Microsoft · Gemini · Nvidia · Google · European Union · The Verge
User-replaceable batteries are coming back in a big way
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Key facts
- Alongside Gemini 3.5, Google is launching Gemini Omni, a new AI generation tool which the company says can “create anything with any input” and Gemini Spark which is a new 24/7 AI agent
- Announcements included a new family of their Gemini 3.5 AI model which will add personalized AI in a whole suite of systems
- Google wrapped one of it's biggest keynotes of the year Google the reporter/O 2026 and the company is all in on AI
- Starting today, Gemini 3.5 Flash will be the default model for the Gemini app and AI Mode in Search and agent-first coding
Summary
In 2023, the European Union agreed on two landmark pieces of legislation mandating how portable tech products with batteries must be designed, aiming to improve longevity, repairability, and recyclability. The wider rules, which kick in from February 18th, 2027, are simple: Users must be able to remove and replace batteries with basic tools, or specialized tools that are provided with the product for free, and compatible spare batteries must be sold for at least five years. There are a few exemptions.