Economic Archives | Page 351 of 707 | Digital Watch Observatory

Odyssey presents immersive AI-powered streaming

Odyssey, a startup founded by self-driving veterans Oliver Cameron and Jeff Hawke, has unveiled an AI model that allows users to interact with streaming video in real time.

The technology generates video frames every 40 milliseconds, enabling users to move through scenes like a 3D video game instead of passively watching. A demo is currently available online, though it is still in its early stages.

The system relies on a new kind of ‘world model’ that predicts future visual states based on previous actions and environments. Odyssey claims its model can maintain spatial consistency, learn motion from video, and sustain coherent video output for five minutes or more.

Unlike models trained solely on internet data, Odyssey captures real-world environments using a custom 360-degree, backpack-mounted camera to build higher-fidelity simulations.

Tech giants and AI startups are exploring world models to power next-generation simulations and interactive media. Yet creative professionals remain wary. A 2024 study commissioned by the Animation Guild predicted significant job disruptions across film and animation.

Game studios like Activision Blizzard have been scrutinised for using AI while cutting staff.

Odyssey, however, insists its goal is collaboration instead of replacement. The company is also developing software to let creators edit scenes using tools like Unreal Engine and Blender.

Backed by $27 million in funding and supported by Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull, Odyssey aims to transform video content across entertainment, education, and advertising through on-demand interactivity.

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Gemini gets a major upgrade as Google boosts its AI assistant powers

Google has taken a significant step forward in the race to build the ultimate AI assistant by upgrading its Gemini model with a powerful scheduling feature.

The change, quietly rolled out to Gemini Pro and Ultra users, allows the AI to execute tasks at specific times or set up recurring actions—capabilities typically associated with personal assistants rather than chatbots.

Thanks to this upgrade, Gemini users can now automate a range of everyday digital routines. Whether it’s receiving a morning digest of unread emails and calendar events or prompting the AI to suggest blog topics every Monday, Gemini is positioning itself as a seamless aide across Google’s ecosystem.

According to a company blog post, the model can even deliver timely summaries of live events, like award shows, the day after they air.

The new feature is now available for those subscribed to Gemini Pro and Ultra, and eligible Google Workspace business and education accounts.

It comes as Google accelerates its plans to integrate Gemini into nearly every major product it offers, from Gmail to smart glasses, firmly embedding AI into its future user experience.

While competitors like OpenAI remain dominant in mindshare and Apple’s Siri lags behind, Google’s steady rollout of assistant-style functions may redefine the AI playing field.

Apple’s own AI revamp has faced internal setbacks, and its much-anticipated Siri update is now unlikely to appear this year.

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SoftBank and Intel develop low-power memory for AI data centres

SoftBank and Intel are collaborating on a new memory technology designed to halve power consumption compared to current high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which is critical for AI systems.

The project includes the University of Tokyo, research institute Riken, and Shinco Electric Industries, among others, and aims to address cost, efficiency, and supply issues in today’s HBM market.

The initiative will be led by a newly established SoftBank subsidiary, Cy Memory, which is tasked with IP management and developing prototype memory chips that reconfigure wiring structures in stacked DRAMs.

The goal is to mass-produce more energy-efficient and cost-effective memory than existing HBM, with applications in data centres running AI workloads.

SoftBank plans to invest 3 billion yen in Cy Memory, becoming its largest shareholder, and may seek government funding.

As AI data centre demand skyrockets, the new memory could offer Japan a strategic edge in semiconductor development—particularly as domestic DRAM production has largely disappeared. Japan has pledged over 10 trillion yen in semiconductor investments by 2030 to revive its chip industry.

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FBI warns BADBOX 2.0 malware is infecting millions

The FBI has issued a warning about the resurgence of BADBOX 2.0, a dangerous form of malware infecting millions of consumer electronics globally.

Often preloaded onto low-cost smart TVs, streaming boxes, and IoT devices, primarily from China, the malware grants cyber criminals backdoor access, enabling theft, surveillance, and fraud while remaining essentially undetectable.

BADBOX 2.0 forms part of a massive botnet and can also infect devices through malicious apps and drive-by downloads, especially from unofficial Android stores.

Once activated, the malware enables a range of attacks, including click fraud, fake account creation, DDoS attacks, and the theft of one-time passwords and personal data.

Removing the malware is extremely difficult, as it typically requires flashing new firmware, an option unavailable for most of the affected devices.

Users are urged to check their hardware against a published list of compromised models and to avoid sideloading apps or purchasing unverified connected tech.

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UK cracks down on rogue influencers

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has taken action against unauthorised financial influencers in a coordinated international crackdown, resulting in three arrests. Regulators across six countries, participated in the effort, targeting those offering unlicensed tips or falsely promoting products.

Hundreds of social media posts of websites are being taken down after being linked to misleading financial advice presented under the guise of luxury lifestyles. The FCA issued cease and desist letters and called several influencers in for questioning.

The FCA highlighted that many of these posts fail to explain risks and often encourage followers to pay for unverified trading algorithms. The campaign aims to protect people, especially young users, who increasingly use online sources for financial education.

Meta was questioned by the Treasury Committee over delays, prompting the firm to acknowledge a processing lapse in 2024. Separately, the UK FCA is reviewing a ban on crypto exchange-traded notes, signalling a shift toward regulated crypto investment for retail users.

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Bjorn Ulvaeus says AI is ‘an extension of your mind’

ABBA legend Bjorn Ulvaeus is working on a new musical with the help of AI, describing the technology as ‘an extension of your mind.’ Despite previously criticising AI companies’ unlicensed use of artists’ work, the 80-year-old Swedish songwriter believes AI can be a valuable creative partner.

At London’s inaugural SXSW, Ulvaeus explained how he uses AI tools to explore lyrical ideas and overcome writer’s block. ‘It is like having another songwriter in the room with a huge reference frame,’ he said.

‘You can prompt a lyric and ask where to go from there. It usually comes out with garbage, but sometimes something in it gives you another idea.’

Ulvaeus was among over 10,000 creatives who signed an open letter warning of the risks AI poses to artists’ r i ghts. Still, he maintains that when used with consent and care, AI can support — not replace — human creativity. ‘It must not exclude the human,’ he warned.

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Google is testing voice-powered Search Live in AI Mode

Google is rolling out a new voice-powered feature called Search Live as part of its evolving AI Mode for Search. Initially previewed at Google I/O 2025, the feature allows users to interact with Search through real-time spoken conversations without needing to type or tap through results.

Available to select users in the United States via the Google app on Android and iOS, Search Live lets users ask questions aloud and receive voice responses. It also supports conversational follow-ups, creating a more natural flow of information.

The feature is powered by Project Astra, Google’s real-time speech processing engine that underpins other innovations like Live in Gemini.

When enabled, a sparkle-styled waveform icon appears under the search bar, replacing the previous Google Lens shortcut. Tapping it opens the feature and activates four voice style options—Cosmo, Neso, Terra, and Cassini. Users can opt for audio responses or mute them and view a transcript instead.

Search Live marks a broader shift in how Google is rethinking search: turning static queries into dynamic dialogues. The company also plans to expand AI Mode with support for live camera feeds shortly, aiming to make Search more immersive and interactive.

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New phase in Malaysia Airlines and Google collaboration

Malaysia Airlines is deepening its partnership with Google to accelerate its digital transformation, focusing on AI-powered marketing and end-to-end innovation across the travel experience.

Building on a successful 2024 collaboration, the renewed agreement will integrate more advanced technologies to enhance customer engagement and streamline services.

The airline and tech giant aims to shift from promotional showcases to a fully integrated ecosystem, using AI and data-driven tools to reshape the travel journey.

A recent highlight was an interactive showcase at the MATTA Fair, where visitors transformed photos into videos using Google’s Veo image-to-video generation tool — part of Malaysia Airlines’ ‘Time For’ campaign.

Dersenish Aresandiran, chief commercial officer of airlines at Malaysia Aviation Group, said the partnership is about more than technology: it’s a strategic move to enrich customer experiences and support national tourism goals ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Google Malaysia’s director, Farhan Qureshi, echoed the sentiment, calling the collaboration a powerful example of how innovation and creativity can redefine global travel.

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AI in higher education: A mixed blessing for students and institutions

AI rapidly reshapes university life, offering students new tools to boost creativity, structure assignments, and develop ideas more efficiently. At institutions like Oxford Brookes University, students like 22-year-old Sunjaya Phillips have found that AI enhances confidence and productivity when used responsibly, with faculty guidance.

She describes AI as a ‘study buddy’ that transformed her academic experience, especially during creative blocks, where AI-generated prompts saved valuable time. However, the rise of AI in academia also raises important concerns.

A global student survey revealed that while many embrace AI in their studies, a majority fear its long-term implications on employment. Some admit to misusing the technology for dishonest purposes, highlighting the ethical challenges it presents.

Experts like Dr Charlie Simpson from Oxford Brookes caution that relying too heavily on AI to ‘do the thinking’ undermines educational goals and may devalue the learning process.

Despite these concerns, many educators and institutions remain optimistic about AI’s potential—if used wisely. Professor Keiichi Nakata from Henley Business School stresses that AI is not a replacement but a powerful aid, likening its expected workplace relevance to today’s basic IT skills.

He and others argue that responsible AI use could elevate the capabilities of future graduates and reshape degree expectations accordingly. While some students worry about job displacement, others, like Phillips, view AI as a support system rather than a threat.

The consensus among academics is clear: success in the age of AI will depend not on avoiding the technology, but on mastering it with discernment, ethics, and adaptability.

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After Musk and Trump fall out, Dogecoin plunges

Dogecoin has taken a sharp bearish turn, with analysts warning of a potential 66% drop in value following a public clash between Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump.

The cryptocurrency, which has often rallied on Musk’s endorsements, is now facing its third consecutive weekly decline. DOGE is currently trading at $0.17, with bearish technical patterns pointing toward a possible slide to $0.06.

The feud between Musk and Trump escalated on 5 June after the former left his role in the Department of Government Efficiency.

Trump has since threatened to end Musk’s federal contracts and subsidies, prompting the billionaire to respond on X (formerly Twitter) with fierce criticism, including calls for impeachment and mockery of Trump’s budget bill. The fallout has rattled crypto markets, where Musk’s influence is particularly strong.

Historically, Dogecoin has surged on Musk’s backing—from Tesla’s acceptance of DOGE for merchandise in 2022 to Twitter’s temporary rebranding with the memecoin’s logo in 2023.

It also rallied following Trump’s 2024 election win, which Musk vocally supported. The current breakdown in their alliance, however, appears to have reversed that trend.

Technically, DOGE has broken below key support levels, forming a bear flag pattern that analysts say could trigger a further decline to $0.06.

Indicators like the RSI have also turned negative, suggesting continued selling pressure in the short term as traders digest the political drama and shifting market sentiment.

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