TechCapsules

Ant International’s Antom has partnered with Google to expand access to Google Gemini, an AI service, across Asia. The collaboration began in Indonesia, where the free trial is available through select digital payment and retail channels, including A+Rewards, reaching roughly 10 million users. Antom will manage billing, tax, risk, marketing, and account services for the subscription lifecycle, streamlining operations for AI companies. The partnership aims to roll out similar offerings in additional markets, broadening Gemini’s regional footprint. [...]

During a White House meeting on frontier artificial intelligence, President Donald Trump referred to Google CEO Sundar Pichai as a “monster,” prompting Pichai to joke, “Hopefully a better tagline than I’m a monster!” The gathering included leaders from Google, Anthropic, Meta, OpenAI, xAI, and Nvidia, and focused on responsibilities for developing “super‑intelligence.” Participants agreed to strengthen internal controls, engage independent auditors, and implement safety measures to prevent unintended AI harm. The exchange quickly went viral, sparking social‑media [...]

Meta announced its Meta Enterprise Platform, a suite aimed at embedding AI into corporate operations rather than advertising. The platform will include Muse Agent, Meta Business Agent, Muse API, and Muse Code, with MongoDB’s CJ Desai named chief enterprise platform officer. CEO Mark Zuckerberg described it as the next major pillar of Meta’s business. Analysts caution that trust will be critical, citing past discontinuations of Workplace and Horizon Workrooms. Meta’s AI strategy, launched with the Meta Superintelligence [...]

Apple is projected to sell about 6 million units of its upcoming foldable iPhone Duo in 2026, according to Counterpoint Research. The forecast reflects production challenges, with Foxconn’s assembly yield hovering just above 60 %. Analysts note that the figure is modest relative to Apple’s overall 80 million‑unit iPhone output for the same period, yet it aligns with typical first‑generation foldable smartphone sales. The Duo’s launch is expected to boost interest in foldable devices and support Apple’s broader lineup. [...]

Meta refuted a claim by journalist Jason Aten that its AI agent Muse accessed a user’s private Messages on a Mac without permission. VP of Communications Andy Stone emphasized that Muse’s Messages integration is fully opt‑in, requiring users to enable Full Disk Access and a specific Messages connector. Meta’s Superintelligence Labs executive David Singleton added that three separate permission steps and macOS system protections prevent unauthorized access, even if a bug existed. Aten alleged Muse read his messages [...]

Tesla postponed its highly anticipated Roadster unveiling by two weeks, moving the event to October 15, citing the need for outdoor conditions amid severe weather forecasts. In a series of posts, the company highlighted that the demonstration requires unrestricted airspace, and the FAA issued a temporary flight restriction up to 10,000 feet—far above the usual 2,000‑foot limits at SpaceX sites. Concurrently, Elon Musk hinted that the Roadster will feature an aerial capability, possibly using cold‑gas thrusters developed with SpaceX, [...]

Efficient Computer, a startup developing data‑flow chips, announced a $97 million financing round led by TQ Ventures, with participation from Union Square Ventures, Toyota Ventures and Borderless. The new capital brings the company’s total funding to $650 million, following a $60 million round in February. Efficient’s architecture replaces traditional x86 CPU designs with a data‑flow model that it claims can cut power use by up to 100‑fold, potentially allowing devices to run for months or years on a single charge. [...]

OpenAI unveiled “Dots,” a new feature that turns ChatGPT into autonomous agents capable of running separate cloud‑based computers and browsers to complete tasks without continuous user input. Each Dot operates independently, can integrate with existing applications, and continues working toward user‑defined goals after the conversation ends. The rollout is limited to ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium subscribers in select markets, with Enterprise users able to access it if their administrators enable the beta. Users on the free, [...]