Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Apple Plans a Siri Camera Mode and Upgraded Visual AI in iOS 27

Apple Inc. is set to enhance the iPhone's camera capabilities in its upcoming iOS 27 by introducing a new Siri mode that will work alongside existing photo and video options. This update will also integrate the Visual Intelligence feature directly into the camera app, making it more prominent and user-friendly within the iPhone interface.

Motorola Raises Pricing of New Razr Phones in Pivotal Year for Foldables

Motorola has introduced its latest Razr foldable phones, featuring a new book-style model aimed at competing with major players like Samsung and Apple. The 2026 Razr series includes four models, with prices ranging from $800 to $1,900, reflecting the rising costs of components in the smartphone market.

Global Agents ID 100 Child Abuse Victims as AI Floods Case Files

In a significant development, global agents have successfully identified 100 child abuse victims with the assistance of AI tools, which are increasingly necessary due to the overwhelming number of case files. This advancement highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions in child protection as traditional methods struggle to keep pace with the growing volume of cases.

AI evals are becoming the new compute bottleneck

AI evaluation has become a significant cost factor in model development, with the Holistic Agent Leaderboard recently reporting a staggering $40,000 spent on 21,730 evaluations across nine models. This trend is exacerbated by the high costs associated with running evaluations, such as the $2,829 required for a single GAIA run on a frontier model, leading to concerns that evaluation expenses may soon surpass those of pretraining, particularly for smaller models.

Elon Musk testifies Sam Altman was not 'honest' about OpenAI's nonprofit mission

Elon Musk testified in a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that CEO Sam Altman misled him regarding the nonprofit's mission to develop AI for public good. Musk argued that the creation of a for-profit entity in 2019 contradicted the original intentions of OpenAI, which he believed was meant to be a benevolent organization. He expressed feelings of betrayal over his investment, stating that the leadership aimed to enrich themselves while maintaining a charitable facade.

Google Photos uses AI to make the iconic closet from ‘Clueless’ a reality

Google Photos has unveiled a new AI-driven feature that allows users to transform their clothing photos into a digital closet, reminiscent of Cher's virtual wardrobe in 'Clueless.' This tool will enable users to filter their wardrobe by categories such as tops and bottoms, mix and match outfits, and even virtually try on creations. Set to launch on Android later this summer, the feature aims to democratize fashion creativity through advanced AI technology.

Uber makes big bets on travel, hotels and AI voice bookings at annual product showcase

At its annual Go-Get event in New York, Uber unveiled significant new features aimed at expanding its platform into travel and artificial intelligence. The company announced a hotel booking service in partnership with Expedia, offering users over 700,000 options, and introduced an AI voice booking tool for rides, leveraging OpenAI technology to enhance user experience.

Teradyne (TER) Acquires TestInsight to Streamline AI, Data Center Hardware Testing

Teradyne Inc. has acquired TestInsight, a developer of semiconductor test validation software, to enhance its capabilities in testing AI and data center hardware. This acquisition, finalized on April 16, 2026, aims to streamline the workflow between design and testing, addressing the complexities of modern silicon. By integrating TestInsight's tools with its automated test equipment, Teradyne seeks to reduce debug cycles and improve pre-silicon validation, providing a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI chip market.

Vertiv (VRT) Acquires Strategic Thermal Labs to Support AI Liquid-Cooling Capabilities

Vertiv Holdings Co. has acquired Strategic Thermal Labs, a company specializing in advanced liquid-cooling technologies, to bolster its thermal management capabilities for high-density AI and high-performance computing (HPC). This strategic move aims to optimize the interaction between power and thermal chains, addressing the critical heat challenges posed by modern AI workloads and enhancing system reliability.

Google Photos launches an AI try-on feature for clothes you already have

Google Photos has unveiled a new AI feature that enables users to virtually try on clothes they already own by utilizing photos from their gallery. This feature allows users to create a virtual wardrobe, mix and match outfits, and share their favorite looks with friends. The rollout for Android devices is set for later this summer, with plans to expand to iOS soon after.

Microsoft is giving its Xbox employees an Xbox email address

In a move to reinforce the Xbox brand, Microsoft will provide all Xbox employees with new @xbox.com email addresses starting next month, replacing their current @microsoft.com addresses as the default. This initiative, led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, is part of the broader 'We are Xbox' campaign, which aims to unify the gaming division's identity and align it more closely with third-party partners.

Uber is in the hotel business now, thanks in part to AI

Uber has expanded its app capabilities to include hotel bookings, allowing U.S. customers to reserve from over 700,000 hotels globally through a partnership with Expedia Group. This feature, announced during Uber's annual Go-Get event, reflects the company's shift from a ride-hailing service to a comprehensive travel platform, with additional features like AI-powered voice bookings and a travel mode for user guidance.

Tumbler Ridge families are suing OpenAI

Seven families of victims from the Tumbler Ridge school shooting in Canada have filed lawsuits against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, accusing the company of negligence for failing to alert police about the shooter’s ChatGPT activity. The families allege that OpenAI prioritized its reputation over public safety, as it chose not to report the suspect's concerning conversations about gun violence despite having flagged his activity.

OpenAI’s subtle drift from Microsoft has become an aggressive move toward Amazon

OpenAI has shifted its cloud partnership from Microsoft to Amazon, marking a significant change in their long-standing relationship. Following a restructuring of its agreement with Microsoft, OpenAI announced a new partnership with Amazon that includes a $50 billion investment from Amazon, which will enhance OpenAI's use of AWS for training AI models. This move indicates a growing collaboration with Amazon, as OpenAI aims to meet customer needs across different cloud environments.

OpenAI researchers explain why math is the road to AGI

OpenAI researchers Sebastian Bubeck and Ernest Ryu emphasize that mathematics is a crucial benchmark for artificial general intelligence (AGI), showcasing how AI models have progressed from basic arithmetic to solving complex mathematical problems in just two years. Ryu notably solved a 42-year-old optimization problem with the help of ChatGPT, highlighting the models' ability to assist even seasoned mathematicians in their work.

Earth AI is vertically integrating the search for critical minerals

Earth AI, led by founder Roman Teslyuk, is tackling significant delays in critical mineral exploration by establishing its own labs. The startup has identified promising sites for minerals like copper and platinum in Australia but has struggled with lab processing times, which have recently increased from two months to over five months. By creating in-house labs, Earth AI aims to cut this time down to just five days, allowing for more efficient drilling and exploration.

Hegseth, Caine to testify on Pentagon budget amid Iran war

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine are set to testify before the House Armed Services Committee regarding the Pentagon's budget, marking the first time Hegseth has faced lawmakers since the Iran war began two months ago. The ongoing conflict has led to a request for a substantial $1.5 trillion budget for fiscal 2027, while lawmakers are likely to scrutinize the implications of the war on military funding and global economic stability.

Trump threatens Iran with AI picture of himself with a gun: 'No more Mr. Nice guy!'

In a provocative Truth Social post, Donald Trump threatened Iran, insisting they 'better get smart soon!' The post featured an AI-generated image of Trump with a gun and came as negotiations over Iran's nuclear ambitions stalled, with the crucial Strait of Hormuz still blockaded. Trump's remarks followed the cancellation of a planned U.S. diplomatic trip to Islamabad, further straining relations amid rising oil prices.

Musk and Altman face off in court over OpenAI's for-profit pivot

The high-profile trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has commenced in federal court, where Musk is accusing Altman of misappropriating the original nonprofit mission of OpenAI. Musk claims that the transition to a for-profit model represents a significant betrayal, while OpenAI's legal team argues that Musk's lawsuit is motivated by personal grievances after he attempted to dominate the organization. The proceedings are set to unfold over the next month, with a jury hearing contrasting narratives from both sides.

IDC: How EMEA CIOs can jumpstart AI rollouts

CIOs in the EMEA region are facing significant hurdles in advancing enterprise AI rollouts, with only 9% of organizations achieving measurable business outcomes from their projects over the past two years. As macroeconomic pressures and competing IT demands mount, many boards are demanding concrete financial validation before approving wider deployments, leaving the majority of AI initiatives stalled in pilot phases. To overcome these challenges, technology leaders must rethink their strategies, focusing on integrating compliance early and aligning AI solutions with existing workflows to drive adoption and tangible results.

Moto Buds 2 Plus pack Bose sound for $149, available this week

Motorola is set to release the Moto Buds 2 Plus in the US on April 30, 2026, priced at $149. These wireless earbuds, tuned by Bose, promise rich and balanced sound, featuring 11mm drivers for bass and Knowles armatures for clarity. They also include advanced noise cancellation, impressive battery life, and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.

Android’s ‘Search’ bar now lets you ‘Ask Google’ and AI Mode

Google has updated the Search bar on Android devices, introducing an 'Ask Google' prompt that replaces the previous 'Search...' option. This redesign includes a new 'plus' menu that allows users to add images to their queries or switch to AI Mode, reflecting a broader integration of AI features across Google's platforms, including iOS and Chrome.

Motorola Razr Fold officially costs $1,899 in the US, available in May

Motorola has officially announced the pricing and release details for the Razr Fold, set to launch in the US at $1,899. Pre-orders will begin on May 14, with the device hitting shelves on May 21. This foldable smartphone features a sleek design, a 6,000 mAh battery, and advanced specifications, including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and 16GB of RAM.

Is Meta's AI spending blitz working? The stock's next move depends on the answer

Meta Platforms is seeing a stock recovery after a significant decline earlier this year, attributed to its aggressive investment in artificial intelligence. With plans to spend up to $169 billion this year, primarily on AI, the company's upcoming earnings report is crucial for determining if this rebound will continue. Investors are particularly focused on whether these investments will translate into stronger advertising revenue and overall growth, especially following recent partnerships and product launches aimed at enhancing Meta's ad performance.