News
Google has announced that its annual developer conference, Google I/O 2025, will take place on May 20-21 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. The event will be accessible online to everyone, featuring livestreamed keynotes and sessions, with an in-person component as well. This year, the conference is expected to focus heavily on artificial intelligence, including the integration of Gemini into Google’s ecosystem and the development of new tools and models.
The legal AI startup Harvey raised a $300 million Series D led by Sequoia at a $3 billion valuation.
David Webb, founder of Webb-site.com, has announced the gradual closure of the platform due to his advancing metastatic prostate cancer. Despite outliving initial prognoses, his health has now declined to the point where he can no longer maintain the extensive, largely pro bono database. Over two decades, Webb invested over HK$10 million and significant personal effort into building this resource, which has been invaluable to journalists, regulators, researchers, and investors.
Alibaba chairman Joe Tsai hails DeepSeek as open-source inspiration for AI developers
Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai announced a strategic partnership with Apple to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) features into iPhones sold in China. This collaboration aims to help Apple navigate China’s regulatory environment, which mandates rigorous testing and approval for large language models. The partnership is expected to enhance iPhone competitiveness against local brands that have rapidly adopted AI features. Additionally, Alibaba’s recent advancements in AI, including the release of its upgraded Qwen 2.5-Max model, demonstrate the company’s commitment to leading in AI development.
Klook raises $100 million in funding led by Vitruvian Partners
Klook said in a statement that the newly secured capital will drive its next phase of growth and innovation, but it did not disclose its valuation after the fund raise. It said it plans to enhance customer experience, merchant operations and internal productivity via its expanded artificial intelligence partnership with Google Cloud.
How Nissan and Honda’s $60 billion merger talks collapsed
Nissan and Honda’s proposed $60 billion merger has collapsed due to significant disagreements. Nissan, despite financial struggles, resisted Honda’s push for deeper job and factory cuts and rejected becoming a subsidiary. Honda grew frustrated with Nissan’s slow decision-making and reluctance to close factories, leading to the deal’s breakdown. Both companies are now exploring other partnerships, with Foxconn expressing interest in collaborating with Nissan.
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Reads
Duolingo’s newly released handbook distills 14 years of experience into five core principles:
- Take the Long View: Prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains.
- Raise the Bar: Commit to world-class work to revolutionize global learning.
- Ship It!: Act swiftly to transform good ideas into reality through experimentation.
- Show Don’t Tell: Communicate clearly, backed by data and tangible impact.
- Make It Fun: Infuse humor and creativity into all endeavors.
These guiding principles have shaped Duolingo’s unique culture and approach to building innovative educational tools.
What happens to your online accounts when you die?
When someone passes away, their online accounts—ranging from social media to email—often remain active, potentially causing confusion or distress for surviving loved ones. Many platforms offer options to designate legacy contacts or memorialize accounts; for instance, Apple allows users to assign a legacy contact for their devices, and Google provides an Inactive Account Manager to share data after a period of inactivity. Additionally, creating a digital will and using password managers with emergency access features can ensure trusted individuals can manage or close accounts as per your wishes.
Visualizing Data Is An Art – We Should Treat It Like One
Data visualization is a powerful tool that transforms complex information into accessible, engaging visuals, enabling clearer understanding and insights. By treating data visualization as an art form, we can create compelling narratives that not only inform but also captivate audiences, enhancing both comprehension and retention. This approach emphasizes the importance of design aesthetics, storytelling, and user experience in effectively communicating data-driven messages.