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Microsoft teams up with Anthropic to expand Copilot AI

Microsoft has partnered with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic to strengthen its workplace AI assistant Microsoft Copilot. The collaboration is part of Microsoft’s efforts to develop more advanced AI systems that can perform tasks independently for users.

Under the partnership, Microsoft will introduce a new feature called Copilot Cowork, which will use Anthropic’s AI technology to help automate everyday work activities. The tool is designed to handle tasks such as analysing data, organising documents, preparing presentations and managing spreadsheets.

The new system focuses on the development of AI agents, software tools that can complete tasks automatically instead of simply responding to questions. These AI agents are expected to assist employees in handling routine work and improving productivity.

Anthropic is known for developing advanced AI models such as Claude, which are capable of handling complex instructions and building applications. By integrating these models into Copilot, Microsoft aims to expand the capabilities of its workplace AI tools.

The feature will initially be tested with a limited group of users before being rolled out more widely. Microsoft said the service will run through its cloud systems and include strong security controls to protect enterprise data.

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Samsung leads global TV market for 20 years

Samsung Electronics has been confirmed as the world’s number one TV brand for 20 consecutive years, a milestone reflecting its consistent innovation and broad product range. The company continues to hold the largest share of global TV shipments, beating competitors in both units sold and market reach.

Samsung’s success comes from a diverse lineup of QLED, Neo QLED, and smart TVs, catering to both premium and budget segments. Features such as HDR support, AI-powered picture enhancement, voice control, and integrated streaming apps have made Samsung TVs popular among a wide range of consumers.

Analysts credit Samsung’s market leadership to its focus on technology innovation, quality, and understanding evolving viewing habits. Even as rival brands expand aggressively, Samsung has maintained its top position thanks to strong distribution networks and a global presence across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The company also invests heavily in R&D, preparing for next-generation technologies like 8K resolution and enhanced AI displays, aiming to keep users engaged with high-quality entertainment experiences.

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Amazon starts AI platform for healthcare administration

Amazon has introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to help healthcare providers automate routine administrative work and improve efficiency in hospitals and clinics. The tool has been launched by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company’s cloud computing division.

The new platform is built to handle several time-consuming administrative processes that healthcare workers typically manage manually. These include tasks such as appointment scheduling, verifying patient details, reviewing medical histories, preparing clinical notes and generating billing codes.

Administrative work is a major challenge for many healthcare systems around the world. Doctors and nurses often spend significant time on paperwork and data entry, which can reduce the time available for patient care. With the new AI platform, Amazon aims to streamline these processes so that healthcare professionals can focus more on treating patients.

The system can interact with patients through voice or digital communication channels to help book appointments and answer routine queries. It can also access and organise patient information, making it easier for medical staff to review records and prepare documentation during consultations.

According to the company, the platform is designed to integrate with existing electronic health record systems used by hospitals and clinics. This allows healthcare organisations to adopt the technology without replacing their current infrastructure.

The AI tool is also capable of assisting with tasks after a patient visit. It can automatically generate summaries of consultations, prepare documentation and create billing codes required for insurance claims and payments.

Amazon says the system can operate continuously, helping hospitals manage patient requests at any time of the day. In cases where the AI cannot resolve a request, the issue can be transferred to human staff for further assistance.

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Netflix buys Ben Affleck’s AI startup

Netflix has acquired InterPositive, an artificial intelligence startup founded by Hollywood actor and filmmaker Ben Affleck, as the streaming giant looks to expand the use of advanced technology in film and television production.

The company confirmed that the team behind InterPositive will now work with Netflix to develop AI tools aimed at helping filmmakers during different stages of production. Financial details of the deal have not been made public.

InterPositive was launched in 2022 by Affleck with the goal of creating AI systems that assist filmmakers in solving common technical challenges. The startup focuses on tools that can help fix missing shots, adjust lighting or backgrounds, and improve visual continuity in scenes while keeping the director’s creative vision intact.

Following the acquisition, Affleck will join Netflix as a senior adviser. In this role, he will work with the company to explore how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly in filmmaking without replacing human creativity.

Netflix said the technology developed by InterPositive is designed to support artists rather than take control away from them. The company believes AI can help filmmakers save time on technical work, allowing them to focus more on storytelling and creative decisions.

Affleck said the idea behind InterPositive came from his years of experience in the film industry. He noticed that while artificial intelligence was advancing quickly, many of the tools were not designed with filmmakers’ real needs in mind. His goal was to build technology that understands how movies are made and helps improve the process without changing the artistic intent.

The deal comes at a time when the entertainment industry is debating the role of artificial intelligence in film and television. Many actors, writers and filmmakers have expressed concerns about AI replacing jobs or using creative material without proper credit.

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Intel reconsiders strategy for 18A chip technology

Intel is reconsidering the future of its 18A chip manufacturing technology, one of the company’s most advanced semiconductor processes, as it reviews how the technology should be deployed.

CEO Lip-Bu Tan is leading the reassessment, which could result in the company opening the process to external clients rather than keeping it mainly for its own chip designs.

Intel Chief Financial Officer David Zinsner said the company is revisiting earlier plans that limited the use of the 18A technology largely to internal production.

The potential shift could support Intel’s growing foundry business, which focuses on manufacturing chips for other companies. Intel has been investing heavily in this segment as it seeks to compete with global contract chipmakers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung Electronics.

The 18A process is expected to deliver major improvements in chip performance and power efficiency. It represents a key step in Intel’s roadmap to regain a leading position in semiconductor manufacturing.

According to Zinsner, the company has recently achieved better production yields for the 18A process, although the technology is still in the early stages of scaling up for larger manufacturing volumes.

At the same time, Intel is promoting its next-generation 14A process technology to potential customers as part of its efforts to expand contract chip manufacturing services.

Since becoming CEO in 2025, Tan has been working to restructure the company and strengthen its position in advanced semiconductor production and artificial intelligence technologies.

Intel’s strategic review of the 18A process highlights the company’s effort to balance internal chip development with its ambitions to build a competitive foundry business that serves external customers.

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‘X’ launches paid partnership label for creators

Social media platform X has introduced a built-in “Paid Partnership” label to help creators clearly disclose sponsored posts. The new feature allows users to tag branded content directly through a tool, instead of adding hashtags like #ad or #sponsored in captions.

The label will appear on posts that involve a commercial relationship between a creator and a brand. It can be added while publishing the post or even after it goes live. The move aims to improve transparency and help creators comply with advertising disclosure rules.

X said the feature will make it easier for followers to understand when content is promotional. The update also aligns the platform with industry standards and advertising guidelines that require influencers to clearly disclose paid collaborations.

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Apple debuts iPhone 17e with upgraded features

Apple has launched the iPhone 17e, its latest budget-friendly model in the iPhone 17 series, combining popular premium features with an accessible price. The announcement came on 2 March 2026, with pre-orders starting on 4 March and retail availability on 11 March.

The phone is powered by Apple’s A19 chip, built on a 3-nanometer process, delivering faster performance for apps, gaming, and everyday tasks. It also features the new C1X modem, which doubles cellular data speeds compared to previous models while being more energy-efficient.

A key upgrade is base storage doubling to 256 GB, allowing users to store more photos, videos, and apps without paying extra. The iPhone 17e comes in 256 GB and 512 GB variants, starting at ₹64,900 in India.

Apple has added MagSafe support, enabling magnetic accessories, wallets, and faster wireless charging, a first for its entry-level iPhone.

The camera system has also been upgraded, with a 48 MP Fusion camera, 2× optical-quality telephoto zoom, and Dolby Vision 4K video recording. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display offers improved brightness and scratch resistance.

Other highlights include satellite-based Emergency SOS, allowing users to contact help without cellular coverage, and iOS 26, bringing smarter AI-powered features for translation, visual search, and messaging.

Apple says the iPhone 17e offers “powerful performance and popular features at an affordable price,” aiming to provide a premium experience for budget-conscious users.

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Airtel + Google bring AI spam protection to RCS

Bharti Airtel and Google have teamed up to fight spam and fraud on RCS messaging, the upgraded messaging platform that allows users to share media, chat interactively, and receive messages from verified businesses. The partnership uses Airtel’s AI-powered spam detection to screen messages in real time, blocking unwanted or malicious content and ensuring a safer user experience.

With billions of spam calls and SMS already blocked by Airtel, the collaboration brings similar protections to enhanced messaging. Messages from verified businesses are clearly identified, while messages violating Do Not Disturb (DND) settings or containing suspicious links are filtered automatically.

Google said the partnership strengthens trust in RCS and encourages safe adoption of new messaging features. Airtel highlighted that AI-based spam detection at the network level can significantly reduce fraud and protect users from phishing attempts, unsafe links, and unwanted promotions.

The initiative is especially relevant in India, where millions rely on messaging platforms for personal and business communication. By blocking spam before it reaches users’ phones, the system provides peace of mind while making enhanced messaging more reliable.

In addition to filtering spam, the system ensures faster and more secure delivery of legitimate messages. Consumers can now interact with businesses safely, access interactive features, and trust that RCS messaging remains free from malicious content.

Experts say the collaboration sets a global example for integrating carrier-level AI security into messaging platforms. With billions of daily messages, Airtel and Google aim to make RCS safer, smarter, and more user-friendly, positioning India as a leader in secure next-generation messaging technologies.

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Instagram’s new safety alerts for teen mental health

Instagram is rolling out a new feature that will notify parents when their teenage children repeatedly search for terms linked to suicide or self-harm. The tool is designed to help families identify early warning signs and respond with support, especially as online searches for distressing topics can signal emotional difficulty.

The alert system works through Instagram’s existing parental supervision settings. When a teen’s search history shows multiple queries that include phrases associated with suicide or self-injury within a short time, a notification is sent to the parent or guardian. Alerts can be delivered through the app itself or via email, text message, or other contact methods the parent has chosen. Instagram says a single search won’t trigger an alert, there needs to be a pattern that suggests concern, not an isolated query.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, already blocks and redirects searches that explicitly promote self-harm or suicide to mental health support resources. The new notifications add a proactive layer: instead of only restricting harmful content, the system flags behaviour that might indicate a young user is struggling. Parents who receive an alert will also see links to expert-recommended guidance and resources to help start a conversation with their teen.

The initial rollout will take place in several English-speaking countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, with expansion to other markets expected later in 2026. Meta says it plans to extend alerts further, including in cases where teens interact with artificial intelligence tools on related topics.

Reaction from safety advocates is mixed. Supporters argue that the feature can help caregivers act early, potentially getting professional help before situations worsen. Others caution that notifications place heavy responsibility on parents and may not address deeper issues within social media platforms’ design that can expose teens to harmful content.

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I&B Minister seeks fair digital accountability

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has called on digital platforms to take greater responsibility for the content they host and to ensure fair revenue sharing with creators and news publishers.

Speaking at a media industry event, Vaishnaw said online platforms are no longer just technology intermediaries. With millions relying on them for news, entertainment and information, they function like media organisations and should accept similar levels of accountability.

He stressed that journalists, content creators and publishers generate the material that attracts users and advertising revenue. However, many of them do not receive a fair share of the income earned from their work. Vaishnaw said platforms must adopt transparent and equitable revenue-sharing models to support a healthy digital ecosystem.

The minister also raised concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence to create synthetic or deepfake content. He said no digital content that imitates a person’s face, voice or identity should be created or shared without their consent. Protecting users, especially children and vulnerable groups, must be a priority for tech companies, he added.

Vaishnaw noted that several countries are already introducing regulations to make large technology firms more accountable. He indicated that India could also consider appropriate measures if voluntary reforms are not implemented.

His remarks come at a time when debates over misinformation, copyright, and platform responsibility are intensifying globally.

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