Author: Joseph Michael

OpenAI has begun rolling out ChatGPT 5.5 Instant as the new default model for its chatbot, replacing the earlier 5.3 Instant version in what the company describes as a broad update to improve everyday performance, accuracy, and conversational quality. In a blog post announcing the change, OpenAI said GPT-5.5 Instant is now being deployed to all users. The model is positioned as a follow-up to GPT-5.5, released in April, and continues the company’s “Instant” line designed for fast, general-purpose responses. As part of the rollout, GPT-5.5 Instant replaces GPT-5.3 Instant, which will remain available to paid users for a limited…

Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit in the United States that accused the tech giant of misleading iPhone buyers over the availability of artificial intelligence (AI) features, particularly enhancements to its Siri voice assistant. The proposed settlement, which still requires court approval, applies to millions of U.S. consumers who purchased certain iPhone models marketed with advanced AI capabilities that were not fully delivered at launch. The lawsuit centred on Apple’s promotion of its “Apple Intelligence” platform during 2024, when the company advertised a more personalised, AI-powered version of Siri. Plaintiffs argued that the marketing…

PayPal is leaning heavily into artificial intelligence as part of a broader strategy to reposition itself as a “technology company again”, signalling a major internal transformation driven by automation, cloud computing, and cost efficiency. Speaking during its recent earnings call, the company’s leadership outlined plans to embed AI across nearly every layer of its operations, from software development and engineering workflows to customer service, fraud detection, and risk management. The move is designed to modernise PayPal’s infrastructure and increase productivity at a time when the firm is under pressure from rivals and slowing growth in parts of its core business.…

The United States has set out a more coordinated vision for artificial intelligence through the launch of AI.gov, a federal platform intended to bring together policy, innovation and public engagement under a single framework. The move reflects a growing recognition in Washington that artificial intelligence is no longer a niche area of research, but a central pillar of economic strength, national security and global influence. While the United States has long been a leader in AI development, much of that progress has been driven by private companies and academic institutions rather than a unified national strategy. AI.gov appears to be…

Spotify has unveiled a new “Verified” artist label system as part of its response to the rapid rise of AI-generated music on its platform, marking a significant step in how digital streaming services address authenticity and trust. The company confirmed that the labels will appear as a visible badge on selected artist profiles, indicating that the account has met Spotify’s verification criteria. The move is intended to help users distinguish between artists with a confirmed real-world presence and those that may be entirely AI-generated or otherwise lack clear attribution. In a statement released through its official newsroom, Spotify described the…

Google is rolling out its Gemini artificial intelligence assistant to millions of vehicles worldwide, marking one of the company’s most significant upgrades to in-car technology yet. The rollout will see Gemini integrated into cars equipped with Google-built-in systems and Android Auto, gradually replacing the existing Google Assistant with a more advanced, conversational AI designed to make driving interactions more natural and intuitive. The announcement was confirmed by Google in a blog post and highlighted in its latest Android for Cars platform update. The company said the move is part of its broader strategy to bring generative AI into everyday environments,…

Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire have secured approximately $2.1 million in funding from the United Nations to support an artificial intelligence-driven project to reduce post-harvest food losses and improve food security in Nigeria. The funding will support the HARVIST project, a collaborative initiative involving a consortium of 10 organisations across the United Kingdom and Nigeria that seeks to address the significant challenges smallholder farmers face in storing and distributing perishable produce. Agriculture remains Nigeria’s largest economic sector, yet it continues to suffer from high levels of food waste. It is estimated that a significant proportion of produce is lost…

LAGOS – About 2,500 Nigerians have received training in artificial intelligence safety and digital trust under a nationwide initiative led by the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter. The programme, organised to mark Safer Internet Day 2026, was delivered across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, reaching a broad cross-section of participants, including students, teachers, parents and persons with disabilities. According to organisers, the training focused on improving public understanding of emerging technologies and promoting safer online behaviour as the use of AI tools expands rapidly. Sessions covered topics such as digital literacy, data protection, cyber hygiene and responsible…

The AIDA Global AI Design Awards Ceremony, organised by Homestyler, was held at the ADI Design Museum in Milan, Italy, bringing together international designers, academics, and industry professionals focused on artificial intelligence in design. The event showcased a large number of AI-assisted and AI-generated design entries submitted globally, with participants competing across multiple categories centred on innovation in interior design and digital creativity. The ceremony emphasised the increasing role of artificial intelligence in design workflows, particularly in areas such as space planning, 3D modelling, and visualisation. Organisers highlighted AI’s impact in improving efficiency and enabling more personalised design solutions. Speaking…

A new report by financial infrastructure company Yellow Card has underscored how artificial intelligence and data protection are rapidly becoming central pillars of financial regulation across emerging markets, particularly in Africa. The 2026 report, which examines the intersection of AI adoption, digital payments, and regulatory compliance, argues that financial institutions can no longer separate innovation from governance. “The convergence of data protection and AI governance is no longer a future concept; it is the current operational reality,” the report states. It adds that financial firms operating across multiple jurisdictions must now treat compliance as part of core infrastructure rather than…