Google parent Alphabet weighs offer for HubSpot

In response to a tech demo featuring Aloy from Guerilla Games' Horizon, the actress behind Aloy expresses concern about the use of AI in video game performances, especially in light of SAG-AFTRA's current strike for protections. She emphasizes the need for consent, fair compensation, and transparency when using AI versions of actors to ensure they have recourse and protections in the industry, expressing a deep love for the art form and a desire for future...

Google has officially announced the phase-out of Google Assistant in favor of Gemini, its new generative AI assistant, starting with mobile devices and expanding to smart speakers and displays. The transition will occur over the coming months, with Gemini replacing Google Assistant on mobile devices first. Amazon is gearing up to launch Alexa+, a new version of Alexa powered by LLMs, while Apple's Siri AI-makeover has been delayed. Full Article

Privacy International and Liberty are challenging the UK government's order for Apple to create a backdoor into its encrypted user data, arguing that it violates customers' privacy and free expression rights. The complaint has been filed with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, which is set to hear Apple's appeal. The UK order requires Apple to give the government access to private user data encrypted through its Advanced Data Protection feature, potentially exposing all Apple account users...

Kerry Washington expands her angel investment portfolio by leading the pre-seed round for wedding marketplace Cheersy, founded by Amy Shack Egan, which connects couples with day-of service wedding coordinators and has raised $550,000 from investors like Christina Tosi and Jennifer Gilbert. Shack Egan met Washington through a mutual connection, and Washington, known for investing in startups like Spill and Equip, is one of many Hollywood figures entering the startup world. Cheersy, similar to Airbnb, allows...

Chinese asset managers are engaging in an AI arms race following High-Flyer's use of DeepSeek in trading markets, potentially disrupting the $10 trillion fund management industry. The competition is driving firms to expand AI research and adopt DeepSeek technology, leading to significant changes in the way investments are managed in China. This shift towards AI-driven strategies marks a pivotal moment for Chinese asset managers as they strive to remain competitive in the evolving market landscape....

Meta secured a legal victory against former employee Sarah Wynn-Williams, temporarily banning her from promoting or distributing her tell-all memoir containing allegations of sexual harassment at the company. The arbitrator found grounds for a potential contract violation, leading to private arbitration. While Ms. Wynn-Williams must halt book promotions and retract disparaging comments, the publisher, Flatiron Books, plans to continue promoting the book despite Meta's denial of the allegations. Full Article