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Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Rs 11 lakh school fee of Google-employed couple's child makes a man rethink his Rs 20 lakh MBA plans
As the cost of private education continues to rise in India's major cities, a recent online discussion has brought attention to how wealthy families are spending staggering amounts on elite schooling. The conversation was sparked by a viral Reddit post that revealed a Google-employed couple spends Rs 11.2 lakh annually on their child's school fees—prompting many to reflect on privilege, class gaps, and the role of expensive institutions in shaping access and opportunity. Eye-Catching School Expense The Reddit post came from a user who claimed to work in a junior position at a small wealth management firm. While reviewing client data, the individual came across the financial details of a young couple who both work at Google and reportedly earn a combined Rs 60 lakh annually. What stood out in their yearly cash flow was a school fee entry amounting to Rs 11.2 lakh for their only child. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA Public Policy CXO Project Management Finance healthcare Data Science Data Science Operations Management Technology Design Thinking Degree Product Management Others Management Data Analytics PGDM Cybersecurity Leadership Healthcare others Digital Marketing Artificial Intelligence MCA Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details The user expressed disbelief, noting that while school expenses in the range of Rs 2–6 lakh are not uncommon, this particular figure was significantly higher than anything they had previously encountered. The Redditor also reflected on their own financial choices, sharing how they still hesitate over whether to invest Rs 20–30 lakh in an MBA, highlighting the stark contrast in financial situations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Internet Reacts: Questions of Privilege, Access, and Intent The post quickly gained traction, sparking a conversation around the culture of elite education. Many users commented on how such high-fee institutions cater to the ultra-rich, offering not just academics but social positioning through association with similarly wealthy peer groups. One commenter pointed out that spending on premium education isn't just about learning—it's often about building networks and absorbing a particular mindset. According to them, what these parents are buying is entry into a social ecosystem that helps children see themselves as part of the country's economic elite from a young age. Others took a more critical tone. A few users questioned whether such spending was justified, especially in a country where access to quality education remains unequal. One sarcastic remark noted that the taxes paid by such couples might be indirectly funding government school education for several other children—and possibly even the foreign education of a politician's child. Not all reactions focused on criticism. Some users shared that even if they could afford such fees, they would still choose more modest schools for their children. These users expressed concerns about the values children might pick up in highly privileged environments. One response emphasized the importance of raising children who remain grounded, empathetic, and in touch with the realities of the broader society, rather than isolated in a bubble of affluence.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Alphabet shares jump 3% as AI-driven spending fuels cloud revenue surge
Alphabet shares rose more than 3% in early trading on Thursday as the Google parent's earnings underscored a key message to investors: AI spending is climbing, but so are the returns. The tech giant has raised its 2025 capital spending forecast by $10 billion to $85 billion and signaled even higher outlay next year, stepping up efforts to meet soaring cloud demand and stay competitive in Silicon Valley's escalating AI race. Its cloud-computing unit delivered an almost 32% jump in second-quarter revenue, surpassing expectations, as investments in in-house chips and the Gemini AI model began to pay off. The results bode well for rivals Microsoft and both of which have been stepping up data center investments and operate larger cloud businesses. "Google came back fighting this quarter," said Bernstein analyst Mark Shmulik. "Investors have long been clamoring for Google to get more 'aggressive' in the AI race," he added. An early AI pioneer with its invention of the Transformer model - the foundation of most modern generative AI - Google appeared to fall behind OpenAI and Microsoft last year. But it has rebounded this year, with AI Mode reaching 100 million monthly users just two months into its wider rollout, and Gemini surpassing 450 million monthly users. Its ad business, which accounts for about three-quarters of its sales, also continues to fare well in the face of economic uncertainty wrought by tariffs and geopolitical tensions. Revenue in the business rose a better-than-expected 10.4%, a positive sign for rivals such as Meta and Snap that rely on digital ads for most of their revenue. At least 27 brokerages raised their price targets on Google stock after the results, taking the median target to $220 from $200 a month earlier. Still, some analysts warned the higher spending may draw fresh scrutiny from investors, who have largely stayed on the sidelines this year. Alphabet shares are up just 0.5% in 2025, trailing Microsoft's 20% increase and a 22% rise in Meta stock, also held back by regulatory battles that are looking to break its illegal monopoly in the search and the ad-tech markets. Alphabet's 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio stands at 18.88, trailing Microsoft's 33.03 and Amazon's 33.31, according to data compiled by LSEG. "On paper, it has all the right tools to lead in AI - cutting-edge models and massive distribution," said Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. "That said, until there's more confidence AI integration won't cannibalise core search revenue, and some clarity around ongoing legal battles, there's enough uncertainty to cap near-term upside."


News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Shashi Tharoor Hails India-UK Trade Deal, Calls It 'An Inflexion Point'
Last Updated: The FTA's true significance, he says, lies not just in the immediate economic uptick, but in its potential to shape a qualitatively better relationship for future generations The India-United Kingdom trade deal is an inflexion point, a strategic pivot that promises to redefine the contours of a historically rich yet often complex relationship, Congress leader and former external affairs minister Shashi Tharoor has said. The Free Trade Agreement, he wrote in an opinion piece for NDTV, is a profound testament to a maturing partnership and a critical investment in the prosperity and opportunities for future generations in both nations. 'For too long, the narrative of Indo-UK relations has been shadowed by the echoes of a colonial past," he said. 'While that history must never be forgotten, it is equally crucial to acknowledge the evolving dynamics of a modern, democratic India and a globally engaged Britain." From India's perspective, the agreement offers unprecedented market access to one of the world's most sophisticated economies, Tharoor pointed out. 'With 99% of Indian exports gaining duty-free access to the UK market, sectors like textiles, leather goods, marine products, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods stand to gain immensely," he wrote, calling it 'a powerful enabler of the 'Make in India' initiative". The true significance of the agreement, the Congress leader wrote, lies not just in the immediate economic uptick, but in its potential to shape a qualitatively better relationship for future generations. 'By institutionalising frameworks for cooperation in areas beyond traditional trade, such as innovation, research, climate action, and education, the CETA lays a robust foundation for a truly comprehensive partnership. The 'Vision 2035' roadmap, agreed alongside the CETA, emphasises collaborations in defence, technology, and green energy, recognising the shared strategic interests and global challenges both nations face," he said. According to Tharoor, the trade deal stands as a powerful testament to the enduring value of international cooperation and open markets. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the significance of the trade agreement for future generations. Indeed, for the young, this agreement is not just a trade deal; it is an inheritance of enhanced opportunities, deeper cultural understanding, and a more interconnected and prosperous world. It is an inflexion point—indeed, a turning of the page—to a qualitatively better, and brighter, shared future," he wrote. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.