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Honor phones get early access to Google’s AI video tool

Google’s latest AI image-to-video tool has made its debut on new Honor smartphones, ahead of its wider rollout to Gemini users.

The feature, powered by Google’s Veo 2 model, allows users to transform still images into short five-second videos directly from the Gallery app on Honor’s upcoming 400 and 400 Pro devices, launching on 22 May. The technology offers quick generation, usually taking just a minute or two per video.

Designed with simplicity in mind, the tool does not allow text prompts, leaving the AI to interpret each image as it sees fit. Results can be mixed: straightforward subjects such as pets or portraits often yield smooth, lifelike motion, but the tool struggles with complex visuals.

Some results have been amusing or surreal — a pigeon flying out of Van Gogh’s eye, for instance — suggesting that the AI’s creative choices still lack refinement.

Owners of the Honor 400 series will be able to try the feature for free for two months, with a limit of ten videos per day. After the trial, a Google subscription will likely be required, though pricing and terms have not yet been announced.

While video generation is already available to Google’s Gemini Advanced subscribers using text input, image-based generation remains limited to selected users under Google Cloud’s enterprise offerings, where it’s priced at 50 cents per second.

With this early release, Honor users gain rare first-hand access to an experimental AI feature that remains out of reach for most.

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Microsoft expands cloud push across Europe

Microsoft has unveiled a new set of commitments aimed at strengthening its digital presence across Europe, pledging to expand cloud and AI infrastructure while supporting the region’s economic competitiveness.

Announced by Microsoft President Brad Smith in Brussels, the ‘European Digital Commitments’ include a promise to increase European data centre capacity by 40% within two years, bringing the total to over 200 across 16 countries.

Smith explained that Microsoft’s goal is to provide technology that helps individuals and organisations succeed, rather than simply expanding its reach. He highlighted AI as essential to modern economies, describing it as a driving force behind what he called the ‘AI economy.’

Alongside job creation, Microsoft hopes its presence will spark wider economic benefits for customers and partners throughout the continent.

To ease concerns around data security, particularly in light of US–EU geopolitical tensions, Microsoft has added clauses in agreements with European institutions allowing it to legally resist any external order to halt operations in Europe.

If such efforts failed, Microsoft has arranged for European partners to access its code stored securely in Switzerland, instead of allowing disruptions to affect vital digital services.

Although Microsoft’s investments stand to benefit Europe, they also underscore the company’s deep dependence on the region, with over a quarter of its business based there.

Smith insisted that Microsoft’s global success would not have been possible without its European footprint, and called for continued cooperation across the Atlantic—even in the face of potential tariff disputes or political strains.

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Quantum AI interest surges in data science and cybersecurity

Quantum AI is no longer a distant concept for many businesses, with over 60 percent actively investing in or exploring the technology, according to new research from SAS.

The report highlights that the most common area of application is in data analytics and machine learning, accounting for 48 percent of use cases. Research and development follows at 41 percent, while cybersecurity ranks third at 35 percent.

The emerging field of quantum AI combines current AI with the immense processing power of quantum computing. This fusion promises breakthroughs in algorithm development, complex model training, and solving data problems that today’s systems struggle with.

Industries are also examining its potential in supply chain and logistics (31 percent), finance and risk management (26 percent), and even marketing (20 percent).

Despite growing interest, several barriers still hinder adoption. These include high costs (38 percent), a lack of understanding (35 percent), uncertainty around practical use cases (31 percent), a shortage of skilled workers (31 percent), and limited regulatory guidance (26 percent).

SAS Principal Quantum Architect Bill Wisotsky acknowledged the surrounding hype but stressed that research underway today is crucial groundwork.

Key sectors poised to benefit include life s c iences, financial services, and manufacturing, particularly in areas such as drug discovery, risk analysis, and process optimisation.

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McGregor proposes Bitcoin reserve in Irish presidential campaign

Conor McGregor has proposed the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve for Ireland, calling it a move to return financial power to the people.

The former UFC champion announced his independent candidacy for president in March. He shared the Bitcoin proposal in a post on X, linking it to crypto’s core values of decentralisation and empowerment.

His proposal comes during a sharp upswing in the Bitcoin market, with the cryptocurrency recently surging to over $104,000. McGregor aims to host a public X Spaces discussion, inviting major Bitcoin figures to help shape the plan.

Crypto influencers Anthony Pompliano and David Bailey have already shown interest, and McGregor responded positively to their involvement.

Despite the bold idea, the path forward is uncertain. Ireland has never explored a sovereign Bitcoin reserve, and implementing such a strategy could face political and regulatory resistance.

McGregor’s credibility in the crypto space is also under scrutiny. His previous blockchain venture, REAL, collapsed after failing to meet its funding goal and was forced to refund investors. Legal challenges, including an appeal against a civil assault conviction, further complicate his campaign.

Bitcoin, meanwhile, is holding above $103,000 after peaking at $104,765. However, momentum is weakening, with RSI and MACD indicators suggesting reduced buying pressure. If the price drops below $103,000, further downside may follow. For now, traders are watching key support levels closely.

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Google pays around $1.4 billion over privacy case

Google has agreed to pay $1.375 billion to settle a lawsuit brought by the state of Texas over allegations that it violated users’ privacy through features such as Incognito mode, Location History, and biometric data collection.

Despite the sizable sum, Google denies any wrongdoing, stating that the claims were based on outdated practices which have since been updated.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the settlement, emphasising that large tech firms are not above the law.

He accused Google of covertly tracking individuals’ locations and personal searches, while also collecting biometric data such as voiceprints and facial geometry — all without users’ consent. Paxton claimed the state’s legal challenge had forced Google to answer for its actions.

Although the settlement resolves two lawsuits filed in 2022, the specific terms and how the funds will be used remain undisclosed. A Google spokesperson maintained that the resolution brings closure to claims about past practices, instead of requiring any changes to its current products.

The case comes after a similar $1.4 billion agreement involving Meta, which faced accusations of unlawfully gathering facial recognition data. The repeated scrutiny from Texas authorities signals a broader pushback against the data practices of major tech companies.

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Starkville Utilities hit by cyberattack

Starkville Utilities, a Mississippi-based electricity and water provider that also services Mississippi State University, has revealed a data breach that may have exposed sensitive information belonging to over 11,000 individuals.

The breach, which was first detected in late October last year, led the company to disconnect its network in an attempt to contain the intrusion.

Despite these efforts, an investigation later found that attackers may have accessed personal data, including full names and Social Security numbers. Details were submitted to the Maine Attorney General’s Office, confirming the scale of the breach and the nature of the data involved.

While no reports of identity theft have emerged since the incident, Starkville Utilities has chosen to offer twelve months of free identity protection services to those potentially affected. The company maintains that it is taking additional steps to improve its cybersecurity defences.

Stolen data such as Social Security numbers often ends up on underground marketplaces instead of staying idle, where it can be used for identity fraud and other malicious activities.

The incident serves as yet another reminder of the ongoing threat posed by cybercriminals targeting critical infrastructure and user data.

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Reddit cracks down after AI bot experiment exposed

Reddit is accelerating plans to verify the humanity of its users following revelations that AI bots infiltrated a popular debate forum to influence opinions. These bots crafted persuasive, personalised comments based on users’ post histories, without disclosing their non-human identity.

Researchers from the University of Zurich conducted an unauthorised four-month experiment on the r/changemyview subreddit, deploying AI agents posing as trauma survivors, political figures, and other sensitive personas.

The incident sparked outrage across the platform. Reddit’s Chief Legal Officer condemned the experiment as a violation of both legal and ethical standards, while CEO Steve Huffman stressed that the platform’s strength lies in genuine human exchange.

All accounts linked to the study have been banned, and Reddit has filed formal complaints with the university. To restore trust, Reddit will introduce third-party verification tools that confirm users are human, without collecting personal data.

While protecting anonymity remains a priority, the platform acknowledges it must evolve to meet new threats posed by increasingly sophisticated AI impersonators.

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Cypriots worry AI threatens artists and culture

A new Eurobarometer survey has revealed that a significant majority of Cypriots are worried about the impact of AI on the cultural sector and the livelihoods of artists. Eight in ten believe that generative AI poses a threat to employment in the arts, a figure higher than the EU average of 73 per cent.

Despite these concerns, only half of Cypriots say they can distinguish between AI-generated and human-made artworks. The survey also highlights deeper cultural challenges in Cyprus. Only 23 per cent of respondents believe artists are paid fairly, compared to 51 per cent across the EU.

When asked about EU priorities in cultural cooperation, Cypriots pointed to protecting cultural heritage, fair pay for artists, reskilling cultural workers, improving access to the arts, and boosting funding for creative sectors.

Cypriots overwhelmingly value culture’s role in Europe’s future, with 91 per cent endorsing its importance. However, just 63 per cent believe artists in Cyprus enjoy freedom from government censorship, and only 59 per cent feel protected from other forms of suppression, both figures well below EU averages.

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Apple explores AI search as Google deal faces questions

Apple is reportedly exploring a move towards integrating AI-powered search within its Safari browser, as questions mount over the future of its partnership with Google. Cue made the comments during his testimony in the US Department of Justice’s antitrust trial against Google’s parent company, Alphabet.

Senior Vice President Eddy Cue revealed the company is considering collaborations with AI search leaders such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity, amid a broader shift in user behaviour towards AI tools.

Safari recently experienced its first decline in search usage, a trend attributed to users adopting AI-driven search solutions. While Apple currently integrates ChatGPT into Siri and plans to add Google’s Gemini, the company remains cautious about replacing Google as the default search engine.

Cue acknowledged the financial benefits of the $20 billion annual deal with Google and expressed concerns over jeopardising the partnership. Discussions continue as Apple balances innovation with maintaining its lucrative search agreement with Google.

Despite this, Cue predicts AI search engines could eventually surpass traditional models. Apple has also evaluated other AI technologies, including DeepSeek and xAI’s Grok, highlighting its growing interest in generative AI.

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Amazon expands warehouse automation with Vulcan robots

Amazon has officially unveiled its Vulcan robots, an advanced robotics system designed to improve safety and efficiency in its fulfilment centres. Already in operation at facilities in Spokane, USA, and Hamburg, Germany, the new technology was showcased at an event in Dortmund this week.

The robots combine AI-powered software with a spatula-like gripping mechanism and sensors to pick up and stow items with a high degree of precision. Amazon says the robots are capable of handling around 75 percent of its product inventory and can operate at speeds comparable to human workers.

Their design allows them to safely access items stored at the highest and lowest levels of the eight-foot storage pods used throughout Amazon’s centres.

A wider rollout is expected in the UK over the next three years, with several distribution centres in Yorkshire set to adopt the technology.

Amazon highlights the Vulcan system as a key advancement in warehouse automation, aimed at improving worker safety and streamlining complex logistics operations.

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