Meta is acquiring Chinese AI startup Manus to boost AI integration across its platforms. Manus, based in Singapore, creates AI agents that perform tasks independently and outperform OpenAI's DeepResearch. Meta plans to operate and sell Manus services and integrate them into its products. Manus relocated to Singapore to avoid Sino-U.S. tensions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
In 2025, Google advanced AI across its products with key updates to Gemini, Android, and educational tools. Major announcements included Gemini 2.0 and 2.5, AI Mode in Search, and the Flow filmmaking tool. Google I/O showcased various AI applications, while Chrome and Gmail updates enhanced user experience. The year ended with the launch of Gemini 3 and new features in Google Maps, highlighting AI's role in simplifying daily tasks.
Run an automated Google Ads audit directly from Google Sheets with 40+ built-in checks. Review campaigns, ad groups, keywords, ads, and account settings to catch missed best practices and optimization gaps. Ideal for agencies and in-house teams to standardize audits, save hours of manual work, and turn findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
Google sued SerpApi for bypassing security measures to scrape Google Search results and licensed content, violating website owners' rights. SerpApi uses deceptive methods like cloaking and fake crawler names to steal and resell content, ignoring site directives. Google follows standard crawling rules but takes legal action against scrapers like SerpApi to protect content and fight web abuse.
Google's Gemini app now lets users verify if videos were created or edited with Google AI by detecting a hidden SynthID watermark in audio and visuals. Users upload videos up to 100 MB and 90 seconds, then ask if AI was used. Gemini provides detailed feedback on AI-generated segments. This verification is available worldwide in all languages supported by Gemini.
Google launched Gemini 3 Flash, a fast, efficient AI model with advanced reasoning and multimodal skills at lower cost. It outperforms Gemini 2.5 Pro and rivals Gemini 3 Pro on many tests. Available globally via API, apps, and enterprise platforms, it supports developers and users with quick, smart responses for coding, video analysis, and interactive apps. Integrated into Google Search AI Mode and Gemini app for faster, smarter tasks.
OpenAI released GPT Image 1.5, a new image generation model for ChatGPT that offers faster, more precise edits while preserving details like lighting and composition. It supports complex multi-step edits and improved text rendering, making it suitable for tasks like infographics. The model is 4x faster and 20% cheaper via API. Limitations include some drawing styles and scientific image generation. Available now in ChatGPT and API.
Meta AI glasses receive a software update that improves conversation clarity in noisy environments. The v21 update features conversation focus, amplifying voices during chats, and a music experience that lets users request songs based on their surroundings. This update is available for Early Access Program users of Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta glasses in the US and Canada. Users can adjust voice amplification levels and enjoy personalized playlists through Spotify.
OpenAI released GPT-5.2, its most advanced model for professional work, improving tasks like spreadsheets, presentations, coding, image perception, and handling complex projects. It offers three versions: Instant for routine queries, Thinking for complex tasks, and Pro for maximum accuracy. GPT-5.2 outperforms professionals in many fields and competes with Google's Gemini 3 and Anthropic's Claude Opus-4.5.
Google is expanding Preferred Sources globally, letting users customize Top Stories and connect with trusted outlets, increasing site traffic. New features highlight subscription content and improve AI-generated links with contextual intros. Web Guide enhancements aid complex searches. Google is piloting AI partnerships with major publishers to offer AI-powered article summaries and audio briefings, aiming to enhance engagement and support diverse creators.