Author: Jonas

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News
Jonas

Google Begins Direct Pixel Sales in India with New Online Store

Google is expanding its hardware presence in India with the introduction of its official online Google Store, launching on May 29, 2025. This new direct-to-consumer platform provides Indian customers with the ability to purchase Pixel smartphones and other Google devices directly, offering discounts, financing options, and enhanced customer support.

Previously available mainly through third-party retailers, Pixel products will now be accessible via Google’s dedicated online store, which aims to streamline the purchasing process. Consumers can compare models, access exclusive deals, and place orders with greater convenience.

To attract buyers, Google is offering competitive pricing and financing options, including no-cost EMI plans for up to 24 months, instant cashback, exchange bonuses, and store credits. Discounts apply to various Pixel models, such as the Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a, with price reductions facilitated by partnerships with HDFC Bank and Cashify.

Beyond the online store, Google is strengthening its physical retail presence, expanding availability to over 25 major retail chains, including Croma, Reliance Digital, and Vijay Sales. These stores will offer hands-on experiences with Pixel devices.

Customer support is a core focus of Google’s strategy, with the company committing to improved after-sales service, including same-day repair options, official warranty coverage, and 24/7 expert assistance. A new “Pixel Price Promise” may also provide partial refunds if a customer finds a lower price at an authorized retailer within a specified period.

This comprehensive approach—combining direct online sales, competitive pricing, expanded retail partnerships, and enhanced customer support—indicates Google’s intent to strengthen its foothold in India’s competitive smartphone market. The earlier launch of “Made in India” Pixel 8 production in August 2024 further reflects the company’s commitment to the region, providing local consumers with improved accessibility and purchasing options.

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Deep Pulse
Jonas

AI Assistants Set to Automate Online Tasks in the Emerging “Agentic Web” Era

The digital landscape is undergoing a major transformation as leading tech companies like Google and Microsoft accelerate the development and deployment of AI agents designed to autonomously manage users’ online tasks. This emerging “agentic web” signals a shift from traditional browsing and manual interactions to AI-driven automation and delegation.

Google’s Project Mariner is rapidly evolving from a research initiative into a core service component. Integrated into the Gemini API, these agentic capabilities will soon be accessible in widely used consumer products like Chrome, Search, and the Gemini app via a new “Agent Mode.” This functionality enables AI to perform multi-step tasks, such as refining apartment searches on Zillow, adjusting filters, and even scheduling viewing appointments. Similarly, Microsoft’s Build 2025 conference emphasized a strategy centered on “AI agents,” including the introduction of an “Agent Store” within Microsoft 365 Copilot, allowing users to explore and deploy specialized agents for various tasks.

This transition to AI-driven task automation represents a fundamental shift in user interactions with online services. Instead of navigating complex interfaces or juggling multiple apps for tasks like booking travel, managing appointments, or conducting research, users will increasingly rely on AI agents to handle these processes. These agents will interpret user intent, interact with relevant services, and complete tasks with minimal intervention.

While the agentic web promises unprecedented convenience and efficiency—enabling AI to book flights, arrange transportation, and manage schedules from a single request—it also raises critical concerns. As AI agents gain autonomy, issues surrounding data privacy, security, and user control come into focus. Consumers will need confidence that these systems act in their best interest and handle personal data responsibly. Additionally, errors or unintended consequences could arise if agents misinterpret instructions or encounter unexpected scenarios online.

Microsoft’s vision for an “open agentic web,” where AI agents interact across various platforms, further highlights both opportunities and challenges. Ensuring interoperability, security, and accountability will be essential as this new digital paradigm unfolds. For users, the emergence of the agentic web offers a glimpse into a more automated and personalized future—one that demands careful navigation and a deeper understanding of how intelligent systems operate.

To provide insight into the evolving AI landscape, the following table summarizes key developments announced by major players in late May 2025:

AI Landscape Snapshot – Key Announcements (Late May 2025)

CompanyAI Model/ProductKey New Feature/CapabilityStated Consumer Benefit/ImpactAvailability/Rollout
GoogleGemini 2.5 Series, Deep ThinkEnhanced reasoning, 50x token processing increase, personal file integration for Deep Research, Canvas integrationMore personal, proactive, powerful AI assistance; dynamic content creation (infographics, quizzes, podcasts)Deep Think (experimental for 2.5 Pro); Deep Research enhancements rolling out; Canvas integration coming soon 1
GoogleGoogle BeamAI-first 3D video communications platform, realistic 3D experiences from 2D streamsMore immersive and natural video calls, breaking down language barriers with real-time expressive translationBeta for AI Pro/Ultra subscribers (English/Spanish translation), more languages soon 3
GoogleProject Astra / Gemini LiveCamera and screen-sharing capabilities for universal AI assistantAI understands visual context from camera/screen for more interactive help; coming to Search LiveIntegrating into Gemini Live; Search Live in Labs this summer 1
GoogleProject Mariner / Agent ModeAI agents for web interaction and task completion (e.g., apartment hunting, booking tickets)Automated task completion on the web, more done with less effortCapabilities via Gemini API; Agent Mode in Gemini app (experimental for subscribers soon); coming to Chrome, Search 1
GoogleAI Mode in SearchEnd-to-end AI search for complex queries, deep research, live visual search, agentic capabilities, AI shoppingMore thorough, conversational, and actionable search results; virtual try-on, agentic checkoutRolling out in U.S. (opt-in via Labs); Deep Search, Search Live, agentic features in Labs; new shopping experience coming 1
MetaMeta AIReached 1 billion MAU; focus on personalization, voice, entertainment; plans for paid recommendations/subscriptionsMore personalized AI assistant; potential for premium features1 billion MAU currently; monetization plans for the future 4
AnthropicClaude Opus 4New model launched with proactive ASL-3 safety standards (e.g., harder to jailbreak for CBRN misuse)Access to a powerful new model with enhanced, precautionary safety measures against misuseClaude Opus 4 and ASL-3 protections active now 9
xAIGrok on TelegramIntegration of Grok chatbot into Telegram via $300M dealGrok accessible to Telegram’s 1B+ users; potential for new AI assistant choice within the appIntegration following the deal announcement 12
MicrosoftAgent Store (M365 Copilot)Marketplace to build, publish, and discover AI agents for Microsoft 365Access to a growing library of specialized AI agents for diverse tasks, boosting productivityAnnounced at Microsoft Build 2025 3
DeepSeekDeepSeek-R1-0528Upgraded reasoning model with performance parity to OpenAI o3 & Gemini 2.5 Pro on benchmarks, efficient architectureAccess to a highly capable open-source reasoning model, potentially at lower computational costAvailable on Hugging Face now 17
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News
Jonas

Reed Hastings Joins Anthropic’s Board to Advise on AI Safety and Societal Impact

Reed Hastings, co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, has joined the board of directors at Anthropic, an AI safety and research company known for its focus on building reliable and aligned AI systems. The appointment was made by Anthropic’s Long-Term Benefit Trust around May 28, 2025, and reflects the organization’s growing emphasis on ethical governance and societal impact at the highest level of oversight.

Hastings brings decades of leadership experience in building and scaling global technology platforms. In addition to founding Netflix, he has held board positions at leading technology firms including Facebook (Meta) and Microsoft. According to Buddy Shah, Chair of the Long-Term Benefit Trust, Hastings was selected for his “impressive leadership experience, deep philanthropic work, and commitment to addressing AI’s societal challenges,” making him “uniquely qualified to guide Anthropic at this critical juncture in AI development.”

The move is consistent with Anthropic’s mission to build interpretable and steerable AI systems that benefit humanity. Hastings has increasingly focused his attention on the intersection of technology and ethics. Notably, he recently donated $50 million to Bowdoin College to launch a research initiative on AI and Humanity, aimed at understanding how AI is transforming work, relationships, and education while developing responsible frameworks for its use—issues that closely mirror Anthropic’s research agenda.

In a public statement, Hastings expressed support for Anthropic’s dual commitment to optimism and caution in AI development:

“Anthropic is very optimistic about the AI benefits for humanity, but is also very aware of the economic, social, and safety challenges. I’m joining Anthropic’s board because I believe in their approach to AI development, and to help humanity progress.”

Daniela Amodei, President of Anthropic, welcomed Hastings by highlighting his broader awareness of the societal responsibilities borne by tech companies:

“His focus on the human impact of technology—whether at Netflix or through his global health and education initiatives—makes him an ideal addition to our board as we continue building AI that helps rather than harms.”

The appointment of such a high-profile figure suggests that Anthropic is committed not only to technical excellence but also to embedding ethical foresight into its governance structures. Hastings’ experience straddling disruptive innovation and philanthropic engagement adds a distinctive perspective to the company’s board at a time when public and regulatory scrutiny of AI development is intensifying.

His presence may also influence broader industry norms, particularly around the composition and function of AI governance boards. As companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind expand the reach of advanced AI, integrating leadership that understands both the technological potential and societal responsibility may become a defining factor in building public trust—and long-term viability.

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News
Jonas

WhatsApp Finally Arrives on iPad with Full Functionality and Multitasking Support

After more than 15 years since its iOS debut, Meta has officially launched a native WhatsApp app for iPad. Available from the Apple App Store as of May 28, 2025, this long-awaited release brings the world’s most popular messaging service to Apple’s tablets with full optimization.

Unlike a simple scaled-up version of the iPhone app, WhatsApp for iPad fully leverages the tablet’s larger display, supporting both portrait and landscape modes. It includes all familiar features—text messaging, group chats, status updates, and voice/video calls for up to 32 participants, along with screen sharing capabilities.

A major productivity boost comes from seamless iPadOS multitasking integration, enabling Split View, Slide Over, and Stage Manager for efficient communication while multitasking. The app also supports iPad accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, enhancing typing and navigation.

Meta ensures multi-device synchronization, keeping chats, media, and call history in sync across linked iPhones, Macs, and iPads. End-to-end encryption remains intact, preserving WhatsApp’s strong privacy standards. The delay in releasing an official iPad app likely stems from technical challenges in adapting WhatsApp’s phone-number-based structure to a true multi-device tablet experience.

How it benefits users

iPad owners now get a full-featured WhatsApp experience without needing web-based alternatives. This enhances messaging, group video calls, and multitasking on a larger screen—potentially boosting its use in professional and educational settings.