Alphabet plans to raise $80 billion to pay for AI buildout
TechCrunch AI19h agoBusinessGoogle parent Alphabet plans to raise $80 billion by selling stock to pay for its AI buildout. The provided article text does not specify the offering timeline, pricing, allocation of proceeds, or the infrastructure projects involved. The key takeaway is the scale of capital Alphabet expects to commit to AI-related expansion.
Gemini's new AI agent is about as good as Google's demo
The Verge AI22h agoNew ToolGoogle's new 24/7 AI agent, Gemini Spark, can take on tasks for users and continue working on them. After receiving access last week, The Verge's reviewer found that Spark can perform surprisingly well, roughly matching Google's demo. The remaining question is whether that capability justifies the financial cost and potential privacy tradeoffs.
I put Google’s 24/7 AI assistant Gemini Spark to work, and it’s useful
TechCrunch AI3d agoNew ToolTechCrunch tested Google’s 24/7 AI assistant Gemini Spark and found it genuinely useful for everyday automation. The article highlights tasks such as inbox summaries and local event planning, suggesting Google is pushing Gemini toward a more persistent assistant experience. Still, the author questions why Google chose to make Gemini Spark a separate product instead of folding it into existing Gemini or Google services.
Google Faces Potential €1 Billion EU Fine for Search Self-Preferencing Under DMA★ 75
INSIDE 硬塞 AI7d agoRegulationThe EU is reportedly preparing a massive fine of nearly €1 billion against Google for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by self-preferencing its own services in search results. If finalized, this would mark the largest penalty ever imposed by the EU under the DMA framework. The decision underscores Europe's aggressive antitrust enforcement, potentially forcing Google to significantly alter its search display and algorithms.