Google Turns Search Into a Task Machine
Along with Apple readies iPhone 17 Air: thinnest form factor yet
TLDR; In today’s Signal
Gemini Live Can See What You Show
Microsoft AI Chief Warns Against Studying AI Consciousness
Google Claims Gemini AI Uses Tiny Energy Footprint
OpenAI Eyes India Expansion with New Delhi Office
Musk Taps AI to Revive X's Ad Engine
Anthropic in Talks to Raise Up to $10 Billion in New Funding
Leaping AI Raises $4.7M After Y Combinator Participation
THE AI SIGNAL PICKS
Gemini Live Can See What You Show
Using your smartphone camera, Gemini Live now visually highlights real-world items on-screen, like identifying tools or components, starting August 28 on Pixel 10, with roll-out to other Android devices and later iOS. It also introduces emotional tonality in speech, advancing the assistant’s naturalism. This marks a shift toward multi-modal, context-aware AI.
Microsoft AI Chief Warns Against Studying AI Consciousness
Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s AI lead, cautions that exploring AI consciousness is “dangerous.” He argues that AI systems, despite their sophistication, do not have subjective experiences and should not be treated like humans. Suleyman urges developers to focus on creating AI that serves human needs rather than attempting to make machines “conscious.” His stance contrasts with some industry players exploring AI welfare and ethical implications of sentient-like models.Musk Taps AI to Revive X's Ad Engine
Elon Musk is leaning on AI to reinvent X’s advertising system, sharpening targeting and automating content delivery to attract wary marketers. The move comes as ad revenue has slumped and brands look for more precise returns on spend. Musk frames AI as central to X’s reinvention beyond text posts, pushing it toward video and commerce. If the overhaul works, AI could restore advertiser confidence while reshaping X’s core business model.
THE BIG LEAP
Google Turns Search Into a Task Machine
Signal Scoop: Signal Scoop: Google’s AI Mode in Search is now live in 180+ countries in English. Real-time agentic features are coming first to restaurant reservations, executing tasks on users’ behalf. The move signals Google’s shift from passive search answers to proactive task completion.
The Full Picture:
AI Mode in 180+ countries expands access to complex conversational search globally.
U.S. users on Google AI Ultra can book restaurants specifying party size, time, and cuisine with curated options and direct booking links.
Integrates with OpenTable, Resy, Tock, Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, Booksy, powered by Project Mariner, Knowledge Graph, and Maps.
Recommendations tailor to past Search and Maps behavior; chat sessions can now be shared via links for collaboration.
What You Can’t Miss:
Google Search is now about doing, not just finding. Booking, reservations, and transactions are the new baseline.
Apple readies iPhone 17 Air: thinnest form factor yet
Signal Scoop: Apple’s iPhone 17 series, launching this September, includes the ultra-thin “Air” model at 5.5 mm—its thinnest iPhone ever. Minimalism meets function, showcasing Apple’s focus on engineering and design innovation.
The Full Picture:
iPhone 17 Air is ~1 mm thinner than iPhone 16, rivaling Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge.
Slim design comes with compromises: single rear camera, fewer internal components, audio via front earpiece.
Features rumored: A19 Pro chip, 120 Hz ProMotion display, up to 12 GB RAM, improved battery, and iOS 26 “Liquid Glass” UI.
Air replaces the Plus model, blending ultra-thin design with advanced hardware, potentially paving the way for future foldables.
What You Can’t Miss
With the iPhone 17 Air, Apple isn’t just making a thinner iPhone, it’s redefining minimalism in premium hardware. The razor-thin design, paired with powerful internals, positions Apple to challenge competitors on both style and substance.
ON THE AI EDGE
OpenAI Eyes India Expansion with New Delhi Office
OpenAI is set to open its first India office in New Delhi later this year, targeting its fastest-growing market. The move follows local registration and the rollout of a lower-cost ChatGPT plan, underscoring India’s role in global AI adoption.
Google Claims Gemini AI Uses Tiny Energy Footprint
Google reports each Gemini AI query consumes only 0.24 Wh—less than a typical ChatGPT request—and uses just five drops of water. Efficiency is up 33× and carbon emissions down 44% from last year, highlighting AI’s environmental improvements while spotlighting the need for industry-wide measurement standards.
AI START-UP NEWS
Nuro Raises $203M Despite Lower Valuation
Self-driving vehicle startup Nuro closed a late-stage funding round, raising $203 million at a $6 billion valuation, down from $8.6B in 2021. Despite market headwinds, Uber and Nvidia doubled down. Nuro is pivoting to licensing its “Nuro Driver” for robotaxis, signaling renewed focus on commercial partnerships and deployment scale.Anthropic in Talks to Raise Up to $10 Billion in New Funding
Anthropic is nearing a deal to raise as much as $10 billion in a new round of funding, a higher than expected sum and one of the largest megarounds to date for an artificial intelligence startup. The discussions are ongoing, and the final amount could change.
Leaping AI Raises $4.7M After Y Combinator Participation
Leaping AI has raised $4.7 million in seed funding after participating in Y Combinator. The startup struggled to raise funds in Germany but succeeded quickly in Silicon Valley, with cofounder Kevin Wu attributing the success to the instant network provided by Y Combinator.
NEW TOOLS, NEW POSSIBILITIES
Lumio AI – Compare across multiple AI models and optimize performance
Nodeflux – AI-powered video analytics for traffic monitoring.
Awesomic – Design platform connecting designers and marketing teams.
YouScan – Monitor social media with image recognition.
Leena AI – Conversational AI chatbots for automating employee support.
AI CAREER HORIZON
Rockcruit: Senior AI Engineer (Remote – Colombia)
Guidehouse: AI Architect (Remote – multiple US states)
Autodesk: Senior Principal, Responsible AI Research Scientist (Remote – US)
Prolific: Lead AI Engineer (Remote – UK)