Oracle introduces role-based AI agents in Fusion Cloud HCM to simplify workflows and aid employees with daily challenges. Features include career planning, performance assistance, learning recommendations, compensation management, and employee lifecycle support. Each customer has a secure cloud environment with customized access. Oracle deployed many of these functions internally, freeing HR for strategic tasks, and plans to expand generative AI features significantly this year.

Microsoft's Copilot Voice now supports multiple languages including German, French, Spanish, and Hindi, expanding beyond English. It offers natural voice interactions with customizable speech speeds and four voice options: Wave, Meadow, Grove, and Canyon. Users can interrupt AI responses for a more human-like experience, though language switching requires manual selection. While English remains the priority, Microsoft plans to enhance support for other languages. Integration of DeepSeek technolo

DeepSeek collaborates with multiple global cloud platforms and organizations to advance AI technology. Huawei integrates DeepSeek into HarmonyOS, while Tencent Cloud, ByteDance, and others offer seamless deployment of its models. Alibaba Cloud, Baidu Smart Cloud, and international firms like NVIDIA, AMD, AWS, and Microsoft also support DeepSeek models, showcasing growing recognition and adoption of its AI capabilities worldwide.

Amazon's Alexa team is set to host a major product launch in New York this month, focusing on advanced AI capabilities for Alexa. Panos Panay, SVP of Devices and Services, will attend the February 26 event. Key updates may include the "Let's Chat" feature, showcasing realistic conversations. Development leverages Amazon's Titan AI model, with plans for subscription-based access. CEO Andy Jassy noted rebuilding Alexa using large language models. Delays are attributed to cost-cutting measures and

SoftBank Group is close to acquiring Ampere Computing LLC for around $6.5 billion, strengthening its semiconductor presence in data centers and AI. The deal could integrate Ampere's energy-efficient processors with SoftBank's Arm architecture and Graphcore's AI solutions, enhancing competitive offerings. Talks are progressing but may still face delays.

OpenAI has made ChatGPT's search engine feature accessible without login, expanding its audience and enhancing competition with Google and Bing. ChatGPT provides credible answers with cited sources, upgraded interfaces for better user experience, and rapid online information retrieval, leveraging its natural language processing capabilities. This evolution intensifies the race among search engines to offer more efficient and reliable services.

Google is expanding its Gemini AI model portfolio with the release of several new and experimental versions. The updates include Gemini 2.0 Flash now fully available on AI Studio and Vertex AI, a cost-effective 2.0 Flash-Lite model in public preview, and experimental editions of 2.0 Pro and 2.0 Flash Thinking. The 2.0 Pro features a context window of 2 million tokens for handling large documents, while 2.0 Flash Thinking enhances reasoning capabilities and showcases its thought process. These mo

7AI, a security startup, launched a new platform using autonomous AI agents to handle repetitive cybersecurity tasks, allowing experts to focus on high-value work. These agents classify alerts, analyze data, and provide actionable insights while reducing false positives. Founded by Lior Div and Yonatan Striem-Amit, 7AI secured $36 million in seed funding.

ChatGPT is now available on WhatsApp, accessible via 1-800-CHATGPT. The service has been enhanced to process text, images, and voice messages, mirroring features from its official app. Users can link their ChatGPT accounts to WhatsApp, preserving subscription benefits like higher limits for Plus/Pro tiers. Free users also gain access to advanced models. These updates are rolled out globally, including India, promoting inclusivity. Other AI chatbots like Meta's and Microsoft's Copilot also integr

Figure AI ends its partnership with Open AI to focus on internal AI R&D, citing advancements in the field. Founder Brett Adcock promises a major reveal within 30 days. Integration challenges with OpenAI's models and a shift toward end-to-end AI for specific hardware drove the decision. Figure AI, valued at $2.6 billion, collaborates with firms like BMW while OpenAI explores humanoid robotics. The move highlights growing competition and the importance of vertical integration in the humanoid robot

Atombeam, a California-based startup, raised $20 million via a Reg A+ public funding round to boost data transmission efficiency. Its Data-as-Codewords technology reduces file storage by up to 75%, enhancing speed and security through codeword placeholders resistant to reverse-engineering. The company plans to commercialize this via Neurpac, an AI-powered cloud service for encryption, and Neurcom, developed with the US Air Force, for fast radar image transmission. Atombeam aims to expand bandwid

Samsung Electronics regained the top spot in semiconductor revenue with $66.5B, driven by memory price recovery. The global market reached $626B in 2024, up 18.1% from 2023. AI and data centers emerged as key growth drivers, with NVIDIA rising to top five on AI success. Data center semiconductor revenue hit $112B, and memory revenue surged 71.8%. Gartner predicts 2025 revenue at $705B, fueled by AI and memory growth.

Google revised its AI principles by removing bans on surveillance and weapon applications, emphasizing instead "responsible development" with human oversight and alignment to human rights. The update reflects evolving technology and geopolitical dynamics since 2018, as AI becomes a widely used general-purpose tool. Google calls for democratic leadership in AI to uphold values like freedom and equality, while acknowledging shifts in its ethical stance, echoing changes to its motto from "Don't be

Elgato launched Wave Link 2.0, featuring AI-powered voice enhancement, system-level audio management, and noise cancellation via collaboration with AIcoustics. It supports custom audio effects, low-latency mixing with Elgato hardware, and advanced routing for Windows audio. Integrated Stream Deck controls enable quick adjustments and synchronization of audio streams.

The UK introduced a world-first voluntary AI network code of conduct with 13 principles to mitigate risks like cyber attacks and data breaches. Targeting AI developers, operators, and custodians, it emphasizes security training, risk assessments, and user communication. Released alongside an AI Opportunity Action Plan detailing 50 strategies for industry growth, the code aims to position the UK as a global AI leader. The UK also formed an international cybersecurity alliance with countries like

Apple launched Apple Gather, an app for creating and managing event invitations. Users can send digital invites, RSVP, and add events to calendars. Available on Android via iCloud web, it offers templates, photo backgrounds, and AI-generated designs. While seamless on iPhones, Android users face limitations like needing an Apple account for full access. Despite minor glitches, it provides a convenient alternative to Facebook events for Apple ecosystem users.

OpenAI has refreshed its brand image with new fonts, logos, and colors. The updated logo features a more streamlined design, while the new OpenAI Sans-serif font balances precision and friendliness. The rebranding, led by an internal team, aims for a more organic and humanized image, using AI tools only to assist in calculations, not creative decisions.

Adobe's Acrobat AI assistant gains Contract Intelligence, summarizing complex contracts into simpler terms and detecting contract files automatically. Priced at $4.99/month, this optional feature helps users identify key clauses, compare up to ten contract versions, and locate important details. Currently English-only but expanding later, it aims to save time and improve comprehension of lengthy agreements.

SoftBank Group invested $50 billion in OpenAI's US infrastructure and formed a 50-50 joint venture, SB OpenAI Japan, to promote Cristal Intelligence. They plan to allocate $3 billion for deploying AI technology, aiming to automate tasks and revolutionize business models. Masayoshi Son anticipates AGI arriving sooner than his prior prediction of 2-3 years.

Cloudflare has integrated Adobe's Content Credentials system into its Cloudflare Images service, enabling users to verify the authenticity and ownership of images. This feature uses open-source standards from C2PA and allows one-click setup for retaining content credentials globally. By joining the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), Cloudflare aims to enhance trust and combat AI-generated misinformation, empowering creators and publishers worldwide.