OpenAI Turns To Google Cloud Despite AI Rivalry - 1

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OpenAI Turns To Google Cloud Despite AI Rivalry

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

In an exclusive report by Reuters , OpenAI has teamed up with Google to meet its expanding computing requirements.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • Deal reduces OpenAI’s reliance on Microsoft Azure.
  • ChatGPT threatens Google’s core search business.
  • Google Cloud gains a major client despite competition with OpenAI.

The deal between OpenAI and Google Cloud was finalized in May, after OpenAI shifted away from Microsoft Azure as its primary cloud infrastructure, as noted by Reuters.

The partnership comes at a time when OpenAI’s ChatGPT is considered one of the biggest threats to Google’s search dominance. However, both organizations put aside their competitive interests to support the substantial computing requirements needed for developing, and operating sophisticated AI models.

The deal “underscores the fact that the two are willing to overlook heavy competition between them to meet the massive computing demands,” Scotiabank analysts wrote, as reported by Reuters.

“Ultimately, we view this as a big win for Google’s cloud unit, but … there are continued worries that ChatGPT is becoming an incrementally larger threat to Google’s search dominance,” the analysis added,

Alphabet’s stock rose 2.1% after the news, while Microsoft fell 0.6%, observed Reuters.

The launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 triggered OpenAI to expand its infrastructure at a rapid pace. The company formed partnerships with Oracle and SoftBank to support its $500 billion Stargate project, and secured billions of dollars in deals from CoreWeave, as noted by Reuters. Additionally, OpenAI also plans to launch its own chip to reduce reliance on outside providers.

The acquisition of OpenAI as a customer demonstrates the increasing market demand for Google’s cloud services and in-house AI chips. But it also complicates things. Reuters however notes that the tech company faces difficulties in meeting cloud customer requirements, while its DeepMind division competes directly with OpenAI.

Reuter reports that OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft all declined to comment. While the AI race remains fierce, this partnership shows that even top competitors may have to collaborate, at least when it comes to computers.

Google Rolls Out Android 16 And Introduces New AI-Powered Features - 2

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Google Rolls Out Android 16 And Introduces New AI-Powered Features

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Google began rolling out its latest operating system, Android 16, to supported Pixel devices and introduced new features for Android on Tuesday. Users will soon be able to try the new AI-powered photo editor, audio enhancements, and emoji stickers.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • Google started to roll out Android 16 on supported Pixel devices and expects to expand to more brands soon.
  • Android 16 includes new features such as delivery apps integration, organized notifications, audio enhancements, and advanced protection.
  • The tech giant also announced upcoming AI-powered features for Android, such as photo editing suggestions, new emoji stickers, Safety Check, and more.

According to the official announcement , the new OS will initially be available on supported Pixel devices but will extend to more devices and brands in the upcoming months. The release of Android 16 comes just hours after Apple introduced its new software design at the WWDC .

“This is the earliest Android has launched a major release in the last few years, which ensures you get the latest updates as soon as possible on your devices,” wrote Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform, in the announcement.

Among the new features in Android 16, Google has highlighted integration with delivery apps to offer users notifications with live updates on their orders, reducing the need to open the app on their phones.

To declutter notifications, the new OS will group notifications and provide notes with the most relevant information.

Android 16 includes audio enhancements, such as more control for people who use hearing aids by allowing them to switch the microphone for better listening in noisy places, and integration with external devices to control functions like volume from the phone.

Users will also be able to activate Advanced protection, which includes features to protect users from online attacks, unsafe websites, scams, and more.

In another announcement , published yesterday, Google revealed new upcoming features for Android devices. Users will soon be able to personalize group chats in Google Messages, use new AI-powered editing suggestions for Google Photos, customize Google Home apps, and use a Safety Check feature for solo workouts. Google will also add new emoji stickers and enhance its Wear OS watch payment options by including public transportation cards.

A few days ago, Google also introduced its NotebookLM mobile app , allowing users to enjoy Audio Overviews on the go.