News/Partnerships
Google’s AI model bears down on traditional weather forecasting in storm track success
Google has launched a new AI model for forecasting tropical storms and created Weather Lab, a website to share its AI weather research, while partnering with the US National Hurricane Center to test the technology. The initiative comes as the Trump administration has cut National Weather Service staff and capacity, raising questions about the future of public weather forecasting versus privatized services. What you should know: Google's experimental AI model can generate 50 different scenarios for a storm's possible track, size, and intensity up to 15 days in advance. The model's five-day predictions for cyclone tracks in the North Atlantic...
read Jun 12, 2025San Francisco Barbie: Mattel partners with OpenAI to create AI-powered toys amid declining sales
Barbie-maker Mattel has partnered with OpenAI to develop AI-powered toys and games, with plans to launch its first AI-enhanced product later this year. The collaboration comes as toy manufacturers face declining demand amid economic uncertainty, prompting companies to explore new technologies and revenue streams to revitalize their core business. What you should know: Mattel will integrate OpenAI's technology into both its products and internal operations to drive innovation across the company. The partnership focuses on creating "age-appropriate play experiences with an emphasis on innovation, privacy, and safety," according to Mattel's announcement. Beyond consumer products, Mattel will incorporate OpenAI's ChatGPT Enterprise...
read Jun 11, 2025Mistral AI launches cloud platform with 18K Nvidia chips
Mistral AI, the French artificial intelligence startup, has announced a sweeping expansion into AI infrastructure with Mistral Compute, a comprehensive platform built in partnership with Nvidia to compete directly with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. The Paris-based company simultaneously unveiled new reasoning models called Magistral that rival OpenAI's most advanced systems, marking a strategic shift from purely developing AI models to controlling the entire technology stack while positioning itself as Europe's answer to American cloud computing dominance. The big picture: Mistral's dual announcement signals Europe's most ambitious challenge yet to American AI infrastructure dominance, combining sovereign cloud...
read Jun 11, 2025NVIDIA partners with European broadcasters to build sovereign AI for 1B viewers
NVIDIA and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have announced a partnership to develop sovereign AI frameworks for European public service media, targeting more than 110 member organizations across 50+ countries that reach over 1 billion viewers. The collaboration aims to ensure AI technologies are governed by European policies and values while preserving cultural identity and enhancing public trust in media services. What you should know: The partnership focuses on building AI and cloud infrastructure that operates exclusively under European governance and data protection standards. • Sovereign AI allows nations to develop artificial intelligence using local infrastructure, datasets, and expertise rather...
read Jun 11, 2025Jupiter supercomputer puts Europe in global AI computing race
Nvidia and the Julich Supercomputing Centre have launched Jupiter, Europe's fastest supercomputer, powered by nearly 24,000 Nvidia GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips. The system marks Europe's entry into exascale computing, delivering over one quintillion calculations per second while positioning the continent as a major player in AI research and scientific discovery. What you should know: Jupiter represents a significant leap forward in European high-performance computing capabilities and energy efficiency. The supercomputer delivers more than twice the performance of Europe's next-fastest system and ranks among the top five globally on the latest TOP500 list. Built on Nvidia's GH200 Grace Hopper platform and...
read Jun 10, 2025OpenAI diversifies beyond Microsoft with Google cloud partnership
OpenAI has struck an unprecedented cloud computing deal with Google, despite the companies' fierce rivalry in artificial intelligence. The partnership, finalized in May after months of negotiations, allows OpenAI to tap Google's cloud infrastructure to meet surging demand for computing power needed to train and run its AI models, marking a significant shift in AI industry dynamics. The big picture: This collaboration between two AI heavyweights illustrates how massive computing demands are reshaping competitive relationships in the sector, with OpenAI diversifying beyond its primary supporter Microsoft. What you should know: The deal represents OpenAI's latest move to reduce dependency on...
read Jun 10, 2025OpenAI and Jony Ive develop screenless AI wearable targeting 2027 launch
OpenAI is developing a screenless, wearable AI device in collaboration with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive that could potentially replace smartphones entirely. Expected to launch in late 2026 or early 2027, the pocket-sized device would feature microphones and cameras to provide contextually aware AI assistance without requiring users to look at a screen. What you should know: The device represents OpenAI's ambitious push beyond software into hardware, targeting the emerging ambient computing market. One version is rumored to resemble an iPod Shuffle worn around the neck, with touch or voice-based controls for real-time interaction with OpenAI's models. The device would...
read Jun 10, 2025Apple expands OpenAI partnership while major Siri upgrades remain distant
Apple expanded its partnership with OpenAI and introduced several AI-powered features during its Worldwide Developers Conference, though significant improvements to Siri remain on the distant horizon. The announcements signal Apple's continued effort to catch up in the AI race, building on the ChatGPT integration first introduced last year that now underpins many capabilities coming to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and visionOS 26 this fall. What you should know: Apple's AI strategy continues to rely heavily on external partnerships rather than purely in-house development. The expanded OpenAI relationship will power new features across Apple's operating system updates launching this...
read Jun 6, 2025Connecticut launches first AI-focused magnet high school this fall
Goodwin University has broken ground on RiverTech, Connecticut's first technology magnet school, which will offer specialized programs in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. The four-year high school program will begin serving freshmen this fall and aims to address workforce needs at major Connecticut manufacturers like Pratt & Whitney while expanding the state's magnet school network established through the landmark Sheff v. O'Neill civil rights case. What you should know: RiverTech represents a significant expansion of Connecticut's School Choice program, which emerged from a successful civil rights lawsuit challenging racial discrimination in public education. The school will occupy a 90,000-square-foot, four-story...
read Jun 5, 2025Anthropic blocks Windsurf’s Claude API amid OpenAI takeover rumors
Anthropic's sudden termination of Windsurf's access to Claude 3.x models creates significant disruption amid OpenAI's reported acquisition plans. This competitive clash between major AI companies highlights the strategic importance of model access in the rapidly consolidating AI tools market, where partnerships and acquisitions increasingly determine which companies can leverage the most powerful AI capabilities. The big picture: Anthropic has cut off Windsurf's direct access to Claude 3.x models with less than five days' notice, creating service disruptions as OpenAI reportedly moves to acquire the AI coding platform for $3 billion. Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan announced the restriction on Tuesday via...
read Jun 3, 2025Meta taps atomic energy for AI in Big Tech nuclear trend
Meta's new nuclear power deal marks a significant shift in how tech giants are powering AI infrastructure, highlighting a growing trend of partnerships between technology companies and nuclear energy providers. This agreement not only salvages a struggling nuclear facility but also represents the broader tech industry's strategic pivot toward securing reliable, carbon-free energy sources to fuel the massive computing demands of artificial intelligence systems. The big picture: Meta has secured a 20-year nuclear power agreement with Constellation Energy to support its growing AI computing needs, continuing a trend of tech-nuclear partnerships. The deal will expand the output of Constellation's Clinton...
read Jun 3, 2025Samsung to add Perplexity AI on select devices soon
Samsung's potential partnership with Perplexity AI represents a significant shift in the mobile AI landscape, as the electronics giant appears to be diversifying beyond its existing Google Gemini integration. This move could reshape how AI assistants are integrated into smartphones and signals growing competition in the AI assistant market as major device manufacturers seek to differentiate their offerings through unique AI partnerships. The big picture: Samsung is reportedly finalizing a deal with AI startup Perplexity to preload its app and assistant on future Galaxy devices, potentially making it the default AI assistant on Samsung smartphones. The partnership could debut as...
read May 31, 2025NYT strikes landmark AI licensing deal with Amazon
The New York Times has struck a historic licensing deal with Amazon for AI-related content usage, marking the first such agreement for the legacy media company despite its ongoing lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft over similar issues. This precedent-setting arrangement illustrates how traditional publishers are attempting to navigate AI advancement by creating commercial frameworks for their content rather than solely relying on litigation, potentially reshaping how media companies approach AI partnerships in the future. The big picture: The New York Times reached a multiyear agreement with Amazon to license its content for AI-related uses while maintaining active copyright infringement lawsuits...
read May 22, 2025AGI meets SETI: How AI could supercharge search for extraterrestrial life
The potential for advanced AI to revolutionize the search for extraterrestrial intelligence represents a compelling intersection of two frontier scientific domains. As researchers continue developing artificial general intelligence (AGI) systems that match or exceed human capabilities, applying this technology to scan the cosmos could dramatically accelerate humanity's quest to answer one of its most profound questions: are we alone in the universe? This partnership between AGI and SETI could transform our search strategies while introducing new philosophical and practical considerations about how we approach potential contact. The big picture: The development of artificial general intelligence could revolutionize the search for...
read May 21, 2025UAE telco e& launches 5G network slicing for businesses
UAE's e& is rolling out significant 5G and edge AI infrastructure enhancements to address the increasing demand for specialized enterprise connectivity solutions. The telecom provider's introduction of commercial 5G network slicing marks a strategic advancement in how businesses can secure dedicated network resources for mission-critical applications, while partnerships with Qualcomm and Ericsson strengthen the company's technological capabilities in AI and radio network infrastructure. The big picture: e& UAE has launched commercial 5G network slicing for enterprises, offering customized connectivity solutions with reserved capacity for critical applications across manufacturing, public safety, and port operations. The new offering leverages e&'s 5G standalone...
read May 21, 2025Volvo to pioneer Google’s Gemini AI in vehicles
Volvo's strategic partnership with Google positions the automaker at the forefront of automotive AI integration, making it among the first to replace Google Assistant with Gemini in their vehicles. This collaboration elevates Volvo to become Google's reference hardware for Android Automotive development, creating a mutually beneficial relationship where Volvo customers gain early access to new features while Google optimizes its automotive software using real-world implementation data. The big picture: Volvo announced an expanded partnership with Google that will make its vehicles among the first to integrate Gemini AI, replacing Google Assistant in cars with Google built-in. Key details: Gemini integration...
read May 20, 2025OpenAI and the FDA explore AI’s role in the future of healthcare regulation
OpenAI and the FDA are exploring a potential collaboration that could reshape how AI technologies are regulated and utilized in healthcare settings. This development highlights the growing intersection between advanced AI capabilities and healthcare regulation, suggesting how strategic partnerships between tech companies and government agencies might accelerate healthcare innovation. The big picture: OpenAI's team has reportedly held multiple meetings with FDA officials and associates from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency in recent weeks. Why this matters: This potential partnership represents a significant step in integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities into healthcare regulatory frameworks. The FDA's interest in engaging with leading...
read May 20, 2025University of Michigan offers free Google AI and career courses to all students
The University of Michigan has expanded its digital skills offerings through a new partnership with Google, providing free access to career certificates and AI courses for more than 66,000 students across its three campuses. This collaboration represents a significant investment in preparing students for a technology-driven job market, equipping them with in-demand skills while still in college—a strategic advantage as employers increasingly prioritize digital capabilities in new hires. The big picture: University of Michigan students now have free access to Google Career Certificates and AI training courses across all three campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint. The partnership between...
read May 19, 2025Le Monde partners with Perplexity as AI impact on legacy print grows
Le Monde's partnership with AI startup Perplexity highlights the growing trend of media organizations forging strategic alliances with AI companies to develop new products, expand audience reach, and create alternative revenue streams. This collaboration comes amid increasing tensions between publishers and AI firms over content usage, as media companies seek to establish mutually beneficial relationships rather than pursuing legal action over unauthorized training data. The big picture: French newspaper Le Monde has entered a content partnership with U.S.-based AI company Perplexity, allowing the AI firm to access Le Monde's content while the newspaper leverages Perplexity's technology for new AI product...
read May 19, 2025Maryland university launches AI-powered education tech hub with cross-country partners
The University of Maryland has launched the Center for Educational Data Science and Innovation (EDSI), taking a research-first approach to developing AI-powered educational technology. Unlike many edtech startups rushing to market with AI tools, EDSI prioritizes building ethical infrastructure and conducting rigorous research before deploying solutions. This deliberate strategy represents a significant counterbalance in a field increasingly dominated by rapid AI tool development, emphasizing evidence-based innovation over speed to market. The big picture: EDSI aims to address persistent educational challenges through AI while prioritizing responsible development and research validation before releasing new tools. The center focuses on building infrastructure that...
read May 19, 2025Moderna injects AI across operations to boost vaccine development
Moderna's AI transformation represents a bold organizational shift in pharmaceutical development, as the COVID-19 vaccine maker integrates artificial intelligence across every facet of its business operations. The company's extensive partnership with OpenAI has enabled the deployment of thousands of customized AI models designed to automate work previously handled by humans, leading to unconventional structural changes including the merger of its HR and technology departments under unified leadership. The big picture: Moderna has deployed over 3,000 GPTs across the company in a comprehensive AI implementation strategy that's reshaping its organizational structure. The biotech company has taken the unusual step of merging...
read May 19, 2025Microsoft AI developer conference aims to lift profits, rethink OpenAI situationship
Microsoft is recalibrating its AI strategy ahead of its annual developer conference, balancing its deep partnership with OpenAI against ambitions to become a neutral provider in the expanding AI ecosystem. As the company continues massive infrastructure investments—including $64 billion this year largely for AI data centers—its evolving approach signals a strategic shift toward cost optimization and selective partnership expansion while maintaining its impressive 30% share growth that's bucking broader tech market trends. The big picture: Microsoft hosts its annual software developer conference in Seattle this Monday, where thousands of developers will explore how to monetize the company's substantial AI investments...
read May 19, 2025Microsoft pushes for an open “agentic web” to democratize AI collaboration
Microsoft is advancing AI interoperability by developing protocols that will allow different companies' AI agents to collaborate effectively. The initiative focuses on creating industry standards for AI agent communication and improving AI memory systems to enhance user experiences. This push for an "agentic web" parallels how internet protocols transformed connectivity in the 1990s, potentially democratizing the future development of AI agent ecosystems beyond just a few large companies. The big picture: Microsoft's Chief Technology Officer Kevin Scott unveiled the company's vision for interconnected AI agents ahead of its annual Build developer conference in Seattle. Scott emphasized Microsoft's support for the...
read May 16, 2025Edge AI in industrial IoT: Qualcomm and Saudi Arabia’s Aramco Digital partner
Qualcomm and Aramco Digital's new strategic partnership aims to revolutionize Saudi Arabia's industrial landscape by combining Qualcomm's edge AI expertise with Aramco Digital's industrial know-how. The collaboration focuses on developing AI-powered industrial IoT solutions that will enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability across key sectors. This partnership represents a significant advancement in Saudi Arabia's digital transformation journey, aligning with the country's Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil. The big picture: Qualcomm Technologies and Saudi Arabia's Aramco Digital have announced plans to collaborate on developing and commercializing edge AI and industrial IoT technologies across Saudi industries. The partnership will...
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