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Apple and Google have confirmed that Gemini models power the new version of Siri and other generative AI features. CNBC announced the news, but Apple and Google quickly followed up with a lengthy joint statement. Here’s part of it: “Apple has determined that Google’s Al technology provides the best-performing foundation for Apple Foundation models… Apple Intelligence will continue to work on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while meeting 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 leverage ChatGPT for certain queries as part of Apple Intelligence). Two months later, Google became a competitor. Another report suggested that Apple could create the new Siri using a customized version of Gemini – and that it would pay Google around $1 billion a year for the privilege. However, no official transaction number has been shared.
It’s also worth noting that current iPhones have direct access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. But for how long?
—Mat Smith
Other big stories this morning
Adolescence and KPop Demon Hunters picked up several each.
Netflix
The hit Netflix show Adolescence received four awards, including best limited or anthological series. It also won for Best Actor (Stephen Graham), Supporting Actor (Owen Cooper) and Supporting Actress (Erin Doherty) in a Miniseries or TV Movie.
Demon Hunters KPop – which my nieces refuse to stop talking about – won Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song. “I just want to say that this award is given to people who have had doors closed to them, and I can confidently say that rejection is redirection. So never give up.”
It’s not all good news. Netflix also won the award for Best Performance in Stand-up Comedy on Television for Ricky Gervais: Mortality. Apple and HBO Max each won three, and Hulu received one award that night.
The agency is targeting a February launch date for Artemis 2.
A few years ago, NASA announced that it was pushing back the Artemis 2 mission to April 2026. The agency now says it could launch as early as February. NASA is finalizing mission preparations and will soon deploy the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Artemis 2 is the first crewed mission to the Moon since the Apollo program’s final flight 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, longer-duration missions. They will first orbit the Earth twice before traveling 4,700 miles beyond the far side of the Moon.
Pikachu, Eevee, Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise will ship on February 27.
Lego
Pre-orders for the first three Lego-Pokémon kits are now open. One of the first pocket monsters is, of course, Pikachu. You can build the 2,050-piece kit to show Pikachu resting or jumping from an open Poké Ball into battle. It costs $200.
There’s also a 587-piece Eevee model, for $60. On the larger side is a set featuring a trio of Pokémon: Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise. This kit includes 6,838 pieces and can show the group together in battle formation or separately in their own mini environments. It costs $650 and that’s a bit pricey.
