Google reverses course on Chrome cookie phase-out

April 22, 2025, 2:21 pm

In an unexpected twist, Google has opted to keep third-party cookies alive in Chrome—effectively scrapping its planned phase-out. This U-turn, which ensures ongoing user tracking under the guise of improved ad targeting, has left market watchers bemused by the tech giant’s persistence in old habits.

arstechnica.com / Google won’t ditch third-party cookies in Chrome after all

theinformation.com / Cookies will keep tracking users on Chrome, Google says - The Information

reuters.com/business / Google opts out of standalone prompt for third-party cookies - Reuters

permalink / 4 stories from 4 sources in 1 hour ago #dataprivacy #techpolicy #google #browsers #technology +

DuckDB-WASM draws 3D graphics with SQL magic

April 22, 2025, 12:21 pm

Developers have creatively repurposed SQL by leveraging DuckDB’s WebAssembly build to render 3D graphics. Through a series of clever queries that implement basic ray tracing, this hack transforms SQL into a surprising medium for graphic art, proving that even database engines can have a little fun when pushed beyond traditional limits.

simonwillison.net / Abusing DuckDB-WASM by making SQL draw 3D graphics (Sort Of)

hey.earth / Abusing DuckDB-WASM by making SQL draw 3D graphics (Sort Of)

permalink / 2 stories from 2 sources in 3 hours ago #software #dataviz #technology #developer-tools #duckdb-wasm +

Google Antitrust Trial Heats Up With DOJ Demands

April 22, 2025, 6:20 am

During a contentious antitrust trial, Google lambasted the DOJ’s proposals—deeming divestiture demands “extreme” and “fundamentally flawed”—while a Perplexity AI executive urged against a breakup. The legal battle intensifies as both sides trade barbs over remedies with a side of courtroom theatrics.

winbuzzer.com / Google Antitrust Trial Reveals Details of Samsung’s Costly Gemini AI Integration Deal

medianama.com / Google Says US Department of Justice’s Proposed Antitrust Action Could Slow Innovation

androidheadlines.com / Google Lawyer Calls DOJ Proposals a Wishlist for Competitors

permalink / 5 stories from 3 sources in 9 hours ago #techpolicy #google #antitrust #browsers #government +