Google

Meta is developing two proprietary AI models, Mango for image and video generation and Avocado for text and reasoning, expected to launch in the first half of 2026. The company created Meta Superintelligence Labs, hired over 50 AI specialists, and shifted away from its Llama open-source models to compete with Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s AI tools.

Meta is talking with Google about using its TPUs in AI data centres and possibly renting them next year, aiming to reduce reliance on Nvidia GPUs. The news caused Nvidia shares to fall and could boost Google’s TPUs as a serious alternative in AI hardware.

Google released a new AI weather model called WeatherNext 2 that gives faster and more detailed forecasts. It delivers global predictions in under a minute and is now built into Google products like Search, Maps, and Pixel Weather.

More than 300 founders and investors at a major AI summit voted Perplexity as the startup most likely to fail, putting OpenAI in second place. The poll highlighted growing doubts about both companies, driven by legal issues for Perplexity and rising financial concerns around OpenAI.

AI data centres in the U.S. are using power faster than the grid can supply, creating a major gap in electricity capacity. Analysts warn that without huge investment, the country may struggle to support further AI growth as outages and infrastructure limits become more common.

Google Finance now shows live data from US prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket. This lets users track event probabilities alongside regular financial info, but regulatory questions remain.

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-powered web browser that lets users browse, search, and automate tasks directly through ChatGPT. The browser aims to challenge Google Chrome’s dominance and integrate AI into everyday online activities, with features like Agent Mode to perform actions on behalf of users.

Google Cloud has launched a new blockchain platform, the Universal Ledger, to handle global payments for banks and institutions. It is already being tested with CME Group and could roll out commercially in 2026.

MetaMask has introduced a social login feature, letting users create and access wallets using Google or Apple accounts instead of a 12-word recovery phrase. The system keeps wallets secure with a unique password and local encryption, aiming to make crypto easier for new users while maintaining self-custody.

Google has dropped plans to make all crypto wallets on the Play Store get financial licences, saying non-custodial wallets are not covered by the rules. Custodial wallets and exchanges must still follow local licensing laws.