Author: Anna

Microsoft has launched a major initiative to strengthen its artificial intelligence capabilities in Hungarian, following proceedings with the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH). The company will develop and utilize a dataset containing approximately 10 billion Hungarian words to enhance the training of its AI models.

As part of the agreement, Microsoft has committed to making this dataset freely accessible to other AI developers, a move that could significantly advance Hungarian-language AI applications. This commitment is tied to a GVH investigation into whether Microsoft had adequately informed Hungarian users about the AI-powered services it introduced in February 2023.

Expanding AI development in smaller languages like Hungarian is considered essential for data sovereignty, security, and cultural preservation. Microsoft will also implement educational initiatives, including training programs for Hungarian civil servants, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and consumers, to improve awareness of AI’s potential and risks. This effort aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy, which includes investing over €20 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure across Europe.

https://www.gvh.hu/en/press_room/press_releases/press-releases-2025/microsoft-will-teach-its-artificial-intelligence-in-hungarian-thanks-to-the-gvh

UBTech Robotics Corp., a leading Chinese robotics firm, is set to launch a humanoid robot for home use later this year, priced at approximately $20,000. Known for its high-end industrial humanoid robots, the Shenzhen-based company is now expanding into the consumer market, with a focus on household companionship and elderly care—an increasingly relevant area in China’s aging society.

Michael Tam, UBTech’s Chief Brand Officer, emphasized the growing demand for home companion robots, citing elderly care as a key driver. While the new model is expected to offer interactive and assistance-based functions, Tam noted that a fully versatile home robot capable of performing complex caregiving tasks is still several years away due to technological constraints.

UBTech aims to scale production significantly, targeting a tenfold increase by 2026, with around 1,000 units of its home robot expected to ship this year. This positions the company as a competitor to Tesla, which has announced plans to launch its Optimus humanoid robot between 2026 and 2027 at a similar price range. UBTech’s industrial humanoid robots, currently used by major clients such as BYD Co. and Foxconn Technology Group, typically sell for around $100,000.

The company’s entry into the consumer robotics market reflects a broader trend, where AI-powered robots are transitioning from industrial environments into everyday households. This shift is driven by demographic changes, technological advancements, and the increasing need for smart automation solutions. While initial home models may focus on companionship and basic assistance rather than complex tasks, they have the potential to support independent living, enhance social interaction, and assist with routine monitoring.

UBTech’s expansion underscores the competitive landscape of China’s robotics sector, which has been accelerated by national priorities centered on AI and automation. As the technology continues to evolve, the integration of humanoid robots into daily life may reshape consumer expectations regarding home assistance and personal robotics.

WhatsApp is introducing new creative tools for Status, expanding customization options for users. The May 29, 2025 update adds four new features designed to enhance self-expression and interaction.

Users can now create collages with up to six images using the Layout tool, allowing for customized arrangements. Music sharing is also improved, enabling users to post a song as their Status or convert it into a music sticker for other posts.

Additionally, the Photo Stickers feature lets users transform images into stickers, adjusting their size and shape for Status updates. The Add Yours sticker, inspired by Instagram, encourages engagement by allowing users to post a picture and invite friends to respond with their own Status updates.

These features will be rolled out gradually and will be available to all WhatsApp users in the coming months.

Stellantis is adjusting its in-car technology strategy by discontinuing its collaboration with Amazon on the “Stellantis SmartCockpit” software project and transitioning to a Google Android-based infotainment system for future models. This shift, reported around May 29, 2025, highlights the challenges automakers face in developing a unified software experience across multiple brands.

The Stellantis SmartCockpit project, introduced three years ago as part of a broader effort to generate revenue from software, aimed to enhance vehicle personalization and driver-specific settings. However, implementing these features consistently across Stellantis’ diverse portfolio of 14 brands proved difficult. Reports suggest that Amazon personnel previously assigned to the project have been reassigned or are no longer involved.

Despite discontinuing the SmartCockpit interface, Stellantis will maintain its relationship with Amazon in other areas, continuing to use Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its cloud provider and retaining Amazon Alexa as an in-vehicle voice assistant. This suggests Stellantis is adopting a selective approach, integrating different technologies where they offer the most advantages.

The shift towards a Google Android-based system reflects the growing preference for established automotive platforms rather than proprietary infotainment solutions, which require significant development resources. Many automakers are opting to leverage existing ecosystems from companies like Google and Apple to streamline software integration.

For consumers, this change could result in a more uniform infotainment experience across Stellantis brands, improving app compatibility and usability. However, it also highlights the increasing influence of major tech companies in shaping in-car digital experiences, which may reduce differentiation between vehicle brands at the software level. Stellantis continues to invest in automotive software development, including its STLA Autodrive automated driving system and an AI-powered in-car assistant developed in collaboration with Mistral AI.

Google Photos celebrates its tenth anniversary with a major update, introducing an AI-driven photo editor and enhanced album-sharing features. Announced around May 28, 2025, these updates aim to make editing more efficient and sharing more seamless for its 1.5 billion monthly users.

The redesigned editor streamlines all editing tools into a single interface and introduces AI-powered suggestions. A new “AI Enhance” feature automatically generates three optimized versions of a photo, applying refinements such as sharpening and object removal, allowing users to select their preferred edit with a single tap.

Additionally, Google is expanding access to AI editing tools previously exclusive to its Pixel 9’s Magic Editor. Features like “Auto Frame,” which intelligently suggests crops and can generate missing portions of an image, and “Reimagine,” which enables users to modify elements—such as adding seasonal changes—will be available on more Android devices starting in June, with iOS support following later. To maintain transparency, Google has begun watermarking images that have undergone significant AI-driven modifications.

Album sharing also sees improvements with the introduction of QR code-based sharing. Users can generate a QR code for an album, making it easy for others to scan and access the collection or contribute photos. This functionality is beginning to roll out now.

In addition to these new features, Google highlighted existing AI-powered tools such as automated “Best of Month” and “Year-End Recap” memories, personal video montage creation with music, and automatic updates to shared albums when new photos of specific people or pets are added. Users can further customize their experience by organizing their photo grid, stacking similar images, hiding screenshots, and tailoring which memories appear in their feed.

These updates reinforce Google Photos’ commitment to leveraging AI for a more intuitive and enriched user experience. While democratizing advanced editing tools enables users to achieve professional-quality results effortlessly, it also raises discussions about the distinction between authentic and AI-enhanced images. The latest sharing enhancements seek to simplify connections through photography, underscoring AI’s central role in shaping Google Photos’ evolution into its next decade.