On June 2, 2025, Education Minister Paul Givan announced a significant research initiative to evaluate the use of AI tools in enhancing literacy for disadvantaged pupils and those with Special Educational Needs. The project, part of the RAISE Programme, will involve over 15,000 students using an AI-powered reading tutor in collaboration with Oxford Brookes University during the 2025/26 academic year. It aims to generate evidence to inform national literacy policy and improve data-driven teaching. By comparing outcomes between students using the AI tool and those using standard methods, the study seeks to assess the effectiveness of AI in improving reading skills. Continuous monitoring and training for teachers will ensure they can implement targeted interventions based on data insights. Givan emphasized the importance of literacy in accessing knowledge and supporting overall educational success, expressing optimism about the project’s potential impact on educational policy in Northern Ireland.
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Education Minister Unveils Research Study on the Role of AI Tools in Enhancing Literacy
Altman: Why Gen Z’s Use of ChatGPT for Life Choices is Both Savvy and Risky
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlighted that Gen Z increasingly relies on ChatGPT for life decisions, reflecting broader generational trends in AI usage. While Gen Z views it as an “operating system” for advice, older users tend to treat it as a smarter search tool. The appeal lies in ChatGPT being non-judgmental, always accessible, and offering a safe space for exploration, particularly for those lacking traditional support. However, there are significant risks, including the absence of genuine empathy and the potential for biased or misleading advice. Furthermore, reliance on AI could undermine authentic human relationships. The surrounding societal instability may drive people to seek instant clarity from AI, yet this raises questions about the potential loss of real connections. Using ChatGPT thoughtfully can offer valuable insights, but users should reflect on their motivations and consider seeking human interaction for deeper understanding and support.
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Samsung Poised to Finalize Comprehensive AI Partnership with Perplexity – Bloomberg
Samsung is reportedly close to finalizing a significant agreement with AI startup Perplexity to enhance its devices with advanced artificial intelligence features. This partnership aims to integrate Perplexity’s innovative AI capabilities into Samsung’s products, potentially transforming user experiences across its range of devices, including smartphones and home appliances. The deal reflects Samsung’s commitment to staying competitive in the fast-evolving tech landscape, where AI integration is becoming increasingly vital. By leveraging Perplexity’s expertise, Samsung seeks to offer smarter, more intuitive functionalities, such as improved voice recognition and contextual understanding. The collaboration could also streamline Samsung’s development processes, enabling quicker adaptations to market demands. As discussions advance, the tech community eagerly anticipates the potential implications of this partnership, which promises to elevate Samsung’s product offerings while positioning Perplexity as a pivotal player in the AI space.
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Advanced Threats: APT Intrusions, AI-Driven Malware, Zero-Click Exploits, and Browser Hijacks
In a recent cybersecurity recap, the evolving landscape of threats and attacks was highlighted. Cybersecurity defenses are increasingly challenged by sophisticated methods that exploit normal system operations, making detection difficult. The Chinese state-sponsored group APT41 recently used Google Calendar for malware command-and-control, while U.S. authorities dismantled several domains facilitating counter-antivirus services for criminals. New malware like EDDIESTEALER and GhostSpy targets sensitive data, employing tactics to bypass security measures. The rise of stalkerware and threats from nation-state actors was also noted, alongside significant vulnerabilities in systems like ConnectWise and vBulletin leading to potential exploitation. Additionally, emerging regulations in Australia mandate ransomware payment disclosures for businesses. The report emphasizes that good cybersecurity strategies must evolve continuously, leveraging AI for vulnerability detection and fostering a proactive approach to security to counteract increasingly deceptive threats.
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Meta’s AI to Revolutionize Advertising by Crafting Complete Campaigns by 2026
Meta’s introduction of new AI tools is poised to disrupt traditional advertising roles, including planning, creation, and buying, typically managed by agencies. This development has created significant unrest within the marketing industry, leading to investor anxiety. As a result, shares of major marketing firms have declined sharply. British company WPP experienced a 3% drop in stock prices, while French firms Publicis Groupe and Havas saw declines of 3.9% and 3%, respectively. The reactions underscore the potential impact of AI advancements on established advertising practices and raise concerns about the future stability of these traditional marketing agencies.
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Will Gemini Transform into Your Personal Inbox Assistant?
Gmail is introducing automatic AI-generated summaries for emails, marking a shift in Google’s approach to integrating its Gemini AI assistant. This new feature will display concise summaries at the top of lengthy email threads, eliminating the previous need to manually request a summary. The AI determines when a summary is necessary, particularly for longer conversations, updating dynamically with new replies. Currently, this feature is available to Google Workspace users and certain subscribers, specifically for English-language emails on mobile devices. Users looking to opt-out of these automatic summaries can disable the entire “smart features” suite, which includes other helpful tools like Smart Compose. This development reflects Google’s broader push for AI integration across its products, aiming to enhance user efficiency. While some may find these automatic summaries beneficial, others may view them as intrusive, highlighting varying user preferences as AI technology becomes more prevalent in everyday applications.
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Volvo to Incorporate Google’s Gemini AI, Enhancing In-Car Technology Experience
Volvo Cars is enhancing its collaboration with Google to integrate Gemini AI—a sophisticated version of Google’s voice assistant—into its vehicles. This upgrade aims to elevate the driving experience for Volvo users and potentially transform the automotive industry as a whole. Gemini allows for more natural conversations, enabling drivers to inquire about car features, receive destination information, and communicate in over 40 languages.
Some Volvo models already feature Google services like Maps and Play. An upcoming upgrade will incorporate Gemini, making the infotainment system resemble a smart Android tablet. This partnership signifies a significant advancement for both companies, with Volvo becoming a lead partner to test new features ahead of other automakers. Gemini will also be available in vehicles from other brands, such as Lincoln and Honda, and will be introduced to Android Auto, allowing broader access for cars without built-in Google functions.
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Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Might Replace Google Gemini with a New Default AI Chatbot – PCMag
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 may not include Google Gemini as its default AI chatbot, according to recent reports. Instead, the tech giant is considering integrating its own AI solutions, aligning with its strategy to enhance user experience through proprietary technology. This move reflects a broader trend among smartphone manufacturers to prioritize in-house AI capabilities over third-party applications. By developing its own chatbot, Samsung aims to provide users with more tailored services and greater control over data privacy. The potential shift indicates Samsung’s commitment to innovation and competitive differentiation in the increasingly crowded smartphone market. While the integration of Google’s Gemini could have offered robust capabilities, Samsung’s focus seems to be on creating a unique identity for its devices, ensuring that its software ecosystem remains cohesive and user-centric. Details about the specific features of Samsung’s AI chatbot remain sparse, but the move signifies an exciting evolution in mobile technology.
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Google Empowers Offline AI Model Launches on Smartphones: Exploring the AI Edge Gallery
Google has introduced the AI Edge Gallery app, enabling users to run AI models on smartphones without internet access. Available on Google Play for Android and soon for iOS, the app utilizes models from the Hugging Face platform, allowing users to perform tasks like image generation and code editing locally on their devices. This local processing enhances privacy and ensures model availability even without internet connectivity. However, performance varies based on the device’s hardware.
Analysts are highlighting the broader implications of AI on Google’s search ecosystem. With new AI tools like AI Overviews and AI mode, the search process is evolving—shifting from keyword dominance to prioritizing quality content that demonstrates expertise. This demands that brands produce valuable, contextually relevant content to improve visibility. Additionally, Gmail now features automated summaries for lengthy emails, and Google is integrating AI search-enhanced ad units for quicker access to products and services.
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