Development Archives | Page 2 of 512 | Digital Watch Observatory

5G expansion strengthens digital connectivity across Algeria

Ooredoo Algeria has expanded its 5G network to all provinces in Algeria. The operator announced that 5G services are now present in every wilaya, although coverage within each province remains limited as the network continues to expand.

The deployment is progressing ahead of the national rollout schedule. The expansion goes beyond the initial timeline set by the Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority (ARPCE), which required operators to begin with pilot deployments in a limited number of provinces.

Algeria’s national plan foresees a gradual expansion of 5G coverage. Under the regulatory roadmap, telecom operators must extend services to additional provinces each year until 2031, when all wilayas are expected to reach at least 50% 5G coverage.

Telecom operators are accelerating 5G deployment nationwide. Alongside Ooredoo Algeria, operators such as Mobilis and Djezzy launched 5G services in December 2025, with Djezzy also reporting progress ahead of schedule.

The expansion of 5G infrastructure is expected to support the digital economy. Operators say improved connectivity could help accelerate business digitalisation, strengthen digital services, and support broader economic development.

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MIT researchers outline future of AI and physical sciences

AI and the mathematical and physical sciences are entering a new phase of collaboration that could accelerate technological progress and scientific discovery. Researchers increasingly see the relationship as a two-way exchange rather than a one-sided use of AI tools.

A 2025 MIT workshop brought together experts from astronomy, chemistry, materials science, mathematics and physics to examine the future of this collaboration.

Discussions resulted in a white paper published in Machine Learning: Science and Technology, outlining strategies for research institutions and funding bodies.

Participants agreed that stronger computing infrastructure, shared data resources and cross-disciplinary research methods are essential for progress. Scientists also improve AI by analysing neural networks, identifying principles and developing new algorithms.

Researchers highlighted the growing importance of so-called ‘centaur scientists’- specialists trained in both AI and traditional scientific disciplines. Universities, including MIT, are expanding interdisciplinary programmes and research initiatives to train experts who can work across AI and scientific fields.

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Leading tech companies deepen AI competition with new capabilities

AI competition among leading AI developers intensified in early 2026 as major companies expanded their models, platforms, and partnerships. Companies including Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI are introducing new capabilities and integrating AI systems into broader ecosystems.

Google has continued to expand its Gemini model family with updates to Gemini 3.1 Pro and 3.1 Flash, designed to support complex tasks across applications. The company is also integrating Gemini into services such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive, allowing users to generate documents and analyse data across multiple Google services.

Gemini has also been embedded into the Chrome browser and integrated with Samsung’s Galaxy devices, expanding its distribution across consumer platforms as AI competition among major developers accelerates.

Anthropic has focused on advancing the Claude model family while positioning the system for enterprise and professional use. Recent updates include Claude Sonnet 4.6, which introduces improvements in reasoning and coding capabilities alongside an expanded context window currently in beta. The company has also launched a limited preview of the Claude Marketplace, allowing organisations to use third-party tools built on Claude through partnerships with several software companies.

OpenAI has continued to update ChatGPT with the release of the GPT-5 series, including GPT-5.2 and GPT-5.4. The newer models combine reasoning, coding, and agent-based workflows, while also introducing computer-use capabilities that allow the system to interact with applications directly.

OpenAI has also introduced additional services, including ChatGPT Health and integrations designed to assist with spreadsheet modelling and data analysis, further intensifying AI competition across enterprise and consumer tools.

Meanwhile, xAI has expanded development of its Grok models while increasing computing infrastructure. The company has reported growth in Grok usage through integration with the X platform and other applications. Recent announcements include upgrades to Grok’s voice and multimodal capabilities, as well as continued training of future models.

Across the industry, developers are increasingly positioning their systems not only as conversational assistants but also as tools integrated into enterprise workflows, creative production, and software development. New releases in 2026 reflect a broader shift toward multimodal systems, agent-based capabilities, and deeper integration with existing digital platforms, highlighting how AI competition is shaping the next phase of AI development.

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ChatGPT dynamic visual explanations introduce interactive learning tools

OpenAI has introduced a new ChatGPT feature called dynamic visual explanations, allowing users to interact with mathematical and scientific concepts through real-time visuals.

Instead of relying solely on text explanations or static diagrams, the feature enables users to manipulate formulas and variables and immediately see how those changes affect results. For example, when exploring the Pythagorean theorem, users can adjust the triangle’s sides and see the hypotenuse update instantly.

To use the tool, users can ask ChatGPT questions such as ‘What is a lens equation?’ or ‘How can I find the area of a circle?’ The chatbot responds with both a written explanation and an interactive visual module that users can manipulate directly.

The feature currently supports more than 70 topics in mathematics and science. The topics include binomial squares, Charles’ law, compound interest, Coulomb’s law, exponential decay, Hooke’s law, kinetic energy, linear equations, and Ohm’s law.

OpenAI says it plans to expand the range of topics over time. The feature is already available to all logged-in ChatGPT users. The launch marks a shift in how ChatGPT supports learning. Instead of simply providing answers, the tool now encourages users to explore underlying concepts by experimenting with interactive models.

AI tools have become increasingly common in education, although their role remains widely debated. Some educators worry that students may become overly dependent on AI tools, while others see them as valuable learning aids.

According to OpenAI, more than 140 million people use ChatGPT every week to help with subjects such as mathematics and science, which many learners find challenging. Other technology companies are also experimenting with similar tools. Google’s Gemini introduced interactive diagrams and visual explanations last year.

The new feature joins several other ChatGPT learning tools, including study mode, which guides users through problems step by step, and QuizGPT, which allows users to create flashcards and test themselves before exams.

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UK approves £7.5bn AI data centre campus at Elsham Tech Park

Plans for one of the UK’s largest AI data centre campuses have been approved in North Lincolnshire, denoting a significant investment in digital infrastructure.

The project, known as Elsham Tech Park, will be developed near Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate on the site of the former RAF Elsham Wolds airfield. The development is expected to deliver more than 1.5 million square metres of hyperscale data centre floorspace across 15 data halls, with an estimated construction cost of around £7.5 billion.

If fully developed, the campus could provide up to 1GW (1,000MW) of computing capacity, placing it among the largest proposed AI data centre facilities in the UK. The project is being led by Elsham Tech Park Ltd, a company created for the development and overseen by infrastructure developer Greystoke.

The proposed campus would cover approximately 176 hectares (435 acres) and include an on-site energy centre capable of generating up to 49.9MW of electricity. Plans also include battery storage facilities, substations, district heating infrastructure, and additional commercial space.

The masterplan incorporates a greenhouse complex that reuses excess heat from the data centre servers to support agricultural production. Developers say this approach could improve energy efficiency by enabling greenhouse cultivation using waste heat generated by computing infrastructure.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first phase of the campus scheduled to open in 2029. The development timeline covers roughly ten years.

During construction, the project could support between 2,600 and 3,600 full-time equivalent jobs annually across on-site and supply chain roles. Once operational, the facility is expected to create around 900 long-term skilled jobs.

North Lincolnshire Council said the project could attract up to £10 billion in investment and strengthen the region’s role in the country’s growing AI and cloud computing infrastructure sector.

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Anthropic lawsuit gains Big Tech support in AI dispute

Several major US technology companies have backed Anthropic in its lawsuit challenging the US Department of Defence’s decision to label the AI company a national security ‘supply chain risk’.

Google, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft have filed legal briefs supporting Anthropic’s attempt to overturn the designation issued by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Anthropic argues the decision was retaliation after the company declined to allow its AI systems to be used for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons.

In court filings, the companies warned that the government’s action could have wider consequences for the technology sector. Microsoft said the decision could have ‘broad negative ramifications for the entire technology sector’.

Microsoft, which works closely with the US government and the Department of Defence, said it agreed with Anthropic’s position that AI systems should not be used to conduct domestic mass surveillance or enable autonomous machines to initiate warfare.

A joint amicus brief supporting Anthropic was also submitted by the Chamber of Progress, a technology policy organisation funded by companies including Google, Apple, Amazon and Nvidia. The group said it was concerned about the government penalising a company for its public statements.

The brief described the designation as ‘a potentially ruinous sanction’ for businesses and warned it could create a climate in which companies fear government retaliation for expressing views.

Anthropic’s lawsuit claims the government violated its free speech rights by retaliating against the company for comments made by its leadership. The dispute escalated after Anthropic declined to remove contractual restrictions preventing its AI models from being used for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons.

The company had previously introduced safeguards in government contracts to limit certain uses of its technology. Negotiations over revised contract language continued for several weeks before the disagreement became public.

Former military officials and technology policy advocates have also filed supporting briefs, warning that the decision could discourage companies from participating in national security projects if they fear retaliation for voicing concerns. The case is currently being heard in federal court in San Francisco.

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Google outlines roadmap for safer generative AI for young users

Google has presented a strategy for developing generative AI systems designed to protect younger users better better while supporting learning and creativity.

The approach emphasises building conversational AI experiences that balance innovation with safeguards tailored to children and teenagers.

The company’s framework rests on three pillars: protecting young people online, respecting the role of families in digital environments and enabling youth to explore AI technologies responsibly.

According to Google, safety policies prohibit harmful content, including material linked to child exploitation, violent extremism and self-harm, while additional restrictions target age-inappropriate topics.

Safeguards are integrated throughout the AI development lifecycle, from user input to model responses. Systems use specialised classifiers to detect potentially harmful queries and prevent inappropriate outputs.

These protections are also applied to models such as Gemini, which incorporates defences against prompt manipulation and cyber misuse.

Beyond preventing harm, Google aims to support responsible AI adoption through educational initiatives.

Resources designed for families encourage discussions about responsible technology use, while tools such as Guided Learning in Gemini seek to help students explore complex topics through structured explanations and interactive learning support.

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Over 85 companies join global crypto partner program

Mastercard has introduced the Crypto Partner Program, a global initiative connecting more than 85 crypto-native companies, payments providers, and financial institutions. The program aims to create a forum for collaboration that aligns innovation in digital assets with traditional payment systems.

Enterprise use cases such as cross-border remittances, payouts, and settlements are growing, underscoring the practical potential of on-chain payments. Participants will collaborate with Mastercard to design products that combine the speed and programmability of digital assets with existing card rails and global commerce.

The initiative builds on Mastercard’s long-standing approach to blockchain and digital assets, including Start Path and the Engage platform, which provide opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth.

The program focuses on turning technical innovation into scalable, compliant solutions that can operate across markets and everyday commerce.

Partners in the Crypto Partner Program include Binance, Circle, Crypto.com, Solana, Ripple, PayPal, and over 80 other industry leaders, demonstrating the growing ecosystem of companies working together to shape the future of digital payments.

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AI-driven adaptive malware highlights new cyber threat landscape

Google’s cybersecurity division, Mandiant, has warned about the growing threat of AI-driven adaptive malware, highlighting how AI is reshaping the cyber threat landscape.

According to a recent report, adaptive malware can modify its behaviour and code in response to the environment it encounters, thereby evading traditional security tools. By analysing the security systems protecting a target, the malware can rewrite parts of its code to bypass detection.

Unlike traditional malware, which typically follows fixed instructions, adaptive malware can adjust its behaviour during an attack. This capability makes it more difficult for conventional cybersecurity tools to detect and block malicious activity.

Mandiant noted that such malware is increasingly associated with advanced persistent threat (APT) groups that conduct long-term, targeted cyber operations. These groups often pursue espionage objectives or financial gain while maintaining prolonged access to compromised systems.

AI is also being used to automate elements of cyberattacks. Machine learning algorithms allow malicious software to anticipate defensive measures and adjust its behaviour in real time. In some cases, attackers are integrating AI into broader automated attack chains. AI-driven malware can gather information, adapt its strategy, and continue operating with minimal human intervention.

Security researchers say autonomous AI agents may be capable of managing multiple stages of an attack, including reconnaissance, exploitation, and persistence, while remaining undetected.

To address these evolving threats, Mandiant recommends that organisations strengthen their cybersecurity strategies by deploying advanced detection and response tools, including AI-based systems that can identify anomalous behaviour. As AI capabilities continue to develop, cybersecurity experts say understanding adaptive malware and automated attack techniques will be essential for organisations seeking to protect their systems and data.

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Netflix AI filmmaking push grows with InterPositive acquisition

A deal valued at up to $600 million will see Netflix acquire InterPositive, the AI filmmaking company founded by actor and director Ben Affleck, according to people familiar with the matter.

The transaction, paid in cash, is expected to become one of the largest acquisitions made by the streaming company. The final upfront amount is reportedly lower, with additional payments tied to performance targets. Netflix has not publicly disclosed the financial terms of the deal.

The acquisition is intended to accelerate the use of AI in film production. InterPositive has developed software tools that enable filmmakers to modify existing footage, including removing unwanted elements or adjusting scene backgrounds. Director David Fincher has already used the technology in work on an upcoming film starring Brad Pitt.

The deal reflects a broader trend among entertainment companies exploring AI technologies to streamline production and improve efficiency. Companies including Netflix and Amazon are experimenting with AI tools in film and television production, while Disney has established a partnership with OpenAI.

The growing use of AI in Hollywood has raised concerns among industry workers. Some fear the technology could reduce jobs or allow studios to use creative work to train AI systems without compensation.

Affleck has said the InterPositive technology is designed to support filmmakers rather than replace them. The system requires directors first to shoot original footage before the software can train on the material. The tools can then assist with editing tasks, but do not generate films independently.

Netflix has traditionally avoided large-scale acquisitions, focusing instead on developing its technology internally. Even so, the purchase of InterPositive signals a step toward strengthening the company’s AI capabilities in film production.

‘The filmmaking process, really, since its inception, has been one long technological progression,’ Affleck said in a video released by Netflix. ‘We’ve always been seeking to make it feel more realistic, more honest, and InterPositive, I hope, is another iteration or step in keeping with that long and storied history.’

Affleck founded InterPositive with backing from investment firm RedBird Capital Partners and began seeking investment in 2025 before the company attracted interest from Netflix.

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