Tech

China is experiencing a surge in the adoption of OpenClaw, an open-source AI assistant, with companies like Tencent and Zhipu AI integrating it into their products. OpenClaw’s autonomous capabilities are driving its widespread use, even surpassing adoption in the US. Chinese tech firms are simplifying installation and local governments are offering incentives, fueling its rapid growth and highlighting China’s commitment to AI advancement.

Nintendo’s stock surged 18% following the unexpected viral success of “Pokémon Pokopia” for the Switch 2. The game sold 2.2 million units in four days, becoming the fourth best-selling Switch 2 title. This success is seen as a catalyst for Switch 2 hardware sales, with investors hoping it will help meet Nintendo’s console sales forecast. Despite recent gains, Nintendo’s stock is still down 28% over six months due to market concerns like rising memory component costs.

Despite a record release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to stabilize oil markets amid Middle East tensions, prices surged past $100. Geopolitical conflicts are disrupting critical shipping routes, with new vessel attacks exacerbating supply anxieties. While domestic inflation remains steady, the ongoing conflict’s full economic impact is uncertain. New trade investigations have been launched amid fiscal concerns, and Google is divesting from its fiber unit as AI infrastructure demand rises. Airfares are expected to increase due to soaring jet fuel costs.

Google Maps is integrating Gemini AI with “Ask Maps,” transforming it into a conversational assistant for enhanced navigation and exploration. This feature handles complex, context-aware queries, offering personalized recommendations by leveraging user history. The aim is to make exploration a simple conversation and driving more intuitive, representing a significant upgrade. Rollout begins in the US and India on mobile.

The Pentagon has labeled Anthropic’s AI models as a “supply chain risk” due to concerns over embedded policy preferences compromising defense integrity. This unprecedented move requires contractors to certify non-use of Anthropic’s Claude models. Anthropic is suing the U.S. government, citing irreparable harm and jeopardized contracts. The Department of Defense states the action isn’t punitive, acknowledging a transition period and existing usage by contractors like Palantir.

Palantir continues to integrate Anthropic’s Claude AI models into its products, despite the Pentagon designating Anthropic a supply-chain risk. CEO Alex Karp confirmed the current integration, noting future plans to support other large language models. The Department of Defense faces challenges phasing out deeply embedded systems, with potential exemptions for mission-critical activities. This situation highlights the complex interplay of national security, technological integration, and regulatory scrutiny in defense AI.

U.K. regulators, Ofcom and the ICO, are increasing pressure on social media platforms to enhance child protection measures. Following lawmakers’ rejection of a broad under-16 ban, regulators have formally written to major platforms, urging them to implement stricter age verification and combat online grooming. This move aligns with a global trend of governments seeking to regulate online child safety, with Australia having already enacted a ban for users under 16.

Rajesh Jha, EVP of Experiences and Devices, is retiring from Microsoft after 35 years. His departure comes as Microsoft focuses on generative AI, integrating it into products like Microsoft 365 Copilot. Four key leaders from his division will now report directly to CEO Satya Nadella, with other promotions also announced. This reshuffle aims to maintain momentum in AI and cybersecurity initiatives.

Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen will transition to chairman once a successor is appointed. During his 18-year tenure, Narayen spearheaded Adobe’s shift to subscriptions and embraced generative AI, significantly growing the company’s value and user base. The announcement coincided with strong quarterly financial results. Adobe’s stock saw a dip following the news.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s visit highlighted tensions over AI in national security. Discussions with lawmakers focused on defense applications and OpenAI’s DOD agreement, emphasizing the need for safeguards and constitutional compliance. This follows Anthropic being designated a national security risk by the DOD over disagreements on AI use, particularly concerning autonomous weapons and surveillance. Altman stressed OpenAI’s safety principles, which the DOD reportedly accepted. Legislation is being drafted to establish guidelines for DOD AI contracts, underscoring the crucial role of congressional oversight in navigating rapid technological advancements.