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UAE partnership boosts NeOnc’s clinical trial programme

Biotech firm NeOnc Technologies has gained rapid attention after going public in March 2025 and joining the Russell Microcap Index just months later. The company focuses on intranasal drug delivery for brain cancer, allowing patients to administer treatment at home and bypass the blood-brain barrier.

NeOnc’s lead treatment is in Phase 2A trials for glioblastoma patients and is already showing extended survival times with minimal side effects. Backed by a partnership with USC’s Keck Medical School, the company is also expanding clinical trials to the Middle East and North Africa under US FDA standards.

A $50 million investment deal with a UAE-based firm is helping fund this expansion, including trials run by Cleveland Clinic through a regional partnership. The trials are expected to be fully enrolled by September, with positive preliminary data already being reported.

AI and quantum computing are central to NeOnc’s strategy, particularly in reducing risk and cost in trial design and drug development. As a pre-revenue biotech, the company is betting that innovation and global collaboration will carry it to the next stage of growth.

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Google backs EU AI Code but warns against slowing innovation

Google has confirmed it will sign the European Union’s General Purpose AI Code of Practice, joining other companies, including major US model developers.

The tech giant hopes the Code will support access to safe and advanced AI tools across Europe, where rapid adoption could add up to €1.4 trillion annually to the continent’s economy by 2034.

Kent Walker, Google and Alphabet’s President of Global Affairs, said the final Code better aligns with Europe’s economic ambitions than earlier drafts, noting that Google had submitted feedback during its development.

However, he warned that parts of the Code and the broader AI Act might hinder innovation by introducing rules that stray from EU copyright law, slow product approvals or risk revealing trade secrets.

Walker explained that such requirements could restrict Europe’s ability to compete globally in AI. He highlighted the need to balance regulation with the flexibility required to keep pace with technological advances.

Google stated it will work closely with the EU’s new AI Office to help shape a proportionate, future-facing approach.

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EU AI Act begins as tech firms push back

Europe’s AI crackdown officially begins soon, as the EU enforces the first rules targeting developers of generative AI models like ChatGPT.

Under the AI Act, firms must now assess systemic risks, conduct adversarial testing, ensure cybersecurity, report serious incidents, and even disclose energy usage. The goal is to prevent harms related to bias, misinformation, manipulation, and lack of transparency in AI systems.

Although the legislation was passed last year, the EU only released developer guidance on 10 July, leaving tech giants with little time to adapt.

Meta, which developed the Llama AI model, has refused to sign the voluntary code of practice, arguing that it introduces legal uncertainty. Other developers have expressed concerns over how vague and generic the guidance remains, especially around copyright and practical compliance.

The EU also distinguishes itself from the US, where a re-elected Trump administration has launched a far looser AI Action Plan. While Washington supports minimal restrictions to encourage innovation, Brussels is focused on safety and transparency.

Trade tensions may grow, but experts warn that developers should not rely on future political deals instead of taking immediate steps toward compliance.

The AI Act’s rollout will continue into 2026, with the next phase focusing on high-risk AI systems in healthcare, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure.

Meanwhile, questions remain over whether AI-generated content qualifies for copyright protection and how companies should handle AI in marketing or supply chains. For now, Europe’s push for safer AI is accelerating—whether Big Tech likes it or not.

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Trust in human doctors remains despite AI advancements

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that AI, especially ChatGPT, now surpasses many doctors in diagnosing illnesses. However, he pointed out that individuals still prefer human doctors because of the trust and emotional connection they provide.

Altman also expressed concerns about the potential misuse of AI, such as using voice cloning for fraud and identity theft. He emphasised the need for stronger privacy protections for sensitive conversations with AI tools like ChatGPT, noting that current standards are inadequate and should align with those for therapists.

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AI bands rise as real musicians struggle to compete

AI is quickly transforming the music industry, with AI-generated bands now drawing millions of plays on platforms like Spotify.

While these acts may sound like traditional musicians, they are entirely digital creations. Streaming services rarely label AI music clearly, and the producers behind these tracks often remain anonymous and unreachable. Human artists, meanwhile, are quietly watching their workload dry up.

Music professionals are beginning to express concern. Composer Leo Sidran believes AI is already taking work away from creators like him, noting that many former clients now rely on AI-generated solutions instead of original compositions.

Unlike previous tech innovations, which empowered musicians, AI risks erasing job opportunities entirely, according to Berklee College of Music professor George Howard, who warns it could become a zero-sum game.

AI music is especially popular for passive listening—background tracks for everyday life. In contrast, real musicians still hold value among fans who engage more actively with music.

However, AI is cheap, fast, and royalty-free, making it attractive to publishers and advertisers. From film soundtracks to playlists filled with faceless artists, synthetic sound is rapidly replacing human creativity in many commercial spaces.

Experts urge musicians to double down on what makes them unique instead of mimicking trends that AI can easily replicate. Live performance remains one of the few areas where AI has yet to gain traction. Until synthetic bands take the stage, artists may still find refuge in concerts and personal connection with fans.

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Microsoft adds AI Copilot Mode to Edge browser

Microsoft has launched Copilot Mode in its Edge browser, adding AI features to streamline online activity.

Instead of switching between tabs or manually comparing information, users can ask Copilot to complete tasks, search for content, and make suggestions. The tool is available for PC and Mac users and opens in a side panel, letting people interact with it while still viewing the original page.

Copilot can help with everyday tasks such as writing content, preparing grocery lists, and scheduling appointments. It works across multiple tabs if the user permits, enabling comparisons like hotel or flight prices in a single command.

Voice input is also supported, making it easier for those with limited mobility or less familiarity with AI tools to interact naturally.

Microsoft notes that Copilot Mode remains experimental, but users can still set it as the default. It supports conversational prompts, dynamic interactions like turning recipes vegan, and even measurements or language translations, all without losing browser position.

Users may eventually provide login or history access for more advanced tasks, although full consent and clear notifications will be required.

With growing reliance on digital assistants, Microsoft’s move puts Edge in direct competition with other AI-enabled browsers. As more AI tools become embedded in everyday software, the company expects Copilot to evolve rapidly and suggest next steps to help users pick up where they left off.

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Ray-Ban Meta leads smart glasses market growth

Sales of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have more than tripled in the first half of 2025, cementing Meta’s dominance in the growing AI wearables market.

While Apple remains quiet on a possible launch of its own AI glasses, Meta and its partner EssilorLuxottica continue to expand their lead. The eyewear giant revealed a 200% rise in Ray-Ban Meta sales, with second-quarter revenue up by over 7% compared to last year.

Smart glasses still represent a small part of both companies’ revenue, yet expectations are rising fast. In June, the firms announced a new model – Oakley AI performance glasses – which they hope will match the success of the Ray-Ban line.

Francesco Milleri, EssilorLuxottica’s CEO, stated they expect a ‘very fast ramp-up’ of the Oakley Meta model.

Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses have been on the market for nearly two years, but recent updates have added live translation features and visual recognition that allows the glasses to interpret scenes in real time.

A version with an integrated display is rumoured to launch later in 2025, and Meta is also developing a high-end model called Orion.

Apple, meanwhile, appears more focused on mixed reality, with reports of a second-generation Vision Pro and Samsung’s Project Moohan, which may follow a similar route. But in the space of everyday wearable AI, Meta currently stands alone—at least until the competition decides to enter the arena.

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Chrome update brings AI shopping summaries to US users

Google has updated its Chrome browser to include AI-generated summaries of online stores, aimed at helping shoppers in the US make more informed buying decisions.

Instead of manually searching through reviews, users can now click an icon next to the web address to see a summary of a shop’s performance across key areas like product quality, pricing, returns, and customer service.

The feature is currently available only in English and is limited to desktop users.

The summaries are generated from a range of trusted review platforms, including Trustpilot, Bazaarvoice, Bizrate Insights, and others. Google says that the tool will offer a more efficient and secure online shopping experience.

It also helps the tech giant better compete with Amazon, which has already rolled out AI tools for product comparisons, fit suggestions, and ratings analysis. The move forms part of Google’s wider push to turn Chrome into a more powerful e-commerce assistant.

The company is also integrating AI tools like the Gemini assistant and developing agentic AI systems that can carry out tasks in the browser on a user’s behalf.

At the same time, Chrome faces fresh competition from AI-first browsers such as Perplexity’s Comet, Opera Neon, and a possible entry from OpenAI.

By adding AI-powered features directly into Chrome, Google hopes to future-proof its browser while strengthening its position in online retail.

As rivals begin to build intelligent browsers from the ground up, Google is reimagining how Chrome can serve users beyond simple search and browsing.

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Tech giants back Trump’s AI deregulation plan amid public concern over societal impacts

Donald Trump recently hosted an AI summit in Washington, titled ‘Winning the AI Race,’ geared towards a deregulated atmosphere for AI innovation. Key figures from the tech industry, including Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang and Palantir’s CTO Shyam Sankar, attended the event.

Co-hosted by the Hill and Valley Forum and the Silicon Valley All-in Podcast, the summit was a platform for Trump to introduce his ‘AI Action Plan‘, comprised of three executive orders focusing on deregulation. Trump’s objective is to dismantle regulatory restrictions he perceives as obstacles to innovation, aiming to re-establish the US as a leader in AI exportation globally.

The executive orders announced target the elimination of ‘ideological dogmas such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)’ in AI models developed by federally funded companies. Additionally, one order promotes exporting US-developed AI technologies internationally, while another seeks to lessen environmental restrictions and speed up approvals for energy-intensive data centres.

These measures are seen as reversing the Biden administration’s policies, which stressed the importance of safety and security in AI development. Technology giants Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Alphabet have shown significant support for Trump’s initiatives, contributing to his inauguration fund and engaging with him at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Leaders like OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang have also pledged substantial investments in US AI infrastructure.

Despite this backing, over 100 groups, including labour, environmental, civil rights, and academic organisations, have voiced their opposition through a ‘People’s AI action plan’. These groups warn of the potential risks of unregulated AI, which they fear could undermine civil liberties, equality, and environmental safeguards.

They argue that public welfare should not be compromised for corporate gains, highlighting the dangers of allowing tech giants to dominate policy-making. That discourse illustrates the divide between industry aspirations and societal consequences.

The tech industry’s influence on AI legislation through lobbying is noteworthy, with a report from Issue One indicating that eight of the largest tech companies spent a collective $36 million on lobbying in 2025 alone. Meta led with $13.8 million, employing 86 lobbyists, while Nvidia and OpenAI saw significant increases in their expenditure compared to previous years. The substantial financial outlay reflects the industry’s vested interest in shaping regulatory frameworks to favour business interests, igniting a debate over the ethical responsibilities of unchecked AI progress.

As tech companies and pro-business entities laud Trump’s deregulation efforts, concerns persist over the societal impacts of such policies.

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China issues action plan for global AI governance and proposes global AI cooperation organisation

At the 2025 World AI Conference in Shanghai, Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged the international community to prioritise joint efforts in governing AI, making reference to a need to establish a global framework and set of rules widely accepted by the global community. He unveiled a proposal by the Chinese government to create a global AI cooperation organisation to foster international collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in AI across nations.

‘China attaches great importance to global AI governance, and has been actively promoting multilateral and bilateral cooperation with a willingness to offer more Chinese solutions‘.

An Action Plan for AI Global Governance was also presented at the conference. The plan outlines, in its introduction, a call for ‘all stakeholders to take concrete and effective actions based on the principles of serving the public good, respecting sovereignty, development orientation, safety and controllability, equity and inclusiveness, and openness and cooperation, to jointly advance the global development and governance of AI’.

The document includes 13 points related to key areas of international AI cooperation, including promoting inclusive infrastructure development, fostering open innovation ecosystems, ensuring high-quality data supply, and advancing sustainability through green AI practices. It also calls for consensus-building around technical standards, advancing international cooperation on AI safety governance, and supporting countries – especially those in the Global South – in ‘developing AI technologies and services suited to their national conditions’.

Notably, the plan indicates China’s support for multilateralism when it comes to the governance of AI, calling for an active implementation of commitments made by UN member states in the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, and expressing support for the establishment of the International AI Scientific Panel and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance (whose terms of reference are currently negotiated by UN member states in New York).

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