Apple and Google have confirmed that Gemini’s models power the new version of Siri and other generative AI features. CNBC broke the news, with the companies releasing a joint statement. Apple stated that Google’s AI technology provides the most capable foundation for its Foundation Models. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, maintaining the company’s privacy standards. Earlier reports indicated Apple was considering partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic for Siri. The voice assistant can currently tap ChatGPT for some queries within Apple Intelligence. Two months later, Google emerged as a contender. Another report suggested Apple might build the new Siri using a custom version of Gemini, paying Google around one billion dollars annually, though no official deal numbers were shared. It is notable that current iPhones have direct access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, but the future of that arrangement is now uncertain. In other news, Meta has closed 550,000 accounts to comply with Australia’s new law banning children under 16 from social media. The company is using a combination of AI and user reports to identify and remove underage users. Meta also appointed a former official from the Trump and Bush administrations as its new president and vice chair. Netflix won seven awards at the Golden Globes. The hit show Adolescence received four awards, including best limited or anthology series. It also won best actor for Stephen Graham, supporting actor for Owen Cooper, and supporting actress for Erin Doherty in a miniseries or television film. KPop Demon Hunters won best animated feature and best original song. Netflix also won best performance in stand-up comedy on television for Ricky Gervais: Mortality. Apple and HBO Max each won three awards, and Hulu won one. NASA is making final preparations for its first crewed moon mission in over 50 years. The agency is now targeting a February launch date for Artemis 2, moving it up from an earlier estimate of April 2026. NASA will soon roll out the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft to the launch pad in Florida. Artemis 2 is a 10-day mission with four astronauts. They will test Orion’s critical life-support systems for future longer missions. The crew will orbit Earth twice before traveling 4,700 miles beyond the far side of the moon. Lego’s first Pokémon sets are now available for pre-order. The kits will ship on February 27. One set features Pikachu, a 2,050-piece model that can be built either at rest or leaping from an open Poké Ball. It costs 200 dollars. Another is a 587-piece model of Eevee for 60 dollars. A large set features Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise. This 6,838-piece kit can display the group in battle formation or separately in their own mini environments. It retails for 650 dollars.
