A report by the Wall Street Journal said Meta had repeatedly delayed plans to make the API available to developers and, as of Tuesday, had not set a launch date. The report cited people familiar with the matter.

However, Meta disputed suggestions that the project had stalled. A company spokesperson said on Wednesday that testing is already underway with a group of early partners and that the company still expects to release the API later this month.

“The muse spark API will be coming soon,” Meta AI Chief Alexandr Wang announced in a post on X in April.

Meta AI Unveils Spark to Power Next-Gen AI across Platforms

The API would allow developers to integrate Muse Spark into their own software and services. An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a software bridge that enables different systems to communicate and work together.

Meta introduced Muse Spark in April as the first model developed under its Superintelligence Labs initiative, which was created to strengthen the company’s position in the competitive AI market.

The model is designed to narrow the gap between Meta and competitors including OpenAI, Anthropic and Google.

While Muse Spark is already available to consumers through Meta’s applications, users can currently access it only through built-in modes such as Instant, Thinking and Contemplating. Developers still do not have access to a public API, and Meta has yet to release documentation, pricing details, rate limits or eligibility requirements.

The lack of information has created apprehension among developers hoping to build products around the model. Without a public timeline, waitlist or technical documentation, companies interested in integrating Muse Spark are unable to plan deployments or assess costs.

The delays also come at a sensitive time for Meta. Investors have been monitoring the company’s AI strategy as it spends heavily on infrastructure, talent and product development.

Questions about execution have grown following reports of an Instagram security incident involving Meta’s AI-powered support system, which exposed weaknesses in automated account management processes.

Earlier on Wednesday, Meta unveiled a new AI agent designed to help businesses handle day-to-day tasks, showing that the company is going beyond consumer chatbots and into enterprise services.

The launch highlights Meta’s goal to compete more directly with OpenAI, Anthropic and Google across multiple areas of the AI market.

Muse Spark is expected to bolster that strategy. It is the first in what Meta has described as a new generation of advanced models from its Superintelligence Labs unit.

However, the repeated postponements have left analysts, developers and investors waiting for evidence that the company can translate its AI investments into products that are ready for global use.

Access is still currently limited to a small group of testing partners, while the developer community is waiting for Meta to open the platform to the public.

The post Meta Delays Release of Muse Spark AI API Despite Earlier Launch Plans appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The offer coincides with the company’s first developer conference in India, DevDay Exchange Bengaluru, where local partnerships and initiatives are expected to be announced.

This development is part of OpenAI’s goal to expand in one of its fastest-growing markets, as India plays a very important role in the company’s global strategy. 

The offer comes in the midst of stiff competition from competitors like Google and Perplexity, both of which have recently launched similar promotions aimed at capturing India’s massive AI-curious population.

ChatGPT Go, which was introduced in India in August, is OpenAI’s most affordable paid tier, priced at under $5 a month. It offers 10 times more usage than the free version, allowing users to generate longer responses, create images, and upload files. The plan also includes improved memory, enabling more personalised interactions over time.

Nick Turley, OpenAI’s vice president and head of ChatGPT, said the company has been impressed by user engagement since launching the plan. “Since initially launching ChatGPT Go in India a few months ago, the adoption and creativity we’ve seen from our users has been inspiring,” Turley said. “We’re excited to see the amazing things our users will build, learn, and achieve with these tools.”

India, home to more than 700 million smartphone users and over a billion internet subscribers, has become an essential market for AI adoption. OpenAI opened its New Delhi office in August and is actively hiring to build a local team focused on growth and localisation.

However, while engagement is high, monetisation remains a challenge. According to Appfigures data, ChatGPT recorded about 29 million downloads in the 90 days leading up to August but generated only $3.6 million in in-app purchases during that period. 

The new free offer could help OpenAI enhance user loyalty and drive long-term adoption among students, developers, and small businesses, the demographic groups most likely to benefit from the expanded access.

The timing of the promotion also reveals OpenAI’s response to increased competition in the region. Perplexity recently partnered with Airtel to offer 360 million subscribers free access to Perplexity Pro, while Google has rolled out a complimentary one-year AI Pro plan for Indian students.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Go sits strategically between its free plan and premium Plus tier, offering features such as GPT-5 access, higher message limits, and daily image generation. 

With India being one of its top two markets, behind only the United States, this initiative could help the company balance user growth with sustainable revenue.

The post OpenAI Offers One-Year Free ChatGPT Go Plan to Indian Users in Expansion Drive appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This comes as YouTube, owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, edges closer to overtaking Disney in media revenue. 

Analysts project YouTube’s earnings this year will surpass Disney’s nearly $60 billion from 2024, strengthening its place as the most influential media platform in the United States.

CEO Neal Mohan said, “These are tools, and really just that. Make no mistake: no studio, network, tech company, or AI tool will own the future of entertainment,” he told the audience. He added that video creation on the platform must be recognised as “a viable, respectable and sustainable career path.”

Tools for Creators

Among the new features are Edit with AI, which converts raw footage into Shorts with music, transitions, and voiceovers in multiple languages; Speech-to-Song, which turns spoken words into music tracks using Google DeepMind’s Lyria 2 model; and Veo 3 Fast, a text-to-video system that generates short clips with sound and motion effects.

YouTube also introduced AI visuals for podcasts and new fan-engagement tools for artists, including music rewards and album countdowns. These updates highlight how the platform is positioning itself not just as a video hub but as a full-fledged entertainment ecosystem.

Shifting Power in the Media Landscape

According to Nielsen, YouTube held 13.4% of U.S. viewership in July 2025, outpacing Disney’s 9.4%. Alphabet disclosed that YouTube’s combined advertising and subscription revenue topped $50 billion in the four quarters ending September 2024. Since 2021, it has paid out more than $100 billion to creators, artists, and media companies, with a growing share of earnings now coming from connected TVs.

This rise shows how creators have become the new face of mainstream entertainment. Personalities such as Dua Lipa, Mark Rober, Smosh, and Brandon B., each commanding tens of millions of subscribers,  are filling the cultural space once overwhelmed with Hollywood studios and late-night TV hosts.

Balancing Innovation with Responsibility

Amjad Hanif, YouTube’s vice president for creator products, revealed that staff are already using AI to speed up idea generation and product development, which explains the sharp increase in new features compared to last year’s event.

However, Mohan stressed that innovation must come with responsibility. All AI-generated content will carry SynthID watermarks and labels to protect users and maintain trust as AI integration deepens.

With AI now woven into its strategy, YouTube is bolstering entertainment which will be driven less by traditional studios and more by individuals using powerful new tools to reach billions.

The post YouTube Puts AI at the Core of Its Content Creation Strategy appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

For African entrepreneurs, understanding AI is a transformative opportunity to leapfrog traditional barriers to innovate and grow.  

According to PwC, AI is expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Of this, $1.2 trillion could potentially be unlocked in Africa alone, if the continent adopts AI at scale.

Yet, this potential will remain largely untapped if founders across the continent lack the basic literacy to understand and harness the opportunities that AI offers.

AI literacy should be a core competency for every business. A 2023 survey by GSMA Intelligence revealed that less than 20% of African small businesses are using AI tools, largely due to a lack of understanding or perceived relevance. This is a literacy gap. We must go beyond digital literacy and embrace AI literacy as a core entrepreneurial priority. 

What is AI literacy?

AI literacy is the ability to critically understand what artificial intelligence is, how it works, its impacts, possibilities, and use for growth in your industry. It also means to understand what AI can do, how to leverage it, and where to integrate it into your business model. 

Being AI literate demands developing the competencies needed to navigate a world increasingly shaped by AI technologies, and knowing how to apply them strategically to drive growth, and efficiency in your business. This creativity to collaborate with AI in meaningful ways empowers you with purposeful confidence.  

First, you have to ask the right questions: How can you strategically use AI to augment, and increase the value of your output? How can an AI tool like predictive analytics reshape customer acquisition in your enterprise? What role can generative AI play as your assistant in your everyday business activity?   

AI is not just for tech companies

AI is now a pervasive force reshaping how we live and work. It is disrupting nearly every industry, shifting the skillsets required in the marketplace. Becoming AI literate is now essential to staying competitive and relevant in the modern business landscape.  

No sector is untouched in this AI rave. For instance, in agriculture, AI-driven crop monitoring solutions are reducing yield losses by up to 30%.

In health, machine learning tools are being used to predict disease outbreaks and improve diagnosis accuracy in underserved regions.

In retail and e-commerce, recommendation engines driven by AI are increasing customer conversions by 20–30%. Even in the fashion industry, you can predict which products will trend next season using AI. No industry is left out.  

Research top AI use cases in your industry and how your competitors are using them, and how you can adapt.

Use the knowledge to grow your business, like boosting customer engagement and sales. You can start by automating repetitive tasks and processes like emails and customer service.

AI chatbots have been valuable in responding to customers 24/7. With data using AI-powered tools, you can make smarter business decisions, forecast sales, monitor financial health, and identify trends faster.

Why it matters now

As African startups are increasingly operating in the global market, stakeholders, partners, and even customers are beginning to expect a baseline aptitude in AI literacy.

Founders who are not AI literate risk becoming obsolete in boardrooms and unattractive to investors. Those who understand AI’s shifts will be better positioned to attract support.

Today, AI is here to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to better run and manage your business.

With a sound understanding of AI capabilities, you can solve problems more effectively, and improve your business outcomes.

Persons who invest time in understanding how AI can improve their business operations will be better prepared to innovate and compete locally and globally.

As we conclude, AI literacy is not a luxury or an afterthought but a strategic imperative. You either learn the language of AI or risk falling behind in the conversation and tool that’s shaping the future of business.

Thus, take a foundational AI course on Google AI, Udemy, or Coursera. Start with the basics AI courses tailored to your industry.

The knowledge will help you get amazing results. The time to embrace AI in your business operations is now. 

[Featured Image Credit]

The post Why Every African Entrepreneur Must Understand AI Now appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Faced with surging power demands and an overstretched grid, Google confirmed it has entered formal “demand-response” agreements with Indiana Michigan Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority. 

Under these agreements, the company will temporarily reduce power consumption at its AI-heavy data centres during peak periods, when the grid is at risk of overloading.

These are the first such deals Google has signed specifically to control machine learning workloads, which are some of the most power-hungry processes in AI computing. 

The company had tested a similar system last year in a pilot with Omaha Public Power District, where it successfully reduced energy use across three grid stress events.

The decision comes as utilities across the U.S. report being overwhelmed by the scale of electricity needed to fuel the rapid growth of AI. In some areas, demand from data centres has already exceeded supply. 

The implications are serious as higher bills for everyday users, increased risk of blackouts, and mounting pressure on an already weak energy infrastructure.

We’re not talking about marginal energy use here. Data centres now account for 4.4% of the entire electricity consumption in the U.S., a figure expected to nearly triple to 12% by 2028 if current trends continue. In one extreme case, an AI facility planned in Wyoming is projected to consume more electricity than all the state’s residential homes combined.

Some AI server racks are reportedly drawing more power than entire steel plants. Training a single chatbot model can consume as much energy as 100 households use in a year. Between 2024 and 2025 alone, data centre expansion triggered an estimated $9 billion increase in electricity costs. 

Unfortunately, it’s not the tech companies footing the bill—it’s the public. In Virginia, for example, Dominion Energy is seeking regulatory approval to raise household electricity bills by $10.50 per month, noting increased demand from data centres.

With regulators watching, Google’s decision appears as much strategic as it is necessary. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission held emergency hearings in June 2025 to examine whether the country’s power infrastructure can support the wave of AI projects being rolled out. The grid is under stress.

In a blog post, Google stated, “It allows large electricity loads like data centres to be interconnected more quickly, helps reduce the need to build new transmission and power plants, and helps grid operators more effectively and efficiently manage power grids.”

Historically, demand-response programmes have been associated with energy-intensive sectors like manufacturing or crypto mining, where businesses get paid or offered bill discounts in exchange for curtailing their energy use during peak hours. Google’s move is the first time this method is being systematically applied to artificial intelligence workloads. 

The post Google Scales Back AI Energy Use to Prevent Power Grid Collapse in the U.S. appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Across Northern Nigeria, health workers navigate previously overlooked settlements, bringing vaccines to children who might have gone unnoticed.

Meanwhile, in Nairobi, city engineers analyse flood-prone streets, determined to prevent the next disaster before it happens.

The recent Nairobi floods underscored the urgent need for action, and our rapid assessment with WRI Africa capitalized on Google’s Open Buildings dataset.

These seemingly unrelated moments share a quiet force behind them—Google’s Open Buildings dataset.

What started as an ambitious AI-driven mapping project is now an essential tool in Africa’s fight for better healthcare and climate resilience.

“This detailed data was instrumental in shaping our approach to fostering innovative nature-based solutions that will enhance Nairobi’s resilience and restore its vital river ecosystems”, says Walter Samuel, Project Manager, Geo Analytics, World Resources Institute (WRI).

“Open Buildings gives us the roof-level detail to build accurate population grids where traditional data are missing. Overlaying those grids with vaccine-coverage maps lets our joint WorldPop–AFENET teams pinpoint zero-dose pockets and guide vaccinators street by street, so no child is missed.” – said Dr. C. Edson Utazi, Associate Professor of Spatial Data Science, WorldPop, University of Southampton.

Bridging Healthcare Gaps in Rwanda and Nigeria

Healthcare planners in Rwanda, in collaboration with Sand Technologies, faced a challenge: many rural clinics were too far for patients to access safely.

With Open Buildings, they reshaped their blueprint, ensuring that 92% of the population now lives within 30 minutes of a medical center. For mothers, this could mean the difference between a safe delivery or a dangerous trip over long distances.

In Northern Nigeria, AFENET epidemiologists and WorldPop geographers stumbled upon 10,250 previously unmapped buildings—hidden pockets where thousands of children remained zero-dose, receiving no routine vaccines.

In just six months, using Open Buildings, vaccinators reached 70% of these children, rewriting their health future.

Predicting Floods Before They Happen

The scars of flooding run deep across Africa. From Nairobi’s 2024 devastation, where 278,000 people were displaced, to Johannesburg’s fast-growing settlements along the vulnerable Jukskei River, cities are struggling to protect their populations. This is where the World Resources Institute (WRI) saw an opportunity.

Using Open Buildings, WRI mapped flood risk in Dire Dawa, Kigali, Musanze, Gqeberha, and Johannesburg, layering AI-powered building footprints with hydraulic simulations.

The result? Block-by-block exposure maps that empower engineers to redirect resources efficiently and fortify vulnerable areas.

AI’s Role in Africa’s Future

With urban populations projected to double by 2035, Africa’s infrastructure challenges are growing. But AI-driven initiatives like Open Buildings prove that locally guided technology can bring real solutions—without locking problem-solvers behind paywalls.

Dr. Aisha Walcott-Bryant, head of Google Research Africa, sums it up best:

“These projects show what happens when local expertise meets open, scalable technology: mothers reach clinics sooner, children receive overdue vaccines, and city planners get ahead of the next flood. AI’s highest calling is to solve real-world challenges.”

From lifesaving clinics to climate-smart cities, Open Buildings is not just a dataset—it’s a catalyst for progress. And in Africa, where resilience meets innovation, the impact is only just beginning.

Call to action:

The Open Buildings dataset—along with sample code, tutorials and its new 2.5D layer—is freely available at g.co/openbuildings.

The post Google Turning AI into Action: How Data is Saving Lives and Cities in Africa appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The models, Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER, are based on Google’s Gemini 2.0 AI framework and are expected to enhance robots’ ability to perform tasks in industrial, commercial, and even domestic environments.

Gemini Robotics is a vision-language-action (VLA) model that allows robots to understand commands, interpret visual data, and execute physical actions. 

This means robots built with this model will be able to respond to spoken instructions, recognise objects, and interact with their surroundings more intuitively. 

The second model, Gemini Robotics-ER, takes this further by incorporating spatial reasoning abilities, enabling robots to understand complex environments and adjust their movements accordingly.

According to Google, these models have been designed to work with robots of various shapes and sizes, from humanoid robots to industrial machines commonly used in factories and warehouses. 

The company has already tested Gemini Robotics on its ALOHA 2 bi-arm robotic platform, demonstrating its ability to handle tasks requiring precision and adaptability. 

The model has also been successfully applied to Apptronik’s Apollo humanoid robot, which is being developed for real-world applications.

Google’s focus on robotics follows the recent decision by Figure AI to end its collaboration with OpenAI after making its own innovations in AI-powered robots. With the introduction of Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER, Google is taking hold of the robotics industry.

One of the advantages of these models is their ability to reduce development costs for robotics startups. Companies can speed up the time it takes to bring functional robots to market when they leverage Google’s AI-powered frameworks. 

The tech giant has also stressed the flexibility of its models, stating that developers can customise them for specific robotic applications using Gemini’s advanced reasoning capabilities.

Google has partnered with Apptronik to integrate its AI models into humanoid robots, aiming to create machines capable of performing tasks that require both cognitive reasoning and physical dexterity. 

In August, Apptronik raised $350 million in a funding round led by B Capital and Capital Factory, with Google also participating to support the development of next-generation humanoid robots.

This is not Google’s first move in robotics. The tech giant previously acquired Boston Dynamics in 2013, a company famous for its dog-like and humanoid robots, before selling it to SoftBank in 2017. 

However, the launch of these new AI models is a renewed push into robotics, with Google focusing on AI-driven intelligence rather than hardware development.

With the integration of multimodal AI into robotics, Google aims to bridge the gap between digital intelligence and real-world functionality.

Hence, the increasing demand for automation in manufacturing, logistics, and service industries, will ensure Gemini-powered robots make work even more seamless.

The post Google Launches New AI Models to Improve Robot Perception, Reasoning, and Interaction appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The disclosure was made in a report submitted to Australia’s eSafety Commission, which monitors online safety and holds tech firms accountable for harm minimisation.

The report, covering April 2023 to February 2024, also revealed that Google received 86 user reports alleging its AI program, Gemini, was being misused to create child exploitation material.

Google confirmed using “hatch-matching,” a system that detects and removes child abuse imagery by comparing newly uploaded images to known harmful content. 

However, no similar system was deployed to identify and eliminate terrorist-related deepfake material, pointing to AI safety inconsistencies.

Since the rise of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022, governments worldwide have been on the to ensure adequate regulations that prevent AI misuse. 

The European Union has introduced the AI Act, which seeks to regulate high-risk AI applications, while the United States has proposed initiatives like the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights to ensure ethical AI development.

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, described Google’s report as an important step in understanding the risks associated with AI-generated content. “This underscores how critical it is for companies developing AI products to build in and test the efficacy of safeguards to prevent this type of material from being generated,” she stated.

Challenges in AI Safeguarding

Even with Google’s endeavours to tackle AI-generated child abuse material, the absence of equivalent protections against deepfake terrorist content accentuates the technical and ethical challenges in AI governance. 

Deepfake technology, which allows the creation of highly realistic but fabricated content, could lead to the spread of misinformation, manipulate public opinion, and facilitate fraudulent activities.

The eSafety Commission has previously imposed fines on tech platforms for failing to comply with reporting requirements. Social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram have been penalised for not adequately addressing harmful content. 

X was fined A$610,500 ($382,000) and lost its initial appeal but plans to challenge the ruling again, while Telegram is also disputing its penalty.

The post Google Reports Over 250 Complaints on AI-Generated Deepfake Terrorism Content appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Traditionally held in October, this year’s event has been projected to be a huge showcase of Google’s latest advancements in AI, Android, and the Pixel product lineup.

Set to take place at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, the event is a return to the company’s roots, deviating from recent years when the event was held in New York City.

The keynote will begin at 6 pm WAT (10 am PT, 1 pm ET) and will be streamed live on Google’s official website, YouTube channel, and other social media platforms.

The invitation for the event asserts the integration of Google AI into its devices and software, pointing to an amazing reveal of innovations across the Android platform, the Gemini AI model, and the Pixel series.

Enthusiasts and tech followers can expect updates on the much-rumored Pixel 9 lineup, which may include a standard Pixel 9, along with two sizes of the Pixel 9 Pro. These devices are anticipated to feature design enhancements and AI-driven capabilities.

Additionally, the Pixel Watch 3 is expected to debut, potentially offering 41mm and 45mm sizes with updated features to enhance user experience. Rumours also suggest the unveiling of a new foldable device, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which could address some of the shortcomings of the original Pixel Fold.

Another product likely to be featured is the Pixel Buds Pro 2, with improvements possibly driven by AI advancements.

Google’s decision to move the event date earlier in the year is seen as a way to minimize pre-event leaks, which have been an issue in past years. It could also indicate that the company is ahead of schedule in 2024, aiming to introduce its new devices to the market sooner.

For those who miss the live broadcast, a recording of the event will be available afterwards. The event will also feature ASL translation, English captions, and translations in German and Spanish to accommodate a diverse global audience.

With just weeks to go, the countdown to “Made by Google” 2024 has officially begun.

The post Google to Host Early “Made by Google” Event on August 13th appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Google, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, and Data Science Nigeria, introduced the AI for Beginners Learning Video Series.

This series presents Artificial Intelligence concepts in Hausa, making complex technology more accessible and culturally relevant for the region.

In Northern Nigeria, various challenges can impact access to tech education and career opportunities.

These include diverse socio-cultural dynamics, infrastructural limitations, and language barriers.

The AI for Beginners Learning Video Series, through its engaging animations and culturally relevant imagery, is designed to make complex digital concepts more accessible and relatable, fostering inclusivity and participation in the growing tech sector.

The launch event, held at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall in Kaduna, was a celebration of technology, education, and the immense potential of Northern Nigeria’s women.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, delivering a keynote address that underscored the government’s commitment to digital transformation and economic growth.

“AI is not just the future; it’s the present,” Governor Uba Sanideclared. “By equipping our people, especially our women, with AI skills, we’re not only paving the way for a more prosperous and innovative Northern Nigeria, but also laying the foundation for Kaduna to become a thriving tech hub.”

“We believe that technology can be a powerful force for change and are committed to making learning resources available in local languages to empower more people,” said the Director of Google West Africa during the launch event held at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Murtala Muhammad Square, Kaduna.

He added,

“This series marks a new milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance AI knowledge across Northern Nigeria, fostering a broader understanding and application of AI technologies that drive innovation and create new job opportunities.”

“By making AI education accessible in Hausa, we’re opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact,” added Dr. Bayo Adekanbi, CEO/founder of Data Science Nigeria. “These women are the future leaders and innovators of Northern Nigeria, and AI is the tool that can amplify their potential.”

The event also featured speeches from representatives of NITDA and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, who underscored the national significance of the initiative and the government’s support for fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem.

The AI for Beginners Learning Video Series is now available on YouTube via the Data Science Nigeria platform, on the NITDA education portal, and for download.

To further aid in accessibility, the series has also been deployed on USB drives for distribution and direct peer-to-peer copy at all primary and secondary schools, including public video content copying centres across Kaduna State.

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