The AI Race Heats Up: New Assistants, Old Problems
As major players roll out AI-powered tools for phones, PCs, and customer service, critics highlight the dangers of AI "slop," data disparities, and fading transparency in tech partnerships.
Verizon adopts Google’s Gemini AI to help customers solve ‘complex’ issues
Jess Weatherbed/ The Verge
Verizon and Google's Gemini AI are collaborating to enable more intelligent customer support. The chatbot era just saw a significant improvement in everything from billing to tech assistance.
Huawei HarmonyOS 6 AI agents offer alternative to Android and iOS
Dashveenjit Kaur/ AI News
With integrated AI agents, Huawei's new HarmonyOS 6 provides a stylish substitute for iOS and Android. A daring step towards ecosystem autonomy in the era of artificial intelligence.
Microsoft’s Mu Brings Natural Language Chats to Windows 11’s Settings Menu
Megan Crouse/ TechRepublic
Introducing Mu, the newest AI helper from Microsoft that comes pre-installed on Windows 11. It makes your computer feel much wiser by converting complicated settings into straightforward talks.
Global AI Divide: Only 32 Countries Host AI Data Centers, Leaving Many Behind
Aminu Abdullahi/ TechRepublic
The gap in AI infrastructure is rapidly growing. A large portion of the world lacks access to next-generation intelligence since only a few number of countries have significant data centres.
OpenAI Pulls Jony Ive Promo Video – Here’s Why
Fiona Jackson/ TechRepublic
OpenAI covertly deleted a Jony Ive promotional film. The design-meets-AI community is taking notice of the abrupt retraction, even though the hardware plans are still in place.
OpenAI Begins ‘Phasing Out’ Scale AI, but It’s Not Because of Meta
J.R. Johnivan/ TechRepublic
OpenAI is reducing its usage of Scale AI in order to bring more labelling and training processes in-house, not because of Meta's drama. Control, not fighting, is the key.
There’s no simple solution to universities’ AI worries
The Guardian
In the AI era, universities are finding it difficult to strike a balance between integrity and innovation. Scholarly letters demonstrate that there is no simple solution—only a convoluted, dynamic discussion.
John Oliver on AI slop: ‘Some of this stuff is potentially very dangerous’
The Guardian
John Oliver criticises the deluge of poor AI content, referring to it as "slop" that poses significant concerns. Although his critique is amusing, it also feels painfully personal.
At Amazon’s Biggest Data Center, Everything Is Supersized for A.I.
Karen Weise, Cade Metz and A.J. Mast/ New York Times
AI is in charge inside Amazon's biggest data centre. Alexa, machine learning, and other technologies are powered by large servers and cooling towers.
Best AI Personal Assistants for Work, Life & Productivity in 2025
Faithe Day/ TechRepublic
Are you trying to find a digital companion? Whether you need assistance with meal planning, meeting management, or mental wellness, these are the best AI personal assistants of 2025.