New Gemini

Google announced multiple new models in their Gemini AI suite, including Gemini 3.6 Flash, 3.5 Flash Lite, and 3.5 Flash Cyber. The models are engineered for better coding, knowledge work, and multi-modal performance, with significant reductions in token usage and competitive pricing. Gemini 3.6 Flash, for example, offers higher precision in coding and knowledge tasks, with an advanced knowledge cut-off date of March 2026. Google is also progressing on Gemini 4, with pre-training underway. The new models aim to enhance performance while lowering costs and expanding application in tasks like security vulnerability detection, search, and coding.

China is contemplating stricter export controls on AI and semiconductor technologies amidst rising US-China tensions. Discussions involve limiting overseas transfer of Chinese AI and chip technologies, especially regarding open-weight models like Kimi K3 and Quinn 3.8 Max, which are designed for local customization. These measures stem from concerns over technology acquisition by foreign entities and intellectual property theft, with some proposals suggesting restrictions on exports to slow advanced technological development. Meanwhile, Chinese regulators are also discussing restrictions to prevent foreign access to certain technologies, signaling a potential tightening of global AI development pathways.

US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, indicated increased scrutiny over the 'distillation' process used by Chinese companies to reverse-engineer American AI models, which may constitute IP theft. The US plans to investigate Chinese models for potential illegal use of US technology, possibly leading to sanctions. The upcoming US-China AI talks aim to address these issues, with the US emphasizing concerns over Chinese models showing watermarking of American models and the risks involved. This suggests ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting AI development and international cooperation.

Apple is partnering with Klarna to launch an 'Apple Upgrade' leasing program in the US, allowing customers to lease iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches with options to upgrade early, pay off early, or keep their devices at the end of the term. This new subscription-like service, launching around July 28, aims to provide lower monthly payments and more flexible ownership options, especially as Apple increases device prices due to industry shortages. The program excludes certain products and may evolve, replacing earlier financing options, and represents Apple's strategic move to maintain market competitiveness.

OpenAI announced that its Codex and ChatGPT Work products have surpassed 10 million users, nearly doubling the usage since their previous reports. ChatGPT itself boasts over 900 million weekly users, highlighting the massive popularity of AI tools. These figures show rapid adoption of AI for coding, research, and other tasks, although OpenAI doesn't specify active vs. total users, nor whether these are weekly or monthly figures. The data reflects broad acceptance and integration of AI models into daily workflows across organizations.

Garmin launched the Circa Smart Band, a $200, screenless fitness tracker designed to monitor over 80 activities with up to 10 days of battery life. It uses sensors to track health metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen, and skin temperature, helping to detect conditions such as sleep apnea and asthma. The device targets fitness enthusiasts seeking an unobtrusive, subscription-free alternative to competitors like Whoop and Google's Fitbit Air. It can be worn as a wristband or arm band and offers detailed sleep and health analysis via Garmin Connect, emphasizing simplicity and health insights.