In a stunning turn of events that underscores the growing power of public advocacy in shaping European tech policy, the German government has effectively derailed the European Union’s contentious “Chat Control” regulation. Facing an onslaught of citizen protests, Berlin opted not to endorse the proposal during a pivotal EU Council meeting, denying it the necessary majority for advancement.
Thomas Ranese lifts the lid on how the tech is reshaping Intuit’s marketing
Thomas Ranese lifts the lid on how the tech is reshaping Intuit’s marketing
In a bold move underscoring the convergence of artificial intelligence and industrial automation, SoftBank Group Corp. has agreed to acquire the robotics division of Swiss engineering giant ABB Ltd. for approximately $5.4 billion. The deal, announced on Wednesday, positions the Japanese conglomerate to expand its footprint in what it describes as the “physical AI” era, where intelligent machines interact seamlessly with the real world.
In the rapidly evolving world of digital privacy, Proton VPN has made a significant move by expanding its free service to eight worldwide locations, a development that underscores the company’s commitment to accessible security tools amid growing concerns over online surveillance and data breaches. This expansion includes new servers in key regions, allowing users without paid subscriptions to connect from places like the United States, the Netherlands, and now additional spots that enhance global reach.
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence chatbots, Google’s Gemini has recently experienced a remarkable surge in web traffic, climbing 46% month-over-month in September, according to data from analytics firm Similarweb. This spike propelled Gemini’s visits to 444 million, marking a significant milestone for the AI tool that has been playing catch-up since its launch. Industry observers attribute this growth partly to Google’s aggressive integration of Gemini into its ecosystem, including features like enhanced image generation and deeper ties to Android devices.
In the ever-evolving saga of Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter—now rebranded as X—the billionaire entrepreneur has once again found himself at the center of high-stakes legal drama. Former top executives, including ex-CEO Parag Agrawal, have long accused Musk of withholding severance payments promised under the company’s prior agreements. The dispute stems from Musk’s $44 billion takeover in 2022, which led to mass layoffs and immediate terminations of key leaders, who claimed they were owed substantial compensation for their abrupt exits.
Google’s push into augmented reality for e-commerce took a significant step forward this week with the expansion of its virtual try-on tool, now incorporating footwear and reaching new international markets. The feature, which leverages generative AI to superimpose clothing and now shoes onto users’ photos, aims to bridge the gap between online browsing and in-store fitting, potentially reducing return rates that plague digital retailers.
Challenging the Dominance of Large Language Models
Tesla Inc. has long positioned itself as the vanguard of electric vehicle innovation, but its latest moves suggest a company playing catch-up rather than leading the charge. On Tuesday, the automaker unveiled stripped-down versions of its popular Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV, priced at $36,990 and $39,990 respectively, in an apparent bid to stem declining sales amid fierce global competition.