Gemini app gains new ‘Map’ tool, replacing ‘/’ with ‘@’

9to5google.com Oct 3, 2026

Gemini app gains new ‘Map’ tool, replacing ‘/’ with ‘@’

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 3, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google has added a “Map” tool to its Gemini app on Android and iOS, replacing the forward slash with “@” for invoking skills. The Map tool appears at the end of the carousel beside Photos, Camera, Avatar, Files, Drive, and Notebooks, launching a live map that lets users pan, zoom, and search for locations. After selecting a spot, users can add “Map Area” to the prompt box. The feature is widely rolled out, while the slash-to-@ change is still in beta.

💡 Why It Matters

· The Map tool expands Gemini’s contextual capabilities, enabling location‑aware queries without leaving the chat.
· The slash‑to‑@ shift streamlines skill access, simplifying how users trigger new functionalities.

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Trump Holds White House Meeting with AI Leaders Amid Superintelligence Debate

President Donald Trump hosted a White House meeting on September 29, 2026 with leading AI executives—Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jensen Huang, and Sundar Pichai—to discuss safety concerns surrounding artificial intelligence. The discussion highlighted the difference between current AI capabilities and the theoretical concept of superintelligence, a term that denotes machine intelligence far surpassing human cognition across all domains. The leaders reviewed existing AI applications, from generative text and image tools to specialized task performers, and debated whether the term “artificial” misrepresents the technology. The meeting underscored the urgency of regulatory oversight as AI systems grow more powerful.

💡 The dialogue signals a shift toward proactive governance of AI, recognizing that today’s tools are not yet superintelligent but could evolve rapidly. It positions the U.S. to shape global standards for responsible AI development.

appleinsider.com · Oct 3

Judge gives Google legal permission to steal content for AI summaries

A U.S. judge dismissed a lawsuit by publishers Penske Media Corp and Chegg, who alleged that Google’s AI-generated summaries unlawfully used their content, diverting traffic and revenue. Judge Amit Mehta acknowledged the publishers’ frustration but ruled that the issue of economic harm lies with lawmakers, not antitrust courts. The decision follows Google’s recent avoidance of a DOJ-mandated split of its search and advertising businesses, leaving one fewer antitrust case against the tech giant. The ruling underscores the legal limits of addressing AI‑related revenue loss.

💡 The dismissal signals that courts are reluctant to intervene in the evolving AI‑content landscape, potentially leaving publishers without a judicial remedy for revenue losses caused by AI summaries.

techcrunch.com · Oct 3

Apple says it’s tightening macOS ‘Full Disk Access’ controls due to new…

Apple announced new restrictions on macOS’s “Full Disk Access” setting after reports that AI agents, such as Meta’s Muse, could read private messages without explicit permission. The feature, originally intended to support backups, now poses heightened risks as desktop AI gains broader file and messaging access. Apple will require more explicit user action to grant this level of permission, citing increased threats from autonomous AI agents. The change follows a Wired report of a ChatGPT Mac app flaw that could expose sensitive data.

💡 The move underscores the growing need for tighter safeguards around AI-driven applications that can access personal data, reshaping how developers and users manage privacy on desktop platforms.

ign.com · Oct 3

Capcom Announces Plans to Transform the RE Engine Into an AI-Generation Game…

Capcom announced that its RE Engine will evolve into an AI‑generation game engine through a phased improvement program called REX, unveiled at the Capcom Open Conference RE:2026. Programmer Satoshi Ishida highlighted three development challenges—massive game sizes, larger teams, and AI integration—and described REX as a solution to streamline workflows, enhance performance, and open-source components for AI training. The company clarified it will not use AI‑generated assets in games but will employ AI to optimize graphics, sound, and programming.

💡 By embedding AI into its core engine, Capcom positions itself to accelerate production and reduce bottlenecks, potentially reshaping how large‑scale titles are built and delivered.

9to5google.com · Oct 3

Gemini for Android Auto is just giving up on answers for some…

Google’s Gemini AI, launched for Android Auto, has been plagued by persistent bugs that frustrate users. While the assistant is intended to surpass Google Assistant, many drivers report that Gemini fails to deliver answers, instead pausing or abandoning responses after processing a command. The problem affects devices across brands, including Pixel, Samsung, and Motorola, and persists despite normal signal conditions. Google has yet to acknowledge or address the issue, leaving the new AI feature unreliable for in‑car use.

💡 The failure undermines trust in Google’s AI strategy, risking adoption of its automotive platform.

9to5mac.com · Oct 3

iOS 27’s Siri gets one thing very right that other AI assistants…

Apple released iOS 27 with a substantially upgraded Siri AI, offering more accurate responses and broader functionality than its predecessor. The assistant emphasizes its identity as a tool, explicitly stating it is AI and acknowledging potential errors, avoiding the overly human-like persona seen in competitors such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini. Users report Siri’s concise, task-focused interactions and its refusal to simulate personal relationships. The update marks a deliberate design choice prioritizing transparency and utility over anthropomorphism.

💡 By foregrounding its artificial nature, Apple sets a clearer boundary for user expectations, reducing the risk of misplaced trust in AI systems. This stance could influence industry norms around AI transparency and user safety.