Technology

The Nightmare of Google’s AI Search Tool for News Publishers

Published

2 years ago

December 15, 2023

Fred Wilson

The Nightmare of Google’s AI Search Tool for News Publishers

Introduction

Hello, I am Fred Wilson, a former journalist and a current media consultant. I have been working in the media industry for over 20 years, covering various topics such as politics, business, culture, and technology. I have witnessed the evolution of journalism and the challenges it faces in the digital age.

In this article, I want to share with you my insights and concerns about Google’s new AI search tool, SGE, which stands for Search Generated Excerpts. This tool uses generative AI to create summaries for some search queries, based on many web pages. Sounds impressive, right? Well, not so much if you are a news publisher or a reader who cares about the future of journalism.

SGE is a nightmare for news publishers, as it poses serious threats to their survival and credibility. In this article, I will explain what SGE is, how it works, and why it is controversial. I will also discuss some possible solutions or strategies that news publishers can adopt to cope with or resist SGE. I hope this article will raise your awareness and spark your interest in this important issue.

Picture by: https://kenyanwallstreet.com/

The Problem with SGE

SGE is a new feature that Google launched in late 2023, as part of its efforts to improve its search engine and provide better answers to users’ queries. SGE uses generative AI to create summaries for some search queries, based on many web pages. For example, if you search for “Who is the president of France?”, SGE may generate a summary like this:

Emmanuel Macron is the president of France since 2017. He is the leader of the centrist party La République En Marche! and the youngest president in French history. He is known for his pro-European and reformist agenda, as well as his controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the yellow vests protests.

This summary is not taken from any single web page, but synthesized by Google’s AI from multiple sources. Google claims that SGE is designed to provide quick and accurate answers to factual questions, without requiring users to click on any links or visit any websites.

However, news publishers are not happy with SGE, as they see it as a threat to their existence and reputation. Here are some of the main concerns of news publishers regarding SGE:

Losing traffic and revenue from Google’s search engine, which relies on ads and subscriptions. News publishers depend on Google’s search engine to drive traffic to their websites, where they can generate revenue from ads and subscriptions. However, SGE reduces the need for users to click on any links or visit any websites, as they can get the answers they want from Google’s summaries. This means that news publishers lose potential visitors and customers, as well as the opportunity to showcase their brand and content.
Being unable to control or monetize their content, which may be used by Google or other AI companies without their consent or compensation. News publishers invest a lot of time, money, and resources to produce quality content that is original, accurate, and relevant. However, SGE may use their content to train its AI models or generate its summaries, without their permission or payment. This means that news publishers lose their intellectual property rights and the value of their content, as they are essentially giving it away for free to Google or other AI companies that may use it for their own purposes.
Facing competition from other sources of information that may be more accurate, reliable, or diverse than their own. News publishers strive to provide trustworthy and authoritative information to their audiences, based on their expertise, experience, and ethics. However, SGE may create summaries that are more accurate, reliable, or diverse than their own, based on a larger and more diverse pool of sources. This means that news publishers lose their competitive edge and their credibility, as they may be outperformed or contradicted by Google’s summaries.
Losing credibility and trust from their audiences, who may be exposed to misleading or biased summaries that do not reflect their original content. News publishers aim to inform and educate their audiences, based on their editorial standards and values. However, SGE may create summaries that are misleading or biased, based on the algorithm’s preferences, limitations, or errors. This means that news publishers lose their integrity and their trust, as they may be misrepresented or misquoted by Google’s summaries.

Image by jay88ld0 from Pixabay

The Solution for News Publishers

SGE is a nightmare for news publishers, but it is not the end of the world. There are some possible solutions or strategies that news publishers can adopt to cope with or resist SGE, such as:

Using tools like Google-Extended, which gives publishers the choice to block their content from being used by Google to train its AI models. Google-Extended is a tool developed by a group of researchers and activists, who are concerned about the ethical and social implications of Google’s AI. Google-Extended allows publishers to opt out of Google’s data collection and usage, by adding a simple code to their websites. This way, publishers can protect their content and their rights, and prevent Google from using their content to improve its AI or generate its summaries.
Collaborating with other media outlets or organizations that share similar values and goals, such as independent journalism, fact-checking, or public service broadcasting. Independent journalism is a form of journalism that is free from political, corporate, or other influences, and that focuses on serving the public interest and holding the powerful accountable. Fact-checking is a process of verifying the accuracy and reliability of information, especially in the context of politics, news, or social media. Public service broadcasting is a system of broadcasting that is funded by the public and that aims to provide diverse, high-quality, and educational content to the public. By collaborating with other media outlets or organizations that share these values and goals, news publishers can create a network of support and solidarity, and a platform of influence and advocacy, to challenge Google’s dominance and promote their own vision and mission.
Diversifying their revenue streams by creating alternative platforms or products that offer value-added services or subscriptions to their audiences. News publishers can explore new ways of generating revenue, by creating alternative platforms or products that offer value-added services or subscriptions to their audiences. For example, news publishers can create newsletters, podcasts, videos, or apps that provide exclusive, personalized, or interactive content to their subscribers. News publishers can also create events, courses, or memberships that provide educational, professional, or social benefits to their participants. By diversifying their revenue streams, news publishers can reduce their dependence on Google’s search engine, and increase their loyalty and engagement with their audiences.
Investing in quality journalism that provides in-depth analysis, context, and verification of information. News publishers can invest in quality journalism that provides in-depth analysis, context, and verification of information, rather than superficial or sensationalized information. Quality journalism is journalism that is based on rigorous research, evidence, and sources, and that provides comprehensive, balanced, and nuanced perspectives on complex and important issues. Quality journalism is journalism that is not only informative, but also insightful, enlightening, and empowering. By investing in quality journalism, news publishers can differentiate themselves from Google’s summaries, and provide value and meaning to their audiences.

Conclusion

SGE is a nightmare for news publishers, as it threatens their survival and credibility. SGE uses generative AI to create summaries for some search queries, based on many web pages. SGE poses serious threats to news publishers, such as losing traffic and revenue, being unable to control or monetize their content, facing competition from other sources of information, and losing credibility and trust from their audiences.

However, news publishers can cope with or resist SGE, by using tools like Google-Extended, collaborating with other media outlets or organizations, diversifying their revenue streams, and investing in quality journalism. These solutions or strategies can help news publishers protect their content and their rights, create a network of support and solidarity, reduce their dependence on Google’s search engine, increase their loyalty and engagement with their audiences, and provide value and meaning to their audiences.

SGE is a nightmare for news publishers, but it is also a wake-up call for us, the readers, who care about the future of journalism. We need to support news publishers in their struggle against SGE and other forms of generative AI that threaten their livelihoods and democracy. We need to demand fair treatment and respect for news publishers from Google and other tech giants. We need to appreciate and value the work of news publishers, who provide us with quality information and education. We need to be critical and responsible consumers of information, who seek the truth and verify the sources. We need to be active and engaged citizens, who use the information to make informed decisions and actions.

The future of journalism is in our hands. Let’s make it a bright one.

Author

Fred Wilson

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Care

Dishwasher Repair: Same-Day Service & Expert Technicians

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

precisionappliancerepair

A dishwasher is one of the most relied-upon appliances in today’s kitchens. It saves time, reduces water usage, and keeps daily routines running smoothly. When it stops working properly, however, the inconvenience becomes immediate. Understanding common problems, knowing when to seek professional help, and acting quickly can make dishwasher repair far less stressful and far more cost-effective.

Why Dishwashers Break Down

Like any mechanical appliance, dishwashers experience wear and tear over time. They operate using a combination of water pressure, heating elements, electrical controls, and moving parts. When even one of these components begins to fail, performance can quickly decline.

Some of the most common causes of dishwasher breakdowns include:

Aging or worn-out components
Hard water buildup affecting internal parts
Improper loading or detergent use
Electrical surges damaging control boards
Lack of routine cleaning and maintenance

While some issues develop slowly, others appear suddenly, leaving homeowners unsure whether repair or replacement is the better option.

Common Dishwasher Problems That Require Repair

Many dishwasher issues start small but worsen if ignored. Professional dishwasher repair can resolve these problems before they cause permanent damage.

Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly

If dishes come out dirty or covered in residue, the issue may be clogged spray arms, a failing circulation pump, or insufficient water temperature. A technician can identify the exact cause and restore proper cleaning performance.

Water Leaks

Leaks represent one of the most significant issues with dishwashers. They can be caused by worn door seals, loose hoses, cracked pumps, or faulty water inlet valves. Prompt dishwasher repair helps prevent water damage to flooring and cabinets.

Dishwasher Won’t Drain

Standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher often indicates a clogged drain hose, blocked filter, or defective drain pump. Professional repair ensures the drainage system works correctly and safely.

Unusual Noises During Operation

Grinding, buzzing, or rattling sounds usually point to worn bearings, motor issues, or debris stuck in moving components. Ignoring these sounds can lead to complete motor failure.

Dishwasher Won’t Start

If the dishwasher fails to start, the problem may be related to the door latch, control board, wiring, or power supply. Electrical diagnostics must always be managed by qualified experts.

Why Professional Dishwasher Repair Is the Smart Choice

While online tutorials may make DIY repair look appealing, dishwashers combine water, electricity, and heat—making improper repairs risky. Professional dishwasher repair offers several important advantages.

Experienced technicians can accurately diagnose the problem, replace defective parts with manufacturer-approved components, and ensure all safety standards are met. This not only restores performance but also protects the appliance from further damage.

Professional repair also saves time. What might take a homeowner hours of trial and error can often be resolved in a single service visit by a qualified technician.

Dishwasher Repair vs. Replacement

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether it’s better to repair or replace a malfunctioning dishwasher. In many cases, repair is the more economical option.

As a general rule:

In case the dishwasher is under 10 years old
If the cost to repair is much less than that of replacing
If the unit has not encountered multiple significant breakdowns

Then dishwasher repair is usually the best choice. Replacement may only make sense if the appliance is very old, inefficient, or requires multiple expensive repairs.

The Role of Maintenance in Reducing Repairs

Routine maintenance plays a key role in preventing dishwasher breakdowns. Simple steps can significantly reduce the need for emergency dishwasher repair.

Homeowners should:

Clean the filter regularly to prevent clogs
Check spray arms for debris buildup
Run hot water before starting a cycle
Avoid overloading the dishwasher
Use the correct detergent for the unit

Scheduling occasional professional inspections can also help identify minor issues before they become major problems.

Choosing a Reliable Dishwasher Repair Service

Not all repair services are the same. Choosing a qualified and reputable dishwasher repair provider ensures quality results and peace of mind.

Look for a service that offers:

Experience with all major dishwasher brands
Licensed and trained technicians
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Warranty-backed repairs
Positive customer reviews and reputation

A dependable repair service will focus on long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.

Benefits of Timely Dishwasher Repair

Delaying dishwasher repair can result in higher costs, water damage, and reduced appliance efficiency. Addressing problems early helps:

Extend the lifespan of the dishwasher
Improve cleaning and drying performance
Reduce energy and water consumption
Prevent costly kitchen damage
Restore daily convenience

Prompt professional repair keeps the appliance operating safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

A properly functioning dishwasher is essential for any modern home. When problems arise, professional dishwasher repair offers a reliable, cost-effective solution.

By recognizing warning signs early, performing routine maintenance, and choosing an experienced repair service, homeowners can avoid unnecessary replacements and keep their kitchens running smoothly for years to come. A properly functioning dishwasher is essential for any modern home. When problems arise, professional dishwasher repair offers a reliable, cost-effective solution.

Author

precisionappliancerepair

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Development

Enhancing Mapping Accuracy with LiDAR Ground Control Targets

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

Adam57

In geospatial data collection, surveyors use LiDAR ground control targets as vital tools that enhance the accuracy of aerial surveys and mapping projects. Whether they apply this technology in environmental monitoring, urban planning, or construction, users know that LiDAR produces highly detailed, precise models of the Earth’s surface.

However, to maximize this accuracy, integrating ground control targets into the process is essential. In this article, we’ll explore what LiDAR ground control targets are, why practitioners consider them important, and how they contribute to more accurate mapping.

What Are LiDAR Ground Control Targets?

Surveyors place LiDAR ground control targets as physical reference points on the ground during a LiDAR survey. These targets serve as georeferenced markers that allow surveyors to align LiDAR data with real-world coordinates. Typically, surveyors position these targets in visible locations that the LiDAR sensor mounted on the drone or aircraft can clearly detect.

Surveyors use different types of ground control targets, including reflective targets, painted markers, and geodetic targets. The choice of type depends on factors such as the survey’s scale, the required accuracy, and the terrain they survey.

How Do LiDAR Ground Control Targets Work?

LiDAR technology uses laser pulses to scan the ground and capture a wide range of data, including elevation, shape, and distance. However, the data collected by LiDAR sensors needs to be aligned with real-world coordinates to ensure its accuracy. This is where LiDAR ground control targets come in.

Georeferencing LiDAR Data

When LiDAR sensors capture data, they record it as a point cloud, an array of data points representing the Earth’s surface. To make sense of these data points, surveyors need to assign them precise coordinates. Ground control targets provide reference points, allowing surveyors to georeference point cloud data and ensure that LiDAR data aligns with existing maps and models.

By placing LiDAR ground control targets at specific locations on the survey site, surveyors can perform adjustments to correct discrepancies in the data caused by factors such as sensor calibration, flight altitude, or atmospheric conditions.

Why Are LiDAR Ground Control Targets Essential for Accurate Mapping?

LiDAR technology is incredibly powerful, but the accuracy of the data depends largely on the quality of the ground control points used. Here are the key reasons why LiDAR ground control targets are essential for obtaining precise mapping results:

1. Improved Geospatial Accuracy

Without ground control targets, LiDAR data is essentially “floating” in space, meaning its position isn’t aligned with real-world coordinates. This can lead to errors and inaccuracies in the final map or model. By placing LiDAR ground control targets at known geographic coordinates, surveyors can calibrate the LiDAR data and improve its geospatial accuracy.

For large projects or those involving multiple data sources, ensuring that LiDAR data is properly georeferenced is critical. Ground control targets help ensure the survey data integrates seamlessly with other geographic information systems (GIS) or mapping platforms.

2. Reduction of Measurement Errors

LiDAR ground control targets help mitigate errors caused by various factors, such as:

Sensor misalignment: Minor inaccuracies in the LiDAR sensor’s position or angle can cause discrepancies in the data.
Aircraft or drone movement can slightly distort the sensor’s collected data.
Environmental conditions: Weather, temperature, and atmospheric pressure can all affect the LiDAR signal.

By using ground control targets, surveyors can compensate for these errors, leading to more precise and reliable data.

3. Support for Large-Scale Projects

For larger mapping projects, multiple LiDAR scans might be conducted from different flight paths or at different times. Ground control targets serve as common reference points, ensuring that all collected data can be merged into a single coherent model. This is particularly useful for projects involving vast areas like forests, mountain ranges, or large urban developments.

How to Choose the Right LiDAR Ground Control Targets

Choosing the right LiDAR ground control targets depends on several factors, including the project’s size, the terrain, and the required accuracy. Here are some things to consider:

Size and Visibility

The size of the target should be large enough to be easily detectable by the LiDAR sensor from the air. Targets that are too small or poorly placed can lead to inaccurate data or missed targets.

Material and Durability

Ground control targets must have enough durability to withstand weather conditions and remain stable throughout the surveying process. Surveyors often use reflective materials to ensure that the LiDAR sensor can clearly detect the target, even from a distance.

Geospatial Accuracy

For high-accuracy projects, surveyors must place ground control targets at precise, known locations with accurate geospatial coordinates. They should use a GPS or GNSS system to measure and mark the exact position of the targets.

Conclusion

LiDAR ground control targets play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy of aerial surveys and LiDAR mapping projects. By providing precise reference points for geo referencing and adjusting LiDAR data, these targets reduce errors and improve the overall quality of the final model. Whether you’re working on a small-scale project or a large-scale survey, integrating ground control targets into your LiDAR workflow is essential for achieving high-precision results.

The right ground control targets, when placed correctly and properly measured, can make the difference between reliable, actionable data and inaccurate measurements that undermine the entire survey.

By understanding the importance of these targets and how they function in the context of LiDAR surveys, you’ll be better prepared to tackle projects that demand accuracy and precision.

Author

Adam57

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Business

Business Agility with Professional Odoo Development Services

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

robertcosta

Modern businesses operate in an environment where operational agility, system interoperability, and long-term scalability are no longer optional. As organizations grow, their processes evolve faster than off-the-shelf software can adapt. This is where Odoo Development Services play a critical role. Rather than forcing businesses to adjust their workflows to rigid ERP structures, professional development services allow Odoo to evolve alongside business needs, ensuring alignment between technology and strategy from the very beginning.

Unlike generic ERP adoption, professional Odoo implementation focuses on adaptability, architectural foresight, and system longevity. Businesses today are not merely purchasing software; they are investing in platforms that must sustain growth, complexity, and continuous change.

Moving Beyond Standard ERP Adoption

Once the initial ERP setup is complete, many organizations realize that default configurations only solve surface-level problems. As operations mature, the demand for deeper customization, automation, and data intelligence increases. This is why businesses increasingly rely on Odoo Development Services after the first phase of implementation.

Professional development ensures that ERP systems are not treated as static tools but as dynamic ecosystems. It allows companies to refine workflows, extend module capabilities, and integrate Odoo seamlessly with external platforms. More importantly, it eliminates the inefficiencies that arise when teams rely on manual workarounds or disconnected systems.

At this stage, organizations begin to see Odoo not just as an ERP but as a backbone for operational decision-making.

Customization That Reflects Real Business Logic

After the second phase of ERP maturity, companies often encounter limitations with generic modules. This is where advanced customization becomes essential. Professional teams work closely with stakeholders to translate real-world business logic into scalable system functionality using custom Odoo modules, tailored workflows, and domain-specific automation.

Rather than altering internal processes to fit predefined software rules, businesses can align the platform with existing operational frameworks. This level of adaptability is particularly valuable for organizations with complex approval hierarchies, multi-department dependencies, or industry-specific compliance requirements.

Custom development also ensures that future changes do not require rebuilding the system from scratch. Instead, enhancements are layered logically, preserving architectural stability while enabling continuous evolution.

Scalability as a Strategic Advantage

One of the most underestimated reasons businesses choose professional Odoo development is scalability planning. Many ERP challenges emerge not during implementation but during growth. Increased transaction volume, multi-company expansion, and geographically distributed teams introduce system stress that poorly planned ERP structures cannot handle.

Professional development services address scalability at both technical and functional levels. This includes database optimization, modular architecture planning, and performance tuning to ensure consistent responsiveness as data volume grows. It also involves structuring user roles, permissions, and workflows to support organizational expansion without operational friction.

Scalability, when planned correctly, becomes a strategic advantage rather than a reactive challenge.

Seamless Integration Across the Digital Ecosystem

Modern enterprises rely on a diverse technology stack that includes CRM systems, payment gateways, logistics platforms, analytics tools, and third-party marketplaces. Without professional integration, ERP systems often become isolated data silos.

Expert Odoo development enables API-driven integration that allows real-time data synchronization across platforms. This ensures operational transparency, reduces data duplication, and improves decision accuracy. Businesses benefit from unified dashboards, automated data flows, and reduced dependency on manual reconciliation processes.

Integration-focused development also future-proofs the system, making it easier to adopt new tools without disrupting existing workflows.

Data Integrity, Security, and Compliance

As ERP systems become central repositories of sensitive business data, security and compliance gain paramount importance. Professional development teams prioritize data integrity through structured access controls, secure authentication mechanisms, and audit-ready system configurations.

Custom security layers ensure that users only access relevant data, reducing the risk of internal data exposure. Additionally, development best practices help organizations meet regulatory requirements by embedding compliance checks directly into workflows rather than relying on manual oversight.

This proactive approach to security transforms the ERP from a risk point into a compliance enabler.

Reduced Long-Term Operational Costs

While professional development may appear cost-intensive initially, businesses often realize significant long-term savings. Poorly structured ERP systems lead to hidden costs in the form of manual labor, system downtime, frequent rework, and delayed decision-making.

By investing in optimized workflows, automation, and performance efficiency, organizations reduce operational friction. Tasks that once required multiple touchpoints can be executed automatically, freeing teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than administrative overhead.

Over time, the return on investment becomes evident through improved productivity, reduced errors, and faster operational cycles.

Future-Proofing Through Modular Architecture

One of the strongest arguments for professional Odoo development lies in future readiness. Business requirements rarely remain static. Market dynamics, customer expectations, and regulatory landscapes continuously evolve. Professional development ensures that ERP architecture is modular and extensible.

Additional features can be incorporated without interfering with current functionality. Legacy components can be upgraded incrementally rather than replaced entirely. This modularity protects businesses from technology obsolescence and allows them to adapt quickly to change.

Future-proof systems are not defined by the features they offer today but by their ability to evolve tomorrow.

Strategic Decision Support Through Advanced Reporting

Data alone does not drive decisions; insights do. Professional development services enable advanced reporting mechanisms that align analytics with business objectives. Customized dashboards, real-time performance indicators, and predictive reporting help leadership teams make informed decisions faster.

Rather than relying on generic reports, businesses gain access to contextual data views that reflect operational priorities. This enhances strategic planning, risk assessment, and performance optimization across departments.

Stability, Support, and Continuous Improvement

ERP systems are long-term investments that require ongoing refinement. Professional development partnerships ensure access to structured support, version upgrades, and continuous improvement cycles. Instead of reacting to system issues, businesses adopt a proactive approach to optimization.

This stability allows internal teams to focus on core operations while development experts handle technical evolution. Over time, this collaborative model strengthens system reliability and organizational confidence in the ERP platform.

Conclusion

Businesses choose professional Odoo development not simply to customize software but to build resilient operational foundations. From scalability and integration to security and strategic analytics, professional development transforms Odoo into a living system that grows with the organization.

In an era where adaptability defines competitiveness, investing in expert-led ERP development is not a technical decision—it is a strategic one. Organizations that recognize this early position themselves for sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term digital resilience.