Google introduced Gemini Spark, a 24/7 agentic assistant with Gmail integration, at IO 2026 at its I/O developer conference on Tuesday. The assistant was built from Gemini base models and an agentic harness from Google Antigravity.

Meta Platforms has offered rival artificial intelligence chatbots, including OpenAI, limited free access to its WhatsApp social messaging service in Europe. The company would begin charging once rivals reach a specified usage limit, according to two individuals with knowledge of the matter.

Google introduced new intelligent eyewear at its Google I/O event, suggesting the market is now ready for AI-powered wearable computing. The company's previous Google Glass product had faced challenges, seen as awkward and invasive.

Chinese technology titans Alibaba Group Holding and Tencent Holdings are investing billions into generative artificial intelligence. They are competing to build the dominant AI-powered digital gateway, aiming to influence how the country’s 1.4 billion people shop, work, and communicate. Credit: MACAO NEWS The internet’s gateway has evolved from early web portals to search engines and then to "super apps" dominating Chinese online life. The industry now anticipates a new evolu

Samsung Electronics and its labour union have extended negotiations in an effort to prevent the largest strike in the tech giant's history. Concerns persist that a walkout by more than 45,000 workers could significantly impact South Korea's economy and disrupt global supply chains. Credit: SAMSUNG An 18-day strike is threatened to commence, coinciding with an acute global shortage of memory chips. These chips are vital components for AI data centres, smartphones, and laptops,

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng has commenced mass production of its inaugural robotaxi model at its Guangzhou headquarters. The organisation aims for fully driverless operations by early 2027. Credit: XPENG The new robotaxi is built on Xpeng’s GX platform. It represents China’s first “production-ready, pre-assembled robotaxi model developed entirely with in-house technologies,” the company stated. Credit: XPENG Xpeng plans to begin pilot robotaxi operations in the secon

Meta detailed global layoff plans and organisational changes aimed at improving its artificial intelligence workflows. These changes are part of a far-reaching overhaul, with deep cuts to the workforce planned. Credit: UNSPLASH The Facebook owner plans to lay off 10% of its employees, with additional cuts expected later this year. Chief People Officer Janelle Gale stated Meta intends to move 7,000 employees to new AI-related initiatives and eliminate managerial roles. This re

Engineering student Kayden Knapik has constructed a Star Wars BD-X-inspired droid using consumer-grade hardware and open-source software, aiming to replicate the lifelike movements of robots seen at Disney parks. The project was completed for under USD 3,000, significantly less than proprietary robotics systems.

China is stepping up construction of a national computing network, aiming to turn artificial intelligence infrastructure into a public utility. This initiative responds to surging AI token usage and telecoms operators' search for new growth avenues beyond mobile data and phone bills.

The South Korean government is pursuing all options, including emergency arbitration, to prevent a labour strike at Samsung Electronics, the nation’s largest employer. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated the goal is to minimise any damage should a strike occur.

OpenAI is exploring legal options against Apple due to a strained two-year partnership, according to a person familiar with the matter. The artificial intelligence startup reportedly has not seen the expected benefits from its deal with the iPhone maker.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently told a Senate committee that China had purchased no H200 chips from American suppliers. He testified that the US president was maintaining a "delicate balance" concerning technology transfers to China, given the leaders' personal relationship. Lutnick's statements aimed to alleviate congressional apprehension that US technology could be strengthening China's military capabilities. But, his assertions were met with scepticism from