A new artificial intelligence tool called "AI Mode" by Alibaba.com, the global business-to-business (B2B) marketplace of Alibaba Group Holding. This feature is designed to significantly enhance the efficiency of cross-border trade for the platform's more than 200,000 merchants. According to President Zhang Kuo, the AI Mode integrates with the online search engine to offer tailored product results and recommendations based on natural language queries.
Google DeepMind introduces SIMA 2, an advanced AI agent capable of reasoning and learning within 3D settings, described as a "milestone in creating general and helpful AI agents." The agent utilizes the Gemini model to interpret instructions and autonomously improve through self-directed learning. Early tests show enhanced performance, reducing the gap between AI and human players. SIMA 2 is available as a limited research preview for select academics and game developers, signaling potential future applications in robotics.
PhonePe and OpenAI that introduces ChatGPT integration across PhonePe’s platforms in India. This partnership is one of the nation's largest consumer-facing AI deployments, aiming to bring advanced conversational and task-based AI features to users for functions like travel planning and shopping assistance. A central goal of the initiative is to increase AI accessibility within India's digital economy, particularly benefiting users who prefer non-English services through PhonePe's existing multi-language support.
Google proposes remedies to the European Union following a record $3.4 billion antitrust fine announced in September, marking the EU’s second-largest penalty to date. The fine relates to alleged anti-competitive practices in the ad tech sector. Industry experts assert that this response may influence future regulatory approaches, reflecting Google's commitment to compliance in an increasingly scrutinized digital marketplace. Google's actions could reshape advertising innovations across Europe.
Spotify has launched four premium subscription plans in India: Lite, Standard, Student, and Platinum. The Premium Lite plan costs Rs. 139 per month and offers ad-free streaming with up to 160 kbps audio quality. The Premium Standard plan is priced at Rs. 199 per month with audio quality up to 320 kbps and offline downloads. The Student plan is Rs. 99 for verification-required students, while the Platinum plan at Rs. 299 supports lossless audio and AI features, impacting India's streaming landscape significantly.
Spain's stock market regulator has imposed a fine of €5 million ($5.8 million) on Elon Musk's platform X for failing to ensure that Quantum AI, a cryptoasset firm, had authorization for its investment services. The penalty, dated November 3, reflects Spain’s efforts to control cryptoasset advertising risks since 2022. Mexico City’s CNMV stated, “X did not fulfill its duties” in vetting the firm’s legitimacy. X may appeal the decision in Spain's High Court.
OpenAI leads a $15 million seed round investment in Red Queen Bio, a startup focused on preventing the misuse of AI for bioweapon development. Co-founder Hannu Rajaniemi emphasizes the urgent need for defenses to keep pace with advancing biological capabilities. OpenAI Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon supports investments in startups prioritizing AI risk mitigation. Notable past investments include biosecurity firm Valthos, enhancing industry resilience against emerging threats.
Cybersecurity firm Deepwatch has laid off up to 80 employees as part of a restructuring initiative aimed at enhancing its investment in artificial intelligence and automation. CEO John DiLullo emphasized that this organizational shift is crucial for boosting operational efficiency and supporting deeper AI capabilities. Despite strong demand for cybersecurity tools, the sector faces pressure, with significant layoffs at firms like CrowdStrike. Deepwatch's future strategy appears to hinge on advanced automation and machine learning solutions.
Major foreign automobile manufacturers, namely Tesla, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz, have recently received official permission to introduce artificial intelligence chatbots into their vehicles within China. This action by Chinese regulatory bodies, including the Cyberspace Administration of Beijing and Shanghai, signals a potential quickening of the approval process for AI technologies integrated into hardware. Specifically, the sources name the approved generative AI services as the "Mercedes-Benz virtual assistant," Tesla Shanghai’s xBot, and Volvo’s local chatbot Xiao Wo.
Alibaba is rebranding and enhancing its mobile AI app from 'Tongyi' to 'Qwen' to compete with ChatGPT. Over 100 developers are working on integrating e-commerce features from platforms like Taobao. The initial version will be free to attract users, followed by planned monetization. In its last quarter, Alibaba reported triple-digit growth in AI products and experienced rapid growth in its cloud division, highlighting its focus on expanding AI capabilities and market competitiveness.