ai

Tinder tests AI Chemistry feature to cut swipe fatigue and revive engagement

The dating platform is expanding its reliance on AI, with Tinder experimenting with a feature designed to ease swipe fatigue among users.

A tool, known as Chemistry, that builds a picture of each person through optional questions and by reviewing their Camera Roll with permission, offering a more personalised route toward potential matches instead of repetitive browsing.

Match is currently testing the feature only in Australia. Executives say the system allows people to receive a small set of tailored profiles rather than navigating large volumes of candidates.

Tinder hopes the approach will strengthen engagement during a period when registrations and monthly activity remain lower than last year, despite minor improvements driven by AI-based recommendations.

Developers are also refocusing the broader discovery experience to reflect concerns raised by Gen Z around authenticity, trust and relevance.

The platform now relies on verification tools such as Face Check, which Match says cut harmful interactions by more than half instead of leaving users exposed to impersonators.

These moves indicate a shift away from the swipe mechanic that once defined the app, offering more direct suggestions that may improve outcomes.

Marketing investment is set to rise as part of the strategy. Match plans to allocate $50 million to new campaigns that will position Tinder as appealing again, using creators on TikTok and Instagram to reframe the brand.

Strong quarterly revenue failed to offset weaker guidance, yet the company argues that AI features will help shape a more reliable and engaging service for users seeking consistent matches.

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AI rollout gains momentum through UK’s Tech Town initiative

UK policymakers are advancing a national strategy to expand the use of AI across public services and the wider economy. The goal is to improve productivity, education, and service delivery while building public confidence in the practical benefits of AI.

As part of this approach, Barnsley has been designated as the UK’s first ‘Tech Town’. The South Yorkshire town will act as a pilot site and blueprint for how AI can be deployed locally and scaled nationwide.

AI integration in Barnsley will focus on public services such as schools and NHS facilities. These applications are intended to show how the technology can support learning, enhance efficiency, and improve service outcomes.

Alongside deployment, skills development and job creation are central to the initiative. Training schemes and AI-focused roles are expected to build local talent and support the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.

Delivery of the programme will rely on collaboration between central government, local authorities, public sector workers, and industry partners. Major technology firms, including Microsoft and Cisco, have indicated support, highlighting the role of public–private cooperation in scaling AI adoption.

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Adobe Firefly unlocks powerful unlimited AI generation in 2026

Adobe has updated its Firefly platform to allow unlimited AI image and video generation for paid subscribers, removing the monthly credit limits that previously capped usage. The move marks a shift toward more flexible access to generative AI tools and is positioned as a way to support high-volume creative workflows.

The update reinforces Firefly’s role as an all-in-one creative AI studio. Users can generate images and videos using Adobe’s own Firefly models alongside third-party AI models, bringing multiple generation tools into a single platform.

Unlimited generation is available across the Firefly ecosystem, including the web interface, mobile apps, Firefly Boards, and the browser-based video editor. This expanded access supports collaboration and end-to-end content creation, from ideation to final editing.

The offer applies to Firefly Pro and Firefly Premium subscribers, including plans that previously operated under monthly credit limits. Users who sign up before March 16 will have access to unlimited image and video generation, with video output supported up to 2K resolution.

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Facial recognition AI supports passenger security in India

Indian Railways has deployed an AI powered Rail Robocop at Visakhapatnam Railway Station in India to strengthen passenger security. The system is designed to patrol platforms and monitor crowds in Visakhapatnam.

The robot, named ASC Arjun, uses facial recognition to compare live images with a database of known criminals in India. Officials said the system recently identified a suspect during routine surveillance in Visakhapatnam.

Once a match was detected, the AI system sent an instant alert to the Railway Protection Force CCTV control room in Visakhapatnam. Officers were able to respond quickly using the automated notification.

Authorities in India say the Rail Robocop will support human staff rather than replace them. Similar AI deployments are expected at other major railway stations in India following trials in Visakhapatnam.

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AI traffic cameras change driver behaviour

Cape Town is preparing to introduce AI-assisted cameras to monitor motorists for cellphone use and seatbelt violations. Approval is awaited from the National Director of Public Prosecutions before the technology can be fully deployed.

Similar systems have been in operation in Australia for several years, where drivers face fines and demerit points for offences. Authorities report a noticeable decline in illegal phone use, showing that AI can effectively influence driver behaviour.

The cameras allow law enforcement to focus on other priorities instead of constantly monitoring mobile phone offences. Each AI-detected violation is reviewed by a human before fines are issued, adding a layer of accuracy and transparency.

Motorists retain the right to request camera images if they believe fines were unfairly applied. The Australian model demonstrates that combining technology with human oversight can improve road safety while maintaining accountability for drivers.

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AI investment shows strong momentum beyond bubble fears

AI investment is not showing signs of a speculative bubble, according to the Alibaba Group chairman. Instead, he argued at the World Governments Summit in Dubai that current spending is driven by expectations of sustained growth in future computing demand rather than short-term market hype.

At the same time, capital expenditure on AI infrastructure is accelerating rapidly as hyperscalers and model developers expand their capacity. As a result, major companies have almost doubled their annual spending, while projections indicate that global AI-related investment will surpass $500 billion this year and continue to rise.

Moreover, continued confidence in AI scaling laws is reinforcing this investment momentum. Consequently, funding is increasingly channelled towards inference-time scaling to enhance reasoning and accuracy, as well as towards multimodal AI systems that generate video and images and require significant GPU resources.

However, despite strong belief in long-term demand, financial returns remain uncertain. In this context, the Alibaba group chairman noted that many companies are still struggling to clearly demonstrate return on investment, underscoring the tension between long-term AI strategies and short-term financial accountability.

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Carbon Robotics launches plant identification AI for agricultural robots

Carbon Robotics has introduced a new artificial intelligence system designed to identify plant species in real time, changing how weeds are managed in agriculture. The model allows farmers to decide what should be removed directly in the field without retraining machines.

Called the Large Plant Model, the system is trained on more than 150 million plant images gathered from farms across 15 countries. The technology now powers Carbon AI, which controls the company’s autonomous LaserWeeder robots.

Earlier systems required new data labelling whenever unfamiliar weeds appeared or conditions changed. With the new model, farmers can instantly flag unwanted plants through the robot interface, even if the species has never been seen before.

Carbon Robotics says continuous data from its machines will further improve accuracy over time. Backed by more than $185 million in funding, the company aims to scale AI-driven weed control while reducing reliance on herbicides.

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UK startup Polaron secures $8m to scale AI materials technology

Fresh investment is fuelling Polaron’s ambition to become the intelligence layer for materials science. The London startup raised $8 million to scale its AI platform and expand deployments across automotive, energy and advanced manufacturing.

Founded after seven years of research at Imperial College London, Polaron applies AI to one of manufacturing’s toughest challenges. Its models analyse microscopy images and material performance data to show how processing affects structure and behaviour.

Engineers are already using the platform to speed up analysis that once took thousands of hours. Early commercial projects, including battery electrode design, have delivered energy density gains of more than 10 per cent.

The company is now focusing on generative materials design to explore optimal configurations. The approach aims to shorten the path from laboratory research to large-scale, reliable manufacturing.

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The role of AI in car design

Artificial intelligence is transforming car design by generating rapid concept images and exploring new ideas in seconds. Designers can test colours, materials, and forms faster than with traditional sketches.

AI excels at designing components, creating mood boards, and supporting research, yet it struggles with originality. Industry leaders emphasise that developing entirely new models still requires human imagination and creativity.

Many manufacturers have developed internal AI systems trained on their own designs to protect intellectual property. These tools help designers experiment with combinations they might not have considered, offering fresh perspectives while keeping confidential data secure.

While AI is unlikely to replace human designers, it has become an essential tool for staying competitive. By combining computational speed with creative vision, design teams can enhance efficiency, inspire innovation, and explore ideas beyond traditional limits.

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Electronic Arts expands AI push with Stability AI

Electronic Arts has entered a multi year partnership with Stability AI to develop generative AI tools for game creation. The collaboration will support franchises such as The Sims, Battlefield and Madden NFL.

The company said the partnership centres on customised AI models that give developers more control over creative processes. Electronic Arts invested in Stability AI during its latest funding round in October.

Executives at Electronic Arts said concerns about job losses are understandable across the gaming industry. The company views AI as a way to enhance specific tasks and create new roles rather than replace staff.

Stability AI said similar technologies have historically increased demand for skilled workers. Electronic Arts added that active involvement in AI development helps the industry adapt rather than react to disruption.

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