Google has expanded its AI-powered note-taking tool, NotebookLM Plus, to individual users subscribed to the Google One AI Premium plan. Initially launched for enterprises, the paid version offers significantly higher usage limits, allowing users to create up to 500 notebooks and process 300 sources per notebook. It also supports 500 chat queries and 20 AI-generated audio summaries daily.
Priced at $20 per month, the subscription also includes access to Google’s Gemini AI across Gmail, Docs, and 2TB of cloud storage. Students in the US over 18 years old can get a 50% discount, bringing the price down to $9.99 per month. Google has yet to reveal the number of users for NotebookLM but reports suggest millions of visits in recent months.
Google is also working on expanding NotebookLM’s features, including support for more languages in its AI-generated audio summaries and the launch of a dedicated mobile app. The company emphasised that both free and premium users would continue receiving a high-quality experience as it refines the service.
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Baidu CEO Robin Li stated on Tuesday that investment in data centres and cloud infrastructure remains crucial despite the challenge posed by Chinese AI startup DeepSeek. Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Li emphasised that smarter AI models require increased computing power, or “compute,” to function effectively. His comments come as DeepSeek has gained attention for creating language models that perform similarly to OpenAI’s GPT while using much less computing power, prompting debate over the need for large-scale AI infrastructure.
Baidu, a key player in China’s AI development, was quick to launch its own AI products after the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022. However, its own language model, Ernie, has seen limited public adoption, despite claims that it rivals GPT-4 in capability. Li, who previously argued that no OpenAI-like company would emerge from China, admitted at the summit that innovation in AI is unpredictable, as shown by DeepSeek’s rapid rise.
In a shift from his earlier stance on AI development, Li acknowledged that open-source models could play a significant role in accelerating AI adoption. While he had previously advocated for closed-source approaches, he now recognises that allowing greater access could foster wider experimentation and faster technological spread. This marks a notable change in Baidu’s approach to the evolving AI landscape.
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Microsoft has deepened its commitment to clean energy by securing a long-term virtual power purchase agreement with EDP Renewables North America. As part of the deal, three large-scale solar projects in the United States will supply Microsoft with 389 megawatts of electricity and renewable energy credits. The agreement aligns with the tech giant’s push to power its expanding AI-driven data centres with sustainable energy sources.
The projects, located in Illinois and Texas, began operations between November and December last year. This includes a 140 MW solar installation in Jacksonville, a 110 MW site near Jerseyville, and a 150 MW park near Austin. EDP Renewables confirmed that this latest agreement brings its total number of operational projects with Microsoft in the US to five.
Big technology firms have significantly ramped up investments in renewable energy as they seek to offset the soaring electricity demand of AI infrastructure. Microsoft’s partnership with EDP Renewables marks another step towards the company’s sustainability targets, reinforcing its ambition to run entirely on renewable energy in the near future.
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A state-of-the-art space lab on the outskirts of Cairo, touted as Africa’s first satellite production facility, has been built with substantial Chinese involvement. While the lab was designed to assemble homegrown Egyptian satellites, much of the technology, equipment, and expertise comes from China. The first satellite produced at the facility was largely assembled in China and launched from there in December 2023. The plant is part of a broader Chinese effort to strengthen its space presence across Africa, as Beijing seeks to enhance its global surveillance capabilities and assert itself as a dominant space power.
Egypt’s satellite facility is just one element of China’s growing influence in Africa’s space sector. Over the past two years, China has gifted Egypt with various space technologies, including advanced telescopes and Earth observation satellites. However, these technologies come with strings attached, as China maintains a long-term presence in the facilities it builds and gains access to data collected by its satellites. This partnership is a part of China’s broader strategy to establish space alliances in Africa, aiming to secure surveillance data and boost its military capabilities.
China’s efforts to expand its space infrastructure on the continent are drawing attention from global powers. While Egypt and other African nations benefit from Chinese investments, there are concerns about Beijing’s increasing influence and its ability to collect sensitive data through these space projects. The US has voiced concerns over the potential military applications of China’s space technology in Africa, as Beijing builds ground stations and enhances its surveillance capabilities. Despite these concerns, African countries, including Egypt, remain neutral, viewing space collaborations as opportunities for scientific and technological advancement.
The US has struggled to match China’s strategic approach in Africa, with many African nations now seeking technology partnerships that suit their immediate needs. This shift underscores the growing importance of space technology in geopolitics, as countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Senegal enter into agreements with China that could shape the future of space exploration and military capabilities. As the global space race intensifies, China’s growing influence in Africa may continue to challenge the US and other Western powers in their efforts to maintain dominance in space exploration.
Merchants in North America are increasingly turning to Shopify for e-commerce operations, drawn by its AI-driven automation tools. Businesses like Klatch Coffee and Daily Harvest have migrated to the platform, benefiting from features that streamline discount creation, product descriptions, and sales tracking. Shopify’s AI suite, ‘Shopify Magic’, is levelling the playing field for smaller businesses by offering capabilities once exclusive to major retailers.
Revenue for Shopify is projected to rise by 27.3% in the holiday quarter, outpacing global e-commerce growth, which is estimated at 8.4% for the year. The company is recovering from a post-pandemic slowdown, with the number of stores registered on its platform increasing by 20% in the July-September period. Analysts note that Shopify is attracting sellers at a rate approaching its pandemic-era surge.
Subscription plans, ranging from $39 to $2,000 per month, offer businesses full control over their online operations. Merchants switching from smaller rivals cite Shopify’s ease of use, integrated payment processing, and AI-powered content generation as key advantages. AI-generated product images have helped businesses cut costs, while automation tools have saved time on marketing and customer engagement.
Despite rapid growth, analysts are cautious about Shopify’s profit margins. Although earnings have more than doubled in recent quarters, projections indicate a slowdown in profit growth. Partnerships with payment providers like PayPal could also limit transaction fee revenue. However, Shopify’s focus on innovation and automation continues to strengthen its position in the competitive e-commerce sector.
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The European Union is looking to the private sector to help fund large-scale AI computing infrastructure, known as ‘AI Gigafactories,’ to support the development of advanced AI models. Speaking at the AI Action Summit in Paris, EU President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the need for powerful computing resources to enable European startups to compete globally.
To accelerate AI adoption, the EU has pledged €50 billion in funding, adding to a €150 billion commitment from private sector companies under the EU AI Champions initiative. The goal is to mobilise €200 billion in total investment, making it the largest public-private partnership for AI development in the world.
With the US and China heavily investing in AI infrastructure, Europe is under pressure to keep pace. Von der Leyen argued that Europe’s collaborative approach to AI, focused on shared computing resources and federated data, could provide a competitive advantage. She stressed that AI Gigafactories would be accessible to researchers, startups, and industries, ensuring that Europe remains a key player in the AI race.
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France‘s antitrust agency has launched an investigation into Microsoft over concerns that the company may be degrading search results for smaller rivals using Bing technology in their search-engine products. Microsoft has confirmed its full cooperation with the French regulator, the Autorité de la concurrence, but has not commented further. Although Microsoft does not dominate the general search market, it holds a significant share in the search-engine syndication sector.
The investigation, which was first reported by Bloomberg, could lead to formal charges and a potential fine for the US tech giant if the regulator determines that Microsoft’s actions are anti-competitive. The French competition authority has yet to provide any additional details about the probe. The case could have broader implications for the way major tech firms, including Microsoft, operate in the digital advertising and search-engine markets, potentially influencing how they collaborate with smaller companies.
If the investigation results in a fine or any form of penalty, it would further highlight the ongoing scrutiny of the practices of big tech companies in Europe. With regulators across the continent taking a closer look at the competitive dynamics of the tech sector, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for future antitrust actions within the industry.
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Perplexity AI saw a 50% surge in app downloads after a clever Super Bowl promotion that required users to interact with its AI-powered search tool. Instead of running an expensive TV advert like OpenAI and Google, the company posted on X, encouraging users to download the app and ask five questions during the game for a chance to win $1 million.
The strategy paid off, with app installs rising to 45,000 on US Super Bowl Sunday, compared to the previous daily average of 30,000. The contest not only increased downloads but also helped familiarise users with Perplexity’s AI capabilities. By requiring engagement during the game, the company ensured new users experienced the search tool in action.
While OpenAI and Google invested heavily in traditional advertising, Perplexity’s approach appeared to have a more direct impact on user interaction. The app climbed the US App Store rankings, reaching as high as No. 6 in the Productivity category. Early estimates suggest the momentum may continue, potentially doubling downloads in the following days.
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US Vice President JD Vance is set to speak at the Paris AI summit on Tuesday, where he is expected to address Europe’s regulation of artificial intelligence and the moderation of content on major tech platforms. As AI continues to grow, the global discussion has shifted from safety concerns to intense geopolitical competition, with nations vying to lead the technology’s development. On the first day of the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised the need for Europe to reduce regulatory barriers to foster AI growth, in contrast to the regulatory divergence between the US, China, and Europe.
Vance, a vocal critic of content moderation on tech platforms, has voiced concerns over Europe’s approach, particularly in relation to Elon Musk’s platform X. Ahead of his trip, he stressed that free speech should be a priority for the US under President Trump, suggesting that European content moderation could harm these values. While Vance’s main focus in Paris is expected to be Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he will lead the American delegation in discussions with nearly 100 countries, including China and India, to navigate competing national interests in the AI sector.
Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are also expected to present a new AI strategy, aimed at simplifying regulations and accelerating Europe’s progress. At the summit, Macron highlighted the region’s shift to carbon-free nuclear energy to meet the growing energy demands of AI. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on European companies to unite in strengthening AI efforts within the continent. Meanwhile, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is scheduled to speak, following a significant bid from a consortium led by Musk to purchase OpenAI.
The summit also anticipates discussions on a draft statement proposing an inclusive, human rights-based approach to AI, with an emphasis on avoiding market concentration and ensuring sustainability for both people and the planet. However, it remains unclear whether nations will support this approach as they align their strategies.
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Canadian space technology firm MDA Space has expanded its contract with Globalstar to develop next-generation low Earth orbit satellites, bringing the total value of the deal to C$1.1 billion. The agreement will see MDA manufacture over 50 advanced digital satellites, reinforcing Globalstar’s position in the competitive satellite communications market.
The US Louisiana-based Globalstar, partly owned by Apple, provides satellite-based phone and data transmission services. This contract expansion adds approximately C$750 million to Canadian MDA’s order backlog for early 2025, following an initial C$350 million commitment in late 2023.
With demand for satellite connectivity rising, companies like Globalstar are competing with major players such as SpaceX’s Starlink. MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley confirmed that the company is now moving ‘full speed ahead’ with production, highlighting the growing importance of satellite infrastructure in global communications.
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