Google updates Gemini with mental health support features and safety tools

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 8, 2026 | Technology

Google is rolling out updates to Gemini AI that will help connect users to mental health support more quickly. According to Google, the changes are designed to identify when someone may be in distress and guide them towards verified resources, including crisis helplines. Alongside this, Google has also announced funding to expand mental health support services globally. Here’s what the update includes:

Access to crisis support

Google is updating Gemini to make it simpler for users to find help when needed. If a conversation suggests someone may be struggling, the chatbot will show a “Help is available” prompt with links to relevant support resources.

In more serious cases, such as signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, Gemini will display a one-touch option to connect with crisis helplines. This allows users to call, chat or text support services directly. The option remains visible throughout the conversation to make access easier.

Funding for global helplines

According to the company, Google’s philanthropic arm, Google.org, has announced $30 million in funding over the next three years. Google said that the goal is to help crisis helplines expand their reach and improve response capacity.

The company is also expanding its partnership with ReflexAI. This includes $4 million in funding and the use of Gemini within ReflexAI’s training tools. The initiative will also involve technical support to improve training platforms used by organisations handling sensitive conversations.

How Gemini will respond in sensitive situations

Google said that it is refining how Gemini handles mental health-related conversations. The system is designed to prioritise connecting users with real-world help instead of acting as a replacement for professional care.

It will avoid encouraging harmful behaviour and is trained not to reinforce false beliefs. Instead, it will guide users towards verified information and suggest seeking professional support when required.

Safeguards for younger users

Google has outlined a set of protections in Gemini specifically for younger users. These measures are designed to ensure that responses remain appropriate and avoid sensitive or harmful topics.

These include persona protections, which prevent Gemini from acting like a human or positioning itself as a companion. The chatbot is restricted from claiming human traits or presenting itself as a real person.

In addition, safeguards are in place to stop the chatbot from encouraging bullying, harassment or other harmful behaviour.

Google said that these protections will continue to evolve as the company refines how Gemini responds to different situations. The broader aim is to maintain a safer digital environment where younger users can learn and explore without being exposed to harmful interactions.

The update is part of Google’s ongoing work in the mental health space. The company said that AI tools like Gemini can play a role in improving access to information and support, but they are not meant to replace professional help.

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Amazon to end Kindle Store support for old e-book readers: What's changing

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 8, 2026 | Technology

Amazon has reportedly confirmed that it will discontinue key Kindle Store functions on older Kindle devices starting May 20, 2026. In a statement to The Verge, the company confirmed that the change will affect Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets released in 2012 and earlier, with these devices no longer able to purchase, borrow or download new books directly from the Kindle Store after the deadline.

As per The Verge, the list of impacted devices includes models going back to the original Kindle launched in 2007, which featured a physical keyboard and scroll wheel.

However, despite this, users will still be able to access and read content that has already been downloaded to their devices. The report adds that access to purchased books will continue through the Kindle mobile app, Kindle for Web and newer Kindle devices. However, if these older devices are deregistered or factory reset after May 20, users will not be able to re-register them.

Impacted devices

Kindle 1st generation (2007)

Kindle DX and DX Graphite (2009 and 2010)

Kindle Keyboard (2010)

Kindle 4 (2011)

Kindle Touch (2011)

Kindle 5 (2012)

Kindle Paperwhite 1st generation (2012)

Kindle Fire 1st gen (2011)

Kindle Fire 2nd gen (2012)

Kindle Fire HD 7 (2012)

Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012)

Amazon to notify users with details

As per the report, Amazon is expected to notify affected users via email ahead of the deadline, explaining the limitations and what functionality will remain. The report notes that while pre-2012 Kindle Fire devices will face the same restrictions for books and Kindle Store access, other apps and Amazon services on those devices are not expected to be affected.

Reportedly, Amazon is also planning to offer incentives for users looking to upgrade. These include a 20 per cent discount on new Kindle devices and a $20 ebook credit, which will be added to user accounts after upgrading and will remain valid until June 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.

The Verge report adds that users who upgrade will still be able to access their previously purchased content on new devices, provided they log in using the same Amazon account they have been using.

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Adobe's AI-based Student Spaces in Acrobat can generate summaries, guides

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 8, 2026 | Technology

Adobe has introduced a new feature called Student Spaces in Adobe Acrobat that allows students to organise study material and manage coursework more efficiently. The feature, currently available in beta and free to use, brings together notes, documents and AI-powered tools in one place. It allows users to create study guides, summaries and other learning material, while also supporting revision and group work.

What Student Spaces offers

According to the company, Student Spaces acts as a central hub where students can add class notes, documents and links. Based on this material, the tool can generate study guides, mind maps, flashcards and quizzes. This helps break down large volumes of information into simpler formats, making revision more manageable.

Adobe noted that the feature is built to support different academic needs, whether it is preparing for exams, working on assignments or handling group projects.

Adobe said that the feature has been developed with feedback from students to better match real study habits. The company plans to continue updating Student Spaces based on user input, as it expands the tool beyond its current beta version.

AI support for learning

One of the key parts of Student Spaces is the built-in AI Assistant. It can explain complex topics in a simpler way and provide responses linked directly to the source material. This allows students to check where the information is coming from, instead of relying on answers without context. The company stated that Acrobat’s AI Assistant is like having a tutor available 24/7 that breaks down complex topics.

Audio-based learning options

Student Spaces also includes audio features. Students can convert their notes into short summaries or longer podcast-style explanations. This allows them to study while doing other activities, such as commuting or exercising. The company said that the option is useful for those who prefer listening over reading or want to revise content without being tied to a screen.

Collaboration and group work

The tool also supports group work. Students can invite classmates to a shared space where they can exchange notes, ask questions and work on presentations together. This reduces the need to switch between multiple apps for collaboration. It is designed to keep group discussions and materials organised in one place.

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OnePlus Nord 6 with 9,000mAh battery launched: Check price, specs, offers

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 8, 2026 | Technology

OnePlus launched the OnePlus Nord 6 in India on April 7. The OnePlus Nord 6 sports a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen with 165Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, coupled with up to 12GB of RAM. It packs a 9,000mAh battery with support for 80W charging and 27W reverse charging.

OnePlus Nord 6: Price and availability

8GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 38,999

12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 41,999

Colour: Quick Silver, Fresh Mint and Pitch Black

The OnePlus Nord 6 will be available for purchase starting April 9 on OnePlus’ website, in the OnePlus Store app, at OnePlus Experience Stores, on the e-commerce platform Amazon and at select retail stores.

OnePlus Nord 6: Offers

Rs 2,000 discount applicable on full swipe transactions with Axis Bank credit card

Rs 3,000 applicable on EMI transactions with Axis Bank and HDFC Bank credit cards

Up to six months of no-interest equated monthly instalment plans for select cards

OnePlus Nord 6: Details

The OnePlus Nord 6 features a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED “Sunburst HDR” display with a 165Hz refresh rate and up to 1800 nits of brightness in high brightness mode, similar to the flagship OnePlus 15. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, paired with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage. As per the company, it supports up to 165 FPS gameplay on Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), aided by a dedicated Touch Reflex chip and a six-axis gyroscope for enhanced gaming performance.

For imaging, the device includes a 50MP Sony LYTIA-600 main sensor with dual-axis OIS, alongside an 8MP ultra-wide OmniVision OV08F lens, while the front houses a 32MP camera. The smartphone packs a 9,000mAh battery with support for 80W wired charging and 27W reverse charging.

On the software front, the Nord 6 runs Android 16-based OxygenOS 16 and will receive four major Android updates and security patches for up to six years. Connectivity includes a G2 Wi-Fi chip, while durability features include IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings along with MIL-STD-810H certification and Crystal Guard Glass protection. The device is available in Quick Silver, Fresh Mint and Pitch Black colour options, with AI-based camera tools such as AI Portrait Glow, AI Eraser, AI Unblur and AI Perfect Shot.

OnePlus Nord 6: Specifications

Display: 6.78-inch, 1.5K AMOLED “Sunburst HDR” display, 165Hz refresh rate, 1800 nits of brightness in HBM

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4

RAM: 8, 12GB LPDDR5X

Storage: 256GB UFS 4.1

Rear camera: 50MP Sony LYTIA-600 CMOS main sensor with dual-axis OIS + 8MP ultra-wide OmniVision OV08F

Front camera: 32MP

Battery: 9,000 mAh

Charging: 80W wired and 27W reverse charging

OS: OxygenOS 16

Durability: IP66, IP68, IP69, IP69K ratings and MIL-STD-810H certification, Crystal Guard Glass

Colours: Quick Silver, Fresh Mint, Pitch Black

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Google Chrome update brings vertical tabs, upgraded reading mode: Details

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 8, 2026 | Technology

Google is rolling out a new update for the Chrome browser. According to a blog post by the company, the update introduces vertical tabs and an improved reading mode, giving users more control over how they manage tabs and view content. While one feature focuses on organising multiple tabs, the other is designed to simplify reading on cluttered web pages.

Vertical tabs: To manage clutter

Chrome now lets users switch from the traditional horizontal tab layout to a vertical one. By right-clicking on any Chrome window and selecting “Show tabs vertically,” tabs move to the side of the screen. According to Google, this layout makes it convenient to read full page titles, especially when many tabs are open. Instead of shrinking into tiny, unreadable strips, tabs remain clearly visible. It also improves tab group management, helping users organise related pages more efficiently.

The feature is particularly useful for people who regularly work with multiple tabs, such as researchers, students or multitaskers. It helps reduce the risk of losing track of tabs, especially when several pages on the same website look identical because of similar icons.

Reading mode: A full-page upgrade

Chrome’s reading mode is also getting an update. Users can right-click on any page and choose “Open in reading mode” to switch to a simpler, text-only view.

The updated version now opens in a full-page layout. It removes ads, pop-ups and other on-screen elements, leaving just the main content. This can make it easier to read long articles or go through material without distractions.

Why this matters

Vertical tabs aren’t entirely new. Google had reportedly experimented with a similar feature years ago, but it never moved beyond testing. According to a report from TechCrunch, the rollout appears more refined, with some users already accessing it earlier through experimental Chrome flags.

These features arrive as Chrome continues to receive regular updates. In recent months, Google has introduced changes like Gemini integration, improved autofill tools, Split View and a faster release schedule.

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Apple's first foldable iPhone remains on track for September debut

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 8, 2026 | Technology

By Mark Gurman

Apple Inc.’s first foldable phone is on track to arrive during the company’s normal iPhone launch period later this year, people with knowledge of the matter said, rebutting concerns about major manufacturing snags.

The company is scheduled to introduce the foldable model in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans haven’t been announced. Apple’s phones typically hit store shelves the week after they’re unveiled.

A report from Nikkei Asia had fueled concerns about a delay on Tuesday. Apple shares fell as much as 5.1% after the news outlet said that the company was facing challenges in the engineering test phase of the phone. That threatens to push back the production and shipment schedule, according to Nikkei Asia.

While the complexity of the new display and materials may limit initial supply for several weeks, Apple is currently operating with a plan to put the device on sale around the same time — or very soon after — the new non-foldable models, the people said.

Apple shares pared their losses after Bloomberg News reported on the plans. The stock was down about 2.1% to $253.50 at the close in New York on Tuesday.

Still, the release is six months away and production has yet to ramp up. That means the timing isn’t final. A spokesperson for the Cupertino, California-based company declined to comment.

The device is a major initiative for Apple, which is seeking to expand the iPhone line with new designs, pricier models and enhanced features. It’s aiming to better compete with Samsung Electronics Co. and China-based smartphone makers, which have offered foldable options for years.

For Apple, the foldable iPhone is step two of a three-year plan to reinvent the look and feel of its flagship device. Last year, the company introduced overhauled Pro and Pro Max models and a thinner version called the iPhone Air. It’s also working on a separate iPhone revamp in 2027 to mark the product’s two-decade anniversary.

The iPhone road map has been a priority for Apple management — including hardware chief John Ternus, who Bloomberg News has reported is a top contender to eventually replace Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook.

The foldable iPhone will be similar to competing products — with a few key selling points. Apple engineers believe they’ve solved problems with screen quality and overall durability, two long-running flaws with phones in this category. That includes making the display’s crease less visible when it’s unfolded.

The iPhone will include a wide display orientation when opened up in landscape view, making it more effective for watching video and gaming than the narrower foldable phone offerings on the market today. Apple is planning to update its iOS operating system to make iPhone apps look more like iPad software on the new device.

The product’s price, meanwhile, is expected to cross the $2,000 threshold. Though that could deter some consumers, it should boost Apple’s average sales price and help fuel revenue growth for the company.

At the same time, Apple is shaking up the iPhone’s yearly release schedule. Its next entry-level model will be pushed back to spring 2027, Bloomberg News has reported. The company also plans to debut a new iPhone Air and a lower-budget iPhone 18e at that time. It released the iPhone 17e last month.

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