Latest news with #Gemini
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Google Confirms Upgrade Choice For 2 Billion Android Users
Decide carefully as new upgrade confirmed. Republished on June 28 withy new warnings despite Google's reassurances. Google's 2 billion Gmail users face a critical decision, as the company upgrades the world's leading email platform to make more use of AI. This means Google's cloud-based AI accessing all your content — however personal and sensitive. I've warned before that Gmail users need to understand the risks before using all these new default updates. It's no accident or surprise that Gmail's AI upgrades conflict with its quasi end-to-end encryption upgrade. One is secure, the other is not. The issue with smart AI search and smart AI replies has been privacy — pure and simple. This week, all Android users have been hit with similar warnings, as a poorly written email from Google seemed to suggest AI would access sensitive apps — including Messages and WhatsApp — even if Gemini Activity is disabled. 'Gemini will soon be able to help you use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities on your phone, whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off,' the email told users. As Gizmodo reported: 'Google to Gemini users: We're going to look at your texts whether you like it or not.' And understandably, everyone read that email the same way. Google has now told me this is misleading — the update 'is good for users.' Android phones will 'use Gemini to complete daily tasks on their mobile devices like send messages, initiate phone calls, and set timers while Gemini Apps Activity is turned off.' What that actually means is that turning off Gemini Activity doesn't stop it working on phones, which would have happened before. But 'with Gemini Apps Activity turned off, Gemini chats are not being reviewed or used to improve our AI models.' Before, if you wanted to use Gemini with messaging apps, you'd need to keep Gemini Activity on which would mean those interactions being saved. That's a privacy nightmare and it's what Google has in effect fixed. This choice is good news. This welcome clarity reflects user concerns. But that's what is still missing in the Gmail AI debate, which has been more a take it or leave it offer. I would like to see the same transparent and easy privacy choice for Gmail as well, before this goes much further. One note of caution. Any use of Gemini on Android does still save interactions for 72-hours within your account, even if Activity is turned off. Keep that in mind. And the privacy warnings have not gone away. Per Android Headlines, 'Google's Gemini AI will soon be able to access apps like Phone and Messages, even if 'Gemini Apps Activity' is off, starting July 7, 2025. While Google clarifies that turning off activity still prevents data from being used for AI training, the change sparks user privacy concerns, balancing convenience with trust in Google's data handling.' This new report warns that 'deeper integration inevitably brings legitimate concerns to the forefront for many users. The prospect of an AI having access, even if temporary, to highly personal data within call logs, private messages, and WhatsApp chats immediately raises red flags regarding individual privacy and overall data security.' This was always going to happen — it was clear from the early days of Gemini's integration into email and messages and other apps, just as it's clear with the new news that WhatsApp is to do the same with its own users' messages. As Futurism puts it, 'WhatsApp is now offering AI summaries of text threads for those too lazy to read through their messages themselves… Because what says 'I care' like breezing through an AI-generated summary of the family group chat?" A balance needs to be struck, and the risk is that users do not know enough yet about the complex web of privacy polices to make those decisions.
CNBC
2 hours ago
- Business
- CNBC
At 20 years old, Reddit is defending its data and fighting AI with AI
For 20 years, Reddit has pitched itself as "the front page of the internet." AI threatens to change that. As social media has changed over the past two decades with the shift to mobile and the more recent focus on short-form video, peers like MySpace, Digg and Flickr have faded into oblivion. Reddit, meanwhile, has refused to die, chugging along and gaining an audience of over 108 million daily users who congregate in more than 100,000 subreddit communities. There, Reddit users keep it old school and leave simple text comments to one another about their favorite hobbies, pastimes and interests. Those user-generated text comments are a treasure trove that, in the age of artificial intelligence, Reddit is fighting to defend. The emergence of AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude and Google's Gemini threaten to inhale vast swaths of data from services like Reddit. As more people turn to chatbots for information they previously went to websites for, Reddit faces a gargantuan challenge gaining new users, particularly if Google's search floodgates dry up. CEO Steve Huffman explained Reddit's situation to analysts in May, saying that challenges like the one AI poses can also create opportunities. While the "search ecosystem is under heavy construction," Huffman said he's betting that the voices of Reddit's users will help it stand out amid the "annotated sterile answers from AI." Huffman doubled down on that notion last week, saying on a podcast that the reality is AI is still in its infancy. "There will always be a need, a desire for people to talk to people about stuff," Huffman said. "That is where we are going to be focused." Huffman may be correct about Reddit's loyal user base, but in the age of AI, many users simply "go the easiest possible way," said Ann Smarty, a marketing and reputation management consultant who helps brands monitor consumer perception on Reddit. And there may be no simpler way of finding answers on the internet than simply asking ChatGPT a question, Smarty said. "People do not want to click," she said. "They just want those quick answers." In a sign that the company believes so deeply in the value of its data, Reddit sued Anthropic earlier this month, alleging that the AI startup "engaged in unlawful and unfair business acts" by scraping subreddits for information to improve its large language models. While book authors have taken companies like Meta and Anthropic to court alleging that their AI models break copyright law and have suffered recent losses, Reddit is basing its lawsuit on the argument of unfair business practices. Reddit's case appears to center on Anthropic's "commercial exploitation of the data which they don't own," said Randy McCarthy, head of the IP law group at Hall Estill. Reddit is defending its platform of user-generated content, said Jason Bloom, IP litigation chair at the law firm Haynes Boone. The social media company's repository of "detailed and informative discussions" are particularly useful for "training an AI bot or an AI platform," Bloom said. As many AI researchers have noted, Reddit's large volume of moderated conversations can help make AI chatbots produce more natural-sounding responses to questions covering countless topics than say a university textbook. Although Reddit has AI-related data-licensing agreements with OpenAI and Google, the company alleged in its lawsuit that Anthropic has been covertly siphoning its data without obtaining permission. Reddit alleges that Anthropic's data-hoovering actions are "interfering with Reddit's contractual relationships with Reddit's users," the legal filing said. This lack of clarity regarding what is permitted when it comes to the use of data scraping for AI is what Reddit's case and other similar lawsuits are all about, legal and AI experts said. "Commercial use requires commercial terms," Huffman said on The Best One Yet podcast. "When you use something — content or data or some resource — in business, you pay for it." Anthropic disagrees "with Reddit's claims and will defend ourselves vigorously," a company spokesperson told CNBC. Reddit's decision to sue over claims of unfair business practices instead of copyright infringement underscores the differences between traditional publishers and platforms like Reddit that host user-generated content, McCarthy said. Bloom said that Reddit could have a valid case against Anthropic because social media platforms have many different revenue streams. One such revenue stream is selling access to their data, Bloom said. That "enables them to sell and license that data for legitimate uses while still protecting their consumers privacy and whatnot," Bloom said. Reddit isn't just fending off AI. It launched its own Reddit Answers AI service in December, using technology from OpenAI and Google. Unlike general-purpose chatbots that summarize others' web pages, the Reddit Answers chatbot generates responses based purely on the social media service, and it redirects people to the source conversations so they can see the specific user comments. A Reddit spokesperson said that over 1 million people are using Reddit Answers each week. Huffman has been pitching Reddit Answers as a best-of-both worlds tool, gluing together the simplicity of AI chatbots with Reddit's corpus of commentary. He used the feature after seeing electronic music group Justice play recently in San Francisco. "I was like, how long is this set? And Reddit could tell me it's 90 minutes 'cause somebody had already asked that question on Reddit," Huffman said on the podcast. Though investors are concerned about AI negatively impacting Reddit's user growth, Seaport Senior Internet Analyst Aaron Kessler said he agrees with Huffman's sentiment that the site's original content gives it staying power. People who visit Reddit often search for information about things or places they may be interested in, like tennis rackets or ski resorts, Kessler said. This user data indicates "commercial intent," which means advertisers are increasingly considering Reddit as a place to run online ads, he said. "You can tell by which page you're on within Reddit what the consumer is interested in," Kessler said. "You could probably even argue there's stronger signals on Reddit versus a Facebook or Instagram, where people may just be browsing videos."
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Crypto IPO: 3 Things You Need To Know About The IPO Season
The Wall Street sign in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan in New York City. Circle's successful IPO has sent a signal. A strong one. The crypto world is heating up again, but this time, it's happening on Wall Street. Crypto companies are making a comeback after a long period of regulatory uncertainty. Circle, the stablecoin issuer, has initiated a global sensation in capital markets. Understandably so. Circle's recent debut on the New York Stock Exchange as CRCL was impressive, to say the least. CRCL's share price skyrocketed nearly 600% from its IPO price of $31 to a high of $215 during the day. With a market cap of $45 billion, Circle has quickly become the representative of a new trend, giving rise to a crypto IPO season. Was it a flashy debut? Yes, and for all good reasons. Circle's IPO, the biggest in recent history, marks a major milestone in the industry's journey toward mainstream acceptance. USDC, Circle's flagship stablecoin, is backed by over $32 billion in reserves and is already a core component of onchain finance, serving as a payment medium that dominates the whole crypto ecosystem. But there are three key things you need to know about this year's IPO season to understand this phenomenon. 1. It's Only The Beginning Of Crypto IPOs Just days after Circle's IPO, Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, confidentially filed paperwork for its own IPO in the U.S. At the same time, all eyes moved onto Kraken, which is reportedly preparing to go public sometime in early 2026. Another company making moves is BitGo, a regulated U.S. crypto custodian. Back in February, reports suggested it was aiming for an IPO as early as 2025. A few other names also stand out as potential IPO contenders: These companies span the entire spectrum, from custody and analytics to wallets and infrastructure. What they have in common is a fresh appetite for public capital and growing investor interest, especially institutional one. As one analyst put it, 'After watching Circle's stock take off, any crypto firm with a clear business model is now looking at the IPO route seriously.' 2. The IPO Process Although the range of companies participating in the IPO summer is wide, crypto exchanges are leading the charge in pursuing US stock market listings. Think Gemini, Kraken, Bullish Global, FalconX, and Bithumb. These types of businesses are particularly well-positioned for public listing due to their strong cash flows, large customer bases, and stable business models that appeal to traditional investors. There are different ways companies can go about executing public offerings. Traditional IPOs remain the gold standard, particularly for mature companies with strong compliance records and established business operations. However, this process is very complex and time-consuming, making it most suitable for larger platforms with proven business models and solid profitability. That's why for smaller cryptocurrency companies seeking a faster path to public markets, reverse mergers have become a popular alternative. Companies, such as TRON, have successfully leveraged this approach by acquiring existing public companies to quickly gain access to the stock market, bypassing the lengthy traditional IPO process. Meanwhile, some companies are opting for direct listings. This is shown by Kraken's approach, which achieved a $16.2 billion valuation. They were able to create market liquidity for their shares without the need to raise new capital, making it ideal for firms that don't necessarily require additional funding but instead want to provide exit opportunities for existing shareholders. 3. High Crypto IPO Expectations Circle has definitely set a high bar. Its stock soared, boosting confidence across the crypto sector. But Circle isn't your typical crypto company. Their stablecoin, USDC, is a go-to onchain payment solution. In addition, its business model—earning yield on reserve assets—is easy for traditional finance folks to understand. Retail and institutional demand are growing, and with a government no longer hostile, investors see 2025 as the year when crypto companies leverage the IPO playbook. The dramatic shift in institutional adoption is particularly compelling. As of January 2025, 86% of institutional investors reported having exposure to digital assets or planned to make digital asset allocations later in the year. Additionally, recent success stories have proven that crypto companies can achieve substantial valuations in public markets. Circle's roughly $1.1 billion public listing formed the largest crypto IPO in recent history, sparking high expectations among industry experts that more digital asset companies will soon follow suit. However, only time will tell if this crypto IPO summer turns into an IPO supercycle, but Coinbase being the best performing S&P500 stock in June is definitely a promising sign.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Zodiac signs and their relationship with money
I visualize the zodiac signs as human figures, each embodying their unique financial attitudes and behaviors within a cosmic setting. Money means different things to different people—security, freedom, power, or comfort. In astrology, each zodiac sign has its own approach to finances, shaped by natural instincts, emotional needs, and life values. Understanding this can help you manage money in a way that aligns with who you truly are. Aries Aries sees money as a tool for freedom and excitement. They're quick to spend, especially on experiences or new ventures. Saving requires self-control, but they're great at seizing high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Taurus Taurus values financial stability. They're natural savers who enjoy building long-term wealth. They spend thoughtfully—often on comfort, luxury, or things that hold value over time. Gemini Gemini's relationship with money can be inconsistent. They enjoy variety and may splurge impulsively. Budgeting can be challenging, but they're excellent at finding creative ways to earn. Cancer Cancer saves for emotional safety—home, family, and the future. They're careful with spending but may overspend when nurturing loved ones. Money gives them peace of mind. Leo Leo sees money as a symbol of success. They enjoy spending on quality, gifts, or self-expression. While generous and warm-hearted, they may need to balance image with savings. Virgo Virgo is financially wise and cautious. They track every expense and plan ahead. Their careful nature helps them avoid waste, and they often support others with financial advice. Libra Libra enjoys the finer things but also seeks financial harmony. They spend on beauty and experiences but may avoid money-related conflicts. Joint finances need strong boundaries. Scorpio Scorpio is strategic and emotionally intense about money. They plan for the long term, invest wisely, and rarely reveal financial details. They value control and financial independence. Sagittarius Sagittarius sees money as a means to explore life. They may overspend on travel, learning, or giving. Budgeting is key to avoid feeling restricted while pursuing big dreams. Capricorn Capricorn thrives on building wealth. They're excellent planners, investors, and savers. Money represents achievement, and they're usually financially secure through sheer effort and discipline. Aquarius Aquarius handles money with vision. They're often ahead of trends—investing in tech, ideas, or causes. Though not materialistic, they value financial freedom and progressive thinking. Pisces Pisces may struggle with structure, often giving more than they save. They need to build mindful habits and boundaries around money. When focused, they attract abundance with their creativity. Each sign has unique money strengths and challenges. By aligning your financial approach with your natural traits, you can create a more balanced and intentional relationship with money. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
3 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Zodiac signs and their love language
I illustrate the twelve zodiac signs expressing their unique love languages through acts of service, gifts, quality time, physical touch, and words of affirmation. Everyone gives and receives love in their own unique way. Some people show affection through words, others through actions or physical presence. In astrology, your zodiac sign reveals not only your personality but also how you express love—and what makes you feel loved in return. Aries – Physical Touch Aries is passionate and action-driven. They feel most loved when someone takes initiative—helping them, standing by them, or showing up physically. Bold gestures and affection matter more than long talks. Taurus – Physical Touch & Quality Time Taurus needs physical closeness and undivided attention. Slow, gentle affection like hugs, hand-holding, or shared meals mean everything. They value loyalty, routine, and calm presence. Gemini – Words of Affirmation Communication is Gemini's love language. They feel connected when you talk to them, compliment them, or share thoughts openly. Thoughtful messages and playful chats go a long way. Cancer – Acts of Service Cancer thrives on emotional closeness. They feel loved when you're there for them, helping out in small ways, or spending meaningful time together. Being emotionally present is key. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Leo – Words of Affirmation Leo lights up with appreciation. They love hearing how much they're loved and admired. Thoughtful surprises and sincere praise make them feel special and cherished. Virgo – Acts of Service Virgo expresses love by doing practical things—helping, fixing, or planning. They feel loved when someone eases their burden or notices their quiet efforts without being asked. Libra – Quality Time Libra values connection and balance. Time spent together, especially in beautiful or peaceful settings, means a lot. Gentle words, compliments, and reassurance nurture their heart. Scorpio – Emotional Intimacy Scorpio's love is intense. They seek deep physical and emotional bonds. Touch, vulnerability, and being truly seen by their partner matter more than grand gestures. Sagittarius – Quality Time Sagittarius shows love through shared experiences. They bond over fun, learning, and spontaneous plans. They feel loved when someone joins them in exploration or supports their freedom. Capricorn – Acts of Service Capricorn may not express emotions openly but shows love by being dependable. They feel most connected when someone proves their loyalty through action, effort, and trust. Aquarius – Words of Affirmation Aquarius is intellectual and values emotional honesty. They love deep conversations, mental connection, and partners who respect their uniqueness. Encouraging words mean a lot. Pisces – Physical Touch Pisces expresses love through softness, affection, and emotional sharing. They feel loved when someone comforts them with empathy, kindness, and heartfelt words or gestures. Understanding your or your partner's zodiac love language can strengthen emotional bonds and communication. Love doesn't always need big displays—it just needs to feel understood and meaningful. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
