TECHNOLOGY
Google Maps brings Gemini assistant to all navigation modes, adds conversational routing and app actions
Google Maps is rolling out its full Gemini assistant for navigation across driving, walking, cycling and public transport. The integration replaces Google Assistant in navigation, supports multi-step natural language prompts, offers route controls and place queries, and links to apps and calendar actions. Rollout is gradual and, at the time of writing, appears live on a limited number of devices.
TECHNOLOGY
China reportedly blocks ByteDance from using Nvidia chips in new data centres
Chinese regulators have reportedly barred ByteDance from using Nvidia chips in new data centres, reflecting Beijing’s wider push to reduce dependence on US technology as export controls tighten. The reported move affects Nvidia’s largest customer in China and highlights the country’s urgency in building a homegrown AI hardware ecosystem.
TECHNOLOGY
Opera adds one-minute deep research and Gemini 3 Pro support to its Neon AI browser
Opera has updated its AI-driven Neon browser with a faster Deep Research mode, new AI model options including Gemini 3 Pro, and Google Docs integration through its Do agent. The update improves speed, flexibility and productivity across the browser’s AI tools.
TECHNOLOGY
Apple moves Delhi High Court against India’s new global turnover penalty rules
Apple has filed a constitutional challenge against India’s revised antitrust penalty framework, arguing that fines based on global turnover are arbitrary and disproportionate. The case stems from an ongoing investigation into Apple’s App Store practices and could become a key legal test for India’s updated competition rules.
TECHNOLOGY
Google prepares ‘Aluminium OS’ as it considers bringing Android to traditional PCs
Google appears to be exploring a return to the PC market with a new AI-focused operating system called Aluminium OS. A recent job listing suggests the company is developing an Android-based desktop platform that could sit alongside ChromeOS and expand Android’s reach into full-scale computers.
TECHNOLOGY
New Android trojan ‘Sturnus’ can read encrypted chats and drain bank accounts
Security researchers have identified a new Android banking trojan called Sturnus, capable of reading messages from encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram. The malware abuses Android’s Accessibility Services to monitor chats and execute financial fraud, while using aggressive tactics to prevent removal.
TECHNOLOGY
Perplexity introduces conversational AI shopping assistant: What it does, how it works, and more
Perplexity has launched a conversational shopping assistant that uses natural language search and user history to deliver personalised product suggestions. The feature aims to act as an extension of the user rather than a replacement, improving with continued interaction and offering context-aware recommendations.
TECHNOLOGY
Alphabet’s stock surge pushes Larry Page to second place among the world’s richest
Google co-founder Larry Page has moved into the second spot worldwide after surpassing Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, according to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List.
TECHNOLOGY
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang criticises managers urging less AI use
Jensen Huang urges Nvidia staff to fully embrace AI, according to a leaked recording.
TECHNOLOGY
Bill Gates wants you to read these 5 books before 2025 ends
Bill Gates has shared his year-end reading list, selecting five titles that explore purpose, climate science, communication, creative industries and the systems that shape modern progress. His recommendations focus on books that reveal how the world works beneath the surface and encourage deeper reflection during the quieter days of winter.
TECHNOLOGY
iOS 26.2 Brings New Lock Screen Controls, Offline Lyrics, Better Sleep Scores and More
Apple’s iOS 26.2 update brings a series of meaningful additions including a new Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen, offline lyrics for Apple Music, updated sleep scoring, alarm support in Reminders and improvements to Apple Podcasts and Apple News. The update also adds screen flash notifications and expands AirPods Live Translation to the EU. Apple says iOS 26.2 will arrive in December for iPhone 11 and newer models.
TECHNOLOGY
Google Targets Text Failures in AI Images: 9 things to know
Artificial intelligence assistants often produce convincing answers in chats, yet still struggle to place readable text inside generated images. Typos, warped letters and inconsistent fonts remain common issues, limiting how far designers can rely on these models for professional use.
TECHNOLOGY
Python Worm Spreads Through WhatsApp- Here’s What’s Happening
A Python driven WhatsApp worm is spreading the Eternidade Stealer trojan across Brazil, hijacking WhatsApp Web sessions and targeting financial platforms. The campaign uses advanced evasion tactics and open source tools, reflecting a rise in software sophistication among South American cybercriminals. Despite regional targeting, attempts to access the threat infrastructure were observed worldwide, reinforcing the need for close monitoring of WhatsApp activity and unexpected script executions.
TECHNOLOGY
X will now reveal which country users are from as new transparency feature rolls out
X is not the first social network to provide this level of transparency to users. Instagram has long offered a similar “About this account” feature, for instance.
TECHNOLOGY
Google denies viral claims it is using your emails to train Gemini AI
Google is countering viral claims that it now uses Gmail messages and attachments to train Gemini AI. The company says no policies or user settings have changed and that Gmail content is not used for AI training.
TECHNOLOGY
4,700 engineers, 500 product managers, and more: The numbers behind Amazon's biggest-ever layoffs
Amazon’s 14,000-plus layoffs have disproportionately affected engineers, with nearly 40 percent of reported cuts in key states hitting technical roles.
TECHNOLOGY
Sundar Pichai flags ‘intense’ 2026 as Google plans to ramp spending to meet AI pressure
Google executives say the company must double its compute capacity every six months to keep up with AI demand. At an internal meeting, leaders warned 2026 will be “intense” as competition escalates and cloud workloads surge.
TECHNOLOGY
Google’s Gemini 3 a clear hit as Alphabet shares break records
With record highs, heavy trading activity, and strong analyst commentary, Wednesday’s rally suggests that investors see Gemini 3 as a turning point. The combination of technical leadership, renewed investor trust, and strategic advantage gives Alphabet strong momentum heading into the next phase of the AI race.
TECHNOLOGY
Red Sea tensions stall Google and Meta’s undersea cables, forcing reroutes
According to Bloomberg, repeated security threats in the region have halted progress on key infrastructure meant to boost high-speed connectivity across Africa and Asia.
TECHNOLOGY
Anthropic CEO warns AI could erase entry-level white-collar jobs at unprecedented speed
Dario Amodei said AI systems are already capable enough to disrupt work done by junior consultants, lawyers, financial analysts and other service-sector professionals, and that the pace of displacement could be “faster than anything seen with previous technologies.”
TECHNOLOGY
Elon Musk trolls Microsoft AI chief over 15-million-hour datacentre build claim
Elon Musk has taken aim at Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman after Suleyman boasted that the company’s new Fairwater datacentre in Atlanta required more than 15 million labour hours to build.
TECHNOLOGY
Top Apple MacBooks in 2025: Best buying guide for professionals
For working professionals who demand portable power and consistent reliability, Apple’s MacBook lineup stands out. With M-series chips, macOS integration, and premium builds, these machines handle heavy workloads and creative tasks with ease. This updated guide takes you through eight top MacBook models you should consider in 2025.
TECHNOLOGY
OpenAI hints at a new kind of advertising for ChatGPT: What to expect
With ChatGPT still the dominant AI assistant despite rising competition, OpenAI is under pressure to build sustainable revenue beyond subscriptions. Reports have indicated that ads are on the table, but details have remained vague — until now.
TECHNOLOGY
'Human creativity becomes the last...,' Jeff Bezos on how AI could change the job market
Jeff Bezos has warned that most traditional jobs will not survive the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, arguing that only workers who can invent, originate and imagine will remain truly valuable.
