Tech

Nvidia is partnering with AI startup Ineffable Intelligence, founded by former DeepMind leader David Silver, to develop “superlearners.” This collaboration focuses on building AI systems that learn continuously from real-world experience, a departure from traditional data-driven methods. Leveraging Nvidia’s advanced hardware and platforms, the partnership aims to create AI capable of discovering new knowledge autonomously, pushing the boundaries of artificial general intelligence.

Amazon is consolidating its AI shopping efforts into Alexa, phasing out the Rufus chatbot. The new “Alexa for Shopping” integrates Rufus’s capabilities and enhanced Alexa+ features, leveraging user data for personalized e-commerce experiences. This unified AI assistant will appear within product search results, offering detailed information and recommendations. Amazon aims to create the “world’s best, most personalized AI assistant for shopping” by integrating conversational search, product comparisons, and price alerts, capitalizing on its extensive proprietary data.

Defense tech firm Anduril Industries has raised $5 billion, reaching a $61 billion valuation, double its previous worth. This funding, led by Thrive Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, will accelerate manufacturing and R&D for advanced defense systems. The company’s surge reflects growing investor confidence in the defense tech sector and its potential IPO. Anduril is challenging traditional defense contractors with its agile, tech-driven approach to national security.

Alibaba’s core profitability significantly declined by 84% in its March quarter due to substantial investments in AI semiconductors, data centers, and its Qwen AI models. While its cloud computing segment saw robust revenue growth, driven by AI, the highly competitive e-commerce landscape, particularly quick commerce, strained profitability. Despite this, quick commerce revenue surged, and overall China e-commerce revenue grew modestly. The company continues to integrate AI across its operations, aiming to enhance customer experience.

Tencent reported a 9% revenue increase in Q1 2026, missing analyst expectations. While domestic game revenue grew 6%, it decelerated from the previous year. The company highlighted AI as a key strategic focus, with AI-driven advancements boosting core businesses and generating cash flow for further AI investment. Financial technology and business services showed strong performance, particularly cloud and AI-specific services. Advertising revenue also saw a significant 20% surge, partly attributed to AI. Gaming revenue slowdown was linked to holiday timing shifts.

SoftBank’s Vision Fund reported a $46 billion gain, largely driven by its investment in OpenAI. This significant return highlights the impact of strategic bets on leading AI companies. OpenAI’s rapid growth and market adoption have boosted its valuation, validating SoftBank’s early commitment. The success underscores the potential of cutting-edge AI and may attract further capital to the sector.

Samsung Electronics’ market value plummeted due to a stalled labor dispute over performance bonuses. The union plans an 18-day strike, potentially costing the company billions. Despite initial government warnings, Samsung shares later recovered. The resolution is critical for Samsung’s financial momentum and its position in the AI chip sector.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will join President Trump’s delegation to China, a significant shift after initial reports of his exclusion. Trump personally invited Huang, underscoring Nvidia’s strategic importance in U.S.-China tech relations. Huang’s participation aims to facilitate dialogue on complex issues like AI chip export controls, crucial for both national security and global technology trade.

Waymo is voluntarily recalling about 3,800 robotaxis due to a software flaw that could cause them to drive into flooded roads. This recall follows incidents of Waymo vehicles stalling on flooded streets and a previous incident where a vehicle was swept into a creek. Waymo is implementing software safeguards and operational restrictions during extreme weather to prevent future occurrences.

Google is transforming Android into an “intelligence system” by integrating its Gemini AI across devices, aiming to streamline tasks and enhance user experience. This strategic move positions Gemini as a core operating fabric, enabling cross-app capabilities and proactive assistance. The rollout, starting with select smartphones, will expand to various Android products, including Android Auto, with a focus on user control and consent before executing actions.