Apple enhances the experience for Formula 1 fans by introducing a new interactive guide on its Maps app, particularly featuring Melbourne’s Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit. This 3D guide allows users to explore circuit details and key areas like the F1 Pit Garage. Covering all 24 race locations for the 2026 season, Apple aims to deepen fan engagement before the Australian Grand Prix. More circuits will receive 3D upgrades throughout the season, blending sports and technology effectively.
OpenAI has announced that it will establish its largest research hub outside the United States in London, emphasizing the UK’s strong technology ecosystem. Mark Chen, OpenAI’s research chief, praised the country's talent and renowned scientific institutions. While details on investment and job creation are not disclosed, the firm currently employs over 30 staff in London, highlighting the UK's ambition to become a global AI powerhouse amid rising competition for investment.
IBM projects that by 2025, 56 percent of vulnerabilities in applications will be exploitable without requiring user authentication. This alarming statistic highlights the increasing risk faced by enterprises as cybersecurity threats evolve. Experts emphasize the urgency of implementing robust security measures. “Organizations must prioritize their security strategies to combat these emerging threats effectively,” an IBM spokesperson stated. This shift necessitates heightened vigilance and innovative solutions in cybersecurity protocols to safeguard critical data.
South Korea has agreed to allow Google Maps to access its map data for the first time after almost 20 years, responding to long-standing requests from the tech giant. However, the deal includes strict security measures, requiring the masking of military and sensitive sites. South Korea's land ministry stated that coordinate displays will be removed, restricting the visibility of certain areas. Google argues the limitations hinder its service capabilities in the region, where it competes with local platform Naver.
Poland's ruling Civic Coalition party is proposing legislation that would ban social media access for children under 15, with fines for platforms failing to verify user ages, according to Education Minister Barbara Nowacka. “We see the mental health of children... declining,” she stated. The penalties are still under discussion, but a law is expected by early 2027. This follows similar moves by European nations to limit youth access to potentially harmful online services.
Jack Dorsey announces a significant workforce reduction at Block, eliminating over 4,000 jobs—nearly half of its staff—due to an AI-driven structural shift. In a post on X, he stated, “We’re not making this decision because we’re in trouble. Our business is strong.” Affected employees will receive severance packages, including 20 weeks of salary, health coverage, and corporate devices. Dorsey emphasizes a commitment to rebuilding Block with "intelligence at the core."
Google has launched Nano Banana 2, an upgraded AI image generation model, across multiple platforms, aiming to enhance user engagement following the success of its predecessor. Nano Banana 2 utilizes Gemini’s Flash models for faster and cost-efficient processing, resulting in sharper image details. The Gemini app now boasts over 750 million monthly active users, reflecting a significant surge after attracting 13 million users within just four days of the original model's release.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff addressed concerns about a potential "SaaS-pocalypse" affecting the business software landscape, asserting such fears are unfounded. Alongside Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, he emphasized the resilience and ongoing growth of Software as a Service (SaaS) models despite economic fluctuations. “The demand for SaaS solutions continues to expand,” stated Benioff, underscoring a positive outlook for the sector amidst shifting market conditions and technological advancements.
Norway's $2.2 trillion sovereign wealth fund, Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), is utilizing large language models to identify ESG red flags within 24 hours of new stock additions to its portfolio of 7,200 companies. By scanning local-language sources and public reports, NBIM can highlight potential risks of forced labor and fraud, enabling preemptive exits before market reactions. This development signifies a shift toward real-time ESG screening, impacting investments in smaller firms where information scarcity can lead to rapid reputational damage.
The EU AI Act's enforcement launched on February 2, 2025, targeting "unacceptable risk" AI systems such as social scoring and biometric surveillance. Fines can hit €35 million or 7% of global turnover. Broader regulations for high-risk AI practices will commence in August 2026, with general-purpose AI rules effective in August 2025. Many startups express readiness concerns, lacking proper risk classifications. Compliance costs may deter innovation, but clearer governance could yield long-term benefits.