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Google enhances Gemini AI with smarter personalisation

Google has announced an update to its Gemini AI assistant, enhancing personalisation to better anticipate user needs and deliver responses that feel more like those of a personal assistant.

The feature, initially available on desktop before rolling out to mobile, allows Gemini to offer tailored recommendations, such as travel ideas, based on search history and, in the future, data from apps like Photos and YouTube.

Users can opt in to the new personalisation features, sharing details like dietary preferences or past conversations to refine responses further.

Google assures that users must explicitly grant permission for Gemini to access search history and other services, and they can disconnect at any time.

However, this level of contextual awareness could give Google an advantage over competitors like ChatGPT by leveraging its vast ecosystem of user data.

The update signals a shift in how users interact with AI, bringing it closer to traditional search while raising questions for publishers and SEO professionals.

As Gemini increasingly provides direct, personalised answers, it may reduce the need for users to visit external websites. While currently experimental, the potential for Google to push broader adoption of AI-driven personalisation could reshape digital content discovery and search behaviour in the future.

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Major companies back global nuclear energy expansion

Several major companies, including Amazon and Google, have pledged to support the goal of tripling the world’s nuclear energy capacity by 2050.

However, this commitment was made during the CERAWeek conference in Houston, with other signatories such as shale company Occidental and Japanese firm IHI Corp. The World Nuclear Association (WNA) facilitated the pledge and expects more industries, including maritime and aviation, to join in the coming months.

Nuclear energy currently accounts for 9% of the world’s electricity, produced by 439 power reactors. As large tech companies like Amazon and Google pursue nuclear projects, including small modular reactors, the demand for uranium, essential for nuclear technology, has surged.

However, uranium supply remains constrained, mainly coming from Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia.

With high demand, uranium prices reached a 16-year peak last year, driven by supply disruptions during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Despite this, global nuclear power generation continues to be concentrated in just a few countries, with 411 reactors in operation as of early 2025, providing a combined 371 gigawatts of capacity.

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Indian police arrest Garantex administrator wanted by US

Indian authorities have arrested Aleksej Besciokov, an administrator of the Russian cryptocurrency exchange Garantex, at the request of the US.

Besciokov, a Russian resident and Lithuanian national, was taken into custody in Kerala on charges of money laundering and violating sanctions. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said he was planning to flee India, and Washington is expected to seek his extradition.

The arrest follows a joint operation by the US, Germany, and Finland to dismantle Garantex’s online infrastructure.

The exchange, under US sanctions since 2022, has processed at least $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions since 2019. The US Justice Department recently charged two administrators, including Besciokov, with operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business.

Experts warn that sanctioned exchanges often attempt to bypass restrictions by setting up new entities. Blockchain research firm TRM Labs called the Garantex takedown a significant step in combating illicit finance but emphasised the need for continued vigilance against evasion tactics.

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Singapore fraud case involves $390 million in transactions

Singapore prosecutors revealed on Thursday that a fraud case involving local firms accused of illegally supplying US servers to Malaysia involves transactions worth $390 million.

Three men—Singaporeans Aaron Woon and Alan Wei, along with Chinese national Li Ming—have been charged with deceiving tech giants Dell and Super Micro by misrepresenting the servers’ final destination.

The case has been linked to Chinese AI firm DeepSeek, which is under US scrutiny over the potential use of banned Nvidia chips.

While Singapore authorities confirmed the servers may have contained Nvidia components, they did not specify whether these were the restricted high-end semiconductors subject to US export controls.

Singapore’s Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam declined to comment on the alleged connection.

Prosecutors claim Wei paid himself tens of millions in dividends, while Woon received a multimillion-dollar bonus. Singaporean authorities are investigating a wider network of 22 individuals and companies suspected of similar fraudulent practices, with six additional arrests made.

The accused are set to reappear in court on May 2, while Malaysian authorities are also probing potential legal violations.

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India plans five-year limit on satellite spectrum

India’s telecom regulator plans to recommend allocating satellite broadband spectrum for around five years to assess market adoption, a move that goes against Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has been pushing for a 20-year permit.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is finalising key recommendations on the licensing timeframe and pricing, opting for a shorter period to monitor industry growth before making long-term commitments.

A government official confirmed TRAI is inclined towards a five-year limit, allowing regulators to review the market and revise spectrum pricing as needed.

However, this decision could impact Starlink’s long-term plans in India, as its deals with Reliance and Airtel are still pending regulatory approvals. Meanwhile, industry forecasts suggest India’s satellite communication sector could expand over tenfold, reaching $25 billion by 2028.

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Zhipu AI raises 500 million yuan amid rising competition

Chinese startup Zhipu AI has secured 500 million yuan (£54.8 million) in funding from the state-owned Huafa Group, following a separate 1 billion yuan capital raise earlier this month.

Huafa Group, a government-backed conglomerate based in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, announced its investment as Chinese cities compete to support AI firms, a sector seen as critical in Beijing’s technological rivalry with the US.

The funding comes amid increasing competition in China’s AI industry, particularly with Hangzhou-backed DeepSeek, whose large language models have gained attention for their cost-effectiveness and performance against Western alternatives.

Zhipu AI, established in 2019 and recognised as one of China’s ‘AI tigers,’ has received investments from major tech firms including Tencent, Meituan, and Xiaomi. The startup was valued at 20 billion yuan (£2.2 billion) in a funding round last July, according to business registration platform Qichacha.

With the new funding, Zhipu AI aims to enhance technological innovation and further develop its GLM foundation model.

However, the company faces challenges on the international stage, having been added to the US Commerce Department’s export control list in January, restricting its access to American components.

Despite these hurdles, China continues to bolster its AI sector as it seeks to establish a leading position in global artificial intelligence development.

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FTC confirms no delay in Amazon trial

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on Wednesday that it does not need to delay its September trial against Amazon, contradicting an earlier claim by one of its attorneys about resource shortages.

Jonathan Cohen, an FTC lawyer, retracted his statement that cost-cutting measures had strained the agency’s ability to proceed, assuring the court that the FTC is fully prepared to litigate the case.

FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson reaffirmed the agency’s commitment, dismissing concerns over budget constraints and stating that the FTC will not back down from taking on Big Tech.

Earlier in the day, Cohen had described a ‘dire resource situation,’ citing employee resignations, a hiring freeze, and restrictions on legal expenses. However, he later clarified that these challenges would not impact the case.

The lawsuit, filed in 2023, accuses Amazon of using ‘dark patterns’ to mislead consumers into enrolling in automatically renewing Prime subscriptions, a program with over 200 million users.

With claims exceeding $1 billion, the trial is expected to be a high-profile battle between regulators and one of the world’s largest tech companies. Amazon has denied any wrongdoing, and three of its senior executives are also named in the case.

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OpenAI launches responses API for AI agent development

OpenAI has unveiled new tools to help developers and businesses build AI agents, which are automated systems that can independently perform tasks. These tools are part of OpenAI’s new Responses API, allowing enterprises to create custom AI agents that can search the web, navigate websites, and scan company files, similar to OpenAI’s existing Operator product. The company plans to phase out its older Assistants API by 2026, replacing it with the new capabilities.

The Responses API provides developers with access to powerful AI models, such as GPT-4o search and GPT-4o mini search, which are designed for high factual accuracy. OpenAI claims these models can offer more reliable answers than previous versions, with GPT-4o search achieving a 90% accuracy rate. Additionally, the platform includes a file search feature to help companies quickly retrieve information from their databases. The CUA model, which automates tasks like data entry, is also available, allowing developers to automate workflows with more precision.

Despite its promise, OpenAI acknowledges that there are still challenges to address, such as AI hallucinations and occasional errors in task automation. However, the company continues to improve its models, and the introduction of the Agents SDK gives developers the tools they need to build, debug, and optimise AI agents. OpenAI’s goal is to move beyond demos and create impactful tools that will shape the future of AI in enterprise applications.

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AI will enhance, not replace, programmers, says IBM CEO

At the SXSW conference, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna addressed two key topics: global trade and the role of artificial intelligence in programming. Krishna expressed his belief that global trade remains vital for economic growth, citing the historical correlation between increased trade and GDP growth.

He also argued that embracing international talent through policies supporting immigration would benefit the US, allowing it to remain competitive in the global market.

Turning to AI, Krishna disagreed with predictions that AI would soon take over coding entirely. Instead, he believes AI will increase programmer productivity by assisting with simpler tasks, allowing developers to focus on more complex problems.

He argued that AI could boost the output of existing teams, helping companies gain market share by enabling faster production and more efficient workflows.

While AI may revolutionise some aspects of work, Krishna maintained that it won’t replace human workers entirely. Drawing a parallel with the initial fears surrounding calculators and Photoshop, he described AI as a tool that enhances rather than replaces human expertise.

His comments come amid growing discussions about the future role of AI in various industries, including programming. Krishna also acknowledged the ongoing challenges in AI, such as intellectual property concerns and the need for energy-efficient models.

Krishna further stated that while AI would become cheaper and more accessible, it would not be the key to groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Instead, he emphasised the potential of quantum computing to accelerate innovation, with IBM’s ongoing investments in the technology.

His remarks highlighted both the promise and the limitations of AI, positioning it as an important tool in advancing industries but not a solution to all challenges.

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Elea introduces AI-powered solution for pathology labs

Elea, a Hamburg-based startup, is harnessing the power of AI to tackle inefficiencies in healthcare, starting with pathology labs.

The company’s AI operating system replaces outdated systems, offering a voice-powered solution that automates tasks such as report transcription and data handling.

Elea’s tool promises to significantly reduce the time it takes for labs to generate reports, with initial results showing a reduction from weeks to just a few days.

The AI system is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing lab processes, acting as an all-in-one solution that coordinates tasks traditionally managed by separate systems.

Elea’s cloud-based platform uses speech-to-text and text-to-structure technologies to automate everything from report writing to handling laboratory equipment, streamlining operations and reducing human error.

Founded in 2024, Elea has already secured a partnership with a major German hospital group, and it plans to expand internationally, particularly into the US The company recently raised €4 million in seed funding to support its growth.

Elea is betting on a gradual scaling strategy, aiming to improve productivity in pathology labs before potentially expanding its AI tools to other areas of healthcare, such as radiology.

Despite potential challenges, including accuracy concerns and data privacy, Elea is confident in its ability to revolutionise lab work.

By focusing on operational workflows, the German company hopes to improve both the speed and reliability of healthcare services, offering a glimpse into the future of AI in the medical field.

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