Category: Business

Google has launched a new Market Access Program aimed at helping Indian AI startups scale globally, coinciding with the projected growth of India’s AI market to $126 billion by 2030.

With India’s artificial intelligence (AI) market projected to reach $126 billion by 2030, Google has introduced a new Market Access Program designed to assist Indian AI startups in scaling their operations and expanding into global markets.

Announced during the Google AI Startups Conclave in New Delhi, the program aims to support startups from their initial seed stage to full-scale operations. Preeti Lobana, Vice President and Country Manager for Google India, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “If you solve for India, you build for the world. Our focus now is accelerating how quickly Indian startups can scale, reach global markets, and deliver outcomes.”

Lobana noted that India’s AI startup ecosystem is entering a transformative phase, moving from prototypes to market-ready products and transitioning from early traction to sustainable business models. Google’s comprehensive support for startups encompasses capability building, real-world deployment, and scaling, addressing challenges at every critical stage of development.

The Market Access Program is specifically tailored for AI-first startups that are prepared to scale responsibly. It focuses on three key outcomes: enhancing enterprise readiness through global selling expertise, providing access to Google’s extensive enterprise network, and facilitating global immersion in key international markets.

To bolster the capabilities of these startups, Google also announced the upcoming Global AI Hub in Visakhapatnam. This facility, which will be powered by green energy and feature 1-gigawatt computing resources, is designed to equip startups with the high-performance computing necessary to refine their AI models on a global scale.

In addition to the Market Access Program, Google unveiled new updates to its Gemma model family, specifically targeting areas of rapid adoption in India, such as population-scale healthcare AI and action-oriented, on-device agents. The latest iteration, MedGemma 1.5, enhances Google’s health-focused AI initiatives by enabling developers to create applications that support complex medical imaging workflows.

The release of MedGemma 1.5 follows a collaboration between Google and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which is utilizing the model to develop India’s Health Foundation Models. This partnership contributes to the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure and enhances health outcomes across the ecosystem.

To support the growing demand for agent-based systems, Google introduced FunctionGemma, a specialized version of the Gemma 3 model. FunctionGemma is designed for function calling, allowing startups to translate natural language commands into executable actions. This capability enables the development of on-device, low-latency applications with automated workflows that prioritize user privacy and can function effectively on low-end devices without a constant internet connection.

Together, these advancements expand the toolkit available to Indian founders, facilitating the transition from experimentation to deployment across healthcare, enterprise, and consumer applications at scale. Lobana highlighted that these models are supported by popular tools throughout the development workflow, including Hugging Face Transformers, Unsloth, Keras, and NVIDIA NeMo.

Alongside the Conclave, Inc42 released the “Bharat AI Startups Report 2026,” which was supported by Google. The report reveals a significant shift in the AI ecosystem, with 47% of enterprises already moving from pilot projects to full production. It also notes a decrease in innovation costs, as historically high computing expenses have hindered Indian startups. With public resources lowering entry barriers, funding is increasingly directed toward product innovation rather than infrastructure costs.

India’s unique challenges, including its 22 languages, inconsistent connectivity, and price sensitivity, have often been viewed as obstacles. However, the report reframes these challenges as assets, suggesting that if an AI solution can effectively serve rural users in India, it is robust enough for global markets. The concept of “Bharat-tested” technology is emerging as a new benchmark for resilience.

The competitive landscape is shifting towards trust-by-design, with startups that prioritize safety, privacy, and security from the outset gaining a significant advantage in securing long-term enterprise contracts.

Ultimately, the success of AI initiatives will be measured by their outcomes. Examples include Cloudphysician, which has reduced ICU mortality rates by 40%, and Rocket Learning, which personalizes education for millions of students. Lobana concluded, “By stitching together skilling, capital, infrastructure, and market access, we are clearing the path for founders. As we look to the AI Impact Summit in February, the signal is clear: The future of AI isn’t just being used in India; it is being built here.”

According to Inc42, the launch of the Market Access Program marks a pivotal moment for Indian AI startups, positioning them to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

CloudSEK, an Indian cybersecurity firm, has secured a $10 million investment from Connecticut Innovations, marking a significant milestone as the first Indian-origin cybersecurity company to receive funding from a U.S. state fund.

CloudSEK, a Bengaluru-based cybersecurity firm specializing in predictive cyber threat intelligence, has announced a strategic investment of $10 million from Connecticut Innovations (CI), the venture capital arm of the State of Connecticut. This funding is part of the company’s Series B2 round and positions CloudSEK as the first Indian-origin cybersecurity company to receive backing from a U.S. state-backed venture fund.

The investment follows CloudSEK’s previous fundraising efforts, which included $19 million raised in its Series B1 round. With the completion of this latest tranche, the company has successfully concluded its Series B funding round, which consists of both primary and secondary capital.

“Becoming the first Indian-origin cybersecurity company to receive backing from a U.S. state fund is a milestone for CloudSEK, as well as for the entire Indian cybersecurity ecosystem,” said Rahul Sasi, co-founder and CEO of CloudSEK. He emphasized the significance of this achievement for the company and the broader Indian cybersecurity landscape.

With Connecticut serving as its U.S. anchor, CloudSEK is committed to job creation, localized research investment, and enhancing cyber resilience in the Western world. Sasi expressed pride in advancing the company’s identity as a truly Indo-American cybersecurity firm.

The partnership with CI was established after CloudSEK distinguished itself as a leading startup at VentureClash, CI’s global investment pitch competition. “At our 2025 VentureClash India pitch event, CloudSEK distinguished itself as a truly innovative provider of cybersecurity and predictive threat capabilities used by hundreds of businesses around the world,” stated Alison Malloy, Managing Director of Investments at Connecticut Innovations.

CloudSEK plans to utilize this investment to accelerate its expansion in the U.S., with intentions to establish a regional hub for operations, talent, and partnerships in Connecticut. The company aims to onboard strategic local talent and forge collaborations with corporate partners, universities, and research institutions throughout the state.

The funding from CI will enable CloudSEK to recruit top-tier cybersecurity and AI talent from the region, establish partnerships with local academic and research institutions, build its U.S. headquarters in Connecticut, and drive region-specific cybersecurity research and innovation.

This landmark investment not only enhances CloudSEK’s global trajectory but also symbolizes the growing prominence of Indian cybersecurity innovation on the world stage. By solidifying its presence in Connecticut and continuing to expand globally, CloudSEK is well-positioned to bolster cyber resilience across continents and redefine cross-border technology collaboration.

Prior to this investment round, CloudSEK’s Series B1 was led by U.S.-based strategic investor Commvault, with participation from MassMutual Ventures, Inflexor Ventures, Prana Ventures, and Tenacity Ventures. Early investors, including the Meeran Family (Eastern Group), StartupXSeed, Neon Fund, and Exfinity Ventures, continue to support the company’s long-term growth.

In addition to this funding, CloudSEK recently announced a strategic partnership with Seed Group, a company of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, aimed at delivering predictive cyber intelligence and AI-attack detection capabilities to organizations across the UAE.

Founded in 2015 by Sasi, a cybersecurity researcher-turned-entrepreneur, CloudSEK has evolved from a research-first initiative into a leading cyber threat intelligence platform, serving over 300 enterprises across various sectors, including banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), healthcare, technology, and government.

This investment marks a pivotal moment for CloudSEK and highlights the increasing collaboration between Indian tech firms and U.S. state-backed initiatives, paving the way for future innovations in the cybersecurity domain, according to The American Bazaar.

Walmart has appointed Shishir Mehrotra, CEO of Superhuman, to its Board of Directors as the retail giant prepares for an agentic AI future.

Walmart Inc. has announced the appointment of Shishir Mehrotra, an Indian American technology veteran and current CEO of Superhuman, to its Board of Directors. This move comes as the retail giant positions itself for an agentic AI future.

Mehrotra will contribute to both the Compensation and Management Development Committee and the Technology and eCommerce Committee, as stated by the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company.

Greg Penner, chairman of Walmart’s Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm about Mehrotra’s addition, saying, “Our focus remains on serving customers through a people-led, tech-powered approach. Shishir’s background adds to our boardroom the insight of a proven builder, offering a distinguished track record scaling platforms relied upon by millions.”

Randall Stephenson, the lead independent director, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Mehrotra’s unique skill set. “Shishir brings a rare combination of technical depth and product leadership. He has helped create and scale platforms that unlock creativity and productivity for people and teams at global scale. We’re excited to welcome him to our Board,” he remarked.

In response to his appointment, Mehrotra stated, “I have long admired Walmart’s ability to innovate while staying true to its core values, and joining the Board as the company builds for an agentic AI future is a rare opportunity. This era is the most significant technological shift I’ve seen in my career, and I look forward to working with the team to shape the future for the millions of people Walmart serves.”

Mehrotra brings over 25 years of experience in the technology sector, with a proven track record of building category-defining platforms. Before his role at Superhuman, an email application designed for productivity enhancement, he co-founded Coda, a productivity and AI platform that successfully served millions of users and tens of thousands of teams.

Prior to founding Coda, Mehrotra held significant positions at YouTube, serving as both Chief Product Officer and Chief Technology Officer. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in transforming YouTube into the world’s largest video platform and one of Google’s most significant and rapidly growing businesses, catering to a new generation of creators.

Mehrotra holds a dual Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Walmart serves approximately 270 million customers and members each week across more than 10,750 stores and various eCommerce websites in 19 countries. The company reported a fiscal year 2025 revenue of $681 billion and employs around 2.1 million associates globally, according to the company’s release.

This strategic appointment reflects Walmart’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into its operations and enhancing customer service as it navigates the evolving landscape of retail.

According to The American Bazaar, Mehrotra’s expertise will be invaluable as Walmart continues to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing market.

Recent survey findings reveal that Anthropic’s Claude is the most popular AI tool among U.S. professionals, surpassing competitors like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, a new survey sheds light on the preferences of U.S. professionals regarding workplace AI tools. While major tech companies are eager to promote their proprietary AI solutions, it appears that users are making their choices based on performance rather than corporate allegiance.

Conducted by Blind, an anonymous professional community platform, the survey indicates that Claude, developed by Anthropic, has emerged as the most widely used AI model in corporate environments. Surprisingly, Claude has outperformed more established competitors, including ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. According to the survey, 31.7% of respondents reported using Claude as their primary AI tool at work, regardless of their employer’s preferences.

The survey collected responses from verified U.S.-based professionals during December, with a significant number identifying as software engineers. Participants sought AI assistance across various tasks, including debugging, system design, documentation, and content generation.

Despite Claude’s leading position, the survey reveals a more complex reality: professionals are not committing to a single AI model. Instead, many are curating personalized toolkits tailored to their specific needs. Vasudha Badri Paul, founder of Avatara AI, shared her experience, stating that her daily workflow involves multiple platforms. “I use Perplexity and Notebook LLM most frequently. For research and learning, I go to Claude and Gemini, while ChatGPT is my go-to for content,” she explained. Paul also incorporates Notion AI for organization, Sora for short video generation, Canva Magic Studio for graphics, and Gamma for slide decks.

This trend reflects a pragmatic approach among users, who are increasingly willing to switch between tools rather than remain loyal to a single ecosystem.

When it comes to coding, Claude’s advantages become particularly pronounced. The survey indicates that among developers, Claude excels in software development tasks. Many respondents highlighted its capabilities in writing and understanding complex code, an area where company-backed tools often face resistance. The survey found that 19.6% of professionals use ChatGPT, while 15% rely on Gemini. GitHub Copilot is close behind with 14.2%, and another 11.5% reported using Cursor.

The survey also explored preferences within companies that have their own AI products. At Meta, for instance, 50.7% of surveyed employees indicated that Claude was their preferred AI model, while only 8.2% reported using Meta AI. A similar trend was observed among Microsoft employees, where 34.8% favored Claude, narrowly ahead of Copilot at 32.2%, with ChatGPT trailing at 18.3%.

One key takeaway from the survey is that corporate backing does not necessarily guarantee employee loyalty. In an era where productivity is increasingly driven by AI tools, professionals are prioritizing effectiveness over brand allegiance.

Nitin Kumar, an app developer and solutions manager, noted the shift in his own AI stack over the past year. He stated, “Claude is definitely the most superior for software development.” Kumar recently canceled his ChatGPT Plus subscription, citing a lack of utility. However, he acknowledged that the AI landscape is still evolving, adding, “Gemini 3 Pro changed the game completely for non-coding uses.” He believes that coding capabilities are now nearly on par with Claude Opus 4.5.

Kumar’s insights reflect a broader trend of users experimenting with different tools and comparing version upgrades to find the best fit for their needs.

Interestingly, Google employees showed the strongest internal alignment, with 57.6% of those surveyed using Gemini as their primary AI model. However, this preference did not extend beyond Google’s offices, as only 11.6% of Amazon employees selected Gemini as their top choice. Amazon’s own AI tools, such as Amazon CodeWhisperer, received minimal traction, with just 0.7% of respondents indicating they used it.

Ultimately, the survey highlights a significant shift in how professionals engage with AI. Rather than adopting tools based on corporate mandates or branding, workers are choosing solutions that demonstrably enhance their speed, accuracy, and overall output. While Claude currently leads the pack, its dominance may not be permanent, but it has certainly established a measure of trust among users for now.

According to Blind, the findings underscore the importance of user experience in the competitive AI landscape.

Nvidia has entered a licensing agreement with Groq, acquiring its technology and key executives while allowing Groq to remain an independent entity.

Nvidia has announced a significant licensing agreement with the startup Groq, which includes the hiring of Groq’s CEO and other key executives. This development was detailed in a blog post by Groq, highlighting a trend where major tech companies engage with promising startups to leverage their technology and talent without outright acquisitions.

Groq is known for its specialization in “inference,” a process that involves artificial intelligence models responding to user queries after they have been trained. While Nvidia has established dominance in the AI training sector, it faces increasing competition from both established rivals and emerging startups like Groq and Cerebras Systems.

The agreement has been characterized by Groq as a “non-exclusive licensing agreement” for its inference technology. Groq emphasized that this partnership reflects a mutual commitment to enhancing access to high-performance, cost-effective inference solutions.

As part of this deal, Jonathan Ross, Groq’s Founder, and Sunny Madra, Groq’s President, along with other members of the Groq team, will transition to Nvidia to help advance and scale the licensed technology. Despite these changes, Groq will continue to operate independently under the leadership of Simon Edwards, who will assume the role of CEO.

A source close to Nvidia confirmed the agreement, although Groq has not disclosed any financial details related to the deal. Reports from CNBC suggested that Nvidia had considered acquiring Groq for $20 billion in cash, but neither company has commented on this speculation.

Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon noted in a recent client communication that antitrust concerns could pose a significant risk in this arrangement. However, by structuring the deal as a non-exclusive license, Nvidia may maintain the appearance of competition, even as Groq’s leadership and technical talent transition to Nvidia.

Groq has seen substantial growth, more than doubling its valuation to $6.9 billion from $2.8 billion since August of last year, following a $750 million funding round in September. The company distinguishes itself by not relying on external high-bandwidth memory chips, which has insulated it from the memory shortages currently affecting the global chip industry. Instead, Groq utilizes on-chip memory known as SRAM, which accelerates interactions with chatbots and other AI models, albeit at the cost of limiting the size of the models it can serve.

In the competitive landscape, Groq’s main rival is Cerebras Systems, which is reportedly planning to go public next year. Both companies have secured significant contracts in the Middle East, further solidifying their positions in the market.

Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, recently delivered his most important keynote address of the year, emphasizing the company’s strategy to maintain its leadership as the AI market transitions from training to inference.

This licensing agreement with Groq marks another strategic move for Nvidia as it seeks to bolster its capabilities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

For further details, refer to Reuters.

Starbucks has appointed Anand Varadarajan, a veteran of Amazon, as its new chief technology officer, effective January 19, 2026.

Starbucks announced on Friday that it has appointed Anand Varadarajan as its new chief technology officer (CTO). Varadarajan, who spent nearly 19 years at Amazon, most recently led technology and supply chain operations for the tech giant’s worldwide grocery stores business.

In a memo announcing the hiring, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol praised Varadarajan’s expertise, stating, “He knows how to create systems that are reliable and secure, drive operational excellence, and scale solutions that keep customers at the center. Just as important, he cares deeply about supporting and developing the people behind the scenes that build and enable the technology we use.”

Varadarajan will officially begin his role on January 19, 2026, and will also serve as executive vice president. He takes over from Deb Hall Lefevre, the former CTO, who departed in September amid a $1 billion restructuring plan that included a second round of layoffs.

With a strong educational background, Varadarajan is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from Purdue University, as well as a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Washington.

During his tenure at Amazon, Varadarajan was recently elevated to oversee the worldwide grocery technology and supply chain organizations, which encompass both the company’s Fresh brand and Whole Foods. He reported directly to Jason Buechel, Amazon’s grocery chief and the CEO of Whole Foods.

At Amazon, Varadarajan was instrumental in implementing grocery technology innovations, including a pilot program that introduced mini robotic warehouses in Whole Foods supermarkets. This initiative enabled consumers to shop from both the in-store selection and products from Amazon’s broader inventory, which are not typically available at the organic grocer.

Starbucks is currently navigating a significant turnaround strategy under Niccol, who took over as CEO in September 2024. The company recently reported that its quarterly same-store sales returned to growth for the first time in nearly two years, according to CNBC. Additionally, holiday sales have shown strong performance this season, despite ongoing strikes by baristas.

A key component of Starbucks’ turnaround strategy is its hospitality platform, Green Apron Service, which represents the company’s largest investment in labor at $500 million. This program is designed to ensure proper staffing and enhance technology to maintain fast service times. It was developed in response to the growth in digital orders, which now account for more than 30% of sales, as well as feedback from baristas.

In a related development, Starbucks recently announced it would pay $35 million to more than 15,000 workers in New York City to settle claims that it denied them stable schedules and arbitrarily reduced their hours. This settlement comes amid a continuing strike by Starbucks’ union, which began last month in various locations across the U.S. This marks the third strike to impact the chain since the union was established four years ago.

As Starbucks moves forward with its strategic initiatives, Varadarajan’s extensive experience in technology and supply chain management is expected to play a crucial role in the company’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

According to CNBC, the company is focused on leveraging technology to improve service and address the challenges posed by labor disputes.

ChatGPT’s mobile app has surpassed $3 billion in global consumer spending, reflecting rapid adoption of AI technology and a strong subscription model since its launch in May 2023.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT mobile app has achieved a significant milestone, crossing $3 billion in global consumer spending. This figure highlights the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and the effectiveness of subscription-driven growth.

As of this week, the ChatGPT mobile app has surpassed $3 billion in worldwide consumer spending on both iOS and Android platforms since its launch in May 2023. According to estimates from app intelligence provider Appfigures, a substantial portion of this growth—approximately $2.48 billion—occurred in 2025 alone. This marks a notable increase compared to the $487 million spent in 2024, showcasing the widespread acceptance of AI tools on mobile devices.

The ChatGPT app reached the $3 billion milestone in just 31 months, outpacing other major applications. For instance, TikTok took 58 months to reach a similar figure, while streaming services like Disney+ and HBO Max required 42 and 46 months, respectively. This rapid adoption underscores ChatGPT’s unique position in the mobile app market.

A significant portion of the spending is attributed to paid subscription tiers, such as ChatGPT Plus and ChatGPT Pro, which provide users with access to advanced features and the latest AI models. The app’s visibility in mobile app rankings has also increased, reflecting a growing consumer willingness to invest in AI-powered services. This achievement establishes ChatGPT as one of the most rapidly monetized AI applications in mobile history.

The $3 billion figure encompasses total spending on iOS and Android devices since the app’s initial launch. When it first debuted in May 2023, it was available exclusively on iOS.

ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI that can comprehend and generate human-like text based on user prompts. It employs advanced machine learning techniques to perform a variety of tasks, including answering questions, writing content, translating languages, summarizing text, and assisting with coding.

The model has been integrated into various platforms, encompassing both web and mobile applications. It offers users free access alongside paid subscription options that provide enhanced capabilities. As a result, ChatGPT has rapidly emerged as one of the most widely utilized AI tools, reflecting the increasing demand for conversational AI across sectors such as education, business, entertainment, and everyday problem-solving.

The swift rise of the ChatGPT mobile app signifies a broader shift in consumer engagement with artificial intelligence, indicating a growing comfort with incorporating AI tools into daily life. Beyond impressive revenue figures, its success illustrates a larger trend toward mainstream adoption of AI-powered applications, where users increasingly recognize the value of conversational AI for productivity, creativity, and problem-solving.

This milestone also highlights the effectiveness of a subscription-based model for monetizing advanced AI services, demonstrating users’ willingness to invest in tools that enhance efficiency and provide innovative capabilities.

The app’s accelerated adoption compared to other major platforms reflects evolving expectations among mobile users and the distinct appeal of AI-driven experiences that deliver immediate, tangible benefits. Furthermore, this growth suggests a potential expansion of AI across various sectors, from education and entertainment to professional workflows, as accessibility and user familiarity continue to improve.

According to Appfigures, the success of ChatGPT’s mobile app is a testament to the increasing integration of AI into everyday life.

Supportiyo, co-founded by Ashar Ahmad, is transforming the home service industry by providing small businesses with an AI-driven digital workforce to enhance operational efficiency and reduce missed calls.

In an exclusive interview, Ashar Ahmad, co-founder and CEO of Supportiyo, discusses how the startup is revolutionizing operations for small businesses through applied artificial intelligence (AI).

Supportiyo, co-founded by Ahmad, is an applied AI startup focused on creating a digital workforce specifically for home service businesses. Unlike most AI tools that cater to large enterprises or technical users, Supportiyo aims to bridge the gap for small businesses that seek effective outcomes rather than complex tools.

The platform functions as a vertical AI phone agent for home service businesses, addressing one of the industry’s significant revenue leaks: missed calls. Supportiyo answers calls instantly, comprehends trade-specific language, manages customer objections, and books jobs directly into company calendars. This solution emerged from the collaboration between Ahmad, an AI engineer, and Ahmad M.S., a trades business owner who experienced firsthand the operational challenges faced by small businesses.

In the interview, Ahmad elaborated on Supportiyo’s mission and core purpose. “Supportiyo is an applied AI company building a digital workforce for home service businesses,” he explained. “Today, most advanced AI and automation tools are built for enterprises, engineers, or power users. Small business owners don’t want tools, workflows, or configuration platforms. They want work to get done.”

Ahmad emphasized that Supportiyo’s purpose is to transform existing AI capabilities into autonomous AI workers that take ownership of essential business functions. “These aren’t tools that merely assist people; they’re systems designed to actively perform work inside a business,” he noted. By identifying core workflows in home service businesses, Supportiyo creates AI workers capable of managing responsibilities from start to finish, delivering real return on investment without requiring business owners to learn new software or alter their operations.

When asked about the inspiration behind Supportiyo, Ahmad shared that the company was born out of a specific problem: missed calls. “As a builder and AI engineer, I saw how much capability already existed and how poorly it translated into real outcomes for small businesses,” he said. “When Ahmad, who was running a home service business at the time, became our first customer, the problem became very concrete. His business was losing revenue simply because calls were missed while technicians were in the field.”

Ahmad pointed out that the home services sector is one of the most underserved markets when it comes to technology solutions. While industries such as hospitality, banking, and education have access to various tools, home services have lagged behind. “Supportiyo exists to close the gap between modern technology and practical execution,” he added.

Supportiyo’s unique approach to trades businesses sets it apart from generic call-handling solutions. “We combine deep technical capability with real domain expertise,” Ahmad explained. “Most platforms give businesses ingredients—tools, workflows, prompts, and integrations—that owners are expected to assemble themselves. We take a different approach.” Instead of providing a kitchen full of tools, Supportiyo offers prebuilt, industry-specific AI workers that understand trade language, objections, scheduling logic, and operational nuances.

Feedback from early adopters has been overwhelmingly positive, with users expressing relief and trust in the system. An HVAC business owner noted that handling calls while working in the field was a significant challenge. After implementing Supportiyo, every customer was attended to and scheduled promptly, allowing the owner to step in only when necessary. A local food business shared that language barriers had previously hindered customer interactions, but Supportiyo learned their full menu and preferences, enabling smooth conversations and allowing the team to focus on their core work.

Ahmad highlighted that Supportiyo now manages close to 80% of inbound calls for some service business owners, providing them with more time to concentrate on growth. “Owners often describe Supportiyo not as software, but as an extra worker they can rely on,” he said.

When discussing how the AI handles objections and nuanced customer queries, Ahmad explained that the AI operates with full business context rather than relying on scripts or hardcoded prompts. “Each AI worker understands the specific business it represents, including services, pricing logic, availability, and policies,” he stated. This capability allows the AI to respond based on real business rules and past outcomes, ensuring accountability and effective resolution of customer inquiries.

Building Supportiyo has not been without its challenges. Ahmad noted that educating potential customers about AI’s capabilities is crucial before selling the product. “We first have to explain what AI can realistically do, what it replaces, and what outcomes owners should expect,” he said. Trust has also been a significant hurdle, as the AI category has been marred by flashy products that fail in real operations. Supportiyo addresses this by focusing on reliability, narrow responsibilities, and maintaining tight feedback loops with customers.

Ahmad described a typical customer journey, which has evolved from a hands-on onboarding process to a more streamlined experience. “Today, onboarding is fast and simple. A customer creates an account, selects their industry, connects their website, and activates an AI worker. Within minutes, calls are being handled,” he explained. For those seeking guidance, assisted onboarding allows customers to go live in under ten minutes. “The core principle is that the AI adapts to the business. The business does not adapt to the AI,” he added.

Looking ahead, Ahmad envisions Supportiyo becoming the default AI workforce for home service businesses within the next five years. “Platforms like Jobber and ServiceTitan helped move the industry from paper to software. Supportiyo moves it from software to autonomous AI workers,” he said. The goal is not to replace people but to alleviate operational burdens, allowing humans to focus on judgment, relationships, and growth. “Home services are just the beginning. The mission stays the same as we expand: applied AI that takes responsibility for real work and delivers measurable impact,” he concluded.

According to The American Bazaar, Supportiyo is poised to make a significant impact on the home service industry by providing small businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla’s robotaxi testing has begun in Austin, marking a significant step toward the company’s autonomous vehicle goals.

In a groundbreaking development for autonomous vehicle technology, a Tesla robotaxi was recently observed navigating public roads in Austin without a driver or safety monitor present. This marks a significant milestone in Tesla’s ambitions for self-driving cars.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, announced the commencement of these tests via a post on X, stating, “Testing is underway with no occupant in the car.” His remarks came during a video call at an xAI “hackathon” event last week, where he indicated that the company plans to eliminate human safety monitors from its robotaxi fleet by the end of the year.

According to Musk, “There will be Tesla robotaxis operating in Austin with no one in them, not even anyone in the passenger seat, in about three weeks.” This announcement has generated considerable excitement among investors and technology enthusiasts alike.

The news has had a positive impact on Tesla’s stock, which surged by as much as 4.9%, reaching $481.37—its highest price in nearly a year. The stock had previously peaked at $488.54 on December 18 of last year, buoyed by expectations that regulatory barriers for self-driving cars might be lifted.

Seth Goldstein, a senior equity analyst at Morningstar, commented on the situation, noting, “The news Tesla is testing robotaxis without the safety monitors is in line with our expectations that the company is making progress in its testing, in line with management’s statements during the third quarter earnings call.” He added that the market’s positive reaction has contributed to the rise in Tesla’s share price.

However, this ambitious move has also raised significant safety concerns. Critics point out that Tesla has yet to provide comprehensive and verifiable data demonstrating that its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is safer than human drivers. While there is anecdotal evidence and curated video clips showcasing the technology, the lack of detailed disengagement data contrasts sharply with the transparency offered by competitors like Waymo.

Recent data from incident reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under their Standing General Order regarding Automated Driving Systems (ADS) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) reveals troubling statistics. The data indicates that Tesla’s robotaxi pilot in Austin experiences a crash approximately every 62,000 miles, a rate that is significantly higher than the average for human drivers, even with a safety monitor present in the vehicle.

Tesla has long been an advocate for self-driving technology and robotaxi services, but the company has encountered numerous challenges along the way. In contrast, Alphabet’s Waymo has established a leading position in the market, operating over 2,500 commercial robotaxis across major U.S. cities as of November. Recent reports from CNBC indicate that Waymo is currently providing around 450,000 paid rides per week.

As Tesla continues to push forward with its robotaxi initiative, the balance between innovation and safety remains a critical concern for regulators, consumers, and industry analysts alike. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the future trajectory of Tesla’s autonomous vehicle program.

According to Teslarati, the implications of these developments will be closely monitored by stakeholders across the automotive and technology sectors.

World, the biometric ID verification platform co-founded by Sam Altman, has launched a significant upgrade to its app, introducing new features aimed at enhancing user experience and security.

World, the biometric ID verification platform co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has unveiled the latest version of its app, which introduces a range of new features designed to enhance user experience and security. The update includes encrypted chat functionality and expanded cryptocurrency payment options, allowing users to send and request digital currency in a manner similar to popular payment platforms like Venmo.

Founded in 2019 by Altman and his team at Tools for Humanity, World aims to provide digital “proof of human” tools amid growing concerns about AI-generated deepfakes and online impersonation. The app, which first launched in 2023, is designed to help distinguish real individuals from automated bots, addressing a critical need in today’s digital landscape.

At a recent event held at World’s headquarters in San Francisco, Altman and Alex Blania, the company’s co-founder and CEO, introduced the app’s new features, dubbing it a “super app.” The presentation was followed by a demonstration from the product team, showcasing the app’s capabilities.

In his remarks, Altman shared that the concept for World stemmed from discussions with Blania about the necessity for a new economic model. The app’s verification network is built on web3 principles, aiming to create a more secure and privacy-preserving way to identify unique individuals. “It’s really hard to both identify unique people and do that in a privacy-preserving way,” Altman noted.

One of the standout features of the new version is World Chat, a messaging function designed to support the app’s overarching vision. This feature employs end-to-end encryption similar to that used by Signal, ensuring that user conversations remain private. Additionally, the app incorporates color-coded speech bubbles to indicate whether a contact has been verified through World’s system, enhancing user trust and security.

Another significant enhancement is the app’s digital payment system, which now allows users to send and receive cryptocurrency. While World has functioned as a digital wallet for some time, the latest update expands its capabilities. Users can link virtual bank accounts to receive paychecks or make deposits, which can then be converted into cryptocurrency. Notably, these features are accessible to all users, regardless of whether they have completed World’s verification process.

Tiago Sada, World’s chief product officer, emphasized the importance of user feedback in developing the app’s new features. “What we kept hearing from people is that they wanted a more social World app,” he explained. “It took a lot of work to make this feature-rich messenger that is similar to a WhatsApp or a Telegram, but with the encryption and security of something that is a lot closer to Signal.”

World, previously known as Worldcoin, employs a unique verification system to establish identity. Individuals seeking verification have their irises scanned at one of the company’s locations, where the Orb, a spherical biometric device, converts the iris pattern into an encrypted digital code. This code becomes the individual’s World ID, granting access to the suite of services offered through the app.

Altman has expressed his ambition to eventually bring eye scans to a billion people, a scale he believes is essential for the system to have a meaningful global impact. However, as of now, Tools for Humanity reports that the project has verified fewer than 20 million individuals, highlighting the significant journey ahead to achieve that goal.

As World continues to evolve, its latest updates reflect a commitment to enhancing user experience while addressing pressing concerns about identity verification in an increasingly digital world. The introduction of features like encrypted messaging and expanded payment options positions World as a versatile tool for navigating the complexities of modern online interactions.

According to TechCrunch, the launch of the “super app” marks a significant milestone for World as it seeks to redefine how individuals verify their identities and engage in digital transactions.

Tata Consultancy Services has announced its acquisition of Coastal Cloud, a Salesforce consulting firm, for $700 million, enhancing its capabilities in AI-led technology services.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Coastal Cloud, a U.S.-based Salesforce Summit firm, for an all-cash consideration of $700 million. This strategic move aims to bolster TCS’s capabilities in Salesforce consulting and AI-led technology services.

Founded in 2012, Coastal Cloud specializes in multi-cloud Salesforce consulting, focusing on enterprise-scale transformations. The firm offers AI-driven advisory and business consulting services designed to help clients reimagine their Sales, Service, Marketing, Revenue, Configure Price Quote (CPQ), Commerce, and Salesforce Data Cloud operations. As a Salesforce Summit Partner, Coastal Cloud emphasizes building strong customer relationships and partnerships.

Aarthi Subramanian, Chief Operating Officer of Tata Consultancy Services, remarked, “This acquisition marks a pivotal milestone in advancing our global Salesforce capabilities and accelerating our AI-led transformation agenda. It is another significant step towards realizing TCS’s vision of becoming the world’s largest AI-led Technology Services company.”

Eric Berridge, CEO of Coastal Cloud, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “This is an exciting new chapter for Coastal Cloud, and joining TCS enables us to serve our customers’ evolving needs with even greater depth, speed, and scale. Our team’s Salesforce and multi-cloud expertise, combined with TCS’ global reach, advanced AI capabilities, and enterprise-scale solutions, will allow us to support customers across a broader spectrum of transformation needs. Together, we can design solutions, modernize complex processes, and unlock new value across industries globally.”

Vikram Karakoti, Global Head of Enterprise Solutions at TCS, noted that Coastal Cloud’s multi-cloud capabilities complement TCS’s existing Salesforce strengths. He stated, “Together with ListEngage’s expertise, we are poised to build a world-class Salesforce practice to deliver full-stack, custom solutions globally. These two acquisitions expand our geographic presence, deepen our sector capabilities, and significantly strengthen our talent pool, giving us confidence to meet our aspirations and support clients’ agendas in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.”

Karakoti also emphasized TCS’s commitment to its existing customers, ensuring continuity, consistency, and excellence in service delivery. The acquisition is expected to enhance TCS’s global Salesforce aspirations by integrating comprehensive, multi-cloud Salesforce expertise across various industries.

Furthermore, TCS believes that this acquisition will enable the company to deliver stronger client outcomes and accelerate growth across all key global markets. The firm continues to pursue its mergers and acquisitions agenda, aligning with its core priorities in AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Digital Engineering, and Enterprise Solutions.

According to TCS, this acquisition reinforces its commitment to its customers in the United States, which represents the largest market for the organization globally. The deal is subject to conditions precedent and regulatory approvals.

This acquisition highlights TCS’s strategic focus on enhancing its service offerings and expanding its capabilities in the competitive technology landscape.

According to The American Bazaar, the deal is poised to significantly impact TCS’s operations and growth trajectory.

In December 2025, Apple announced significant executive transitions aimed at enhancing its focus on AI, design, and regulatory policy as the company prepares for future growth.

In a notable shift within its leadership, Apple announced several executive transitions in December 2025, impacting its teams in artificial intelligence, design, legal, and policy sectors. Among the most significant changes is the planned retirement of John Giannandrea, the senior vice president for Machine Learning and AI Strategy, who has held the position since 2018. Giannandrea is expected to retire in spring 2026, although he will continue to serve in an advisory role during the transition period.

Amar Subramanya, who previously served as a corporate vice president of AI at Microsoft, will succeed Giannandrea. Subramanya will report directly to Craig Federighi and will lead efforts in AI foundation-model development, machine-learning research, and AI safety initiatives. While this succession has been widely reported, specific details regarding the internal redistribution of teams under Subramanya’s leadership remain undisclosed.

On the design front, Alan Dye, Apple’s long-serving head of user-interface design, is set to depart for Meta Platforms, where he will assume the role of Chief Design Officer, effective December 31, 2025. The exact details regarding the transition of design responsibilities and how Apple will manage its design teams in the interim have not been publicly confirmed.

In the legal and policy sectors, Apple is preparing for the retirement of longtime general counsel Kate Adams and Lisa Jackson, the vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, both of whom are expected to retire in 2026. To fill the legal role, Apple has appointed Jennifer Newstead, who previously served as chief legal officer at Meta, as its new general counsel and head of government affairs, effective March 1, 2026. It is anticipated that policy teams will report to COO Sabih Khan, although the full organizational structure and division of responsibilities may still evolve.

These executive changes represent a significant leadership transition at Apple, with implications for its AI initiatives, software design, governance, and regulatory policy. The appointments of experienced leaders like Subramanya and Newstead signal Apple’s intent to bolster its AI capabilities and enhance its navigation of regulatory landscapes. Meanwhile, Dye’s departure underscores the competitive nature of talent movement within the tech industry.

However, the simultaneous transition of multiple top executives could lead to short-term disruptions. Challenges may arise in maintaining design continuity until new leadership is fully established, and the precise impact on Apple’s AI programs, product development, or operational performance remains uncertain. Media references to Apple’s stock performance during this period are anecdotal, and any direct correlation to these leadership changes should be viewed as speculative.

In summary, Apple’s executive transitions in December 2025 reflect a strategic push toward innovation in AI, organizational renewal, and preparedness for regulatory challenges. While these appointments indicate a clear intent to strengthen the company’s capabilities, the outcomes over the next 12 to 24 months—including effects on AI products, design consistency, and corporate governance—remain uncertain and will depend on the successful execution of these leadership changes.

These shifts in leadership at Apple mark a pivotal moment in the company’s ongoing evolution, emphasizing a strategic focus on AI, design, governance, and policy. By welcoming experienced leaders such as Amar Subramanya and Jennifer Newstead, Apple aims to enhance its AI capabilities, accelerate innovation, and adeptly navigate complex regulatory and operational challenges. At the same time, the departures of Giannandrea and Dye highlight the natural turnover at senior levels and the competitive dynamics within the technology sector.

Ultimately, Apple’s ability to adapt to these transitions, align teams around strategic priorities, and maintain momentum in both design and AI development will be crucial. The long-term impact of these leadership changes on product innovation, team dynamics, and competitive positioning remains uncertain, but they reflect a deliberate effort to position the company for future growth and technological leadership, according to The American Bazaar.

Meta is set to reduce its Metaverse budget by up to 30%, a move that may also lead to layoffs within the division.

Meta is reportedly planning to cut the budget for its Metaverse division by as much as 30%, according to a Bloomberg report. Company executives have indicated that these reductions could also result in layoffs.

The proposed budget cuts are part of Meta’s annual planning for 2026, which included a series of meetings held at CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s compound in Hawaii last month. While the cuts have not yet been finalized, they are expected to affect the teams working on Meta’s Quest virtual reality headsets and its social platform, Horizon Worlds.

Since rebranding in 2021, Meta has faced skepticism from investors regarding the significant resources allocated to the Metaverse, particularly as the division has incurred billions in losses each quarter. In contrast, the company has seen more success with its initiatives in artificial intelligence and smart glasses, although concerns remain about the sustainability of its investment strategies.

“Within our overall Reality Labs portfolio, we are shifting some of our investment from Metaverse toward AI glasses and wearables given the momentum there,” said Meta spokesperson Nissa Anklesaria in a statement to The New York Times. “We aren’t planning any broader changes than that.” This statement was also provided to Bloomberg, though it was not attributed to a specific spokesperson.

Craig Huber, an analyst at Huber Research Partners, commented, “Smart move, just late. This seems a major shift to align costs with a revenue outlook that surely is not as prosperous as management thought years ago.”

The Metaverse division operates within Reality Labs, which is responsible for producing Meta’s Quest mixed-reality headsets, smart glasses developed in partnership with Essilor Luxottica’s Ray-Ban, and upcoming augmented-reality glasses. Earlier this year, Meta invested $3.5 billion in Essilor Luxottica.

If the budget cuts proceed, they would reflect a broader trend of diminishing interest in products such as Horizon Worlds and Meta’s virtual reality hardware, both within the tech industry and among consumers.

This news comes as Meta seeks to maintain its relevance in the competitive AI landscape, particularly following a lukewarm reception of its Llama 4 model, according to Reuters. To support its ambitious goals, Meta has committed up to $72 billion in capital expenditures this year. Overall, major technology companies are projected to spend around $400 billion on AI in 2023.

Earlier this year, Meta reorganized its AI initiatives under the banner of Superintelligence Labs, with Zuckerberg spearheading aggressive hiring and acquisitions. The company recently brought on former Apple UI designer Alan Dye, who will oversee the design of hardware, software, and AI integration for its interfaces.

As Meta navigates these changes, the future of its Metaverse ambitions remains uncertain, with ongoing scrutiny from investors and industry watchers alike.

This report is based on information from Bloomberg.