Telecommunications infrastructure

Microsoft Copilot launches GPT-5 Smart Mode for users

Microsoft has upgraded all its Copilot tools with OpenAI’s latest GPT-5 model, now available through a new Smart Mode.

The update brings enhanced speed and better performance across Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure AI Foundry, GitHub Copilot, and the Windows AI chatbot pre-installed on PCs.

Users can try the Smart Mode via the Copilot website, which can be selected from a model selector below the text input. Notably, a Microsoft account is not required to use this new mode.

The Smart Mode rollout is gradual, and while not yet visible in the Windows Copilot app for everyone, early users have reported that GPT-5 delivers faster and more accurate responses compared to earlier models.

Unlike the free ChatGPT tier that limits queries and switches automatically to older versions after usage caps, Copilot offers fewer restrictions, allowing more extensive use.

Microsoft’s AI Red Team tested GPT-5 thoroughly before release, highlighting its strong safety profile and improved reasoning capabilities.

Microsoft 365 Copilot benefits from GPT-5’s advanced abilities to answer complex questions, maintain coherence over long conversations, assist with email replies, and analyse documents effectively.

GitHub Copilot has also been enhanced with GPT-5, significantly improving reasoning, code quality, and overall user experience. The upgrade positions Microsoft’s AI tools to support developers and professionals across multiple platforms better.

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Jio reports growth as it ramps up 6G and AI strategy

According to its latest annual report, Reliance Jio plans to lead in 6G and AI, aiming to deliver long-term returns for shareholders. With 191 million users, Jio is the world’s second-largest 5G provider after China.

The company is launching JioBrain, a wide-ranging AI platform for network planning, resource optimisation, and customer service. Jio intends to expand this platform beyond telecoms within India and globally.

Jio is also building a satellite communication platform and partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink broadband to India. The company stated that it will combine its infrastructure and data with global partners to achieve the lowest AI operating costs globally.

Its JioFiber and JioAirFiber services have reached 18 million and 6 million homes, respectively. The goal is to connect 100 million premises through fibre and fixed wireless access technologies.

Jio has filed over 3,341 patents, including 1,654 in FY25, and now holds 485 patents in 5G and 6G, reportedly the most in India. Its digital services revenue reached ₹154,119 crore with an EBITDA of ₹65,001 crore, driven by mobility tariffs, enterprise demand, and platform expansion.

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Apple pledges $100 billion more to boost US chip production

Apple is increasing its domestic investment by an additional $100 billion, bringing its total commitment to US manufacturing to $600 billion over the next four years.

The announcement was made by CEO Tim Cook during a joint appearance with President Donald Trump at the White House, as the administration signals plans to impose steep tariffs on foreign-made semiconductors.

The investment includes a new American Manufacturing Program aimed at expanding US production of key Apple components, such as AI servers and rare earth magnets. Facilities are already under development in states including Texas, Kentucky, and Arizona.

Apple says the initiative will support 450,000 jobs across all 50 states and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.

Apple’s expanded spending arrives amid criticism of its slow progress in AI. With its ‘Apple Intelligence’ software struggling for traction, and the recent departure of foundation model head Rouming Pang to Meta, the company is now shifting focus.

Cook confirmed that investment in AI infrastructure is accelerating, with data centres expanding in five states.

While Apple’s move has drawn praise for supporting American jobs, it has also stirred controversy. Some users expressed discontent with Cook’s public alignment with Trump, despite the strategic importance of avoiding tariffs.

Trump stated that companies investing in the US would not face the proposed import charges.

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Trump Media trials new AI search engine with help from Perplexity

Trump Media and Technology Group has begun testing a new AI-powered search engine called Truth Search AI on its Truth Social platform.

Developed in partnership with AI company Perplexity, the feature is intended to enhance access to information for users of the platform.

Devin Nunes, CEO and Chairman of Trump Media, said the tool will strengthen Truth Social’s position in the so-called ‘Patriot Economy’.

Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer, Dmitry Shevelenko, added that the collaboration brings powerful AI to users who are seeking answers to significant questions.

The search engine is already live on the platform and has responded to politically sensitive queries with measured language.

When asked whether Donald Trump was a liar, the tool noted that the label often depends on context, but acknowledged that fact-checkers have documented many misleading claims.

A similar question about Nancy Pelosi prompted the response that such a claim was partisan rather than factual.

Trump Media plans to expand the feature to its iOS and Android apps shortly. The launch is part of a wider strategy to broaden the company’s digital offerings, which also include ventures in cryptocurrency and finance, such as a proposed Bitcoin ETF in partnership with Crypto.com and Yorkville America Digital.

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GitHub deleted post exposes OpenAI’s new GPT-5 features

GitHub has prematurely unveiled OpenAI’s next-generation GPT-5 models in a blog post that was swiftly deleted. The post briefly revealed that GPT-5 will be released in four variants, promising significant upgrades in reasoning ability, coding performance, and user experience.

Archived versions of the removed announcement show that GPT-5 features improved agentic capabilities and can complete complex coding tasks with minimal input.

The four model versions include a full-strength GPT-5 for logic and multi-step operations, a lightweight mini version for cost-efficient usage, a nano version optimised for speed and low latency, and a chat-focused variant built for advanced, multimodal enterprise interactions.

Reddit users first spotted the post, including comparisons between GPT-5 and competing models such as Llama 4 Scout and Cohere v2.

The accidental release aligns with growing anticipation after OpenAI insiders hinted at a major release earlier in the week, with CEO Sam Altman teasing the update just days before.

OpenAI is expected to launch GPT-5 later today, officially during a live-streamed event. The company has also introduced two new open-weight GPT-OSS models, including one that can run locally on personal devices.

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Android spyware posing as antivirus

LunaSpy is a new Android spyware campaign disguised as an antivirus or banking protection app. It spreads via messenger links and fake channels, tricking users into installing what appears to be a helpful security tool.

Once installed, the app mimics a real scanner, shows fake threat detections and operates unnoticed. In reality, it monitors everything on the device and sends sensitive data to attackers.

Active since at least February 2025, LunaSpy spreads through hijacked contact accounts and emerging Telegram channels. It poses as legitimate software to build trust before beginning surveillance.

Android users must avoid apps from unofficial links, scrutinise messenger invites, and only install from trusted stores. Reliable antivirus software and cautious permission granting provide essential defence.

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Google Gemini AI creates personalised illustrated storybooks from your photos and ideas

Google has introduced a new feature in its Gemini AI that allows users to create short, illustrated storybooks from prompts, essays, photos, and drawings. The tool can transform everyday materials into customised children’s books with art and narration.

The company demonstrated how a mother’s CV could be reimagined as a colouring book to explain her career to her children. Gemini can also turn vacation photos, children’s sketches, or personal life events into unique 10-page books in over 45 languages.

Users can select from various visual styles, including pixel art, claymation, crochet, comics, and colouring books.

People describe their desired story and upload optional images or files to use the feature. Gemini then generates a personalised book with illustrations and audio. The service is available worldwide on desktop and mobile through the Gemini app in all supported languages.

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Google DeepMind launches Genie 3 to create interactive 3D worlds from text

Google DeepMind has introduced Genie 3, an AI world model capable of generating explorable 3D environments in real time from a simple text prompt.

Unlike earlier versions, it supports several minutes of continuous interaction, basic visual memory, and real-time changes such as altering weather or adding characters.

The system allows users to navigate these spaces at 24 frames per second in 720p resolution, retaining object placement for about a minute.

Users can trigger events within the virtual world by typing new instructions, making Genie 3 suitable for applications ranging from education and training to video games and robotics.

Genie 3’s improvements over Genie 2 include frame-by-frame generation with memory tracking and dynamic scene creation without relying on pre-built 3D assets.

However, the AI model still has limits, including the inability to replicate real-world locations with geographic accuracy and restricted interaction capabilities. Multi-agent features are still in development.

Currently offered as a limited research preview to select academics and creators, Genie 3 will be made more widely available over time.

Google DeepMind has noted that safety and responsibility remain central concerns during the gradual rollout.

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Malaysia tackles online scams with AI and new cyber guidelines

Cybercrime involving financial scams continues to rise in Malaysia, with 35,368 cases reported in 2024, a 2.53 per cent increase from the previous year, resulting in losses of RM1.58 billion.

The situation remains severe in 2025, with over 12,000 online scam cases recorded in the first quarter alone, involving fake e-commerce offers, bogus loans, and non-existent investment platforms. Losses during this period reached RM573.7 million.

Instead of waiting for the situation to worsen, the Digital Ministry is rolling out proactive safeguards. These include new AI-related guidelines under development by the Department of Personal Data Protection, scheduled for release by March 2026.

The documents will cover data protection impact assessments, automated decision-making, and privacy-by-design principles.

The ministry has also introduced an official framework for responsible AI use in the public sector, called GPAISA, to ensure ethical compliance and support across government agencies.

Additionally, training initiatives such as AI Untuk Rakyat and MD Workforce aim to equip civil servants and enforcement teams with skills to handle AI and cyber threats.

In partnership with CyberSecurity Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the ministry is also creating an AI-powered application to verify digital images and videos.

Instead of relying solely on manual analysis, the tool will help investigators detect online fraud, identity forgery, and synthetic media more effectively.

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Apple develops smart search engine to rival ChatGPT

Apple is developing its AI-powered answer engine to rival ChatGPT, marking a strategic turn in its company’s AI approach. The move comes as Apple aims to close the gap with competitors in the fast-moving AI race.

A newly formed internal team, Answers, Knowledge and Information, is working on a tool to browse the web and deliver direct responses to users.

Led by former Siri head Robby Walker, the project is expected to expand across key Apple services, including Siri, Safari and Spotlight.

Job postings suggest Apple is recruiting talent with search engine and algorithm expertise. CEO Tim Cook has signalled Apple’s willingness to acquire companies that could speed up its AI progress.

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