Power Moves, Big Bets & Wearable Dreams
From China’s new AI brain gain to UK megadeals and Meta’s incoming smart glasses.
‘I have to do it’: Why one of the world’s most brilliant AI scientists left the US for China
Chang Che/ The Guardian
A leading AI researcher has departed the United States to join China's thriving tech ecosystem, citing a personal desire to speed innovation. The move has sparked worldwide AI rivalries.
Nothing plans to launch ‘first AI-native devices next year’
Robert Hart/ The Verge
Technology startup Nothing looks hopeful for the world's first AI-enabled electronics next year. Expect gadgets developed with AI from the ground up, rather than just sprinkled on top.
Google announces £5bn AI investment in UK before Trump visit
The Guardian
Google is investing £5 billion in the UK's AI ecosystem ahead of Trump's visit. The audacious investment seeks to establish Britain as a worldwide AI powerhouse.
Google thinks it can have AI summaries and a healthy web, too
Elissa Welle/ The Verge
Google claims its AI summaries will not destroy the free web, and it has a strategy to prove it. The company maintains that AI and publisher traffic can coexist.
In Giant Deals, U.A.E. Got Chips, and Trump Team Got Crypto Riches
New York Times
A flurry of mega-deals saw the UAE obtain critical AI processors as Trump friends reaped cryptocurrency profits. The intersection of politics and technology funding is raising eyebrows.
Here’s why usage of Gemini’s Nano Banana image editor is growing
Robert Hart/ The Verge
Gemini's unique Nano Banana image editor is quietly growing viral. Creators adore its quick AI-powered adjustments—and it's altering how casual editing is done.
Microsoft favors Anthropic over OpenAI for Visual Studio Code
Tom Warren/ The Verge
Microsoft is integrating Anthropic's Claude into Visual Studio Code, displacing OpenAI. It's a small but noticeable shift in the company's AI loyalties.
Meta’s new smart glasses are coming this week
Jay Peters/ The Verge
Meta is ready to release its next-generation smart glasses, promising a sleeker design and smarter AI. This could be the largest step forward for wearable technology.