Artificial intelligence

Fibocom launches AI-powered 5G hotspot

Fibocom has introduced a next-generation 5G AI Mobile Hotspot, combining ultra-fast 5G connectivity with intelligent voice interaction features.

Designed to serve both individual users and business environments, the device marks a shift from conventional mobile hotspots to smart, AI-enabled communication hubs.

The hotspot is powered by a custom-built AI app that offers voice-activated multilingual control, allowing users to manage services hands-free.

With real-time content access and an AI translation engine supporting over 20 languages at up to 95% accuracy, the device is particularly suited to international settings, such as global meetings and travel.

Built on the Qualcomm QCM4490 platform, the device uses an 8-core 4nm CPU running up to 2.4 GHz. It supports behavioural analytics, dual SIM standby, USB 3.1 and Ethernet, and offers 15-W fast and reverse charging.

Compatible with both Android and Linux systems, it also accommodates external cameras and 1080P displays.

Incorporating Qualcomm’s advanced Wi-Fi 7 chipset, the hotspot supports concurrent dual-band modes, enabling download speeds up to BE5800.

With full 3GPP Release 16 compliance and support for Sub-6-GHz frequencies, it promises reliable, high-performance wireless access for long-term and future-ready use.

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Auto Shanghai 2025 showcases cutting-edge AI robots

At Auto Shanghai 2025, running from April 23 to May 2, nearly 1,000 companies from 26 countries showcase their innovations.

A major highlight of the event has been the introduction of AI humanoid robots.

Among the most talked-about innovations is Mornine Gen-1, an AI humanoid robot developed by Chinese automaker Chery.

Designed to resemble a young woman, Mornine is set for various roles, from auto sales consultation to retail guidance and entertainment performances.

Also drawing attention is AgiBot’s A2 interactive service robot. Serving as a ‘sales consultant,’ the A2’s smart, interactive features have made it a standout at the event.

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Microsoft’s Surface ad uses generative AI without anyone noticing

Microsoft recently revealed that it created a minute-long ad for its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop using generative AI, but the twist is that no one seemed to notice the AI elements, even though the ad has been online for nearly three months.

Released on January 30th, the ad features a mix of real footage and AI-generated content, with some AI-generated visuals corrected and integrated with live shots.

The AI tools were first used to generate the script, storyboards, and pitch deck for the ad. From there, a combination of text prompts and sample images helped generate visuals, which were iterated on and refined with image and video generators like Hailuo and Kling.

Creative director Cisco McCarthy explained that it took thousands of prompts to achieve the desired results, although the process ultimately saved the team around 90% of the time and cost typically needed for such a production.

Despite the AI involvement, most viewers didn’t notice the difference. The ad has received over 40,000 views on YouTube, but none of the top comments suggest AI was used. The quick-cut editing style helped mask the AI output’s flaws, demonstrating how powerful generative AI has become in the right hands.

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Politeness to AI is about us, not them

In his thought-provoking blog post ‘Politeness in 2025: Why are we so kind to AI?’, Dr Jovan Kurbalija explores why nearly 80% of users in the UK and the USA instinctively say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to AI platforms like ChatGPT.

While machines lack feelings, our politeness reveals more about human psychology and cultural habits than the technology itself. For many, courtesy is a deeply ingrained reflex shaped by personality traits such as agreeableness and lifelong social conditioning, extending kindness even to non-sentient entities.

However, not everyone shares this approach. Some users are driven by subtle fears of future AI dominance, using politeness as a safeguard, while others prioritise efficiency, viewing AI purely as a tool undeserving of social niceties.

A rational minority dismisses politeness altogether, recognising AI as nothing more than code. Dr Kurbalija highlights that these varied responses reflect how we perceive and interact with technology, influenced by both evolutionary instincts and modern cognitive biases.

Beyond individual behaviour, Kurbalija points to a deeper issue: our tendency to humanise AI and expect it to behave like us, unlike traditional machines. This blurring of lines between tool and teammate raises important questions about how our perceptions shape AI’s role in society.

Ultimately, he suggests that politeness toward AI isn’t about the machine—it reflects the kind of humans we aspire to be, preserving empathy and grace in an increasingly digital world.

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Google boosts AI in coding and cloud growth

More than 30% of all code at Google is now written with the help of AI, according to CEO Sundar Pichai during Alphabet’s Q1 2025 earnings call.

Developers are embracing AI-generated suggestions in nearly one out of every three code changes, thanks to improved models and the rollout of agentic workflows—AI systems designed to manage complex, multi-step tasks.

Pichai noted that AI-assisted coding is expanding across the company, with customer service teams leading the way in adoption.

Alphabet reported strong financial results, with quarterly revenue climbing 12% year-over-year to $90.2 billion. Net income rose sharply by 46% to $34.5 billion, and earnings per share jumped 49%.

While there was a slight quarterly dip in revenue from the previous quarter, Google’s core advertising business, YouTube, and Google Cloud all contributed to year-on-year growth. Cloud revenue, in particular, increased 28% due to surging demand for AI and infrastructure products.

The recently released Gemini 2.5 Pro model was described by Pichai as ‘state-of-the-art’, outperforming rivals across benchmarks and landing the top spot on Chatbot Arena. Gemini models are now integrated across 15 Google products used by more than half a billion people.

Features like Gemini Live and AI-powered camera tools are being rolled out on Android and Pixel devices, while Google Assistant will also receive a Gemini upgrade later this year.

Instead of slowing down, Google is accelerating its AI development with initiatives like Gemini Robotics Models, the AI Co-Scientist for research, and the continued success of AlphaFold, used by over 2.5 million scientists.

With over 200% growth in users of AI Studio and Gemini API, and more than 140 million downloads of Gemma models, Google is clearly positioning AI at the centre of its future across products, platforms, and research.

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ChatGPT expands Deep Research to more users

A new feature introduced by ChatGPT in February, called Deep Research, is gradually becoming available across its user base. This includes subscribers on the Plus, Team, and Pro plans, while even those using the free ChatGPT app on iOS and Android can now access a simplified version.

Designed to carry out in-depth reports and analyses within minutes, Deep Research uses OpenAI’s o3 model to perform tasks that would otherwise take people hours to complete.

Instead of limiting access to paid users alone, OpenAI has rolled out a lightweight version powered by its o4-mini AI model for free users. Although responses are shorter, the company insists the quality and depth remain comparable.

The more efficient model also helps reduce costs, while delivering what OpenAI calls ‘nearly as intelligent’ results as the full version.

The feature’s capabilities stretch from suggesting personalised product purchases like cars or TVs, to helping with complex decisions such as choosing a university or analysing market trends.

Free-tier users are currently allowed up to five Deep Research tasks each month, whereas Plus and Team plans get ten full and fifteen lightweight tasks. Pro users enjoy a generous 125 tasks of each version per month, and EDU and Enterprise plans will begin access next week.

Once users hit their full version limit, they’ll be automatically shifted to the lightweight tool instead of losing access altogether. Meanwhile, Google’s GeminiAI offers a similar function for its paying customers, also aiming to deliver quick, human-level research and analysis.

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Google stopped Motorola from using Perplexity as default assistant

A senior executive at Perplexity AI has testified that Google prevented Motorola from setting the AI startup’s assistant as the default on new smartphones, citing restrictive contracts.

The testimony came during a trial seeking remedies after Google was found to have unlawfully maintained a search monopoly.

Although Motorola will preload the app, it cannot make it the default due to binding agreements with Google. Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer, described the difficulty of replacing Google’s assistant on Android phones, saying Google’s terms create an environment where device makers fear losing revenue.

The CEO added that ongoing negotiations with other companies only became possible due to pressure from the US Department of Justice’s antitrust case.

The Justice Department is asking the court to ban Google from paying for default placements, which would also affect its AI products like Gemini.

Meanwhile, Perplexity is developing its own browser, Comet, and voiced concern about any Chrome sale undermining open-source access. The company does not support OpenAI’s interest in acquiring the browser, citing past inconsistencies in its open-source commitments.

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Legal AI startup Noxtua backed by top law firms

Germany-based legal tech firm Noxtua SE has secured €80.7 million in funding to support the launch of its AI-powered legal workspace, Beck-Noxtua. Previously known as Xayn SE, the company announced the round following a major rebrand.

C.H. Beck, Germany’s leading legal publisher, led the investment, with backing from Northern Data AG, CMS LTF Limited, Dentons Corp., and other strategic partners.

Beck-Noxtua is designed to streamline legal workflows by offering a suite of tools powered by large language models trained on over 55 million documents from C.H. Beck’s legal library.

These include the Noxtua Legal LLM, capable of generating and analysing complex legal texts, and Noxtua Voyage Embed, which enhances legal search and precedent discovery. The platform complies with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation and is aimed at law firms across Europe.

Noxtua plans to expand beyond Germany, establishing offices in other EU countries. With support from Northern Data’s European infrastructure and legal input from firms like CMS and Dentons, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the continent’s legal AI space.

Analysts note Noxtua’s strategic partnerships as a potential advantage, though caution that the legal industry’s resistance to technology may prove a challenge.

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TSMC targets AI future with advanced chip designs

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has introduced its cutting-edge A14 logic process technology at its North America Technology Symposium, held in Santa Clara, California.

The A14 process, touted as a major leap from its N2 predecessor, is aimed at enhancing AI capabilities through faster computing speeds and greater power efficiency. TSMC expects the A14 to enter production in 2028 and reports that development is ahead of schedule in terms of yield performance.

Alongside the A14, TSMC revealed significant advances in its Chip on Wafer on Substrate (CoWoS) technology, crucial for meeting AI’s growing demands for processing power and high-bandwidth memory.

A new SoW-X platform, based on CoWoS and capable of 40 times more computing power than current solutions, is slated for mass production in 2027. The company also confirmed plans to scale up its 9.5 reticle size CoWoS for volume production in the same year.

TSMC continues to broaden its innovation pipeline with developments across various domains, including 3D chip stacking and advanced packaging. It also unveiled the N4C RF, its latest radio frequency technology designed to support upcoming standards like WiFi8 and AI-powered audio platforms.

Risk production of the N4C RF is expected in early 2026, as TSMC strengthens its foothold in high-performance computing, mobile, automotive, and IoT markets.

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Perplexity expands iPhone app with voice features

AI research firm Perplexity has rolled out a new voice assistant for iPhones, expanding its app’s functionality to include reminders, email writing, and third-party services like ride-booking.

The assistant allows for continuous voice interaction even when the app is running in the background, although it cannot access system-level features due to Apple’s limitations. First launched on Android in January, the AI now supports multiple apps and can play media or draft emails via default Apple apps.

Users can activate it using the Action button on newer iPhones, but some features still require manual input depending on system permissions. The assistant is free to use, with limitations on the number of messages, while a £20/month subscription lifts those restrictions.

Despite comparisons with Siri, Perplexity lacks screen or camera-sharing capabilities, though it can search content from podcasts and YouTube. Developers say the update marks a significant step towards offering an AI assistant that rivals native options.

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