google, amazon and microsoft Updates

Instacart recently announced it is immediately stopping its AI-powered "item price tests" after significant public criticism and scrutiny from federal regulators. Reports from Consumer Reports, Groundwork Collaborative, and More Perfect Union revealed that these tests, powered by Instacart's 2022 acquisition Eversight, sometimes led shoppers to pay up to 23% more for identical items. Instacart admitted these experiments "missed the mark" and caused concern, now promising all shoppers will see the same prices for identical items from the same store, though retailers can still set varying prices across different stores. This decision follows a separate $60 million settlement with the FTC over other deceptive practices. Meanwhile, Google continues to push the boundaries of AI, bringing co-founder Larry Page's 2000 vision of an "ultimate search engine" closer to reality. Its Gemini AI model, particularly the latest Gemini 3 Flash, now integrates into search with an "AI Mode" that answers questions in natural language and understands text, images, audio, and video. Google also open-sourced A2UI, a new protocol that allows AI agents to create interactive user interfaces using a simple JSON format, enhancing security and user experience by enabling structured forms instead of long text responses. In the investment world, "Big Short" investor Danny Moses cautions that the financial "math isn't working" in the booming AI market. He advises investors to be highly selective, suggesting large technology companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, along with Oracle, as safer bets. This comes as AI's influence expands into diverse sectors, with Guavy launching an iOS mobile app on December 22, 2025, to provide AI-powered crypto market signals to everyday traders, analyzing news and social media for bullish, neutral, or bearish insights. However, AI also presents new challenges. Anthropic's AI models are reportedly being used by Chinese hackers to create adaptable cyberattacks, threatening traditional cybersecurity strategies like "defense in depth." Experts emphasize the need for security teams to rethink their approach, combining blocking and detection. The gaming industry also faces potential disruptions, with predictions of GTA 6 delays and increased costs for gaming hardware due to heavy AI investment, which could force developers to lower their technical ambitions. Amidst these developments, Starcloud, a Seattle startup, successfully trained its first AI model in space using an Nvidia H100 chip and plans a major expansion, aiming for a $13.1 billion contract by 2032 to provide 10 gigawatts of space energy, with future plans for Nvidia B100 chips on Starcloud-2 and Starcloud-3 satellites. The broader impact of AI is also evident in workplace learning, where a senior executive noted that no one fully understands how learning will evolve in this new era, necessitating adaptation from companies and employees. For those seeking to grasp these complex changes, a list of 11 new books, encompassing both fiction and nonfiction, offers insights into topics ranging from deepfakes and self-driving cars to AI in medicine, helping readers navigate the rapidly changing AI age.

Key Takeaways

  • Instacart halted AI-powered pricing tests after reports showed shoppers paid up to 23% more for identical items, admitting the tests "missed the mark."
  • Google's Gemini AI, including Gemini 3 Flash, is advancing Larry Page's vision for AI-powered search, integrating into search with an "AI Mode" and multimodal capabilities.
  • Google open-sourced A2UI, a protocol enabling AI agents to create interactive user interfaces using JSON, enhancing security and user experience.
  • Danny Moses, a "Big Short" investor, warns about the financial risks in the AI market but suggests large tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google as safer investment options.
  • Anthropic's AI models are reportedly being used by Chinese hackers for adaptable cyberattacks, challenging traditional cybersecurity defense strategies.
  • Starcloud successfully trained an AI model in space using an Nvidia H100 chip and plans a $13.1 billion expansion to provide 10 gigawatts of space energy, with future plans for Nvidia B100 chips.
  • Guavy launched an iOS mobile app on December 22, 2025, offering AI-powered crypto market signals to everyday traders, with an Android version planned for 2026.
  • Heavy AI investment is predicted to increase gaming hardware costs and scarcity, potentially delaying games like GTA 6 and forcing developers to lower technical ambitions.
  • AI is transforming workplace learning, requiring companies and employees to adapt to new methods and tools.
  • New books are available to help people understand the complex world of AI, covering topics like deepfakes, self-driving cars, and AI in medicine.

Instacart stops AI pricing tests after customer complaints

Instacart has stopped using AI to test different prices for the same items. This decision came after a report by Consumer Reports and Groundwork Collaborative showed some shoppers paid up to 23% more. The company admitted these tests "missed the mark" and caused concern for families trying to save money. Instacart acquired Eversight in 2022, which powered these experiments. Now, all shoppers will see the same prices for identical items from the same store.

Instacart halts AI pricing tool after study

Instacart announced it will stop using an AI tool that allowed retailers to charge different prices for the same items. This change is effective immediately and means retailers can no longer use Eversight technology for these tests. The decision followed an investigation by Consumer Reports and Groundwork Collaborative, which found price differences up to 23%. Instacart stated the tests did not use personal customer data and they listened to customer feedback. This comes after a separate $60 million settlement with the FTC over other deceptive practices.

Instacart stops AI pricing tests after scrutiny

Instacart will no longer let retailers run AI pricing tests on its grocery delivery platform. A study revealed these tools made shoppers pay different prices for identical items, sometimes increasing costs by over $1,000 yearly. Instacart stated the tests "missed the mark" and caused concern for customers. The company acquired Eversight in 2022 for this technology. Federal regulators also questioned Instacart about these tools, and the company recently settled a separate case with the FTC for $60 million regarding deceptive practices.

Instacart ends AI price tests after public outcry

Instacart is stopping its AI-powered pricing tests, which sometimes showed different prices for the same products. The company now promises that all shoppers will see the same prices for identical items from the same store at the same time. This change happened after a report by Consumer Reports and More Perfect Union highlighted the issue. Instacart listened to customer feedback and admitted the tests "missed the mark" for some users. Lawmakers like Senator Chuck Schumer also brought attention to the problem.

Instacart stops AI price tests after criticism

Instacart announced it is immediately ending its "item price tests" that used AI. This decision follows public criticism and questions from federal regulators about its Eversight AI software. A report by Consumer Reports, Groundwork Collaborative, and More Perfect Union showed customers paid up to 23% more for the same items. Instacart stated the tests "missed the mark" and caused concern for families. The company recently settled a separate $60 million case with the FTC regarding deceptive practices. Retailers will still set their own prices, meaning prices could vary across different stores.

Guavy releases AI crypto trading app for everyone

Guavy launched its new iOS mobile app on December 22, 2025, bringing AI-powered crypto market signals to everyday traders. The app uses advanced AI to analyze news, social media, and data to provide clear bullish, neutral, or bearish signals. This technology was previously only available to large institutions. CEO Donna Tilden says it helps users find coins matching their risk and identify good times to buy or sell. The app offers features like trade simulations and a sentiment-driven news feed, with an Android version coming in 2026.

Guavy app uses AI for crypto trading insights

Guavy released its new iOS mobile app on December 22, 2025, offering AI-powered crypto market sentiment and trading signals. This app helps regular crypto traders by analyzing vast amounts of data, including news and social posts, to provide clear buy or sell signals. CEO Donna Tilden explains it simplifies complex market information, making trading more accessible. The app includes features like customizable dashboards, trade simulations, and a sentiment-filtered news feed. An Android version is planned for 2026, and the app offers both free and paid plans.

11 books help understand the AI era

This article recommends 11 new books to help people understand the complex world of artificial intelligence. These books, both fiction and nonfiction, explore how AI is changing our lives and future. They cover topics like deepfakes, self-driving cars, and AI in medicine. Examples include "Vantage Point" by Sara Sligar, which is a thriller about deepfakes, and Dr. Fei-Fei Li's "The Worlds I See," which explains early AI breakthroughs. The list aims to offer helpful views into our fast-changing AI age.

Google's Gemini nears Larry Page's AI search vision

In 2000, Google cofounder Larry Page believed an "ultimate search engine" would use artificial intelligence. He felt Google was far from this goal then. Now, 25 years later, Google's Gemini AI model is bringing that vision closer to reality. Google has integrated Gemini into its search with an "AI Mode" that answers questions in natural language. The latest version, Gemini 3 Flash, outperforms competitors and can understand text, images, audio, and video. Gemini can also help users with tasks like managing emails, moving beyond just passive searching.

AI transforms how we learn at work

Artificial intelligence is changing the way people learn in the workplace. A senior executive noted that no one fully understands how learning will happen in this new AI era. This highlights a significant shift in professional development and skill acquisition. Companies and employees must adapt to new methods and tools driven by AI technologies.

Google releases A2UI for AI agent interfaces

Google has open-sourced A2UI, a new protocol that helps AI agents create interactive user interfaces. A2UI allows agents to describe complex interfaces using a simple JSON format, which client applications then display with their own native components. This solves the problem of agents sending long text responses by letting them request structured forms instead. It also ensures security by preventing agents from sending executable code. A2UI is designed to be easy for large language models to use, works across different software frameworks, and allows interfaces to load progressively.

Anthropic AI attacks challenge cybersecurity

Anthropic's AI is being used in cyberattacks, threatening the basic strategies of cybersecurity. Chinese hackers are reportedly using Anthropic's models to create AI-enabled attacks that can adapt after failing. This challenges the common "defense in depth" approach, which relies on layers of defenses to slow attackers. Experts say companies must now combine blocking and detection strategies to withstand these new adaptable AI threats. Andrew Lohn from Georgetown University's CSET emphasizes that security teams need to rethink their entire approach to defense.

Big Short investor warns AI math is off

Danny Moses, known for his "Big Short" investments, warns that the financial "math isn't working" in the booming AI market. He sees risks but does not suggest avoiding AI investments completely. Instead, Moses advises investors to be very selective and research carefully. He believes the safest way to invest in AI is through large technology companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Moses also specifically mentioned Oracle in his comments to Business Insider.

Gaming analyst predicts GTA 6 delay and AI hardware impact

Manu Rosier, a Newzoo market intelligence director, shared his predictions for the 2026 gaming industry. He expects GTA 6 to face another delay, causing player fatigue. Rosier also predicts that heavy AI investment will make gaming hardware more expensive and harder to find, forcing developers to lower their technical ambitions. He believes Valve will surprise the industry by revealing Half-Life 3, showcasing new high-end PC gaming technology. However, he thinks the Steam Machine will struggle to find a large audience, and Switch 2 sales will fall behind the original Switch.

Starcloud aims for big space AI power plans

Starcloud, a Seattle-area startup, successfully trained its first AI model in space and now plans major expansions. The company provides solar-powered satellite "boxes" with cooling and communication, while partners supply the AI processing chips. CEO Philip Johnston envisions Starcloud becoming a space energy provider, with a potential $13.1 billion contract for 10 gigawatts of power by 2032. Their Starcloud-1 satellite, launched by SpaceX, proved an Nvidia H100 chip can process AI data in space. Future plans include Starcloud-2 with more power and advanced Nvidia B100 chips, followed by the larger Starcloud-3 on a Starship rocket.

Sources

NOTE:

This news brief was generated using AI technology (including, but not limited to, Google Gemini API, Llama, Grok, and Mistral) from aggregated news articles, with minimal to no human editing/review. It is provided for informational purposes only and may contain inaccuracies or biases. This is not financial, investment, or professional advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please verify all information with the linked original articles in the Sources section below.

Instacart AI pricing Eversight Customer complaints Consumer Reports FTC Deceptive practices Grocery delivery Retail pricing AI ethics Price discrimination Guavy AI crypto trading Crypto market signals Mobile app Financial technology AI for finance AI books AI education Deepfakes Self-driving cars AI in medicine AI impact Google Gemini AI search engine Larry Page Natural language processing Multimodal AI Google AI AI agents AI in workplace learning Google A2UI AI agent interfaces User interface protocol Large Language Models Open source AI development Anthropic AI Cybersecurity AI in cyberattacks AI threats AI investments Financial markets Tech stocks Amazon Microsoft Google Oracle Investment strategy Gaming industry AI hardware Starcloud AI in space Satellite technology SpaceX Nvidia H100 Nvidia B100 AI processing chips

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