Digital standards

Apple may replace Google with AI in Safari

Apple may soon reshape how users search the web on iPhones and other devices by integrating AI-powered search engines directly into Safari instead of relying solely on Google.

According to Bloomberg, the company is ‘actively looking at’ expanding options in its browser to include AI systems such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Perplexity, potentially disrupting Google’s long-held dominance in online search.

Currently, Google pays Apple around $20 billion a year to remain the default search engine in Safari — about 36% of the search ad revenue generated through Apple devices. But that relationship may be under pressure, especially as AI tools gain popularity.

Apple has already partnered with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT into Siri, while Google is now pushing to include its Gemini AI system in future Apple products.

Alphabet’s shares dropped 6% following the news, while Apple saw a 2% dip. Apple executive Eddy Cue, testifying in an ongoing antitrust case, noted a recent decline in Safari searches and said he expects AI search tools to eventually replace traditional engines like Google.

Apple, he added, plans to introduce these AI services as built-in alternatives in Safari in the near future.

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LockBit ransomware Bitcoin addresses exposed

Nearly 60,000 Bitcoin addresses linked to LockBit’s ransomware operations have been exposed following a major breach of the group’s dark web affiliate panel.

The leak, which included a MySQL database dump, was shared publicly online and could assist blockchain analysts in tracing LockBit’s financial activity instead of leaving such transactions untracked.

Despite the scale of the breach, no private keys were leaked. A LockBit representative reportedly confirmed the incident in a message, stating that no sensitive access data was compromised.

However, the exposed database included 20 tables, such as one labelled ‘builds’ that contained details about ransomware created by affiliates and their targeted companies.

Another table, ‘chats,’ revealed over 4,400 messages from negotiations between victims and LockBit operators, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of ransomware extortion tactics.

Analysts believe the hack may be connected to a separate breach of the Everest ransomware site, as both featured identical messages, hinting at a possible link.

The incident has again underscored the central role of cryptocurrency in the ransomware economy. Each victim is typically given a unique address for payments, making tracking difficult.

Instead of remaining hidden, these addresses now give law enforcement and blockchain experts a chance to trace payments and potentially link them to previously unidentified actors.

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Netflix introduces AI chatbot to help you pick what to watch

Netflix is trialling an AI chatbot inside its iOS app, offering a new way for users to find content by simply typing natural phrases instead of relying on standard searches. In this small, opt-in beta, users might say things like ‘I want something funny and upbeat; to receive tailored recommendations.

The company believes the AI chatbot could soon become a core part of its app on both iOS and Android, and perhaps even land on TVs in future.

Alongside this, Netflix is reshaping the user experience by surfacing helpful labels like ‘Emmy Award Winner’ and ‘#1 in TV Shows’ to help viewers choose faster instead of scrolling endlessly.

Search and My List are moving to the top of TV screens for better visibility, and the homepage is getting a cleaner, more modern design.

Netflix says recommendations will also shift dynamically based on a viewer’s mood or interests, although it hasn’t explained exactly how this will work.

On mobile, Netflix plans to roll out a vertical feed of show and movie clips in the coming weeks. You’ll be able to tap to watch, save, or share immediately—turning content discovery into a quick and interactive experience instead of a chore.

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Mistral AI unveils enterprise tools to rival Big Tech

French startup Mistral AI is making waves with the launch of its Medium 3 model family and a business chatbot called Le Chat Enterprise, aiming to disrupt a market long dominated by OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Anthropic.

The company claims its new models outperform rivals while needing fewer computational resources, giving businesses a more efficient and affordable AI alternative.

The Medium 3 family consists of Small, Standard and Large variants, with the Standard version described as the ideal balance between power and efficiency.

Capable of handling context windows up to 128,000 tokens, these models can process long documents and complex inputs without the costs typically associated with top-tier AI systems.

Meanwhile, Le Chat Enterprise offers companies a privacy-focused, ready-to-deploy chatbot tailored for business use instead of consumer settings.

Backed by €385 million in funding and a team of former DeepMind and Meta researchers, Mistral continues to set itself apart by combining open-source releases with commercial offerings.

If its performance claims hold in independent benchmarks, Mistral may force the AI industry to compete not only on raw capability but also on value—a shift that could benefit enterprises seeking practical, cost-effective AI solutions instead of hype-driven tools.

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FutureHouse unveils Finch AI tool for biology research

FutureHouse, a nonprofit backed by Eric Schmidt, has introduced Finch, an AI tool designed to assist biological research. Finch analyses biology data and research papers, generating figures and insights much like a first-year graduate student might.

FutureHouse aims to automate aspects of scientific discovery, though no significant breakthroughs have yet been reported.

Despite optimism from tech leaders, many scientists doubt AI’s current value in guiding complex research.

Finch, while promising, can still make errors, prompting FutureHouse to recruit bioinformaticians and computational biologists to help refine the tool. The platform remains in closed beta as development continues.

The biotech AI market is expanding, yet previous ventures have suffered clinical trial setbacks. Finch represents a cautious step forward, balancing potential with careful human oversight. Interested experts are invited to participate in its ongoing evaluation.

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UK police struggle to contain online misinformation

Sir Andy Cooke has urged that Ofcom be granted stronger powers to swiftly remove harmful online posts, particularly misinformation linked to public unrest. He criticised delays in tackling false content during the 2024 riots, which allowed damaging narratives to spread unchecked.

The UK Online Safety Act, though recently passed, does not permit Ofcom to delete individual posts. Ofcom acknowledged the connection between online posts and the disorder but stated it is responsible for overseeing platforms’ safety systems, not moderating content directly.

Critics argue this leaves a gap in quickly stopping harmful material from spreading. The regulator has faced scrutiny for its perceived lack of action during last summer’s violence. Over 30 people have already been arrested for riot-related posts, with some receiving prison sentences.

Police forces were found to have limited capability to counter online misinformation, according to a new report. Sir Andy stressed the need for improved policing strategies and called for legal changes to deter inflammatory online behaviour.

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WhatsApp scam sees fraudsters impersonate loved ones

Parents and friends are being targeted by fraudsters using WhatsApp and text messages to impersonate loved ones in urgent need. Criminals often claim the sender has lost their phone and cannot access their bank account, pressing recipients to transfer money swiftly.

The scams are growing more convincing, with AI voice impersonation now used to create fake voice notes. Scammers may pose as children, friends, or even parents, and typically request payments to unfamiliar accounts.

They discourage verification and apply pressure, asking for help with rent, phone replacements, or emergency bills. Santander reports that fraudsters impersonating sons are the most successful, followed by daughters and mothers.

Experts advise contacting the supposed sender directly and establishing a family password to confirm identities in future. Victims who transfer money should alert their bank immediately, report the scam through messaging apps or to Action Fraud.

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Microsoft adds AI assistant to Windows 11 settings

Microsoft is bringing more AI to Windows 11 with a new AI assistant built into the Settings app. This smart agent can adjust system settings like mouse precision, help users navigate the interface, and even troubleshoot problems—all by request.

With the user’s permission, it can also make changes automatically instead of relying on manual adjustments.

The AI assistant will first roll out to testers in the Windows Insider programme on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, followed by support for x86-based systems.

Although Microsoft has not confirmed a release date for the general public, this feature marks a major step in making Windows settings more intuitive and responsive.

Several other AI-powered updates are on the way, including smarter tools in File Explorer and the Snipping Tool, plus dynamic lighting in the Photos app.

Copilot will also gain a new ‘Vision’ feature, letting it see shared windows for better in-app assistance instead of being limited to text prompts alone.

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Amazon’s new robots could replace warehouse workers

Amazon’s latest innovation, the Vulcan robot, is set to revolutionise the company’s warehouse operations. These cutting-edge robots are designed with an advanced ‘sense of touch,’ enabling them to perform tasks such as picking and packing, which were previously exclusive to human workers.

It could significantly reduce the number of jobs required in Amazon’s fulfilment centres worldwide, potentially displacing lower-skilled workers, particularly those in temporary or younger roles.

Vulcan’s technology allows it to navigate complex tasks, including placing items into precise spots and handling a vast array of products with care, a challenge that was previously difficult for robots.

Amazon argues that the robots will improve workplace safety by reducing the physical strain on employees and minimising injuries, while also boosting operational efficiency.

However, the shift towards automation raises concerns about the future of employment within Amazon’s warehouses.

Though Amazon emphasises that robots like Vulcan will complement human workers, the growing use of automation, including drone deliveries and AI-powered machines, could diminish the need for human labour in certain roles.

A move like this, combined with the company’s broader tech investments, prompts significant questions about the future of work and the potential societal impacts of widespread automation.

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AMD faces a $1.5 billion loss from US chip curbs

AMD expects to lose around US$1.5 billion in revenue this year because of new US export restrictions on advanced AI chips, which now require a licence to be sold to China.

The US government, under both the Biden and Trump administrations, has tightened curbs on chip exports in an effort to slow China’s progress in developing powerful AI systems, citing national security risks.

China makes up roughly a quarter of AMD’s total revenue, so these measures could reduce AMD’s expected annual earnings by almost 5 per cent.

Despite this setback, AMD posted stronger-than-expected second-quarter revenue guidance, forecasting around US$7.4 billion, likely driven by customers rushing to stockpile chips before the new rules fully take effect.

CEO Lisa Su said the impact from the curbs would be mostly felt during the second and third quarters, yet she still expects revenue from the company’s AI data centre chips to grow by strong double digits in 2024.

AMD’s finance chief Jean Hu clarified the projected US$1.5 billion revenue loss is tied directly to the latest export controls introduced in April.

Although AMD is under pressure, demand for its high-performance chips remains solid, with tech giants like Microsoft and Meta continuing to invest heavily in AI infrastructure.

The company’s data centre division saw sales jump 57 per cent to US$3.7 billion, helping push total revenue up 36 per cent to US$7.44 billion—both figures exceeding analyst expectations. Adjusted earnings stood at 96 cents per share, slightly above estimates.

Rival chipmaker Nvidia has also warned it now requires a licence to export to China and faces an even larger US$5.5 billion hit.

Meanwhile, other tech firms didn’t fare as well—Marvell Technology and Super Micro disappointed investors, with shares falling after they issued weaker outlooks, adding further signs of turbulence in the chip sector.

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