Google Expands $8 AI Plus Plan Globally
Google’s lower-cost AI Plus subscription, priced at $7.99 in the U.S., is now available in all markets offering Google AI plans, providing access to Gemini 3 Pro, AI filmmaking tools, and more.
Instruction tuning adapts a pretrained model using examples that pair an instruction with an appropriate response. The training set may cover summarization, question answering, extraction, writing, refusal behavior, and many other tasks, helping the model respond more reliably to natural-language requests. Unlike learning one narrow capability, a diverse instruction collection aims to improve general task following. Quality matters more than simple volume because contradictory, unsafe, or poorly written examples can teach undesirable patterns. Evaluation should test unfamiliar instructions, factuality, formatting, and safety boundaries. Instruction tuning is often combined with preference training or other alignment methods, but it cannot guarantee that every future request will be understood correctly.
Google’s lower-cost AI Plus subscription, priced at $7.99 in the U.S., is now available in all markets offering Google AI plans, providing access to Gemini 3 Pro, AI filmmaking tools, and more.
Apple plans to debut a Gemini-based Siri in February, offering more natural conversations, complex tasks, and integration across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT model has cited Elon Musk-backed Grokipedia across multiple topics, prompting concerns among researchers about how low-credibility sources can influence AI-generated answers.
Language learning app Praktika is using OpenAI models to power a multi-agent tutoring system designed to improve real-world speaking fluency through adaptive, conversational lessons.
Apple is reportedly working on a pin-shaped AI wearable with cameras and microphones, potentially launching in 2027, signaling increased competition in the AI hardware space.
Apple is preparing a major overhaul of Siri that would turn the assistant into a chatbot-style interface integrated into iOS 27, reflecting growing competitive pressure in generative AI.
OpenAI is on track to unveil its first consumer device in the second half of 2026, signaling a major expansion beyond software as the company explores a new category of AI-native hardware.
A federal judge ruled that Elon Musk’s lawsuit accusing OpenAI of abandoning its charitable mission can proceed to trial, rejecting dismissal efforts by OpenAI and Microsoft.
Barclays Research says humanoid robots are moving from experimental labs into real-world deployment as advances in AI and hardware reduce costs. The firm estimates the market could expand sharply over the next decade amid labor shortages.
U.S. senators are demanding detailed explanations from major tech platforms on how they prevent and monetize AI-generated sexual deepfakes. The inquiry follows renewed scrutiny of generative AI tools and their safeguards.