Development

AI robot concepts may arrive from Apple by 2027

Apple is again exploring AI-powered robotics, reportedly working on prototypes including a tabletop assistant and lifelike upgrades to Siri. A home display may launch in 2026, with a robot device expected in 2027, though neither is confirmed for release.

One concept, codenamed J595 and the ‘Pixar Lamp,’ features a swivelling screen on a robotic arm that tracks user movement. The robot is a personal assistant that responds to conversations using facial recognition and motorised movement.

Other prototypes under evaluation include mobile bots and humanoid robots for industrial use.

The devices would run Apple’s new internal software platform, ‘Charismatic,’ designed for voice commands, personalised content, and smart home automation. Apple has not confirmed robotics, but CEO Tim Cook highlighted the company’s AI focus, hinting at upcoming innovations.

Experts note that domestic humanoid robots are still far from mainstream adoption. Gary Marcus, an AI expert and NYU professor, said Apple’s focus on privacy, security, and design suggests that future humanoid robots could benefit from its integrated hardware and software.

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WhatsApp trials AI-powered Writing Help for personalised messaging

WhatsApp is testing a new AI feature for iOS users that provides real-time writing assistance.

Known as ‘Writing Help’, the tool suggests alternative phrasings, adjusts tone, and enhances clarity, with all processing handled on-device to safeguard privacy.

The feature allows users to select professional, friendly, or concise tones before the AI generates suitable rewordings while keeping the original meaning. According to reports, the tool is available only to a small group of beta testers through TestFlight, with no confirmed release date.

WhatsApp says it uses Meta’s Private Processing technology to ensure sensitive data never leaves the device, mirroring privacy-first approaches like Apple’s Writing Tools.

Industry watchers suggest the new tool could give WhatsApp an edge over rivals such as Telegram and Signal, which have not yet introduced generative AI writing aids.

Analysts also see potential for integration with other Meta platforms, although challenges remain in ensuring accurate, unbiased results across different languages.

Writing Help could streamline business communication by improving grammar, structure, and tone accuracy if successful. While some users have praised its seamless integration, others warn that heavy reliance on AI could undermine authenticity in digital conversations.

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India moves closer to crypto tax reform

India’s tax authority has formally engaged cryptocurrency platforms to gather feedback on how the country should regulate virtual digital assets (VDAs). The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a questionnaire, signalling plans to review current rules and explore a new law.

The consultation focuses on contentious issues such as the flat 30% tax on crypto gains, the 1% tax deducted at source (TDS) on every transaction, and the inability to offset losses. Industry players say the measures have drained liquidity and driven traders to more favourable markets like Dubai.

Banks’ reluctance to support crypto-linked accounts has further complicated matters.

Platforms have been asked to suggest whether a dedicated VDA law should be established, and which regulator-SEBI, the RBI, MeitY, or the FIU-IND-should oversee it. The CBDT seeks feedback on the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, supported by India for coordinated global regulation.

Legal experts believe India is preparing for a comprehensive framework in the coming year, following its G20 advocacy for global cooperation on digital asset regulation. Industry voices suggest the government is moving towards regulatory clarity rather than continued uncertainty.

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SoftBank invests $2 billion in Intel to boost US semiconductor industry

Japanese technology giant SoftBank has announced plans to buy a $2 billion stake in Intel, signalling a stronger push into the American semiconductor industry.

The investment comes as Washington debates greater government involvement in the sector, with reports suggesting President Donald Trump is weighing a US government stake in the chipmaker.

SoftBank will purchase Intel’s common stock at $23 per share. Its chairman, Masayoshi Son, said semiconductors remain the backbone of every industry and expressed confidence that advanced chip manufacturing will expand in the US, with Intel playing a central role.

The move follows SoftBank’s increasing investments in the US, including its role in the $500 billion ‘Stargate’ AI project announced earlier this year.

Once a dominant force in Silicon Valley, Intel has struggled against rivals such as Nvidia and AMD. Under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, the company is cutting 15% of its workforce and reducing costs to stabilise operations.

After a private meeting, Trump recently criticised Tan’s leadership but later softened his stance.

Shares in both companies slipped following the announcement, with SoftBank down 2.2% in Tokyo and Intel falling 3.7% in New York.

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AfDB backs AI training to drive Africa’s Agenda 2063

The African Development Bank has strengthened Africa’s digital journey by backing a landmark AI training initiative linked to Agenda 2063. The effort aims to accelerate the continent’s long-term strategy, ‘The Africa We Want,’ by equipping states with practical expertise.

Through its Joint Secretariat Support Office, the Bank gave both technical and financial backing to the 5th Annual Training Workshop. The event focused on applying AI to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting under the Second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063.

The Lusaka workshop, co-hosted by the African Union Commission and the African Capacity Building Foundation, featured sessions with Ailyse, ChatGPT, Google AI Studio, Google Gemini, and Perplexity. Delegates explored embedding AI insights into analytics for stronger policymaking and accountability.

By investing in institutional capacity, the AfDB and partners aim to advance AI-enabled solutions that improve policy interventions, resource allocation, and national priorities. The initiative reflects a broader effort to integrate digital tools into Africa’s governance structures.

The workshop also fostered peer learning, allowing delegates to share best practices in digital monitoring frameworks. By driving AI adoption in planning and results delivery, the AfDB underlines its role as a partner in Africa’s transformation.

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Milky Way platform showcases Tredence’s vision for autonomous AI in business

Tredence has launched Milky Way, a multi-agent, multi-turn system that uses autonomous AI agents to accelerate enterprise decision-making. The platform introduces specialised agents that collaborate like digital co-workers, combining reasoning and execution to deliver outcomes at scale.

The system addresses a common challenge: converting enterprise data into timely and actionable insights. The Milky Way incorporates over 15 prebuilt agents across key business roles and more than 50 specialised agents trained on real-world enterprise scenarios.

Agents span critical functions, from marketing analysts optimising campaigns to supply chain analysts anticipating disruptions. Technical agents, such as anomaly detection and Text-to-SQL, complement them by handling operational complexity with accuracy and transparency.

Early trials have shown striking results, with companies reporting up to five times faster insights and 50% lower analytics costs. Global retailers cut manual effort by 60%, while healthcare providers streamlined patient data aggregation and triage, supporting speedier diagnosis.

Designed for enterprise-grade use, Milky Way integrates seamlessly with existing data systems, offering role-based access, full audit trails, and domain expertise. Tredence positions it as a step towards AI agents that deliver context-aware, scalable business outcomes.

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USTA debuts AI Match Chat at US Open with IBM

The United States Tennis Association has introduced AI-powered experiences at the US Open in partnership with IBM. Fans can now access Match Chat, an AI assistant answering player stat questions and offering interactive insights during the 254 singles matches.

The assistant is powered by IBM WatsonX Orchestrate technology, combining AI agents and language models trained on US Open data. The organisations have also enhanced IBM SlamTracker, which projects live win probabilities and provides AI-generated post-match commentary for deeper analysis.

According to Brian Ryerson of the USTA, between 13 and 15 million visitors are expected to use these platforms. He noted the association’s roadmap has focused on hybrid cloud and AI for fan engagement and to strengthen core operations.

Behind the scenes, the USTA is streamlining infrastructure management, optimising costs, and enhancing resilience with IBM’s AI tools. Its editorial team has increased content production by 300% using bespoke AI systems, starting with AI match summaries before refining them manually.

Globally, sports bodies are also adopting AI for fans and operations. The NFL and Wimbledon have launched similar tools, while USTA’s hybrid cloud infrastructure ensures the Open withstands surges up to 50 times normal load without disrupting fan experiences.

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AI upskilling at heart of Singapore’s new job strategy

Singapore has launched a $27 billion initiative to boost AI readiness and protect jobs, as global tensions and automation reshape the workforce.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stressed that securing employment is key to national stability, particularly as geopolitical shifts and AI adoption accelerate.

IMF research warns Singapore’s skilled workers, especially women and youth, are among the most exposed to job disruption from AI technologies.

To address this, the government is expanding its SkillsFuture programme and rolling out local initiatives to connect citizens with evolving job markets.

The tech investment includes $5 billion for AI development and positions Singapore as a leader in digital transformation across Southeast Asia.

Social challenges remain, however, with rising inequality and risks to foreign workers highlighting the need for broader support systems and inclusive policy.

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Malaysia and Huawei drive AI workforce training push

Malaysia has intensified its push to build an AI-ready workforce, with Huawei pledging to train 30,000 local professionals under a new initiative. The plan aligns with Malaysia’s National Cloud Computing Policy, balancing sovereignty and digital economy competitiveness.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo stressed that AI adoption must benefit all Malaysians, highlighting applications from small business platforms to AI-assisted diagnostics in remote clinics. He urged collaboration across industries to ensure inclusivity as the country pursues its digital future.

Huawei’s Gartner recognition for container management highlights its cloud-native strength. Its Pangu models and container products will support Malaysia’s AI goals in manufacturing, healthcare, transport, and ASEAN industries.

The programme will target students, officials, industry leaders, and associations while supporting 200 local AI partners. Huawei’s network of availability zones in ASEAN provides low-latency infrastructure, with AI-native innovations designed to accelerate training, inference, and industrial upgrades.

The government of Malaysia views AI as crucial to achieving its 2030 goals, which aim to balance infrastructure, security, and governance. With Huawei’s backing and a new policy framework, the country seeks to establish itself as a regional hub for AI expertise.

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Indonesia promises to bolster digital sovereignty and AI talent on Independence Day

Indonesia marked its 80th Independence Day by reaffirming its commitment to digital sovereignty and technology-driven inclusion.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, following President Prabowo Subianto’s ‘Indonesia Incorporated’ directive, highlighted efforts to build an inclusive, secure, and efficient digital ecosystem.

Priorities include deploying 4G networks in remote regions, expanding public internet services, and reinforcing the Palapa Ring broadband infrastructure.

On the talent front, the government launched a Digital Talent Scholarship and AI Talent Factory to nurture AI skills, from beginners to specialists, setting the stage for future AI innovation domestically.

In parallel, digital protection measures have been bolstered: over 1.2 million pieces of harmful content have been blocked, while new regulations under the Personal Data Protection Law, age-verification, content monitoring, and reporting systems have been introduced to enhance child safety online.

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