Google is ramping up its push into smart glasses and augmented reality headgear, taking on rivals Apple and Meta with help from its sophisticated Gemini artificial intelligence. The internet titan on Thursday unveiled an Android XR operating system created in a collaboration with Samsung, which will use it in a device being built in what is called internally "Project Moohan," according to Google. The software is designed to power augmented and virtual reality experiences enhanced with artificial intelligence, XR vice president Shahram Izadi said in a blog post. "With headsets, you can effortlessly switch between being fully immersed in a virtual environment and staying present in the real world," Izadi said. "You can fill the space around you with apps and content, and with Gemini, our AI assistant, you can even have conversations about what you're seeing or control your device." Google this week announced the launch of Gemini 2.0, its most advanced artificial intelligence model to date, as the world's tech giants race to take the lead in the fast-developing technology. CEO Sundar Pichai said the new model would mark what the company calls "a new agentic era" in AI development, with AI models designed to understand and make decisions about the world around you. Android XR infused with Gemini promises to put digital assistants into eyewear, tapping into what users are seeing and hearing. An AI "agent," the latest Silicon Valley trend, is a digital helper that is supposed to sense surroundings, make decisions, and take actions to achieve specific goals. "Gemini can understand your intent, helping you plan, research topics and guide you through tasks," Izadi said. "Android XR will first launch on headsets that transform how you watch, work and explore." The Android XR release was a preview for developers so they can start building games and other apps for headgear, ideally fun or useful enough to get people to buy the hardware. This is not Google's first foray into smart eyewear. Its first offering, Google Glass, debuted in 2013 only to be treated as an unflattering tech status symbol and met with privacy concerns due to camera capabilities. The market has evolved since then, with Meta investing heavily in a Quest virtual reality headgear line priced for mainstream adoption and Apple hitting the market with pricey Vision Pro "spacial reality" gear. Google plans to soon begin testing prototype Android XR-powered glasses with a small group of users. Google will also adapt popular apps such as YouTube, Photos, Maps, and Google TV for immersive experiences using Android XR, according to Izadi. Gemini AI in glasses will enable tasks like directions and language translations, he added. "It's all within your line of sight, or directly in your ear," Izadi said. gc/dwManipur: Ban on mobile internet in nine districts extended till Dec 9
PARIS :Leaders Paris St Germain beat Toulouse 3-0 in Ligue 1 on Friday as the Parisians remained unbeaten in their domestic campaign following goals by Joao Neves, Lucas Beraldo and Vitinha. Neves put the hosts in front in the 35th minute with a volley from the edge of the area, before Beraldo doubled the lead with first touch late in the second half and substitute Vitinha sealed the win in stoppage time. PSG top the French top flight with 32 points, six ahead of second-placed AS Monaco who beat Brest 3-2 earlier on Friday. With their fifth consecutive win, PSG are one of the three teams among the European top five leagues that remain undefeated this season alongside Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and Juventus, currently sixth in Serie A. PSG, who travel to Bayern in the Champions League on Tuesday, started off cautiously against Toulouse, who handed the Parisians their only defeat in their previous 40 Ligue 1 games. League's top scorer Bradley Barcola was denied a good opportunity by Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, an attempt that came one minute before Neves opened the scoring, netting a neat weighted pass from Achraf Hakimi low inside the left post. Hakimi had a chance of his own from a distance as PSG continued to dominate the possession after the restart, but Restes parried his shot above the bar. Warren Zaire-Emery then thought he doubled the lead for the hosts in the 54th minute, a goal that was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review. Toulouse struggled to capitalise on the few chances that came their way, with substitute Shavy Babicka firing over the bar from close range minutes after entering the pitch. Beraldo, however, added a second in the 84th minute, scoring from around the penalty spot for his first goal of the season after he landed a rebound, before Vitinha netted a precise cross from fellow substitute Randal Kolo Muani to seal the points. Following their 1-0 win over Lens on Nov. 2, PSG have now kept two consecutive clean sheets at home in Ligue 1 for the first time in a year. They next host Nantes on Nov. 30. Toulouse, who are 10th on 15 points, welcome Auxerre on Dec. 1.
The Manitoba Legislative Building was turned into a winter wonderland on Saturday, as the annual Holiday Open House kicked off the festive season. Premier Wab Kinew invited the public to celebrate the holidays. “We have so much to be thankful for, celebrating Hannukah and Christmas and Quanza and the Solstice, and my birthday, that we’re just so so overjoyed that you could be here to celebrate with us,” said Premier Kinew. “I just want to say, welcome to your building. This building belongs to you the people of Manitoba, so we are so happy to be able to open it up to you to come celebrate the best time of year.” The Legislature halls were decked with boughs of holly, the carolers, holiday treats, and even the big man himself (Santa) made an appearance. It’s the second year in a row the Holiday Open House was held, after being suspended in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, and again in 2022 due to safety concerns. And now it’s clear, the return of the event is a welcome sight to the public. “I think its very self-educating, and we enjoyed ourselves. Hopefully, everyone else is doing the same” said one Winnipegger CityNews spoke to. Another saying, “I’m a huge fan of the legislature building. I love bringing my kids and getting them interested in politics as best I can, so It’s a great day here.” Before the premier wrapped up his speech, he left Manitobans with a heartfelt message, this holiday season. “Let’s remember that the thing that unites us as Manitobans this time of year, and every single day of the year, is generosity. So let’s be kind, let’s be happy, and let’s be generous. Sound good?”Army-Navy game has added buzz