The App Economy
google

Google expands AI Max to Shopping and Travel with new steering tools

April 30, 2026
1 source
Google Blog
Google expands AI Max to Shopping and Travel with new steering tools

Story Summary

On April 30, 2026, Google announced enhancements to its AI Max platform, extending it to Shopping campaigns and travel-specific formats while introducing the AI Brief tool for better messaging control. New features include Final URL expansion with mandatory text disclaimers to ensure regulatory compliance. These updates aim to help advertisers capture diverse customer intents and maintain brand consistency across expanded search universes.

You May Also Like

Browse section
Microsoft Shifts To Usage-Based Pricing For Agentic AI And GitHub Copilot
consumer services

Microsoft Shifts To Usage-Based Pricing For Agentic AI And GitHub Copilot

During April 2026 earnings, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed a strategic pivot to charging customers based on AI usage rather than simple access. Key initiatives include deploying Agent Mode across Microsoft 365 applications and transitioning GitHub Copilot to a token-consumption pricing model starting June 1. Revenue reached $82.9 billion, while capital expenditures are projected to exceed $40 billion to expand AI infrastructure capacity.

CNET Services and Software·Apr 30, 2026
Netflix Launches Vertical Video Feature Called Clips on Mobile App
consumer services

Netflix Launches Vertical Video Feature Called Clips on Mobile App

Netflix refreshed its mobile app with "Clips," a TikTok-style vertical video feed launching April 30 in the U.S. and select countries globally through summer. The feature displays personalized movie and show snippets, including behind-the-scenes content, allowing users to save titles, share clips, and explore genre-specific collections.

CNET Services and Software·Apr 30, 2026
Spotify Launches Artist Verification Badges to Combat Imposters
consumer services

Spotify Launches Artist Verification Badges to Combat Imposters

Spotify announced on April 30, 2026, a new system adding "Verified by Spotify" badges to artist profiles to distinguish legitimate creators from imitators. The rollout begins immediately, targeting over 99% of searched artists through a rigorous review process that excludes AI-generated profiles. While unverified artists remain eligible for future certification, the initiative aims to increase trust during the AI era alongside other new features like detailed artist sections and release approval tools.

CNET Services and Software·Apr 30, 2026
Lucasfilm Announces Star Wars Experience Launching in Fortnite on May 1
gaming

Lucasfilm Announces Star Wars Experience Launching in Fortnite on May 1

James Waugh, Lucasfilm's SVP of Franchise Story and Creative Strategy, confirmed that Star Wars content enters Fortnite on May 1 via UEFN and Fortnite Creative. New islands like Galactic Siege and Escape Vader offer gameplay modes without requiring ownership, while creators receive tools to build custom experiences using canonical assets. Waugh emphasized user-generated content as a vital storytelling element rather than a source for future film ideas.

IGN·Apr 30, 2026