ai

Google unveils Veo 3 with audio capabilities

Google has introduced Veo 3, its most advanced video-generating AI model to date, capable of producing sound effects, ambient noise and dialogue to accompany the footage it creates.

Announced at the Google I/O 2025 developer conference, Veo 3 is available through the Gemini chatbot for those subscribed to the $249.99-per-month AI Ultra plan. The model accepts both text and image prompts, allowing users to generate audiovisual scenes rather than silent clips.

Unlike other AI tools, Veo 3 can analyse raw video pixels to synchronise audio automatically, offering a notable edge in an increasingly crowded field of video-generation platforms. While sound-generating AI isn’t new, Google claims Veo 3’s ability to match audio precisely with visual content sets it apart.

The progress builds on DeepMind’s earlier work in ‘video-to-audio’ AI and may rely on training data from YouTube, though Google hasn’t confirmed this.

To help prevent misuse, such as the creation of deepfakes, Google says Veo 3 includes SynthID, its proprietary watermarking technology that embeds invisible markers in every generated frame. Despite these safeguards, concerns remain within the creative industry.

Artists fear tools like Veo 3 could replace thousands of jobs, with a recent study predicting over 100,000 roles in film and animation could be affected by AI before 2026.

Alongside Veo 3, Google has also updated Veo 2. The earlier model now allows users to edit videos more precisely, adding or removing elements and adjusting camera movements. These features are expected to become available soon on Google’s Vertex AI API platform.

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AI outperforms humans in debate persuasiveness

AI can be more persuasive than humans in debates, especially when given access to personal information, a new study finds. Scientists warn this capability could be exploited in politics and misinformation campaigns.

Researchers discovered that ChatGPT-4 changed opinions more effectively than human opponents in 64% of cases when it was able to tailor arguments using details like age, gender, and political views.

The experiments involved over 600 debates on topics ranging from school uniforms to abortion, with participants randomly assigned a stance. AI structured and adaptive communication style made it especially influential on people without strong pre-existing views.

While participants often identified when they were debating a machine, that did little to weaken the AI’s persuasive edge. Experts say this raises urgent questions about the role of AI in shaping public opinion, particularly during elections.

Though there may be benefits, such as promoting healthier behaviours or reducing polarisation, concerns about radicalisation and manipulation remain dominant. Researchers urge regulators to act swiftly to address potential abuses before they become widespread.

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Criminals exploit weak mail security in new fraud surge

Check washing fraud is making a worrying comeback in the US, fuelled by both AI-powered identity theft and lax mail security. Criminals are intercepting posted cheques, erasing original details using chemicals, and rewriting them for higher amounts or different recipients.

The rise in such fraud, often unnoticed until the money is long gone, is prompting experts to warn the public to take immediate preventative steps. Reports show a sharp increase in cheque-related scams, with US financial institutions flagging over 665,000 suspicious cases in 2023 alone.

Organised crime groups are now blending traditional cheque theft with modern techniques, such as AI-generated identities and forged digital images. The fraudsters are also using mobile deposits, phishing emails, and business email compromise to trick individuals and companies into transferring funds.

For added protection, individuals and businesses are advised to invest in fraud monitoring, use cheques with security features, and report any suspicious activity without delay. With losses running into hundreds of millions, the growing threat of cheque washing shows no signs of slowing down.

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The rise of tech giants in healthcare: How AI is reshaping life sciences

Silicon Valley targets health

The intersection of technology and healthcare is rapidly evolving, fuelled by advancements in ΑΙ and driven by major tech companies that are expanding their reach into the life sciences sector.

Once primarily known for consumer electronics or search engines, companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and IBM are now playing an increasingly central role in transforming the medical field.

These companies, often referred to as ‘Big Tech’, are pushing the boundaries of what was once considered science fiction, using AI to innovate across multiple aspects of healthcare, including diagnostics, treatment, drug development, clinical trials, and patient care.

silicon valley tech companies

AI becomes doctors’ new tool

At the core of this revolution is AI. Over the past decade, AI has evolved from a theoretical tool to a practical and transformative force within healthcare.

Companies are developing advanced machine learning algorithms, cognitive computing models, and AI-powered systems capable of matching—and sometimes surpassing—human capabilities in diagnosing and treating diseases.

AI is also reshaping many aspects of healthcare, from early disease detection to personalised treatments and even drug discovery. This shift is creating a future where AI plays a significant role in diagnosing diseases, developing treatment plans, and improving patient outcomes at scale.

One of the most significant contributions of AI is in diagnostics. Google Health and its subsidiary DeepMind are prime examples of how AI can be used to outperform human experts in certain medical tasks.

For instance, DeepMind’s AI tools have demonstrated the ability to diagnose conditions like breast cancer and lung disease with remarkable accuracy, surpassing the abilities of human radiologists in some cases.

google deepmind AI progress Demis Hassabis

Similarly, Philips has filed patents for AI systems capable of detecting neurodegenerative diseases and tracking disease progression using heart activity and motion sensors.

From diagnosis to documentation

These breakthroughs represent only a small part of how AI is revolutionising diagnostics by improving accuracy, reducing time to diagnosis, and potentially saving lives.

In addition to AI’s diagnostic capabilities, its impact extends to medical documentation, an often-overlooked area that affects clinician efficiency.

Traditionally, doctors spend a significant amount of time on paperwork, reducing the time they can spend with patients.

However, AI companies like Augmedix, DeepScribe, and Nabla are addressing this problem by offering solutions that generate clinical notes directly from doctor-patient conversations.

AI doctor

These platforms integrate with electronic health record (EHR) systems and automate the note-taking process, which reduces administrative workload and frees up clinicians to focus on patient care.

Augmedix, for example, claims to save up to an hour per day for clinicians, while DeepScribe’s AI technology is reportedly more accurate than even GPT-4 for clinical documentation.

Nabla takes this further by offering AI-driven chatbots and decision support tools that enhance clinical workflows and reduce physician burnout.

Portable ultrasounds powered by AI

AI is also transforming medical imaging, a field traditionally dependent on expensive, bulky equipment that requires specialised training.

Innovators like Butterfly Network are developing portable, AI-powered ultrasound devices that can provide diagnostic capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional equipment. These devices offer greater accessibility, particularly in regions with limited access to medical imaging technology.

The ability to perform ultrasounds and MRIs in remote areas, using portable devices powered by AI, is democratising healthcare and enabling better diagnostic capabilities in underserved regions.

An advanced drug discovery

In the realm of drug discovery and treatment personalisation, AI is making significant strides. Companies like IBM Watson are at the forefront of using AI to personalise treatment plans by analysing vast amounts of patient data, including medical histories, genetic information, and lifestyle factors.

IBM Watson has been particularly instrumental in the field of oncology, where it assists physicians by recommending tailored cancer treatment protocols.

treatment costs.

A capability like this is made possible by the vast amounts of medical data Watson processes to identify the best treatment options for individual patients, ensuring that therapies are more effective by considering each patient’s unique characteristics.

Smart automation in healthcare

Furthermore, AI is streamlining administrative tasks within healthcare systems, which often burden healthcare providers with repetitive, time-consuming tasks like appointment scheduling, records management, and insurance verification.

By automating these tasks, AI allows healthcare providers to focus more on delivering high-quality care to patients.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), for example, is leveraging its cloud platform to develop machine learning tools that assist healthcare providers in making more effective clinical decisions while improving operational efficiency.

It includes using AI to enhance clinical decision-making, predict patient outcomes, and manage the growing volume of patient data that healthcare systems must process.

Startups and giants drive the healthcare race

Alongside the tech giants, AI-driven startups are also playing a pivotal role in healthcare innovation. Tempus, for example, is integrating genomic sequencing with AI to provide physicians with actionable insights that improve patient outcomes, particularly in cancer treatment.

The fusion of data from multiple sources is enhancing the precision and effectiveness of medical decisions. Zebra Medical Vision, another AI-driven company, is using AI to analyse medical imaging data and detect a wide range of conditions, from liver disease to breast cancer.

Zebra’s AI algorithms are designed to identify conditions often before symptoms even appear, which greatly improves the chances of successful treatment through early detection.

Tech giants are deeply embedded in the healthcare ecosystem, using their advanced capabilities in cloud computing, AI, and data analytics to reshape the industry.

partners handshake ai companies

Microsoft, for example, has made significant strides in AI for accessibility, focusing on creating healthcare solutions that empower individuals with disabilities. Their work is helping to make healthcare more inclusive and accessible for a broader population.

Amazon’s AWS cloud platform is another example of how Big Tech is leveraging its infrastructure to develop machine learning tools that support healthcare providers in delivering more effective care.

M&A meets medicine

In addition to developing their own AI tools, these tech giants have made several high-profile acquisitions to accelerate their healthcare strategies.

Google’s acquisition of Fitbit, Amazon’s purchase of PillPack and One Medical, and Microsoft’s $19.7 billion acquisition of Nuance are all clear examples of how Big Tech is seeking to integrate AI into every aspect of the healthcare value chain, from drug discovery to clinical delivery.

These acquisitions and partnerships also enable tech giants to tap into new areas of the healthcare market and provide more comprehensive, end-to-end solutions to healthcare providers and patients alike.

Smart devices empower health

Consumer health technologies have also surged in popularity, thanks to the broader trend of digital health and wellness tools. Fitness trackers, smartwatches, and mobile health apps allow users to monitor everything from heart rates to sleep quality.

Devices like the Apple Watch and Google’s Fitbit collect health data continuously, providing users with personalised insights into their well-being.

seoul 05 02 2022 male hand with two apple watches with pink and gray strap on white background

Instead of being isolated within individual devices, the data is increasingly being integrated into broader healthcare systems, enabling doctors and other healthcare providers to have a more complete view of a patient’s health.

This integration has also supported the growth of telehealth services, with millions of people now opting for virtual consultations powered by Big Tech infrastructure and AI-powered triage tools.

Chinese hospitals embrace generative AI

The rise of generative AI is also transforming healthcare, particularly in countries like China, where technology is advancing rapidly. Once considered a distant ambition, the use of generative AI in healthcare is now being implemented at scale.

The technology is being used to manage massive drug libraries, assist with complex diagnoses, and replicate expert reasoning processes, which helps doctors make more informed decisions.

At Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ant Group’s medical model has impressed staff by offering diagnostic suggestions and replicating expert reasoning, streamlining consultations without replacing human doctors.

Our choice in a tech-driven world

As AI continues to evolve, tech giants are likely to continue disrupting the healthcare industry while also collaborating with traditional healthcare providers.

While some traditional life sciences companies may feel threatened by the rise of Big Tech in healthcare, those that embrace AI and form partnerships with tech companies will likely be better positioned for success.

The convergence of AI and healthcare is already reshaping the future of medicine, and traditional healthcare players must adapt or risk being left behind.

generate an image of an artificial intelligence head in front of a human head and digital codes in the background reproducing all the human heads inputs and psychological reactions

Despite the tremendous momentum, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Data privacy, regulatory concerns, and the growing dominance of Big Tech in healthcare remain significant hurdles.

If these challenges are addressed responsibly, however, the integration of AI into healthcare could modernise care delivery on a global scale.

Rather than replacing doctors, the goal is to empower them with better tools, insights, and outcomes. The future of healthcare is one where technology and human expertise work in tandem, enhancing the patient experience and improving overall health outcomes.

As human beings, we must understand that the integration of technology across multiple sectors is a double-edged sword. It can either benefit us and help build better future societies, or mark the beginning of our downfall— but in the end, the choice will always be ours.

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Microsoft brings Grok AI to Azure

Microsoft has become one of the first major cloud providers to offer managed access to Grok, the controversial AI model from Elon Musk’s xAI startup.

Now available through the Azure AI Foundry platform, both Grok 3 and Grok 3 mini will be billed by Microsoft and include the same service-level agreements as other Azure-hosted models.

Grok gained attention for its unfiltered and provocative tone, marketed by Musk as a more candid alternative to mainstream AI.

Unlike ChatGPT, it has been known to use vulgar language and provide responses on sensitive topics that other models typically avoid.

However, the AI has stirred criticism, particularly over troubling behaviour such as undressing women in photos and referencing conspiracy theories. Incidents of censorship and offensive content have raised concerns about its deployment on Musk’s platform X.

Instead of replicating that experience, Microsoft is offering a more controlled version of Grok within Azure. These versions include stricter content controls, enhanced data integration, and improved governance tools, distinguishing them from the models directly available through xAI.

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Can AI replace therapists?

With mental health waitlists at record highs and many struggling to access affordable therapy, some are turning to AI chatbots for support.

Kelly, who waited months for NHS therapy, found solace in character.ai bots, describing them as always available, judgment-free companions. ‘It was like a cheerleader,’ she says, noting how bots helped her cope with anxiety and heartbreak.

But despite emotional benefits for some, AI chatbots are not without serious risks. Character.ai is facing a lawsuit from the mother of a 14-year-old who died by suicide after reportedly forming a harmful relationship with an AI character.

Other bots, like one from the National Eating Disorder Association, were shut down after giving dangerous advice.

Even so, demand is high. In April 2024 alone, 426,000 mental health referrals were made in England, and over a million people are still waiting for care. Apps like Wysa, used by 30 NHS services, aim to fill the gap by offering CBT-based self-help tools and crisis support.

Experts warn, however, that chatbots lack context, emotional intuition, and safeguarding. Professor Hamed Haddadi calls them ‘inexperienced therapists’ that may agree too easily or misunderstand users.

Ethicists like Dr Paula Boddington point to bias and cultural gaps in the AI training data. And privacy is a looming concern: ‘You’re not entirely sure how your data is being used,’ says psychologist Ian MacRae.

Still, users like Nicholas, who lives with autism and depression, say AI has helped when no one else was available. ‘It was so empathetic,’ he recalls, describing how Wysa comforted him during a night of crisis.

A Dartmouth study found AI users saw a 51% drop in depressive symptoms, but even its authors stress bots can’t replace human therapists. Most experts agree AI tools may serve as temporary relief or early intervention—but not as long-term substitutes.

As John, another user, puts it: ‘It’s a stopgap. When nothing else is there, you clutch at straws.’

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Baby Boomers and Gen X embrace AI shopping

New research from Adyen shows that over a third of global consumers now use AI to assist with shopping. In a survey of 41,000 people across 28 countries, 12 per cent reported using AI for the first time in the past year, and more than half expressed willingness to continue.

Consumers praised AI for providing inspiration and helping them discover unique brands. The fastest growth in AI use came from Baby Boomers and Generation X, though younger groups still dominate in actual usage.

While 57 per cent of Gen Z shoppers rely on AI, just 16 per cent of Boomers currently do so, despite a sharp rise in adoption. Retailers, in turn, are investing in AI to boost sales, product innovation, and fraud prevention.

Adyen’s report also highlights the need for better integration between online and offline shopping experiences, with many retailers still lacking unified commerce offerings. Despite digital growth, physical stores remain the preferred channel for most shoppers, who value immediacy and tactile experiences.

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AI microscope detects live blood clot activity

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed an AI-powered microscope that can observe blood clot formation in real time.

By capturing thousands of images per second, the tool analyses how platelets behave and clump together, offering a non-invasive way to assess clot risk in patients with coronary artery disease.

Unlike current methods that rely on indirect markers or invasive procedures, the AI tool provides live visual data using a simple blood draw from the arm. The results closely matched samples taken directly from the arteries, making the approach both safer and more accessible.

Japanese doctors could soon use this technology to evaluate how well blood-thinning drugs are working on an individual basis. While still in the research phase, experts believe it may eventually transform point-of-care decision-making for heart patients.

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OpenAI launches advanced coding assistant Codex

OpenAI has launched Codex, a new AI coding agent designed to streamline software development by automating routine tasks and improving code reliability.

Built on a version of its o3 model known as codex-1, the agent uses reinforcement learning to generate high-quality code and test it before output.

Codex operates in a secure, cloud-based sandbox that mirrors a user’s environment and integrates with GitHub for real-time access to repositories.

It logs every step, provides test results, and supports customisation through AGENTS.md files, allowing developers to guide the AI.

Currently available to ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, and Team subscribers, Codex is being piloted by major firms like Cisco, Superhuman, and Kodiak.

OpenAI plans wider access and future upgrades for more complex, asynchronous collaboration, though limitations like lack of image input support remain.

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AI Darth Vader in Fortnite sparks union dispute

The use of an AI-generated Darth Vader voice in Fortnite has triggered a legal dispute between SAG-AFTRA and Epic Games.

According to GamesIndustry.biz, the actors’ union filed an unfair labor practice complaint, claiming it was not informed or consulted about the decision to use an artificial voice model in the game.

In Fortnite’s Galactic Battle season, players who defeat Darth Vader in Battle Royale can recruit him, triggering limited voice interactions powered by conversational AI.

The voice used stems from a licensing agreement with the estate of James Earl Jones, who retired in 2022 and granted rights for AI use of his iconic performance.

While Epic Games has confirmed it had legal permission to use Jones’ voice, SAG-AFTRA alleges the company bypassed union protocols by not informing them or offering the role to a human actor.

The outcome of this dispute could have broader implications for how AI voices are integrated into video games and media going forward, particularly regarding labor rights and union oversight.

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