Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Google

AI Ushers in a New Era for Canadian Holiday Shopping

by

Canadian retailers are heading into the nation’s first AI-powered holiday season, according to new research from Google. Nearly half (43%) of Canadians plan to use AI tools to help research and decide on purchases, marking a pivotal shift in consumer behaviour. After years of inflation and supply-chain strain, shoppers are more resilient, researched, and value-driven than ever.

The new “AI Shopper,” led by Gen Z and millennials, uses tools like Google Lens to compare products, prices, and reviews instantly. Experts say AI is reshaping how Canadians discover, evaluate, and buy gifts—creating both opportunity and pressure for retailers.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Google Cloud Launches Gemini Enterprise to Power Workplace AI

by

Google Cloud has unveiled Gemini Enterprise, an agentic AI platform designed to embed artificial intelligence into daily business operations. The system combines Google’s Gemini models, conversational technology from Agentspace, and orchestration tools to create secure, multi-step enterprise agents.

Customers already deploying Gemini Enterprise include Virgin Voyages, which reports a 40 percent boost in marketing content creation, and Macquarie Bank, which is rolling the platform out to all staff. Other adopters include Gordon Food Service and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, both citing efficiency gains. Google says Gemini Enterprise unites data, workflow automation, and decision-making in one environment.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Google Cloud Study Shows Surge in Agentic AI Adoption

by

Google Cloud has released its second annual ROI of AI Study, revealing accelerating adoption of agentic AI worldwide. Surveying 3,466 senior leaders across 24 countries, the report found 52% of organizations now use AI agents, with 39% deploying more than 10.

A group of “agentic AI early adopters,” representing 13% of respondents, dedicate at least half of their future AI budgets to agents and report stronger returns across customer service, marketing, cybersecurity, and software development. While 74% of organizations saw ROI within the first year of generative AI use, privacy, security, and integration remain top enterprise concerns.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Alphabet Shares Jump as Court Spares Chrome, Android

by

Alphabet shares rose 8% in extended trading after a U.S. District Court declined to impose the harshest remedies in Google’s antitrust case. Judge Amit Mehta ruled last year that Google held an illegal monopoly in internet search but rejected Department of Justice proposals to force divestitures of Chrome or Android.

Instead, Google will face limits on service distribution and be required to share search data with rivals. The final judgment is expected after a September 10 meeting. The trial began in 2023, culminating in a 2024 decision that Google violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on CNBC.

Google Rolls Out AI Mode in Canada Search

by

Google has begun rolling out AI Mode in Search for Canadian users, introducing its most advanced AI-powered experience to date. Accessible through a new tab on Search results and the Google app, AI Mode supports text, voice, and image queries. Using the Gemini 2.5 model, it enables nuanced, multi-part questions such as comparing products or planning trips.

Early users submit queries two to three times longer than traditional searches. Google says AI Mode diversifies web content discovery while maintaining links to publishers. The tool prioritizes factuality and will default to standard results when confidence in AI responses is low.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Google Launches AI Flight Deals Tool in Beta

by

Google has introduced Flight Deals, an AI-powered feature within Google Flights to help flexible travelers find cheaper fares. Using a custom version of Gemini 2.5, the tool parses natural language queries, such as “week-long trip this winter to a city with great food,” and ranks results by percentage savings.

The beta rollout begins this week in the U.S., Canada, and India. Pricing comes from real-time airline and travel company feeds. Regulators in the EU are investigating Google’s travel search dominance under the Digital Markets Act. Google says the tool’s goal is to improve travel planning.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on TechCrunch.

Google Launches $13M AI Fund in Canada

by

Google Canada has launched a $13 million AI Opportunity Fund to upskill over two million Canadians in artificial intelligence. The initiative supports four organizations—Amii, First Nations Technology Council, Skills for Change, and the Toronto Public Library—to expand workforce training across diverse communities.

Amii will lead a national AI education consortium for students, while the First Nations Technology Council and Skills for Change focus on Indigenous and marginalized populations. The Toronto Public Library will offer free AI programs citywide. Google says the investment ensures Canadians are ready for an AI-powered economy, citing potential $230 billion in economic impact.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techtalent.ca.

Google Funds $5M AI Education Push in Canada

by

Google Canada is investing $5 million through Google.org to support AI education nationwide. The grant will fund a consortium led by Edmonton-based Amii, uniting 25 Canadian post-secondary institutions to create AI curriculum resources. The goal is to reach 125,000 students across colleges, universities, and Indigenous institutes.

Amii CEO Cam Linke called the initiative a chance to turn Canada’s AI research strengths into widespread literacy. While Canada leads in AI research, adoption lags. A Google report estimates AI could add $230B to the economy and save workers 175 hours annually.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Calgary.tech.

Meet the 14 Startups in Google Canada’s 2025 Accelerator

by

Google’s 2025 Startups Accelerator: Canada program has launched with 14 innovative startups from across the country. This year marks a record five companies from Montréal, joining ventures from Vancouver, Saskatoon, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Toronto. The equity-free accelerator supports founders solving problems in health, energy, finance, and education with Google AI.

Selected startups include Luxsonic (VR for radiology), ConeLabs (AI infrastructure inspection), and Singularity Health (digital chronic care). Over three months, participants receive mentorship, AI tools, and investor access. Since 2020, 120 Canadian startups in the program have raised $480M and created 1,100 jobs.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

TELUS Details $150M Data Transformation with Google Cloud

by

At Google Cloud Next 25, TELUS shared how a sweeping data overhaul helped the telecom giant become an AI-driven enterprise. Head of Enterprise Data Engineering Stephen Lee described migrating from legacy on-prem systems to a unified cloud platform on Google BigQuery.

The transformation, supported by Accenture and Onix, enables self-serve analytics and generative AI across business lines. TELUS eliminated 30% of outdated data and now ingests from over 100 internal systems. The initiative contributed $150M in EBITDA gains and powers cross-unit innovation, including a new MDM initiative. “People, process, and technology—that’s what it takes,” said Lee.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.