OpenAI has unveiled its GPT-5.1 upgrade featuring new Instant and Thinking variants that promise fewer hallucinations and improved creative outputs. In a related move, Microsoft is licensing its partner's chip designs to overcome supply shortages and boost its semiconductor strategy.
Apple is making waves in Asia, finalizing a deal with Tencent that enables payments inside WeChat and securing a 15% commission on in-app purchases. This strategic partnership addresses regulatory issues and taps into China's massive digital payments market.
On the software side, Google has dialed back its rigid Android sideloading policy after significant community pushback. The company is also enhancing its research capabilities by infusing deep research tools into its NotebookLM platform, streamlining complex research workflows.
In mobility and investment news, Waymo is set to expand its driverless taxi service trials onto highways in major US cities, while Tesla tests Apple CarPlay integration within its electric vehicles. Meanwhile, European funds from Backed VC and Vendep Capital are bolstering tech innovation with $100M and €80M funds respectively, reinforcing investor confidence in disruptive technologies.