Apple and Google have confirmed that the Gemini models enable the new version of Siri and other AI productivity features. CNBC broke the news, but Apple and Google soon followed up with a long joint statement. Here’s part of it: “Apple has determined that Google’s AI technology provides the most effective foundation for Apple Foundation Models… Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple’s industry-leading privacy standards.”
In June, it was reported that Apple was considering partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic for Siri (the voice assistant can currently tap ChatGPT for specific questions as part of Apple Intelligence). Two months later, Google emerged as a competitor. Another report suggested that Apple could build a new Siri using a custom version of Gemini – and that it would pay Google about $1 billion a year for this right. However, no official agreement numbers have been shared.
It’s also worth noting that current iPhones have direct access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. But how long?
— Matt Smith
Some big news this morning
Adolescence and KPop Demon Hunters picked up several each.
Netflix
Netflix’s hottest show Youth received four awards, including best limited or anthology series. It also won outstanding actor (Stephen Graham), supporting actor (Owen Cooper) and supporting actress (Erin Doherty) in a miniseries or television movie.
KPop Demon Hunters – which my nieces refuse to stop talking about – won best animated feature and best original song. “I just want to say that this award goes to people who have closed doors, and I can say with confidence that rejection is redirection. So never give up.”
It’s not all good news. Netflix also won best performance for the best comedy on television for Ricky Gervais: Death. Apple and HBO Max each won three, while Hulu received one award on the night.
Keep reading.
The agency is eyeing a February launch date for Artemis 2.
A few years ago, NASA announced that it was pushing forward the Artemis 2 mission to April 2026. The agency now says it could start as early as February. NASA is finalizing preparations for this mission and will soon launch the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft from the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Artemis 2 is the first crewed mission to the moon since the last flight of the Apollo program in 1972. The 10-day mission will have four astronauts, who will test whether Orion’s critical life support systems can support human passengers on future long-duration missions. They will first circle the Earth twice before traveling 4,700 miles to the other side of the moon.
Keep reading.
Pikachu, Eevee, Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise will ship on February 27.
Lego
Pre-orders for the first Lego-Pokémon kit are now open. One of the debut monsters in the pack is, of course, Pikachu. You can build a 2,050-piece kit to show Pikachu either resting or jumping out of an open Poké Ball into battle. It costs $200.
There’s also a 587-piece Eevee model, for $60. On the larger side there is a set containing three Pokémon: Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise. This kit has 6,838 pieces and can display the team together in battle formation or separately in their own small areas. It costs $650 and is very small.
Keep reading.
