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News

OpenAI tells judge it would buy Chrome from Google

During the U.S. antitrust trial against Google, OpenAI’s product head, Nick Turley, expressed interest in acquiring the Chrome browser if Google is compelled to sell it. OpenAI had previously sought a partnership to integrate Google’s search capabilities into ChatGPT, but the proposal was declined. Currently relying on Bing, OpenAI faces quality issues and emphasizes the need for access to multiple search APIs, including Google’s, to enhance user experience. Additionally, OpenAI is developing its own search index, though progress has been slower than anticipated.

Siri’s new boss is already making big internal changes, per report

Apple is revamping Siri under new leadership to address ongoing AI challenges. Mike Rockwell, formerly leading the Vision Pro project, has taken charge and is restructuring the Siri team by bringing in trusted colleagues from his previous role. These changes aim to enhance Siri’s performance and user experience, signaling Apple’s commitment to improving its voice assistant.

Google is paying Samsung an ‘enormous sum’ to preinstall Gemini

During the Google antitrust trial, it was revealed that Google paid Samsung $8 billion over four years to make its apps and services the default on Galaxy devices. This deal gave Google’s Gemini AI top placement on Samsung phones, pushing out competitors like Microsoft’s Bing. The agreement helped Google keep its strong position in search and AI.

Saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to ChatGPT costs millions of dollars, CEO says

Using polite words like “please” and “thank you” with ChatGPT may seem harmless, but they actually increase energy use and costs. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says these extra words cost the company tens of millions of dollars due to the added computing power needed. Each polite interaction uses more electricity, adding to environmental concerns. Still, many users believe being polite leads to better responses and reflects good manners.

Tesla begins ‘FSD Supervised’ ride-hail tests with employees in Austin, Bay Area

Tesla has begun testing its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised ride-hailing service with employees in Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area. Using a mobile app, staff can request rides in Tesla Model Y vehicles, which are driven by employees to monitor performance. This pilot aims to refine the app, vehicle allocation, and remote assistance systems ahead of a planned robotaxi launch in Austin this June. While the current tests require a human driver, Tesla plans to introduce a fully autonomous, unsupervised version in the near future.

Coinbase considering applying for US banking license

Coinbase confirmed it is considering applying for a US federal bank charter amid moves by crypto firms to integrate with the traditional financial system. It will allow Coinbase to operate more like a traditional bank by offering services such as deposits and loans.

Stripe Launches New Features for Businesses in Japan, Including PayPay Integration

Stripe has introduced new features for businesses in Japan, including integration with PayPay, a QR-based payment method used by over 68 million people. This allows for faster payouts—within just four business days—and offers customers the option to split purchases into smaller payments through card installments. Additionally, Stripe is helping businesses comply with Japan’s new 3D Secure mandate by reducing checkout friction and enhancing fraud prevention. The company also supports network tokens, providing a safer alternative to storing card information.

AI Nose lets robots smell trouble, infections, and gas leaks before humans can

Ainos and ugo have teamed up to create the world’s first robots that can smell. By adding Ainos’ AI Nose technology to ugo’s robots, these machines can now detect harmful gases, chemicals, and even signs of illness. This new ability helps in places like factories, hospitals, and public areas, making them safer and more efficient. ugo ceo Ken Matsui called it a major leap forward for service robotics.

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10 things I learned from 10 years at Figma

A love letter to scaling from 10 to 1400 people and 0 to millions of users over a decade as Figma’s first marketing and business hire.