
At the IO 2026 conference, Google announced Gmail Live, a new AI-powered feature for Gmail that enables users to interact with their inbox through natural language. This conversational AI, powered by Gemini, allows users to ask questions about their emails, such as flight details or event times, without needing to type search terms. Gmail Live can handle nuanced queries and follow-up questions, providing a more intuitive email management experience. The feature will initially be available to Google AI Ultra subscribers, with a broader rollout planned for later.
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© TechCrunch AIxAI's attempt to dismiss the NAACP's Clean Air Act lawsuit failed after a federal judge ruled that its gas turbines are not exempt mobile sources and that plaintiffs have standing. This legal setback confirms that AI infrastructure operators cannot bypass environmental permitting by classifying heavy industrial equipment as temporary or mobile. The ruling forces xAI to face scrutiny over air quality impacts at its Colossus data center, setting a precedent for how large-scale compute facilities are regulated under existing environmental laws.
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Google Introduces Voice-Activated Gmail Live
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OpenAI is scaling back its ambitions as investor appetite for massive AI infrastructure bets cools. The company has lowered its fundraising target from $30 billion to $20 billion, with only $11 billion secured so far against a valuation that has dropped from $1.4 trillion. This retreat signals a growing wariness among Wall Street investors regarding the capital intensity of the AI race, forcing even the most dominant players to adjust their financial expectations.