Tag: AI

Categories
Technology

WhatsApp status gets AI photo makeover

WhatsApp is preparing to roll out AI-powered tools that allow users to creatively edit photos shared in their Status updates. With Meta AI integration, these features aim to make photo editing seamless and more imaginative, eliminating the need for third-party apps.

Currently, the tools are being tested in WhatsApp beta versions on both Android and iOS. Selected users can access an upgraded editing interface within the Status creation screen. Unlike traditional filters or stickers, the AI tools offer advanced transformations that can completely restyle or modify images.

The feature includes artistic themes such as Anime, Comic, Clay, Painting, 3D, and Kawaii. Instead of simply applying an overlay, the AI recreates the photo in the selected style. Users can also tap a “Redo” button to generate multiple variations until they find the preferred effect.

In addition to visual styles, the AI editor supports prompt-based editing. Users can type instructions to add or remove objects, tweak backgrounds, or enhance specific elements. The system fills in missing areas naturally, ensuring the edited photos look polished and realistic.

Another feature under testing is photo animation. Static images can be transformed into short animated visuals, adding movement and making Status updates more dynamic and engaging. This allows users to highlight moments in a lively, expressive way.

The rollout is gradual, starting with beta testers and eventually expanding to wider audiences after feedback and adjustments. Some users on stable app versions may also get early access in phases.

When fully launched, these Meta AI tools are expected to make WhatsApp Status a more creative space, enabling users to share and personalize photos effortlessly without leaving the app.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh clears Vedanta’s 20 onshore wells

Categories
Technology

Pulitzer winner Carreyrou, 5 authors sue AI giants over copyright

A group of six authors, including Pulitzer Prize winner John Carreyrou, has filed new lawsuits against six major AI companies, saying their books were used without permission to train AI models. The lawsuits were filed on December 22, 2025, in California.

The companies named are Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Meta, xAI, and Perplexity AI. The authors claim these companies copied their books from pirate sites like LibGen and Z‑Library to teach AI systems, then profited from the AI models without paying the writers.

Carreyrou, known for Bad Blood, and the other authors rejected a $1.5 billion class action settlement offered by Anthropic earlier this year, saying the payment of around $3,000 per book is far too low for the value of their work.

Instead of joining a class action, the authors are filing individual lawsuits, which allows them to seek the maximum $150,000 per book per company. Across the six companies, this could reach up to $900,000 per book.

The group includes writers from different fields, spiritual books, psychology, IT, and political science, showing concern from many types of authors about how AI uses their work.

The lawsuits focus on AI using pirated books, which the authors say is not fair use and should have stronger legal consequences. Some courts have allowed limited AI use of copyrighted works, but using pirated copies is more serious.

So far, the companies have not responded, and no court dates have been set.

Also Read: Copper hits record $12,000 per ton

Categories
Corporate

Accenture sees 6% revenue rise on strong AI demand

Accenture reported stronger-than-expected revenue for the first quarter of its 2026 financial year, driven by high demand for AI-related services and broader digital transformation projects.

The global IT consulting firm posted $18.74 billion in revenue for the quarter ended November 30, 2025, beating analysts’ estimate of $18.52 billion and marking roughly 6 percent growth from last year. The results were at the top end of the company’s guided range, which forecast local-currency growth of 1 percent to 5 percent.

The performance reflects continued enterprise spending on technology, especially AI solutions that help businesses automate tasks and improve efficiency. New client bookings rose about 10 percent in local currency to $20.9 billion, including 33 contracts over $100 million each. Advanced AI bookings alone reached $2.2 billion, nearly double the same period last year.

CEO Julie Sweet said the results confirm Accenture’s strategy of helping clients scale digital and AI capabilities. As AI demand matures beyond pilots, integrating it into broader services highlights its growing importance in the company’s growth strategy.

Despite the strong AI growth, Accenture said it will stop separate reporting of AI revenue and bookings. The company explained that AI is now integrated across most client projects, making standalone reporting less meaningful. This shows how central generative and advanced AI has become in its consulting and managed services.

Accenture also exceeded its own operating margin guidance, closing the quarter with around a 17 percent margin compared with projections of 15.7 percent to 15.9 percent. The company maintained its full-year local-currency revenue growth forecast of 2 percent to 5 percent and expects second-quarter revenue between $17.3 billion and $18 billion.

Also Read: $4.5B MUFG deal could redefine Shriram Finance future

Categories
Technology

Chinese phone makers lure iPhone users with AI

Chinese smartphone makers are increasingly targeting iPhone users, seeking to convert those frustrated by Apple’s delayed AI rollout in China. With the tech giant’s new AI features still slow to arrive, rivals such as Honor, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Huawei see an opportunity to lure customers with innovative tools and services.

One key strategy is making the switch from iPhone to their devices as seamless as possible. Honor, for instance, offers a “Device Clone” app that transfers contacts, photos, messages, and other data simply by scanning a QR code. Oppo provides a similar feature, allowing users to manage their calls, messages, and notifications from their new phones almost immediately after migration. Vivo and Xiaomi are also expanding tools that reduce the friction for iPhone users considering a move to their ecosystems.

Beyond migration apps, Chinese brands are rolling out advanced AI features to differentiate themselves. Oppo’s new AI assistant can analyze screenshots to track expenses, offer real-time workout guidance via the camera, and help users navigate daily routines more efficiently. Honor has launched AI tools that compare coupons across platforms, assist with ride-hailing, and even create short-form videos — features that could appeal to iPhone users looking for smarter, more interactive devices.

The timing of these initiatives comes at a moment when Apple is facing a slight slowdown in China. In the third quarter of 2025, iPhone shipments fell about 2% year-on-year, while local brands gained momentum. Vivo, for example, overtook Apple to lead the market with roughly 18.5% share, highlighting the competitive threat to the U.S. tech giant in its key premium market.

Analysts say these moves may entice some iPhone users to switch, especially those eager for AI enhancements that Apple has yet to deliver. However, Apple still maintains a strong hold on the premium segment globally, with brand loyalty and ecosystem advantages keeping many users invested.

For now, Chinese smartphone makers are betting that easy-switch tools combined with AI-powered features could be enough to tempt a wave of iPhone users toward their devices, potentially reshaping the premium smartphone landscape in China.

Also Read: ICICI Securities sees 21% upside in ITC Hotels shares

Categories
Technology

Microsoft AI chief flags risks of superintelligence

Microsoft’s AI chief Mustafa Suleyman has warned that the tech industry should not aim to build superintelligence, that is, AI systems far smarter and more capable than humans. He said such technology could quickly become too powerful to manage, making it risky for society.

Speaking on a podcast, Suleyman said superintelligence does not represent a “positive future” and should instead be seen as an anti-goal. While AI has rapidly improved, now able to write, analyse data and translate at near-human levels, he believes pushing beyond human intelligence brings unpredictable dangers.

Suleyman stressed that AI tools today only simulate human-like conversation. “They don’t feel or suffer,” he said, urging people not to confuse advanced responses with real consciousness.

Instead of building uncontrollable systems, Microsoft is focusing on what he calls “humanist superintelligence”, AI designed to stay aligned with human values, remain safe, and clearly operate under human control.

He also noted that AGI (artificial general intelligence) could arrive within five years, potentially reshaping how people work and develop new products. With this rapid progress, he said strong guardrails and strict regulation are essential to ensure AI remains beneficial.

Suleyman’s message reinforces a growing view in the tech world. As AI becomes more powerful, safety and human oversight must take priority over speed and ambition.

Also Read: Samsung restores Co-CEO structure, appoints TM Roh

Categories
Corporate

Google to invest $40 billion in Texas

Google has announced a massive $40 billion investment in Texas to expand its artificial intelligence and cloud computing capacity by 2027. The multi-year plan marks one of the company’s biggest infrastructure commitments in the US and positions Texas as a major hub for its next phase of AI growth.

The investment includes building three new data center campuses across West Texas, one in Armstrong County and two in Haskell County. One of the Haskell sites will be developed alongside a solar and battery storage facility, reflecting Google’s push to power AI infrastructure with cleaner energy. The company will also scale up its existing data center operations in Midlothian and the Dallas–Fort Worth region.

As AI workloads surge, Google is also focusing on securing long-term power supply. The company plans to add over 6,000 MW of new energy capacity through partnerships with energy developers. In addition, it has launched a $30 million Energy Impact Fund to support energy-efficiency and community projects across Texas.

To meet rising demand for skilled labour, Google will support electrical training programmes statewide, aiming to prepare more than 1,700 electrician apprentices by 2030. The company expects the investment to generate thousands of jobs over the next few years.

CEO Sundar Pichai said the Texas build-out will “power the new era of AI innovation,” while Texas Governor Greg Abbott welcomed the project as a major vote of confidence in the state’s business environment.

The move comes as global tech giants race to expand data center capacity to support AI models, cloud services, and advanced computing needs. While the scale of the investment highlights Texas’s growing importance in the AI economy, it also raises questions around energy consumption, environmental impact, and long-term sustainability.

Also Read: Trump drops tariffs to ease food prices

Categories
Technology

Google Maps Gets Smarter with AI in India

Google Maps is introducing a series of AI-powered features in India, marking a significant upgrade to the popular navigation app. Leveraging Google’s Gemini AI, the update aims to make travel smarter, safer, and more personalized for users across the country.

One of the key additions is voice-powered assistance while driving. Users can now ask questions such as “Where is the nearest petrol pump?”, “Find parking nearby,” or “Take me to a good restaurant,” and receive instant guidance without needing to type. The app also provides quick tips about locations, including advice on markets, restaurants, and local attractions. For example, it can highlight popular stalls in a market or suggest bargaining tips.

Safety is another major focus. Google Maps will alert drivers about accident-prone zones, display speed limits, and notify users of major traffic disruptions even when they are not actively navigating. The app also integrates information from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), offering real-time updates on highway closures, ongoing repairs, and available amenities like fuel stations and restrooms.

India-specific features have also been added for two-wheeler users. Riders can now customize their navigation icon according to their bike or scooter style, while voice guidance supports nine Indian languages, helping users navigate complex roads and flyovers more easily. Additionally, integration with Google Wallet allows users in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi to save metro tickets for easy access through Maps.

With these updates, Google Maps is positioning itself as a more intuitive, user-friendly, and safety-conscious navigation tool for Indian users. The rollout will begin gradually on Android and iOS devices in the coming weeks, offering a mix of AI-driven convenience and localized travel support.

Also Read: Canada Opens Fast-Track for H-1B Holders