Google will implement a significant change in Android app distribution, allowing third-party stores access to the Play Store catalog in the United States starting July 22. This decision introduces a new dynamic in how applications can be distributed on the operating system.
The company launched the Play Catalog Access Program, which enables external stores to offer applications and games already present in the Play Store. The goal of this initiative is to foster new distribution models without implying the withdrawal of Google's participation in the process. It is important to note that even with this novelty, download processes will be finalized through Google Play, and the company's service fees will remain valid for applications installed by these platforms.
This change is directly related to the legal dispute between Google and Epic Games. In November 2025, the two companies reached an agreement following a ruling by Judge James Donato, which established modifications to the functioning of app distribution on Android. Previously, there was a proposal for the 'Registered App Stores' program, which would facilitate installation but would still depend on the sideloading method, where users install apps outside the official store.
Platforms wishing to participate in this new program can be listed within the Google Play itself. To join the system, they must meet certain rigorous conditions. Among them is the need for an initial payment of US$ 5,000 (equivalent to approximately R$ 27,000) for security review, plus an annual fee of US$ 5,000 (about R$ 27,000) to maintain catalog access. Other requirements include providing customer service in the United States and adhering to the security and operational standards stipulated by Google.
Dan Jackson, a Google spokesperson, told The Verge that this global evolution of the business model aims to provide greater variety of app stores, more accessible prices, and more opportunities for both developers and users.
The opening to external stores is part of a larger set of adjustments negotiated between Google and Epic Games. As a result, the commission charged by the company on app purchases has been reduced from 30% to 10%. Additionally, developers have gained the ability to implement their own payment systems or redirect users to their websites during transactions made within games and applications. For now, this novelty is geographically limited to the United States, and partner platforms cannot use the Play Store catalog to distribute apps in other countries, although the measure expands distribution choices on Android under specific Google ecosystem rules.
Google announced a major restructuring of Google Images, aiming to transform its search engine into a platform focused on visual inspiration and discovery, mirroring the experience offered by Pinterest.
The company plans to change the service from a traditional search tool to a dynamic and navigable gallery of visual content available on the internet. According to Google, this change aims to expand users' navigation options. Additionally, the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) image generation serves as an alternative for those who cannot find exactly what they are looking for or wish to visualize new concepts without relying on external services.
The tech giant is adopting an approach similar to Pinterest, which has established itself as a place to organize and discover visual inspiration in niches such as fashion, decoration, and travel. This transformation is expected to increase the time users spend in the Google ecosystem and strengthen advertising revenue. Another goal is to keep users on the platform by allowing them to create images that do not exist on the web, rather than directing them to third-party tools like ChatGPT.
In the new version of Google Images, a gallery called 'For you' will be introduced, presenting customized images according to the user's interests and browsing history. Similar to Pinterest, this gallery was designed for continuous navigation and will have its content updated in real time. Users will have the ability to save materials in 'collections,' which can be organized in tabs above the main gallery, allowing them to create specific categories to save inspiration, such as travel look ideas or suggestions for decorating a reading nook.
The new Google Images will be launched in the coming weeks for desktop users in the United States, requiring access via a Google Account.
In addition to the redesign of Google Images, the company has also implemented the function to generate images directly within Search. This feature was developed to address situations where the user has a very specific idea of an image that does not yet exist online. This functionality will be incorporated into Search's AI Overviews and will use the new Nano Banana model to convert textual prompts into personalized images.
Google also mentioned that the new feature can be used to simulate changes in environments or explore design possibilities, such as visualizing a room painted red or imagining a seaside-themed bedroom. The release of image generation in AI Overviews will begin in the coming weeks, in English, for all regions that already support image creation in AI Mode.
The Department of Space (DoS) intervened to halt a recent wave of resignations from flagship ISRO programs. A new internal memorandum was issued on July 14, tightening rules regarding voluntary retirement and departures of scientists working on Gaganyaan and other critical projects.
Although the Department of Space did not disclose the exact number of departing specialists, sources within ISRO told TOI that the number was significant enough to warrant intervention—between 100 and 120 people. One source specified that about 80 people left only from URSC, and at least 20 from VSSC, potentially totaling around 120, excluding those still under evaluation.
Among those who left are key personnel, such as Viktor Joseph, the project director of LVM-3 from VSSC. A source also reported the departure of the SpaDeX project director from URSC and the exit of a very talented young specialist involved in the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan acknowledged the departures, stating that the organization is prepared to handle the situation. He noted that staff turnover is part of any structure's life cycle, but the new directive aims not only to retain personnel but also to prevent sudden damage to important projects. He emphasized that if someone leaves, another will take over responsibility, and they are addressing this matter.
Despite the recent departures constituting a small fraction of ISRO's total staff of over 14,600, they occurred in strategically vital centers. URSC had 1,339 employees, while VSSC, ISRO's largest center, had 4,577 people at the end of the last fiscal year. The main concern relates to the loss of personnel from key missions.
An example of such a loss is scientist Aditya Rallapalli of Chandrayaan-3, the mission (simulation) project manager. He led a specialized group that generated nearly 25 terabytes of data from over 100,000 tests, which proved critical for verifying the lunar landing sequence.
The memo reflects this concern by noting a recent surge in requests for voluntary retirement and resignation among scientific and technical personnel of Group 'A', including those associated with prestigious Gaganyaan missions and other important projects, which seriously impacts the implementation of national projects.
The directive also states that requests for resignation and voluntary retirement from scientists linked to Gaganyaan and other vital missions 'may not be accepted as routine matters.' Center directors have been instructed to refrain from accepting such requests until the relevant projects are completed. Instead, all such cases must be forwarded to the DoS along with the director's recommendations for a final decision.
This procedure cancels a key administrative change introduced in 2020. According to the November 25, 2020, memorandum, center directors and ISRO division heads had the authority to accept requests for voluntary retirement and resignation from Group A scientific and technical personnel up to the level of Scientist/Engineer-SG. This power is now effectively revoked for scientists attached to Gaganyaan and other major missions.
Staff attrition is not a new phenomenon for ISRO, nor can it be explained solely by the capabilities of the private space sector. Previously, TOI reported that between 2004 and 2007, almost half of the agency's new employees resigned. Official data also shows that approximately 700 employees resigned between 2012 and 2024. ISRO's annual report for 2025–26 indicates an advanced stage of recruitment for about 1,050 scientific, technical, and administrative positions, while last year's personnel review legalized 466 project positions and created about 460 higher-grade positions. Nevertheless, the latest DoS directive shows that replacing experienced scientists working on national missions is not as simple as filling vacancies.
A video that reached over one hundred million views on social media, showing a humanoid robot seemingly attacking individuals in an office in Indonesia, does not represent an artificial intelligence (AI) rebellion. According to the equipment's responsible parties, the images capture a mere 'misunderstanding' resulting from the execution of a previously programmed routine.
The footage was made available on TikTok on July 5th by the profile Joko Prabuwesi, the name given to the humanoid robot, and quickly spread across the internet, leading many users to believe that the device had lost control. In the scenes, several people are seen trying to restrain the robot while it performs movements similar to martial arts techniques. However, the team in charge of the humanoid assures that all the action was part of a demonstration sequence.
The robot's administrators explained that when the equipment was first turned on, it automatically initiated a martial arts routine that had been configured previously. This sequence was mistakenly interpreted as an attack, recorded, and subsequently posted on social media.
The responsible parties emphasized that all movements performed by the robot were planned in advance and are part of a display designed to demonstrate the device's agility, speed, and reaction capability. This humanoid is a G1 model, developed by the Chinese company Unitree, and has the ability to execute complex maneuvers, including martial arts performances. The cost per unit of this robot is about US$ 33 thousand (equivalent to R$ 168 thousand).
Following the video's massive impact, the robot participated in a television program in Indonesia. Before this TV appearance, it posted a video on TikTok apologizing to the employee who was supposedly 'attacked.' During its TV appearance, the humanoid performed a dance and simulated a fight.
Mera Robotics, the Polish company responsible for programming these devices, indicated that the vast attention on social media aligns with the promotion strategy of so-called 'social robot projects.' In this business model, clients acquire the robots and receive support from the company to program them and turn them into digital influencers. Owners create scenarios aimed at generating 'organic visibility' on social platforms.
A spokesperson for Mera Robotics stated: 'A local client or partner can acquire a robot and then work with us on software integration, programming, personality development, content strategy, training, and continuous technical support. The robot itself is just the hardware—the character, interactions, and operating system require a separate development and production process.'
In addition to the robot active in Indonesia, the company maintains three other humanoids in various countries: Edward Warchocki, in Poland; Amir, in Dubai; and Hudson, in the United States. All these robots maintain their own profiles on social media and accumulate thousands of followers. A large part of these robots is used in public events, demonstrations, and marketing campaigns.
Earlier this year, Edward Warchocki also went viral after being filmed chasing wild boars through the streets of Warsaw, Poland. As reported by the BBC, the video exceeded 14 million views on Instagram and showed the humanoid 'scaring' the animals moving through the city. The British broadcaster's report also highlighted that Poland registered more than 100 incidents of wild boars against people in the previous year.
