Quick Overview of QLED and OLED

OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode, while QLED (according to Samsung) stands for quantum dot LED TV. OLED is an emissive technology where each pixel produces its own light, allowing perfect blacks and infinite contrast. QLED is a variation of LCD that uses a quantum dot film to enhance color, relying on an LED backlight, making it transmissive. Both are smart TVs with built-in apps, but their image quality characteristics differ significantly.

How QLED TVs Work

A QLED TV is essentially an LCD TV with added quantum dots. Quantum dots are microscopic molecules that, when hit by light, emit their own colored light. In QLED TVs, these dots are embedded in a film that sits in front of an LED backlight. The light passes through a liquid crystal layer to form the picture. This transmissive design means that black levels depend on how well the backlight can be dimmed or blocked. Samsung popularized the QLED branding in 2017, though quantum dots have been used since 2015. Other manufacturers like TCL also produce QLED sets, and TCL introduced Super Quantum Dots to improve color volume. The backlight technology has evolved significantly, with many high-end QLED models now using mini-LED arrays for more precise local dimming, which can dramatically improve contrast and reduce blooming around bright objects. Samsung's Neo QLED line, for example, uses mini-LED backlights to achieve better black levels and higher brightness than traditional LED-LCD TVs. This innovation has helped QLED narrow the gap with OLED in terms of overall image quality.

How OLED TVs Work

OLED is fundamentally different. It does not use a backlight. Instead, each subpixel is an organic compound that emits light when electricity passes through it. This emissive nature allows pixels to be turned off completely, achieving true black and infinite contrast. LG has dominated OLED panel manufacturing for years, but Samsung started producing QD-OLED panels in 2022, which combine quantum dots with OLED emitters for improved brightness and color. Sony and Panasonic also sell OLED TVs. Recent innovations include LG's 4-stack OLED technology, which stacks four layers of organic materials to boost brightness and efficiency, and Samsung's QD-OLED, which uses quantum dots to convert blue OLED light into pure red and green, resulting in a wider color gamut. These advancements have made OLED TVs brighter than ever, reducing one of their traditional weaknesses relative to LCD-based sets.

Image Quality Comparison

Contrast and Black Levels

OLED is unmatched in this area. Because pixels can turn off completely, black areas are truly black, resulting in infinite contrast ratio. QLED sets, even with advanced local dimming (like mini-LED backlights), cannot achieve absolute black, though some models like TCL's QM8K with Halo Control come close. For the best cinematic experience in a dark room, OLED wins. The ability to render deep, inky blacks allows OLED to reveal subtle details in shadow areas and produce a sense of depth that QLED struggles to match. However, in well-lit rooms, the difference becomes less noticeable because ambient light washes out some of the perceived black level.

Brightness

QLED and high-end LCD TVs can achieve significantly higher peak brightness than OLED. This makes them better suited for bright rooms with lots of ambient light, and they can deliver more impactful HDR highlights. However, OLED brightness has improved with newer panels, and many OLEDs are now bright enough for most rooms. In side-by-side comparisons, OLED's superior contrast often compensates for lower brightness. For HDR content like the sun glinting off a metal surface, QLED can produce stunningly bright highlights, while OLED offers more nuanced rendition of near-black details. The choice depends on whether you prioritize highlights or deep blacks.

Viewing Angles and Uniformity

OLED panels maintain color and contrast from almost any viewing angle, with no noticeable off-axis degradation. QLED/LCD TVs tend to lose contrast and color fidelity when viewed from the side. OLED also has excellent screen uniformity, with no clouding or backlight bleed, which can be issues on edge-lit or even some full-array LCD sets. This makes OLED ideal for rooms with wide seating arrangements, as every seat gets an equally good view. QLED sets with VA panels have narrower viewing angles, though some use IPS or ADS panels to improve off-axis performance at the cost of contrast.

Color Accuracy and Resolution

Both technologies can achieve excellent color accuracy. QD-OLED panels offer particularly wide color gamuts, covering over 90% of the Rec.2020 color space in some tests. Resolution options are similar: both are available in 4K and 8K. Video processing quality depends more on the manufacturer's chip than the panel technology itself. Neither inherently struggles with motion handling, though OLED's instant pixel response can cause slight sample-and-hold motion blur that varies by model. Many TVs now include features like motion interpolation to smooth motion, which can be toggled based on preference.

Size and Price Considerations

QLED TVs are available in a much wider range of sizes, from 32 inches to over 100 inches. OLED sizes are more limited, typically ranging from 42 to 97 inches, with fewer options at smaller or larger extremes. Price-wise, OLED is generally more expensive for a given size, especially for 65-inch and larger sets. As of 2026, 77-inch OLEDs start around $2,200, while comparable 75-inch QLEDs can be found for significantly less. For budget-conscious buyers or those needing very large screens, QLED is the practical choice. The cost difference shrinks at smaller sizes, where OLED can be competitive, but large televisions continue to see price drops in the LCD/QLED category. Additionally, OLED panels are more expensive to manufacture, and yields for large sizes remain lower than for LCD, contributing to the price premium.

Burn-in and Lifespan

OLED screens are susceptible to burn-in if static images are displayed for long periods repeatedly. This is less of a concern for typical varied viewing, but heavy users of news channels, sports scoreboards, or video games with static HUDs should consider it. QLED/LCD displays do not suffer from burn-in. Overall lifespan of both technologies is generally five years or more, but individual usage patterns vary. Many older LCDs are still functioning after a decade. OLED manufacturers have implemented various mitigation techniques, such as pixel shifting, logo luminance reduction, and automatic panel refreshes, which have greatly reduced the risk of burn-in for most users. However, the organic materials in OLED do degrade over time, leading to gradual brightness reduction, which is typically uniform across the panel and not noticeable during normal use.

Which is Better in 2026?

For pure picture quality, OLED remains the superior technology, earning top marks in professional reviews. It delivers better blacks, contrast, viewing angles, and uniformity. However, QLED offers advantages in brightness, size range, and cost, making it a strong contender for bright rooms and larger screens on a budget. The gap in brightness is narrowing as OLED improves. Emerging technologies like microLED and self-emissive QLED are on the horizon but not yet mainstream. For now, the choice depends on your room lighting, budget, and whether you prioritize contrast or brightness. Gaming enthusiasts may also consider input lag and variable refresh rate support, which are generally excellent on both types across recent models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OLED or QLED better for gaming?

Both can deliver excellent gaming experiences. OLED's fast pixel response and perfect blacks provide immersive gaming, but QLED's higher brightness can combat glare. Key factors like input lag and refresh rate vary by model. Many high-end OLEDs now support 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rates and HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and ALLM, making them top choices for console and PC gamers.

Do QLED TVs suffer from burn-in?

No, QLED TVs are LCD-based and not prone to permanent burn-in. They may experience temporary image retention, but it fades. This makes QLED a safer choice for mixed usage that includes static elements like news tickers or sports scores for many hours each day.

Can I use an OLED TV in a very bright room?

Yes, but you need to manage glare. OLEDs have glossy screens that reflect light. A matte QLED may perform better in sunlight. Consider an OLED with high brightness like the LG G5 for brighter rooms, or invest in curtains or blinds to reduce ambient light. Many modern OLEDs can deliver over 1,000 nits of peak brightness, which is sufficient for most living rooms.

What is QD-OLED?

QD-OLED combines quantum dots with an OLED panel, aiming to improve brightness and color over traditional OLED. Samsung pioneered this technology, and it has been praised for its wide color gamut and high brightness while maintaining near-infinite contrast. It essentially offers the best of both worlds, though it still uses an organic emissive layer, so burn-in risks remain similar to standard OLED.

Key Takeaways

OLED offers superior contrast, black levels, viewing angles, and uniformity, making it the best choice for movie enthusiasts in controlled lighting. QLED provides higher brightness, a wider range of sizes, and lower cost for large screens, making it practical for bright living rooms and budget-conscious buyers. Both technologies are excellent and continue to evolve. Your decision should be based on your specific viewing environment and priorities. For most people, a mid-range QLED provides great value, while an OLED is the ultimate choice for home theater aficionados who want the best possible picture quality.

Source: CNET News

Speed: NordVPN Takes the Lead

All VPNs cause some reduction in internet speed due to encryption overhead. In CNET's 2025 speed tests, NordVPN recorded an average speed loss of just 3%, while ExpressVPN saw an 18% reduction. NordVPN's WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol delivers near-native speeds, making it the fastest VPN on the market. ExpressVPN also offers excellent speed with its Lightway protocol, but it falls short of NordVPN's performance. For users who prioritize blazing-fast connections for gaming, streaming in 4K, or large file transfers, NordVPN is the clear winner. However, ExpressVPN's 18% speed loss is still well within the acceptable range, and most users will not notice a significant difference in everyday use.

Value: ExpressVPN Offers More Competitive Renewal Pricing

Both services are among the most expensive VPNs, but their pricing structures differ. ExpressVPN's Basic plan costs $13 per month, $75 for the first 15 months, or $98 for the first 28 months, with renewal at $100 per year. NordVPN's Basic plan is $13 per month, $60 for the first year, or $83 for two years, but renews at a steep $140 per year. ExpressVPN's Advanced plan adds a password manager and identity protection features at a reasonable price, while NordVPN's Plus and Complete tiers add malware protection and cloud storage. Overall, ExpressVPN provides better long-term value, especially for users who want bundled extras without exorbitant renewal fees. NordVPN's additional features like double-hop VPN and Onion over VPN may justify the cost for privacy enthusiasts, but for most users, ExpressVPN's pricing is more palatable.

Privacy and Security: ExpressVPN Sets the Standard

Both VPNs employ strong encryption (AES-256 and ChaCha20), operate strict no-logs policies verified by independent audits, and are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions (British Virgin Islands for ExpressVPN, Panama for NordVPN). However, ExpressVPN goes further with its TrustedServer technology, which uses RAM-only servers that wipe all data on every reboot, and it has commissioned 23 independent audits since 2018—far more than NordVPN's five. ExpressVPN also pioneered post-quantum encryption and published a white paper on its implementation. While NordVPN now offers post-quantum protections and features like Onion over VPN, its audit reports are only available to paying customers, whereas ExpressVPN makes them public. For users with critical privacy needs, ExpressVPN's transparency and innovation give it a clear edge.

Usability: ExpressVPN Is Easier to Use Across Platforms

ExpressVPN's apps are renowned for their simplicity and consistency across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even routers. The interface is minimalistic and requires no learning curve. NordVPN's apps are also user-friendly but can be cluttered, especially on mobile with its map-based navigation. ExpressVPN's router app is the best in the industry, making it easy to protect all devices on a network. For streaming, both services unblock major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, but ExpressVPN is slightly more reliable for accessing specific international libraries, such as Hungarian Netflix. NordVPN offers servers in 126 countries versus ExpressVPN's 105, but navigating NordVPN's Apple TV app is cumbersome. Overall, ExpressVPN delivers a more polished experience for beginners and advanced users alike.

Streaming and Additional Features

Both VPNs excel at streaming, but with different strengths. ExpressVPN consistently unblocks a wide range of Netflix libraries and provides a seamless experience on smart TVs. NordVPN's larger server network theoretically offers access to more countries, but its app on Apple TV is frustrating to use. ExpressVPN's ShuffleIP feature automatically changes your IP address for each website visited, enhancing privacy without extra steps. NordVPN offers a pause function for the VPN connection, which is convenient for short breaks. NordVPN also provides double-hop VPN and Onion over VPN for advanced privacy, while ExpressVPN lacks multi-hop support. Users looking for extra layers of encryption may prefer NordVPN, but those valuing simplicity and reliability in streaming will lean toward ExpressVPN.

Bottom Line

Choosing between ExpressVPN and NordVPN ultimately depends on your priorities. If speed and advanced privacy features like double-hop are most important, NordVPN is the better option. If you value ease of use, transparent privacy practices, and consistent streaming performance, ExpressVPN is the way to go. Both services are excellent, and either will provide a secure, high-quality VPN experience. The decision hinges on which trade-offs you are willing to accept.

Source: CNET News

Google announced that new users lost access to POP3 (Post Office Protocol) in early 2026, and existing users will see it disabled by the end of the year. POP3 is the key to automatically pulling emails from one account into another. Once it's gone, you'll have to rely on slower manual methods or third-party tools. Acting now gives you a simple, built-in way to reclaim your storage without spending a dime.

Why Your Gmail Storage Fills Up So Quickly

The 15GB limit isn't just for emails. Every photo backed up from your phone, every file saved in Google Drive, and every large attachment in a message counts toward the total. A single video email can use tens of megabytes. Over years of hoarding messages, promotional emails, and newsletters, you can easily exceed 12GB. Once full, you can't send or receive new emails until you free up space. The common advice to delete old messages is tedious and risky—you might accidentally remove important correspondence. Moving everything to a secondary account lets you keep everything without paying.

The Nuclear Option: Transferring to a New Gmail Account

This method uses Gmail's built-in POP3 fetch feature. Your original account acts as the source, and a brand-new account pulls in all the old emails. After the transfer, you can empty the trash and enjoy inbox zero on your primary account. Here's the full process.

Step 1: Back Up Your Emails

Before any transfer, create a backup via Google Takeout. This ensures you have a local copy if something goes wrong. In tests, an account with 75,000 messages took about two hours to download. Once you have the backup, you can proceed.

Step 2: Enable POP in Your Original Account

Log into your current Gmail account. Click the gear icon, select See all settings, then go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab. Under POP Download, choose Enable POP for all mail. For the option "When messages are accessed with POP," select delete Gmail's copy—this will remove the emails from your original account after transfer. Save the changes.

Step 3: Set Up the New Archive Account

Create a second free Gmail account (or use an existing one you don't use regularly). Log into that account, go to settings, and select the Accounts and Import tab. Click Add a mail account under "Check mail from other accounts." Enter your original Gmail address, choose Import emails from my other account (POP3), and enter the password. If the standard password fails—which is common—you'll need to generate a Google app password.

Step 4: Create a Google App Password

Go to your Google Account security settings at myaccount.google.com/apppasswords. You must have 2-Step Verification enabled. Create a custom app password with a label like "Gmail Transfer." Google will give you a 16-digit passcode. Use that instead of your regular password in the Gmail import settings. Note: the code is shown only once, so write it down. After the transfer, delete the app password for security.

In the import settings, set the port to 995, check Always use a secure connection (SSL), Label incoming messages, and Archive incoming messages (Skip the Inbox). Click Add Account. You may also optionally enable sending mail from the original address through the new account.

Step 5: Wait for the Transfer to Complete

Once linked, the new account will automatically fetch all emails from the original. The duration depends on message volume. In a test case with 75,000 messages, it took about two full days. After completion, the original account places those messages in the Trash folder, which you must empty manually. That can take up to an hour for a large number of messages.

Which Messages Are NOT Transferred?

POP3 transfer excludes two categories: Drafts and Spam. Drafts must be handled manually—copy or delete them as needed. Spam messages are automatically deleted after 30 days, so you can either ignore them or clear the spam folder after the transfer. Everything else—inbox, sent, archived, labeled messages—moves over.

After the Transfer: Clean Up

Once all emails are imported, stop the automatic fetch to prevent duplicates. In the new account, go to Settings > Accounts and Import, find your original account under "Check mail from other accounts," and click delete. Confirm deletion. If you created an app password, revoke it at the Google App Passwords page.

Your original account now has nearly all 15GB free. You can resume normal use without storage warnings. The archive account holds your old emails, and you can log in occasionally to keep it active (Google deletes accounts inactive for over two years). This method saves you money, avoids manual deletion, and works while POP3 is still available.

For even more efficiency, consider filtering future large attachments directly to your archive account. But the immediate benefit is recovering that precious storage space with minimal effort. The clock is ticking—Google's POP3 shutdown is imminent, so take advantage of this loophole while it lasts.

Source: CNET News

First Impressions: Milkis and Banana Milk

The tasting session kicked off with two iconic Korean beverages: Milkis and banana milk. Milkis, a fizzy, milky soda with hints of citrus and cream, immediately caught Tom Holland's attention. He described it as a refreshing fusion of soda and yogurt, noting the surprising carbonation that made it perfect for a hot day. Benedict Cumberbatch, ever the articulate observer, compared it to a lighter, less sweet cream soda. Tom Hiddleston, on the other hand, took a more theatrical approach, swirling the drink and raising it to the light like a fine wine before taking a sip. His verdict: a delightful palate cleanser.

Banana milk followed, a Korean staple that evokes nostalgia for many. The thick, creamy texture and artificial-but-comforting banana flavor elicited mixed reactions. Holland admitted it felt like a childhood treat, while Cumberbatch found it a touch too sweet. Hiddleston, ever the diplomat, declared it the perfect accompaniment to spicy food. These initial tastes set the tone for an afternoon of genuine, unfiltered reactions.

Gimbap: A Roll of Surprises

The next item was gimbap, often described as Korean sushi. The chefs rolled out trays of perfectly sliced rolls, each packed with seasoned rice, vegetables, egg, and pickled radish. The actors watched intently as the process was explained: how perilla leaves add a burst of herbal flavor, how the sesame seeds provide crunch, and how the seaweed is lightly toasted for a smoky aroma. Tom Holland was the first to dive in, grabbing a piece and popping it into his mouth. His eyes widened as he chewed, muttering approvals through his food. He noted the balance of textures—crunchy vegetables against soft rice, all held together by the crisp seaweed. Benedict Cumberbatch appreciated the subtle sesame oil dressing, while Tom Hiddleston used chopsticks with surprising dexterity, claiming he had practiced for the event. Gimbap quickly became a favorite, with Holland reaching for multiple pieces and declaring it a perfect on-the-go meal.

More Korean Classics: Tteokbokki and Korean Fried Chicken

The pop-up also featured other Korean street food staples. Tteokbokki, or spicy rice cakes in gochujang sauce, arrived in a steaming bowl. The deep red sauce, speckled with scallions and fish cakes, promised heat. Tom Holland, who had shown a low tolerance for spice in past interviews, approached cautiously. He took a small bite, followed by a gulp of Milkis. The sweetness of the sauce tempered the spice, and he ended up enjoying it more than expected. Benedict Cumberbatch, a known lover of bold flavors, dove in without hesitation, praising the chewiness of the rice cakes. Tom Hiddleston, ever the historian, remarked on the dish's origins as a snack for students after the Korean War, adding a layer of cultural appreciation to the tasting.

Korean fried chicken arrived next, glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce. The actors were unanimous in their delight. Holland highlighted the crunch—a result of double frying—while Cumberbatch noted the sticky glaze that clung to his fingers. Hiddleston, perhaps indulging a bit too much, joked that he would need to run 10 miles to work off the calories. The chicken was a clear hit, with the trio devouring the platter in minutes.

The Marvel Bond: Conversation and Laughter

Throughout the event, the chemistry between the three actors was evident. They swapped stories from their Marvel filming days, with Holland recounting how Cumberbatch once spilled tea on a $10,000 costume. Hiddleston chimed in with impressions of directors, and the room filled with laughter. The food served as a backdrop for genuine camaraderie. At one point, Holland admitted he had never tried Korean food before, calling this experience an eye-opener. He praised the freshness of ingredients and the way each dish told a story about Korean culture.

The pop-up was organized by a Korean-American culinary group aiming to introduce Korean street food to a global audience. They set up a temporary market with stations for different dishes, hooded tables, and even a faux night market atmosphere with string lights and traditional music. The actors were given a guided tour by a Korean chef, who explained the significance of each item. The chef highlighted how street food is deeply woven into daily life in Korea, from the bustling streets of Myeongdong to the night markets of Busan. This context deepened the actors' appreciation.

Tom Holland's New Favorite Meal

As the tasting concluded, Tom Holland declared gimbap his new favorite meal, though he admitted the Korean fried chicken was a close second. He expressed interest in learning how to make both at home, joking that he would start a cooking series. Benedict Cumberbatch praised the use of fermented ingredients like gochujang and kimchi, noting their health benefits. Tom Hiddleston, ever the romantic, said the experience reminded him that food is a universal language that brings people together. He thanked the organizers for the opportunity to step into another culture's culinary tradition.

Behind the scenes, the event was carefully curated. Each dish was sourced from local Korean markets, and the chefs brought specialty ingredients like maesil (green plum) syrup and ssamjang (a thick dipping sauce). The actors tried ssamjang with lettuce wraps, a popular Korean barbecue pairing. Holland stuffed a leaf with rice, chicken, and sauce, declaring it the perfect bite. Cumberbatch used chopsticks skillfully, while Hiddleston opted for a fork, laughing at his own clumsiness. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for these moments of vulnerability.

The Cultural Impact of Korean Food

Korean food has seen a massive surge in global popularity, driven by the Korean Wave (Hallyu) including K-dramas, K-pop, and social media. Actors like Tom Holland trying these dishes only amplifies visibility. The pop-up served as a cultural bridge, showing that even A-list celebrities can find joy in something as simple as a rice cake or a bottle of banana milk. The event also highlighted how Korean street food is meant to be shared—conversation flows as easily as the sauces.

For Tom Holland, this marks another step in his post-Marvel diversification. He has shown interest in food-related ventures, including a rumored collaboration with a London-based Korean restaurant. His genuine reactions during the tasting have already gone viral on social media, with fans sharing clips of his enthusiastic expressions. Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston, both seasoned in international cuisines, brought their own expertise, making the event a masterclass in culinary diplomacy.

Source: MSN News

Despite the disappointing outcome, Swift remains the most decorated artist in AMA history with 40 career wins. Her absence from the winner’s circle highlights the unpredictable nature of fan-voted awards and the shifting landscape of popular music. The 2026 ceremony, hosted by Queen Latifah and broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, showcased a diverse range of winners across genres.

BTS’s Second Artist of the Year Win

BTS’s victory for Artist of the Year was a major highlight, marking the second time the K-pop septet has won the category. They first achieved this in 2021. The win places BTS in elite company: only four acts have won Artist of the Year multiple times. Taylor Swift leads all artists with seven wins, while BTS is now tied with Justin Bieber and One Direction with two each. BTS also shares the record for the most wins by a group in the category with One Direction.

In addition to the top honor, BTS won Song of the Summer for “Swim” and Best Male K-Pop Artist. These three awards bring their career tally of AMAs to 14, making them the second most-awarded group or duo in AMA history, behind only Alabama, the country titans who have won 23 AMAs. BTS’s continued dominance in the fan-voted awards reflects their massive global fanbase and enduring appeal.

Taylor Swift’s Historic Night Turned Sour

Swift’s 0-for-8 performance was the most shocking narrative of the night. She was nominated in categories including Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Pop Artist, and Album of the Year for her critically acclaimed album The Tortured Poets Department. However, voters favored other nominees across the board. Swift was not alone in disappointment: Olivia Dean, who had seven nods, and Warren and Lady Gaga, each with six, also left empty-handed.

Swift’s previous AMA record remains untouched—she still holds the most wins of any artist, with 40. This year’s results do not diminish her status but do indicate a shift in fan voting patterns. The AMAs rely entirely on fan engagement, including streaming, sales, radio airplay, and tour grosses, so the outcome reflects current popularity rather than historical legacy.

Other Major Winners

Justin Bieber won Best Male Pop Artist, bringing his career AMA total to 19. This ties him with the late Kenny Rogers for the second-most wins among male artists, behind only Michael Jackson’s 24. Bieber is now the living male artist with the most AMA wins.

KATSEYE, the global girl group, won New Artist of the Year, marking the seventh consecutive win for a female act in that category. The previous six winners were all female solo artists: Camila Cabello, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Olivia Rodrigo, Dove Cameron, and Gracie Abrams. The last male winner was Niall Horan in 2017. KATSEYE also won Best Music Video and Breakthrough Pop Artist.

HUNTR/X’s song “Golden” continued its award season dominance, winning Song of the Year after previously winning Best Song Written for Visual Media at the Grammys and Best Original Song at the Oscars. HUNTR/X also took home Best Vocal Performance and Best Pop Song.

Sombr surprised many by winning Best Rock/Alternative Song for “Back to Friends,” Best Rock/Alternative Album for I Barely Know Her, and Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist. Sombr’s album reached No. 10 on the Billboard 200, while all other nominees in the album category had reached No. 1—demonstrating the power of a hit single.

Bruno Mars won Best Male R&B Artist, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Album. Cardi B won Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Best Hip-Hop Song, and Best Hip-Hop Album. Sabrina Carpenter won Album of the Year for Short n’ Sweet, Best Female Pop Artist, and Best Pop Album.

Karol G’s Tropicoqueta won Best Latin Album, beating Rosalía’s Lux, which is expected to be a major contender at the upcoming Grammys. Karol G also received the International Artist Award of Excellence.

Twenty One Pilots won Best Rock/Alternative Artist for the fourth time overall and second consecutive year. Only Linkin Park has won the category more times, with six wins.

A new category, Best Throwback Song, was awarded to The Black Eyed Peas for “Rock That Body,” the fifth single from their 2010 album The E.N.D. It was the most recent song among nominees, which included 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up” (1993) and Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” (1998).

The 52nd American Music Awards nominees were based on key fan interactions from March 21, 2025, through March 26, 2026, tracked by Billboard and Luminate. The AMAs, created by Dick Clark, continue to be the world’s largest fan-voted award show.

Source: Billboard News

Last week, Vladimir Putin sent a message back to Mr Healey, in the form of an electronic warfare attack on the defence secretary’s plane. The two interactions show the vastly different approaches towards the conflict boiling below the surface. Mr Healey used words, while Putin used actions. And, in the arena of global politics, as much as any other, actions speak louder than words.

The issue is, of course, that years of underinvestment in defence and two years of dithering on spending by the Labour government have largely put actions out of the reach of decision makers grasping for an ability to counter Russia’s ever increasingly brazen attacks, incursions and provocations.

The Defence Investment Plan is wildly behind schedule, and each passing month that the publication is delayed is more time that military planners spend with their arms tied behind their backs.

Conversations with people inside the MOD and the British Army would suggest that the delay lies not entirely with defence but with the Treasury, who have seemingly lost faith in the MOD’s ability to get maximum value for each taxpayer pound. History would suggest those concerns are not without merit, but history would also suggest that to wait, dither and delay while your adversaries arm and prepare is highly risky if not outright negligent.

The fact of the matter is that while John Healey calls for more funding and Rachel Reeves drags her heels in pursuit of supporting the lie-ins of those work-shy in our society, one man could step in to drive Britain’s rearmament: Sir Keir Starmer.

It is well known that the prime minister does not care much for adjudicating on the inter-departmental squabbles of cabinet ministers. But in this case, Sir Keir, what is the alternative? Another two years of incremental progress while Russia devotes its entire national effort towards war? The reality in geopolitics is that if you are not moving forward, you are going backwards. Under Starmer, this Government has hesitated at every moment to drive rearmament forwards to the extent where defence small and medium enterprises are looking abroad for business, such is the frustration with the lack of appetite in the UK market.

War in the Middle East, Iranian-backed attacks on RAF bases, Russian drones in Poland and Estonia, Moscow-backed vigilantes launching attacks on the UK mainland. None of these has lit a spark under this government and forced them to speed up their action. You would like to think that a brazen and deliberate attack on the Defence Secretary would do so, but recent history suggests it won't.

To understand the gravity of the situation, we must look at the broader context of Russian aggression. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has systematically tested NATO’s resolve. The attack on Mr Healey’s plane is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern. In recent months, Russian aircraft have violated Baltic airspace, submarines have been detected near undersea cables, and cyber attacks have targeted critical infrastructure. The UK, as a leading NATO member, has a responsibility to respond with both strength and speed.

Yet the Labour government’s record on defence is mixed. While they have committed to increasing spending to 2.5% of GDP, the timeline remains vague. The Treasury’s insistence on efficiency reviews before releasing funds has created a bureaucratic bottleneck. Meanwhile, Russia’s defence budget has soared, with Putin prioritising military production over social welfare. The asymmetry is stark.

Former military chiefs have repeatedly warned that the British Army is at its smallest size since the Napoleonic Wars. The Royal Navy faces shortages of frigates and destroyers, and the RAF’s Typhoon fleet is ageing. The electronic warfare attack on the Defence Secretary’s plane is a humiliating reminder that even the most senior officials are not immune to Russian technological warfare. GPS jamming and spoofing have become routine tools for Moscow, used to disrupt civilian aviation and military operations alike.

John Healey has called for a “whole-of-nation” approach to defence, but words alone cannot deter a Kremlin that respects only power. The Defence Investment Plan, originally promised for the summer, has now been postponed to the autumn. Each delay emboldens Putin, who sees hesitation as weakness.

Keir Starmer must use his authority to resolve the deadlock between the MOD and the Treasury. He has already shown willingness to take tough decisions on fiscal policy, but defence has not been a priority. The prime minister’s background as a lawyer and human rights advocate may make him instinctively cautious about military spending, but the world has changed. The UK cannot afford a prime minister who avoids adjudicating between ministers when the security of the nation is at stake.

Moreover, the attack on the Defence Secretary is a direct challenge to British sovereignty. If a Russian electronic warfare attack can jam a government plane, what stops them from targeting civilian aircraft or critical communication networks? The UK must invest in counter-electronics capabilities, hardened GPS systems, and more robust cybersecurity. These require immediate funding, not a multi-year review.

In addition, the UK must rebuild its defence industrial base. Small and medium enterprises, which are the backbone of innovation in defence technology, are fleeing to markets like the US and Israel because of red tape and slow procurement processes. Starmer could accelerate the pace by personally chairing a new defence industrial council, cutting through bureaucracy and ensuring orders are placed quickly.

The geopolitical environment is deteriorating at a pace that the government has not matched. The war in Ukraine grinds on, with no end in sight. Iran’s proxies continue to target Western forces. China is expanding its military footprint. In this volatile landscape, the UK cannot afford to be seen as a paper tiger. Putin’s attack on Healey is a deliberate provocation, designed to test whether Britain has the will to respond. If the only response is a sternly worded statement, the message to Moscow will be clear: the UK is weak.

Sir Keir Starmer has the opportunity to change that narrative. He can show leadership by intervening in the Treasury-MOD standoff, setting a firm deadline for the Defence Investment Plan, and announcing immediate extra spending for counter-electronic warfare measures. He can also use his upcoming meetings with NATO allies to push for a stronger collective response to hybrid attacks. The British public expects their government to defend them. Now is the time for actions, not words.

In the end, the attack on the Defence Secretary’s plane is a wake-up call that cannot be ignored. The prime minister must get serious on defence, or risk seeing Britain’s standing in the world diminish further. The choice is his, but the clock is ticking.

Source: Express.co.uk News

Shawn Mendes, the Canadian pop star who rose to fame in the mid-2010s with heartfelt acoustic ballads and catchy pop anthems, has once again found his way onto one of Billboard's most competitive global charts. This time, however, the hit is not a new release from his latest album, but a song he first released nearly a decade ago. "Treat You Better," the lead single from his second studio album Illuminate (2016), has debuted at No. 182 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, surprising many fans and industry observers.

The Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, introduced in 2020, ranks the most-consumed songs internationally, excluding streams and sales from the United States. This chart, alongside the Billboard Global 200, has become a key barometer of a song's global reach. For Mendes, whose career has been defined by massive global hits, this new entry marks his 11th career appearance on this particular tally. The last time he debuted a song here was in August 2024 when "Why Why Why," the lead single from his Shawn album, entered at No. 62.

The Debut of a Classic

"Treat You Better" was originally released in July 2016 as the first single from Illuminate. The song quickly became one of Mendes's signature hits, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum certifications worldwide. Its return to the charts, though at a modest position, reflects a renewed interest in Mendes's earlier discography. The song's debut at No. 182 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. is notable not only because it is a decade-old track but also because it represents a new low in terms of peak position for Mendes on this chart. Previously, his lowest-peaking entry was "Teach Me How to Love," which stalled at No. 128 in 2020.

The reappearance of "Treat You Better" may be tied to several factors. First, streaming platforms often see sudden spikes when songs are featured in popular playlists, viral social media trends, or even during live performances. Mendes has been relatively quiet since the Shawn album era, but his back catalog remains a favorite among fans. Additionally, the song's timeless appeal—a blend of acoustic guitar, earnest vocals, and a message of youthful longing—continues to resonate with new listeners discovering his music for the first time. In an era where nostalgia drives much of the pop culture landscape, older hits often find their way back onto the charts without any active promotion from the artist.

Another Classic Climbing: "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back"

As "Treat You Better" makes its unexpected debut, another Mendes classic is also gaining ground. "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back," a track originally released as a digital single in 2017 and later included on the deluxe edition of Illuminate, has jumped from No. 159 to No. 146 on the same Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. This upward movement brings the song closer to a significant milestone: it is now just one week away from tying "Señorita," Mendes's collaboration with Camila Cabello, as his longest-charting song on this tally. "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" has spent 98 weeks on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, while "Señorita" has held on for 99 weeks. If the trend continues, Mendes will soon achieve a new personal best for chart longevity.

On the Billboard Global 200, which includes U.S. data, "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" has also reappeared, climbing to No. 129. That position makes it Mendes's second-lowest-peaking cut on that chart, but its staying power is undeniable. With 37 weekly turns on the tally, it ranks as his second-longest-running song behind only "Señorita," which has managed 73 frames. This dual-chart performance demonstrates that Mendes's earlier material continues to find an audience, even as his more recent work has struggled commercially.

The Context of a Challenging Era

The renewed interest in Mendes's older songs comes at an interesting time in his career. His self-titled 2024 album, Shawn, was intended to be a deeply personal and artistic statement. Upon its release in November 2024, it debuted at No. 26 on the Billboard 200, marking his lowest entry on the chart since his debut EP The Shawn Mendes EP (2014). None of the album's four singles—"Why Why Why," "Nobody Knows," "Heart of Gold," and "Isn't That Enough"—managed to become major hits. The project failed to produce a top 40 hit on the Hot 100 or any global smash, a stark contrast to his earlier dominance. Critics praised the album's introspection and maturity, but commercially it fell short of expectations.

This period has been one of reflection for Mendes. After a two-year hiatus from music, during which he prioritized his mental health and stepped away from the spotlight, he returned with Shawn. The album dealt with themes of vulnerability, self-doubt, and growth, but it did not capture the same mass appeal as his earlier, more radio-friendly pop hits. The tepid reception led to a quiet post-release period, with Mendes reducing his public appearances and social media activity. In this context, the sudden chart resurgence of "Treat You Better" and "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" feels both unexpected and perhaps a little bittersweet: it suggests that while fans are not flocking to his new material, they still deeply connect with the sound that made him a star.

A Legacy of Longevity

Shawn Mendes's career has been built on a string of hits that have defined late 2010s pop music. Songs like "Stitches," "In My Blood," "If I Can't Have You," and "Señorita" have earned billions of streams and multiple chart records. The fact that a song from 2016 can still chart globally in 2025 speaks to the enduring quality of his earlier work and the loyalty of his fanbase. Moreover, the simultaneous rise of two tracks from the same album—Illuminate—highlights how that project continues to generate streams years after its release.

Illuminate was a pivotal album for Mendes. Released when he was just 18, it showcased a more mature sound while retaining the acoustic pop-rock foundation that had won him a teenage audience. "Treat You Better" was the album's breakout hit, with a music video that tackled domestic abuse and helped cement Mendes's image as a socially conscious artist. "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back," added to the deluxe edition, became an even bigger success, reaching No. 6 on the Hot 100 and becoming a staple at his concerts. Together, these songs represent the peak of his commercial power during his early 20s.

What This Means for Mendes's Future

While it is too early to predict whether the resurgence of these older hits will translate into renewed interest in his upcoming projects, the chart movements provide some insights. The fact that Mendes can still generate streams and sales on a global scale without any new releases demonstrates his staying power in the industry. It also suggests that listeners may return to his classic catalog when they crave the familiar sound of his earlier era. For Mendes himself, this might be a source of encouragement—a reminder that his music has left a lasting imprint.

Several other factors could be at play. The rise of curated playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube often revives older songs, especially when featured alongside newer titles. Social media platforms like TikTok can also create viral moments for past hits, as seen with other artists. While there is no evidence that a specific viral trend drove the chart moves for "Treat You Better" or "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back," the organic nature of streaming means that any significant uptick often comes from a combination of algorithmic pushes and listener word-of-mouth. Additionally, Mendes may have performed some of these songs during recent one-off appearances or events, though he has not embarked on a full tour for his 2024 album.

From a broader perspective, Mendes's situation reflects a common pattern in the modern music industry: artists often see their earlier work continue to generate revenue and chart placements long after its initial release. For example, artists like Fleetwood Mac, Queen, and even contemporary acts like Lana Del Rey have seen older songs experience chart revivals years later. Mendes is now part of that trend, proving that a strong back catalog can sustain an artist's relevance even during quieter periods.

Whether Mendes will use this momentum to release new music or simply enjoy the renewed love for his classics remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: as "Treat You Better" climbs the global charts and "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" inches toward a longevity record, Shawn Mendes is far from fading from the public consciousness. His old hits are still hitting the right notes with listeners around the world.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News

The terms of the deal were not officially disclosed, but sources close to the matter indicate that Apple paid close to $2 billion (£1.5 billion) for the four-year-old startup. One of Q.ai's early backers, GV (formerly Google Ventures), confirmed the acquisition and stated it was the second-largest in Apple's history, only behind the $3 billion purchase of Beats in 2014. The Financial Times also cited unnamed individuals with knowledge of the transaction, corroborating the $2 billion figure.

Understanding Q.ai's Technology

Founded in 2022 in Tel Aviv, Q.ai has operated under a shroud of secrecy, keeping its core innovations closely guarded. However, patent filings reveal that the startup has developed technology capable of reading facial micro-movements—tiny, involuntary muscle contractions and changes in expression—through wearable devices such as headphones or smart glasses. This technology allows users to send silent signals to their device, enabling hands-free, voice-free communication with AI assistants.

For instance, a person wearing Apple's AirPods or future smart glasses could subtly raise an eyebrow, twitch a cheek, or shift their gaze in a specific pattern to trigger commands like answering a call, adjusting volume, or activating Siri. The system interprets these micro-expressions in real time using machine learning algorithms trained on vast datasets of human facial behavior. This creates a new interaction modality that is completely private and non-invasive, addressing privacy concerns associated with voice or gesture commands in public spaces.

Q.ai's patents also cover use cases where the wearable device can detect the user's emotional state—such as stress, fatigue, or concentration—and adapt the AI's responses accordingly. For example, if a user appears frustrated, the smart assistant could simplify instructions or offer calm, reassuring replies.

Apple's Wearable Strategy and the Quest for Smart Glasses

Apple has long been a dominant player in the wearable market, primarily through its Apple Watch, AirPods, and Beats headphones. The company sold over 100 million AirPods in 2021 alone, and the category continues to generate billions in revenue. However, competition is intensifying, especially in the nascent smart glasses segment, where Meta (formerly Facebook), Google, and Snap have already launched products. Meta's Ray-Ban Stories and the newly announced Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses have gained traction, while Google is rumored to be reviving its Google Glass enterprise edition. Apple, meanwhile, has been rumored for years to be developing its own augmented reality (AR) glasses, but has yet to release a consumer product.

The acquisition of Q.ai provides Apple with a critical ingredient for its future wearable lineup: a silent, intuitive interface that doesn't require the user to speak aloud or touch the device. This is particularly important for smart glasses, where voice commands can be awkward in public and touch controls on the frames may be impractical. By integrating Q.ai's facial micro-movement recognition, Apple could differentiate its AR glasses from competitors, offering a more natural and discreet way to interact with digital overlays.

Moreover, the technology could be applied to Apple's existing AirPods and future hearing aid accessories, allowing users to control music, calls, and notifications without raising their voice or reaching for their phone. This aligns with Apple's broader health and accessibility initiatives, making devices more usable for people with limited mobility or in noise-sensitive environments.

The Founding Team and Apple's Israeli Connection

Q.ai was founded by three Israeli entrepreneurs: Aviad Maizels, Yonatan Wexler, and Avi Barliya. Maizels is a serial entrepreneur who previously founded PrimeSense, a company that developed pioneering 3D sensing technology. Apple acquired PrimeSense in 2013 for an estimated $360 million, and its technology became the foundation of the FaceID system that debuted with the iPhone X in 2017. FaceID uses infrared dots and a depth map to recognize a user's face, and it remains a flagship feature of modern iPhones and iPads.

Maizels' return to the Apple ecosystem via Q.ai highlights the ongoing synergy between Israeli innovation and Apple's product development. Israel has long been a hotspot for tech acquisitions, with Apple alone buying over a dozen Israeli startups in the past decade, including Anobit (2011, flash memory), PrimeSense (2013), LinX (2015, camera modules), and others. Q.ai is another testament to the deep talent pool in Israel for computer vision and machine learning.

The other co-founders bring complementary expertise. Yonatan Wexler has a background in neuroscience and machine learning, while Avi Barliya specializes in hardware integration. Together, they will likely join Apple's R&D teams in Tel Aviv and Cupertino, working to adapt their technology for mass-market consumer devices.

Competitive Landscape and Industry Implications

The wearables market is projected to reach $380 billion by 2028, with smart glasses and AI-powered earbuds being the fastest-growing categories. Meta, with its acquisition of Oculus and investment in AR, is a primary competitor, but Google and Snap are also investing heavily. Amazon's Alexa has integrated into various hearables, and startups like Humane and Brilliant Labs are pushing the envelope with AI wearables that project information onto the real world.

Apple's purchase of Q.ai sends a clear signal that the company is serious about dominating this space. The technology provides a unique user interface advantage that competitors lack. While Meta's glasses currently rely on a touchpad on the frame and voice commands, and Snap's Spectacles offer hand gesture detection, Q.ai's micro-movement scanning offers a subtler, always-available control method.

Another key consideration is privacy. Apple has consistently marketed itself as a protector of user data, often contrasting its approach with that of Meta and Google. Q.ai's technology processes facial data locally on the device, using the secure enclave and neural engine, ensuring that sensitive biometric information never leaves the user's possession. This could be a powerful selling point in marketing the new capabilities, especially as regulators tighten scrutiny on facial recognition and emotion detection.

However, the integration of emotion detection could raise ethical questions. Critics may worry about workplace surveillance or the potential for the technology to be used for advertising targeting—though Apple is unlikely to pursue that path. The company will need to carefully communicate the benefits while safeguarding against misuse.

Financial Impact and Deal Structure

While Apple's $2 billion price tag for Q.ai is significant, it represents a small fraction of Apple's $280 billion in cash reserves (as of 2022). The deal structure likely includes an upfront cash payment with additional earnouts tied to milestones and retention of key employees. This mirrors Apple's typical M&A strategy of acquiring technology and talent more than revenue. In fact, many of Apple's acquisitions are small, talent-focused 'acqui-hires,' but Q.ai fits the pattern of larger strategic purchases like Beats, Intel's modem business, and PrimeSense.

GV's involvement as an early investor is interesting; Google Ventures has backed several Israeli startups, and this deal marks a rare instance where a GV portfolio company is acquired by a direct competitor of Alphabet. However, GV operates independently from Google/Alphabet, and such cross-investments are not unusual in the venture world.

For Q.ai, the acquisition provides a huge exit for its investors, which included GV and several angel investors. The company had raised a modest seed round of approximately $50 million, meaning the deal returns a massive multiple. For Apple, the acquisition reduces the risk of building similar technology in-house while leapfrogging years of R&D.

Future Product Roadmap Speculation

Given the timing of the acquisition, industry analysts expect Apple to incorporate Q.ai's technology into products launching within the next two to three years. The most immediate candidate is the next generation of AirPods Pro, rumored to feature health sensors and hearable AI. By adding micro-movement detection, Apple could enable AirPods users to control playback, answer calls, and activate Siri with tiny facial gestures—an innovation that could redefine hands-free interaction.

Beyond AirPods, the technology is virtually essential for Apple's long-anticipated smart glasses. Reports from Bloomberg and The Verge suggest Apple has multiple teams working on AR/VR devices, with a mixed-reality headset (possibly called Reality Pro) expected in 2023 or 2024, followed by a more streamlined AR glasses package later. Q.ai's sensors could be integrated into the frame of the glasses, allowing the device to detect when the user is looking at a specific object, reading micro-expressions for intent, or silently confirming transactions like Apple Pay.

Additionally, Apple Watch could benefit from facial micro-movement detection if combined with a band that includes a forward-facing camera—though that seems less likely given privacy concerns. Alternatively, the technology could be embedded in a new category of wearable, such as an AI pin or necklace like Humane's device, though Apple has not indicated plans for such a product.

The acquisition also positions Apple to advance its accessibility features. The company has been a leader in assistive technology, and Q.ai's innovations could help people with physical disabilities communicate or control devices without voice or touch. For example, someone with ALS or muscular dystrophy could use subtle facial movements to type messages, navigate menus, or control their environment.

Background: Apple's Wearable Acquisitions

Apple's history of wearable acquisitions provides context for the Q.ai purchase. In addition to Beats and PrimeSense, Apple has acquired:

• AuthenTec (2012, $356 million): Fingerprint sensor technology used in Touch ID.
• LinX (2015): Multi-aperture camera technology for depth sensing.
• Flyby Media (2016): Augmented reality technology that underpins ARKit.
• Blippar (2018, part of its assets): Computer vision and AR.
• NextVR (2019): Virtual reality sports broadcasting.
• Mobius (2020): Virtual event platform.

Most of these acquisitions have been folded into Apple's core products rather than maintained as separate brands. Q.ai is expected to follow the same path, with its engineers integrated into Apple's existing wearables and AI teams.

The deal also comes amid a broader trend of Big Tech investing heavily in wearable AI. Amazon launched its Halo Rise smartwatch (now discontinued), Google acquired Fitbit, and Samsung continues to expand its Galaxy Watch ecosystem. Apple's acquisition strategy, however, focuses on acquiring unique sensing and interaction technologies that give it a competitive moat.

As the lines between smartphones, wearables, and AI continue to blur, Apple's move to acquire Q.ai ensures it has the foundational technology needed to lead the next era of personal computing. The silent, invisible interface may become as commonplace as the touchscreen, and Apple is betting that facial micro-movements will be the key to unlocking that future.

Source: Silicon UK News

The funding marks one of the largest private capital raises in history, underscoring the intense investor appetite for companies at the forefront of generative AI. Initially seeking $10 billion, Anthropic doubled its target to $20 billion in February amid overwhelming demand, and ultimately raised an additional $10 billion due to expectations of future profitability. The final round includes contributions from DE Shaw & Co, Dragoneer Investment Group, Founders Fund, Iconiq, and MGX, among others.

Anthropic's Origins and Mission

Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, both former executives at OpenAI. Dario Amodei served as OpenAI's vice president of research, while Daniela was involved in policy and safety. The pair left OpenAI to build a company focused on safety-first AI development, aiming to create large language models that are more interpretable, reliable, and aligned with human values. This mission attracted early backing from investors like Sam Bankman-Fried before his downfall, and later from major tech players.

The company's flagship model, Claude, has emerged as a primary competitor to OpenAI's GPT series and Google's Gemini. Claude is known for its emphasis on helpfulness, harmlessness, and honesty, and has been adopted by enterprises for tasks ranging from coding to customer service. Anthropic also offers a consumer chatbot and API access, positioning itself as the safety-conscious alternative in the AI arms race.

Competitive Landscape

The funding round comes at a time when the AI sector is experiencing an unprecedented capital influx. OpenAI, Anthropic's chief rival and birthplace of its founders, is reportedly raising up to $100 billion, which would value it at around $300 billion. Both companies are burning through cash as they invest heavily in computing infrastructure, talent, and research. OpenAI is said to be spending approximately $1 billion per month, while Anthropic committed $50 billion in November to build data centers across the United States.

The broader context includes massive infrastructure pledges from tech giants. Microsoft, which has invested billions in OpenAI, also participated in Anthropic's round, highlighting the complex relationships among AI leaders. Nvidia, the dominant supplier of AI chips, is a key investor in multiple startups, simultaneously fueling the hardware demand and the companies that consume it. Google, another AI powerhouse, has backed Anthropic through previous rounds as well, though it was not listed in the current participation.

Infrastructure Spending and IPO Plans

Anthropic's $50 billion data center initiative is part of a wider trend. OpenAI has committed to $1.5 trillion in infrastructure spending over the next few years, including partnerships with SoftBank and the Stargate project. These investments are predicated on the belief that AI capabilities will continue scaling with compute power, requiring massive energy and hardware resources. Data centers are becoming a critical bottleneck, and companies are racing to secure capacity.

Both Anthropic and OpenAI are widely expected to pursue initial public offerings in the coming years. While neither has confirmed a timeline, the need for even larger capital raises for infrastructure, coupled with the desire to provide liquidity to early investors, makes IPOs a logical next step. However, the path to profitability remains uncertain. Anthropic, like its peers, generates revenue through API usage and subscriptions but spends heavily on research, engineering, and cloud computing.

Investor Rationale

Why are investors pouring tens of billions into loss-making AI startups? The answer lies in the enormous potential market for artificial intelligence. McKinsey estimates that generative AI could add $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy. Companies like Anthropic are viewed as foundational infrastructure for this transformation, akin to early investments in cloud computing or the internet itself. Sovereign wealth funds like GIC are seeking long-term exposure to technology that could reshape industries, while hedge funds and venture capital firms hope for eye-popping returns.

The participation of Nvidia is particularly strategic. As the leading manufacturer of AI chips, Nvidia benefits from increased AI spending across the ecosystem. By investing in Anthropic, Nvidia gains insight into customer needs and strengthens its ecosystem, while also diversifying its bet beyond any single model provider.

Historical Context: From OpenAI to Anthropic

The founding of Anthropic can be traced to growing concerns within OpenAI about the pace and safety of AI development. Dario Amodei was part of the team that developed GPT-2 and GPT-3, but he became increasingly vocal about the risks of deploying powerful AI without sufficient safeguards. The split from OpenAI was amicable in some respects, but it highlighted a philosophical divide: should AI be released quickly to the public to gather feedback, or should it be built cautiously with extensive testing?

Anthropic's approach has won over many enterprise customers and policymakers. The company has published extensive research on interpretability, the science of understanding how neural networks make decisions. It has also advocated for government regulation and created a "responsible scaling policy" that commits to slowing development if safety benchmarks are not met.

Despite its safety-first posture, Anthropic has not been immune to controversy. The company faced internal debates over whether to release Claude 3, its most capable model, to the public without restrictions. Ultimately, it opted for a tiered release, with the most powerful version available only through API access and with usage limits. This balancing act between safety and commercial viability is a recurring theme in the industry.

Global Implications

The scale of Anthropic's fundraise has geopolitical implications. The United States and China are in a race to dominate AI, and massive private investments are seen as a key advantage. Singapore's GIC, as a foreign sovereign fund, is placing a bet on US tech leadership. Meanwhile, MGX, a UAE-based AI investment firm, participated in the round, reflecting the global nature of the AI economy. Some experts warn that the concentration of power in a few companies could lead to monopolistic control over a transformative technology, while others argue that competition between Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and Meta ensures a diverse ecosystem.

Anthropic's $380 billion valuation also raises questions about market froth. Critics argue that such valuations are disconnected from current revenues—Anthropic is believed to generate under $1 billion annually—and resemble the dot-com bubble. Proponents counter that AI is a once-in-a-generation platform shift, and early investors in Amazon, Google, and Facebook reaped enormous rewards despite initial losses.

What Comes Next

With this new capital, Anthropic is expected to accelerate hiring, expand its cloud partnerships, and push the boundaries of Claude's capabilities. The company is also likely to invest in custom silicon, as many AI firms seek to reduce reliance on Nvidia by designing their own chips. Additionally, Anthropic may expand into new verticals such as healthcare, legal, and finance, where its safety-oriented approach could be a differentiator.

The AI industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed. Just in the past year, we have seen the emergence of multimodal models, agentic AI, and real-time voice conversations. Anthropic's Claude has been praised for its long-context handling and nuanced reasoning, but faces stiff competition from OpenAI's GPT-4o and Google's Gemini Ultra. The next few months will be crucial as these companies launch major updates.

In the background, regulators are scrutinizing the antitrust implications of cross-investments. Microsoft's dual stakes in OpenAI and Anthropic raise eyebrows, though the company argues that passive investments do not confer control. The Federal Trade Commission and European Commission are both probing the relationships, and any forced divestitures could reshape the landscape.

Anthropic's journey from a safety-focused research lab to a $380 billion juggernaut exemplifies the meteoric rise of AI. The company now employs over 1,000 people, up from just 300 last year, and its models are used by millions of developers worldwide. Yet the road ahead is filled with challenges: technical hurdles, ethical dilemmas, competitive pressure, and the sobering reality that even the best-funded startups must eventually achieve profitability. For now, investors are betting that Anthropic's blend of prudence and ambition will prevail.

Source: Silicon UK News

Funding Round Details

According to sources familiar with the matter, the three tech giants are on the verge of providing term sheets outlining their investment commitments. Amazon, which has not previously invested in OpenAI, is in talks to contribute between $30 billion and $50 billion, with CEO Andy Jassy personally leading the negotiations with OpenAI's Sam Altman. Nvidia, an existing investor, is discussing an investment of up to $30 billion, while Microsoft, a long-time partner and investor, is considering a smaller contribution of less than $10 billion.

The overall funding round is targeting up to $100 billion, with Japanese conglomerate SoftBank also in talks to invest an additional $20 billion to $30 billion. This would make it one of the largest private fundraising rounds in history, dwarfing previous records set by fintech and biotech startups.

Amazon's Strategic Move

Amazon's interest in OpenAI represents a strategic pivot. The e-commerce and cloud computing giant has traditionally been an investor in Anthropic, a rival AI startup founded by former OpenAI employees. Amazon has already poured about $8 billion into Anthropic, which is itself reportedly raising around $20 billion at a $350 billion valuation. By now seeking a major stake in OpenAI, Amazon appears to be hedging its bets across the AI landscape.

The investment may be tied to separate commercial agreements. Sources indicate that Amazon is negotiating an expansion of its cloud server rental deal with OpenAI, which would see the startup increase its spending on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Additionally, Amazon may strike a deal to sell OpenAI products—such as ChatGPT Enterprise subscriptions—directly to its corporate customers, leveraging its vast sales network. Such a move would position Amazon as both a cloud provider and a reseller of OpenAI's technology, deepening its integration into the AI ecosystem.

Nvidia and Microsoft's Roles

Nvidia, the world's leading designer of AI chips, has been a key supplier to OpenAI, providing the graphics processing units (GPUs) necessary to train and run large language models. By investing up to $30 billion, Nvidia not only gains a financial stake in OpenAI's success but also strengthens its relationship with one of the most important AI labs. This investment could help Nvidia secure long-term GPU purchase commitments and potentially influence OpenAI's future hardware choices.

Microsoft, already OpenAI's largest corporate partner with a reported $13 billion investment, is now considering a smaller additional infusion of less than $10 billion. Microsoft has integrated OpenAI's models into its Azure cloud, Office 365, and Bing search engine, and recently launched a series of AI-powered Copilot products. The new investment would likely further tie OpenAI's technology to Microsoft's platform, though some analysts worry about antitrust implications given the two companies' deep collaboration.

Financial Challenges and Infrastructure

Despite OpenAI's soaring valuation, the company faces significant financial challenges. Last year, the startup reported a loss of $17 billion, even as its annualized revenue run rate exceeded $20 billion. The losses are primarily driven by the enormous costs of training and running AI models. Training a single state-of-the-art model can cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and serving billions of ChatGPT queries daily requires a massive fleet of servers.

OpenAI has already committed $1.5 trillion in infrastructure spending over the next several years, including data centers, networking equipment, and power contracts. The new $100 billion funding round would be used in part to meet these obligations and to continue scaling its operations. The company is also exploring the construction of custom-designed AI chips to reduce its dependence on Nvidia.

Competitive Landscape

The investment talks come amid intensifying competition in the AI sector. Anthropic, backed by Amazon, Google, and others, is developing its own suite of AI models and chatbots. Other players like Meta, Google (with Gemini), and a host of startups are also vying for market share. OpenAI currently holds a strong lead in public awareness and developer adoption, but rivals are closing the gap.

Regulatory scrutiny is also on the rise. The Federal Trade Commission and European Commission have both expressed concerns about the concentration of power among a few tech giants investing in the same AI startups. The inclusion of Amazon as a new investor could invite further antitrust investigations, especially given Amazon's already dominant position in cloud computing.

Implications for the Industry

If the deal goes through, it would solidify OpenAI's position as the most valuable private company in the world, surpassing even TikTok's parent ByteDance. For Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia, the investments represent a bet that AI-driven innovation will reshape entire industries, from software and healthcare to manufacturing and entertainment. The cloud deals and reseller agreements would also ensure that each company benefits commercially from OpenAI's growth.

Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, has been crisscrossing the globe to raise funds and secure infrastructure partnerships. He has proposed a plan to build a global network of data centers to democratize AI access, but critics warn that such massive capital inflows could create a winner-takes-all dynamic, stifling competition and innovation.

As negotiations continue, the tech world watches closely. The final terms could reshape the balance of power in the AI industry for years to come.

Source: Silicon UK News

The company currently employs around 20 people and has not released any commercial product. Yet the investment reflects a broader trend in the technology sector where early-stage AI ventures are commanding multibillion-dollar valuations based on their founding teams, strategic vision, and potential to disrupt established markets.

Next-generation goals

Humans& was founded by a team of former researchers from Anthropic, OpenAI, and xAI, three of the most prominent AI research organizations in the world. The start-up is focused on the area of human-centric AI, which aims to build technology that enhances collaboration between automated systems and humans, rather than replacing human workers with autonomous agents.

The company describes its vision as creating an AI model that can work effectively alongside a team of humans. In this framework, the AI would ask clarifying questions, store information for later use, and turn itself into a resource that the team can rely on for ongoing tasks. This approach is a deliberate departure from the trend toward fully autonomous AI systems that operate without human oversight.

Human-centric AI has gained traction in recent years as researchers and businesses have recognized that many complex tasks still require human judgment, creativity, and ethical reasoning. By designing AI that complements human skills rather than attempting to replicate them entirely, proponents argue that these systems can be more useful, safer, and more trusted in high-stakes environments such as healthcare, education, and customer service.

The concept is also rooted in the idea of shared mental models, a principle borrowed from human team dynamics. In effective human teams, members develop a common understanding of goals, tasks, and each other's strengths. Humans& aims to embed this capability into its AI systems, allowing the model to adapt to the team's working style and become a seamless collaborator.

The founding team and their backgrounds

Humans& was co-founded by Georges Harik and Eric Zelikman, both of whom bring deep experience from some of the most influential companies in technology and AI. Harik was Google's seventh employee and played a pivotal role in the launch of Gmail and Google Docs. He also led the acquisition of Android, the mobile operating system that now powers billions of devices worldwide. His track record in building and scaling consumer-facing products is seen as a strong asset for the start-up.

Eric Zelikman, the company's chief executive and co-founder, previously worked at xAI, the AI company founded by Elon Musk. At xAI, Zelikman contributed training data for its Grok-2 chatbot and worked on reasoning-focused reinforcement learning methods. He also has a background in machine learning research, with a focus on techniques that improve the reasoning capabilities of large language models.

The combination of Harik's experience in building large-scale platforms and Zelikman's expertise in advanced AI training methods gives Humans& a unique position in the competitive landscape. The start-up is also backed by a small but highly skilled team of researchers and engineers, many of whom have published influential papers in top AI conferences.

Investor enthusiasm for AI start-ups

The funding round is remarkable not only for its size but also for the caliber of investors involved. Nvidia, the dominant supplier of AI chips, has been an active investor in AI start-ups, using its financial muscle to shape the ecosystem around its hardware. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, through his personal investment entity, has also placed bets on multiple AI companies, recognizing the transformative potential of the technology.

SV Angel and Google Ventures, both well-known venture capital firms with deep ties to the tech industry, participated in the round as well. Their involvement signals that the start-up's vision has resonated with seasoned investors who have a keen eye for emerging trends.

The overall AI funding market has remained robust despite broader economic headwinds. According to data from PitchBook, global AI venture funding reached $75 billion in 2024, up from $65 billion in 2023. Large rounds for companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI have captured headlines, but smaller start-ups are also attracting substantial investments, especially those that address niche areas such as human-centric AI.

Investors are betting that the next wave of AI innovation will come from companies that focus on applications rather than just underlying models. As large language models become commoditized, the competitive advantage will shift to companies that can integrate these models into workflows, optimize them for specific tasks, and ensure they are safe and aligned with human values.

The competitive landscape

Humans& enters a crowded field of AI start-ups, but its focus on collaboration rather than autonomy sets it apart. Competitors like Anthropic emphasize constitutional AI and safety, while OpenAI and xAI focus on building increasingly capable general-purpose models. Humans& is positioning itself as a bridge between advanced AI capabilities and real-world human teams.

One of the key challenges the company will face is the technical difficulty of building an AI that can effectively collaborate with humans. Current models struggle with context retention, understanding group dynamics, and knowing when to ask for clarification. Humans& will need to solve these problems to deliver on its promise.

Another challenge is the talent war. With only 20 employees, the company will need to scale rapidly to compete with larger players that have deeper pockets. However, its strong founding team and high-profile backers should help attract top talent.

The start-up also plans to release a product in the coming months, although details remain scarce. Given the pace of AI development, the company will need to move quickly to capture market share before larger competitors launch similar offerings.

The rise of human-centric AI represents a paradigm shift in how researchers think about the relationship between humans and machines. For decades, the goal of AI was to replicate or surpass human intelligence in specific tasks. But as AI systems become more capable, there is growing recognition that collaboration — not replacement — may be the most productive path forward. Humans& aims to be at the forefront of this movement, and its $480 million funding round gives it the resources to pursue that vision with conviction.

Source: Silicon UK News

An organization has published an updated privacy and cookie policy, outlining how it collects, uses, stores, and shares personal data. This article highlights the essential changes and key facts users need to know, particularly under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Data Collection Categories

The policy identifies three main categories of information collected:

• Information you give us: When filling out forms, registering on the site, or contacting the company via phone or email, users provide name, address, email, phone number, and basic business details.
• Information we collect automatically: Technical data is gathered during browsing via cookies, including device information, browsing patterns, and location-related data. This helps improve site experience and performance.
• Information from third parties: Data may also be received from business partners, advertising networks, analytics providers, and search information providers. Users are notified when such data is shared and for what purpose.

Uses of Collected Information

The collected data is used for several legitimate purposes:

• Fulfilling contractual obligations and providing requested products/services.
• Sending marketing communications about similar goods or services (opt-out available at any time).
• Notifying users of service changes.
• Site administration, including troubleshooting, data analysis, testing, and research.
• Improving content presentation and functionality.
• Enabling participation in interactive features.
• Ensuring site security and safety.
• Measuring advertising effectiveness and delivering relevant ads.
• Complying with record-keeping and storage obligations (data retained for 10 years within the EEA).

Information from third parties may be combined with user-provided and automatically collected data for these purposes.

Disclosure of Information

Personal data may be shared with:

• Other companies within the same corporate group.
• Business partners, suppliers, and subcontractors for contract performance.
• Advertisers and advertising networks using aggregate (non-identifiable) data to target relevant audiences.
• Analytics and search engine providers assisting in site optimization.

Additionally, data may be disclosed in the event of a business sale or acquisition, to comply with legal obligations, or to protect the organization's rights, property, or safety.

Data Storage and Security

All user information is stored on secure servers within the European Economic Area for up to 10 years. Security measures include firewalls, anti-virus software, encryption, and regular backups. Users with passwords are responsible for maintaining confidentiality. Despite these measures, internet transmission cannot be guaranteed as fully secure, and users transmit data at their own risk. Upon receipt, strict procedures prevent unauthorized access.

User Rights Under GDPR

Users have the following rights regarding their personal data:

• To be informed about collection and use.
• To access their data and verify lawful processing.
• To request rectification of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• To request deletion or removal when no longer necessary.
• To restrict processing in certain circumstances.
• To obtain and reuse their data for their own purposes (data portability).
• To object to processing for marketing or other purposes.
• Not to be subject to automated decisions that have legal effects.

To exercise these rights, users should contact the organization with proof of identity. A small administrative fee may apply (up to £10). The policy also notes that links to third-party websites are subject to their own privacy policies, and the organization accepts no responsibility for them.

Cookie Policy Overview

The cookie policy explains how cookies are used to distinguish users and enhance browsing experience. Three main categories are described:

• Analytical/performance cookies: Collect aggregate data to understand site usage and marketing effectiveness.
• Functionality cookies: Recognize returning users to personalize content and remember preferences (e.g., language, region).
• Targeting cookies: Record visits and page interactions to share with third parties for relevant advertising.

Third parties (such as advertising networks) may also set cookies beyond the organization's control. Users can block cookies via browser settings, but this may affect site functionality and access.

The policy is subject to future changes, which will be posted on the same page. The nominated representative for data protection is Ludovic Jacobs, who can be contacted with questions or requests.

Source: Silicon UK News

A Historic Run on the Hot 100

The feat is remarkable not only for its rarity but also for its significance within the country music genre. Last week, Langley became only the second country musician to simultaneously occupy the top two spots on the all-genre Hot 100 — a club that previously included only Morgan Wallen. Now, by holding that position for two consecutive frames, she has shattered a tie with seven other acts that managed the same dual-placement for just a single week.

According to Billboard, the list of artists who have ever held both the No. 1 and No. 2 positions on the Hot 100 at the same time is short. Before Langley's repeated success, only seven other names had accomplished it: Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, Mariah Carey, Future, Metro Boomin, Morgan Wallen, and the Weeknd. Each of those acts achieved the top-two sweep on exactly one occasion. Langley's second week at the summit pushes her past them and into an even more exclusive group.

Joining Akon and DaBaby

With this second consecutive week in the top two slots, Langley now joins Akon and DaBaby as the only artists to have held Nos. 1 and 2 on the Hot 100 multiple times — and, like them, only twice so far. She is the first female artist to reach this milestone, underscoring the unique nature of her current chart dominance. The feat is particularly impressive given that Langley is a relatively new force in mainstream music, having broken through only in the last two years.

The Songs Behind the Success

"Choosin' Texas" has been a phenomenon since its release, spending multiple weeks at No. 1 and showing no signs of slowing down. The track, which blends country storytelling with a contemporary pop production, resonated immediately with listeners and streaming platforms alike. Its success created a powerful halo effect for Langley's subsequent releases.

"Be Her," the second official single from her sophomore album Dandelion, was initially released as a promotional track before being elevated to full single status. The song quickly climbed the Hot 100, jumping to No. 2 last week and holding steady this week. Langley's ability to maintain both positions simultaneously demonstrates not only the strength of each individual song but also the massive fan engagement she has cultivated.

Before the album's release, Langley dropped several promotional tunes, each of which became instant hits on Billboard's country charts and many of which crossed over to the all-genre rankings. This strategy of building momentum through a series of strong singles paid off spectacularly, culminating in the current top-two sweep.

Background and Career Rise

Ella Langley's ascent to the top of the music industry has been rapid but well-earned. Born and raised in a small town in the American South, she began writing songs as a teenager and moved to Nashville shortly after graduating high school. Her early work caught the attention of record executives, and she signed her first major label deal at age 19.

Her debut album earned critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, but it was the single "Choosin' Texas" that transformed her into a household name. The song, which references the state's independence and charm, became an anthem for country music lovers and casual listeners alike. It spent multiple weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, Country Airplay, and Streaming Songs charts, establishing Langley as a cross-genre powerhouse.

Her sophomore album Dandelion, released earlier this year, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has produced several hit singles beyond the two currently dominating the Hot 100. Langley's songwriting, which often blends personal vulnerability with universal themes, has drawn comparisons to legends like Shania Twain and Taylor Swift.

Country Music's New Standard-Bearer

Langley's success is a landmark moment for country music. For years, the genre has struggled to achieve sustained dominance on the all-genre Hot 100, particularly among female artists. The last female country artist to top the chart was Taylor Swift in 2012 with "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." Langley's back-to-back weeks at No. 1 and No. 2 represent not only a personal victory but also a breakthrough for country music's presence in the mainstream.

At the recent Academy of Country Music Awards, Langley walked away with the most wins of the night, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year for "Choosin' Texas." Her acceptance speeches and performances further solidified her status as the genre's new face. Outside of music, her distinctive bangs hairstyle has become a viral trend on TikTok, with thousands of fans asking their stylists for the "Ella Langley cut."

Potential Challenge Ahead

Despite her triumphant moment, Langley's reign at the top may face a serious test next week. Multiple industry insiders anticipate that Drake, who recently released three albums simultaneously — Iceman, Habibti, and Maid of Honour — could debut multiple songs in the Hot 100's top 10. One of those tracks is expected to dethrone "Choosin' Texas" from No. 1.

Drake has a long history of dominating the Hot 100, and his loyal fan base often floods streaming platforms upon new releases. If he does take the top spot, Langley's "Choosin' Texas" would likely drop to No. 2 or lower, breaking the two-week top-two lock. However, even if she loses the top spot, staying within the top five would still be a remarkable achievement for a country artist.

If both songs manage to survive the Drake onslaught and remain at Nos. 1 and 2 for a third week, Langley would tie 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Kendrick Lamar, and Usher — artists who have held that exclusive position in three separate chart weeks. That would be a historic feat for any musician, let alone a young country star.

Beyond the Hot 100

Langley's dominance is not limited to the Hot 100. Both "Choosin' Texas" and "Be Her" also occupy the top two spots on Billboard's Streaming Songs chart and the Country Streaming Songs chart. This rare triple achievement — top two on three different charts — underscores the depth of her appeal across platforms and formats.

Streaming numbers for both songs have remained strong, with "Choosin' Texas" averaging over 20 million streams per week and "Be Her" not far behind. Radio airplay has also been robust, especially on country stations, where both tracks are in heavy rotation. The combination of streaming, sales, and radio play has created a perfect storm for Langley.

What This Means for the Industry

Langley's chart dominance signals a shift in the music landscape. Country music has traditionally been viewed as a niche genre by many industry observers, but her success proves that compelling storytelling combined with relatable melodies can cross over to a massive audience. Her achievement also highlights the power of consistency: by releasing a string of high-quality singles before and after her album drop, she kept listeners engaged and streaming her catalog.

Other country artists, both male and female, are likely to take note of Langley's strategy. It's a blueprint that could help the genre secure more positions on the Hot 100 in the future. Meanwhile, pop and hip-hop acts may also study how she built and maintained momentum across multiple releases.

Langley's label has already announced plans for a deluxe edition of Dandelion, which will include several new tracks and remixes. With the current momentum, those additions are almost certain to generate additional chart action. The singer herself has remained humble in interviews, expressing gratitude to her fans and team while acknowledging the hard work behind the scenes.

As the next chart week approaches, all eyes will be on Ella Langley. Whether she holds her ground or cedes space to Drake's new music, her place in music history is secure. She has already achieved something that only two other acts — Akon and DaBaby — have ever done: appearing at Nos. 1 and 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in two separate weeks. And she is the only woman among them, a distinction she earned through raw talent, strategic releases, and an unshakeable connection with her audience.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News

The deep, oceanic blues and vibrant cerulean tones of the gown created a striking visual impact against the Met's backdrop. Jennie complemented the dress with exquisite Chanel High Jewelry pieces crafted from gold and white diamonds. Her beauty look was intentionally understated to let the dress shine: a pale pink hue on the lips and eyes, with her hair swept up into a sophisticated updo adorned with a small kiss curl. The overall effect was one of effortless elegance and regal confidence.

This year marked Jennie's fourth consecutive appearance at the Met Gala, a streak that has solidified her status as a fashion icon on the global stage. Each year, she has paid homage to different themes while staying true to her personal style. In 2023, for the theme "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," Jennie honored the late designer as one of his last handpicked muses for Chanel. She wore a white satin bustier mini dress inspired by Lagerfeld's fall 1990 ready-to-wear collection, featuring a black ribbon tie at the bodice and a white camellia embellishment—a classic nod to Chanel's heritage.

The following year, in 2024, Jennie shifted to a bold royal blue custom Alaïa gown by Pieter Mulier, paired with color-coordinating heels, pearl earrings, and a delicate belly chain. That look highlighted her growing willingness to experiment with silhouettes and accessories. For the 2025 Met Gala, she broke away from her mini-dress tradition to capture the dress code "Tailored for You" in a stunning off-the-shoulder black satin jumpsuit with an overskirt, also by Chanel. That ensemble required more than 330 hours to construct. A two-toned hat and a bun styled into a bow completed the sophisticated, modern silhouette.

Beyond her red carpet triumphs, Jennie's career continues to soar. She has successfully transitioned into a solo artist, headlining major music festivals around the world. In the summer of 2026, she is set to perform at some of the biggest festivals, including The Governors Ball in New York, Lollapalooza in Chicago, and several other high-profile events. This stacked lineup underscores her massive appeal beyond the K-pop sphere, solidifying her as a global pop powerhouse. Her performances are known for their high energy, sharp choreography, and charismatic stage presence, drawing legions of fans from diverse backgrounds.

Jennie's journey from a member of the record-breaking group Blackpink to a solo artist and fashion muse has been nothing short of meteoric. Born and raised in South Korea, she studied abroad in New Zealand before returning to train under YG Entertainment. Since Blackpink's debut in 2016, she has amassed billions of streams and millions of followers worldwide. Her influence extends beyond music into fashion and beauty, with her collaborations with Chanel, Calvin Klein, and, more recently, her own brand, ODD ATELIER, which she co-founded in 2024. The brand reflects her eclectic taste, blending streetwear with high fashion.

The 2026 Met Gala, with its rumored theme celebrating the intersection of technology and craftsmanship, perfectly aligned with Jennie's look. The labor-intensive dress, combining traditional embroidery with modern sequin technology, embodied the fusion of old-world artistry and contemporary design. Jennie's choice of a blue palette also signals a departure from the more neutral tones she favored in previous years, suggesting a bold new chapter in her style evolution. Fashion critics have praised her for consistently taking risks while maintaining an air of refined sophistication.

As she continues to break barriers, Jennie remains a figure of fascination for fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. Her ability to balance high-profile music commitments with a thriving modeling career and brand partnerships is a testament to her work ethic and strategic vision. With upcoming festival dates and a potential new album in the works, the future looks exceptionally bright for this multifaceted artist. The 2026 Met Gala was yet another milestone, proving that Jennie is not just a K-pop star but a global cultural icon who shapes trends and commands the spotlight wherever she goes.

Her blue-themed gown will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most talked-about looks of the event, joining the ranks of memorable Met Gala moments. As the evening unfolded, Jennie was photographed alongside other A-list celebrities, including fellow Chanel ambassadors and top designers, cementing her place at the intersection of music and fashion. The intricate detailing of her dress—each leaf painstakingly sewn by hand—was a tribute to the skilled artisans who brought the vision to life. In an era where fast fashion often dominates, Jennie’s choice to wear a piece that required hundreds of hours of handwork sends a powerful message about the value of craftsmanship and tradition in luxury fashion.

With her fourth consecutive Met Gala appearance now in the books, Jennie has established a personal tradition of pushing the boundaries of haute couture. Each year, her looks have evolved, reflecting her own growth as an artist and individual. From the sweet, romantic mini dress of 2023 to the sleek, architectural jumpsuit of 2025, and now the immersive blue sea of sequins in 2026, Jennie's red carpet journey is a narrative of transformation and self-expression. As she steps into her next phase, the world watches eagerly to see what she will create next.

Source: Vogue News

The members of Blackpink have long proven their ability to dominate charts worldwide, both as a group and as solo artists. Each of the four women—Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo—has carved out a unique path in the music industry, with solo projects that showcase their individual talents. While their group releases consistently top global rankings, their solo ventures have brought them to new audiences, particularly in the United States. Recently, Jennie achieved a significant milestone on Billboard's Radio Songs chart, surpassing her bandmate Lisa and cementing her place as one of the most influential K-pop soloists in American radio history.

Jennie and Tame Impala Soar with 'Dracula'

Jennie's collaboration with Tame Impala, titled "Dracula," has been steadily climbing the Billboard Radio Songs chart since its debut. In its fourth week on the tally, the track jumped from No. 39 to No. 29, setting a new personal best for both artists. This ascent is particularly notable because it allowed Jennie to surpass Lisa's peak position on the same chart. Lisa's collaboration with Maroon 5, "Priceless," had reached No. 35 earlier in the year, but "Dracula" has now overtaken that mark. With this leap, Jennie's latest single becomes the fifth-highest-charting hit by a K-pop soloist on the Radio Songs chart, a historic achievement for any artist from the genre.

Understanding the Radio Songs Chart

Billboard's Radio Songs chart ranks the most-played tracks on radio stations across the United States, spanning multiple formats including pop, rhythmic, adult contemporary, and more. It is one of the most competitive charts in the music industry, as it reflects real-time audience reach and listener engagement. For K-pop artists, breaking into this chart has historically been challenging due to language barriers and limited airplay in mainstream markets. However, collaborations with Western acts have opened doors, allowing K-pop stars to gain traction on American radio. Jennie's success with "Dracula" exemplifies this trend, as the partnership with Tame Impala (the musical project of Australian artist Kevin Parker) bridges the gap between K-pop and alternative rock audiences.

Blackpink Members' Solo Billboard Achievements

Each Blackpink member has etched her name in Billboard history through solo projects. Rosé's collaboration with Bruno Mars, "Apt.," reached No. 4 on the Radio Songs chart and earned a Grammy nomination, making it the highest-charting song by a K-pop soloist on that ranking. Lisa's "Priceless" with Maroon 5 climbed to No. 35, while Jennie's "Dracula" now sits at No. 29 and continues to rise. Jisoo, while yet to score a major radio hit in the U.S., has had success on other Billboard charts with her solo single "Flower." Collectively, these achievements underscore the immense popularity of Blackpink's members in America.

Jennie's Solo Career: From 'Ruby' to Radio Dominance

Jennie's debut solo album, Ruby, released in 2024, featured several tracks that charted on the Billboard Hot 100, though none cracked the top 40. Her first foray onto the Radio Songs chart came in March 2024 with "One of the Girls," a collaboration with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp that peaked at No. 48. While that song was a modest hit, "Dracula" has proven to be a far more significant radio success. Jennie's ability to secure multiple entries on Radio Songs places her among a select group of K-pop soloists who have achieved sustained airplay in the United States. Her work with producers and artists from diverse genres has helped her expand her musical identity beyond the typical K-pop sound, appealing to a broader audience.

Historical Context: K-Pop on American Radio

K-pop's presence on U.S. radio has grown slowly but steadily over the past decade. The first major breakthrough came with Psy's "Gangnam Style" in 2012, which peaked at No. 12 on the Radio Songs chart. Since then, only a handful of K-pop acts have managed to chart on the list. Jung Kook of BTS reached No. 28 with "Left and Right" featuring Charlie Puth. However, it has been female artists who have achieved the highest peaks. "Golden," a track from the fictional group Huntr/x featured in the film KPop Demon Hunters, reached No. 1 in 2025, making it the first and only K-pop song to top the Radio Songs chart. That song included vocals from Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, with Ejae being the only artist closely associated with K-pop. Rosé's "Apt." at No. 4 remains the highest-ranking solo effort from the genre.

Tame Impala Reaches New Career High

For Tame Impala, "Dracula" represents a milestone as well. Kevin Parker, the creative force behind the project, has never had a song chart this high on Radio Songs before. While Tame Impala has enjoyed critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, mainstream radio success had remained elusive until this collaboration. The track's blend of Tame Impala's signature psychedelic pop with Jennie's vocals has resonated with programmers and listeners alike. As "Dracula" continues to climb, it introduces Parker's music to an even wider audience, potentially opening doors for future collaborations in the pop and K-pop spheres.

What This Means for Jennie and Blackpink's Future

Jennie's achievement is more than just a personal victory; it signals the growing acceptance of K-pop in mainstream American radio. As Blackpink members continue to release solo music and collaborate with Western artists, they are breaking down barriers that once seemed insurmountable. Lisa's and Rosé's successes have already paved the way, and Jennie's latest chart movement adds another layer to the group's legacy. Fans eagerly await what comes next, whether it be new solo projects or a future Blackpink comeback. With each chart milestone, these artists prove that K-pop is not a fleeting trend but a lasting force in global music.

Looking Ahead

With "Dracula" currently at No. 29 and still gaining momentum, Jennie may soon surpass Jung Kook's peak of No. 28, moving into fourth place among K-pop soloists. Given the song's upward trajectory, it is possible that it could even challenge the top 20. Such a feat would be unprecedented for a female K-pop soloist and would further solidify Jennie's status as an international superstar. Meanwhile, the other Blackpink members continue to work on their own projects, ensuring that the group's influence on American radio will only grow. As the music industry evolves, Jennie and her bandmates remain at the forefront, blending cultures and genres to create hits that transcend borders.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News

The match, lasting two hours and 52 minutes, was a tale of two halves. Perricard, ranked No. 87 in the world and given a wildcard into the main draw, came out swinging. His massive serve, often clocking over 230 km/h, and fearless groundstrokes rattled Djokovic, who committed uncharacteristic errors early on. The Frenchman broke serve in the 12th game to clinch the first set, sending the crowd into a frenzy. It was the first set Djokovic had dropped in a first-round match at Roland Garros since 2019.

However, Djokovic’s response was immediate and emphatic. He tightened his game in the second set, reducing unforced errors and forcing Perricard to work harder for points. The pivotal moment came at 5-5, when Djokovic broke serve with a brilliant backhand down the line. He then held serve to level the match, visibly raising his fist to the crowd. From that point on, the Serbian took control. The third set was a masterclass in defensive tennis, as Djokovic moved Perricard around the court with precise angles, breaking his serve twice to race to a 6-1 lead. The young Frenchman showed character in the fourth set, holding his serve until 4-4, but Djokovic’s relentless pressure told. He broke again in the tenth game, closing out the match with an ace.

Perricard’s Breakthrough Performance

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, born in Lyon in 2004, is one of the rising stars of French tennis. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall, he possesses a serve that can trouble even the best returners in the world. His performance against Djokovic was the best of his young career, showcasing not only his power but also his improved consistency. He struck 17 aces and won 76 percent of points on his first serve. His aggressive baseline play, particularly his forehand, kept Djokovic on the defensive for much of the first two sets. Perricard’s resilience after losing the second and third sets was commendable; he did not fold mentally and continued to fight until the final point. Many in the tennis world have compared his playing style to that of John Isner, but Perricard has shown more versatility with his movement and backhand. This match will serve as a valuable learning experience for the young Frenchman, who is projected to break into the top 50 by the end of the season.

Djokovic’s Experience Proves Decisive

While Perricard’s raw talent was evident, it was Djokovic’s mastery of the game’s subtle nuances that ultimately decided the outcome. The Serbian adapted his return position, stepping further back to neutralize the serve’s pace, and employed moonballs and drop shots to break the rhythm of the rally. His movement, often regarded as the best in tennis history, allowed him to retrieve shots that would have been winners against most players. Djokovic’s serve improved as the match progressed; after a shaky first set, he won 82 percent of points on his first serve in the final three sets. His backhand, a weapon that has defined his career, produced several crucial passing shots. The 38-year-old also showed incredible fitness, showing no signs of fatigue despite playing deep into the third hour. As he noted in his post-match press conference, matches like these are necessary early in a Grand Slam to sharpen his game ahead of tougher opponents. Djokovic’s ability to raise his level when it matters most remains unmatched, a trait that has earned him 24 Grand Slam titles across three decades.

Historical Context: Djokovic’s Pursuit of 25

Victory over Perricard keeps Djokovic on track to claim his 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would surpass Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24. The French Open, which he has won three times (2016, 2021, 2023), holds special significance in his career. It was at Roland Garros that he completed his first Career Grand Slam in 2016, and it was here in 2021 that he became the first man in the Open Era to win all four majors twice. A 25th title would cement his status as the greatest player of all time, a debate that has raged for years. The path to the title, however, is fraught with challenges. Potential opponents include world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev. Djokovic’s first-round victory, while not flawless, sends a message that he is ready for the battles ahead. He will face a qualifier in the second round before a possible showdown with tall server Reilly Opelka.

The French Open 2026 has already seen its share of surprises, with several seeded players falling in the early rounds. Djokovic’s survival, however, ensures that the tournament retains its marquee attraction. His rivalry with French fans, who have often been vocal in their support for local players, was on full display in this match. Djokovic acknowledged the crowd after the match, praising Perricard’s performance and giving him credit for pushing him to the limit. For neutral tennis fans, the match was a reminder of why Djokovic remains the favorite even when he is not at his best. His ability to problem-solve on the court, adjust tactics, and exploit weaknesses is unmatched.

The significance of this match extends beyond the first round. Perricard’s performance will likely earn him a wildcard into the next major, while Djokovic’s resilience will serve as a warning to the rest of the field. In recent years, Djokovic has won Grand Slams after being pushed in early rounds—most notably at Wimbledon 2022 and the Australian Open 2023. This match followed a similar script, and it could be the spark that propels him to yet another title.

Source: Outlook India News

The Relationship with Ines de Ramon

Pitt began dating de Ramon in 2022 after meeting through mutual friends. She was previously married to Vampire Diaries actor Paul Wesley from 2019 until their divorce was finalized in 2024. A source told Daily Mail that Pitt is “very happy” with de Ramon, who provides him with “peace and support.” However, the insider added that the Oscar winner “doubts he'll have more children or tie the knot with her.” Another source confirmed, “He has a great partner who he appreciates but there is no rush in that direction.”

De Ramon has reportedly not met any of Pitt's children. An insider for Rob Shuter's Substack noted, “Ines has never met the children. That alone tells you how strained and complicated things still are behind the scenes. Brad has tried to protect the relationship from all the family heartbreak.” The source continued, “But the wounds with the kids are still incredibly deep. He loves his children deeply, but there’s still enormous pain and unresolved anger throughout the family.”

Previous Marriages and Divorce History

Pitt's past marriages have been highly scrutinized. He was married to Jennifer Aniston from 2000 until their separation in 2005, with their divorce finalized later that year. He then began a relationship with Angelina Jolie, whom he married in 2014 after nearly a decade together. The couple, often referred to as “Brangelina,” divorced in 2016, but legal battles over their assets and children have continued. One of the most contentious issues has been the Château Miraval, a vineyard in France they co-owned. The legal fight over the estate has dragged on, with Jolie selling her stake to a third party, which Pitt contested.

The Six Children and Alleged Estrangement

Pitt and Jolie share six children: Maddox (24), Pax (22), Zahara (21), Shiloh (19), and twins Knox and Vivienne (17). Reports have indicated that the children are largely estranged from their father. A source told Daily Mail that “there has been a campaign of alienation [by Jolie] which has been successful. The antagonism is huge. He has been alienated from the kids completely. It is devastating to him.”

This estrangement became evident when Pitt did not attend Zahara's graduation from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, earlier in May. An insider told TMZ, “Nothing prevented him from showing up for her. Or ever visiting her. The day was about all she accomplished. Not whether he was willing to attend.” Furthermore, both Shiloh and Zahara have reportedly dropped Pitt's last name, using only Jolie's surname. This symbolic act underscores the depth of the rift.

Impact on Pitt's Personal Life and Career

Despite the personal turmoil, Pitt has continued to work and remain a prominent figure in Hollywood. He produced and starred in several acclaimed projects, including Bullet Train (2022), Babylon (2022), and The Lost City (2022). He is also set to produce and possibly star in a film about Formula One racing, directed by Joseph Kosinski. However, those close to him say the estrangement from his children has taken a heavy toll. “He loves his children deeply, but there’s still enormous pain and unresolved anger throughout the family,” a source revealed.

Pitt's relationship with his older children has been strained for years. Maddox, the eldest, was involved in an incident on a private plane in 2016 that led to a child welfare investigation, though Pitt was cleared of any wrongdoing. Since then, the relationship has never fully recovered. Pax, Zahara, and Shiloh have also kept their distance, while the younger twins rarely appear in public with their father.

Ines de Ramon's Background

Ines de Ramon is a Swiss-born jewelry designer who works for the luxury brand Anita Ko. She has a degree from the University of Geneva and previously worked in the fashion and luxury goods industry. Her marriage to Paul Wesley, known for his role as Stefan Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries, ended amicably. They reportedly remain friends. De Ramon keeps a low profile, despite dating one of the most famous actors in the world. She has been supportive of Pitt, often seen accompanying him to events and on vacations.

Looking Ahead

For now, Brad Pitt appears focused on maintaining his relationship with de Ramon while navigating the complex dynamics with his children. He is reportedly not interested in pursuing marriage again, given the painful experiences of his previous divorces. The actor also has a flourishing career, with several projects in development. Whether he will ever reconcile with his kids remains an open question, but sources say he continues to hope for a change. The legal battles with Angelina Jolie over Château Miraval are still ongoing, adding another layer of stress to an already difficult family situation.

As Pitt ages, he seems to value peace and stability over public displays of commitment. His relationship with de Ramon appears to offer that, but it is not enough to overcome the scars of the past. Only time will tell if the “no rush” attitude towards marriage will evolve, or if the wounds between Pitt and his children can heal.

Source: MSN News

Pascal, born in 1975, grew up with Star Wars. He vividly recalls his first trips to the movie theater as a child, watching the original trilogy. "I was born in '75, so there was a rerelease of Star Wars before The Empire Strikes Back because I saw it in the movie theater. Obi-Wan Kenobi was decapitated by Darth Vader in my very, very, very early childhood," Pascal said. "Getting tickets to Return of the Jedi ... it's just a day I'll never forget."

These early experiences shaped his deep connection to the saga, a connection he now brings full circle with his role as the Mandalorian bounty hunter. In the new film, directed by Jon Favreau, Pascal steps back into the suit that has become a cultural phenomenon. The actor explained that Favreau has crafted a story that welcomes both dedicated fans and newcomers.

"John Favreau has been brilliant about creating an experience that if you love Star Wars there's so much in there for you to experience in the context of ... all of the Star Wars storytelling that we've had from the beginning up until now," Pascal said. "But it's also that kind of experience that I had when I saw my first Bond movie, of which I hadn't seen any of the other ones, I didn't know who James Bond was."

He compared the film's accessibility to his own first encounter with the James Bond franchise through Moonraker. Despite not knowing the character's history, he left the theater "owned by Moonraker as a kid" and felt like he was "on a ride that I didn't want to get off." He hopes that The Mandalorian and Grogu will have the same effect on new audiences.

"I love that this can be that for people," Pascal continued.

The Mandalorian, also known as Din Djarin, first appeared in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, which premiered in 2019. The show, set after the fall of the Empire and before the rise of the First Order, quickly became a massive hit. It introduced audiences to Grogu, a mysterious child from the same species as Yoda, often referred to as Baby Yoda. The relationship between the stoic bounty hunter and the adorable Force-sensitive child became the heart of the series.

Pascal's portrayal of Djarin has been praised for bringing depth to a character whose face is rarely seen. Through voice and physical performance, he conveys the Mandalorian's internal conflict, honor code, and growing paternal bond with Grogu. The new film builds on that foundation, expanding into a larger adventure that promises to connect with broader Star Wars lore.

Details about the plot have been kept under wraps, but early teasers suggest a journey that takes the duo to various corners of the galaxy, encountering familiar faces from both the animated series and the original trilogy. Jon Favreau, who also developed the series, has emphasized that the film is designed to be a standalone experience, accessible to those who may not have watched the show.

This approach aligns with Pascal's own philosophy about storytelling. He believes that great narratives can hook you from the start, regardless of prior knowledge. "You don't need to know everything to be swept up in a world," he said. "Good storytelling is universal."

In addition to Pascal, the film features a cast that includes many of the series' regulars, as well as new actors joining the galactic saga. The production has been notable for its use of StageCraft technology, a massive LED volume that creates immersive backgrounds in real time, a technique pioneered by The Mandalorian series.

Pascal's career has been on a remarkable trajectory in recent years. Beyond Star Wars, he has starred in Game of Thrones, Narcos, and The Last of Us, earning him legions of fans and critical acclaim. His ability to inhabit complex, morally ambiguous characters has made him one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood. Yet, he often credits his early love of fantasy and science fiction for shaping his approach to acting.

"I grew up wanting to be in these worlds," he said. "To now be part of one that means so much to so many people is a dream. And to share it with my own family is incredible."

Pascal has previously spoken about watching Star Wars with his mother, who was a fan herself. That personal connection to the franchise adds an extra layer of authenticity to his performance. He understands that for generations, Star Wars has been a shared experience, a way for families and friends to bond over epic tales of good versus evil, redemption, and hope.

As The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters, it carries the weight of that legacy. The Star Wars franchise has seen its share of ups and downs over the decades, but the adventures of Din Djarin and Grogu have consistently resonated with audiences. The series brought back a sense of old-school adventure and practical effects, while still pushing into new narrative territory.

Favreau's direction has been praised for balancing fan service with fresh storytelling. The film reportedly includes references to events from The Clone Wars and Rebels, but it never relies on that knowledge to drive the plot. Instead, it uses those references as Easter eggs for devoted fans, while keeping the main story accessible.

Pascal noted that the film is just the beginning of a larger plan for the Mandalorian saga. "There's so much more to explore," he teased. "But for now, we want people to enjoy this ride."

The release of The Mandalorian and Grogu comes at a time when the Star Wars franchise is expanding across multiple platforms. In addition to the main films, there are new series in development, including Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and The Acolyte, which explore different eras and characters. The interconnected nature of the universe allows for crossovers and deeper world-building.

For Pascal, being part of this expanding universe is a responsibility he takes seriously. He understands that fans have high expectations, and he works hard to honor the source material while bringing something new to it. "We're all storytellers at the end of the day," he said. "And if we can make people feel something, then we've done our job."

The actor also acknowledged the work of the crew and stunt performers who help bring the Mandalorian to life. The iconic beskar armor is heavy and restricting, but Pascal insists that it helps him get into character. "When you put on that helmet, it focuses you," he said. "You're not Pedro anymore. You're Din Djarin."

As audiences flock to theaters this weekend, they will experience a film that is both a continuation of a beloved series and a gateway for new fans. Pascal's lifelong fandom shines through in every scene, reminding us that these stories are passed from generation to generation. Whether you first saw Star Wars in the 1970s or are just now discovering the galaxy far, far away, The Mandalorian and Grogu invites you to sit back and enjoy the journey.

The film has already garnered positive early reviews for its emotional depth, stunning visuals, and the chemistry between Pascal and Grogu. Many have noted that it captures the spirit of the original trilogy while forging its own identity. For Pascal, that is the highest compliment.

"I just want people to have that feeling I had as a kid," he said. "The feeling of being transported to a world of adventure and wonder. If we can do that, then we've succeeded."

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is now playing in theaters worldwide.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News

Speaking at Google's annual I/O event on Tuesday and Wednesday, where news.com.au was a guest, Mr Pichai repeatedly returned to one central theme: the next era of AI will be defined by autonomous digital agents capable of carrying out complex, long-running tasks for users. 'I think this year at Google I/O laid the foundation for agentic transformation across the products,' Mr Pichai said during a Q&A session alongside Vice President Liz Reid and Chief technology officer Koray Kavukcuoglu. 'At some point, you would query, get some information back. From there, you move onto having ongoing dialogue, conversation with these products to these products being able to actually take meaningful actions and make your lives easier on that basis.'

Agentic AI refers to systems capable of independently carrying out tasks over time, often across multiple apps or services, with limited human supervision. Rather than simply responding to prompts, these agents can plan, reason and execute actions in the background. At I/O, Google unveiled several products designed around that concept, including Gemini Spark which was described by the company as a '24/7' AI agent, alongside 'information agents' for Search and upgrades to its Antigravity AI development platform.

In an interview with The New York Times following the conference, Mr Pichai made it clear Google sees these developments as part of a much bigger trajectory toward artificial general intelligence (AGI) – AI systems with capabilities comparable to or exceeding human reasoning. 'There is inevitable progress toward A.G.I. that's happening,' Mr Pichai told the Times. 'I absolutely am sure that the technology is making foundational progress toward A.G.I.' While he stopped short of predicting exactly when AGI might arrive, he suggested recent advances had accelerated expectations. 'The rate of progress over the last one to two years has made me feel it's on the closer side than not,' he said.

That future is increasingly being shaped around AI agents. But what does an agentic future look like? Lots of data centres for a start – but we knew that. Agentic AIs are even more token hungry, and vast infrastructure is needing to be implemented in order to fuel it. The short of it coming back to users is because these tools are becoming smarter and more efficient – being able to work around the clock and create subprograms capable of executing tasks – the problems they are able to solve likewise become more numerous and complex. Before Google search, someone maybe consulted an encyclopaedia (or library even!) and it has since become a kind of 'one stop shop' for information. The continuation of that progression means Google and other AIs are increasingly able to solve users' problems themselves rather than middle-manning to other parties.

Google's push also comes amid intensifying competition with OpenAI, Anthropic and Chinese AI companies, particularly in coding and autonomous agents. Mr Pichai acknowledged Google had fallen behind rivals in some areas. 'When it comes to agentic coding with tool use, instruction following and long-horizon tasks, I think we are a bit behind at this moment,' he told the Times. 'But we are hard at work.' Still, he insisted Google's scale and suite of platforms, including Search, Android, Chrome, YouTube and Cloud, gives it a unique advantage in bringing AI to mainstream users. 'We are the only large company that is actually at that frontier,' he said.

One of the strongest themes running through both the conference and Mr Pichai's interviews was the idea that AI will fundamentally alter how people interact with technology itself. Google Search, for example, is evolving away from the list of links users have known for decades and towards a conversational assistant capable of tracking tasks, monitoring information and proactively surfacing updates. 'In an A.I. Mode, in an agentic mode, these things are going to do a lot more for you than what we were able to do for users 10 years ago,' Mr Pichai said.

But the Google chief also acknowledged growing public anxiety around AI, particularly concerns about jobs and the speed of technological change. 'A.I. is viewed as the most profound technology humanity will ever work on,' he told the Times. 'People, rightfully so, are anxious about the future that this technology will bring.' Even so, Mr Pichai argued the benefits would ultimately outweigh the disruption, comparing AI's impact to previous transformative technologies such as spreadsheets and smartphones. 'People are going to be more productive, they will have more time for leisure,' he said. 'There are many positive dimensions to it that are maybe not being talked about.'

The concept of agentic AI is not entirely new; it builds on earlier ideas of autonomous agents and robotic process automation. However, the scale at which Google is now pursuing it marks a significant shift. With the introduction of Gemini Spark, Google aims to offer a persistent personal assistant that can handle tasks like scheduling, email drafting, and even complex research across multiple data sources. This is a leap from the current generative AI chatbots that require continuous user prompting. The 'information agents' for Search represent another evolution: instead of returning a list of web pages, these agents will proactively monitor topics chosen by the user and deliver summaries, alerts, and recommended actions.

Underpinning all of this is Google's Antigravity AI development platform, which received upgrades to facilitate building and deploying agentic systems. Developers can now create agents that use multiple models, call external APIs, and maintain state across sessions. This combination of consumer and enterprise offerings positions Google to compete aggressively in the AI arms race. Yet, analysts note that OpenAI's ChatGPT with plugins and Anthropic's Claude with tool use have already demonstrated agentic capabilities. In the coding domain, companies like GitHub Copilot and Replit have set high bars for autonomous code generation and execution.

Pichai's acknowledgment of being behind in agentic coding is notable. It suggests that Google may have invested heavily in large language models but is now playing catch-up in the practical application of those models to real-world tasks. However, Google's advantage lies in its vast ecosystem: Search data, YouTube content, Android user base, and Google Cloud infrastructure. By integrating agentic AI into these platforms, Google can offer seamless experiences that third-party agents cannot replicate. For instance, an agent built into Android could directly access user location, calendar, and contacts to make restaurant reservations, while an agent in Chrome could manage passwords and autofill forms intelligently.

The broader implications of agentic AI extend to the economy and society. If these agents become as ubiquitous as smartphones, they could reshape industries such as customer service, personal assistance, education, and healthcare. However, they also raise questions about privacy, security, and accountability. Who is responsible when an agent makes a mistake? How will users control what agents do on their behalf? Google has not yet provided detailed answers, but the company's history suggests it will prioritize user control and transparency, at least in its public communications.

As the AI landscape rapidly evolves, the race toward AGI is central. Pichai's comments suggest that Google believes agentic AI is a stepping stone to AGI. By building systems that can handle longer tasks and reason more deeply, Google is laying the groundwork for machines that can learn and adapt across domains. Whether that goal is achievable within a decade or more remains debated, but the momentum is undeniable. With every major tech company pushing aggressively, the next few years will likely see dramatic advances in what AI can do autonomously.

Source: news.com.au News

The Growing Push for Orbital Data Centers

The concept of placing data centers in space has transitioned from science fiction to a serious corporate ambition in recent years. Tech giants are facing mounting pressure from the environmental and infrastructural costs of terrestrial data centers. These facilities consume vast amounts of electricity and water for cooling, straining local power grids and water resources. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon have signed a White House agreement to finance and build their own electricity generation and infrastructure for data centers. Many have also struck deals for nuclear power to meet their energy demands. As artificial intelligence workloads explode—requiring more computational power and energy—the idea of moving data centers into orbit has gained traction.

Where Bezos, Musk, and Pichai Agree

Bezos, Musk, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai share a common vision for why space data centers are a compelling solution. Three primary advantages are often cited: continuous access to solar energy without atmospheric interference, a permanent solution to the shrinking availability of land on Earth, and the ability to use the sub-zero temperatures of space to cool massive server arrays naturally. This could dramatically reduce the energy and water needed for cooling terrestrial data centers. All three billionaires agree that orbital data centers represent the ultimate answer to the 'terrestrial AI crisis'—the growing challenge of powering and cooling advanced AI chips on Earth.

The Disagreement Over Timelines

Despite this shared vision, the three technology leaders diverge sharply on how quickly such facilities can become operational. Elon Musk, during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, stated that "the net effect is that the lowest cost place to put AI will be space, and that'll be true within two years, maybe three at the latest." Musk's company SpaceX is already building a massive satellite network—Starlink—which could provide the launch infrastructure for orbital data centers. Google, through its "Project Suncatcher," aims to launch two prototype satellites in partnership with Planet Labs to test hardware in orbit. Bezos, however, argues that these timelines ignore fundamental economic realities. He pointed to two primary roadblocks that he says will push true viability further into the future.

Bezos' Economic Concerns: Chip Costs and Launch Costs

Bezos emphasized that modern artificial intelligence chips require massive, highly concentrated energy resources. Before space data centers can become financially viable, the manufacturing and power costs of these specialized chips must come down to leave room in corporate infrastructure budgets. Currently, the most advanced AI chips from companies like Nvidia consume enormous amounts of power, and deploying them in space would require even more efficient and expensive cooling and power systems. The second roadblock, according to Bezos, is the cost of launch. Even with reusable rockets—a technology pioneered by SpaceX and also being developed by Blue Origin—launching heavy data server stacks into orbit remains incredibly expensive. Bezos stressed that launch costs must drop significantly further before mass deployment of orbital data centers becomes sustainable. "We need cheaper launch, we need cheaper chips, and we need time to develop the infrastructure," he implied.

Blue Origin's Quiet Plans: Project Sunrise

Despite his cautious timeline, Bezos has quietly positioned Blue Origin to compete directly in the orbital cloud market. In March of this year, Blue Origin submitted a regulatory filing to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) outlining plans to launch a massive constellation of 51,600 data center satellites into low Earth orbit. This project, called "Project Sunrise," would be one of the largest satellite constellations ever proposed, dwarfing even SpaceX's Starlink in terms of potential capacity. The satellites would be designed to host computing and storage hardware, effectively creating a distributed cloud in space. This move signals that Bezos is investing heavily in the long-term potential of orbital data centers, even as he criticizes short-term hype. Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, still in development, is intended to provide the heavy-lift capacity needed to deploy such a large constellation.

Broader Industry Context and Challenges

The race to space data centers is also part of a broader trend of tech companies seeking to control their energy and infrastructure. The White House agreement signed by Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon to build their own power generation highlights the pressure on terrestrial resources. Nuclear power deals, including Amazon's acquisition of a nuclear-powered data center campus in Pennsylvania, show the lengths companies are going to secure reliable, carbon-free energy. However, transitioning to space introduces new regulatory and technical hurdles. Orbital debris mitigation, communication latency, maintenance of hardware in space, and the cost of replacing failed components are all significant challenges that must be solved before orbital data centers become a practical reality. Companies will also need to navigate international space law and spectrum allocation for data transmission.

The Long-Term Vision vs. Short-Term Realities

Bezos' remarks serve as a dose of realism in a field often dominated by ambitious predictions. He did not dismiss the concept; rather, he urged patience and a focus on foundational cost reductions. The infrastructure required to support orbital data centers—from high-bandwidth laser communication links to on-orbit assembly and repair facilities—is still in its infancy. While reusable rockets have lowered launch costs by an order of magnitude compared to the Space Shuttle era, further reductions are needed. Similarly, semiconductor manufacturing must evolve to produce chips that are both powerful enough for AI and efficient enough to operate with minimal cooling in a vacuum. Bezos' emphasis on long-term viability over short-term flash aligns with his approach to Blue Origin, which has often been slower and more methodical than SpaceX.

Conclusion of the Debate

The debate over the timing of orbital data centers highlights the tension between corporate ambition and engineering reality. While Bezos, Musk, and Pichai all see space as the ultimate solution to the energy and land constraints of terrestrial AI, their differing timelines reflect their companies' different strengths and strategies. Musk's SpaceX has the most mature launch infrastructure, while Google has deep expertise in cloud computing and satellite technology. Bezos' Blue Origin is building its capabilities with a longer-term view. As the world's leading tech billionaires continue to invest in space infrastructure, the question is not whether orbital data centers will happen, but rather when they will become economically viable. Bezos believes that day will come, but not in two or three years. His measured assessment reminds the industry that even the most revolutionary technologies require time, capital, and patience to reach maturity.

Source: MSN News