Artificial Intelligence
Ongoing coverage on Artificial Intelligence.
Latest coverage
Google's Circle to Search feature can tell you if an image was AI-generated
Google is expanding its AI detection capabilities to more products, including the Circle to Search feature. This allows users to more easily verify if an image was generated or edited using artificial intelligence.
Project Genie adds Google Street View integration and goes live for global AI Ultra users
Project Genie, an AI tool for creating virtual worlds, has added integration with Google Street View, allowing users to ground their creations in real-world locations. This feature is now live for global AI Ultra users.
The Google AI Ultra plan now starts at $100 a month
Google has reduced the starting price of its most expensive AI plan, the "Ultra" tier, to $100 per month. This adjustment makes the premium AI service more accessible to a wider range of users.
Final Fantasy Creator Hironobu Sakaguchi Addresses Backlash for Sharing AI Final Fantasy 6 Remake Video
Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi has responded to backlash regarding his positive comments on an unofficial, AI-generated video for a Final Fantasy VI remake. The discussion centers on the use of artificial intelligence in game development and fan creations.
Google brings more conversational features to Gmail, Docs and Keep
Google is integrating more conversational AI features into its Workspace applications, including Gmail, Docs, and Keep. These new features will allow users to generate initial drafts of documents by speaking their thoughts, with the AI organizing the content.
Meet Hell Grind, The First Feature Film "Created Entirely On The Higgsfield AI Platform"
Hell Grind, the first feature film created entirely on the Higgsfield AI platform, has released a trailer following a preview at the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Aitore Zholdaskali and co-written by Adilkhan Yerzhanov, the 95-minute action-fantasy movie was produced for under $500k USD in 14 days using Higgsfield's AI tools. The film follows street thieves battling demons to save a friend and the world, with its production highlighting the potential for AI in lowering costs and production times for filmmakers.
Party Animals devs cancel AI video contest due to a ‘significant amount of negative feedback’
Recreate Games has canceled its AI video contest for Party Animals following significant negative community feedback. The studio apologized for insufficient consideration and poor communication, acknowledging a misstep in tying AI to lowering entry barriers. A community poll overwhelmingly favored cancellation, leading to the event's discontinuation.
Nintendo’s stock has climbed as much as 6.8% thanks to AI fatigue
Nintendo's stock saw a significant increase of 6.8%, marking the third consecutive day of gains, as investors reportedly experience 'AI fatigue' and seek alternative investments. Bandai Namco Holdings and Konami Group also experienced stock rises exceeding 9%. Capcom reiterated its policy of not directly implementing generative AI-created materials into its games, though it will use AI for efficiency improvements.
Morning Tech Bits
Google I/O 2026 is set to feature updates on Gemini AI and smart glasses, as detailed in a live blog. Separately, a report claims Intel is pressuring PC makers to adopt their 18A CPUs to secure supply. The article also briefly mentions Forza.
AI Yi-Yi!
The publisher of Far Far West stated they do not collaborate with companies reliant on generative AI. Meanwhile, NVIDIA has launched its first CPU designed for AI agents, which has been adopted by leading AI laboratories.
Party Animals' studio finally cancels its AI video contest and promises to approach topics like this in the future 'with a much more humble and cautious attitude'
Recreate Games has canceled its 'Golden Paw Awards' AI video contest for Party Animals following significant player backlash. The studio apologized for its handling of the situation, acknowledging that its approach to promoting AI-generated content overlooked potential harm to the creator community. Moving forward, the company pledges to be more cautious and communicative regarding future community events.
Spotify is launching verification badges for podcasts to help listeners avoid AI slop
Spotify is introducing verification badges for podcasts to help users distinguish authentic content from AI-generated material. This feature follows a similar implementation for music on the platform.
Intel is reportedly forcing PC builders to buy its latest, most expensive 18A CPUs and I'm wondering what that…
Intel is reportedly prioritizing its server CPUs and newer 18A silicon, leading to reduced supply of older Intel 7 node chips and even TSMC-manufactured CPUs for its PC partners. This strategy aims to meet surging AI demand and push PC builders towards the more expensive 18A process, potentially impacting the availability and pricing of high-performance desktop and laptop CPUs.
Escape Minerva’s Grasp in Horror Co-Op CODE EXIT — Survive the Demo Today
LINE Games and Phase 8 Studio have released a playable demo for their co-op survival horror game CODE EXIT on Steam and Epic Games Store. The demo allows players to experience the tactical gameplay where they must complete objectives and escape a city hunted by a learning AI named Minerva. The full game is expected to launch later.
Google I/O 2026: Live updates as the company announces new features for Gemini, AI, Search and more
Google is holding its I/O 2026 developer conference, providing live updates on new features for its Gemini AI, advancements in artificial intelligence, and updates to its Search engine. The event will cover a range of announcements from the technology giant.
Xbox promises ‘more change’ in the next two years than the last 25
Xbox's global director of ID@Xbox, Guy Richards, stated that the brand anticipates more significant changes in the next two years than in its entire 25-year history. New leadership under Asha Sharma is reportedly focusing on fan engagement and adjusting business models, though tangible proof of course correction remains to be seen. Discussions around console exclusives and potential AI integration also highlight the brand's evolving strategy.
The Daily Grind: Should game studios ban profanity in MMORPGs?
Blizzard Entertainment faced backlash over its customer support's handling of a World of Warcraft player's profanity, initially citing a non-existent rule against cursing. The company later clarified that profanity is judged on a case-by-case basis, not subject to a blanket ban, though the interaction raised questions about AI involvement in customer service.
Apple's new accessibility feature lets Vision Pro users control a wheelchair with their eyes
Apple is previewing new accessibility features for its Apple Vision Pro, including the ability for users to control a wheelchair using only their eyes. These updates are powered by Apple Intelligence and will also introduce natural language voice input.
Final Fantasy creator Sakaguchi praises AI slop trailer for a FF6 remake, earns himself a light ribbing from battle…
Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi praised an AI-generated trailer for a hypothetical Final Fantasy VI remake, expressing a desire to play it. His former colleague, Akitoshi Kawazu, playfully ribbed him about the AI content, though both agreed Final Fantasy VI would be well-suited for a 3D remake. Sakaguchi later commented that while AI isn't ready, there are intriguing possibilities.
Former Samsung boss predicts the memory crisis could be over in the second half of next year thanks to a…
A former Samsung Electronics executive predicts the global memory chip crisis could end in the latter half of 2027 or early 2028 due to a significant increase in manufacturing capacity in China. This surge in supply, potentially driven by a slowdown in AI industry investment, could lead to a substantial drop in memory prices, shifting the market from a shortage to a potential glut.
