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<p>Marc Benioff, the chief executive of Salesforce, is leading a shift in how the company approaches software development. His strategy combines a pause in hiring software engineers with increased investment in artificial intelligence tools.</p><p>The company stopped hiring software engineers in 2025, citing productivity gains from AI systems. At the same time, Benioff has said Salesforce could spend nearly $300 million on Anthropic AI tokens in 2026, reflecting a change in how resources are allocated.</p><h2><strong>Why Salesforce paused hiring engineers</strong></h2><p>Salesforce decided to halt hiring for software engineers after reporting productivity improvements of over 30 per cent using AI tools such as Agentforce. According to Benioff, these tools have allowed existing teams to complete more work without increasing headcount. This has led the company to focus less on hiring new engineers and more on improving efficiency with AI.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, the hiring pause applies mainly to engineering roles. The company has continued recruitment in other areas, including plans to add 1,000 to 2,000 sales staff to support its AI products.</p><h2><strong>Shift towards AI-driven development</strong></h2><p>Salesforce is increasing its investment in AI to support software development tasks. The planned $300 million spend on Anthropic tokens highlights how the company is using external AI systems to assist engineers. Benioff has described this shift as a move towards “digital labour”, where AI tools take on routine coding tasks while engineers focus on higher-level work.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The company is also building systems to manage AI usage more efficiently, routing tasks between different models depending on complexity.</p><h2><strong>Engineers still play a key role</strong></h2><p>Despite the hiring freeze, Salesforce continues to employ around 15,000 engineers. Benioff has clarified that AI cannot replace human developers entirely. Instead, engineers are now working alongside AI systems, supervising and guiding their output. This includes reviewing code, managing AI tools and ensuring quality. This suggests a change in the role of engineers rather than a reduction in their importance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Salesforce’s broader AI investment strategy</strong></h2><p>Salesforce has already invested over $300 million in Anthropic and holds a stake in the company. Its AI product line, Agentforce, is also growing, with reported annual revenue reaching around $800 million. The company estimates that AI now contributes to 30 per cent to 50 per cent of its overall workload, showing how central these tools have become to its operations.</p><h2><strong>What this means for the tech industry</strong></h2><p>Salesforce’s approach reflects a wider trend in the technology sector, where companies are focusing on AI to improve productivity rather than expanding teams. This shift could influence hiring patterns across the industry, especially in software development roles. At the same time, it highlights the growing importance of AI tools in everyday business operations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Salesforce is expected to continue refining its AI strategy while maintaining its current workforce structure. The company’s focus will likely remain on improving efficiency and scaling its AI systems. For the broader industry, the move signals a transition in how companies balance human talent and artificial intelligence in software development</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Marc Benioff, the chief executive of Salesforce, is leading a shift in how the company approaches software development. His strategy combines a pause in hiring software engineers with increased investment in artificial intelligence tools.


Marc Benioff, the chief executive of Salesforce, is leading a shift in how the company approaches software development. His strategy combines a pause in hiring software engineers with increased investment in artificial intelligence tools. The company stopped hiring software engineers in 2025, citing productivity gains from AI systems. At the same time, Benioff has said Salesforce could spend nearly $300 million on Anthropic AI tokens in 2026, reflecting a change in how resources are allocated. Why Salesforce paused hiring engineers Salesforce decided to halt hiring for software engineers after reporting productivity improvements of over 30 per cent using AI tools such as Agentforce. According to Benioff, these tools have allowed existing teams to complete more work without increasing headcount. This has led the company to focus less on hiring new engineers and more on improving efficiency with AI. However, the hiring pause applies mainly to engineering roles. The company has continued recruitment in other areas, including plans to add 1,000 to 2,000 sales staff to support its AI products. Shift towards AI-driven development Salesforce is increasing its investment in AI to support software development tasks. The planned $300 million spend on Anthropic tokens highlights how the company is using external AI systems to assist engineers. Benioff has described this shift as a move towards “digital labour”, where AI tools take on routine coding tasks while engineers focus on higher-level work. The company is also building systems to manage AI usage more efficiently, routing tasks between different models depending on complexity. Engineers still play a key role Despite the hiring freeze, Salesforce continues to employ around 15,000 engineers. Benioff has clarified that AI cannot replace human developers entirely. Instead, engineers are now working alongside AI systems, supervising and guiding their output. This includes reviewing code, managing AI tools and ensuring quality. This suggests a change in the role of engineers rather than a reduction in their importance. Salesforce’s broader AI investment strategy Salesforce has already invested over $300 million in Anthropic and holds a stake in the company. Its AI product line, Agentforce, is also growing, with reported annual revenue reaching around $800 million. The company estimates that AI now contributes to 30 per cent to 50 per cent of its overall workload, showing how central these tools have become to its operations. What this means for the tech industry Salesforce’s approach reflects a wider trend in the technology sector, where companies are focusing on AI to improve productivity rather than expanding teams. This shift could influence hiring patterns across the industry, especially in software development roles. At the same time, it highlights the growing importance of AI tools in everyday business operations. Salesforce is expected to continue refining its AI strategy while maintaining its current workforce structure. The company’s focus will likely remain on improving efficiency and scaling its AI systems. For the broader industry, the move signals a transition in how companies balance human talent and artificial intelligence in software development

<p>Marc Benioff, the chief executive of Salesforce, is leading a shift in how the company approaches software development. His strategy combines a pause in hiring software engineers with increased investment in artificial intelligence tools.</p>

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff pauses software engineer hiring as AI spending rises

<p>The Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation has fully exited its investment in Microsoft, selling its remaining shares in the first quarter of 2026. The move marks the end of a long-standing financial link between the foundation and the company co-founded by Bill Gates.</p><p>According to regulatory filings cited in reports, the foundation’s trust sold its final 7.7 million Microsoft shares, valued at approximately $3.2 billion (around Rs 26,500 crore).&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>A phased exit over two years</strong></h2><p>The exit did not happen all at once. It was part of a gradual reduction that began around two years ago. At that time, the foundation held about 28.5 million Microsoft shares, making it one of the largest positions in its portfolio.</p><p>The biggest reduction came in the third quarter of 2025, when nearly 65 per cent of the holding was sold. The final tranche was completed in early 2026, closing the remaining position.</p><h2><strong>Microsoft’s role in the foundation portfolio</strong></h2><p>For many years, Microsoft stock formed a major part of the foundation’s investments. The shares largely came from donations made by Bill Gates, who founded the company with Paul Allen in 1975. The foundation’s portfolio was also supported by contributions from Warren Buffett, who donated shares through Berkshire Hathaway.</p><p>At its peak in 2022, Microsoft accounted for about 27 per cent of the foundation’s total holdings, highlighting its importance in the overall investment strategy.</p><h2><strong>Why the foundation sold its shares</strong></h2><p>The decision to exit Microsoft is linked to a broader shift in the foundation’s strategy. Bill Gates has said that the foundation plans to spend down its endowment by 2045, rather than operate indefinitely like traditional charitable organisations. This approach requires more liquidity and diversification, as the foundation aims to increase its spending on global programmes. The foundation is expected to distribute around $9 billion (about Rs 74,700 crore) in grants in the current year alone, reflecting an accelerated pace of funding.</p><h2><strong>Portfolio after the Microsoft exit</strong></h2><p>Following the sale, the foundation’s investment portfolio is estimated to be worth around $31.7 billion (approximately Rs 2.63 lakh crore).</p><p>The exit reduces concentration in a single company and allows the foundation to allocate resources across a broader range of investments.</p><h2><strong>What this means for markets and philanthropy</strong></h2><p>The move signals a shift in how large philanthropic organisations manage their investments. Instead of holding long-term stakes in a single company, there is a growing focus on diversification and liquidity.</p><p>For Microsoft, the exit does not directly affect its operations, but it marks the end of a historic connection with one of its founders’ philanthropic initiatives.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Gates Foundation is expected to continue adjusting its investment strategy in line with its long-term goal of increasing charitable spending. As the foundation moves towards its 2045 target, further changes in asset allocation may follow, reflecting its focus on funding global health, education and development programmes.</p>

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has fully exited its investment in Microsoft, selling its remaining shares in the first quarter of 2026. The move marks the end of a long-standing financial link between the foundation and the company co-founded by Bill Gates.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has fully exited its investment in Microsoft, selling its remaining shares in the first quarter of 2026. The move marks the end of a long-standing financial link between the foundation and the company co-founded by Bill Gates. According to regulatory filings cited in reports, the foundation’s trust sold its final 7.7 million Microsoft shares, valued at approximately $3.2 billion (around Rs 26,500 crore). A phased exit over two years The exit did not happen all at once. It was part of a gradual reduction that began around two years ago. At that time, the foundation held about 28.5 million Microsoft shares, making it one of the largest positions in its portfolio. The biggest reduction came in the third quarter of 2025, when nearly 65 per cent of the holding was sold. The final tranche was completed in early 2026, closing the remaining position. Microsoft’s role in the foundation portfolio For many years, Microsoft stock formed a major part of the foundation’s investments. The shares largely came from donations made by Bill Gates, who founded the company with Paul Allen in 1975. The foundation’s portfolio was also supported by contributions from Warren Buffett, who donated shares through Berkshire Hathaway. At its peak in 2022, Microsoft accounted for about 27 per cent of the foundation’s total holdings, highlighting its importance in the overall investment strategy. Why the foundation sold its shares The decision to exit Microsoft is linked to a broader shift in the foundation’s strategy. Bill Gates has said that the foundation plans to spend down its endowment by 2045, rather than operate indefinitely like traditional charitable organisations. This approach requires more liquidity and diversification, as the foundation aims to increase its spending on global programmes. The foundation is expected to distribute around $9 billion (about Rs 74,700 crore) in grants in the current year alone, reflecting an accelerated pace of funding. Portfolio after the Microsoft exit Following the sale, the foundation’s investment portfolio is estimated to be worth around $31.7 billion (approximately Rs 2.63 lakh crore). The exit reduces concentration in a single company and allows the foundation to allocate resources across a broader range of investments. What this means for markets and philanthropy The move signals a shift in how large philanthropic organisations manage their investments. Instead of holding long-term stakes in a single company, there is a growing focus on diversification and liquidity. For Microsoft, the exit does not directly affect its operations, but it marks the end of a historic connection with one of its founders’ philanthropic initiatives. The Gates Foundation is expected to continue adjusting its investment strategy in line with its long-term goal of increasing charitable spending. As the foundation moves towards its 2045 target, further changes in asset allocation may follow, reflecting its focus on funding global health, education and development programmes.

<p>The Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation has fully exited its investment in Microsoft, selling its remaining shares in the first quarter of 2026. The move marks the end of a long-standing financial link between the foundation and the company co-founded by Bill Gates.</p>

Gates Foundation exits Microsoft, ends long-standing investment position

<p>OpenAI has placed co-founder and president Greg Brockman in charge of its product strategy, marking a shift in how the company plans to develop and manage its AI tools.</p><p>The move comes as part of an internal transition, with Brockman already overseeing products on an interim basis while the company’s CEO of AGI deployment remains on medical leave.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Focus on unifying products</strong></h2><p>According to internal discussions, OpenAI plans to combine its key offerings into a single platform. This includes bringing together ChatGPT, Codex and its developer APIs into one unified experience.</p><p>The aim is to simplify how users interact with OpenAI tools, whether they are individual users or businesses. By creating a single product ecosystem, the company expects to improve efficiency and user experience.</p><p>Brockman has indicated that this approach is designed to support what the company describes as an “agentic future”, where AI systems can perform tasks more independently.</p><h2><strong>Shift towards core products</strong></h2><p>The strategy reflects a broader focus on strengthening OpenAI’s main products. Earlier, CEO Sam Altman had called for greater attention on the core ChatGPT experience.</p><p>Following that direction, the company has reduced work on some experimental projects and redirected resources towards its primary platforms.</p><p>This shift suggests that OpenAI is prioritising stability, usability and scalability over expanding into multiple new areas at once.</p><h2><strong>Leadership transition and continuity</strong></h2><p>While Brockman is now leading product strategy, OpenAI has said that existing leadership continues to be involved in decision-making.</p><p>The company noted that the current changes were planned in coordination with other executives, even as responsibilities have been adjusted temporarily.</p><p>This indicates that the shift is part of a structured transition rather than a sudden change in direction.</p><h2><strong>What this means for users and developers</strong></h2><p>For users, the integration of different tools into a single platform could make it easier to access AI services without switching between multiple products.</p><p>For developers, combining APIs and tools may simplify workflows and reduce complexity when building applications using OpenAI’s technology.</p><p>This approach could also help OpenAI compete more effectively in both consumer and enterprise markets.</p><h2><strong>Industry context and competition</strong></h2><p>The move comes at a time when competition in artificial intelligence is increasing, with companies focusing on building integrated platforms rather than standalone tools.</p><p>By consolidating its products, OpenAI is aligning with this trend and aiming to strengthen its position in the AI market. OpenAI is expected to continue refining its product strategy in the coming months, with further updates likely as integration plans move forward.</p><p>The success of this approach will depend on how well the company can combine its technologies while maintaining performance and usability.</p><p>Overall, the change signals a more focused strategy as OpenAI works to develop its next phase of AI products.</p>

OpenAI has placed co-founder and president Greg Brockman in charge of its product strategy, marking a shift in how the company plans to develop and manage its AI tools.


OpenAI has placed co-founder and president Greg Brockman in charge of its product strategy, marking a shift in how the company plans to develop and manage its AI tools. The move comes as part of an internal transition, with Brockman already overseeing products on an interim basis while the company’s CEO of AGI deployment remains on medical leave. Focus on unifying products According to internal discussions, OpenAI plans to combine its key offerings into a single platform. This includes bringing together ChatGPT, Codex and its developer APIs into one unified experience. The aim is to simplify how users interact with OpenAI tools, whether they are individual users or businesses. By creating a single product ecosystem, the company expects to improve efficiency and user experience. Brockman has indicated that this approach is designed to support what the company describes as an “agentic future”, where AI systems can perform tasks more independently. Shift towards core products The strategy reflects a broader focus on strengthening OpenAI’s main products. Earlier, CEO Sam Altman had called for greater attention on the core ChatGPT experience. Following that direction, the company has reduced work on some experimental projects and redirected resources towards its primary platforms. This shift suggests that OpenAI is prioritising stability, usability and scalability over expanding into multiple new areas at once. Leadership transition and continuity While Brockman is now leading product strategy, OpenAI has said that existing leadership continues to be involved in decision-making. The company noted that the current changes were planned in coordination with other executives, even as responsibilities have been adjusted temporarily. This indicates that the shift is part of a structured transition rather than a sudden change in direction. What this means for users and developers For users, the integration of different tools into a single platform could make it easier to access AI services without switching between multiple products. For developers, combining APIs and tools may simplify workflows and reduce complexity when building applications using OpenAI’s technology. This approach could also help OpenAI compete more effectively in both consumer and enterprise markets. Industry context and competition The move comes at a time when competition in artificial intelligence is increasing, with companies focusing on building integrated platforms rather than standalone tools. By consolidating its products, OpenAI is aligning with this trend and aiming to strengthen its position in the AI market. OpenAI is expected to continue refining its product strategy in the coming months, with further updates likely as integration plans move forward. The success of this approach will depend on how well the company can combine its technologies while maintaining performance and usability. Overall, the change signals a more focused strategy as OpenAI works to develop its next phase of AI products.

<p>OpenAI has placed co-founder and president Greg Brockman in charge of its product strategy, marking a shift in how the company plans to develop and manage its AI tools.</p>

‘AI strategy update’: Greg Brockman takes charge of product strategy at OpenAI

<p>Lawmakers in the United Kingdom are calling for new powers that would allow the government to shut down artificial intelligence systems in case of serious risk. The proposal, often described as an AI “kill switch”, is being discussed as part of amendments to the country’s cyber security and resilience bill.</p><p>The idea is supported by a group of MPs and campaign organisations who argue that governments need emergency tools to deal with potential threats from advanced AI systems.</p><h2><strong>What is the proposed AI ‘kill switch’?</strong></h2><p>The proposed amendment would give ministers the authority to shut down data centres or AI systems during a crisis. These powers would be used only in extreme situations, such as risks to national security, critical infrastructure or large-scale harm to people. Under the proposal, data centre operators would be required to build systems that allow instant shutdown if directed by the government. They would also need secure communication links with authorities to ensure quick action during emergencies.</p><h2><strong>Why MPs are raising concerns</strong></h2><p>Supporters of the proposal say that artificial intelligence is developing quickly and could create new types of risks. These include cyberattacks, misuse of advanced systems and threats to infrastructure. Concerns have increased following recent developments in AI technology. Some systems have shown the ability to identify vulnerabilities in software, raising questions about how such tools could be used in real-world scenarios.</p><p>Lawmakers argue that current systems are not prepared to handle these risks and that stronger safeguards are needed.</p><h2><strong>Political and industry response</strong></h2><p>The proposal has backing from at least 11 MPs, including members from different political parties. Campaign group Control AI is also supporting the move and has previously gathered support from over 100 parliamentarians for stricter AI regulation. However, the UK government has not yet formally endorsed the amendment. Officials have said that the broader cyber security bill is aimed at improving protection for digital services and infrastructure.</p><h2><strong>Global context and AI competition</strong></h2><p>The discussion comes at a time when governments worldwide are increasing focus on AI regulation. Most advanced AI systems are currently hosted in data centres located in the United States, which adds complexity to how different countries manage risks. Recent developments in AI, including systems designed for cybersecurity tasks, have led to more debate about safety and oversight. There are also ongoing discussions between technology companies, governments and industry leaders about how to balance innovation with regulation.</p><h2><strong>Concerns about national security</strong></h2><p>Some lawmakers have warned that advanced AI systems could pose serious risks if left unchecked. They argue that coordinated cyberattacks or misuse of powerful AI tools could affect critical systems such as energy, transport and communication networks.</p><p>The proposed “kill switch” is being described as a last-resort measure to prevent such scenarios.</p><p><br>The amendment is expected to be debated in Parliament if it is selected for discussion. The outcome will depend on political support and broader policy considerations around technology and innovation. If approved, the proposal could introduce new requirements for data centre operators and change how AI systems are managed in the UK.</p><p>The debate highlights a growing challenge for governments: how to encourage technological progress while ensuring safety and public trust in rapidly evolving AI systems.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Lawmakers in the United Kingdom are pushing for emergency powers that would allow the government to shut down artificial intelligence systems during major crises. 

Lawmakers in the United Kingdom are calling for new powers that would allow the government to shut down artificial intelligence systems in case of serious risk. The proposal, often described as an AI “kill switch”, is being discussed as part of amendments to the country’s cyber security and resilience bill. The idea is supported by a group of MPs and campaign organisations who argue that governments need emergency tools to deal with potential threats from advanced AI systems. What is the proposed AI ‘kill switch’? The proposed amendment would give ministers the authority to shut down data centres or AI systems during a crisis. These powers would be used only in extreme situations, such as risks to national security, critical infrastructure or large-scale harm to people. Under the proposal, data centre operators would be required to build systems that allow instant shutdown if directed by the government. They would also need secure communication links with authorities to ensure quick action during emergencies. Why MPs are raising concerns Supporters of the proposal say that artificial intelligence is developing quickly and could create new types of risks. These include cyberattacks, misuse of advanced systems and threats to infrastructure. Concerns have increased following recent developments in AI technology. Some systems have shown the ability to identify vulnerabilities in software, raising questions about how such tools could be used in real-world scenarios. Lawmakers argue that current systems are not prepared to handle these risks and that stronger safeguards are needed. Political and industry response The proposal has backing from at least 11 MPs, including members from different political parties. Campaign group Control AI is also supporting the move and has previously gathered support from over 100 parliamentarians for stricter AI regulation. However, the UK government has not yet formally endorsed the amendment. Officials have said that the broader cyber security bill is aimed at improving protection for digital services and infrastructure. Global context and AI competition The discussion comes at a time when governments worldwide are increasing focus on AI regulation. Most advanced AI systems are currently hosted in data centres located in the United States, which adds complexity to how different countries manage risks. Recent developments in AI, including systems designed for cybersecurity tasks, have led to more debate about safety and oversight. There are also ongoing discussions between technology companies, governments and industry leaders about how to balance innovation with regulation. Concerns about national security Some lawmakers have warned that advanced AI systems could pose serious risks if left unchecked. They argue that coordinated cyberattacks or misuse of powerful AI tools could affect critical systems such as energy, transport and communication networks. The proposed “kill switch” is being described as a last-resort measure to prevent such scenarios. The amendment is expected to be debated in Parliament if it is selected for discussion. The outcome will depend on political support and broader policy considerations around technology and innovation. If approved, the proposal could introduce new requirements for data centre operators and change how AI systems are managed in the UK. The debate highlights a growing challenge for governments: how to encourage technological progress while ensuring safety and public trust in rapidly evolving AI systems.

<p>Lawmakers in the United Kingdom are pushing for emergency powers that would allow the government to shut down artificial intelligence systems during major crises.&nbsp;</p>

United Kingdom cyber bill may introduce government-controlled AI shutdown powers: Know more below

<p>SpaceX’s newly combined artificial intelligence unit, known as SpaceXAI, is witnessing a wave of employee exits following its recent merger with xAI. The company, linked to Elon Musk, has reportedly lost more than 50 researchers and engineers since February, according to reports.</p><p>The development comes at a time when competition for AI talent is increasing across the industry, with several rival companies hiring from SpaceXAI.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Senior engineers and researchers among those leaving</strong></h2><p>Reports suggest that the exits include key figures working on coding, world models and voice technologies linked to Grok, the company’s AI system.</p><p>Several employees have joined competitors, including Meta and Thinking Machines Lab, a firm founded by former OpenAI executive Mira Murati. At least 11 employees are said to have joined Meta, while seven have moved to Thinking Machines Lab.</p><p>Earlier reports had also indicated that multiple employees, including two co-founders, left soon after the merger.</p><h2><strong>Impact on core AI teams</strong></h2><p>One of the main concerns is the shrinking size of SpaceXAI’s pre-training team. This team is responsible for building the initial stages of AI models, making it a critical part of the development process. The exit of team lead Juntang Zhuang and several other members has reduced the team to a small group, raising questions about the company’s ability to build new large-scale AI models.</p><p>Experts note that pre-training is a foundational step in AI development, and any disruption at this stage can affect long-term progress.</p><h2><strong>Reasons behind the departures</strong></h2><p>Reports suggest that multiple factors may have contributed to the exits. Some employees have pointed to a demanding work culture, with tight deadlines and high expectations. Similar concerns have been raised by workers at other companies led by Musk, including Tesla. There are also indications that some employees chose to leave for financial reasons. SpaceX is known to offer share sale opportunities, allowing staff to monetise their equity. With expectations of a future public listing, some employees may have opted to exit after securing financial gains.</p><h2><strong>Rising competition for AI talent</strong></h2><p>The movement of employees highlights the increasing competition for skilled AI professionals. Companies such as Meta and newer AI startups are actively hiring engineers and researchers to strengthen their capabilities. This competition is shaping the industry, as firms try to attract talent with better working conditions, research opportunities and long-term incentives.</p><h2><strong>What this means for SpaceXAI</strong></h2><p>The recent exits raise questions about SpaceXAI’s future direction in artificial intelligence. While the merger was expected to strengthen its capabilities, the loss of key talent could affect its ability to compete with other AI companies. At the same time, the company has introduced new leadership and may look to rebuild its teams in the coming months.</p><h2><strong>What happens next</strong></h2><p>The situation at SpaceXAI reflects broader changes in the AI industry, where talent movement plays a key role in shaping innovation.</p><p>As companies continue to invest in artificial intelligence, retaining skilled employees is becoming as important as developing new technology. The coming months will show whether SpaceXAI can stabilise its workforce and continue its AI development plans.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

SpaceX’s newly combined artificial intelligence unit, known as SpaceXAI, is witnessing a wave of employee exits following its recent merger with xAI. The company, linked to Elon Musk, has reportedly lost more than 50 researchers and engineers since February, according to reports.

SpaceX’s newly combined artificial intelligence unit, known as SpaceXAI, is witnessing a wave of employee exits following its recent merger with xAI. The company, linked to Elon Musk, has reportedly lost more than 50 researchers and engineers since February, according to reports. The development comes at a time when competition for AI talent is increasing across the industry, with several rival companies hiring from SpaceXAI. Senior engineers and researchers among those leaving Reports suggest that the exits include key figures working on coding, world models and voice technologies linked to Grok, the company’s AI system. Several employees have joined competitors, including Meta and Thinking Machines Lab, a firm founded by former OpenAI executive Mira Murati. At least 11 employees are said to have joined Meta, while seven have moved to Thinking Machines Lab. Earlier reports had also indicated that multiple employees, including two co-founders, left soon after the merger. Impact on core AI teams One of the main concerns is the shrinking size of SpaceXAI’s pre-training team. This team is responsible for building the initial stages of AI models, making it a critical part of the development process. The exit of team lead Juntang Zhuang and several other members has reduced the team to a small group, raising questions about the company’s ability to build new large-scale AI models. Experts note that pre-training is a foundational step in AI development, and any disruption at this stage can affect long-term progress. Reasons behind the departures Reports suggest that multiple factors may have contributed to the exits. Some employees have pointed to a demanding work culture, with tight deadlines and high expectations. Similar concerns have been raised by workers at other companies led by Musk, including Tesla. There are also indications that some employees chose to leave for financial reasons. SpaceX is known to offer share sale opportunities, allowing staff to monetise their equity. With expectations of a future public listing, some employees may have opted to exit after securing financial gains. Rising competition for AI talent The movement of employees highlights the increasing competition for skilled AI professionals. Companies such as Meta and newer AI startups are actively hiring engineers and researchers to strengthen their capabilities. This competition is shaping the industry, as firms try to attract talent with better working conditions, research opportunities and long-term incentives. What this means for SpaceXAI The recent exits raise questions about SpaceXAI’s future direction in artificial intelligence. While the merger was expected to strengthen its capabilities, the loss of key talent could affect its ability to compete with other AI companies. At the same time, the company has introduced new leadership and may look to rebuild its teams in the coming months. What happens next The situation at SpaceXAI reflects broader changes in the AI industry, where talent movement plays a key role in shaping innovation. As companies continue to invest in artificial intelligence, retaining skilled employees is becoming as important as developing new technology. The coming months will show whether SpaceXAI can stabilise its workforce and continue its AI development plans.

<p>SpaceX’s newly combined artificial intelligence unit, known as SpaceXAI, is witnessing a wave of employee exits following its recent merger with xAI. The company, linked to Elon Musk, has reportedly lost more than 50 researchers and engineers since February, according to reports.</p>

Elon Musk’s SpaceXAI sees talent exits after merger: Why AI engineers are leaving SpaceXAI

<p>Cisco has announced plans to cut nearly 4,000 jobs, or about 5 per cent of its workforce, even as the company reported strong financial results. The move reflects a shift in strategy as the company increases its focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.<br><br>The company said it delivered better-than-expected profit and revenue in its latest quarterly results, with executives highlighting record revenue and growth. However, it also confirmed that workforce reductions are part of efforts to adjust its cost structure.</p><h2><strong>Why Cisco is reducing jobs</strong></h2><p>Cisco said the layoffs are aimed at freeing up resources to invest in key areas such as AI and cybersecurity. The company is restructuring its operations to focus on future technologies that are expected to drive long-term growth. This approach is becoming more common across the technology sector, where companies are reallocating budgets towards AI development and digital security.</p><p>Strong results despite layoffs</p><p>The job cuts come at a time when Cisco is reporting strong performance. According to company statements, it has achieved record quarterly revenue and double-digit growth. This highlights a trend where companies continue to perform well financially while making workforce changes to align with future priorities.</p><h2><strong>Focus on cybersecurity investments</strong></h2><p>Cisco has said it will increase spending on cybersecurity, especially as it deals with ongoing security challenges. Reports indicate that vulnerabilities in its networking products, including routers and firewalls, have allowed unauthorised access in some cases. The company also experienced a data breach last year that affected customer information. By investing more in security, Cisco aims to strengthen its systems and reduce risks for enterprise customers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Part of a wider trend in tech industry</strong></h2><p>Cisco’s decision follows similar moves by other companies. Firms such as Cloudflare and General Motors have also announced layoffs while increasing investment in AI. Industry experts say companies are shifting towards technologies that can improve efficiency and reduce long-term costs, even if it means reducing workforce size in the short term.</p><h2><strong>Executive compensation and company strategy</strong></h2><p>Cisco’s CEO, Chuck Robbins, highlighted the company’s focus on AI adoption across its operations. According to public filings, Robbins is expected to earn more than $52 million in compensation in 2025. The company has not indicated any changes to executive pay in relation to the layoffs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What this means for employees and industry</strong></h2><p>The latest round of layoffs is part of a series of workforce reductions by Cisco over the past few years, including job cuts in 2024 and 2025.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For employees, this reflects a changing job market where roles are being reshaped by technology shifts. For the industry, it shows how companies are prioritising investment in AI and cybersecurity as key areas of growth. As businesses continue to evolve, workforce strategies are likely to remain closely linked to technological changes and market demands.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Cisco has announced plans to cut nearly 4,000 jobs, or about 5 per cent of its workforce, even as the company reported strong financial results. The move reflects a shift in strategy as the company increases its focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.


Cisco has announced plans to cut nearly 4,000 jobs, or about 5 per cent of its workforce, even as the company reported strong financial results. The move reflects a shift in strategy as the company increases its focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The company said it delivered better-than-expected profit and revenue in its latest quarterly results, with executives highlighting record revenue and growth. However, it also confirmed that workforce reductions are part of efforts to adjust its cost structure. Why Cisco is reducing jobs Cisco said the layoffs are aimed at freeing up resources to invest in key areas such as AI and cybersecurity. The company is restructuring its operations to focus on future technologies that are expected to drive long-term growth. This approach is becoming more common across the technology sector, where companies are reallocating budgets towards AI development and digital security. Strong results despite layoffs The job cuts come at a time when Cisco is reporting strong performance. According to company statements, it has achieved record quarterly revenue and double-digit growth. This highlights a trend where companies continue to perform well financially while making workforce changes to align with future priorities. Focus on cybersecurity investments Cisco has said it will increase spending on cybersecurity, especially as it deals with ongoing security challenges. Reports indicate that vulnerabilities in its networking products, including routers and firewalls, have allowed unauthorised access in some cases. The company also experienced a data breach last year that affected customer information. By investing more in security, Cisco aims to strengthen its systems and reduce risks for enterprise customers. Part of a wider trend in tech industry Cisco’s decision follows similar moves by other companies. Firms such as Cloudflare and General Motors have also announced layoffs while increasing investment in AI. Industry experts say companies are shifting towards technologies that can improve efficiency and reduce long-term costs, even if it means reducing workforce size in the short term. Executive compensation and company strategy Cisco’s CEO, Chuck Robbins, highlighted the company’s focus on AI adoption across its operations. According to public filings, Robbins is expected to earn more than $52 million in compensation in 2025. The company has not indicated any changes to executive pay in relation to the layoffs. What this means for employees and industry The latest round of layoffs is part of a series of workforce reductions by Cisco over the past few years, including job cuts in 2024 and 2025. For employees, this reflects a changing job market where roles are being reshaped by technology shifts. For the industry, it shows how companies are prioritising investment in AI and cybersecurity as key areas of growth. As businesses continue to evolve, workforce strategies are likely to remain closely linked to technological changes and market demands.

<p>Cisco has announced plans to cut nearly 4,000 jobs, or about 5 per cent of its workforce, even as the company reported strong financial results. The move reflects a shift in strategy as the company increases its focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.</p>

‘Tech layoffs continue’: Cisco cuts jobs to invest in AI; What it means for employees

<p>Oracle has cancelled several campus placement and pre-placement offers at India’s engineering institutes, including IITs and NITs. The move comes shortly after the company laid off around 30,000 employees globally in April, according to reports.&nbsp;</p><p>Sources said affected students were informed earlier this week that their job offers had been withdrawn. The decision has created uncertainty for many freshers who had already secured positions through campus placements.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Students affected across top institutes</strong></h2><p>The impact has been reported across several institutions, including NIT Warangal, VNIT Nagpur, IIT Roorkee, IIT Hyderabad and IIT (BHU) Varanasi.</p><p>Many of the affected students had received pre-placement offers (PPOs) after internships with the company. These offers are usually considered final and often prevent students from participating in further placement rounds.</p><p>Students said they were informed about the cancellations through placement cells, leaving limited time to explore alternative job opportunities.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>‘One student, one job’ policy adds pressure</strong></h2><p>Most top engineering institutes follow a “one student, one job” rule, which means once a student accepts an offer, they are not allowed to sit for other placement drives.</p><p>Because of this policy, many students who accepted Oracle’s offer did not apply for other companies during campus recruitment.</p><p>With the offers now revoked, these students are facing difficulty in securing new opportunities as most placement cycles have already ended.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Reason behind offer cancellations</strong></h2><p>According to sources, the cancellations are linked to internal restructuring within Oracle.</p><p>The company had hired freshers for roles such as application development and server technology teams. However, one of its business units, related to health and application infrastructure, has reportedly been shut down.</p><p>This closure is said to have led to the withdrawal of job offers for roles associated with that division.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Impact of global layoffs on hiring</strong></h2><p>Oracle’s decision follows a broader trend in the technology sector, where companies are adjusting hiring plans after large-scale layoffs.</p><p>Industry experts note that companies often reassess workforce requirements after restructuring, which can affect campus hiring commitments.</p><p>The situation highlights how global business decisions can directly impact entry-level hiring and fresh graduates.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What this means for students and institutions</strong></h2><p>The revocation of offers has raised concerns among students and placement authorities about job security during campus recruitment.</p><p>Institutions may need to review policies and provide additional support to affected students, including reopening placement opportunities or connecting them with other employers. For students, the development underlines the importance of flexibility in job planning, especially in a changing job market.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It remains unclear whether Oracle will offer alternative roles or compensation to affected students. Placement cells are expected to engage with the company and explore possible solutions. As the hiring cycle progresses, institutes may also reach out to other recruiters to create additional opportunities for impacted candidates.</p><p>The situation reflects a larger shift in hiring trends, where economic conditions and business decisions continue to influence job markets globally.</p>

Oracle has cancelled multiple campus placement and pre-placement offers (PPOs) at top Indian institutes including IITs and NITs. The move comes after large-scale global layoffs and internal restructuring, leaving many fresh graduates without job options at the final stage of placements.

Oracle has cancelled several campus placement and pre-placement offers at India’s engineering institutes, including IITs and NITs. The move comes shortly after the company laid off around 30,000 employees globally in April, according to reports. Sources said affected students were informed earlier this week that their job offers had been withdrawn. The decision has created uncertainty for many freshers who had already secured positions through campus placements. Students affected across top institutes The impact has been reported across several institutions, including NIT Warangal, VNIT Nagpur, IIT Roorkee, IIT Hyderabad and IIT (BHU) Varanasi. Many of the affected students had received pre-placement offers (PPOs) after internships with the company. These offers are usually considered final and often prevent students from participating in further placement rounds. Students said they were informed about the cancellations through placement cells, leaving limited time to explore alternative job opportunities. ‘One student, one job’ policy adds pressure Most top engineering institutes follow a “one student, one job” rule, which means once a student accepts an offer, they are not allowed to sit for other placement drives. Because of this policy, many students who accepted Oracle’s offer did not apply for other companies during campus recruitment. With the offers now revoked, these students are facing difficulty in securing new opportunities as most placement cycles have already ended. Reason behind offer cancellations According to sources, the cancellations are linked to internal restructuring within Oracle. The company had hired freshers for roles such as application development and server technology teams. However, one of its business units, related to health and application infrastructure, has reportedly been shut down. This closure is said to have led to the withdrawal of job offers for roles associated with that division. Impact of global layoffs on hiring Oracle’s decision follows a broader trend in the technology sector, where companies are adjusting hiring plans after large-scale layoffs. Industry experts note that companies often reassess workforce requirements after restructuring, which can affect campus hiring commitments. The situation highlights how global business decisions can directly impact entry-level hiring and fresh graduates. What this means for students and institutions The revocation of offers has raised concerns among students and placement authorities about job security during campus recruitment. Institutions may need to review policies and provide additional support to affected students, including reopening placement opportunities or connecting them with other employers. For students, the development underlines the importance of flexibility in job planning, especially in a changing job market. It remains unclear whether Oracle will offer alternative roles or compensation to affected students. Placement cells are expected to engage with the company and explore possible solutions. As the hiring cycle progresses, institutes may also reach out to other recruiters to create additional opportunities for impacted candidates. The situation reflects a larger shift in hiring trends, where economic conditions and business decisions continue to influence job markets globally.

<p>Oracle has cancelled multiple campus placement and pre-placement offers (PPOs) at top Indian institutes including IITs and NITs. The move comes after large-scale global layoffs and internal restructuring, leaving many fresh graduates without job options at the final stage of placements.</p>

Freshers hit as Oracle reportedly cancels job offers across top engineering institutes

<p>OpenAI has outlined how it delivers real-time voice AI that feels natural during conversations. The focus is on reducing delays so that users can speak and receive responses without noticeable pauses.</p><p>Voice AI systems depend heavily on speed. Even small delays can disrupt conversations, making them feel unnatural. According to OpenAI, its systems are designed to handle voice interactions for more than 900 million weekly users, while maintaining fast response times and stable connections.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Why low latency matters in voice AI</strong></h2><p>For voice-based systems, timing is critical. When a user speaks, the system must process audio, understand it and respond almost instantly.</p><p>If delays occur, users may notice:<br>Pauses in conversation<br>Interruptions during speech<br>Delayed responses<br>OpenAI explains that smooth voice interaction requires low and stable round-trip time, minimal data loss and consistent connection quality. This ensures that conversations feel natural rather than mechanical.</p><h2><strong>How WebRTC powers real-time communication</strong></h2><p>A key technology behind OpenAI’s voice system is WebRTC, a standard used for real-time audio, video and data transmission.</p><p>WebRTC helps in:</p><p>Establishing secure connections between devices<br>Managing audio quality and compression<br>Handling network issues such as delays or interruptions</p><p>It also includes features such as encryption, echo cancellation and jitter control, which improve overall communication quality. By using this standard, OpenAI can build systems that work across browsers and mobile devices.</p><h2><strong>Handling conversations while users are still speaking</strong></h2><p>One of the main advantages of OpenAI’s system is that it processes audio as a continuous stream. This means the system does not wait for a user to finish speaking before starting to respond.</p><p>Instead, it can:<br>Transcribe speech in real time<br>Begin processing queries immediately<br>Generate responses while the conversation is ongoing</p><p>This approach makes interactions feel closer to human conversation, where responses often begin before a sentence is fully completed.</p><h2><strong>Infrastructure changes to improve performance</strong></h2><p>To manage large-scale voice interactions, OpenAI redesigned its system architecture. The company introduced a model where a central service handles real-time connections and converts audio into simpler internal formats for processing.</p><p>This approach helps:<br>Reduce delays in data transmission<br>Improve system stability<br>Allow backend services to scale more efficiently<br>By keeping connection management in one place, the system can handle large volumes of users without affecting performance.</p><h2><strong>Global scale and network optimisation</strong></h2><p>OpenAI’s voice AI system is built to operate globally. This requires:</p><p>Fast connection setup so users can start speaking quickly</p><p>Efficient routing of data to reduce latency</p><p>Stable performance across different regions</p><p>The company has focused on reducing the time it takes for audio to travel between users and servers, which is important for maintaining real-time interaction quality.</p><h2><strong>What this means for users and developers</strong></h2><p>The development of low-latency voice AI systems is shaping how people interact with technology. Faster and more natural conversations can improve applications such as virtual assistants, customer support and real-time translation. For developers, these systems provide a foundation to build applications that rely on voice interaction without delays. Overall, OpenAI’s approach highlights how improvements in infrastructure and network design are making voice-based AI more practical and widely usable.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

OpenAI has outlined how it delivers real-time voice AI that feels natural during conversations. The focus is on reducing delays so that users can speak and receive responses without noticeable pauses.

OpenAI has outlined how it delivers real-time voice AI that feels natural during conversations. The focus is on reducing delays so that users can speak and receive responses without noticeable pauses. Voice AI systems depend heavily on speed. Even small delays can disrupt conversations, making them feel unnatural. According to OpenAI, its systems are designed to handle voice interactions for more than 900 million weekly users, while maintaining fast response times and stable connections. Why low latency matters in voice AI For voice-based systems, timing is critical. When a user speaks, the system must process audio, understand it and respond almost instantly. If delays occur, users may notice: Pauses in conversation Interruptions during speech Delayed responses OpenAI explains that smooth voice interaction requires low and stable round-trip time, minimal data loss and consistent connection quality. This ensures that conversations feel natural rather than mechanical. How WebRTC powers real-time communication A key technology behind OpenAI’s voice system is WebRTC, a standard used for real-time audio, video and data transmission. WebRTC helps in: Establishing secure connections between devices Managing audio quality and compression Handling network issues such as delays or interruptions It also includes features such as encryption, echo cancellation and jitter control, which improve overall communication quality. By using this standard, OpenAI can build systems that work across browsers and mobile devices. Handling conversations while users are still speaking One of the main advantages of OpenAI’s system is that it processes audio as a continuous stream. This means the system does not wait for a user to finish speaking before starting to respond. Instead, it can: Transcribe speech in real time Begin processing queries immediately Generate responses while the conversation is ongoing This approach makes interactions feel closer to human conversation, where responses often begin before a sentence is fully completed. Infrastructure changes to improve performance To manage large-scale voice interactions, OpenAI redesigned its system architecture. The company introduced a model where a central service handles real-time connections and converts audio into simpler internal formats for processing. This approach helps: Reduce delays in data transmission Improve system stability Allow backend services to scale more efficiently By keeping connection management in one place, the system can handle large volumes of users without affecting performance. Global scale and network optimisation OpenAI’s voice AI system is built to operate globally. This requires: Fast connection setup so users can start speaking quickly Efficient routing of data to reduce latency Stable performance across different regions The company has focused on reducing the time it takes for audio to travel between users and servers, which is important for maintaining real-time interaction quality. What this means for users and developers The development of low-latency voice AI systems is shaping how people interact with technology. Faster and more natural conversations can improve applications such as virtual assistants, customer support and real-time translation. For developers, these systems provide a foundation to build applications that rely on voice interaction without delays. Overall, OpenAI’s approach highlights how improvements in infrastructure and network design are making voice-based AI more practical and widely usable.

<p>OpenAI has outlined how it delivers real-time voice AI that feels natural during conversations. The focus is on reducing delays so that users can speak and receive responses without noticeable pauses.</p>

‘Low-latency AI’: How OpenAI makes voice interactions feel natural

<p>India’s digital transformation over the past decade has reshaped how millions communicate, study, work and access public services. From a country with limited broadband penetration and expensive mobile data, India has emerged as one of the world’s largest connected societies, driven by rapid telecom expansion, affordable internet access and the growth of digital public infrastructure.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Observed every year on May 17, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day marks the founding of the International Telecommunication Union and seeks to highlight the role of information and communication technologies in bridging the digital divide.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>India’s telecom growth by the numbers</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2><p>India’s telecom expansion has been shaped by rising connectivity alongside falling data costs. According to the Press information Bureau's March report, the latest figures released by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India show that the total telephone subscribers reached 1.314 billion in January 2026, taking overall tele-density to 92.22 per cent. The growth has extended beyond major cities. Urban telephone subscriptions stood at 768.26 million, while rural subscriptions rose to 545.74 million, reflecting deeper digital penetration across the country.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/niti-aayog-calls-for-ai-driven-learning-and-local-task-forces-to-strengthen-school-outcomes-1778249214272"><strong>NITI Aayog calls for AI-driven learning and local task forces to strengthen school outcomes</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Internet adoption has risen sharply over the decade. Internet subscribers increased from 25.15 crore in March 2014 to 96.96 crore in June 2024, registering a growth of 285.53 per cent, while broadband subscribers expanded from 6.1 crore in 2014 to 94.92 crore in August, 2024 growing by 1452 per cent. Wireless broadband users accounted for the overwhelming majority of connections, underlining the role of smartphones and mobile networks in expanding access.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, The data also highlights the expansion of 5G-based Fixed Wireless Access services. Subscribers using 5G FWA increased from 10.99 million in December 2025 to 11.53 million in January 2026. The user base was almost evenly divided between urban and rural India, with 5.83 million subscribers in urban areas and 5.70 million in rural regions, indicating growing adoption of high-speed wireless broadband beyond major cities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Under the leadership of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji, Digital India is advancing digital inclusion through greater access, affordability &amp; strong Digital Public Infrastructure. <a href="https://t.co/zN9VoBLZTl">pic.twitter.com/zN9VoBLZTl</a></p>&mdash; Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/2031620871056667033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Digital India and public infrastructure</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2><p>At the centre of this expansion has been Digital India, launched in 2015 with the aim of creating a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The programme focused on broadband highways, universal mobile connectivity, public internet access and the electronic delivery of government services. Over time, digital public infrastructure platforms for identity verification, payments and governance accelerated internet adoption and increased access to online services.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-a-single-missile-multiple-warheads-multiple-targets-india-successfully-tests-advanced-agni-missile-with-mirv-system-1778333872576"><strong>'A single missile, multiple warheads, multiple targets': India successfully tests Advanced Agni missile with MIRV system</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The wider availability of smartphones and mobile broadband has also changed how people interact with the economy. Digital payments, online education, telemedicine, e-governance platforms and remote work services have become more accessible, particularly in areas that previously had limited connectivity.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Cheap data and rising usage</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2><p>According to PIB, India has some of the world’s cheapest mobile data tariffs, with 1 GB costing around USD 0.08–0.10, nearly 25 times lower than the global average of USD 2.59. Data prices in neighbouring countries remain higher, ranging from USD 0.12–0.18 in Pakistan and USD 0.23–0.34 in Bangladesh to USD 0.27–0.43 in Nepal. In Germany, 1 GB costs about USD 2.14. Affordable data prices have played a key role in expanding internet access and digital adoption across India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>TRAI's 2025 data shows average wireless data usage reached 21.53 GB per subscriber per month in 2024-25, while wireless users spent close to 1,000 minutes on average every month on voice calls. Average revenue per wireless user stood at Rs 174.46 per month during the same period.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The figures underline the scale at which internet access has shifted from a limited service to essential national infrastructure, powering communication, commerce and public services across India.</p>

The latest figures released by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India show that the total telephone subscribers reached 1.314 billion in January 2026, taking overall tele-density to 92.22 per cent. 

India’s digital transformation over the past decade has reshaped how millions communicate, study, work and access public services. From a country with limited broadband penetration and expensive mobile data, India has emerged as one of the world’s largest connected societies, driven by rapid telecom expansion, affordable internet access and the growth of digital public infrastructure. Observed every year on May 17, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day marks the founding of the International Telecommunication Union and seeks to highlight the role of information and communication technologies in bridging the digital divide. India’s telecom growth by the numbers India’s telecom expansion has been shaped by rising connectivity alongside falling data costs. According to the Press information Bureau's March report, the latest figures released by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India show that the total telephone subscribers reached 1.314 billion in January 2026, taking overall tele-density to 92.22 per cent. The growth has extended beyond major cities. Urban telephone subscriptions stood at 768.26 million, while rural subscriptions rose to 545.74 million, reflecting deeper digital penetration across the country. ALSO READ: NITI Aayog calls for AI-driven learning and local task forces to strengthen school outcomes Internet adoption has risen sharply over the decade. Internet subscribers increased from 25.15 crore in March 2014 to 96.96 crore in June 2024, registering a growth of 285.53 per cent, while broadband subscribers expanded from 6.1 crore in 2014 to 94.92 crore in August, 2024 growing by 1452 per cent. Wireless broadband users accounted for the overwhelming majority of connections, underlining the role of smartphones and mobile networks in expanding access. According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, The data also highlights the expansion of 5G-based Fixed Wireless Access services. Subscribers using 5G FWA increased from 10.99 million in December 2025 to 11.53 million in January 2026. The user base was almost evenly divided between urban and rural India, with 5.83 million subscribers in urban areas and 5.70 million in rural regions, indicating growing adoption of high-speed wireless broadband beyond major cities.

<p>The latest figures released by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India show that the total telephone subscribers reached 1.314 billion in January 2026, taking overall tele-density to 92.22 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

World Telecommunications Day| Fast net, wider access, lower costs: How India expanded internet access over the last decade

<p>Apple has released iOS 26.5, introducing end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging. This update allows secure communication between iPhone and Android users, marking a change in cross-platform messaging.</p><p>The feature is currently available in beta and will be rolled out gradually. According to Apple, the update also includes new wallpapers and improvements to Apple Maps, along with messaging upgrades.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What RCS encryption means for users</strong></h2><p>RCS is a modern messaging standard that improves on traditional SMS. It supports features such as typing indicators, read receipts and sharing of high-quality media.</p><p>With iOS 26.5, Apple has added end-to-end encryption to RCS messages. This means that only the sender and receiver can read the messages, improving privacy for cross-platform communication. The move comes nearly two years after Apple first introduced RCS support on iPhones with iOS 18.1.</p><h2><strong>How to enable or disable the feature</strong></h2><p>The encryption feature is turned on by default in iOS 26.5, even though it is still in beta.</p><p>Users can manage the setting by going to:</p><p>Settings</p><p>Messages</p><p>RCS Messaging</p><p>Here, they can find the option labelled “End-to-End Encryption (Beta)” and choose to enable or disable it.</p><p>Apple has said that the feature is currently supported only on selected carriers and will expand to more networks over time.</p><h2><strong>New interface changes in Messages app</strong></h2><p>Apple has also updated the Messages app to reflect the new encryption feature. When users send RCS messages with encryption enabled, a lock icon appears at the top of the chat. This icon indicates that the conversation is secure. Android users will also see the same lock symbol in their message threads when encryption is active.</p><h2><strong>Why this update matters</strong></h2><p>The addition of encryption to RCS messaging addresses long-standing concerns about security in cross-platform communication. Earlier, messages between iPhone and Android devices did not have the same level of protection as iMessage conversations.</p><p>By introducing this feature, Apple is moving towards a more secure messaging system that works across different devices.</p><h2><strong>What to expect next</strong></h2><p>As the feature is still in beta, Apple is expected to refine and expand it in future updates. Wider carrier support will play an important role in making encrypted RCS messaging more accessible. The update shows a broader trend in the industry, where companies are focusing on improving privacy and security in digital communication.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Apple has released iOS 26.5, introducing end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging. This update allows secure communication between iPhone and Android users, marking a change in cross-platform messaging.


Apple has released iOS 26.5, introducing end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging. This update allows secure communication between iPhone and Android users, marking a change in cross-platform messaging. The feature is currently available in beta and will be rolled out gradually. According to Apple, the update also includes new wallpapers and improvements to Apple Maps, along with messaging upgrades. What RCS encryption means for users RCS is a modern messaging standard that improves on traditional SMS. It supports features such as typing indicators, read receipts and sharing of high-quality media. With iOS 26.5, Apple has added end-to-end encryption to RCS messages. This means that only the sender and receiver can read the messages, improving privacy for cross-platform communication. The move comes nearly two years after Apple first introduced RCS support on iPhones with iOS 18.1. How to enable or disable the feature The encryption feature is turned on by default in iOS 26.5, even though it is still in beta. Users can manage the setting by going to: Settings Messages RCS Messaging Here, they can find the option labelled “End-to-End Encryption (Beta)” and choose to enable or disable it. Apple has said that the feature is currently supported only on selected carriers and will expand to more networks over time. New interface changes in Messages app Apple has also updated the Messages app to reflect the new encryption feature. When users send RCS messages with encryption enabled, a lock icon appears at the top of the chat. This icon indicates that the conversation is secure. Android users will also see the same lock symbol in their message threads when encryption is active. Why this update matters The addition of encryption to RCS messaging addresses long-standing concerns about security in cross-platform communication. Earlier, messages between iPhone and Android devices did not have the same level of protection as iMessage conversations. By introducing this feature, Apple is moving towards a more secure messaging system that works across different devices. What to expect next As the feature is still in beta, Apple is expected to refine and expand it in future updates. Wider carrier support will play an important role in making encrypted RCS messaging more accessible. The update shows a broader trend in the industry, where companies are focusing on improving privacy and security in digital communication.

<p>Apple has released iOS 26.5, introducing end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging. This update allows secure communication between iPhone and Android users, marking a change in cross-platform messaging.</p>

‘Apple iOS 26.5 update’: Key features including encrypted iPhone-Android texts

<p>Discord has introduced a new feature called Nitro Rewards, aimed at increasing the value of its subscription service. The update gives Nitro subscribers access to additional benefits, including the base tier of Xbox Game Pass at no extra cost.</p><p>The move reflects Discord’s broader strategy to strengthen its subscription model while keeping the core platform free for users. According to the company, Nitro Rewards is designed to improve user retention and make the paid offering more attractive.</p><h2><strong>What Nitro Rewards offers to users</strong></h2><p>Nitro Rewards is available to both Nitro Basic subscribers, priced at $2.99 per month, and standard Nitro users, which costs $9.99 per month. The main highlight at launch is access to the base tier of Xbox Game Pass.</p><p>This includes:</p><p>Access to more than 50 PC and console games</p><p>Titles such as Fallout 4, Stardew Valley and DayZ</p><p>Around 10 hours of cloud gaming</p><p>In addition to gaming access, subscribers will also receive discounts ranging from 15 per cent to 30 per cent on selected gaming hardware from brands such as Logitech G, SteelSeries and KontrolFreek.</p><p>Why Discord is expanding its subscription model</p><p>Discord has maintained a model where its main features are available for free, with Nitro offering optional upgrades such as HD streaming, custom profiles and larger file uploads.</p><p>However, this approach makes user acquisition and monetisation more challenging. By adding rewards and external partnerships, Discord is aiming to increase the perceived value of its subscription and encourage more users to upgrade.</p><p>Company officials have said that Nitro is already a major contributor to revenue and continues to grow each year. The new rewards programme is expected to strengthen this growth further.</p><h2>Growing role of Discord beyond gaming</h2><p>Originally launched as a platform for gamers, Discord has expanded into a broader community space. It is now used by various groups, including technology communities, developers, and social groups organising events.</p><p>The platform has grown to over 90 million daily active users, reflecting its increasing role in online communication. This expansion has also made it important for Discord to balance growth with user safety and platform management.</p><h2>Challenges around safety and regulation</h2><p>As Discord’s user base grows, the company is also facing challenges related to online safety. Reports suggest that the platform is preparing to introduce age-verification measures in response to concerns around child safety.</p><p>These steps come as technology platforms face increasing scrutiny from regulators and legal challenges related to user protection.</p><h2><strong>What this means for the business</strong></h2><p>The launch of Nitro Rewards highlights how platforms are focusing more on subscription-based revenue models. By adding partnerships and bundled services, companies are trying to offer more value to users while improving retention. For Discord, this move strengthens its position in the gaming and digital community space, while also expanding its monetisation strategy in a competitive market</p>

Discord has introduced a new feature called Nitro Rewards, aimed at increasing the value of its subscription service. The update gives Nitro subscribers access to additional benefits, including the base tier of Xbox Game Pass at no extra cost.

Discord has introduced a new feature called Nitro Rewards, aimed at increasing the value of its subscription service. The update gives Nitro subscribers access to additional benefits, including the base tier of Xbox Game Pass at no extra cost. The move reflects Discord’s broader strategy to strengthen its subscription model while keeping the core platform free for users. According to the company, Nitro Rewards is designed to improve user retention and make the paid offering more attractive. What Nitro Rewards offers to users Nitro Rewards is available to both Nitro Basic subscribers, priced at $2.99 per month, and standard Nitro users, which costs $9.99 per month. The main highlight at launch is access to the base tier of Xbox Game Pass. This includes: Access to more than 50 PC and console games Titles such as Fallout 4, Stardew Valley and DayZ Around 10 hours of cloud gaming In addition to gaming access, subscribers will also receive discounts ranging from 15 per cent to 30 per cent on selected gaming hardware from brands such as Logitech G, SteelSeries and KontrolFreek. Why Discord is expanding its subscription model Discord has maintained a model where its main features are available for free, with Nitro offering optional upgrades such as HD streaming, custom profiles and larger file uploads. However, this approach makes user acquisition and monetisation more challenging. By adding rewards and external partnerships, Discord is aiming to increase the perceived value of its subscription and encourage more users to upgrade. Company officials have said that Nitro is already a major contributor to revenue and continues to grow each year. The new rewards programme is expected to strengthen this growth further. Growing role of Discord beyond gaming Originally launched as a platform for gamers, Discord has expanded into a broader community space. It is now used by various groups, including technology communities, developers, and social groups organising events. The platform has grown to over 90 million daily active users, reflecting its increasing role in online communication. This expansion has also made it important for Discord to balance growth with user safety and platform management. Challenges around safety and regulation As Discord’s user base grows, the company is also facing challenges related to online safety. Reports suggest that the platform is preparing to introduce age-verification measures in response to concerns around child safety. These steps come as technology platforms face increasing scrutiny from regulators and legal challenges related to user protection. What this means for the business The launch of Nitro Rewards highlights how platforms are focusing more on subscription-based revenue models. By adding partnerships and bundled services, companies are trying to offer more value to users while improving retention. For Discord, this move strengthens its position in the gaming and digital community space, while also expanding its monetisation strategy in a competitive market

<p>Discord has introduced a new feature called Nitro Rewards, aimed at increasing the value of its subscription service. The update gives Nitro subscribers access to additional benefits, including the base tier of Xbox Game Pass at no extra cost.</p>

Discord launches Nitro Rewards, offers Xbox Game Pass access to subscribers

<p>Google has introduced a new screenless fitness tracker called Fitbit Air, along with a redesigned Health app aimed at improving how users track and manage their health. The device focuses on continuous monitoring and minimal distractions, offering a different approach compared to traditional smartwatches.</p><p>The Fitbit Air is designed for 24/7 wear and aims to function as a long-term health companion rather than a notification-based device. According to the company, the wearable is built to deliver accurate data while keeping the user experience simple.&nbsp;</p><h2>Screenless design with focus on health tracking</h2><p>The Fitbit Air comes with a compact and lightweight design, making it suitable for continuous use. It is around 25 per cent smaller than Fitbit Luxe and 50 per cent smaller than Inspire 3, according to Google.</p><p>The company has removed the screen to reduce distractions and encourage users to focus on overall wellness instead of constantly checking stats. Despite its simple design, the device includes several advanced health features such as heart rate monitoring, heart rhythm tracking with atrial fibrillation alerts, blood oxygen levels, sleep tracking and heart rate variability.</p><h2>AI-powered Health app replaces Fitbit app</h2><p>Alongside the wearable, Google has launched a new Health app that replaces the earlier Fitbit app. The app includes an AI-based health coach that provides personalised recommendations based on user data.</p><p>The system can also analyse images of gym equipment or workout routines to log activities. This feature is aimed at simplifying fitness tracking by reducing manual input and improving accuracy over time.</p><h2>Smart tracking and battery performance</h2><p>The Fitbit Air supports automatic workout detection using machine learning. This allows the device to learn from user behaviour and improve tracking accuracy over time.</p><p>The wearable offers up to one week of battery life, with fast charging that can provide a full day’s usage in about five minutes. It is also compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wider range of users.</p><h2><strong>Price and availability details</strong></h2><p>The Fitbit Air is priced at $99.99 (around Rs 9,400) and is available for pre-order globally. The official sale is expected to begin on May 26.</p><p>Buyers will also receive a three-month trial of Google Health Premium, which includes access to advanced health insights and coaching features.</p><h2>What this means for wearable technology</h2><p>The launch of Fitbit Air reflects a shift in wearable devices towards simpler and more focused designs. Instead of adding more features and screens, companies are now exploring ways to improve long-term health tracking with minimal distractions.</p><p>By combining continuous monitoring with AI-based insights, Google is positioning Fitbit Air as a device that supports everyday wellness rather than just fitness tracking.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Google has introduced a new screenless fitness tracker called Fitbit Air, along with a redesigned Health app aimed at improving how users track and manage their health. The device focuses on continuous monitoring and minimal distractions.

Google has introduced a new screenless fitness tracker called Fitbit Air, along with a redesigned Health app aimed at improving how users track and manage their health. The device focuses on continuous monitoring and minimal distractions, offering a different approach compared to traditional smartwatches. The Fitbit Air is designed for 24/7 wear and aims to function as a long-term health companion rather than a notification-based device. According to the company, the wearable is built to deliver accurate data while keeping the user experience simple. Screenless design with focus on health tracking The Fitbit Air comes with a compact and lightweight design, making it suitable for continuous use. It is around 25 per cent smaller than Fitbit Luxe and 50 per cent smaller than Inspire 3, according to Google. The company has removed the screen to reduce distractions and encourage users to focus on overall wellness instead of constantly checking stats. Despite its simple design, the device includes several advanced health features such as heart rate monitoring, heart rhythm tracking with atrial fibrillation alerts, blood oxygen levels, sleep tracking and heart rate variability. AI-powered Health app replaces Fitbit app Alongside the wearable, Google has launched a new Health app that replaces the earlier Fitbit app. The app includes an AI-based health coach that provides personalised recommendations based on user data. The system can also analyse images of gym equipment or workout routines to log activities. This feature is aimed at simplifying fitness tracking by reducing manual input and improving accuracy over time. Smart tracking and battery performance The Fitbit Air supports automatic workout detection using machine learning. This allows the device to learn from user behaviour and improve tracking accuracy over time. The wearable offers up to one week of battery life, with fast charging that can provide a full day’s usage in about five minutes. It is also compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wider range of users. Price and availability details The Fitbit Air is priced at $99.99 (around Rs 9,400) and is available for pre-order globally. The official sale is expected to begin on May 26. Buyers will also receive a three-month trial of Google Health Premium, which includes access to advanced health insights and coaching features. What this means for wearable technology The launch of Fitbit Air reflects a shift in wearable devices towards simpler and more focused designs. Instead of adding more features and screens, companies are now exploring ways to improve long-term health tracking with minimal distractions. By combining continuous monitoring with AI-based insights, Google is positioning Fitbit Air as a device that supports everyday wellness rather than just fitness tracking.

<p>Google has introduced a new screenless fitness tracker called Fitbit Air, along with a redesigned Health app aimed at improving how users track and manage their health. The device focuses on continuous monitoring and minimal distractions.</p>

Google enters screenless wearables market: Key details about Fitbit Air

<p>Anthropic’s Mythos model has drawn global attention after reports suggested it could identify thousands of software vulnerabilities. The release led to concerns among governments, banks and technology firms about the possibility of a new phase of AI-driven cyberattacks.</p><p>However, cybersecurity experts say that the capabilities highlighted by Mythos are not entirely new. According to researchers, similar results can already be achieved using existing AI models, including those from Anthropic and OpenAI.&nbsp;</p><h2>What Mythos revealed about cybersecurity risks</h2><p>Mythos gained attention because of its ability to detect large numbers of vulnerabilities in software systems. Some of these issues had remained unnoticed for years, raising concerns about how widely such flaws may exist.</p><p>The model was released in a limited way to selected organisations, including major companies, to reduce the risk of misuse. This controlled rollout reflects the sensitivity of tools that can identify weaknesses in critical systems.&nbsp;</p><h2>Experts say similar capabilities already exist</h2><p>Despite the attention around Mythos, researchers say that the ability to detect vulnerabilities at scale has been possible for some time.</p><p>Cybersecurity firms have shown that by using a method known as orchestration, multiple AI models can work together to analyse code and find similar vulnerabilities. In tests, older models from both Anthropic and OpenAI were able to detect many of the same issues identified by Mythos.</p><p>Experts note that this suggests the main difference is not just the model itself, but how effectively tools are combined and used.&nbsp;</p><h2>What are ‘zero-day’ vulnerabilities</h2><p>One of the key concerns in cybersecurity is the detection of “zero-day” vulnerabilities. These are flaws in software that are unknown to developers and have not yet been fixed.</p><p>Such vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers before patches are released, making them particularly risky. Researchers say current AI tools are already capable of identifying these weaknesses, which adds to concerns about how quickly they can be used.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Growing concern among governments and companies</p><p>The release of Mythos has increased discussions around cybersecurity risks at the highest levels. Reports indicate that policymakers and industry leaders are considering stronger oversight of advanced AI systems.</p><p>At the same time, organisations are concerned about the balance between detecting vulnerabilities and fixing them. While AI can identify issues quickly, addressing them still requires time and human effort.</p><h2>Offence may have an early advantage</h2><p>Experts suggest that the current situation may favour attackers in the short term. While AI tools can help defenders identify risks, they also make it easier for malicious actors to discover and exploit vulnerabilities.</p><p>Cybersecurity professionals note that hackers already have the skills needed to use such techniques, and AI could reduce the time required to carry out attacks. This could lead to an increase in the number of attempts on systems that were previously not targeted.</p><h2>Challenges in fixing vulnerabilities</h2><p>Even before AI tools became widely available, organisations faced challenges in managing software vulnerabilities. Fixing issues often requires testing, updates and sometimes taking systems offline, which can be complex and time-consuming.</p><p>Experts say that while AI has increased the number of vulnerabilities being identified, tools to fix them automatically are still limited. This creates a gap between detection and resolution.</p><h2><strong>What this means for the future</strong></h2><p>The discussion around Mythos highlights a broader trend in cybersecurity. AI is making it easier to identify risks, but it is also raising new challenges in how those risks are managed.</p><p>Experts believe that collaboration between companies, governments and researchers will be important in addressing these issues. As AI tools continue to improve, the focus will likely shift towards building systems that can not only detect vulnerabilities but also help fix them efficiently.</p><p>For now, the key takeaway is that the cybersecurity risks linked to AI are not entirely new, but they are becoming more visible and more urgent to address.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Anthropic’s Mythos model has drawn global attention after reports suggested it could identify thousands of software vulnerabilities. The release led to concerns among governments, banks and technology firms about the possibility of a new phase of AI-driven cyberattacks.


Anthropic’s Mythos model has drawn global attention after reports suggested it could identify thousands of software vulnerabilities. The release led to concerns among governments, banks and technology firms about the possibility of a new phase of AI-driven cyberattacks. However, cybersecurity experts say that the capabilities highlighted by Mythos are not entirely new. According to researchers, similar results can already be achieved using existing AI models, including those from Anthropic and OpenAI. What Mythos revealed about cybersecurity risks Mythos gained attention because of its ability to detect large numbers of vulnerabilities in software systems. Some of these issues had remained unnoticed for years, raising concerns about how widely such flaws may exist. The model was released in a limited way to selected organisations, including major companies, to reduce the risk of misuse. This controlled rollout reflects the sensitivity of tools that can identify weaknesses in critical systems. Experts say similar capabilities already exist Despite the attention around Mythos, researchers say that the ability to detect vulnerabilities at scale has been possible for some time. Cybersecurity firms have shown that by using a method known as orchestration, multiple AI models can work together to analyse code and find similar vulnerabilities. In tests, older models from both Anthropic and OpenAI were able to detect many of the same issues identified by Mythos. Experts note that this suggests the main difference is not just the model itself, but how effectively tools are combined and used. What are ‘zero-day’ vulnerabilities One of the key concerns in cybersecurity is the detection of “zero-day” vulnerabilities. These are flaws in software that are unknown to developers and have not yet been fixed. Such vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers before patches are released, making them particularly risky. Researchers say current AI tools are already capable of identifying these weaknesses, which adds to concerns about how quickly they can be used. Growing concern among governments and companies The release of Mythos has increased discussions around cybersecurity risks at the highest levels. Reports indicate that policymakers and industry leaders are considering stronger oversight of advanced AI systems. At the same time, organisations are concerned about the balance between detecting vulnerabilities and fixing them. While AI can identify issues quickly, addressing them still requires time and human effort. Offence may have an early advantage Experts suggest that the current situation may favour attackers in the short term. While AI tools can help defenders identify risks, they also make it easier for malicious actors to discover and exploit vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity professionals note that hackers already have the skills needed to use such techniques, and AI could reduce the time required to carry out attacks. This could lead to an increase in the number of attempts on systems that were previously not targeted. Challenges in fixing vulnerabilities Even before AI tools became widely available, organisations faced challenges in managing software vulnerabilities. Fixing issues often requires testing, updates and sometimes taking systems offline, which can be complex and time-consuming. Experts say that while AI has increased the number of vulnerabilities being identified, tools to fix them automatically are still limited. This creates a gap between detection and resolution. What this means for the future The discussion around Mythos highlights a broader trend in cybersecurity. AI is making it easier to identify risks, but it is also raising new challenges in how those risks are managed. Experts believe that collaboration between companies, governments and researchers will be important in addressing these issues. As AI tools continue to improve, the focus will likely shift towards building systems that can not only detect vulnerabilities but also help fix them efficiently. For now, the key takeaway is that the cybersecurity risks linked to AI are not entirely new, but they are becoming more visible and more urgent to address.

<p>Anthropic’s Mythos model has drawn global attention after reports suggested it could identify thousands of software vulnerabilities. The release led to concerns among governments, banks and technology firms about the possibility of a new phase of AI-driven cyberattacks.</p>

‘AI cyber risk’: Why existing AI models are already powerful

<p>OpenAI has said it will provide the European Union with access to its new cybersecurity-focused AI model, GPT-5.5-Cyber, while Anthropic has not yet extended similar access for its Mythos model. The announcement marks a key development in how advanced AI tools are being shared with governments and institutions. According to OpenAI, the model will be available in a limited preview to selected partners, including businesses, cyber agencies and EU bodies.</p><h2><strong>What access the EU will get</strong></h2><p>European organisations, including the EU AI Office and cybersecurity authorities, will be able to test and review GPT-5.5-Cyber. The aim is to allow regulators and experts to closely monitor how the model works and how it could be used in real-world security scenarios. Officials said this access would help address concerns around safety and ensure that the deployment of such tools is properly understood. According to EU spokesperson Thomas Regnier, discussions between OpenAI and the European Commission are ongoing, with further meetings planned.</p><h2><strong>Why Anthropic’s Mythos is not yet available</strong></h2><p>While OpenAI has moved ahead with access, Anthropic has not yet provided the EU with preview access to its Mythos model. The EU has confirmed that discussions with Anthropic are taking place, but they are still at an earlier stage. Officials said that while several meetings have been held, no agreement similar to OpenAI’s current arrangement has been reached so far.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This difference highlights varying approaches among AI companies when it comes to sharing advanced cybersecurity tools with regulators.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Growing focus on AI in cybersecurity</strong></h2><p>The move comes at a time when AI tools are increasingly being used in cybersecurity. Models like GPT-5.5-Cyber are designed to help identify vulnerabilities, analyse threats and support defence systems. Recent developments, including the release of Mythos, have raised concerns about how powerful such tools could be, especially if used without proper oversight.</p><p>By granting access to the EU, OpenAI is positioning its model as a tool that can be monitored and used responsibly by trusted institutions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What OpenAI has said</strong></h2><p>OpenAI officials have said that cybersecurity should not be managed by companies alone. The company’s Head of OpenAI for Countries, George Osborne, stated that collaboration with governments and institutions is important to ensure safety. He added that making such tools available to trusted partners can help improve security and support public safety efforts.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What this means for Europe</strong></h2><p>Access to GPT-5.5-Cyber could allow European institutions to better understand how AI can be used in defence systems. It may also help shape future policies around AI and cybersecurity. At the same time, the delay in accessing Anthropic’s Mythos shows that not all AI tools are being shared at the same pace.</p><h2><strong>What happens next</strong></h2><p>Further discussions between the EU and AI companies are expected in the coming weeks. The outcome of these talks could influence how advanced AI systems are regulated and deployed across Europe. As cybersecurity risks continue to grow, access to such tools may become an important part of how governments prepare for future threats</p>

OpenAI has said it will provide the European Union with access to its new cybersecurity-focused AI model, GPT-5.5-Cyber, while Anthropic has not yet extended similar access for its Mythos model.


OpenAI has said it will provide the European Union with access to its new cybersecurity-focused AI model, GPT-5.5-Cyber, while Anthropic has not yet extended similar access for its Mythos model. The announcement marks a key development in how advanced AI tools are being shared with governments and institutions. According to OpenAI, the model will be available in a limited preview to selected partners, including businesses, cyber agencies and EU bodies. What access the EU will get European organisations, including the EU AI Office and cybersecurity authorities, will be able to test and review GPT-5.5-Cyber. The aim is to allow regulators and experts to closely monitor how the model works and how it could be used in real-world security scenarios. Officials said this access would help address concerns around safety and ensure that the deployment of such tools is properly understood. According to EU spokesperson Thomas Regnier, discussions between OpenAI and the European Commission are ongoing, with further meetings planned. Why Anthropic’s Mythos is not yet available While OpenAI has moved ahead with access, Anthropic has not yet provided the EU with preview access to its Mythos model. The EU has confirmed that discussions with Anthropic are taking place, but they are still at an earlier stage. Officials said that while several meetings have been held, no agreement similar to OpenAI’s current arrangement has been reached so far. This difference highlights varying approaches among AI companies when it comes to sharing advanced cybersecurity tools with regulators. Growing focus on AI in cybersecurity The move comes at a time when AI tools are increasingly being used in cybersecurity. Models like GPT-5.5-Cyber are designed to help identify vulnerabilities, analyse threats and support defence systems. Recent developments, including the release of Mythos, have raised concerns about how powerful such tools could be, especially if used without proper oversight. By granting access to the EU, OpenAI is positioning its model as a tool that can be monitored and used responsibly by trusted institutions. What OpenAI has said OpenAI officials have said that cybersecurity should not be managed by companies alone. The company’s Head of OpenAI for Countries, George Osborne, stated that collaboration with governments and institutions is important to ensure safety. He added that making such tools available to trusted partners can help improve security and support public safety efforts. What this means for Europe Access to GPT-5.5-Cyber could allow European institutions to better understand how AI can be used in defence systems. It may also help shape future policies around AI and cybersecurity. At the same time, the delay in accessing Anthropic’s Mythos shows that not all AI tools are being shared at the same pace. What happens next Further discussions between the EU and AI companies are expected in the coming weeks. The outcome of these talks could influence how advanced AI systems are regulated and deployed across Europe. As cybersecurity risks continue to grow, access to such tools may become an important part of how governments prepare for future threats

<p>OpenAI has said it will provide the European Union with access to its new cybersecurity-focused AI model, GPT-5.5-Cyber, while Anthropic has not yet extended similar access for its Mythos model.</p>

OpenAI pushes cyber AI into Europe but Anthropic still not releasing Mythos

<p>The US Department of War (DoW) released the first tranche of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) files on Friday (May 8). Critics and experts are already saying there is not much new. Part of the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE), the release came after a directive from President Donald Trump for greater transparency on UAPs, extraterrestrial life, and related topics.</p><h2>What's really new in the UFO files?</h2><p>This is not the only dump, but part of an ongoing rolling release that will likely have new tranches every few weeks. The effort involves multiple agencies, including the Department of Defence (DoD), the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Energy (DOE), the State Department, and others.</p><p>The DoW aggregated and declassified material presented as never-before-seen or newly compiled and released them in full.&nbsp;</p><p>This includes some videos, recent military sensor data, and specific historical sections. The &nbsp;new aspect is that it centralised the documents in one public portal.&nbsp;</p><p>Some FBI files or Apollo-related imagery may have had partial prior leaks or releases, even as the government portrayed it as a broader, official dump.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ufo-sighting-claims-back-in-focus-us-releases-162-files-regarding-aliens-1778295569126/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ufo-sighting-claims-back-in-focus-us-releases-162-files-regarding-aliens-1778295569126/embed</a></p><h2>US UFO files release: Much ado without new information?</h2><p>The current release did not bring forth a great deal of new information, according to analysts and observers. Sceptics argue the UFO files continued a pattern of hyped releases yielding incremental, non-revolutionary information.</p><p>Reports in The New York Times and experts such as former AARO head Sean Kirkpatrick and author Garrett Graff described the initial files as murky, inconclusive blobs and dots.</p><p>It mostly contained grainy footage explainable by conventional means such as jet engines, diffraction patterns, balloons, and drones, consistent with prior declassifications.</p><p>There is no smoking gun in the releases so far, such as bodies of aliens, reverse-engineered aircraft, or clear admissions of extraterrestrial technology.</p><p>Some critics called it a distraction from current crises at home and abroad that the Trump administration is facing, with others using terms like "nothing burger" to describe it.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-ufo-files-released-5-most-shocking-unresolved-military-encounters-in-the-pentagon-dump-1778249886269">‘UFO files released’: 5 most shocking unresolved military encounters in the Pentagon dump</a></p><h2>What was in the initial release of UFO files?</h2><p>The files, hosted at war.gov/ufo, include declassified documents, eyewitness reports, intelligence summaries, diplomatic cables, photos, and videos.</p><p>The Friday release had around 162 files, including 120 Portable Document Format (PDF) documents, 28 videos, and 14 image files totalling more than 35 minutes of footage, according to reports.</p><p>Many of them concern unresolved cases the government cannot definitively identify due to insufficient data. Some are redacted for privacy or security reasons.</p><p>The files span from FBI records on flying discs from 1947 to 1968 all the way up to recent incidents such as military encounters with flying objects in the 2020s.</p><p>The FBI historical case files include 1947-era sightings and photos from Oak Ridge.</p><p>Also shared are federal law enforcement reports of hovering orbs and silent objects in the western United States.</p><h2>What could be seen in the UFO files?</h2><p>Military infrared or sensor footage showing objects with anomalous manoeuvres is on display, including a 90-degree turn by a craft travelling at low speed off Greece in 2023. There are other encounters in Iraq, Syria, and the Persian Gulf.</p><p>There are archival NASA and space exploration-related images, such as objects near the lunar horizon during Apollo missions, and audio of Gemini 7 astronauts reporting an object.</p><p>Various photos and videos of orbs, star-shaped objects, and clusters of dots are shared, but they are often murky or low-resolution.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-defeating-us-sensors-the-unexplained-ufo-phenomena-that-baffled-us-fighter-pilots-1778310915645">‘Defeating US sensors’: The unexplained UFO phenomena that baffled US fighter pilots</a></p><h2>Draw your own conclusions: US release of UFO files leaves more questions than answers</h2><p>The Trump administration is asking people to make their own conclusions, presenting the report release as empowering public judgement. Some UAP enthusiasts found specific videos and manoeuvres interesting.</p><p>Yet, the files leave more questions than answers, as the site shared raw materials for public and private analysis with no official government conclusions provided on extraterrestrial origins or breakthroughs. Officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Security Tulsi Gabbard emphasised "unprecedented transparency" and invited the public to review and draw their own conclusions.</p><p>But that is a Herculean task. The full analysis will take time.</p><h2>Tens of millions of more UFO records on the cards?</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While the initiative is noteworthy for its transparency, the fresh compilations of videos, photos, and reports do not deliver paradigm-shifting revelations in the first batch.</p><p>According to reports, Friday's release was the first tranche of a massive effort that could involve tens of millions of records. Some of these could focus on unresolved cases.</p><p>Trump administration supporters are calling it a step towards transparency that previous US governments did not match at this scale.</p>

The first tranche of UFO and UAP files released by the Trump administration offers no great new information, according to experts and reports. The declassified videos, photos, and reports do not give any proof of extraterrestrial life. So what was in them?

The US Department of War (DoW) released the first tranche of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) files on Friday (May 8). Critics and experts are already saying there is not much new. Part of the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE), the release came after a directive from President Donald Trump for greater transparency on UAPs, extraterrestrial life, and related topics. What's really new in the UFO files? This is not the only dump, but part of an ongoing rolling release that will likely have new tranches every few weeks. The effort involves multiple agencies, including the Department of Defence (DoD), the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Energy (DOE), the State Department, and others. The DoW aggregated and declassified material presented as never-before-seen or newly compiled and released them in full. This includes some videos, recent military sensor data, and specific historical sections. The new aspect is that it centralised the documents in one public portal. Some FBI files or Apollo-related imagery may have had partial prior leaks or releases, even as the government portrayed it as a broader, official dump. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ufo-sighting-claims-back-in-focus-us-releases-162-files-regarding-aliens-1778295569126/embed US UFO files release: Much ado without new information? The current release did not bring forth a great deal of new information, according to analysts and observers. Sceptics argue the UFO files continued a pattern of hyped releases yielding incremental, non-revolutionary information. Reports in The New York Times and experts such as former AARO head Sean Kirkpatrick and author Garrett Graff described the initial files as murky, inconclusive blobs and dots. It mostly contained grainy footage explainable by conventional means such as jet engines, diffraction patterns, balloons, and drones, consistent with prior declassifications. There is no smoking gun in the releases so far, such as bodies of aliens, reverse-engineered aircraft, or clear admissions of extraterrestrial technology. Some critics called it a distraction from current crises at home and abroad that the Trump administration is facing, with others using terms like "nothing burger" to describe it. Also read: ‘UFO files released’: 5 most shocking unresolved military encounters in the Pentagon dump What was in the initial release of UFO files? The files, hosted at war.gov/ufo, include declassified documents, eyewitness reports, intelligence summaries, diplomatic cables, photos, and videos. The Friday release had around 162 files, including 120 Portable Document Format (PDF) documents, 28 videos, and 14 image files totalling more than 35 minutes of footage, according to reports. Many of them concern unresolved cases the government cannot definitively identify due to insufficient data. Some are redacted for privacy or security reasons. The files span from FBI records on flying discs from 1947 to 1968 all the way up to recent incidents such as military encounters with flying objects in the 2020s. The FBI historical case files include 1947-era sightings and photos from Oak Ridge. Also shared are federal law enforcement reports of hovering orbs and silent objects in the western United States. What could be seen in the UFO files? Military infrared or sensor footage showing objects with anomalous manoeuvres is on display, including a 90-degree turn by a craft travelling at low speed off Greece in 2023. There are other encounters in Iraq, Syria, and the Persian Gulf. There are archival NASA and space exploration-related images, such as objects near the lunar horizon during Apollo missions, and audio of Gemini 7 astronauts reporting an object. Various photos and videos of orbs, star-shaped objects, and clusters of dots are shared, but they are often murky or low-resolution. Also read: ‘Defeating US sensors’: The unexplained UFO phenomena that baffled US fighter pilots Draw your own conclusions: US release of UFO files leaves more questions than answers The Trump administration is asking people to make their own conclusions, presenting the report release as empowering public judgement. Some UAP enthusiasts found specific videos and manoeuvres interesting. Yet, the files leave more questions than answers, as the site shared raw materials for public and private analysis with no official government conclusions provided on extraterrestrial origins or breakthroughs. Officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Security Tulsi Gabbard emphasised "unprecedented transparency" and invited the public to review and draw their own conclusions. But that is a Herculean task. The full analysis will take time. Tens of millions of more UFO records on the cards? While the initiative is noteworthy for its transparency, the fresh compilations of videos, photos, and reports do not deliver paradigm-shifting revelations in the first batch. According to reports, Friday's release was the first tranche of a massive effort that could involve tens of millions of records. Some of these could focus on unresolved cases. Trump administration supporters are calling it a step towards transparency that previous US governments did not match at this scale.

<p>The first tranche of UFO and UAP files released by the Trump administration offers no great new information, according to experts and reports. The declassified videos, photos, and reports do not give any proof of extraterrestrial life. So what was in them?</p>

UFO files release was a dud? First tranche does not reveal much as Trump administration asks people to draw their own conclusions

<p>OpenAI has introduced three new audio models designed for real-time voice-based applications. The models GPT-Realtime-2, GPT-Realtime-Translate and GPT-Realtime-Whisper are part of the company’s developer platform and aim to improve how software handles live conversations.</p><p>The launch marks a shift from basic transcription tools to systems that can listen, understand and respond during conversations. These models are currently available for testing in OpenAI’s developer playground.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What the new models do</strong></h2><p>The three models are built for different tasks but work together to support real-time voice applications. GPT-Realtime-2 is designed to manage complex conversations. It can handle interruptions, maintain context over longer discussions and connect with external tools to complete tasks. GPT-Realtime-Translate focuses on language translation. It supports translation from more than 70 languages into 13 output languages, making it useful for customer service, education and global communication.</p><p>GPT-Realtime-Whisper provides live speech-to-text capabilities. It can generate captions, meeting notes and updates as a person speaks, allowing real-time documentation of conversations.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Move towards real-time AI agents</strong></h2><p>With these models, OpenAI is moving towards building AI systems that can act during conversations rather than just respond after receiving input.</p><p>This means voice-based applications can:</p><p>Understand ongoing conversations</p><p>Translate speech instantly</p><p>Perform tasks while interacting with users</p><p>Such capabilities could improve how businesses use AI in areas like support services, virtual assistants and communication tools.</p><h2><strong>Early use cases and adoption</strong></h2><p>Several companies are already testing these models in real-world scenarios. These include Zillow, Priceline and Deutsche Telekom.</p><p>These organisations are exploring how real-time voice AI can improve customer interaction, automate processes and make communication more efficient.</p><p>Pricing and access details</p><p>OpenAI has shared pricing for the new models.</p><p>GPT-Realtime-2 starts at $32 per million audio input tokens.</p><p>GPT-Realtime-Translate costs $0.034 per minute.</p><p>GPT-Realtime-Whisper costs $0.017 per minute.</p><p>The models are currently available in a limited testing phase through the developer platform.</p><h2><strong>What this means for the future</strong></h2><p>The introduction of real-time audio models highlights how AI is evolving from text-based systems to more interactive tools.</p><p>By enabling systems to listen, process and act instantly, OpenAI is expanding the role of AI in communication. As these tools develop further, they may become a common part of everyday applications, from virtual assistants to business operations.</p>

OpenAI has introduced three new audio models designed for real-time voice-based applications. The models GPT-Realtime-2, GPT-Realtime-Translate and GPT-Realtime-Whisper are part of the company’s developer platform and aim to improve how software handles live conversations.

OpenAI has introduced three new audio models designed for real-time voice-based applications. The models GPT-Realtime-2, GPT-Realtime-Translate and GPT-Realtime-Whisper are part of the company’s developer platform and aim to improve how software handles live conversations. The launch marks a shift from basic transcription tools to systems that can listen, understand and respond during conversations. These models are currently available for testing in OpenAI’s developer playground. What the new models do The three models are built for different tasks but work together to support real-time voice applications. GPT-Realtime-2 is designed to manage complex conversations. It can handle interruptions, maintain context over longer discussions and connect with external tools to complete tasks. GPT-Realtime-Translate focuses on language translation. It supports translation from more than 70 languages into 13 output languages, making it useful for customer service, education and global communication. GPT-Realtime-Whisper provides live speech-to-text capabilities. It can generate captions, meeting notes and updates as a person speaks, allowing real-time documentation of conversations. Move towards real-time AI agents With these models, OpenAI is moving towards building AI systems that can act during conversations rather than just respond after receiving input. This means voice-based applications can: Understand ongoing conversations Translate speech instantly Perform tasks while interacting with users Such capabilities could improve how businesses use AI in areas like support services, virtual assistants and communication tools. Early use cases and adoption Several companies are already testing these models in real-world scenarios. These include Zillow, Priceline and Deutsche Telekom. These organisations are exploring how real-time voice AI can improve customer interaction, automate processes and make communication more efficient. Pricing and access details OpenAI has shared pricing for the new models. GPT-Realtime-2 starts at $32 per million audio input tokens. GPT-Realtime-Translate costs $0.034 per minute. GPT-Realtime-Whisper costs $0.017 per minute. The models are currently available in a limited testing phase through the developer platform. What this means for the future The introduction of real-time audio models highlights how AI is evolving from text-based systems to more interactive tools. By enabling systems to listen, process and act instantly, OpenAI is expanding the role of AI in communication. As these tools develop further, they may become a common part of everyday applications, from virtual assistants to business operations.

<p>OpenAI has introduced three new audio models designed for real-time voice-based applications. The models GPT-Realtime-2, GPT-Realtime-Translate and GPT-Realtime-Whisper are part of the company’s developer platform and aim to improve how software handles live conversations.</p>

‘AI voice agents get smarter’: OpenAI unveils 3 new models

<p>Meta has ended end-to-end encryption for direct messages on Instagram from May 8, 2026. This means that messages sent through Instagram DMs are no longer fully private, marking a significant change in how users communicate on the platform.</p><p>The feature, which was introduced in 2023, ensured that only the sender and receiver could read messages. With its removal, chats may now be accessible under certain conditions, depending on how systems are used to monitor content.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What changes for Instagram users</strong></h2><p>With end-to-end encryption removed, Instagram users will notice a change in how their messages are handled.</p><p>Earlier, encrypted chats meant:</p><p>Messages could not be accessed by third parties</p><p>Only users involved in the chat could read them</p><p>Now, messages may be:</p><p>Analysed for safety purposes</p><p>Accessible through technical systems if required</p><p>Meta had earlier informed users about this update and provided an option to download or back up chats before the change took effect.</p><h2><strong>Why Meta is making this move</strong></h2><p>One of the key reasons behind the change is linked to user safety, especially concerns around harmful content.</p><p>Reports suggest that removing encryption allows platforms to:<br>Detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM)<br>Identify grooming behaviour<br>Flag harassment or illegal content</p><p>The move follows increasing global pressure on tech companies to improve safety measures on messaging platforms.</p><h2><strong>Legal and regulatory pressure</strong></h2><p>Governments in several regions, including the United States, United Kingdom and European Union, have been pushing for stronger monitoring of online platforms.</p><p>Regulations such as:</p><p>The UK’s Online Safety Act</p><p>Proposed EU Chat Control rules are aimed at ensuring companies can detect harmful content, even within private communications. Earlier this year, a jury in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $375 million, citing concerns about platform safety and user protection.</p><h2><strong>Privacy concerns and debate</strong></h2><p>While the change may help detect harmful activity, it has also raised concerns among privacy advocates.</p><p>Experts argue that:</p><p>Removing encryption may reduce user privacy</p><p>Messages could become more vulnerable to misuse</p><p>Trust in private communication may be affected</p><p>This creates a balance issue between ensuring safety and protecting personal data.</p><h2><strong>What happens next</strong></h2><p>Meta has not confirmed whether similar changes will be applied to other platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. For now, the update applies only to Instagram, but it signals a broader shift in how tech companies may handle private messaging in the future. As regulations continue to evolve, platforms may increasingly adjust their systems to meet safety requirements while managing user expectations around privacy.</p>

Meta has ended end-to-end encryption for direct messages on Instagram from May 8, 2026. This means that messages sent through Instagram DMs are no longer fully private, marking a significant change in how users communicate on the platform.

Meta has ended end-to-end encryption for direct messages on Instagram from May 8, 2026. This means that messages sent through Instagram DMs are no longer fully private, marking a significant change in how users communicate on the platform. The feature, which was introduced in 2023, ensured that only the sender and receiver could read messages. With its removal, chats may now be accessible under certain conditions, depending on how systems are used to monitor content. What changes for Instagram users With end-to-end encryption removed, Instagram users will notice a change in how their messages are handled. Earlier, encrypted chats meant: Messages could not be accessed by third parties Only users involved in the chat could read them Now, messages may be: Analysed for safety purposes Accessible through technical systems if required Meta had earlier informed users about this update and provided an option to download or back up chats before the change took effect. Why Meta is making this move One of the key reasons behind the change is linked to user safety, especially concerns around harmful content. Reports suggest that removing encryption allows platforms to: Detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM) Identify grooming behaviour Flag harassment or illegal content The move follows increasing global pressure on tech companies to improve safety measures on messaging platforms. Legal and regulatory pressure Governments in several regions, including the United States, United Kingdom and European Union, have been pushing for stronger monitoring of online platforms. Regulations such as: The UK’s Online Safety Act Proposed EU Chat Control rules are aimed at ensuring companies can detect harmful content, even within private communications. Earlier this year, a jury in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $375 million, citing concerns about platform safety and user protection. Privacy concerns and debate While the change may help detect harmful activity, it has also raised concerns among privacy advocates. Experts argue that: Removing encryption may reduce user privacy Messages could become more vulnerable to misuse Trust in private communication may be affected This creates a balance issue between ensuring safety and protecting personal data. What happens next Meta has not confirmed whether similar changes will be applied to other platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. For now, the update applies only to Instagram, but it signals a broader shift in how tech companies may handle private messaging in the future. As regulations continue to evolve, platforms may increasingly adjust their systems to meet safety requirements while managing user expectations around privacy.

<p>Meta has ended end-to-end encryption for direct messages on Instagram from May 8, 2026. This means that messages sent through Instagram DMs are no longer fully private, marking a significant change in how users communicate on the platform.</p>

‘Your DM chats are no longer private’: Instagram removes end-to-end encryption from messages

<p>OpenAI has introduced a new artificial intelligence model called GPT-5.5-Cyber, designed specifically for cybersecurity use cases. The model is currently being released in a limited preview to selected and vetted teams, marking a focused step in how AI tools are being adapted for specialised industries. The announcement comes just a month after Anthropic introduced its Mythos model, which also focused on advanced cybersecurity capabilities.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What is GPT-5.5-Cyber and how is it different?</strong></h2><p>GPT-5.5-Cyber is a variation of OpenAI’s latest GPT-5.5 model. Unlike general-purpose versions, this model is designed to be more flexible for security-related tasks. OpenAI said the model is not necessarily more powerful than the standard version, but it is adjusted to allow cybersecurity teams to perform tasks that would otherwise be restricted by safety controls. This makes it easier for professionals to analyse threats, test systems and understand vulnerabilities without running into limitations that apply to public versions of AI tools.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>How cybersecurity teams can use it</strong></h2><p>According to OpenAI, GPT-5.5-Cyber is designed to support real-world cybersecurity workflows. These include identifying vulnerabilities in systems, analysing malware, validating patches and prioritising security issues. By reducing restrictions for trusted users, the model allows teams to work more efficiently on tasks that require deeper technical access. OpenAI said the goal is to help partners explore advanced workflows where specialised behaviour is necessary.</p><h2><strong>Why access is limited</strong></h2><p>The model is currently available only to a small group of vetted organisations. This controlled rollout is intended to ensure responsible use, given the sensitive nature of cybersecurity work.</p><p>A similar approach was seen with Anthropic’s Mythos model, which was also released to a limited group as part of its Project Glasswing initiative. These steps show that companies are being cautious while deploying advanced AI tools in critical areas like security.</p><h2><strong>Growing focus on AI in cybersecurity</strong></h2><p>The release of GPT-5.5-Cyber reflects a broader trend in the industry. AI is increasingly being used to detect vulnerabilities, analyse threats and improve system security.</p><p>Recent developments, including Anthropic’s Mythos, have shown how AI can identify complex bugs and assist security teams in ways that were difficult earlier. This has drawn attention from governments and financial institutions, highlighting the importance of such tools.</p><h2><strong>What this means for the industry</strong></h2><p>The introduction of specialised AI models for cybersecurity suggests that the field is moving towards more targeted solutions. Instead of using general AI systems, organisations are now adopting tools designed for specific tasks.</p><p>While these models can improve efficiency and detection, they also raise questions about how access should be managed and how risks can be controlled.</p><p>As GPT-5.5-Cyber continues its limited rollout, its impact will depend on how effectively teams use it in real-world scenarios. OpenAI may expand access in the future based on feedback from early users. For now, the release highlights how AI companies are focusing on practical applications, especially in areas like cybersecurity where accuracy and control are critical.</p>

OpenAI has introduced a new artificial intelligence model called GPT-5.5-Cyber, designed specifically for cybersecurity use cases. The model is currently being released in a limited preview to selected and vetted teams.


OpenAI has introduced a new artificial intelligence model called GPT-5.5-Cyber, designed specifically for cybersecurity use cases. The model is currently being released in a limited preview to selected and vetted teams, marking a focused step in how AI tools are being adapted for specialised industries. The announcement comes just a month after Anthropic introduced its Mythos model, which also focused on advanced cybersecurity capabilities. What is GPT-5.5-Cyber and how is it different? GPT-5.5-Cyber is a variation of OpenAI’s latest GPT-5.5 model. Unlike general-purpose versions, this model is designed to be more flexible for security-related tasks. OpenAI said the model is not necessarily more powerful than the standard version, but it is adjusted to allow cybersecurity teams to perform tasks that would otherwise be restricted by safety controls. This makes it easier for professionals to analyse threats, test systems and understand vulnerabilities without running into limitations that apply to public versions of AI tools. How cybersecurity teams can use it According to OpenAI, GPT-5.5-Cyber is designed to support real-world cybersecurity workflows. These include identifying vulnerabilities in systems, analysing malware, validating patches and prioritising security issues. By reducing restrictions for trusted users, the model allows teams to work more efficiently on tasks that require deeper technical access. OpenAI said the goal is to help partners explore advanced workflows where specialised behaviour is necessary. Why access is limited The model is currently available only to a small group of vetted organisations. This controlled rollout is intended to ensure responsible use, given the sensitive nature of cybersecurity work. A similar approach was seen with Anthropic’s Mythos model, which was also released to a limited group as part of its Project Glasswing initiative. These steps show that companies are being cautious while deploying advanced AI tools in critical areas like security. Growing focus on AI in cybersecurity The release of GPT-5.5-Cyber reflects a broader trend in the industry. AI is increasingly being used to detect vulnerabilities, analyse threats and improve system security. Recent developments, including Anthropic’s Mythos, have shown how AI can identify complex bugs and assist security teams in ways that were difficult earlier. This has drawn attention from governments and financial institutions, highlighting the importance of such tools. What this means for the industry The introduction of specialised AI models for cybersecurity suggests that the field is moving towards more targeted solutions. Instead of using general AI systems, organisations are now adopting tools designed for specific tasks. While these models can improve efficiency and detection, they also raise questions about how access should be managed and how risks can be controlled. As GPT-5.5-Cyber continues its limited rollout, its impact will depend on how effectively teams use it in real-world scenarios. OpenAI may expand access in the future based on feedback from early users. For now, the release highlights how AI companies are focusing on practical applications, especially in areas like cybersecurity where accuracy and control are critical.

<p>OpenAI has introduced a new artificial intelligence model called GPT-5.5-Cyber, designed specifically for cybersecurity use cases. The model is currently being released in a limited preview to selected and vetted teams.</p>

OpenAI launches GPT-5.5-Cyber: Key things to know about the new model

<p>Anthropic’s new Mythos model is changing how companies approach cybersecurity, with early results showing a sharp improvement in detecting software vulnerabilities. When the model was introduced in April 2026, it reportedly identified thousands of high-severity bugs, many of which needed to be fixed before the system could be made widely available. Now, researchers working on Mozilla Firefox have shared how this technology is already being used in practice.</p><h2><strong>AI finds long-hidden bugs in Firefox</strong></h2><p>According to Mozilla’s security team, Mythos has uncovered several serious vulnerabilities, including issues that had remained undetected for more than a decade. This marks a significant shift compared to earlier AI tools, which often produced large numbers of low-quality alerts and false positives.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Researchers say that recent improvements in AI systems, especially those that can review and refine their own outputs, have made these tools more reliable. As a result, security teams are now able to focus on meaningful findings instead of filtering out incorrect reports.</p><h2><strong>Bug fixes rise sharply with AI support</strong></h2><p>The impact of AI tools is clearly visible in Firefox’s recent updates. In April 2026, the browser released 423 bug fixes, compared to just 31 fixes in the same month last year. This increase shows how AI is helping teams identify more issues in less time. Some of these bugs were highly complex, including vulnerabilities in Firefox’s sandbox system. These types of issues are difficult to detect because they require multiple steps, including creating test code and simulating attacks on secure parts of the browser.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Bug fixes rise sharply with AI support

<h2><strong>AI helps find bugs, but humans still fix them</strong></h2><p>Despite these advances, human engineers remain central to the process. While AI can suggest possible fixes, the final code is still written and reviewed by developers.</p><p>Mozilla’s team has said that AI-generated patches often need refinement and cannot be directly applied. For now, the role of AI is mainly to assist in discovery rather than fully automate the repair process.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>A shift in cybersecurity approach</strong></h2><p>The use of tools like Mythos reflects a broader change in cybersecurity. Instead of relying only on manual testing or traditional scanning tools, companies are now using AI to analyse code more deeply and identify hidden risks.</p><p>However, experts also note that these tools could be used by both defenders and attackers. While AI can help fix vulnerabilities faster, it may also enable malicious actors to discover weaknesses more quickly. Dario Amodei has suggested that, if managed properly, these tools could improve overall security by helping organisations fix vulnerabilities before they are exploited.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At the same time, Mozilla engineers have taken a cautious view, noting that the long-term impact is still unclear. They believe that while AI gives an advantage to defenders, the balance between attackers and defenders may continue to evolve.</p><h2><strong>What this means going forward</strong></h2><p>The use of AI in cybersecurity is growing rapidly, and tools like Mythos show how quickly capabilities are improving. The ability to detect complex and long-standing bugs could help make software more secure.</p><p>At the same time, the technology raises new questions about how security risks will be managed in the future. As AI tools become more widely available, companies will need to adapt their strategies to keep systems safe while making the most of these new capabilities</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Anthropic’s new Mythos model is changing how companies approach cybersecurity, with early results showing a sharp improvement in detecting software vulnerabilities. 

Anthropic’s new Mythos model is changing how companies approach cybersecurity, with early results showing a sharp improvement in detecting software vulnerabilities. When the model was introduced in April 2026, it reportedly identified thousands of high-severity bugs, many of which needed to be fixed before the system could be made widely available. Now, researchers working on Mozilla Firefox have shared how this technology is already being used in practice. AI finds long-hidden bugs in Firefox According to Mozilla’s security team, Mythos has uncovered several serious vulnerabilities, including issues that had remained undetected for more than a decade. This marks a significant shift compared to earlier AI tools, which often produced large numbers of low-quality alerts and false positives. Researchers say that recent improvements in AI systems, especially those that can review and refine their own outputs, have made these tools more reliable. As a result, security teams are now able to focus on meaningful findings instead of filtering out incorrect reports. Bug fixes rise sharply with AI support The impact of AI tools is clearly visible in Firefox’s recent updates. In April 2026, the browser released 423 bug fixes, compared to just 31 fixes in the same month last year. This increase shows how AI is helping teams identify more issues in less time. Some of these bugs were highly complex, including vulnerabilities in Firefox’s sandbox system. These types of issues are difficult to detect because they require multiple steps, including creating test code and simulating attacks on secure parts of the browser.

<p>Anthropic’s new Mythos model is changing how companies approach cybersecurity, with early results showing a sharp improvement in detecting software vulnerabilities.&nbsp;</p>

‘Anthropic’s Mythos AI bug detection’: What it means for the future of software security

<p>Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has introduced a new surgical robot designed to access any part of the human brain. The company shared the update recently, showing how the system could help build a more flexible brain-computer interface. This development is part of Neuralink’s long-term goal to connect the human brain with machines and treat neurological conditions.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What is the Neuralink surgical robot?</strong></h2><p>The surgical robot is a high-precision system that works like a micro sewing machine. It is designed to place extremely thin threads into the brain, thinner than a human hair. These threads carry electrodes, which are small sensors that can read signals from brain cells. Because the brain is delicate and moves slightly with breathing and heartbeat, the robot uses advanced cameras and sensors to avoid blood vessels. This helps reduce the risk of damage during the procedure and allows for more accurate placement of the threads.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We&#39;re building a surgical robot capable of reaching any brain region. The goal: a generalized neural interface to help solve any condition that originates in the brain. <a href="https://t.co/cnUWDvtxV9">pic.twitter.com/cnUWDvtxV9</a></p>&mdash; Neuralink (@neuralink) <a href="https://twitter.com/neuralink/status/2052124938442526936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>How the brain chip works</strong></h2><p>The Neuralink system functions as a brain-computer interface, or BCI. This means it can translate brain signals into digital commands. When a person thinks about performing an action, such as moving a hand, the brain produces electrical signals. The implant captures these signals and converts them into instructions that a computer can understand. In recent demonstrations, people using the system were able to move a cursor on a screen using only their thoughts. This shows how the technology could help people with paralysis regain some level of control.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Why reaching any part of the brain matters</strong></h2><p>Earlier versions of brain implants mainly focused on areas related to movement. However, this new robot is designed to reach different regions of the brain. This could allow the technology to be used for a wider range of conditions. For example, it may help treat:</p><p>Epilepsy, which involves sudden electrical activity in the brain</p><p>Parkinson’s disease, which affects movement</p><p>Mental health conditions such as depression</p><p>By targeting specific areas, the system could offer more personalised treatment options in the future.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Current status and limitations</strong></h2><p>While the technology shows potential, it is still under testing. The devices are not yet approved for general public use and remain part of ongoing clinical research.</p><p>Experts note that more studies are needed to understand long-term safety and effectiveness before the system can be widely used.</p><h2><strong>What this means for the future</strong></h2><p>Neuralink’s new robot represents a step towards more advanced brain-computer interfaces. The idea of connecting the brain directly with machines could change how certain medical conditions are treated. If successful, such systems may help people regain lost abilities and improve quality of life. However, further research and regulatory approval will play a key role in determining how quickly this technology becomes available.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Neuralink introduced a new surgical robot designed to access any part of the human brain. The company shared the update recently, showing how the system could help build a more flexible brain-computer interface.


Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has introduced a new surgical robot designed to access any part of the human brain. The company shared the update recently, showing how the system could help build a more flexible brain-computer interface. This development is part of Neuralink’s long-term goal to connect the human brain with machines and treat neurological conditions. What is the Neuralink surgical robot? The surgical robot is a high-precision system that works like a micro sewing machine. It is designed to place extremely thin threads into the brain, thinner than a human hair. These threads carry electrodes, which are small sensors that can read signals from brain cells. Because the brain is delicate and moves slightly with breathing and heartbeat, the robot uses advanced cameras and sensors to avoid blood vessels. This helps reduce the risk of damage during the procedure and allows for more accurate placement of the threads.

<p>Neuralink introduced a new surgical robot designed to access any part of the human brain. The company shared the update recently, showing how the system could help build a more flexible brain-computer interface.</p>

Elon Musk's Neuralink is building a robot that can reach any part of the brain

<p>Apple is set to pay $250 million (£184 million) in order to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the giant smartphone-making company of misleading millions of iPhone buyers with claims of AI-powered Siri features that still don't exist. The features are still unavailable on iPhones, nearly two years after Apple first introduced them.</p><p><br>The settlement, which was released on 5 May, applies to around 36 million devices sold in the US, with eligible users set to receive between $25 (£18) and $95 (£70) per device. The payout could increase if fewer people's claims are submitted, meaning early applicants may receive significantly more than the base rate.</p><h3>How to claim a refund?</h3><p>All the US customers who purchased an iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max between 10 June 2024 and 29 March 2025 are eligible to file claims. In response, claimants need to provide their device serial number, Apple Account information, and phone number.</p><p><br>The iPhone maker company will begin sending email notices to all the eligible buyers within 45 days of 5 May, and then the claim forms will be available through the official settlement website. Meanwhile, the final hearing of the court to approve the deal is scheduled for 17 June.</p><h3>What is the case?</h3><p>The lawsuit against the company was filed by plaintiff Peter Landsheft in a US federal court in California in 2024. He targeted the marketing of Apple, claiming a smarter, more personalised version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. The features were previewed by Apple at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024, promoting advertisements after the iPhone 16 was launched in September.</p><p><br>Court documents claimed that Apple heavily promoted the features across the internet, television, and other media platforms, creating expectations that they would be available at launch. However, after months of advertising, Apple announced in March 2025 that the revamped Siri would be delayed and subsequently withdrew the ads. The National Advertising Division also advised the company to stop marketing the AI features as “available now.”</p><h3>Siri upgrade still pending</h3><p>As of May 2026, the personalised Siri capabilities have yet to roll out to users. They are now anticipated to debut with iOS 27, which Apple is expected to unveil at WWDC 2026 on June 8. This means customers who bought iPhones based on Apple’s 2024 promotional campaign may end up waiting nearly two years for the promised features.</p><p><br>Apple did not acknowledge any wrongdoing under the settlement. The company stated that it chose to resolve the issue to remain focused on “delivering the most innovative products and services” to users. It also highlighted several Apple Intelligence features already introduced since 2024, including Visual Intelligence, Writing Tools, and Live Translation.</p><p><br>The $250 million (£184 million) settlement fund will also cover legal and administrative expenses, reducing the amount distributed to claimants. Although the agreement was initially reached in December 2025, the detailed terms were only disclosed publicly this week.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/41-68-billion-spam-calls-in-india-66-per-cent-of-unknown-numbers-on-truecaller-were-spam-whatever-happened-to-do-not-disturb-1778144364126">41.68 billion spam calls in India: 66 per cent of unknown numbers on Truecaller were spam. Whatever happened to Do Not Disturb?</a></p>

Apple is settling a class-action lawsuit for $250M over misleading claims about AI-powered Siri features, which remain unavailable two years after being previewed. Check in this article which model of iPhone and countries' users will get the disbursed amount. 

Apple is set to pay $250 million (£184 million) in order to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the giant smartphone-making company of misleading millions of iPhone buyers with claims of AI-powered Siri features that still don't exist. The features are still unavailable on iPhones, nearly two years after Apple first introduced them. The settlement, which was released on 5 May, applies to around 36 million devices sold in the US, with eligible users set to receive between $25 (£18) and $95 (£70) per device. The payout could increase if fewer people's claims are submitted, meaning early applicants may receive significantly more than the base rate. How to claim a refund? All the US customers who purchased an iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max between 10 June 2024 and 29 March 2025 are eligible to file claims. In response, claimants need to provide their device serial number, Apple Account information, and phone number. The iPhone maker company will begin sending email notices to all the eligible buyers within 45 days of 5 May, and then the claim forms will be available through the official settlement website. Meanwhile, the final hearing of the court to approve the deal is scheduled for 17 June. What is the case? The lawsuit against the company was filed by plaintiff Peter Landsheft in a US federal court in California in 2024. He targeted the marketing of Apple, claiming a smarter, more personalised version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. The features were previewed by Apple at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024, promoting advertisements after the iPhone 16 was launched in September. Court documents claimed that Apple heavily promoted the features across the internet, television, and other media platforms, creating expectations that they would be available at launch. However, after months of advertising, Apple announced in March 2025 that the revamped Siri would be delayed and subsequently withdrew the ads. The National Advertising Division also advised the company to stop marketing the AI features as “available now.” Siri upgrade still pending As of May 2026, the personalised Siri capabilities have yet to roll out to users. They are now anticipated to debut with iOS 27, which Apple is expected to unveil at WWDC 2026 on June 8. This means customers who bought iPhones based on Apple’s 2024 promotional campaign may end up waiting nearly two years for the promised features. Apple did not acknowledge any wrongdoing under the settlement. The company stated that it chose to resolve the issue to remain focused on “delivering the most innovative products and services” to users. It also highlighted several Apple Intelligence features already introduced since 2024, including Visual Intelligence, Writing Tools, and Live Translation. The $250 million (£184 million) settlement fund will also cover legal and administrative expenses, reducing the amount distributed to claimants. Although the agreement was initially reached in December 2025, the detailed terms were only disclosed publicly this week. Also read: 41.68 billion spam calls in India: 66 per cent of unknown numbers on Truecaller were spam. Whatever happened to Do Not Disturb?

<p>Apple is settling a class-action lawsuit for $250M over misleading claims about AI-powered Siri features, which remain unavailable two years after being previewed. Check in this article which model of iPhone and countries' users will get the disbursed amount.&nbsp;</p>

Bought an iPhone for AI Siri? Apple may repay you up to $95: Check how to claim refund

<p>The latest Truecaller Insights report ranked India as the fifth most spam-affected country globally, with a spam intensity of 66 per cent. This means 66 per cent of unknown calls received by Truecaller users in India in 2025 were identified as spam. Why did the problem get so big and never-ending? What are the government and telecom operators dong about it? How are spammers bypassing the restrictions like Do Not Disturb or DND?</p><h2>Truecaller identified over 68 billion spam and fraud calls worldwide in 2025. Where does India stand?</h2><p>India is among the top countries for spam calls recorded on Truecaller. Indonesia topped the list of spam intensity, at 79 per cent, while Chile came second, at 70 per cent intensity. This was followed by Vietnam, Brazil and then India.</p><p>Truecaller users in India identified 41.68 billion spam calls and an even worse 129.03 billion spam messages in 2025. The Truecaller community blocked 11.89 billion spam calls. Fraud calls were around 7.7 billion, out of which sales and telemarketing accounted for 36 per cent, financial services 18 per cent, and scams 12 per cent.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/whatsapp-bans-9-400-scam-accounts-in-india-amid-major-fraud-crackdown-1777405084665/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/whatsapp-bans-9-400-scam-accounts-in-india-amid-major-fraud-crackdown-1777405084665/embed</a></p><h2>So what happened to India's Do Not Disturb policies and measures against spam calls?</h2><p>The Indian government's National Customer Preference Register (NCPR) still exists and works reasonably well against registered telemarketers (RTMs). They are required to use specific number series or prefixes like 140 for calls and respect user preferences. One can register on DND by dialling or messaging 1909 or by using the TRAI DND app of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.</p><p>But DND is largely bypassed by Unregistered Telemarketers or UTMs, who use ordinary 10-digit mobile numbers, often via bulk SIMs or "SIM farms". These callers ignore DND entirely because they are not registered and do not follow the rules, becoming the main cause of spam persistence despite DND measures.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/x-removed-over-1-7-million-bots-dm-spam-next-says-product-head-nikita-bier-1760344720045">X removed over 1.7 million bots; DM spam next, says product head Nikita Bier</a></p><h2>What the Indian government and telecom operators are doing to fight the spam menace</h2><p>TRAI, the Department of Telecom and mobile network operators have taken several steps. As of early 2026, TRAI slapped penalties worth 1.5 billion rupees on telecom companies for failing to curb spam. More than 2.1 million mobile numbers and 100,000 entities were either disconnected or blacklisted based on complaints as of late 2025. In 2025 alone, 731,000 notices were sent to UTMs, with restrictions imposed on hundreds of thousands of entities.</p><p>TRAI strongly encouraged reporting spam, even without DND registration, in order to help trace and disconnect the calls at the source, unlike phone-level blocking.</p><p>In 2025, tighter consent rules and faster action on complaints, with response timelines of up to five days for providers, were introduced. DLT, or Distributed Ledger Technology, was introduced for tracking promotional messages.</p><p>Some measures were also taken against AI-generated or robo-calling, with detection systems also using AI. Restrictions were imposed on bulk calling, and campaigns were held urging spam reporting.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-elderly-nri-couple-duped-of-rs-15-crore-in-digitally-arrest-cyber-scam-say-our-biggest-mistake-was-1768205410164">Delhi elderly NRI couple duped of Rs 15 crore in ‘digitally arrest’ cyber scam; say 'our biggest mistake was...'</a></p><h2>How are spam callers bypassing restrictions?</h2><p>Though these actions helped disconnect many numbers, the problem is scaling faster. SIMs are cheaper, automation is easily available, and spammers use new tactics, always staying one step ahead, even as telecom operators face pressure and fines.&nbsp;</p><p>One major issue is UTMs using normal-looking phone numbers, thus bypassing the 140-series rules and DND. New technologies like spoofing and number rotation are also being deployed. This means frequent changes in spam caller numbers, with spammers using SIM farms and bulk cheap connections.</p><p>AI is widely used for automation, including robo-diallers and voice cloning for scale and realism.</p><p>There is also cross-border or VoIP routing of spam calls. Spammers get numbers from data leaks involving apps, websites or breaches. A2P, or application-to-person calling, is also on the rise.</p><p>In short, DND registration is not enough, and phone blocking alone does not help fight the spam ecosystem. The government and telecom operators are acting more aggressively than before, but low operational costs and evolving technology continue to keep spam volumes high.</p>

Indian users of Truecaller recorded 41.68 billion spam calls in 2025. India is the fifth-worst affected country for spam calls and messages. Spammers are bypassing DND rules using new techniques. 

The latest Truecaller Insights report ranked India as the fifth most spam-affected country globally, with a spam intensity of 66 per cent. This means 66 per cent of unknown calls received by Truecaller users in India in 2025 were identified as spam. Why did the problem get so big and never-ending? What are the government and telecom operators dong about it? How are spammers bypassing the restrictions like Do Not Disturb or DND? Truecaller identified over 68 billion spam and fraud calls worldwide in 2025. Where does India stand? India is among the top countries for spam calls recorded on Truecaller. Indonesia topped the list of spam intensity, at 79 per cent, while Chile came second, at 70 per cent intensity. This was followed by Vietnam, Brazil and then India. Truecaller users in India identified 41.68 billion spam calls and an even worse 129.03 billion spam messages in 2025. The Truecaller community blocked 11.89 billion spam calls. Fraud calls were around 7.7 billion, out of which sales and telemarketing accounted for 36 per cent, financial services 18 per cent, and scams 12 per cent. https://www.wionews.com/videos/whatsapp-bans-9-400-scam-accounts-in-india-amid-major-fraud-crackdown-1777405084665/embed So what happened to India's Do Not Disturb policies and measures against spam calls? The Indian government's National Customer Preference Register (NCPR) still exists and works reasonably well against registered telemarketers (RTMs). They are required to use specific number series or prefixes like 140 for calls and respect user preferences. One can register on DND by dialling or messaging 1909 or by using the TRAI DND app of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. But DND is largely bypassed by Unregistered Telemarketers or UTMs, who use ordinary 10-digit mobile numbers, often via bulk SIMs or "SIM farms". These callers ignore DND entirely because they are not registered and do not follow the rules, becoming the main cause of spam persistence despite DND measures. Also read: X removed over 1.7 million bots; DM spam next, says product head Nikita Bier What the Indian government and telecom operators are doing to fight the spam menace TRAI, the Department of Telecom and mobile network operators have taken several steps. As of early 2026, TRAI slapped penalties worth 1.5 billion rupees on telecom companies for failing to curb spam. More than 2.1 million mobile numbers and 100,000 entities were either disconnected or blacklisted based on complaints as of late 2025. In 2025 alone, 731,000 notices were sent to UTMs, with restrictions imposed on hundreds of thousands of entities. TRAI strongly encouraged reporting spam, even without DND registration, in order to help trace and disconnect the calls at the source, unlike phone-level blocking. In 2025, tighter consent rules and faster action on complaints, with response timelines of up to five days for providers, were introduced. DLT, or Distributed Ledger Technology, was introduced for tracking promotional messages. Some measures were also taken against AI-generated or robo-calling, with detection systems also using AI. Restrictions were imposed on bulk calling, and campaigns were held urging spam reporting. Also read: Delhi elderly NRI couple duped of Rs 15 crore in ‘digitally arrest’ cyber scam; say 'our biggest mistake was...' How are spam callers bypassing restrictions? Though these actions helped disconnect many numbers, the problem is scaling faster. SIMs are cheaper, automation is easily available, and spammers use new tactics, always staying one step ahead, even as telecom operators face pressure and fines. One major issue is UTMs using normal-looking phone numbers, thus bypassing the 140-series rules and DND. New technologies like spoofing and number rotation are also being deployed. This means frequent changes in spam caller numbers, with spammers using SIM farms and bulk cheap connections. AI is widely used for automation, including robo-diallers and voice cloning for scale and realism. There is also cross-border or VoIP routing of spam calls. Spammers get numbers from data leaks involving apps, websites or breaches. A2P, or application-to-person calling, is also on the rise. In short, DND registration is not enough, and phone blocking alone does not help fight the spam ecosystem. The government and telecom operators are acting more aggressively than before, but low operational costs and evolving technology continue to keep spam volumes high.

<p>Indian users of Truecaller recorded 41.68 billion spam calls in 2025. India is the fifth-worst affected country for spam calls and messages. Spammers are bypassing DND rules using new techniques.&nbsp;</p>

41.68 billion spam calls in India: 66 per cent of unknown numbers on Truecaller were spam. Whatever happened to Do Not Disturb?

<p>GameStop has made an audacious bid to buy legacy e-commerce giant eBay, several times its size in market cap. How did this brick-and-mortar retailer of video games become so big? Part of the story is about the Robin Hood image it got during the meme stock phenomenon. Here is the interesting story:</p><h2>What is GameStop? A story from traditional retailer to meme stock</h2><p>Until just a few years ago, GameStop was a declining retailer of new and used video games.</p><p>Its stores sold video games, consoles and accessories across America. In the heydays of video game popularity a decade ago, its revenues peaked. Since then, with digital downloads replacing traditional CDs and DVDs of games, profits declined, leading GameStop to shut down many stores. Its lowest moment was when it moved to selling collectibles, trading cards and toys.</p><p>But then came the 'meme stock' phenomenon of the post-pandemic era. In 2021, activist investor Ryan Cohen pushed for an e-commerce transformation of GameStop. Groups of small retail investors talked up the GameStop stock on various platforms, mainly on Reddit's r/WallStreetBets. This led to coordinated buying of the stock, causing it to surge over 1,500 per cent in weeks.</p><p>Many of the GameStop investors were not finance experts, but teens and gaming enthusiasts cooped up at home during Covid shutdowns, trying to make a quick buck. GameStop became the symbol of 'meme stocks', wherein retail investors were fighting Wall Street heavyweights. It even inspired the film <i>Dumb Money</i>.</p><p>Cohen, the largest individual investor of GameStop, &nbsp;became its chairman in 2021 and CEO in 2023. During the peak of meme stock interest in GameStop, the company used share offerings, managing to eliminate most of its debt and amass cash. It also implemented cost-cutting measures to become profitable despite falling sales. By early 2026, GameStop had $9.4 billion in cash or liquid investments. It still had low revenue but reported positive net income of $418 million for the year ended 31 January, and nearly $4.2 billion in long-term convertible debt.</p><h2>GameStop market cap gave it the courage to bid for eBay</h2><p>Sitting on a market capitalisation of around $12 billion, GameStop made an unsolicited, non-binding bid to buy eBay at $125 a share this week. The planned acquisition is valued at around $56 billion, &nbsp;a 20 per cent premium on the eBay stock. The deal offered is 50 per cent in cash and 50 per cent in stock. It will use GameStop's existing cash reserves and a $20 billion financing commitment from TD Bank.</p><p>Cohen is trying to synergise GameStop's brick-and-mortar stores with eBay's online presence, while also envisaging cost cuts of $2 billion a year. The plan is to develop a rival to Amazon in the collectibles and recommerce space.</p><p>But Does GameStop have the moolah to take on eBay? It's a trick question. GameStop's revenue of $3.63 billion is down 5 per cent year on year, but it is still profitable with a strong balance sheet for a company of its size.</p><h2>From pioneer to also-ran: How eBay went from first e-commerce giant to acquisition target</h2><p>Founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, eBay pioneered consumer-to-consumer e-commerce and popularised online auctions and marketplaces, before Amazon became the giant in this space. Omidyar famously sold a broken laser pointer as the first transaction on the site.&nbsp;</p><p>In the late 1990s and early 2000s, eBay experienced phenomenal growth and listed on stock exchanges in 1998. It acquired other firms like PayPal and Skype. But over the years, eBay lost ground to Amazon, whose seamless shopping experience proved far superior.</p><p>In 2015, it spun off PayPal and sold StubHub to focus on its core marketplace. It still grew in collectibles, recommerce, advertising, and international markets, but continued to be a slow-growing business.</p><p>Interestingly, eBay is still a far bigger company than GameStop. Its FY2025 revenue was approximately $11.1 billion, up 8 per cent. Its Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) stands at $79.6 billion. eBay had a strong first quarter in 2026, with revenue of $3.1 billion, up 19 per cent, and net income of $512 million.</p><p>The market capitalisation of eBay is far higher than GameStop's, at around $46 billion. While eBay is still profitable with solid margins, its growth is modest relative to its peak innovation years.</p><p>The enthusiasm for GameStop acquiring eBay comes mainly from the hope that eBay can be better than it is today. It is seen as undervalued or under-optimised. It still has a valuable brand, user base, and GMV, but faces competitive pressures from the likes of Amazon.</p><h2>How times have changed. What GameStop bid for eBay means</h2><p>In a way, GameStop's bid for eBay—successful or not—is an inflection point in internet history. A brick-and-mortar company that was helped by retail investors during the Covid-era meme stock boom is trying to buy a pioneer of the Web 1 era. Can things get more ironic than that?</p><p>For all practical purposes, this bid might still not work out due to the size difference between the companies and questions around financing as well as regulatory hurdles. But it is definitely a reflection of the interesting times we live in.</p>

GameStop’s bold bid to buy eBay marks the rise of a struggling video game retailer to a meme stock powerhouse. Recommerce giant eBay’s journey was almost the reverse, from pioneer to second-best as it lost ground to Amazon despite steady growth.

GameStop has made an audacious bid to buy legacy e-commerce giant eBay, several times its size in market cap. How did this brick-and-mortar retailer of video games become so big? Part of the story is about the Robin Hood image it got during the meme stock phenomenon. Here is the interesting story: What is GameStop? A story from traditional retailer to meme stock Until just a few years ago, GameStop was a declining retailer of new and used video games. Its stores sold video games, consoles and accessories across America. In the heydays of video game popularity a decade ago, its revenues peaked. Since then, with digital downloads replacing traditional CDs and DVDs of games, profits declined, leading GameStop to shut down many stores. Its lowest moment was when it moved to selling collectibles, trading cards and toys. But then came the 'meme stock' phenomenon of the post-pandemic era. In 2021, activist investor Ryan Cohen pushed for an e-commerce transformation of GameStop. Groups of small retail investors talked up the GameStop stock on various platforms, mainly on Reddit's r/WallStreetBets. This led to coordinated buying of the stock, causing it to surge over 1,500 per cent in weeks. Many of the GameStop investors were not finance experts, but teens and gaming enthusiasts cooped up at home during Covid shutdowns, trying to make a quick buck. GameStop became the symbol of 'meme stocks', wherein retail investors were fighting Wall Street heavyweights. It even inspired the film Dumb Money. Cohen, the largest individual investor of GameStop, became its chairman in 2021 and CEO in 2023. During the peak of meme stock interest in GameStop, the company used share offerings, managing to eliminate most of its debt and amass cash. It also implemented cost-cutting measures to become profitable despite falling sales. By early 2026, GameStop had $9.4 billion in cash or liquid investments. It still had low revenue but reported positive net income of $418 million for the year ended 31 January, and nearly $4.2 billion in long-term convertible debt. GameStop market cap gave it the courage to bid for eBay Sitting on a market capitalisation of around $12 billion, GameStop made an unsolicited, non-binding bid to buy eBay at $125 a share this week. The planned acquisition is valued at around $56 billion, a 20 per cent premium on the eBay stock. The deal offered is 50 per cent in cash and 50 per cent in stock. It will use GameStop's existing cash reserves and a $20 billion financing commitment from TD Bank. Cohen is trying to synergise GameStop's brick-and-mortar stores with eBay's online presence, while also envisaging cost cuts of $2 billion a year. The plan is to develop a rival to Amazon in the collectibles and recommerce space. But Does GameStop have the moolah to take on eBay? It's a trick question. GameStop's revenue of $3.63 billion is down 5 per cent year on year, but it is still profitable with a strong balance sheet for a company of its size. From pioneer to also-ran: How eBay went from first e-commerce giant to acquisition target Founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, eBay pioneered consumer-to-consumer e-commerce and popularised online auctions and marketplaces, before Amazon became the giant in this space. Omidyar famously sold a broken laser pointer as the first transaction on the site. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, eBay experienced phenomenal growth and listed on stock exchanges in 1998. It acquired other firms like PayPal and Skype. But over the years, eBay lost ground to Amazon, whose seamless shopping experience proved far superior. In 2015, it spun off PayPal and sold StubHub to focus on its core marketplace. It still grew in collectibles, recommerce, advertising, and international markets, but continued to be a slow-growing business. Interestingly, eBay is still a far bigger company than GameStop. Its FY2025 revenue was approximately $11.1 billion, up 8 per cent. Its Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) stands at $79.6 billion. eBay had a strong first quarter in 2026, with revenue of $3.1 billion, up 19 per cent, and net income of $512 million. The market capitalisation of eBay is far higher than GameStop's, at around $46 billion. While eBay is still profitable with solid margins, its growth is modest relative to its peak innovation years. The enthusiasm for GameStop acquiring eBay comes mainly from the hope that eBay can be better than it is today. It is seen as undervalued or under-optimised. It still has a valuable brand, user base, and GMV, but faces competitive pressures from the likes of Amazon. How times have changed. What GameStop bid for eBay means In a way, GameStop's bid for eBay—successful or not—is an inflection point in internet history. A brick-and-mortar company that was helped by retail investors during the Covid-era meme stock boom is trying to buy a pioneer of the Web 1 era. Can things get more ironic than that? For all practical purposes, this bid might still not work out due to the size difference between the companies and questions around financing as well as regulatory hurdles. But it is definitely a reflection of the interesting times we live in.

<p>GameStop’s bold bid to buy eBay marks the rise of a struggling video game retailer to a meme stock powerhouse. Recommerce giant eBay’s journey is almost the reverse, from pioneer to second-best as it lost ground to Amazon despite steady growth.</p>

'Meme stock' GameStop's brave bid for ecommerce giant eBay is confusing many. How times have changed

<p>Apple is preparing to showcase its next major software update, iOS 27, at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) scheduled from June 8 to June 12. According to reports, the company is focusing on artificial intelligence features and improvements to Siri, rather than major design changes this year.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Focus on AI and performance improvements</strong></h2><p>Reports suggest that iOS 27 will bring incremental updates, with a stronger focus on performance and AI capabilities. Unlike previous updates that introduced major design changes, this version is expected to prioritise stability and optimisation. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is aiming to deliver a system that works better with its growing AI features, while keeping the experience smooth for users.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Upgrades coming to Photos and Visual Intelligence</strong></h2><p>One of the key areas of improvement is the Photos app. Users are expected to get new tools that can extend, enhance and reframe images directly within the app. These tools are part of Apple’s broader push into AI-powered editing. Apple is also working on improving its Visual Intelligence feature. Currently, this feature uses external tools like ChatGPT to analyse images. In iOS 27, it may be integrated into the camera as a Siri-based mode, allowing users to get information in real time through the camera view.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>New features using camera and real-world data</strong></h2><p>The update is also expected to introduce features that use the camera to gather useful information. For example, users may be able to scan food packaging to get nutrition details or capture contact information directly from what the camera sees. These additions show how Apple is trying to combine AI with everyday tasks in a simple way.</p><h2><strong>Siri to get a major upgrade</strong></h2><p>Siri is likely to see one of the biggest changes in iOS 27. Reports indicate that Apple is planning to turn Siri into a standalone app, giving it a more central role across the system.</p><p>The updated Siri is expected to:</p><p>Handle multiple commands in one request</p><p><strong>Work across different apps</strong></p><p>Provide deeper interaction within Apple services A new feature called “Ask Siri” may allow users to interact with content inside apps by asking questions directly.</p><p><strong>Competition with AI chatbots</strong></p><p>With these changes, Siri could move closer to competing with AI chatbots like Google Gemini and Claude.</p><p>The assistant may also support third-party tools through the App Store, making it more flexible for users.</p><h2><strong>What to expect at WWDC 2026</strong></h2><p>Apple is expected to officially reveal iOS 27 at WWDC 2026, along with updates for its other platforms. While the update may not bring major visual changes, its focus on AI and Siri suggests a shift towards smarter and more useful features.</p><p>As the company continues to build its AI ecosystem, iOS 27 could play a key role in shaping how users interact with their devices in the coming years.</p>

Apple is preparing to showcase its next major software update, iOS 27, at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) scheduled from June 8 to June 12. According to reports, they are focusing on AI features and improvements, rather than major design changes this year. 


Apple is preparing to showcase its next major software update, iOS 27, at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) scheduled from June 8 to June 12. According to reports, the company is focusing on artificial intelligence features and improvements to Siri, rather than major design changes this year. Focus on AI and performance improvements Reports suggest that iOS 27 will bring incremental updates, with a stronger focus on performance and AI capabilities. Unlike previous updates that introduced major design changes, this version is expected to prioritise stability and optimisation. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is aiming to deliver a system that works better with its growing AI features, while keeping the experience smooth for users. Upgrades coming to Photos and Visual Intelligence One of the key areas of improvement is the Photos app. Users are expected to get new tools that can extend, enhance and reframe images directly within the app. These tools are part of Apple’s broader push into AI-powered editing. Apple is also working on improving its Visual Intelligence feature. Currently, this feature uses external tools like ChatGPT to analyse images. In iOS 27, it may be integrated into the camera as a Siri-based mode, allowing users to get information in real time through the camera view. New features using camera and real-world data The update is also expected to introduce features that use the camera to gather useful information. For example, users may be able to scan food packaging to get nutrition details or capture contact information directly from what the camera sees. These additions show how Apple is trying to combine AI with everyday tasks in a simple way. Siri to get a major upgrade Siri is likely to see one of the biggest changes in iOS 27. Reports indicate that Apple is planning to turn Siri into a standalone app, giving it a more central role across the system. The updated Siri is expected to: Handle multiple commands in one request Work across different apps Provide deeper interaction within Apple services A new feature called “Ask Siri” may allow users to interact with content inside apps by asking questions directly. Competition with AI chatbots With these changes, Siri could move closer to competing with AI chatbots like Google Gemini and Claude. The assistant may also support third-party tools through the App Store, making it more flexible for users. What to expect at WWDC 2026 Apple is expected to officially reveal iOS 27 at WWDC 2026, along with updates for its other platforms. While the update may not bring major visual changes, its focus on AI and Siri suggests a shift towards smarter and more useful features. As the company continues to build its AI ecosystem, iOS 27 could play a key role in shaping how users interact with their devices in the coming years.

<p>Apple is preparing to showcase its next major software update, iOS 27, at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) scheduled from June 8 to June 12. According to reports, they are focusing on AI features and improvements, rather than major design changes this year.&nbsp;</p>

‘WWDC 2026’: How Apple plans to improve Siri and AI in iOS 27

<p>Meta steps into humanoid robotics with ARI acquisition: What it means for AI strategy</p><p>Meta has expanded its artificial intelligence efforts by acquiring Assured Robot Intelligence (ARI), a startup that develops AI systems for humanoid robots. The company said ARI works on technology that helps robots understand, predict and respond to human behaviour in complex environments. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but the move signals Meta’s growing focus on robotics alongside its existing AI investments.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What ARI adds to Meta’s AI push</strong></h2><p>ARI’s work is focused on improving how robots interact with people and surroundings. Its systems are designed to help machines process human actions and adapt in real time. As part of the deal, ARI’s team, including researchers Xiaolong Wang, Lerrel Pinto and Xuxin Cheng, will join Meta’s AI division. Their experience in robotics and machine learning is expected to support Meta’s long-term plans in building intelligent systems that can operate in real-world settings.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Meta’s broader plan for robotics</strong></h2><p>The newly acquired team will work under Meta Superintelligence Labs, led by Alexandr Wang, and collaborate with Meta’s Robotics Studio. This division is focused on building the core technology required for humanoid robots, including software systems, sensors and AI models. Reports suggest that Meta has been exploring both software and hardware for robots, indicating that the company may eventually develop products aimed at everyday use.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>A possible platform for humanoid robots</strong></h2><p>Industry reports indicate that Meta may be working on a broader ecosystem for robotics. The idea is to build a common software platform that other manufacturers can use, similar to how Android powers smartphones. Meta’s leadership has previously suggested that such technology could be licensed, allowing different companies to build robots using a shared system. This approach could help standardise how humanoid robots operate across the industry.</p><h2><strong>Competition in the growing robot market</strong></h2><p>Meta is entering a space where several major companies are already active. Tesla is developing its Optimus robot, while Google is working on AI models designed for robotics. At the same time, Chinese companies are also advancing in humanoid development, with some robots showing strong capabilities in movement and speed. This growing competition highlights the importance of robotics as the next area of technological development.</p><h2><strong>Shift in focus from metaverse to AI</strong></h2><p>Meta’s move into robotics also reflects a shift in its strategy. The company had earlier focused on the metaverse but has since reduced updates to its Horizon Worlds platform. It is now investing more in AI technologies, including large language models, AI agents and robotics. This shift suggests that Meta sees AI as a key area for future growth.</p><h2><strong>What this means for the future</strong></h2><p>Meta’s entry into humanoid robotics shows how AI is moving beyond software into physical systems. While the company has not announced any products yet, its investments in talent and technology indicate long-term plans. As development continues, the focus will likely remain on building robots that can understand human behaviour, perform tasks and assist in daily activities. The coming years will determine how these efforts translate into real-world use and how Meta competes with other players in this space.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Meta has acquired Assured Robot Intelligence (ARI), a startup focused on AI systems for humanoid robots. The move signals Meta’s push to expand beyond software AI into physical, real-world intelligence systems. ARI’s team will join Meta’s AI division to help build robots.

Meta steps into humanoid robotics with ARI acquisition: What it means for AI strategy Meta has expanded its artificial intelligence efforts by acquiring Assured Robot Intelligence (ARI), a startup that develops AI systems for humanoid robots. The company said ARI works on technology that helps robots understand, predict and respond to human behaviour in complex environments. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but the move signals Meta’s growing focus on robotics alongside its existing AI investments. What ARI adds to Meta’s AI push ARI’s work is focused on improving how robots interact with people and surroundings. Its systems are designed to help machines process human actions and adapt in real time. As part of the deal, ARI’s team, including researchers Xiaolong Wang, Lerrel Pinto and Xuxin Cheng, will join Meta’s AI division. Their experience in robotics and machine learning is expected to support Meta’s long-term plans in building intelligent systems that can operate in real-world settings. Meta’s broader plan for robotics The newly acquired team will work under Meta Superintelligence Labs, led by Alexandr Wang, and collaborate with Meta’s Robotics Studio. This division is focused on building the core technology required for humanoid robots, including software systems, sensors and AI models. Reports suggest that Meta has been exploring both software and hardware for robots, indicating that the company may eventually develop products aimed at everyday use. A possible platform for humanoid robots Industry reports indicate that Meta may be working on a broader ecosystem for robotics. The idea is to build a common software platform that other manufacturers can use, similar to how Android powers smartphones. Meta’s leadership has previously suggested that such technology could be licensed, allowing different companies to build robots using a shared system. This approach could help standardise how humanoid robots operate across the industry. Competition in the growing robot market Meta is entering a space where several major companies are already active. Tesla is developing its Optimus robot, while Google is working on AI models designed for robotics. At the same time, Chinese companies are also advancing in humanoid development, with some robots showing strong capabilities in movement and speed. This growing competition highlights the importance of robotics as the next area of technological development. Shift in focus from metaverse to AI Meta’s move into robotics also reflects a shift in its strategy. The company had earlier focused on the metaverse but has since reduced updates to its Horizon Worlds platform. It is now investing more in AI technologies, including large language models, AI agents and robotics. This shift suggests that Meta sees AI as a key area for future growth. What this means for the future Meta’s entry into humanoid robotics shows how AI is moving beyond software into physical systems. While the company has not announced any products yet, its investments in talent and technology indicate long-term plans. As development continues, the focus will likely remain on building robots that can understand human behaviour, perform tasks and assist in daily activities. The coming years will determine how these efforts translate into real-world use and how Meta competes with other players in this space.

<p>Meta has acquired Assured Robot Intelligence (ARI), a startup focused on AI systems for humanoid robots. The move signals Meta’s push to expand beyond software AI into physical, real-world intelligence systems. ARI’s team will join Meta’s AI division to help build robots.</p>

‘Meta’s robotics plan’: What the ARI deal reveals about the future

<p>Google has accidentally revealed details of its upcoming AI assistant, COSMO, after an experimental app briefly appeared on the Play Store. The app, which was around 1.13 GB in size, was uploaded on May 1, 2026, and quickly downloaded and analysed before being removed. The leak comes just weeks before Google I/O 2026, where the company is expected to showcase its latest AI developments. According to reports, the listing was not meant for public release, but it has already given a clear idea of Google’s next direction in AI assistants.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What is Google COSMO and how is it different?</strong></h2><p>COSMO appears to be very different from AI assistants. Instead of waiting for user commands, it is designed to act as a system that can understand context and assist users automatically. In simple terms, it works like an AI layer inside the device that can observe what the user is doing and offer help when needed. This marks a shift from reactive assistants, which respond only when asked, to proactive systems that can anticipate actions. The goal is to reduce the need for manual inputs and make everyday tasks easier.</p><h2><strong>Powered by on-device and hybrid AI system</strong></h2><p>One of the key aspects of COSMO is its ability to run directly on the device. It uses Gemini Nano, which allows it to function locally on Android devices without depending fully on the internet. This means faster responses and better privacy in certain cases. At the same time, COSMO also uses a hybrid system that can switch to cloud-based processing for more complex tasks. This combination of local and cloud AI helps balance speed, accuracy and performance, making the assistant more flexible in real-world use.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Real-time screen awareness and smart assistance</strong></h2><p>Another important feature of COSMO is its ability to understand what is happening on the user’s screen. By using Android system tools, the assistant can analyse content in real time and provide relevant suggestions. For example, it can recognise conversations, detect tasks, and offer help without the user needing to ask. This level of awareness allows COSMO to assist in a more natural way, making interactions smoother compared to earlier AI tools.</p><h2><strong>Key features revealed in the leak</strong></h2><p>The leaked version of COSMO shows several practical features that highlight its capabilities. It can suggest calendar events when it detects plans being discussed, find photos based on user references, and help write or summarise documents. It can also provide summaries of conversations and compile information from multiple sources for research tasks. Another notable feature is browser automation, where the assistant can perform actions on websites instead of just providing answers. These features suggest that COSMO is designed to complete tasks, not just respond to queries.</p><h2><strong>What the leak suggests about Google’s AI strategy</strong></h2><p>The accidental release of COSMO gives insight into Google’s broader AI strategy. The company appears to be focusing on assistants that are more deeply integrated into devices and capable of taking action. This includes combining on-device intelligence with cloud systems and building assistants that understand context better. Industry trends also show a similar direction, where AI tools are becoming more proactive and useful in daily workflows rather than just being conversational tools.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It is still unclear how Google will officially introduce COSMO. The assistant may launch as a standalone product or become part of existing services like Gemini. Since the leaked version appears unfinished, changes are likely before any public release. However, one thing is clear: the future of AI assistants is moving towards systems that can understand users better, act independently, and help complete tasks efficiently. With Google I/O 2026 approaching, COSMO has already set expectations for what could be announced next.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is Google COSMO and how is it different?</strong></p><p>COSMO appears to be very different from AI assistants. Instead of waiting for user commands, it is designed to act as a system that can understand context and assist users automatically. In simple terms, it works like an AI layer inside the device that can observe what the user is doing and offer help when needed. This marks a shift from reactive assistants, which respond only when asked, to proactive systems that can anticipate actions. The goal is to reduce the need for manual inputs and make everyday tasks easier.</p><h2><strong>Powered by on-device and hybrid AI system</strong></h2><p>One of the key aspects of COSMO is its ability to run directly on the device. It uses Gemini Nano, which allows it to function locally on Android devices without depending fully on the internet. This means faster responses and better privacy in certain cases. At the same time, COSMO also uses a hybrid system that can switch to cloud-based processing for more complex tasks. This combination of local and cloud AI helps balance speed, accuracy and performance, making the assistant more flexible in real-world use. </p><h2><strong>Real-time screen awareness and smart assistance</strong></h2><p>Another important feature of COSMO is its ability to understand what is happening on the user’s screen. By using Android system tools, the assistant can analyse content in real time and provide relevant suggestions. For example, it can recognise conversations, detect tasks, and offer help without the user needing to ask. This level of awareness allows COSMO to assist in a more natural way, making interactions smoother compared to earlier AI tools.</p><h2><strong>Key features revealed in the leak</strong></h2><p>The leaked version of COSMO shows several practical features that highlight its capabilities. It can suggest calendar events when it detects plans being discussed, find photos based on user references, and help write or summarise documents. It can also provide summaries of conversations and compile information from multiple sources for research tasks. Another notable feature is browser automation, where the assistant can perform actions on websites instead of just providing answers. These features suggest that COSMO is designed to complete tasks, not just respond to queries.</p><h2><strong>What the leak suggests about Google’s AI strategy</strong></h2><p>The accidental release of COSMO gives insight into Google’s broader AI strategy. The company appears to be focusing on assistants that are more deeply integrated into devices and capable of taking action. This includes combining on-device intelligence with cloud systems and building assistants that understand context better. Industry trends also show a similar direction, where AI tools are becoming more proactive and useful in daily workflows rather than just being conversational tools.</p><p> </p><p>It is still unclear how Google will officially introduce COSMO. The assistant may launch as a standalone product or become part of existing services like Gemini. Since the leaked version appears unfinished, changes are likely before any public release. However, one thing is clear: the future of AI assistants is moving towards systems that can understand users better, act independently, and help complete tasks efficiently. With Google I/O 2026 approaching, COSMO has already set expectations for what could be announced next.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

Google has accidentally revealed its upcoming AI assistant COSMO after a test app briefly appeared on the Play Store ahead of Google I/O 2026. The leak suggests a major shift from traditional AI to proactive, context-aware AI that can understand user activity and act automatically. 

Google has accidentally revealed details of its upcoming AI assistant, COSMO, after an experimental app briefly appeared on the Play Store. The app, which was around 1.13 GB in size, was uploaded on May 1, 2026, and quickly downloaded and analysed before being removed. The leak comes just weeks before Google I/O 2026, where the company is expected to showcase its latest AI developments. According to reports, the listing was not meant for public release, but it has already given a clear idea of Google’s next direction in AI assistants. What is Google COSMO and how is it different? COSMO appears to be very different from AI assistants. Instead of waiting for user commands, it is designed to act as a system that can understand context and assist users automatically. In simple terms, it works like an AI layer inside the device that can observe what the user is doing and offer help when needed. This marks a shift from reactive assistants, which respond only when asked, to proactive systems that can anticipate actions. The goal is to reduce the need for manual inputs and make everyday tasks easier. Powered by on-device and hybrid AI system One of the key aspects of COSMO is its ability to run directly on the device. It uses Gemini Nano, which allows it to function locally on Android devices without depending fully on the internet. This means faster responses and better privacy in certain cases. At the same time, COSMO also uses a hybrid system that can switch to cloud-based processing for more complex tasks. This combination of local and cloud AI helps balance speed, accuracy and performance, making the assistant more flexible in real-world use. Real-time screen awareness and smart assistance Another important feature of COSMO is its ability to understand what is happening on the user’s screen. By using Android system tools, the assistant can analyse content in real time and provide relevant suggestions. For example, it can recognise conversations, detect tasks, and offer help without the user needing to ask. This level of awareness allows COSMO to assist in a more natural way, making interactions smoother compared to earlier AI tools. Key features revealed in the leak The leaked version of COSMO shows several practical features that highlight its capabilities. It can suggest calendar events when it detects plans being discussed, find photos based on user references, and help write or summarise documents. It can also provide summaries of conversations and compile information from multiple sources for research tasks. Another notable feature is browser automation, where the assistant can perform actions on websites instead of just providing answers. These features suggest that COSMO is designed to complete tasks, not just respond to queries. What the leak suggests about Google’s AI strategy The accidental release of COSMO gives insight into Google’s broader AI strategy. The company appears to be focusing on assistants that are more deeply integrated into devices and capable of taking action. This includes combining on-device intelligence with cloud systems and building assistants that understand context better. Industry trends also show a similar direction, where AI tools are becoming more proactive and useful in daily workflows rather than just being conversational tools. It is still unclear how Google will officially introduce COSMO. The assistant may launch as a standalone product or become part of existing services like Gemini. Since the leaked version appears unfinished, changes are likely before any public release. However, one thing is clear: the future of AI assistants is moving towards systems that can understand users better, act independently, and help complete tasks efficiently. With Google I/O 2026 approaching, COSMO has already set expectations for what could be announced next.

<p>Google has accidentally revealed its upcoming AI assistant COSMO after a test app briefly appeared on the Play Store ahead of Google I/O 2026. The leak suggests a major shift from traditional AI to proactive, context-aware AI that can understand user activity and act automatically.&nbsp;</p>

Google accidentally reveals COSMO, an AI assistant that can think and act for users without commands: Here’s what it can do

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Google accidentally reveals COSMO AI assistant: Here’s what it can do