Google Gemini Expands Search, OpenAI Hits 800M Users

Google is significantly expanding the reach of its AI-powered search capabilities, making its AI Mode available in 40 new countries and 35 additional languages, including Arabic and seven Indian languages like Bengali, Kannada, and Tamil. This rollout leverages Google's Gemini models to help users with complex, multi-layered questions, offering synthesized answers through text, voice, or image inputs. In India, Google is also introducing Search Live, a feature built on Project Astra technology that provides real-time assistance using a phone's camera and voice, making it the second country after the U.S. to receive this functionality. These advancements aim to make AI search more intuitive and accessible globally, with Google Cloud and AI, including Gemini, also set to power the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and support Team USA. Meanwhile, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has reached an impressive 800 million weekly active users, underscoring its dominance in the AI race. The company is now valued at an estimated $500 billion, a figure that reflects the rapid growth and influence of artificial intelligence. However, concerns are being raised about the consolidation of AI resources and its potential impact on democracy and global stability. Reports also highlight critical security gaps in API practices, which are putting AI initiatives at risk, with 80% of organizations lacking continuous API monitoring. To foster innovation while ensuring safety, Senator Ted Cruz has proposed the SANDBOX Act, a regulatory framework for AI pilot projects. In parallel, the European Union is developing strategies to boost AI adoption among its businesses, aiming to integrate AI into key industries despite lagging in AI model development. Investor Kevin O'Leary identifies AI as a top investment for small businesses, citing the affordability of tools like ChatGPT for improving efficiency. Google is also supporting U.S. small businesses with AI training through its Grow with Google program and a $5 million grant to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Key Takeaways

• Google is expanding its AI Mode search feature to 40 new countries and 35 additional languages, including Arabic and seven Indian languages.
• Search Live, a real-time AI assistance feature using phone cameras and voice, is launching in India, following its U.S. debut.
• OpenAI's ChatGPT has reached 800 million weekly active users, and the company is now valued at an estimated $500 billion.
• Poor API security practices are a significant risk to AI initiatives, with 80% of organizations lacking continuous monitoring.
• Senator Ted Cruz has proposed the AI SANDBOX Act to create regulatory exemptions for AI pilot projects, encouraging innovation.
• The European Union is launching a strategy to increase AI adoption among businesses in key industries.
• Google Cloud and AI, including Gemini, will power the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and support Team USA.
• Investor Kevin O'Leary considers AI the top investment for small businesses due to affordable tools like ChatGPT.
• Google is providing AI training and $5 million in funding to U.S. small businesses to enhance AI skills.
• Concerns exist regarding the consolidation of AI resources and its potential threat to democracy and global stability.

Google Search adds 7 Indian languages to AI Mode, launches Search Live

Google is expanding its AI Mode search feature to seven new Indian languages: Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. This update uses the Gemini model to understand local languages better. Additionally, Google is introducing Search Live in India, a new feature within AI Mode that allows users to get real-time help using their voice and camera. India is the first country outside the U.S. to receive Search Live, available in English and Hindi. These enhancements aim to make searching more intuitive and accessible for millions in India.

Google AI Mode now available in Australia for complex searches

Google has launched its powerful AI Mode search experience in Australia. This feature uses a custom version of the Gemini model to help users ask complex, multi-layered questions and receive comprehensive answers. AI Mode can break down questions into subtopics, search deeper into the web, and supports text, voice, and image inputs. It is designed to assist with tasks like planning trips or understanding complex topics, offering a more intuitive and efficient way to explore information.

Google Search now supports Arabic with AI Mode

Google Search has launched AI Mode in 38 new languages, including Modern Standard Arabic. AI Mode, powered by Gemini 2.5, is designed to understand complex questions and provide detailed answers with follow-up options. Users can interact with AI Mode using text, voice, or images. This expansion aims to make Google's advanced AI search capabilities accessible to a wider global audience, building on insights that users ask longer queries with AI Mode.

Google brings Search Live to India, expands AI Mode languages

Google is launching its conversational AI search feature, Search Live, in India for English and Hindi speakers. This feature, built on Project Astra technology, allows users to point their phone cameras at objects for real-time assistance through visual context and conversation. India is the second country after the U.S. to receive Search Live. Additionally, Google's AI Mode is expanding to seven new Indian languages: Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu, making AI-powered search more accessible globally.

Google Search AI Mode expands to 40 more countries and 35 languages

Google has significantly expanded its AI Mode search feature, making it available in 40 new countries and 35 additional languages. This rollout brings Google's advanced AI search capabilities, powered by its Gemini models, to millions more users worldwide. AI Mode allows users to ask complex questions using text, voice, or images and receive synthesized answers. The expansion highlights Google's commitment to making AI search more natural and accessible globally.

AI's growing influence blurs lines between human and machine interaction

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence are making it easier for people to perceive personhood in chatbots, a phenomenon explored through examples like a child thanking a Google device. This raises questions about what defines a 'person' beyond human DNA. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, from education to internet searches, understanding our relationship with these intelligent machines becomes crucial. The article touches on Alan Turing's 'imitation game' and neuroscientist Michael Graziano's theories on how our brains model the world to explain this human tendency to anthropomorphize AI.

AI developer OpenAI valued at $500 billion amid democracy concerns

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is now valued at an estimated $500 billion, highlighting the rapid growth and influence of artificial intelligence. Journalist Karen Hao's book, 'Empire of AI,' warns that the real risks of AI are already present, not just future sci-fi threats. Hao argues that the tech industry's consolidation of resources through AI poses a significant threat to democracy and global stability. The article discusses concerns about AI's impact on work, information, and societal structures.

API security gaps risk AI initiatives, report finds

A new report reveals that poor API security practices are putting critical AI and automation initiatives at risk. Eighty percent of organizations lack continuous API monitoring, leaving them vulnerable to threats targeting AI agents. Thirty-three percent have experienced API security incidents in the past year, and many doubt the accuracy of their API inventories. Experts warn that securing APIs is essential for governing AI, and without immediate action, the expanding API attack surface threatens innovation and resilience.

New approach needed for API security in the AI era

APIs are now the core of AI operations, making API security crucial for successful AI adoption. A recent report shows that weak security practices and visibility gaps are hindering AI progress, with many organizations delaying projects due to API risks. Attackers are increasingly targeting authenticated internal entities and exploiting common API weaknesses. The report stresses the need for real-time API inventories, stronger authorization controls, and proactive governance of AI tools to ensure safe and scalable AI innovation.

Google Cloud and AI to power LA28 Olympics and Team USA

Google will be the official cloud provider and a founding partner for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The partnership will leverage Google's cloud infrastructure and AI tools, including its Gemini model and new Search features like 'AI Mode.' This collaboration aims to enhance the fan experience by providing easy access to information during NBCUniversal's coverage of the Games and supporting Team USA.

EU plans to boost AI adoption among businesses

The European Union is launching a new strategy to address the low adoption of artificial intelligence among its businesses, with less than 14 percent using AI last year. The plan focuses on targeted measures to integrate AI into 11 key industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and defense. While Europe lags in developing its own AI models, the EU aims to encourage companies to use existing AI technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness, recognizing AI's potential to drive economic growth.

Senator Ted Cruz proposes AI regulatory sandbox for innovation

Senator Ted Cruz has introduced the Strengthening Artificial Intelligence Normalization and Diffusion by Oversight and Experimentation (SANDBOX) Act. This legislation would create a federal program allowing AI pilot projects to operate under temporary exemptions from certain regulations. Administered by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the program aims to encourage AI innovation in sectors like healthcare and education by providing temporary liability protections and oversight, while still ensuring consumer safety.

Kevin O'Leary: AI is a top investment for small businesses

Billionaire investor Kevin O'Leary believes artificial intelligence is the best investment for small businesses today, citing the affordability of AI tools and services. He highlights AI-powered customer service bots as a 'competitive weapon' that can improve efficiency and customer interactions. O'Leary notes that AI costs have dropped significantly, making tools like ChatGPT and specialized agents accessible for entrepreneurs looking to streamline operations and drive growth.

ChatGPT leads AI race with 800 million weekly users

OpenAI's ChatGPT has reached 800 million weekly active users, significantly surpassing its main competitors combined. This milestone was announced by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, highlighting ChatGPT's rapid growth since its launch. The platform has more than doubled its user base in the past eight months, demonstrating its widespread adoption and dominance in the artificial intelligence landscape. This surge indicates a major shift in how people interact with and utilize AI technology daily.

Demand Chain AI names Larry Layden Chief Customer Officer

Demand Chain AI has appointed Larry Layden as its new Chief Customer Officer (CCO). Layden will lead sales strategy and drive revenue growth for the intelligent supply chain planning company. With over 30 years of experience in supply chain and customer success, Layden aims to expand Demand Chain AI's market presence and help more companies benefit from its solutions. His appointment underscores the company's commitment to growth and customer satisfaction.

Google funds AI training for US small businesses

Google is investing in AI training initiatives for small businesses across the United States through its Grow with Google program. The company announced new funding and courses, including 'Make AI Work for You,' to help small business owners leverage AI tools for tasks like marketing and analysis. Google.org is also providing $5 million to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for a national AI training program targeting 40,000 businesses. These efforts aim to equip small businesses with essential AI skills for growth and innovation.

Sources

• Supercharging Search for India: New Languages in AI Mode & Search Live debuts
• Google Search: Introducing AI Mode in Australia
• Introducing AI Mode in Arabic
• Google's Search Live comes to India, AI Mode gets more languages
• Google Search AI Mode Now Available in 35 More Languages and 40 More Countries
• The parasocial power of AI
• The Race to Stop AI’s Threats to Democracy
• Poor API security practices could put agentic AI deployments at risk
• From Bottleneck to Enabler: A New Approach to API Security in the Age of AI
• Olympics-Google to power LA28 with cloud infrastructure, AI tools
• European businesses barely use AI. Brussels wants to fix that.
• Sen. Ted Cruz proposes federal regulatory sandbox to encourage AI innovation, development
• Kevin O'Leary Says AI Is The 'Best Investment' For Small Businesses — Calls Customer Service Bots A Secret Weapon
• OpenAI's ChatGPT has 800 million weekly users, double all its main competitors combined
• Demand Chain AI Appoints Larry Layden as Chief Customer Officer to Lead Sales and Growth
• Google invests in AI training for small businesses across the US By Investing.com