Google AI Updates: September 17, 2026

1. Google DeepMind Founded an Interdisciplinary Institute for AGI Questions

Google. Google DeepMind launched the DeepMind Institute, a platform for publishing and debating ideas about a world with AGI, directed by Shane Legg, James Manyika, and Demis Hassabis. It pulls in researchers from Google DeepMind, Google, and the wider scientific community to work on safety, governance, and risks including cyberattacks and loss of control, with the stated position that these answers should not come from technologists alone but also from the arts, humanities, and policy. The institute’s own disclaimer notes that pieces are conversation starters reflecting each author’s views, not Google’s official position. Source

2. Google Home Opened an MCP Server to Any Agent

Google. Google rolled out early access to a Model Context Protocol server for the Google Home ecosystem, letting any MCP-supporting agent control smart home devices and read event history. Setup requires creating a Google Cloud project configured for Home MCP, then handing the configuration to an agent that walks the user through sign-in and permissions. It covers every device in the Google Home ecosystem including Nest doorbells and thermostats plus “Works with Google Home” and Matter devices, and is rolling out over the coming weeks to US subscribers on the $20-per-month Google Home Premium Advanced tier. Source