Motorola has unveiled its latest Razr flip phones, packed with AI features from a mix of tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Meta and Perplexity. The Ultra, Plus and standard Razr models will debut on 15 May, with tools that suggest actions, summarise notifications and even respond to the user’s gaze.
Perplexity’s AI app will come preinstalled, marking a rare shift towards diversifying AI search tools on Android devices. Unlike rivals Apple and Samsung, Motorola’s strategy integrates multiple AI systems, avoiding reliance on a single provider.
Notably absent is OpenAI’s technology, with Motorola instead selecting partners based on their expertise in research, productivity and user engagement. Meta’s Llama model, Microsoft’s Copilot and Google’s Gemini assistant will all feature in the new phones.
The launch comes as Google faces legal scrutiny over its search engine dominance, raising questions about future control of the AI market. Despite trade tensions and potential tariff impacts, Motorola has kept prices steady, crediting its parent company Lenovo’s adaptable supply chain.
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OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is reportedly set to acquire Windsurf, an AI-powered coding assistant formerly known as Codeium, for $3 billion, according to Bloomberg. If confirmed, it would be OpenAI’s largest acquisition to date.
The deal is still pending closure, but it follows recent investment talks Windsurf held with major backers such as General Catalyst and Kleiner Perkins, valuing the startup at the same amount.
Windsurf was last valued at $1.25 billion in 2024 after a $150 million funding round. Instead of raising more capital independently, the company now appears poised to join OpenAI, which is looking to bolster its suite of developer tools within ChatGPT.
The acquisition reflects OpenAI’s efforts to remain competitive in the fast-evolving AI coding landscape, following earlier purchases like Rockset and Multi last year.
OpenAI also revealed it would scale back a planned restructuring, abandoning its proposal to become a for-profit entity.
The decision comes amid growing scrutiny and legal challenges, including a high-profile lawsuit from Elon Musk, who accused the firm of drifting from its founding mission to develop AI that serves humanity.
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Cyberattacks targeting the US surged dramatically in early 2025, according to a new report from cybersecurity firm Trellix. Between October 2024 and March 2025, advanced persistent threats (APTs) increased by 136% compared to the previous quarter.
China’s cyber operations showed significant sophistication, with groups such as APT40 and Mustang Panda leading the charge. APT41, another Chinese-affiliated group, intensified its activities by 113%, focusing on exploiting both new and known vulnerabilities rather than relying on phishing tactics.
Analysts noted that nearly half of these threats originated from China, while over a third were linked to Russia. Meanwhile, Russia’s APT29, also known as Midnight Blizzard, primarily targeted transportation, shipping, and telecommunications sectors.
The report highlighted that government institutions remained the primary focus of hostile cyber actors. However, the telecommunications industry experienced a sharp 92% increase in APT attacks, while the technology sector faced a staggering 119% rise.
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Apple is reportedly collaborating with Anthropic, a startup backed by Amazon, to develop a new AI-powered coding platform called ‘vibe coding’, according to Bloomberg.
The platform will use Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model to write, edit, and test code on behalf of programmers, updating Apple’s existing Xcode software instead of launching an entirely separate tool.
‘Vibe coding’ refers to a growing trend in AI development where intelligent agents generate code autonomously instead of relying on manual programming. Apple is said to be testing the system internally for now, with no confirmed decision on whether it will become publicly available.
The move comes as tech firms race to lead in generative AI. While Apple previously introduced a similar tool, Swift Assist, it was never released to developers amid concerns from engineers about possible slowdowns in app creation.
Apple and Anthropic have not commented publicly on the reported collaboration.
With rivals like OpenAI pushing ahead—reportedly negotiating a $3 billion acquisition of coding assistant Windsurf—Apple is equipping its devices with more advanced chips and AI features, including ChatGPT integration, to compete in the rapidly evolving landscape instead of falling behind.
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Marks & Spencer has confirmed that a cyberattack has disrupted food availability in some stores and forced the temporary shutdown of online services. The company has not officially confirmed the nature of the breach, but cybersecurity experts suspect a ransomware attack.
The retailer paused clothing and home orders on its website and app after issues arose over the Easter weekend, affecting contactless payments and click-and-collect systems. M&S said it took some systems offline as a precautionary measure.
Reports have linked the incident to the hacking group Scattered Spider, although M&S has declined to comment further or provide a timeline for the resumption of online orders. The disruption has already led to minor product shortages and analysts anticipate a short-term hit to profits.
Still, M&S’s food division had been performing strongly, with grocery spending rising 14.4% year-on-year, according to Kantar. The retailer, which operates around 1,000 UK stores, earns about one-third of its non-food sales online. Shares dropped earlier in the week but closed Tuesday slightly up.
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Meta is introducing facial recognition tools to help UAE users recover hacked accounts on Facebook and Instagram and stop scams that misuse public figures’ images. The technology compares suspicious ads to verified profile photos and removes them automatically if a match is found.
Well-known individuals in the region are automatically enrolled in the programme but can opt out if they choose. A new video selfie feature has also been rolled out to help users regain access to compromised accounts.
This allows identity verification through a short video matched with existing profile photos, offering a faster and more secure alternative to document-based checks.
Meta confirmed that all facial data used for verification is encrypted, deleted immediately after use, and never repurposed.
The company says this is part of a broader effort to fight impersonation scams and protect both public figures and regular users, not just in the UAE but elsewhere too.
Meta’s regional director highlighted the emotional and financial harm such scams can cause, reinforcing the need for proactive defences.
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Microsoft has unveiled a set of five digital commitments aimed at supporting Europe’s technological and economic future.
Central to the announcement is a major expansion of its cloud and AI infrastructure, including plans to grow its datacentre capacity by 40% across 16 European countries.
The company says this will help nations strengthen digital sovereignty, boost economic competitiveness and ensure data remains under European jurisdiction.
They reaffirmed commitments to EU data privacy laws, expanding its EU Data Boundary and offering customers advanced encryption and control tools.
As geopolitical tensions persist, Microsoft pledges to uphold Europe’s digital resilience and continuity of service. However, this includes a legally binding Digital Resilience Commitment, European oversight of datacentre operations, and partnerships to ensure operational continuity in the event of disruption.
Cybersecurity remains a core focus, with a new Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for Europe and increased support for compliance with the EU’s evolving regulations.
Microsoft also recommitted to open access principles for AI development and support for local innovation, including open-source ecosystems.
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The US Securities and Exchange Commission has dropped its investigation into PayPal’s dollar-backed stablecoin, PYUSD, without taking enforcement action.
PayPal confirmed in a 29 April filing that the SEC notified the firm in February that the inquiry had been closed. The regulator first issued a subpoena in November 2023, requesting documents related to the stablecoin.
PYUSD is said to be fully backed and redeemable in US dollars. Despite that, it has struggled to gain market share, with a market cap of just $880 million, far below competitors like Tether and Circle.
The stablecoin’s circulating supply has increased by 75% in 2025, helped by new incentives. US users can now earn 3.7% annually by holding PYUSD, and a new partnership with Coinbase aims to boost adoption further.
PayPal also posted strong first-quarter results, beating expectations with $1.33 earnings per share and $7.8 billion in revenue. It highlighted major share buybacks and plans for stablecoin innovation.
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President Donald Trump has signed executive orders easing his controversial 25% tariffs on automobiles and parts, aiming to relieve pressure on carmakers struggling with rising costs.
The move follows warnings from manufacturers and analysts that the tariffs could inflate prices, harm domestic production and slow the industry’s recovery. Trump framed the measure as a temporary bridge, allowing automakers time to shift more manufacturing into the US instead of facing harsh penalties.
The changes include a short-term rebate system tied to the proportion of foreign parts used in vehicles assembled domestically. Automakers have been told they’ll have two years of reduced levies, giving them time to reconfigure supply chains and invest in new US-based facilities.
Officials claim announcements on job creation and plant expansion are expected soon, with companies like Stellantis, Ford, and GM praising the policy shift as a step toward competitiveness rather than an immediate fix.
However, some experts warn that the industry needs stability instead of unpredictable policy swings. They argue that relocating production takes years and billions in investment, not mere months.
With vehicle prices already high and supply chains stretched, economists question whether the tariff adjustments can offset the broader economic risks posed by Trump’s wider trade strategy.
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Alphabet, Google’s parent company, may soon be forced to split into separate entities, with its Chrome browser emerging as a particularly attractive target.
With Chrome controlling over 65% of the global browser market, interest is mounting from AI-driven firms and legacy tech companies alike, all eager to take control of a platform that reaches billions of users.
OpenAI, known for ChatGPT, sees Chrome as a natural fit for its expanding AI ecosystem, especially with search features increasingly integrated into its chatbot.
Rival AI search firm Perplexity is also eyeing Chrome instead of building from scratch, viewing it as a shortcut to mainstream adoption and a rich source of user data and engagement.
Yahoo, backed by Apollo Global Management, is reportedly considering a $50 billion bid, even while developing its own browser internally.
Despite legal uncertainties and the threat of drawn-out regulatory battles, the opportunity to own Chrome could radically shift influence in the tech sector, especially while Google faces mounting antitrust scrutiny.
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