Google's week: VR platform, Allo smart app, and a bizarre patent

Company also added 360-video support for YouTube iOS app

Google had a very busy week having unveiled several new features and services at its I/O 2016 developer conference.

However, the company is coming under more fire from the European Commission.

Google announces Allo and Duo messaging and video-calling apps for iOS and Android

Google revealed Allo, a messaging app with a virtual assistant that serves customised suggestions for replies to texts.

The company also revealed Duo, a video-calling app for iOS and Android with a simple interface and end-to-end encryption.

Google details upcoming Daydream VR platform built on Android N

Google has announced an upcoming virtual reality (VR) platform called Daydream that will arrive as part of Android N later this year.

Daydream is a VR platform built on top of Android N that the firm claims will offer higher frame rates, lower latency and better motion quality and processing compared with the firm's current Cardboard VR system.

Google introduces Google Assistant and a box of tricks to harness it in Home

Google introduced an evolution of its OK Google service, Google Assistant, which uses machine learning to respond to questions and serve contextual information.

The service has been designed to work with Google's Allo app and Home smart speaker for controlling connected home technology.

Google's Chrome browser will switch off Flash content by default

Google is to block Adobe Flash by default in the Chrome browser by the end of 2016.

The company is responding to the security vulnerabilities often found in Flash.

Google patents sticky tech to prevent self-driving cars squashing pedestrians

Google was awarded a patent for a bizarre concept that uses an adhesive layer on its driverless cars to reduce the damage to humans in the event of a collision.

The idea is to stick the hit pedestrian to the bonnet rather than run them over or throw them to the ground.

Google Waze ride-sharing service looks to crash Uber's car pool party

Google's Waze subsidiary has introduced Carpooling, a service that allows commuters to share rides to work.

Waze Carpool is being trialled in San Francisco, and aims to cut road congestion.

YouTube iOS app gains Google Cardboard VR support

Google added support for 360-degree videos for its iOS Cardboard mobile app.

Users of iPhones and the Google Cardboard virtual reality goggles can now watch 360-videos on YouTube for a more immersive viewing experience.

EC will reportedly slap Google with record €3bn fine for search monopoly

Google reportedly faces a record €3bn fine from the European Commission after an investigation into the firm's search practices.

The EC has accused Google of promoting its shopping service in internet searches at the expense of rival services in a case that has dragged on since 2010.