Your brief - 12h (13 articles)

Intel has reported its first profit in two years, with $13.7 billion in revenue for Q3 2025, marking a 3% year-over-year increase, according to The Verge. The company’s focus has shifted heavily toward AI infrastructure, prioritizing server chips over consumer processors due to the ongoing demand for AI workloads. CEO Lip-Bu Tan emphasized Intel’s commitment to AI GPUs, with plans to release new models annually. However, Intel faces challenges in scaling its 18A process, with yields still insufficient to drive high margins. Despite this, the company is optimistic about its 14A node, bolstered by customer confidence. While Intel’s renewed growth is promising, its ability to compete with Nvidia and AMD remains under scrutiny, especially as consumer chips take a backseat to AI ventures. Source 12 Source 32

A high-stakes partnership between Anthropic and Google Cloud will see the AI startup utilize up to 1 million TPUs in a deal worth “tens of billions of dollars,” reports The Register. This agreement enables Anthropic to scale the development of its Claude models and conduct advanced testing, aligning with Google’s strategy to pitch TPUs as a competitive alternative to Nvidia GPUs. Anthropic’s multi-platform compute approach, involving Amazon Trainium and Nvidia GPUs, highlights its intent to diversify resources. While Anthropic’s ambitious expansion could accelerate AI innovation, questions remain about the financial sustainability of such chip-intensive operations. Source 28 Source 39

Microsoft has unveiled Mico, a new AI avatar for its Copilot assistant, designed to interact emotionally and facilitate conversational AI. XDA Developers notes that Mico aims to strike a balance between empathy and practicality, avoiding over-reliance by users. Integrated into Microsoft Edge’s Copilot Mode, the assistant can summarize browsing data, compare products, and even perform actions like unsubscribing from emails. However, The Verge highlights reliability issues, such as inaccuracies in booking reservations or email tasks. These developments show Microsoft’s push to integrate AI into daily user experiences, though concerns about functionality and user trust persist. Source 13 Source 40

According to XDA Developers, the latest update to Microsoft’s PowerToys introduces a feature called Light Switch, which automatically adjusts between light and dark modes based on local sunrise and sunset times. This enhancement addresses user concerns over eye strain from bright screens during daytime hours. While this feature offers a simple yet effective quality-of-life improvement, it underscores the growing demand for ergonomic and health-conscious tech design. Source 1

XDA Developers reports that NotebookLM, an AI-powered learning assistant, has gained attention for its ability to generate interactive mind maps based on user-provided documents. This innovation simplifies complex topics, such as astrophotography, by visually organizing learning paths and providing detailed summaries. Users can drill down into specific nodes for deeper insights, making it a versatile tool for hobbyists and learners alike. While this tool is a significant step in personalized AI-driven education, its success depends on user adaptability to AI-guided workflows. Source 21

Computer World warns that AI-integrated browsers face vulnerabilities from malicious sidebar extensions. Researchers at SquareX demonstrated how attackers could spoof AI sidebars, leading users to compromised websites or executing harmful commands. The report urges organizations to adopt zero-trust protocols and audit extensions rigorously. This highlights the delicate balance between innovation in AI-powered browsing and the need for robust security measures, especially as these tools become more integrated into professional environments. Source 25

XDA Developers highlights the enduring success of the Steam Deck, which continues to dominate the gaming handheld market three years after its release. Despite more powerful competitors like the ROG Ally, the Steam Deck’s affordability and optimized SteamOS keep it ahead. However, the report criticizes the lack of significant advancements in battery life and form factors across the industry. This stagnation underscores the need for innovation to sustain consumer interest in handheld gaming. Source 26

The North Atlantic right whale, a critically endangered species, shows signs of recovery, with a 2% population increase in 2024, bringing the total to 384 individuals, reports Science Alert. Conservationists credit reduced mortalities and injuries for this modest improvement. However, threats like fishing gear entanglement and vessel collisions persist. Experts emphasize the need for continued conservation efforts, including adopting ropeless fishing gear and establishing fishing-free zones, to ensure the species’ long-term survival. Source 15

A clinical trial in the US has revealed that a diabetes drug (empagliflozin) and an insulin nasal spray may slow cognitive decline in early Alzheimer’s patients, according to Science Alert. The medications were found to reduce brain injury markers, improve blood flow, and enhance cognitive performance. While the small-scale trial focused on safety, the findings suggest a promising role for metabolic therapies in addressing Alzheimer’s. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these results and explore their application alongside other treatments. Source 23

The NY Times reports that India is ramping up efforts to send skilled workers to countries like Germany and Japan, which face labor shortages. This strategic initiative not only addresses global workforce gaps but also boosts India’s remittances, a vital contributor to its economy. However, the plan raises questions about potential domestic labor shortages and the challenges of ensuring ethical labor practices abroad. This move reflects India’s growing role in the global labor market and its ability to leverage its demographic dividend. Source 10