Artificial intelligence

Gmail enters the Gemini era with AI-powered inbox tools

Google is reshaping Gmail around its Gemini AI models, aiming to turn email into a proactive assistant for more than three billion users worldwide.

With inbox volumes continuing to rise, the focus shifts towards managing information flows instead of simply sending and receiving messages.

New AI Overviews allow Gmail to summarise long email threads and answer natural language questions directly from inbox content.

Users can retrieve details from past conversations without complex searches, while conversation summaries roll out globally at no cost, with advanced query features reserved for paid AI subscriptions.

Writing tools are also expanding, with Help Me Write, upgraded Suggested Replies, and Proofread features designed to speed up drafting while preserving individual tone and style.

Deeper personalisation is planned through connections with other Google services, enabling emails to reflect broader user context.

A redesigned AI Inbox further prioritises urgent messages and key tasks by analysing communication patterns and relationships.

Powered by Gemini 3, these features begin rolling out in the US in English, with additional languages and regions scheduled to follow during 2026.

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EU faces pressure to strengthen Digital Markets Act oversight

Rivals of major technology firms have criticised the European Commission for weak enforcement of the Digital Markets Act, arguing that slow procedures and limited transparency undermine the regulation’s effectiveness.

Feedback gathered during a Commission consultation highlights concerns about delaying tactics, interface designs that restrict user choice, and circumvention strategies used by designated gatekeepers.

The Digital Markets Act entered into force in March 2024, prompting several non-compliance investigations against Apple, Meta and Google. Although Apple and Meta have already faced fines, follow-up proceedings remain ongoing, while Google has yet to receive sanctions.

Smaller technology firms argue that enforcement lacks urgency, particularly in areas such as self-preferencing, data sharing, interoperability and digital advertising markets.

Concerns also extend to AI and cloud services, where respondents say the current framework fails to reflect market realities.

Generative AI tools, such as large language models, raise questions about whether existing platform categories remain adequate or whether new classifications are necessary. Cloud services face similar scrutiny, as major providers often fall below formal thresholds despite acting as critical gateways.

The Commission plans to submit a review report to the European Parliament and the Council by early May, drawing on findings from the consultation.

Proposed changes include binding timelines and interim measures aimed at strengthening enforcement and restoring confidence in the bloc’s flagship competition rules.

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AI could optimise power grids and reduce energy waste

AI could help make power grids cleaner and more efficient while reducing energy waste, even as data centres powering generative models consume increasing amounts of electricity. Researchers are exploring ways to balance these demands with optimisation techniques.

Accurate predictions of renewable energy availability using AI can help grid operators integrate solar and wind power more effectively. AI can solve complex optimisation problems, quickly and accurately managing power generation, battery use, and flexible loads.

Beyond real-time operations, AI can enhance grid planning and predictive maintenance, identifying potential faults before they lead to outages.

Application-specific AI models can support decarbonisation strategies and enable the integration of more renewable energy while keeping energy costs and environmental impacts in check.

Experts caution that not all AI development in the energy sector is equally beneficial. Large, general-purpose models are highly resource-intensive, whereas smaller, targeted models offer measurable advantages in terms of grid efficiency and sustainability.

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Portugal government backs AI with €400 million plan

Portugal has announced a €400 million investment in AI over the period 2026-2030, primarily funded by European programmes. The National Artificial Intelligence Agenda (ANIA) and its Action Plan (PAANIA) aim to strengthen Portugal’s position in AI research, industry, and innovation.

The government predicts AI could boost the country’s GDP by €18-22 billion in the next decade. Officials highlight Portugal’s growing technical talent pool, strong universities and research centres, renewable energy infrastructure, and a dynamic start-up ecosystem as key advantages.

Key projects include establishing AI gigafactories and supercomputing facilities to support research, SMEs, and start-ups, alongside a National Data Centre Plan aimed to simplifying licensing and accelerating the sector.

Early investments of €10 million target AI applications in public administration, with a total of €25 million planned.

Sectoral AI Centres will focus on healthcare and industrial robotics, leveraging AI to enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and support productivity, competitiveness, and the creation of skilled jobs.

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Netomi shows how to scale enterprise AI safely

Netomi has developed a blueprint for scaling enterprise AI, utilising GPT-4.1 for rapid tool use and GPT-5.2 for multi-step reasoning. The platform supports complex workflows, policy compliance, and heavy operational loads, serving clients such as United Airlines and DraftKings.

The company emphasises three core lessons. First, systems must handle real-world complexity, orchestrating multiple APIs, databases, and tools to maintain state and situational awareness across multi-step workflows.

Second, parallelised architectures ensure low latency even under extreme demand, keeping response times fast and reliable during spikes in activity.

Third, governance is embedded directly into the runtime, enforcing compliance, protecting sensitive data, and providing deterministic fallbacks when AI confidence is low.

Netomi demonstrates how agentic AI can be safely scaled, providing enterprises with a model for auditable, predictable, and resilient intelligent systems. These practices serve as a roadmap for organisations seeking to move AI from experimental tools to production-ready infrastructure.

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Rokid launches screenless AI smart glasses at CES 2026

The global pioneer firm in AR, Rokid, unveiled its new Style smart glasses at CES 2026, opting for a screenless, voice-first design instead of the visual displays standard across competing devices.

Weighing just 38.5 grams, the glasses are designed for everyday wear, with an emphasis on comfort and prescription readiness.

Despite lacking a screen, Rokid Style integrates AI through an open ecosystem that supports platforms such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek and Qwen. Global services, including Google Maps and Microsoft AI Translation, facilitate navigation and provide real-time language assistance across various regions.

The device adopts a prescription-first approach, supporting lenses from plano to ±15.00 diopters alongside photochromic, tinted and protective options.

Rokid has also launched a global online prescription service, promising delivery within seven to ten days.

Design features include titanium alloy hinges, silicone nose pads and a built-in camera capable of 4K video recording.

Battery life reaches up to 12 hours of daily use, with global pricing starting at $299, ahead of an online launch scheduled for January 19.

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Lynx ransomware group claims Regis subsidiary on dark web leak site

Regis Resources, one of Australia’s largest unhedged gold producers, has confirmed it is investigating a cyber incident after its subsidiary was named on a dark web leak site operated by a ransomware group.

The Lynx ransomware group listed McPhillamys Gold on Monday, claiming a cyberattack and publishing the names and roles of senior company executives. The group did not provide technical details or evidence of data theft.

The Australia-based company stated that the intrusion was detected in mid-November 2025 through its routine monitoring systems, prompting temporary restrictions on access to protect internal networks. The company said its cybersecurity controls were designed to isolate threats and maintain business continuity.

A forensic investigation found no evidence of data exfiltration and confirmed that no ransom demand had been received. Authorities were notified, and Regis said the incident had no operational or commercial impact.

Lynx, which first emerged in July 2024, has claimed hundreds of victims worldwide. The group says it avoids targeting critical public services, though it continues to pressure private companies through data leak threats.

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AI predicts heart failure risk in cattle

Researchers at the University of Wyoming in the US have developed an AI model that predicts the risk of congestive heart failure in cattle using heart images. The technology focuses on structural changes linked to pulmonary hypertension.

Developed by PhD researcher Chase Markel, the computer vision system was trained on nearly 7,000 manually scored images. The model correctly classifies heart risk levels in 92 percent of cases.

The images were collected in commercial cattle processing plants, allowing assessment at scale after slaughter. The findings support the need for improved traceability throughout the production cycle.

Industry use could enhance traceability and mitigate economic losses resulting from undetected disease. Patent protection is being pursued as further models are developed for other cattle conditions.

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AI earbuds go beyond music

Startups are transforming everyday earbuds into AI assistants that can record meetings, translate languages, or offer cross-platform support, expanding the devices’ role beyond music. Major tech firms, such as Apple and Samsung, laid the groundwork with noise-cancelling and voice features.

At CES, companies such as OSO, Viaim and Timekettle demonstrated professional and educational use cases. Schools utilise translation earbuds to assist non-English-speaking students in following lessons, while professionals can retrieve meeting highlights on demand.

Experts note that earbuds are more accessible than smart glasses, but remain limited by voice-only interaction and reliance on smartphones. Neural earbuds with sensitive sensors could enable hands-free control or internet access for individuals with disabilities.

Although most headphones today still focus on listening, AI earbuds hint at a shift in personal technology, blending convenience, intelligence and accessibility into devices people already wear every day.

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AI receptionist begins work at UK GP surgery

A GP practice in North Lincolnshire, UK, has introduced an AI receptionist named Emma to reduce long wait times on calls. Emma collects patient details and prioritises appointments for doctors to review.

Doctors say the system has improved efficiency, with most patients contacted within hours. Dr Satpal Shekhawat explained that the information from Emma helps identify clinical priorities effectively.

Some patients reported issues, including mistakes with dates of birth and difficulties explaining health problems. The practice reassured patients that human receptionists remain available and that the AI supports staff rather than replacing them.

The technology has drawn attention from other practices in the region. NHS officials are monitoring feedback to refine the system and improve patient experience.

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