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Google email will reply by using your voice

Google is building a next-generation email system that uses generative AI to reply to mundane messages in your own tone, according to DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis.

Speaking at SXSW London, Hassabis said the system would handle everyday emails instead of requiring users to write repetitive responses themselves.

Hassabis called email ‘the thing I really want to get rid of,’ and joked he’d pay thousands each month for that luxury. He emphasised that while AI could help cure diseases or combat climate change, it should also solve smaller daily annoyances first—like managing inbox overload.

The upcoming feature aims to identify routine emails and draft replies that reflect the user’s writing style, potentially making decisions on simpler matters.

While details are still limited, the project remains under development and could debut as part of Google’s premium AI subscription model before reaching free-tier users.

Gmail already includes generative tools that adjust message tone, but the new system goes further—automating replies instead of just suggesting edits.

Hassabis also envisioned a universal AI assistant that protects users’ attention and supports digital well-being, offering personalised recommendations and taking care of routine digital tasks.

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Ask Photos rollout stalls as Google tackles speed and UX

Google has temporarily paused the rollout of its Ask Photos feature in Google Photos, citing performance concerns.

The tool, powered by Gemini’s multimodal AI, was designed to enhance search by allowing users to find images using natural language—such as ‘pictures of my dog eating on the sofa’ or ‘me in a swimming pool.’

The feature began rolling out in September last year but has seen limited availability. Google Photos product manager Jamie Aspinall revealed the rollout had stalled at ‘very small numbers’ due to latency, quality and user experience issues.

He confirmed that an improved version is expected within two weeks, promising search speeds comparable to the app’s original functionality.

Users with access to Ask Photos can continue using it, though they may encounter slow response times. Those who prefer to wait can turn off the feature in the app’s settings until the update is released.

In the meantime, Google has improved its traditional photo search capabilities. You can now search for specific text in your images by enclosing keywords in quotation marks. This refined approach delivers more accurate results for users who prefer a faster and more direct search experience.

As part of its tenth-anniversary celebrations, Google Photos has also introduced new features, including an updated image editor with AI tools, the ability to share albums via QR codes, and broader access to formerly Pixel 9-exclusive tools like Reimagine and Auto Frame.

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Salt Typhoon and Silk Typhoon reveal weaknesses

Recent revelations about Salt Typhoon and Silk Typhoon have exposed severe weaknesses in how organisations secure their networks.

These state-affiliated hacking groups have demonstrated that modern cyber threats come from well-resourced and coordinated actors instead of isolated individuals.

Salt Typhoon, responsible for one of the largest cyber intrusions into US infrastructure, exploited cloud network vulnerabilities targeting telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon, forcing companies to reassess their reliance on traditional private circuits.

Many firms continue to believe private circuits offer better protection simply because they are off the public internet. Some even add MACsec encryption for extra defence. However, MACsec’s ‘hop-by-hop’ design introduces new risks—data is repeatedly decrypted and re-encrypted at each routing point.

Every one of these hops becomes a possible target for attackers, who can intercept, manipulate, or exfiltrate data without detection, especially when third-party infrastructure is involved.

Beyond its security limitations, MACsec presents high operational complexity and cost, making it unsuitable for today’s cloud-first environments. In contrast, solutions like Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) offer simpler, end-to-end encryption.

Although not perfect in cloud settings, IPSec can be enhanced through parallel connections or expert guidance. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) urges organisations to prioritise complete encryption of all data in transit, regardless of the underlying network.

Silk Typhoon has further amplified concerns by exploiting privileged credentials and cloud APIs to infiltrate both on-premise and cloud systems. These actors use covert networks to maintain long-term access while remaining hidden.

As threats evolve, companies must adopt Zero Trust principles, strengthen identity controls, and closely monitor their cloud environments instead of relying on outdated security models.

Collaborating with cloud security experts can help shut down exposure risks and protect sensitive data from sophisticated and persistent threats.

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HMRC got targeted in a £47 million UK fraud

A phishing scheme run by organised crime groups cost the UK government £47 million, according to officials from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

Criminals posed as taxpayers to claim payments using fake or hijacked credentials. Rather than a cyberattack, the operation relied on impersonation and did not involve the theft of taxpayer data.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s deputy chief executive, confirmed to Parliament’s Treasury Committee that the fraud took place in 2024. The stolen funds were taken through three separate payments, though HMRC managed to block an additional £1.9 million attempt.

Officials began a cross-border criminal investigation soon after discovering the scam, which has led to arrests.

Around 100,000 PAYE accounts — typically used by employers for employee tax and national insurance payments — were either created fraudulently or accessed illegally.

Banks were also targeted through the use of HMRC-linked identity information. Customers first flagged the issue when they noticed unusual activity.

HMRC has shut down the fake accounts and removed false data as part of its response. John-Paul Marks, HMRC’s chief executive, assured the committee that the incident is now under control and contained. ‘That is a lot of money and unacceptable,’ MacDonald told MPs.

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Tebra introduces AI Note Assist to speed up clinical documentation

Tebra, a platform for independent healthcare providers, has launched AI Note Assist, an ambient documentation tool designed to streamline clinical note-taking significantly.

Integrated directly into Tebra’s electronic health record (EHR) system, the HIPAA-compliant solution promises to reduce the time spent on documentation by up to 50%.

The AI tool listens during patient consultations and automatically generates structured, editable clinical notes. It supports various formats, including SOAP notes, therapy progress notes, and psychiatric documentation, and even suggests ICD-10 codes based on conversation content.

All notes remain under the provider’s control, with the ability to review, edit and approve each entry to ensure clinical accuracy.

Tebra’s chief product and technology officer, Kyle Ryan, described the launch as a ‘significant milestone’ in supporting independent practices.

‘Our research shows that 82% of independent providers see more patient time as their key competitive advantage,’ said Ryan. ‘AI Note Assist helps them reclaim that advantage by reducing administrative workload, improving efficiency and minimising burnout.’

Clinically validated by practising healthcare professionals, the solution has been tested in real-world settings to ensure reliability and effectiveness. Tebra customers can use AI Note Assist immediately without requiring additional hardware or software installations.

By helping healthcare professionals cut down on documentation time while maintaining quality and compliance, Tebra aims to support providers in delivering more focused and personalised patient care.

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Dubai emerges as a top tech hub in the Middle East

Dubai is emerging as a global hub for technology and innovation, driven by government-backed initiatives and a thriving ecosystem of Free Zones.

Their economic agenda aims to make it the fastest and most connected city worldwide, with emphasis on AI, fintech, blockchain, and other industries.

Free Zones such as Internet City and Silicon Oasis offer foreign firms 100% ownership, minimal bureaucracy, and world-class infrastructure.

Recent regulatory changes now allow these businesses to operate beyond Free Zones under certain conditions, giving firms greater flexibility and market access.

Initiatives like the Dubai Future Foundation, the Centre for AI, and Sandbox Dubai reinforce the city’s commitment to technological advancement.

With its collaborative tech clusters and growing venture capital support, Dubai is positioning itself as the Middle East’s leading destination for innovation.

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Swiss startup Aeon raises €8.2M to expand AI health platform

Swiss startup Aeon has raised €8.2 million in seed funding to advance its AI-powered preventive health platform aimed at tackling avoidable deaths.

The round was led by Concentric, with backing from several European venture firms and renowned investor Daniel Gutenberg.

Swiss Aeon combines full-body MRI scans, blood biomarker analysis, and genetic testing to detect over 500 conditions at early stages.

The platform boasts a 0 per cent false positive rate in clinical follow-ups, addressing a common issue in preventive medicine while winning the confidence of major insurers.

Its AI platform performs automated imaging analysis, cross-validation, and predictive modelling, offering patients personalised risk profiles and health plans.

With growing insurer partnerships nearly full reimbursement for its check-ups, Aeon is redefining access to care and personalised early detection.

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Kagame hails Algeria ties and AI education support

President Paul Kagame has praised Algeria’s support in educating Rwandan students in artificial intelligence and data science during his official visit to Algiers.

He highlighted the strength of bilateral ties and commended Algeria’s National School of AI, where five Rwandan students are currently enrolled.

The visit featured one-on-one discussions with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, focusing on intra-African trade, knowledge exchange, and lessons from national recovery.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of unity in uncertain times and expressed a shared vision for deepened cooperation.

Rwanda and Algeria signed 11 new agreements covering sectors such as AI, air transport, education, agriculture, and investment. Kagame confirmed plans to establish a Rwandan diplomatic mission in Algeria to boost economic engagement and foster stronger private sector collaboration.

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Netherlands unveils open-architecture quantum computer

The Dutch quantum ecosystem has unveiled Tuna-5, a new open-architecture quantum computer developed as part of the HectoQubit/2 (HQ/2) project.

Unlike the vertically integrated machines offered by some commercial providers, Tuna-5 demonstrates a collaborative model that draws on interoperable hardware and software from across the Netherlands.

Built through a partnership between QuTech, TNO, and four Dutch startups — QuantWare, Qblox, Orange Quantum Systems, and Delft Circuits — Tuna-5 is now accessible via the Quantum Inspire public cloud platform.

The system integrates a superconducting quantum processor with tunable couplers, modular electronics, a user-friendly interface, and a Python-based SDK, all developed using components from the Delft quantum supply chain.

QuTech described the approach as more than simply combining parts from different vendors. It involved extensive testing and iterations to ensure a seamless system, which also helped strengthen the Netherlands’ capability to deliver scalable, interoperable quantum technology.

Hosted in QuTech’s DiCarlo lab and backed by Quantum Delta NL and the National Growth Fund, HQ/2 is designed to reinforce Dutch leadership in superconducting quantum computing.

Tuna-5 marks a step forward for academic and startup collaboration instead of relying solely on centralised industry giants.

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Nigeria launches AI Scaling Hub with Gates Foundation

In partnership with the Gates Foundation, Nigeria has launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Scaling Hub, backed by a funding commitment of up to $7.5 million over three years.

Announced during a signing ceremony in Abuja, the initiative will focus on responsibly scaling AI solutions across healthcare, agriculture, and education.

The AI Scaling Hub aims to unite government agencies, tech firms, academia, and development partners to support the nationwide deployment of proven AI innovations.

Rather than developing isolated pilot projects, the hub intends to build a collaborative system that encourages mature AI tools to be applied widely.

The Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy stated that the move aligns with Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy and broader technology agenda.

Minister Bosun Tijani said the hub would help turn local AI concepts into real-world results by offering innovators mentorship, resources, and support.

The Gates Foundation echoed the sentiment, with Nigeria Country Director Uche Amaonwu stressing the importance of ensuring AI benefits reach underserved communities.

The project also involves Lagos Business School and is expected to bolster Nigeria’s leadership in ethical AI adoption across Africa.

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