NerdNews

DeepMind's new WeatherNext 2 model promises more efficient, accurate, and higher-resolution global weather predictions, including temperature, pressure, and wind forecasts up to two weeks out. The model is eight times faster than the previous iteration and can better predict tropical storm tracks. It also brings hourly forecasts, which can help businesses make more precise decisions.

Google has introduced Code Wiki, an AI-powered tool that aims to document code in a repository and keep it up-to-date. The tool uses AI to generate documentation for open-source projects and will soon be available for internal repositories. While it has the potential to save time and effort, some developers are skeptical about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated documentation.

Google is expanding its AI-powered 'Flight Deals' tool globally, adding new travel features in Search, including the ability to organize travel plans with its 'Canvas' tool in AI Mode and launching agentic booking capabilities to more people.

Google's Gemini 3 large language model has been spotted on AI Studio, indicating an imminent release. The model is expected to roll out in the next few hours or days, with references to temperature settings and reasoning capabilities. Gemini 3 will first be available on AI Studio before gradually rolling out on gemini.google.com.

Fidji Simo, the new CEO of Applications at OpenAI, is working to make ChatGPT a must-have product, while also addressing concerns around mental health, job disruption, and data privacy. She plans to introduce ads to the platform, but emphasizes the need for a different model that respects user data. Simo also highlights the potential for AI to create new job opportunities and enhance human creativity.

Sakana AI, a Tokyo-based startup, has raised $135M in Series B funding at a $2.65B valuation. The company develops affordable generative AI models optimized for the Japanese language and culture, and plans to expand its enterprise business into new sectors.

Jeff Bezos will become co-CEO of Project Prometheus, an AI startup focused on improving manufacturing for computers, cars, and spacecraft. The company has $6.2 billion in investment and nearly 100 employees, including former staff from OpenAI, DeepMind, and Meta.

Google is fighting a defamation lawsuit from Robby Starbuck, who claims the company's AI falsely associated him with sexual assault allegations and a white nationalist. Google says it shouldn't be held responsible for alleged 'hallucinations' by its AI and is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit.

Google's AI Mode can now create personalized travel itineraries with flight and hotel options, as well as suggested activities. Users can refine their plans with follow-up questions or requests. The feature is available on desktop for US users who have opted into AI Mode in Labs.

Jeff Bezos and other tech billionaires are planning to put data centers in orbit, citing potential cost savings and increased access to solar power. However, experts warn that achieving this goal won't be easy due to heat dissipation and maintenance challenges in space. The idea has been floated by several companies, including Google and Nvidia, but it remains to be seen whether it will become a reality.

Windows users are expressing frustration over the operating system's reliability and performance, despite Microsoft's push for an 'agentic OS' that integrates AI and cloud features. The Windows boss, Pavan Davuluri, has acknowledged the feedback and promised to address the issues, but some users are skeptical about the company's priorities.

Luminar, a lidar sensor company, is in a dispute with its biggest customer Volvo, which has canceled a five-year-old contract. Luminar is facing financial difficulties and has warned investors it may have to declare bankruptcy. The company has laid off 25% of its staff and is trying to sell itself or parts of itself to potential buyers.

PowerLattice, a startup founded by veteran electrical engineers, has developed a power-saving chiplet that reduces power needs by over 50%. The company has attracted investment from ex-Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger and has raised $25 million in Series A funding. Its technology brings power closer to the processor, minimizing energy loss, and has the potential to significantly impact the semiconductor industry.

Luminal, a startup founded by former Intel and Apple employees, has raised $5.3 million in seed funding to develop a better GPU code framework. The company aims to optimize the compiler that sits between written code and GPU hardware, improving compute performance and reducing costs for companies. Luminal's technology has the potential to benefit various industries, including AI, gaming, and scientific research.

Technology innovation, including AI, is changing the accounting profession, enabling accountants to become strategic financial advisors and provide more valuable services to clients, such as cash flow management and financial reporting.

Palantir is working with Multiverse to provide an apprenticeship program for its Federated Data Platform (FDP) used by the NHS. The program aims to boost software usage and improve care, but critics have raised concerns over the contract award process and the platform's effectiveness.

Seven malicious NPM packages were found to be using the Adspect cloud-based service to redirect users to cryptocurrency scam sites. The packages, published under the name 'dino_reborn', use a cloaking mechanism to evade security and target potential victims. The malicious code collects user data and sends it to the Adspect API, which then redirects the user to a fake cryptocurrency-branded CAPTCHA page.

The Dutch police have seized around 250 physical servers powering a bulletproof hosting service used exclusively by cybercriminals. The service, which has been used for illicit activities since 2022, has been linked to over 80 cybercrime investigations. The seizure is expected to disrupt various malicious activities, including ransomware attacks, botnet operations, and phishing campaigns.

A security researcher claims Coinbase knew about a December 2024 security breach at least four months before it was disclosed. The researcher, Jonathan Clark, reported the attack to Coinbase in January after being targeted by scammers who had access to his personal data. Coinbase initially responded to the report but failed to provide further updates or explanations.

British prosecutors have secured a civil recovery order to seize £4.11 million in crypto assets from Twitter hacker Joseph James O'Connor, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and money laundering in 2023. The seizure is part of a broader effort to recover proceeds of crime, with the CPS having recovered nearly £478 million over the past five years.