The Verge

AI, General

Google Appeals Search Monopoly Ruling, Calls Decision “Flawed” and Claims It Won Business Fairly

Google filed its May 2026 appeal of the federal ruling branding it an illegal search monopolist, calling it “flawed” and “crashed” through legal guardrails. It challenges Judge Amit Mehta’s Aug 2024 guilt and Sep 2025 remedies, arguing its browser/device distribution deals weren’t anticompetitive and that data-sharing with genAI firms exceeded discretion.

AI, Enterprise

Microsoft Adding Option to Remove Floating Copilot Button From Office Apps

Microsoft’s late‑May 2026 Office update lets users move the floating Copilot button to the ribbon via right‑click “Dynamic Action Button,” addressing complaints it blocked Excel cells (a dock option had made it smaller). Katie Kivett said engagement is up, but users want more control; Microsoft also cut “unnecessary” Copilot buttons from Windows 11 about a month earlier.

AI, General

Google Adds AI-Generated Ad Descriptions and Chatbot Ads to Search Results

Starting May 2026, Google will use Gemini to generate AI “custom explainers” for Search ads—for example, pairing a “compact espresso pod machine” query with a sponsored Nespresso Vertuo Up listing. It also adds chatbot-style ads with an “Ask a question” button powered by Gemini using advertiser-site content, plus AI Mode placement tests.

AI, Mobile & Apps

YouTube Shorts Gets AI Remix Feature Powered by Gemini Omni

Google’s May 2026 Gemini Omni Remix for YouTube Shorts includes creator opt-out plus a digital watermark and link back to the original. From the remix icon, choose “Reimagine” for pixel art, anime, found-footage horror, or edits like inflating heads, adding background actors, pirate costumes, or inserting yourself.

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