Claude Opus 4.6 sets new benchmark for enterprise AI

Anthropic has released Claude Opus 4.6, its most advanced AI model to date, introducing significant improvements in coding performance, reasoning depth, and long-context comprehension.

Engineering workflows stand to benefit from stronger debugging, code review, and better large-scale repository management, while agentic task execution now runs for more extended periods with greater reliability.

The model’s 1M token context window, now in beta, enables sustained reasoning across vast datasets and extended conversations. Performance gains span multiple benchmarks, leading in agentic coding, multidisciplinary reasoning, and high-value knowledge work.

Information retrieval in long documents has also improved, addressing persistent industry concerns around context degradation.

Operational capabilities extend beyond software development into enterprise productivity. Financial analysis, research, and document workflows gain direct support, with spreadsheet and presentation integrations enhancing daily business use.

Within Claude Code, newly introduced agent teams allow multiple AI agents to collaborate autonomously on complex workloads.

Safety remains central, with expanded evaluations showing low misalignment risk backed by interpretability research and cybersecurity safeguards. Additional tools- adaptive thinking, effort scaling, and context compaction- add flexibility for deploying long-running AI systems at scale.

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Claude AI will remain ad-free to preserve user trust and deep reasoning

Anthropic’s official announcement emphasises that Claude will not carry advertising or ad-influenced content within conversations, positioning the AI assistant as a trusted and distraction-free ‘space to think’ for tasks ranging from deep thinking and research to work and personal problem-solving.

The company argues that AI interactions differ fundamentally from search or social media, as users often share context-rich, sensitive information where commercial incentives could conflict with genuinely helpful responses.

In the post, Anthropic explains that while ads have a clear place in many digital products, introducing them into conversational AI would compromise usefulness and trust.

Instead, the company plans to generate revenue through enterprise contracts and paid subscriptions, continuing to invest in product improvements, integrations with third-party tools (e.g., Figma, Asana), and broader access initiatives, all without monetising attention or engagement directly.

The statement also notes that Claude’s conversation data is kept private and anonymous, and that ads could skew model incentives toward engagement metrics rather than solving user problems effectively.

Anthropic positions this approach as central to preserving Claude’s role as a dedicated thinking and productivity assistant.

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AI drives bold change with five technologies at Milano Cortina 2026

AI and digital technologies are set to play a central role at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, positioning the event as a global showcase for large-scale AI deployment. Organisers aim to demonstrate how advanced technologies can transform major international events across media, operations, and public engagement.

Audience experience will be significantly reshaped through AI-powered broadcasting and digital platforms. Innovations include first-person drones following athletes in real time and AI-assisted replays that generate multi-angle freeze frames and performance data. In parallel, AI-driven tools on the official Olympic website and social media platforms will offer personalised highlights, summaries, and interactive content.

At the same time, technology will support athletes both on and off the field. AI systems will monitor and flag abusive online content, while dedicated digital applications will assist with training, injury prevention, and communication with family members during competitions.

Beyond digital innovation, the Games will also highlight sustainability through design. Transparent, reusable Olympic torches powered by biofuel and made from recycled materials will showcase how technology can support environmental responsibility alongside sporting tradition.

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Amazon expands AI film production tools as Hollywood trials new systems

The US tech giant, Amazon, is preparing a new phase for its proprietary production tools as the company opens a closed beta that will give selected studios early access to its AI systems.

Developers created the technology inside Amazon MGM Studios to improve character consistency across scenes and speed up work in pre and post-production instead of relying on fragmented processes.

The programme begins in March and is expected to deliver initial outcomes by May. Amazon is working with recognised industry figures such as Robert Stromberg, Kunal Nayyar and former Pixar animator Colin Brady to refine the methods.

The company is also drawing on Amazon Web Services and several external language model providers to strengthen performance.

Executives insist the aim is to assist creative teams rather than remove them from the process. The second season of the series ‘House of David’ already used more than 300 AI-generated shots, showing how the technology can support large-scale productions instead of replacing artistic decision-making.

Industry debate continues to intensify as studios explore new automation methods. Netflix also used generative tools for major scenes in ‘The Eternaut’.

Amazon has repeatedly cited AI progress when announcing staff reductions, which added further concern over the long-term effects on employment and creative roles.

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Tinder tests AI Chemistry feature to cut swipe fatigue and revive engagement

The dating platform is expanding its reliance on AI, with Tinder experimenting with a feature designed to ease swipe fatigue among users.

A tool, known as Chemistry, that builds a picture of each person through optional questions and by reviewing their Camera Roll with permission, offering a more personalised route toward potential matches instead of repetitive browsing.

Match is currently testing the feature only in Australia. Executives say the system allows people to receive a small set of tailored profiles rather than navigating large volumes of candidates.

Tinder hopes the approach will strengthen engagement during a period when registrations and monthly activity remain lower than last year, despite minor improvements driven by AI-based recommendations.

Developers are also refocusing the broader discovery experience to reflect concerns raised by Gen Z around authenticity, trust and relevance.

The platform now relies on verification tools such as Face Check, which Match says cut harmful interactions by more than half instead of leaving users exposed to impersonators.

These moves indicate a shift away from the swipe mechanic that once defined the app, offering more direct suggestions that may improve outcomes.

Marketing investment is set to rise as part of the strategy. Match plans to allocate $50 million to new campaigns that will position Tinder as appealing again, using creators on TikTok and Instagram to reframe the brand.

Strong quarterly revenue failed to offset weaker guidance, yet the company argues that AI features will help shape a more reliable and engaging service for users seeking consistent matches.

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Google issues warning on malware affecting over 40% of Android devices

The US tech giant, Google, has alerted users that more than 40% of Android phones are vulnerable to new malware and spyware due to outdated software. Phones running older versions than Android 13 no longer receive security updates, leaving over a billion users worldwide at risk.

Data shows Android 16 is present on only 7.5% of devices, while versions 15, 14, and 13 still dominate the market.

Slow adoption of updates means many devices remain exposed, even when security patches are available. Google emphasised that outdated phones are particularly unsafe and cannot protect against emerging threats.

Users are advised to upgrade to Android 13 or newer, or purchase a mid-range device that receives regular updates, instead of keeping an old high-end phone without support. Unlike Apple, where most iPhones receive timely updates, older Android devices may never get the necessary security fixes.

The warning highlights the urgent need for users to act immediately to avoid potential data breaches and spyware attacks. Google’s message is clear: using unsupported Android devices is a growing global security concern.

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EU tests Matrix protocol as sovereign alternative for internal communication

The European Commission is testing a European open source system for its internal communications as worries grow in Brussels over deep dependence on US software.

A spokesperson said the administration is preparing a solution built on the Matrix protocol instead of relying solely on Microsoft Teams.

Matrix is already used by several European institutions, including the French government, German healthcare bodies and armed forces across the continent.

The Commission aims to deploy it as a complement and backup to Teams rather than a full replacement. Officials noted that Signal currently fills that role but lacks the flexibility needed for an organisation of the Commission’s size.

The initiative forms part of a wider push for digital sovereignty within the EU. A Matrix-based tool could eventually link the Commission with other Union bodies that currently lack a unified secure communication platform.

Officials said there is already an operational connection with the European Parliament.

The trial reflects growing sensitivity about Europe’s strategic dependence on non-European digital services.

By developing home-grown communication infrastructure instead of leaning on a single foreign supplier, the Commission hopes to build a more resilient and sovereign technological foundation.

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Adobe Firefly unlocks powerful unlimited AI generation in 2026

Adobe has updated its Firefly platform to allow unlimited AI image and video generation for paid subscribers, removing the monthly credit limits that previously capped usage. The move marks a shift toward more flexible access to generative AI tools and is positioned as a way to support high-volume creative workflows.

The update reinforces Firefly’s role as an all-in-one creative AI studio. Users can generate images and videos using Adobe’s own Firefly models alongside third-party AI models, bringing multiple generation tools into a single platform.

Unlimited generation is available across the Firefly ecosystem, including the web interface, mobile apps, Firefly Boards, and the browser-based video editor. This expanded access supports collaboration and end-to-end content creation, from ideation to final editing.

The offer applies to Firefly Pro and Firefly Premium subscribers, including plans that previously operated under monthly credit limits. Users who sign up before March 16 will have access to unlimited image and video generation, with video output supported up to 2K resolution.

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Under 16 social media ban proposed in Spain

Spain is preparing legislation to ban social media access for users under 16, with the proposal expected to be introduced within days. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez framed the move as a child-protection measure aimed at reducing exposure to harmful online environments.

Government plans include mandatory age-verification systems for platforms, designed to serve as practical barriers rather than symbolic safeguards. Officials argue that minors face escalating risks online, including addiction, exploitation, violent content, and manipulation.

Additional provisions could hold technology executives legally accountable for unlawful or hateful content that remains online. The proposal reflects a broader regulatory shift toward platform responsibility and stricter enforcement standards.

Momentum for youth restrictions is building across Europe. France and Denmark are pursuing similar controls, while the EU Digital Services Act guidelines allow member states to define a national ‘digital majority age’.

The European Commission is also testing an age verification app, with wider deployment expected next year.

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Gemini growth narrows gap in chatbot race

Google’s AI chatbot Gemini has surpassed 750 million monthly users, signalling rapid consumer adoption, according to fourth-quarter 2025 earnings. The figure jumped from 650 million in the previous quarter, reinforcing Gemini’s rapid expansion in the generative AI market.

Competitive positioning remains solid. Meta AI has nearly 500 million users, while ChatGPT leads globally with about 810 million. Ongoing product upgrades and ecosystem integration across Google services have sustained Gemini’s growth momentum.

Gemini 3 has driven adoption, with Google calling it its most advanced model, offering deeper reasoning and more nuanced responses. Leadership called the release a key growth driver, with further investment and updates expected to sustain expansion.

Broader AI demand is also lifting Alphabet’s financial performance. Annual revenue has topped $400 billion for the first time, driven by enterprise API demand and infrastructure growth, including the Ironwood TPU rollout.

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