GOOGLES EDUCATION APPS
Google turns off AI for schoolchildren by default
Google has said it will switch off its AI tools for schoolchildren by default, after drawing criticism for pushing artificial intelligence features to students while schools are still debating how the technology should be used in classrooms. The feature was switched on by default for students at schools that had already enabled Gemini.
AI is changing online ads, and brands have a new fight on their hands: Report
As consumers increasingly use AI for product discovery and comparisons, brands must adjust their advertising strategies. Research shows that many users still conduct further research after receiving AI recommendations from standalone apps. Advertising platforms are introducing new tools to engage consumers within existing searches and social media.
VCs clip all love & cash on agentic AI
As personal AI agents transform the consumer internet, Indian VCs are shifting the focus from attention-grabbing apps to intent-driven assistants, writes Himanshi Lohchab. From AI financial advisers, health companions to personal concierges, investors are betting that the next generation of consumer businesses will be built around intent, personalisation and delegation, rather than attention and app engagement.
Google faces backlash against India data centre
Handcuffs encircle Google's logo on one campaign poster, while another warns that people "cannot drink data", as opposition mounts to the tech giant's planned AI mega-facility in India. Still, water use worries residents, especially given plans for Vizag to become a tech megahub.
Karnataka plans to introduce AI training in govt schools from Class 6
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has directed the introduction of Artificial Intelligence training in government schools beginning from Class 6. The initiative aims to prepare students effectively for future job markets and technological advancements. Google has shown interest in providing AI training, with plans to consider existing programs in Telangana. Additionally, the Chief Minister is also exploring the establishment of an AI university in Karnataka.
Lifting the floor for all: How Google’s Gemini Models are powering Wadhwani AI’s HealthVaani App for ASHA, Anganwadi workers
The first healthcare touchpoint for more than half of India’s population are the frontline workers such as ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Strengthening their confidence with AI-enabled tools on their hand-held devices, will significantly improve the quality and reach of primary healthcare in the country. Wadhwani AI’s HealthVaani App, powered by Google, is taking the lead in instilling this confidence where it matters the most. Senior Journalist Sonia Singh interacted with Shekar Sivasubramanian - Head, Wadhwani AI and Preeti Lobana - Vice President and Country Manager, Google India. Read on!

BenQ TK705i review: The big-screen experience comes with a few compromises
The BenQ TK705i stands out with its stunning 4K display and integrated Google TV, appealing to avid movie fans. It simplifies setup with automatic image adjustments, making it suitable for any living area.

Lauren Sanchez and Amazon's Jeff Bezos are pouring $25 million into a massive Pacific Ocean conservation project covering an area larger than Alaska
Lauren Sanchez is backing a new Bezos Earth Fund ocean conservation push as Jeff Bezos' philanthropic organization commits more than $25 million to protect 625,000 square miles of Pacific waters across five nations, while supporting new marine protected areas under the UN High Seas Treaty. In July, Sanchez shared photos from a snorkeling and scuba-diving trip in Fiji, where she saw reefs surrounded by fish, sea turtles and reef sharks.

ETtech Explainer: Who pays MDR on UPI and who does not
Starting on October 15, banks and payment applications will begin earning revenue from select merchant UPI transactions. Transactions under Rs 2000 will remain exempt from new fees, while person-to-person transfers and small vendor payments under Rs 1 lakh are still free. Merchants will incur a charge of up to forty basis points for transactions over Rs 2000.

Gates Foundation warns AI could widen inequality as foundation pledges $1B to expand access
And despite the United States' international aid cuts, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman said he would continue pressing Congress and President Donald Trump's administration to lead the way on foreign assistance.

Microsoft commits to sweeping AI privacy rules for students. Will other tech giants follow?
As the school year started, the country's two largest school districts, New York City and Los Angeles, announced they were putting the brakes on student use of AI for one year, as they study how to best incorporate the technology into education.

Habuild CEO on user loyalty; Flipkart Minutes gets its own app
Happy Thursday! Habuild CEO Saurabh Bothra said repeat users are helping the company drive growth. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.

Raising a child in India could cost nearly Rs 7 crore, financial advisor’s estimate sparks debate
Finance advisor and content creator Udayan Adhye has sparked an online discussion after estimating that raising a child in an Indian metro could cost nearly Rs 6.75 crore. His calculation considers education inflation alongside healthcare, extracurricular activities, technology, travel, childcare and lifestyle spending. Adhye says parents should treat these expenses as long-term financial goals rather than relying only on present-day costs.

Google is giving US college students $240 worth of Gemini AI Pro for free for a year, with powerful new AI study features. Here's how you can avail it
Google is offering eligible US college students a free year of Google AI Pro worth nearly $240, along with premium Gemini features, 5TB of storage and new AI-powered study tools. The offer also includes Gemini’s new Student Hub, quizzes, flashcards, research tools and homework assistance. The student hub is rolling out on mobile and the web to signed-in personal accounts in every language supported by the Gemini app.

Simplify your Android experience: Google rolls out remote uninstallation feature for Play Store apps
The feature, embedded in Play Store version 38.8, streamlines app management across various platforms, including Auto, PC, Phone, TV, and Wear.

Google Play celebrates 10 years: From content in regional languages to empowering local developers, the rise of Indian apps
Indian apps and games have witnessed a 150 per cent increase in time spent by users outside India.

Educational apps indulged in practices that put children’s privacy at risk: report
The international non-governmental organisation’s analysis of the apps found that of the 164 apps and websites, as many as 146, or 89% engaged in some behaviour which put at risk the safety, privacy and confidentiality of children using these platforms for education.

From education to small businesses, inside Google's new India blueprint
This is a clear sign of the internet giant's intent to up its India game by several notches. The main objective appears to be getting a firm grip on India's digital space. Google sees a huge opportunity in Digital India and is excited by it, Pichai said.

Google, Udacity announce the launch of Android Nanodegree in India
Google on Monday announced the launch of a program to offer Android Nanodegrees in India in partnership with Udacity.
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