google, openai and meta Updates

Google is significantly expanding its AI Plus subscription to 40 new countries, making advanced AI tools more accessible and affordable globally. This expansion, which includes emerging markets across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, offers features like higher limits for image generation with Nano Banana, access to Veo 3 for video creation, and integration of Gemini 2.5 Pro into Workspace apps. The plan also provides 200GB of storage, shareable with family, and is priced competitively, with new subscribers in some regions receiving a 50% discount for the first six months. This move positions Google as a strong competitor to OpenAI's offerings. Meanwhile, the AI landscape sees diverse applications: Magnum Ice Cream and Unilever's ice cream business are using NotCo's Giuseppe AI for product innovation, focusing on reformulation and new plant-based options. In finance, FICO is launching tools to combat AI hallucinations, aiming for greater trust and compliance. On the regulatory front, California's tech industry, including Meta, is pushing back against proposed AI regulations, while the UN, Google, and will.i.am are launching a $1 million initiative to provide AI and robotics training to underserved African youth. In other developments, Ohio has introduced the first statewide AI chatbot for reporting suspicious activity, and Mindstate Design Labs is using AI to create psychedelic drugs without hallucinations. BigBear.ai is supplying AI for the U.S. Navy's maritime exercises, and a class action lawsuit has been filed against C3.ai, alleging misleading statements to investors.

Key Takeaways

• Google's AI Plus subscription is now available in 40 new countries, offering advanced AI features at an affordable price.
• The AI Plus plan includes tools like Nano Banana for image generation, Veo 3 for video creation, and Gemini 2.5 Pro integration.
• New subscribers to Google AI Plus can receive a 50% discount for the first six months in select regions.
• Magnum Ice Cream and Unilever are partnering with NotCo to use its Giuseppe AI for product development and innovation.
• California's tech industry, including Meta, is opposing proposed AI regulations, spending millions to influence legislation.
• The UN, Google, and will.i.am have launched a program with $1 million in Google contributions to offer AI and robotics training to African youth.
• Ohio has launched the first statewide AI chatbot, Safeguard Ohio, for residents to report suspicious activity.
• FICO is introducing new tools to address and reduce AI hallucinations in the financial services sector.
• A class action lawsuit has been filed against C3.ai, alleging that the company misled investors about its financial performance.
• Mindstate Design Labs is employing AI to develop psychedelic-like drugs designed to induce specific mental states without hallucinations.

Google AI Plus now in 40 more countries with discount

Google has expanded its affordable AI Plus subscription to 40 new countries, aiming to make premium AI features more accessible. The plan offers higher limits for Gemini's Nano Banana, access to Veo 3 for video generation, and creative tools like Whisk and Flow. Subscribers also get Deep Research on 2.5 Pro and Gemini integration in Workspace apps. To attract users, Google is offering a 50% discount for the first six months. This move positions Google AI Plus as a competitor to similar offerings from OpenAI.

Google AI Plus expands to 40 emerging markets

Google is expanding its AI Plus subscription to 40 new countries, focusing on emerging markets. This plan offers enhanced storage and advanced features for complex queries, integrated with Google apps. The expansion includes countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, aiming to make AI tools more affordable. This strategy responds to competition and aims to build loyalty among users in these regions. The plan provides 200GB of storage and premium Gemini features at a budget-friendly rate.

Google AI Plus now in 40 countries with Nano Banana, Veo 3

Google has launched its AI Plus subscription in 40 new countries, following its initial release in Indonesia. This plan offers a budget-friendly way to access AI tools, including 200GB of storage that can be shared with family. Users gain access to AI features like Nano Banana for image generation, Veo 3 Fast for video creation, and Deep Research with Gemini 2.5 Pro. The plan also integrates Gemini into Workspace apps like Gmail and Docs, enhancing productivity.

Google AI Plus plan launches in Pakistan and 39 other nations

Google has rolled out its AI Plus plan in 40 additional countries, including Pakistan. This plan offers enhanced productivity and creativity tools at an accessible price. Features include higher limits for image generation with Nano Banana, advanced access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, and Google's video generation model Veo 3 Fast. It also provides Gemini integration in Workspace apps and 200GB of storage, shareable with family members. The plan is available in Pakistan for Rs1,400 per month with a 50% discount for new subscribers.

Google's affordable AI Plus plan expands to over 40 countries

Google's new, more affordable AI Plus plan is now available in over 40 countries worldwide. This plan offers access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, image and video creation tools like Flow, Whisk, and Veo 3 Fast, and enhanced features for NotebookLM. Users can also utilize AI in Gmail, Docs, and Sheets, and receive 200GB of cloud storage. The plan costs around $5 per month, with some locations offering a 50% discount for six months, aiming to attract users in regions where higher subscription costs might be prohibitive.

Google AI Plus plan now available in 40 countries

Google is expanding its AI Plus subscription plan to 40 new countries, offering a more affordable option for accessing AI tools. The plan includes higher limits for image generation with Nano Banana, access to Veo 3 for video creation, and advanced features for Deep Research on 2.5 Pro. It also provides Gemini integration within Workspace apps like Gmail and Docs, along with 200GB of Google account storage. Google is offering a 50% discount for the first six months for new subscribers.

Google AI Plus launches in Pakistan and 40 other nations

Google has launched its paid AI Plus plan in Pakistan and 40 other countries, offering AI tools, increased storage, and higher user limits. This plan, first introduced in Indonesia, is available in Pakistan for Rs1,400 ($5) per month, with a 50% discount for new subscribers for the first six months. Features include enhanced image and video generation tools, Gemini integration in Workspace apps, and 200GB of storage across Photos, Drive, and Gmail. Google aims to expand access to its generative AI ecosystem in Pakistan and other growing markets.

Google AI Plus subscription expands to 40 new countries

Google announced that its AI Plus subscription plan is expanding to 40 countries. This expansion aims to increase adoption of its AI models, including the image generation and editing model known as Nano Banana. The AI Plus plan offers users access to advanced AI features and increased storage capacity.

Magnum Ice Cream uses NotCo's AI for new product development

Magnum Ice Cream is partnering with Chilean startup NotCo to use its AI platform, Giuseppe AI, for product development. The ice cream company will leverage the AI to reformulate existing products and create new ones that meet consumer demands for indulgence, health, and sustainability. NotCo's AI will analyze nutritional content, explore plant-based options, and help manage costs. This collaboration aims to speed up Magnum's response to changing consumer preferences and market trends.

Unilever's ice cream business uses NotCo AI for product innovation

Unilever's ice cream business is partnering with Chilean startup NotCo to utilize its artificial intelligence technology, Giuseppe AI. This AI will be used to reformulate current products and develop new ones, focusing on reducing calories, creating plant-based options, and controlling raw material costs. The partnership aims to help the company respond quickly to evolving consumer tastes and market demands, especially concerning health and sustainability. NotCo's AI has previously been used with other major food companies.

AI and ESG investing face political and regulatory divides

The landscape of sustainable investing, particularly Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds, shows a significant divide between Europe and the US. While Europe sees billions flowing into ESG funds, the US market has experienced outflows, influenced by political backlash and regulatory uncertainty. Artificial intelligence is becoming crucial for investors to navigate these complexities, analyze data at scale, and compare investments across different markets. AI helps in identifying risks and aligning investments with various sustainability frameworks.

Tech industry opposes California AI regulation bills

California's tech industry is actively opposing proposed AI regulations, with Meta launching a super PAC to spend millions against what it calls regulatory overreach. Lawmakers have approved bills requiring warning labels on social media, protecting children from harmful chatbot features, and increasing transparency for AI companies. Online safety advocates are urging Governor Newsom to sign these bills, highlighting concerns about AI's impact on minors, including issues like deepfake technology and addiction to chatbots. The governor has until October 13 to decide on the legislation.

FICO launches new tools to combat AI hallucinations in finance

FICO has introduced the FICO Foundation Model for Financial Services (FFM) to help financial institutions manage generative AI hallucinations. This specialized model aims to provide sustained value from AI by reducing misinformation and increasing transparency and auditability. It includes the FICO Focused Language Model and FICO Focused Sequence Model, designed to improve compliance and enhance transaction analytics like fraud detection. These tools are built on responsible AI principles for precision and trust in financial services.

Ohio launches first AI chatbot for reporting suspicious activity

Ohio has launched Safeguard Ohio, the first statewide AI chatbot designed for residents to report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Developed with Vigiliti, the multilingual system allows users to submit tips, including video and audio, and remain anonymous. The AI chatbot asks follow-up questions to gather necessary information for threat assessment. This initiative aims to increase the number of crime tips reported, with the state already seeing a significant rise in submissions since its quiet launch on August 6.

UN, Google, will.i.am launch AI training for African youth

The UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Google, and will.i.am have launched a program to provide AI and robotics training to students in underserved African communities. The initiative aims to boost AI literacy and equip young people with skills for the digital economy. It will offer hands-on training, robotics kits, and localized curricula, with a focus on reaching girls and underrepresented groups. Google is contributing $1 million and AI expertise to the program, which will initially launch in five African countries.

Startup uses AI to create psychedelic drug without hallucinations

Mindstate Design Labs is using AI to develop psychedelic-like drugs that induce specific mental states without hallucinations. Their first compound, MSD-001, a proprietary oral formulation of 5-MeO-MiPT, showed in Phase I trials that it was safe and psychoactive without causing trips. The AI platform analyzes biochemical data from drugs and user reports to design compounds that promote neuroplasticity, potentially treating mental health conditions more safely. This approach aims to offer therapeutic benefits without the overwhelming side effects of traditional psychedelics.

BigBear.ai provides AI for Navy during UNITAS 2025 exercise

BigBear.ai is providing its AI technology to support the U.S. Navy during the UNITAS 2025 maritime exercise. The company's Arcas system will enhance maritime domain awareness by integrating computer vision and pattern-of-life analysis across unmanned and hybrid fleet assets. BigBear.ai will also showcase its ConductorOS platform, designed for AI deployment in challenging environments. This collaboration aims to demonstrate how AI can improve situational awareness and mission planning in complex maritime operations.

Investors sue C3.ai alleging misleading statements

A class action lawsuit has been filed against enterprise AI software company C3.ai and its executives, alleging they misled investors about the company's financial health and growth prospects. The suit claims that C3.ai's projections were overly optimistic and downplayed risks related to CEO Thomas M. Siebel's health. The stock price dropped significantly after the company disclosed disappointing first-quarter results and lowered its full-year revenue guidance. Investors who suffered losses during the specified period are encouraged to contact the law firm Hagens Berman.

Sources

• The affordable Google AI Plus expands to 40 new countries
• Google Expands AI Plus to 40 New Countries in Emerging Markets
• Google Expands AI Plus To 40 More Countries: Features, Pricing, And Availability | Nano Banana | Veo 3 Fast
• Google expands new AI plan to 40 more countries, including Pakistan
• Google's cheaper AI Plus plan is now available in over 40 countries
• Google’s budget Gemini plan expands to more countries
• Google rolls out paid AI Plus plan in Pakistan with more tools,
• Google says AI Plus subscription to expand to more countries (GOOG:NASDAQ)
• Magnum Ice Cream partners with NotCo to develop products using AI
• Ice Cream Company Joins The Use Of AI NotCo Technology To Create New Products
• AI, ESG and the Politics of Sustainable Investing
• Newsom faces tidal wave of tech money opposing AI regulation
• FICO Debuts Tools to Prevent Gen AI Hallucinations
• Ohio launches ‘first-in-nation’ AI chatbot that allows users to report suspicious activity
• UN, Will.i.am, Google Boost AI Training for Africa Youth
• A Startup Used AI to Make a Psychedelic Without the Trip
• BigBear.ai to Deliver AI for Navy at UNITAS 2025
• Investors Allege Misleading Statements in C3.ai (AI) Class Action Lawsuit-- Hagens Berman