamics of the market.

Google has expressed its intention to appeal the judge’s decision, arguing that these restrictions will negatively impact its ability to provide an efficient service to users. The company has always maintained that its business model benefits consumers by offering quick and effective access to online information.

The court’s ruling resonates with a growing concern over monopolistic practices in the tech industry, where companies like Google have come under intense scrutiny for their dominance in multiple sectors. As the case moves toward an appeal, it could set an important precedent in the regulation of large tech companies in the United States.

The impact of this decision could change the face of the search market, fostering a more competitive ecosystem. However, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop with Google’s possible appeal and the implications this could have for its future operations and for the sector in general.

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"Good SEO is good GEO," they tell us from Google

During his presentation at WordCamp US, Danny Sullivan, director of Google Search, emphasized the relevance of SEO (search engine optimization) and GEO (geographic optimization), stating that “good SEO is good GEO.” This comment underscores the need to consider both aspects in Google’s future search strategy. However, despite the relevance of SEO, Sullivan warned that this practice could be “depreciated,” suggesting that the future of searches on Google might focus more on providing direct answers than on traditional rankings. A course is no longer enough to learn SEO The […]

During his presentation at WordCamp US, Danny Sullivan, director of Google Search, emphasized the relevance of SEO (search engine optimization) and GEO (geographic optimization), stating that “good SEO is good GEO.” This comment underscores the need to consider both aspects in Google’s future search strategy. However, despite the relevance of SEO, Sullivan warned that this practice could be “depreciated,” suggesting that the future of searches on Google might focus more on providing direct answers than on traditional rankings.

A short course is no longer enough to learn SEO

Sullivan’s intervention took place in a context where several digital publishers expressed their concern about the effective decrease in organic click-through rates. Blogger Angie Drake pointed out that her click-through rate has dropped since the launch of the AI Overviews feature, despite the fact that impressions of her content have increased. Drake questioned Google about what measures will be taken to compensate publishers who have been harmed by this change, indicating that her sponsors are particularly concerned about this metric.

During the session, Sullivan also shared statistics and observations about current SEO trends and the impact of artificial intelligence, highlighting the need to adapt to a new way of searching for information online. Although SEO remains relevant today, Sullivan seems to agree with the opinions of experts like Michael King, who points out that SEO is in a phase of transition.

For those who wish to delve deeper into the topic, a link to the full video of Sullivan’s presentation is provided, where both SEO and GEO are discussed in detail, as well as other key points about the evolution of search on Google.

Google is used less and less, because people are increasingly using AI to do their searches

Google’s share of general information searches has shown a notable decrease, falling from 73% in February to 66.9% in August, according to a recent survey conducted by Higher Visibility with 1,500 participants in the U.S. This change reflects a significant trend in user behavior, as more and more people turn to artificial intelligence (AI) tools to meet their information needs. A significant increase in AI usage The study’s results also revealed that the number of people using AI tools daily has increased considerably, rising from 14% to 29.2%

Google’s share of general information searches has shown a notable decrease, falling from 73% in February to 66.9% in August, according to a recent survey conducted by Higher Visibility with 1,500 participants in the U.S. This change reflects a significant trend in user behavior, as more and more users turn to artificial intelligence (AI) tools to meet their information needs.

A significant increase in the use of AI

The results of the study also revealed that the number of people using AI tools daily has increased significantly, rising from 14% to 29.2%. In contrast, those who claim to never use these tools have decreased from 28% to 16%. This increase in the adoption of artificial intelligence-based technologies indicates a transformation in how users discover, compare, and consume information.

The growing diversification in search behavior implies that search engine optimization (SEO) strategies will need to adapt. With the fragmentation of the information landscape, SEO specialists must consider not only Google, which remains fundamental, but also multiple AI platforms in their visibility plan. This could mean adjustments in how content is created and promoted, with a focus on a variety of AI applications and tools aimed at attracting users.

The study, which covered various ages, regions, and demographics, allows Higher Visibility to reliably track trends. Based on what has been observed, it is evident that AI tools are altering the traditional search landscape, although they are not completely replacing Google. However, this increase in the use of AI may open the door to new opportunities and challenges for digital marketing professionals.

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The divergence between the recommendations of Google and ChatGPT reaches 61.9%

A recent analysis by BrightEdge has revealed significant divergences in brand recommendations between Google and ChatGPT, highlighting a discrepancy of 61.9% in their responses. This finding is significant for marketers looking to optimize their visibility in an increasingly competitive and fragmented environment. The study, which examined thousands of identical queries, indicated that only 33.5% of searches included brands on both platforms, and only 4.6% were conducted without any mention of brands. The paradox of citations The research indicates that the responses generated by ChatGPT seem to depend on training patterns, which […]

A recent analysis by BrightEdge has revealed significant divergences in brand recommendations between Google and ChatGPT, highlighting a discrepancy of 61.9% in their responses. This finding is significant for marketers looking to optimize their visibility in an increasingly competitive and fragmented environment. The study, which examined thousands of identical queries, indicated that only 33.5% of searches included brands on both platforms, and only 4.6% were conducted without any mention of brands.

The Paradox of Dating

The research indicates that the responses generated by ChatGPT seem to depend on training patterns, which contrasts with Google’s approach that prioritizes the attribution of visible sources in its recommendations. This situation creates what has been termed the citation paradox, where the citation of sources varies significantly between the two platforms. In general, moments of alignment between Google and ChatGPT are rare and depend on the intent behind the user’s query.

Additionally, the analysis highlights that the disagreement rate in brand recommendations can vary by industry, suggesting that some categories may be more prone to receiving inconsistent responses. As consumers become more reliant on artificial intelligence to make purchasing decisions, the lack of consistency in recommendations could complicate how brands approach their visibility strategies.

These findings underscore the volatile and fractured nature of the artificial intelligence landscape, where visibility opportunities for companies in generative search remain significant but often underutilized. Marketers and companies must quickly adapt to these dynamics to maximize their presence in a constantly evolving market.

Google is betting everything on AI also within its mobile phone line

Google presented its new line of Pixel 10 phones at an event where artificial intelligence was the star. The company highlighted its AI assistant, Gemini, described as a ‘personal intelligence’ that will work on smartphones, wearable devices, smart homes, and connected cars. This initiative aligns with the growing trend towards the integration of AI into users’ daily lives. Phones where everything is done by AI One of the most striking features of the new devices is Magic Cue, which anticipates the user’s needs by extracting data from Gmail, Calendar, and Messages to suggest appropriate actions. […]

Google presented its new line of Pixel 10 phones at an event where artificial intelligence was the star. The company highlighted its AI assistant, Gemini, described as a ‘personal intelligence’ that will work on smartphones, wearable devices, smart homes, and connected cars. This initiative aligns with the growing trend towards the integration of AI into users’ daily lives.

Mobile phones where everything is done by AI

One of the most striking features of the new devices is Magic Cue, which anticipates the user’s needs by extracting data from Gmail, Calendar, and Messages to suggest appropriate actions. For example, while sending a message about dinners, a button appears to book a restaurant directly in the conversation. This functionality could make it easier for users to stay within the Google ecosystem, reducing reliance on individual apps on their phones.

Google’s strategy also seems to be focused on capitalizing on Apple’s delays in the AI field. By scheduling its event just before the iPhone launch, Google directed criticism at the Cupertino company for offering AI features only in future updates. In contrast, Google’s new AI features will be available immediately on the Pixel 10 and Fold Pro. Additionally, a year of free tools like NotebookLM and Jules is included with the purchase of these devices.

Despite holding the fourth place in the U.S. smartphone market with a 3% to 4.5% share, Google has the opportunity to increase its market share by focusing on obvious and useful AI features. If tools like Magic Cue prove to be indispensable, Google could not only encourage recurring use of its services but also achieve greater loyalty from its users in a highly competitive youth market.

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Discover a vulnerability in the architecture of Chrome and Google rewards him with 250,000 dollars

Google has awarded a historic reward of $250,000 to the security researcher known as Micky for discovering a critical vulnerability in the architecture of the Chrome browser. This vulnerability made it easier for malicious websites to escape Chrome’s sandbox protection, allowing arbitrary code execution on victims’ systems. A historic reward The flaw was due to an error in Chrome’s Inter-Process Communication system, particularly within the IPCZ transport mechanism. According to the details provided, the error was in the Transport::Deserialize function, where the system did not properly validate the header.destination_type parameters before […]

Google has awarded a historic reward of $250,000 to the security researcher known as Micky for discovering a critical vulnerability in the architecture of the Chrome browser. This vulnerability made it easier for malicious websites to escape Chrome’s sandbox protection, allowing arbitrary code execution on victims’ systems.

A historic reward

The failure was due to an error in Chrome’s Inter-Process Communication system, particularly within the IPCZ transport mechanism. According to the details provided, the error was in the Transport::Deserialize function, where the system did not adequately validate the header.destination_type parameters before creating transport objects. This allowed a malicious rendering process to manipulate this parameter to impersonate a privileged broker process.

The required attack vector was a multi-step process in which a compromised renderer sent manipulative messages to take control of the browser process resources. The proof of concept of the exploit demonstrated the ability to bypass the sandbox by duplicating handles of privileged browser processes, which included full permissions to execute system commands.

The decision to grant such a high reward reflects not only the sophistication of the exploit but also Google’s commitment to incentivizing security research, especially in critical areas of its browser. The vulnerability was responsibly disclosed on April 22, 2025, and Google’s security team, led by Alex Gough, implemented fixes in May 2025. These included the removal of transitive trust from transports and the implementation of stricter validation of the reliability of endpoints within the IPCZ system.

This event underscores the importance of collaboration between security researchers and technology companies to maintain the integrity and security of digital platforms.

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Be careful with TikTok links, because they could be used to steal your data

Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a wide-ranging malicious campaign targeting TikTok Shop users worldwide, aimed at stealing credentials and distributing malicious applications. The cybersecurity firm CTM360 has named this operation ClickTok, highlighting how threat actors are exploiting the e-commerce platform through a dual strategy that combines phishing and malware. A not very sophisticated scam, but very effective. More than 15,000 domains that mimic legitimate TikTok URLs have been identified, many of them hosted on top-level domains like .top, .shop, and […]

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a widespread malicious campaign targeting TikTok Shop users worldwide, aimed at stealing credentials and distributing malicious applications. The cybersecurity firm CTM360 has named this operation ClickTok, highlighting how threat actors are exploiting the e-commerce platform through a dual strategy that combines phishing and malware.

A not very sophisticated scam, but very effective

More than 15,000 domains that imitate legitimate TikTok URLs have been identified, many of them hosted on top-level domains such as .top, .shop, and .icu. These fake sites are designed to deceive users into believing they are interacting with the official platform or legitimate affiliates. Phishing pages lure users into depositing cryptocurrencies in fraudulent stores by offering discounts and non-existent products.

The heart of this campaign involves the use of a malicious application that contains malware known as SparkKitty. This malware has the ability to collect data from Android and iOS devices, as well as analyze cryptocurrency wallets. Users who download this application are led to enter their login credentials, only to face failures that redirect them to an alternative login through Google.

In addition, another type of phishing targeting users of Meta Business Suite has been identified, through fake emails alerting about policy violations. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has urged financial institutions to remain vigilant against suspicious activities related to convertible virtual currency kiosks, as criminals continue to exploit innovative technologies to carry out fraud.

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