Google reports AI-driven query growth but Search revenue rose only 12% year-over-year in Q3, down from 17% the prior quarter. Paid-click growth fell to 8% YoY from 13% previously. The slowdown is attributed to currency effects, advertiser spending changes, and lower monetization of AI Mode queries. Google is expanding ads in AI Overviews and AI Mode while testing formats for its Gemini app.
Key points
Search revenue growth slowed to 12% YoY in Q3, versus roughly 17% in the prior quarter.
Paid-click growth dropped to 8% YoY, down from 13% in the previous quarter.
Sources
Digiday+ Research 2026 Creator Marketing Index shows platform usage
Digiday+ Research 2026 Creator Marketing Index reports that 96% of surveyed brands and agencies partner with creators for social media content. Instagram is the top platform, used by 90% of marketers, followed by Facebook (80%), YouTube (72%) and TikTok (63%).
Key points
96% of respondents to Digiday’s first-quarter survey said they partner with creators to create social media content.
Instagram usage by marketers is 90%; Facebook 80%; YouTube 72%; TikTok 63%.
Sources
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake released
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time received a Switch 2 remake that updates graphics and adds modern controls. The remake replaces N64-era visuals with realistic and puppet-style character models. New controls include free camera movement and unrestricted jumping.
Key points
Original Ocarina of Time launched on the N64 in 1998.
Remake adds free camera control with the right stick.
Remake lets you jump whenever you want, unlike the original’s designated points.
Sources
Chernobyl’s Dogs May Be Evolving, Scientists Unclear Why
A new study reports evidence of natural selection in dogs living at the Chernobyl nuclear plant site. Genomic regions under strongest selection relate to DNA repair, immunity and cell survival. The study compares dogs at the plant with those 16 km away in Chernobyl city and with global dog populations.
Key points
Natural selection detected in dogs at the nuclear site versus dogs in Chernobyl city and worldwide.
Selective pressure strongest on genes linked to DNA repair, immunity and cell survival.
Sources
Web crawler - definition, usage and tool examples
Web crawler is a bot that visits and processes webpages to understand their content. Search engines use crawlers to discover and categorize webpages. Website owners can use crawler tools such as backlink crawlers or technical audit bots. Screaming Frog SEO Spider lets you crawl 500 pages for free.
Key points
Definition: A web crawler is a bot that visits and processes webpages to understand their content.
Tool limit: Screaming Frog SEO Spider lets you crawl 500 pages for free.
