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Japan’s Antitrust Regulator Set to Conclude Google Breached Laws in Search Practices: Report

Japan’s competition regulator, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), is reportedly set to find Google guilty of violating the country’s antitrust laws in relation to its search practices. According to sources cited by Nikkei Asia, the JFTC plans to issue a cease-and-desist order, compelling Google to stop engaging in monopolistic behaviors related to its web search services. This investigation has been underway since October of last year, as part of a broader global scrutiny of Google’s dominance in the search engine market, which has drawn attention from antitrust authorities in Europe and other major economies.

The case centers on accusations that Google has been abusing its dominant position in the search market, where it holds a significant share globally. As the creator of Chrome, the world’s most widely used web browser, Google’s practices in this space are seen as integral to its business model, particularly in terms of data collection for targeted advertising. The company uses this information to enhance the effectiveness of its ads, making it a critical part of its profit generation.

While Google has yet to respond to requests for comment on the ongoing investigation, the JFTC’s actions could set a significant precedent for future regulatory measures aimed at curbing the company’s market influence. The competition watchdog’s decision would add to the growing body of global scrutiny surrounding Google’s search practices, especially in light of similar investigations conducted in Europe.

This case also comes on the heels of legal challenges in the United States, where the Department of Justice has been pushing for Google to divest its Chrome browser. The US government argues that Google’s monopoly over search services must be broken up to encourage competition and fair market practices. A judge recently heard arguments suggesting that Google should be banned from re-entering the browser market for five years, marking a significant step in efforts to reduce its control over the search engine industry.

Gemini 1.5 Pro with Enhanced Research Features Now Accessible Globally in Over 45 Languages for Advanced Subscribers

Google has announced the global expansion of its Gemini AI platform, bringing the Deep Research feature to more than 150 countries and over 45 languages. Initially introduced as part of the Gemini 2.0 suite earlier this month, Deep Research is a powerful tool designed to assist advanced users in conducting multi-step research, running web searches, and preparing detailed reports on complex topics. However, this feature is currently exclusive to the Gemini 1.5 Pro model and can only be accessed via the web version of Gemini on desktop devices.

In an update shared on X (formerly Twitter), the official Google Gemini App account revealed that the Deep Research feature is now available to paid subscribers worldwide. This includes support for languages such as Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), English, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, and many others, ensuring a broader reach across diverse markets. With this global rollout, Gemini 1.5 Pro, along with its advanced research capabilities, is now accessible in nearly every region where Gemini operates, enhancing the usability of the platform for international users.

The Deep Research feature is part of the Google One AI Premium Plan, which offers access to Gemini Advanced for a monthly fee. In India, the subscription costs Rs. 1,950 per month. This plan is available exclusively to individuals aged 18 and above, providing them with access to the cutting-edge AI tools that Gemini offers. The feature’s availability may vary depending on the device, country, and language, but users subscribing to the premium plan will gain access to a broader array of AI-powered research capabilities.

For users seeking an advanced AI research assistant, Gemini 1.5 Pro with Deep Research promises a robust set of tools for tackling complex subjects. The feature’s expanded reach to over 150 countries and its support for numerous languages signals Google’s commitment to making Gemini an accessible and versatile tool for a global audience. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Gemini’s Deep Research feature is poised to be a valuable resource for professionals, researchers, and tech enthusiasts looking to enhance their workflows with advanced AI capabilities.

Google Photos Working on Quick Edit Feature for Faster Media Adjustments Before Sharing

Google Photos is reportedly working on a new feature that will make editing photos and videos easier and faster before sharing them. Known as “Quick Edit,” this new feature is designed to streamline the editing process, offering users automatic enhancements for their photos, along with a simple cropping tool. This could be a game-changer for users who want to quickly adjust their media without having to dive into more complex editing features.

Quick Edit Functionality

The Quick Edit feature is expected to offer an automatic enhancement option, similar to the “Enhance” tool already available in Google Photos’ editing menu. This feature would analyze the photo and apply improvements to brightness, contrast, sharpness, and other key elements to optimize the image with just one tap. This means that users won’t need to manually adjust settings, as the app will take care of it, making the editing process faster and more efficient.

Cropping and Sharing Made Easy

In addition to automatic enhancements, Quick Edit is said to include a cropping tool, enabling users to adjust the framing of their photos before sharing them. This feature allows for quick trimming, which can be particularly useful for users looking to remove unwanted parts of an image or focus on a specific subject. Once the edits are complete, users will have an easy way to share the content, with a simple “Share” button located on the screen’s bottom-right corner, making it accessible and straightforward.

Part of a Larger Update

The Quick Edit feature is just one part of a broader update to Google Photos. Recent updates have already introduced useful features, such as the ability to delete media from backups without removing it locally and a revamped Moments tab that replaces the Memories tab. These updates are part of Google’s ongoing effort to enhance the functionality of Google Photos, making it a more versatile and user-friendly platform for managing and sharing photos and videos.

Anticipation and Future Outlook

Once fully rolled out, Quick Edit could significantly enhance the Google Photos experience by providing users with a quicker and more intuitive way to prepare their content for sharing. This feature, along with other recent updates, suggests that Google is focused on improving user experience, making it easier for people to interact with their photos without relying on third-party editing apps. With such improvements, Google Photos will likely remain a go-to tool for photo management and sharing.