Category: Technology

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Apple acquires Israeli AI start‑up Q.AI for $2 bn

Apple Inc. has acquired Israeli artificial intelligence start‑up Q.AI in a deal valued at around $2 billion, marking one of the company’s largest acquisitions in recent years.

Founded in 2022, Q.AI specializes in advanced machine-learning technology capable of interpreting facial micro‑movements and silent speech, allowing devices to understand user intentions without spoken commands. The start-up has a team of roughly 100 employees, who will join Apple following the acquisition.

The deal signals Apple’s ambition to strengthen its capabilities in wearable devices and AI-powered interfaces. Analysts expect the technology could be integrated into products such as AirPods, smart glasses, or Apple’s Vision Pro headsets, enabling more intuitive ways for users to interact with devices.

Apple has faced increasing competition from tech rivals including Meta, Google, and OpenAI in the AI space, particularly in voice assistants and mixed-reality devices. Industry experts say this acquisition shows Apple’s determination to catch up in AI innovation and enhance its on-device intelligence.

The Q.AI acquisition is second only to Apple’s 2014 purchase of Beats in terms of scale and reflects the tech giant’s broader strategy to invest in next-generation AI technologies that transform user interaction.

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Samsung India creates Guinness World Record

Samsung India has turned everyday moments into a world record. Its India #WithGalaxy photography campaign, which invited people across the country to click and share pictures using Galaxy S smartphones, has earned two Guinness World Records. What began as a fun challenge quickly became a nationwide celebration of India’s people, places, and stories.

Running from 30 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, the campaign received 31,331 photo submissions, making it one of the largest smartphone photography contests ever. Participants of all ages. from students and professionals to hobbyist photographers. shared glimpses of their daily lives, family moments, local festivals, and scenic landscapes.

Acclaimed filmmaker Kabir Khan and more than 30 regional photographers guided participants, helping them bring local culture, traditions, and personal stories to life. The photos reflected different aspects of India, from vibrant festivals and historic landmarks to the everyday smiles and struggles of ordinary people. Themes like “Faces of India” and “Colours of India” allowed participants to share their unique perspective while connecting with the larger story of the nation.

The campaign set records for the largest smartphone photography contest and the most contributions to an online photo mosaic, which combined all the submitted pictures into a single, massive digital artwork. The mosaic, now a visual celebration of India’s diversity, brings together the country’s stories in one collective frame.

Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President of MX Business at Samsung India, said the campaign was more than a contest. “It showed how people across India can connect and express themselves through photography,” he said. The records were officially certified at a ceremony attended by Samsung executives and a Guinness World Records adjudicator.

The campaign not only highlighted Samsung Galaxy devices as tools for creativity but also celebrated the shared human experience. By turning personal moments into a national mosaic, Samsung encouraged people to see the beauty in the ordinary and the extraordinary in the everyday.

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Microsoft sees Copilot AI boom, costs worry investors

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella defended the company’s ambitious AI strategy during the latest earnings call, highlighting strong growth in its Copilot AI products even as some investors voiced caution over rising costs and slower cloud performance.

For the quarter ending December 2025, Microsoft reported revenue of $81.3 billion and a 21 % increase in net income, driven primarily by cloud sales. Despite these strong results, Microsoft shares fell, as Wall Street focused on the company’s massive capital expenditures for AI infrastructure and data centres, alongside slightly softer growth in Azure and Microsoft 365 revenues than expected.

Nadella emphasised that demand for AI far exceeds current capacity, framing heavy spending as an investment in future growth. He reported that daily usage of Copilot AI products has nearly tripled year-over-year. Microsoft 365 Copilot now boasts 15 million paid seats, while GitHub Copilot has 4.7 million paid subscribers, reflecting strong adoption across both corporate and developer environments.

Beyond office productivity tools, Nadella highlighted specialised AI applications, such as Dragon Copilot for healthcare, which has been used in millions of patient encounters. This demonstrates Microsoft’s strategy to expand AI adoption across multiple sectors, not just within its core software suite.

Despite these positive usage trends, some investors remain cautious. Analysts note that while AI adoption is strong, Azure’s growth pace has slowed slightly, and the cost of building AI infrastructure may pressure margins if adoption growth does not keep pace.

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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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