Category: Technology

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Google launches AI Tools for JEE prep in India

Google is stepping into Indian classrooms with tools that aim to make learning more personalised and accessible. From free JEE Main practice tests to an AI-enabled university pilot, the tech giant is trying to blend technology with everyday learning.

Students preparing for the highly competitive JEE Main can now use Google’s AI platform Gemini to take full-length mock tests anytime, anywhere. Just ask Gemini, and it provides exam-style questions from trusted partners like PhysicsWallah and Careers360, along with instant feedback and explanations. This helps students see where they excel and where they need a bit more practice, turning AI into a virtual study companion.

Beyond exam prep, Google is also investing in the future of classroom learning. Its philanthropic arm, Google.org, has pledged ₹85 crore to Wadhwani AI to bring AI-driven educational tools to public schools and colleges. The funding aims to reach 75 million students and nearly 2 million teachers by 2027, offering tools like voice-based lessons in local languages and smarter digital classrooms that adapt to students’ needs.

On a larger scale, Google Cloud has partnered with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut, to launch India’s first AI-enabled university pilot. The project will integrate AI in teaching, learning, and administration,  from AI tutors to multilingual support, making education more inclusive, interactive, and efficient.

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Meta to spend $135 bn on AI in 2026

Meta Platforms, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is planning a massive investment of up to $135 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) for 2026. This is almost double what the company spent on AI and technology last year, signaling a major push to develop advanced AI systems and infrastructure.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg called 2026 a “pivotal year” for AI, noting that the technology will reshape how Meta operates and interacts with users. The company plans to expand its data centers, buy cutting-edge chips, and hire top AI engineers, aiming to compete with rivals like Google and OpenAI.

Meta’s increased spending follows strong financial results in the fourth quarter of 2025, with revenue reaching nearly $60 billion. The company says its advertising revenue provides the resources needed for this ambitious AI expansion while keeping core business growth steady.

A key part of Meta’s AI strategy is talent acquisition. In 2025, the company hired Alexandr Wang, founder of AI data-labeling firm Scale AI, to lead the newly formed Meta Superintelligence Labs. Wang’s team will focus on developing next-generation AI systems capable of performing complex tasks and advancing Meta’s AI capabilities to match or exceed industry leaders.

Alongside AI, Meta is scaling down its virtual reality and metaverse projects, including some staff cuts, to concentrate more resources on AI and AI-powered devices, such as smart glasses and other wearables.

By nearly doubling its capital expenditure for 2026, Meta is signaling a strategic shift toward AI, aiming to position itself at the forefront of the fast-growing AI sector. With investments in technology, talent, and infrastructure, the company is preparing for intense competition with other tech giants, while redefining its long-term focus from the metaverse to artificial intelligence.

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WhatsApp adds ‘Strict Account Settings’ for user safety

Scrolling through WhatsApp, most of us expect a safe space to chat with friends and family. But in today’s world, even messaging apps can expose users to scams, spam, and cyberattacks. To address this, WhatsApp has introduced Strict Account Settings, a new feature that gives users more control over who can contact them and what content reaches their chats. The update is gradually rolling out on Android and iOS.

When enabled, the feature applies the strictest privacy settings automatically. Messages, media, and calls from unknown contacts are restricted, while suspicious links and previews are blocked. This means fewer chances of encountering scams or harmful content. While it’s optional, WhatsApp says the mode is especially useful for high-risk users such as journalists, activists, or public figures, but anyone concerned about privacy can turn it on.

To activate it, users can go to Settings > Privacy > Advanced > Strict Account Settings. WhatsApp reassures users that all chats remain end-to-end encrypted; the feature simply adds an extra layer of protection by limiting interactions with unknown contacts and potentially harmful content.

Experts believe this feature is a step in the right direction. They believe that giving people more control over their accounts helps reduce risks from cyberattacks and harassment.

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Meta to test paid perks on Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, is preparing to test premium subscription plans across its flagship apps. The company says the move will allow users to access extra tools and AI-powered features, while keeping the core services free for everyone.

The plan is part of Meta’s broader effort to diversify revenue beyond advertising. Rather than a single universal package, each app will likely offer distinct premium bundles designed around how users interact with the platform. Meta hasn’t shared details on pricing, timing, or the markets where the tests will begin.

On Instagram, early reports suggest that premium subscribers could see features such as advanced audience insights, private Story viewing, and unlimited follower lists. These tools aim to help users and creators manage content and engagement more effectively. Meta also plans to integrate AI-based creative tools, letting subscribers generate content, create videos, and manage interactions more efficiently. Some of these AI features, currently free, may move to a freemium model, where basic access remains free but advanced options require a subscription.

Details for Facebook and WhatsApp remain limited. Meta says premium offerings for these apps may focus on productivity, messaging, and enhanced content creation. For WhatsApp, this could appeal to professional users and community managers, though specific tools are not yet confirmed.

These new subscription plans are separate from Meta Verified, the company’s existing paid service for identity verification, account protection, and support for creators. Meta will leverage lessons from Meta Verified to shape its broader premium strategy.

Industry experts note that while other platforms, like Snapchat and X, have found success with paid subscriptions, Meta faces the challenge of convincing billions of users, long accustomed to free access, that premium features are worth paying for. The company plans to monitor user feedback closely, adjusting offerings as needed before a potential full rollout.

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Google settles $68mn privacy lawsuit

Google has agreed to pay $68 million to settle a U.S. class-action lawsuit accusing its voice assistant of recording private conversations without user permission. The settlement was filed in a federal court in San Jose, California, and now awaits approval from a judge before it becomes final.

The lawsuit claimed that Google Assistant, which powers devices such as smart speakers, smartphones, and smart displays, sometimes recorded conversations even when users did not intentionally activate it with trigger phrases like “Hey Google” or “Ok Google.” These accidental recordings, known as “false accepts,” allegedly captured private discussions that could be shared with third parties or used for targeted advertising.

The lawsuit covered anyone who had a Google Assistant-enabled device since May 18, 2016, potentially including millions of users. While Google has denied any wrongdoing, it said the settlement was intended to avoid prolonged legal battles, uncertainty, and costs associated with litigation.

If approved, the $68 million fund will pay eligible users and cover legal fees. Attorneys representing the plaintiffs may receive up to one-third of the total settlement, approximately $22.7 million, for their work.

This settlement follows a similar case involving Apple, which in 2025 agreed to pay $95 million over allegations that Siri also recorded users without consent. Experts say these cases highlight growing concerns about voice assistant privacy and the responsibilities of tech companies in protecting user data.

The Google settlement emphasizes the importance of transparency and consent in devices that are always listening.

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ChatGPT cites Elon Musk’s Grokipedia in responses

OpenAI’s latest AI language model, GPT‑5.2, has begun sourcing information from Grokipedia, the AI-generated encyclopedia developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, according to industry reports. Grokipedia, unlike traditional Wikipedia, relies entirely on AI for content creation and updates. While the platform aims to offer a fast, alternative knowledge base, experts caution that it may introduce factual inaccuracies and bias into AI outputs.

The move highlights how AI models are increasingly integrating proprietary or niche sources into their knowledge base. Tests have shown GPT‑5.2 referencing Grokipedia when responding to less widely known topics, including technical subjects and certain geopolitical histories. This reliance on a single, AI-authored source has drawn attention from analysts concerned about reliability, particularly in corporate and professional settings where data accuracy is critical.

Interestingly, GPT‑5.2 appears to avoid citing Grokipedia for high-profile or widely debated subjects, suggesting the model prioritizes perceived source credibility on mainstream topics. This selective integration indicates a strategic approach to information sourcing but underscores risks for business users relying on AI-generated insights for decision-making.

Industry observers note that while integrating multiple sources can enhance AI capabilities, including content from unverified AI platforms may impact trust and brand perception. OpenAI maintains that GPT‑5.2 draws from a broad range of publicly available sources and includes safety filters to mitigate misinformation. However, analysts say this development could influence competitive dynamics in AI knowledge services, particularly as other companies explore proprietary encyclopedias or curated datasets.

For enterprises and professionals leveraging AI, this development serves as a reminder to assess both the breadth and credibility of AI-sourced information. As AI increasingly shapes business research, communication, and decision-making, source transparency and verification will be crucial for maintaining reliability and trust.

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Windows 11 updates paint and notepad with AI

Microsoft adds creative AI tools to Paint and smarter writing features to Notepad for a more modern Windows 11 experience.

Microsoft is refreshing two of its most familiar Windows apps, Paint and Notepad, with new AI-driven features and usability upgrades in Windows 11. The updates are currently being rolled out to users enrolled in the Windows Insider programme, giving them early access before a wider public release.

In Paint, the standout addition is an AI-powered colouring book feature. Users can simply type a description, such as an animal, object or scene, and Paint will generate a clean outline that can be coloured digitally or printed. The tool is aimed at making creativity more accessible, especially for children, casual users and educators. It is available through the Copilot menu and works on Copilot+ PCs with a Microsoft account.

Paint has also become more precise with the introduction of a fill tolerance control. This allows users to decide how much area the Fill tool should cover, making it easier to colour detailed images accurately or experiment with artistic effects.

Notepad, traditionally known for plain text editing, is also seeing meaningful improvements. Microsoft has expanded Markdown support, adding features like strikethrough text and nested lists. These options can be used through shortcuts, a toolbar or Markdown syntax, helping users format content quickly without switching to heavier applications.

In addition, Notepad’s AI writing tools, including Write, Rewrite and Summarise, now respond faster by showing text as it is being generated. Microsoft says these updates reflect its effort to modernise core Windows apps while keeping them simple and lightweight. The features are expected to reach all Windows 11 users in the coming weeks through app updates.

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TikTok strikes US deal to stay online

TikTok has reached an agreement that allows it to continue operating in the United States, avoiding a potential nationwide ban. ByteDance, the Chinese parent company, will retain a minority stake in a newly formed US entity, while American and international investors hold the majority share.

The new company, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, will oversee the platform’s U.S. operations for over 200 million users. About 80 percent of the venture is owned by U.S. and global investors, while ByteDance retains 19.9 percent. Key stakeholders include Oracle, Silver Lake, Abu Dhabi’s MGX, and Michael Dell’s investment firm.

Leadership changes include Adam Presser as CEO of the US operations, with Will Farrell as chief security officer. TikTok’s global CEO, Shou Chew, will join the board.

The deal introduces stricter data and security measures. US user data will be stored on domestic servers, and the recommendation algorithm will be retrained using US data, addressing long-standing concerns over Chinese access.

This arrangement satisfies US legal requirements set in 2024, which demanded TikTok divest from ByteDance or face a ban. Both US and Chinese regulators have approved the plan, bringing an end to years of uncertainty over TikTok’s future in America.

The agreement ensures the popular short-video app can continue serving its US audience while meeting security and privacy standards demanded by lawmakers.

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Snapchat introduces smarter family safety tools

Snapchat has expanded its Family Center with new tools designed to help parents keep tabs on their teens’ app use, without ever seeing private messages. The updates aim to give families a clearer understanding of digital habits while promoting open conversations about online safety.

Originally launched in 2022, Family Center was Snapchat’s first effort to give caregivers insight into how their children navigate the platform. Now, the platform is adding deeper insights and smarter features to make those insights more useful.

One of the most notable changes is detailed screen-time tracking. Parents can now see how much time their teen spends on Snapchat each day over the past week, broken down by activities. This includes chatting with friends, sharing Snaps, browsing Spotlight, watching Stories, or exploring Snap Map. The idea is not to police teens but to provide context for healthy discussions around screen time.

The second major addition is the friend connection context. In the past, Family Center simply showed a teen’s friends and recent additions. Now, it provides “trust signals” for new connections, for instance, whether the friend shares mutual contacts, appears in the teen’s address book, or is part of the same community. This helps parents feel more informed about who their teen is interacting with, without reading private messages.

Snapchat has also added educational resources, including short videos and guides, to help families navigate the new features and understand online safety better.

Importantly, Snapchat emphasizes that privacy remains central. Parents can see patterns, usage trends, and connection context, but the content of messages stays private. Existing Family Center tools, like content controls, location sharing, and reporting suspicious accounts, continue to be available, making this update a more complete safety hub for families.

Snapchat says the aim is to balance safety with trust, allowing parents to guide teens while respecting their autonomy online.

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Ubisoft restructures, cancels six games

French gaming giant Ubisoft is making major changes to its operations to boost creativity and focus on quality. The company will now operate through five “Creative Houses,” each responsible for its own games, finances, and publishing decisions.

One division, Vantage Studios, backed by a €1.16 billion investment from Tencent, will manage big franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. The other four will focus on competitive shooters, live-service games, story-driven adventures, and family-friendly titles.

As part of the overhaul, Ubisoft is cancelling six games, including the highly anticipated Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, and delaying at least seven others. Some projects will now launch later than originally planned.

The restructuring also affects several studios worldwide, including locations in Halifax and Stockholm, as the company adjusts its workforce and reduces costs. Employees will also return to a five-day in-office workweek.

Financially, Ubisoft expects around €1.5 billion in net bookings for 2026 but a €1 billion operating loss due to cancellations and delays. The company has already cut €100 million in costs and aims for an additional €200 million in savings over the next two years, with potential asset sales.

Ubisoft’s leadership says the changes will strengthen creativity, improve game quality, and ensure long-term sustainability while keeping players engaged with a more focused portfolio.

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