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AI films are now eligible for the Oscar awards

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially made films that incorporate AI eligible for Oscars, reflecting AI’s growing influence in cinema. Updated rules confirm that the use of generative AI or similar tools will neither help nor harm a film’s chances of nomination.

These guidelines, shaped with input from the Academy’s Science and Technology Council, aim to keep human creativity at the forefront, despite the increasing presence of digital tools in production.

Recent Oscar-winning films have already embraced AI. Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist was enhanced using AI to refine his Hungarian accent, while Emilia Perez, a musical that claimed an award, used voice-cloning technology to support its cast.

Such tools can convincingly replicate voices and visual styles, making them attractive to filmmakers instead of relying solely on traditional methods, but not without raising industry-wide concerns.

The 2023 Hollywood strikes highlighted the tension between artistic control and automation. Writers and actors protested the threat posed by AI to their livelihoods, leading to new agreements that limit the use of AI-generated content and protect individuals’ likenesses.

Actress Susan Sarandon voiced fears about unauthorised use of her image, and Scarlett Johansson echoed concerns about digital impersonation.

Despite some safeguards, many in the industry remain wary. Animators argue that AI lacks the emotional nuance needed for truly compelling storytelling, and Rokit Flix’s co-founder Jonathan Kendrick warned that AI might help draft scenes, but can’t deliver the depth required for an Oscar-worthy film.

Alongside the AI rules, the Academy also introduced a new voting requirement. Members must now view every nominated film in a category before casting their final vote, to encourage fairer decisions in this shifting creative environment.

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New hiring platform tries to puts personality before paperwork

Two brothers and USC students, Raihan and Azam Dadabhoy, have launched an AI-powered job marketplace called Sensiply to foster more human-centred hiring.

They developed a platform where job seekers can introduce themselves via video, showcasing personality alongside experience.

Users upload personal and professional details before recording a ‘Sensipitch’ a video pitch that the AI analyses for traits like ambition or communication skills.

The tool then matches candidates with roles based on qualifications and inferred personality, helping employers connect with talent beyond a CV.

Despite concerns about algorithmic bias, the brothers designed the platform to delay access to demographic data until after a match is made.

While the service remains free for applicants, Sensiply plans to introduce a subscription model for employers.

The founders, driven by real-world struggles and over 100 research calls, hope their innovation makes hiring more equitable and personal.

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Google invites African AI startups to join 2025 accelerator

Google has opened applications for its 2025 Startups Accelerator Africa programme, aiming to support early-stage African companies leveraging AI to solve critical local challenges.

The three-month initiative is open to Seed to Series A startups with a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a strong focus on responsible AI development.

Successful applicants will receive tailored technical mentorship, up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, and access to a global network of investors and partners.

Participants will also benefit from workshops covering technology, strategy, leadership, and AI implementation.

Google emphasised that empowering local innovators is key to unlocking the potential of AI across the continent.

Since 2018, the programme has backed 140 startups from 17 countries, helping them raise over $300 million and create more than 3,000 jobs.

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AI startup Cluely offers controversial cheating tool

A controversial new startup called Cluely has secured $5.3 million in seed funding to expand its AI-powered tool designed to help users ‘cheat on everything,’ from job interviews to exams.

Founded by 21-year-old Chungin ‘Roy’ Lee and Neel Shanmugam—both former Columbia University students—the tool works via a hidden browser window that remains invisible to interviewers or test supervisors.

The project began as ‘Interview Coder,’ originally intended to help users pass technical coding interviews on platforms like LeetCode.

Both founders faced disciplinary action at Columbia over the tool, eventually dropping out of the university. Despite ethical concerns, Cluely claims its technology has already surpassed $3 million in annual recurring revenue.

The company has drawn comparisons between its tool and past innovations like the calculator and spellcheck, arguing that it challenges outdated norms in the same way. A viral launch video showing Lee using Cluely on a date sparked backlash, with critics likening it to a scene from Black Mirror.

Cluely’s mission has sparked widespread debate over the use of AI in high-stakes settings. While some applaud its bold approach, others worry it promotes dishonesty.

Amazon, where Lee reportedly landed an internship using the tool, declined to comment on the case directly but reiterated that candidates must agree not to use unauthorised tools during the hiring process.

The startup’s rise comes amid growing concern over how AI may be used—or misused—in both professional and personal spheres.

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Royal Unibrew embraces hybrid AI-human teams

Denmark’s Royal Unibrew has introduced five AI-generated ‘colleagues’ into its workforce, in a move the brewer describes as a step towards unlocking the full potential of its staff.

Designed by Danish firm Manifold AI, the digital assistants are integrated into daily operations, assisting with tasks such as market analysis, data management, and food pairing. Each AI has a name, backstory and face, which, according to the company, has significantly increased engagement among employees.

The virtual colleagues – named KondiKai, Athena, Prometheus, Moller and Ella – are used across departments via chat and email. Their arrival has helped streamline routine tasks, allowing human employees to focus on creative and strategic work.

According to staff, their input has improved efficiency, particularly by reducing time spent on searching past reports or handling emails. AI agent Athena, for example, assists with real-time market insights and report navigation for Royal Unibrew’s analysts.

While employees have welcomed the AI tools, managers caution that human judgement remains essential.

Marketing director Michala Svane believes the blend of digital and human capabilities can create more agile teams, but others stress the need for critical thinking when relying on machine-generated input.

Experts also raise questions about the long-term effects of such hybrid teams, including the psychological and social dynamics of working alongside AI ‘colleagues’.

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Temu and Shein to raise US prices due to new tariffs

Fast fashion giants Temu and Shein have warned US shoppers to expect price hikes from next week, as sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports come into effect under Donald Trump’s trade policy.

Both companies will lose access to the ‘de minimis’ exemption, which has allowed packages under $800 to enter the US duty-free. That change, taking effect from 2 May, will significantly raise costs for low-cost retailers who depend on cheap cross-border shipments.

The tariffs, which now reach up to 145%, are part of Trump’s escalating trade war with China. His revised plans impose a tax of $75 per item, rising to $150 by June, for shipments that were previously exempt.

Shein has told customers its operating expenses have risen and prices will be adjusted from 25 April in an effort to maintain product quality while absorbing the new costs.

In response to the tariffs and likely slowdown in US demand, both companies have also scaled back digital advertising.

According to Sensor Tower, Temu’s average US ad spend across major platforms dropped by 31% over two weeks, while Shein’s spending fell 19%.

The tariffs are expected to reshape fast fashion in the US, though some experts believe prices may still remain competitive compared to domestic alternatives.

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Gemini Live screensharing now free for all Android users

Google has announced that Gemini Live’s screen and camera sharing capabilities will now be free for all Android users through the Gemini app.

The AI feature, which enables the app to interpret and respond to real-time visuals from a device’s screen or camera, had initially launched exclusively for Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 users.

The company originally planned to restrict wider access to those subscribed to Gemini Advanced, but has now reversed that decision following strong user feedback. Google confirmed the broader rollout is beginning today and will continue over the coming weeks.

A promotional video released by the company demonstrates the feature in action, with a user pointing their phone camera at an aquarium while Gemini provides information about the marine life.

In a similar move, Microsoft has launched its own AI tool, Copilot Vision, for free via the Edge browser.

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Europe struggles to explain quantum to its citizens

Most Europeans remain unclear about quantum technology, despite increasing attention from EU leaders. A new survey, released on World Quantum Day, reveals that while 78 per cent of adults in France and Germany are aware of quantum, only a third truly understand what it is.

Nearly half admitted they had heard of the term but didn’t know what it means.

Quantum science studies the smallest building blocks of the universe, particles like electrons and atoms, that behave in ways classical physics can’t explain. Though invisible even to standard microscopes, they already power technologies such as GPS, MRI scanners and semiconductors.

Quantum tools could lead to breakthroughs in healthcare, cybersecurity, and climate change, by enabling ultra-precise imaging, improved encryption, and advanced environmental monitoring.

The survey showed that 47 per cent of respondents expect quantum to positively impact their country within five years, with many hopeful about its role in areas like energy, medicine and fraud prevention.

For example, quantum computers might help simulate complex molecules for drug development, while quantum encryption could secure communications better than current systems.

The EU has committed to developing a European quantum chip and is exploring a potential Quantum Act, backed by €65 million in funding under the EU Chips Act. The UK has pledged £121 million for quantum initiatives.

However, Europe still trails behind China and the US, mainly due to limited private investment and slower deployment. Former ECB president Mario Draghi warned that Europe must build a globally competitive quantum ecosystem instead of falling behind further.

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EU plans major staff boost for digital rules

The European Commission is ramping up enforcement of its Digital Services Act (DSA) by hiring 60 more staff to support ongoing investigations into major tech platforms. Despite beginning probes into companies such as X, Meta, TikTok, AliExpress and Temu since December 2023, none have concluded.

The Commission currently has 127 employees working on the DSA and aims to reach 200 by year’s end. Applications for the new roles, including legal experts, policy officers, and data scientists, remain open until 10 May.

The DSA, which came into full effect in February last year, applies to all online platforms in the EU. However, the 25 largest platforms, those with over 45 million monthly users like Google, Amazon, and Shein, fall under the direct supervision of the Commission instead of national regulators.

The most advanced case is against X, with early findings pointing to a lack of transparency and accountability.

The law has drawn criticism from the current Republican-led US government, which views it as discriminatory. Brendan Carr of the US Federal Communications Commission called the DSA ‘an attack on free speech,’ accusing the EU of unfairly targeting American companies.

In response, EU Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen insisted the rules are fair, applying equally to platforms from Europe, the US, and China.

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AI chip production begins at TSMC’s Arizona facility

Nvidia has announced a major initiative to produce AI supercomputers in the US in collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and several other partners.

The effort aims to create up to US$500 billion worth of AI infrastructure products domestically over the next four years, marking a significant shift in Nvidia’s manufacturing strategy.

Alongside TSMC, other key contributors include Taiwanese firms Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. and Wistron Corp., both known for producing AI servers. US-based Amkor Technology and Taiwan’s Siliconware Precision Industries will also provide advanced packaging and testing services.

Nvidia’s Blackwell AI chips have already begun production at TSMC’s Arizona facility, with large-scale operations planned in Texas through partnerships with Hon Hai in Houston and Wistron in Dallas.

The move could impact Taiwan’s economy, as many Nvidia components are currently produced there. Taiwan’s Economic Affairs Minister declined to comment specifically on the project but assured that the government will monitor overseas investments by Taiwanese firms.

Nvidia said the initiative would help meet surging AI demand while strengthening semiconductor supply chains and increasing resilience amid shifting global trade policies, including new US tariffs on Taiwanese exports.

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