Google Lets Users Choose Their News

News Desk

Islamabad: Google is giving its Search users in the US and India new power to shape the headlines they see. The company has rolled out a “Preferred Sources” feature, allowing people to prioritize stories from their favorite outlets directly in Google Search.

The tool — now available to all English-language users in the two countries — appears as a star icon next to the “Top Stories” section. Clicking it lets users add selected news sites or blogs to a personal list. Once chosen, these outlets will appear more frequently in search results, sometimes in a dedicated “From your sources” section beneath Top Stories.

Originally tested in Search Labs, Preferred Sources saw more than half of participants add at least four outlets during trials. Supporters say it’s a step toward a more personalized, trusted news feed.

Critics, however, caution it could deepen information bubbles by limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. Google says it aims to balance personalization with content variety.

OpenAI Walks Back GPT-5 Changes

While Google is handing more control to users, OpenAI is learning the hard way what happens when you take it away.

Last week’s launch of GPT-5 was billed as a streamlined, all-in-one AI that would automatically choose the best way to respond to queries — eliminating the “model picker” that let users select between AI versions. But within days, the picker was back.

Now, GPT-5 offers three modes — Auto, Fast, and Thinking — alongside the reinstated older models GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, and o3 for paid subscribers. GPT-4o, which had briefly been retired, has returned as a default option after user backlash. CEO Sam Altman promised any future retirements will come with plenty of warning.

The about-face follows technical hiccups: GPT-5’s routing system malfunctioned on launch day, leading to performance complaints. OpenAI executives say they’re now exploring greater per-user customization — from response style to personality — while avoiding the “annoying” traits some associated with previous models.

The episode highlights a growing reality in tech: speed and intelligence alone aren’t enough to win user loyalty. Whether in search engines or AI chatbots, people increasingly value familiarity, personality, and the freedom to choose.