Author: Joy Levi

Apple is reportedly working on a major expansion of its artificial intelligence strategy with iOS 27, which would allow users to choose among multiple third-party AI models for system-level functions, marking a shift away from a single, fixed, Apple-controlled AI engine. According to industry reporting based on Bloomberg information and referenced by outlets such as MacRumors and TechCrunch, the planned system would introduce a new framework internally described as “Extensions.” This framework would enable Apple Intelligence to connect with external AI providers and route user requests to different models depending on user selection and system configuration. Under the reported design,…

Toyota and its software subsidiary Woven by Toyota have unveiled new artificial intelligence technologies aimed at advancing the company’s “Kakezan” vision, a strategy focused on multiplying innovation through collaboration across mobility, data, and infrastructure systems. In an official statement, Toyota said the new AI systems are being developed and tested within Woven City to support real-world experimentation in transportation, safety, and urban services. A central component of the rollout is the Woven City AI Vision Engine, a large-scale model designed to integrate visual and environmental data to better understand real-time conditions and support decision-making across connected systems. Woven by Toyota…

The Federal Government has announced plans to modernise policing operations by deploying artificial intelligence (AI) systems and expanding fibre-optic infrastructure at police stations nationwide. The initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, signed in Abuja, to improve connectivity and digital capabilities within law enforcement agencies. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the project will begin with a nationwide mapping of police stations to determine their proximity to existing fibre infrastructure. “With this partnership, we will map all the police stations…

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has strengthened its support for artificial intelligence research by expanding funding within the Emmy Noether Programme, with a renewed emphasis on AI-focused research groups. The initiative aims to accelerate the development of advanced artificial intelligence methods by providing early-career researchers with greater independence and long-term funding opportunities. Under the programme, selected postdoctoral researchers can establish and lead independent junior research groups in Germany for up to six years, creating a structured pathway toward senior academic positions. According to the funding framework, the expanded support places a greater priority on projects that use AI methodologies, reflecting Germany’s broader…

Japan’s government has approved an additional 631.5 billion yen (about $3.96 billion) in funding for semiconductor startup Rapidus, intensifying its drive to secure a foothold in the global AI chip race. The latest support, announced by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, aims to accelerate research and development of advanced 2-nanometre chips, which are expected to power next-generation artificial intelligence systems and high-performance computing infrastructure. A statement from the ministry read: “The government will provide 631.5 billion yen in additional assistance to chipmaker Rapidus Corp. to support its 2-nanometer chip production,” as disclosed by industry officials at a facility…

The University of Lagos has appointed Chika Yinka-Banjo as the pioneer director of its newly established AI UniPod, a facility aimed at advancing artificial intelligence research and innovation. The university said the appointment takes effect from March 2026 and will run for an initial two-year term. The AI UniPod is designed to support research, training and collaboration in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen digital capacity in Nigeria, where institutions are increasingly investing in technology-driven education and innovation. Professor Yinka-Banjo, an expert in artificial intelligence and robotics, is expected to lead the…

The Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has declared that Nigeria is strategically positioned to lead Africa in the unfolding Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, underscoring the country’s commitment to building a homegrown innovation network and digital infrastructure. Speaking recently at the launch of the Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the University of Lagos. Shettima, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, described AI as “humanity’s most powerful general-purpose technology,” capable of transforming economic, social, and technological landscapes if deployed responsibly and inclusively. “I believe Nigeria is prepared to lead the whole African continent in this…

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stark threat against the Stargate artificial intelligence data centre currently under construction in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, escalating the already tense geopolitical environment in the Middle East. In a video released publicly on April 3, IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that Iran would retaliate with “complete and utter annihilation” of the $30 billion facility and other U.S.‑linked technology infrastructure in the region if the United States proceeds with threatened strikes on Iranian civilian power plants and energy systems. The video includes satellite imagery that zooms in on the desert…

Amazon.com has broadened access to its Health AI healthcare artificial intelligence assistant, making the service available on its main website and mobile app for all U.S. customers, not just members of One Medical or Prime. The AI-powered assistant, originally launched within the One Medical app, helps users manage more than 30 non-emergency health conditions, including acne, sleep apnea, diabetes, and colds. It can answer questions about symptoms and medications, explain test results, and connect users with human clinicians when necessary. “Health AI is designed to handle the logistical and informational work that creates friction in health care, so patients and…

You’re watching a high-profile tech clash reshuffling the app landscape: Anthropic’s Claude climbed to the top of Apple’s US App Store in the wake of a public dispute with the Pentagon. Claude’s surge followed intense media attention and user interest after the Pentagon flagged the company as a supply-chain concern and paused federal use, coinciding with a surge in downloads and social support. This post will unpack how the App Store ranking change happened, what role the Pentagon disagreement played, and what the episode means for AI firms, government policy and public perception. You’ll get clear, sourced context on the…