Musk's Grok signs $200m deal with Pentagon just days after antisemitism row
Musk's xAI says the new deal will give US government departments access to Grok 4, the latest version of the chatbot, and offer custom tools for national security use. The company also plans to provide technical support for classified environments.The Pentagon also announced awarding similar contracts to Anthropic, Google and OpenAI - each with a $200m ceiling."The adoption of AI is transforming the Department's ability to support our warfighters and maintain strategic advantage over our adversaries," said the administration's Chief Digital and AI Officer Doug Matty. Musk says Grok chatbot was 'manipulated' into praising HitlerWhat is AI and how does it work? Musk's expanding government partnerships come amid a deteriorating relationship with President Donald Trump.The Tesla and SpaceX boss had spent a quarter of a billion dollars on Trump's re-election effort in 2024, and actively campaigned for him. He was later appointed to run the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) - a federal cost-cutting initiative tasked with reducing the size of the US government. But in recent months, Musk began openly criticising what Trump had dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill", a sprawling spending and tax cuts legislation that the Tesla boss said was too costly for Americans. Musk resigned from his post at Doge in May, though the department has not been officially disbanded. Since then, Trump had suggested Doge could be deployed to harm Musk's companies.Trump also suggested he might deport Musk, who is an American citizen and was born in South Africa. He also holds Canadian citizenship. While at the helm of Doge, the White House was criticised for allowing Musk to have unfettered access to troves of government data on American citizens.Despite the fall-out, Musk's xAI has continued to expand its government work. Its newly-announced contract may also create an avenue for that data collection to continue.Grok was introduced in late 2023 as a more unfiltered alternative to other AI chatbots like ChatGPT. It is already integrated into Musk's social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
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Reuters
16 minutes ago
- Reuters
Fed's inflation fears may start to be realized with June CPI data
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BBC News
23 minutes ago
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'We still hate it' - Trump's Nato weapons deal sparks MAGA anger
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Geeky Gadgets
24 minutes ago
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12 Apple Numbers Spreadsheet Features That Outshine MS Excel in 2025
Have you ever felt constrained by the rigid grids and formula-heavy interface of traditional spreadsheets? While Microsoft Excel has long been the go-to tool for data management, Apple Numbers offers a refreshing alternative that prioritizes creativity, interactivity, and user-friendly design. Imagine transforming a dull financial report into a visually stunning, multimedia-rich presentation or exploring data through dynamic, real-time charts. With Numbers, spreadsheets become more than just rows and columns—they evolve into flexible canvases for storytelling and collaboration. If you've ever wished for a tool that blends functionality with aesthetic freedom, you might be surprised by what Numbers brings to the table. In this piece, MacMinion uncover 12 standout features that make Apple Numbers a unique contender in the world of spreadsheets. From its free-form canvas that breaks away from Excel's rigid structure to interactive charts that let you explore scenarios in real time, Numbers offers tools designed to enhance both creativity and productivity. You'll also discover how it simplifies complex tasks, like crafting formulas in plain English or embedding multimedia directly into your spreadsheets. Whether you're a seasoned Excel user or someone new to spreadsheets, these features might just challenge your assumptions about what a spreadsheet tool can do. After all, isn't it time your data worked as beautifully as it looked? Key Features of Apple Numbers Embed Multimedia for Enhanced Presentations Apple Numbers allows you to embed multimedia directly into your spreadsheets, allowing you to seamlessly insert images, videos, and audio files without disrupting the layout. This feature is particularly useful for creating engaging presentations or collaborative projects where visuals and sound enhance understanding. For example, a marketing report can include promotional videos alongside data tables, providing richer context for your audience. By integrating multimedia, Numbers transforms static spreadsheets into dynamic, interactive documents. Interactive Charts for Real-Time Insights Numbers enables the creation of interactive charts that allow real-time data visualization. With sliders and other controls, you can adjust chart values dynamically, making it easier to explore various scenarios. This feature is especially beneficial for tasks such as financial forecasting or project planning, where quick exploration of multiple outcomes is essential. By interacting with your data, you can uncover deeper insights and present findings more effectively, making sure your analysis remains both accurate and adaptable. Free-Form Canvas for Creative Layouts Unlike Excel's rigid grid structure, Numbers offers a free-form canvas that lets you position tables, charts, and text boxes anywhere on the page. This flexibility allows you to design multi-page documents that combine data with narrative elements. Whether you're creating reports, proposals, or educational materials, this feature gives you the freedom to craft visually engaging layouts. The ability to customize your workspace ensures that your spreadsheets are not only functional but also aesthetically appealing. Interactive Checklists for Task Tracking Numbers simplifies task management with interactive checklists. By adding checkboxes to your spreadsheet, you can create to-do lists or track project milestones without relying on complex formulas or external tools. This feature is particularly useful for team collaboration, where clear and actionable lists can improve productivity and streamline workflows. Whether managing personal tasks or coordinating with a team, interactive checklists provide a straightforward way to stay organized. Apple Numbers Features You Won't Find in Excel Watch this video on YouTube. Unlock more potential in Apple apps by reading previous articles we have written. Plain English Formulas for Accessibility Creating formulas in Numbers is straightforward, thanks to its plain English syntax. Instead of memorizing complex functions, you can write formulas in natural language. For example, calculating the total of a column is as simple as typing 'SUM of column A.' This intuitive approach reduces the learning curve, making it easier for new users to work with formulas. By simplifying the process, Numbers ensures that even those with minimal spreadsheet experience can perform calculations efficiently. Built-In Currency and Date Pickers Data entry is more intuitive in Numbers, thanks to built-in currency and date pickers. Dropdown menus and pop-up calendars simplify the process of entering financial figures or dates, making sure accuracy and efficiency. This feature is particularly helpful for budgeting, scheduling, or any task that requires precise data input. By streamlining these processes, Numbers minimizes errors and saves time, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize accuracy. Automatic Table Summaries for Quick Analysis Numbers automatically generates table summaries, such as sums, averages, and counts, in the footer rows of tables. These summaries update dynamically as you modify data, providing instant insights without the need for manual calculations. This feature is invaluable for quick analysis and decision-making, saving you time and effort. Whether reviewing financial data or tracking project metrics, automatic summaries ensure that key information is always at your fingertips. Audio Recording for Contextual Annotations Numbers allows you to record audio directly within your spreadsheets, allowing you to add voice notes for annotations or context. For example, during a team meeting, you can record key points and link them to specific sections of your spreadsheet. This reduces miscommunication and ensures collaborators have a clear understanding of your data. By incorporating audio, Numbers enhances collaboration and provides a unique way to document important details. Password Protection with Biometric Security Security is a priority in Numbers, which offers password protection enhanced by biometric authentication. Using Touch ID or Face ID, you can secure your files while maintaining quick access. This feature is particularly useful for safeguarding sensitive data, such as financial records or confidential project plans. By combining convenience with robust security measures, Numbers ensures that your information remains protected without compromising usability. Flexible File-Saving Options Numbers provides multiple file-saving options, including single-file and package formats. This flexibility allows you to optimize file organization and performance based on your needs. For instance, the package format is ideal for storing large multimedia files, while the single-file format is better suited for sharing or emailing. By offering these options, Numbers accommodates a variety of workflows and ensures that your files are both accessible and well-organized. Customizable Print View for Professional Outputs Preparing spreadsheets for printing or PDF export is straightforward with Numbers' customizable print view. You can visually adjust margins, scaling, and layout to ensure your documents look polished and professional. This feature is particularly useful for creating client-ready reports or presentations. By providing precise control over the final output, Numbers helps you deliver documents that meet professional standards. Trackpad Zoom for Seamless Navigation Navigating large spreadsheets is effortless with Numbers' trackpad zoom feature. Using pinch gestures on a Mac trackpad, you can zoom in and out to focus on specific areas or view the entire layout. This intuitive navigation tool enhances productivity, especially when working with complex or detailed spreadsheets. By simplifying navigation, Numbers ensures that you can work efficiently, even with extensive datasets. Media Credit: MacMinion Filed Under: Apple, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
