cloud-based Archives

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Google’s ML Kit GenAI APIs with Gemini Nano: On-Device AI for Privacy-Preserving Android Apps

Google announced on May 14, 2025, the expansion of its ML Kit offerings with new GenAI APIs powered by the Gemini Nano model, aimed at providing Android developers with access to advanced AI features while ensuring user privacy through on-device processing. The ML Kit GenAI APIs include four key capabilities: summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image description. These APIs process data locally, keeping user data on the device, ensuring consistent functionality without internet connectivity, and avoiding recurring server costs. This development enhances the accessibility of sophisticated AI capabilities for Android developers and aligns with consumer privacy concerns. The architecture allows for future expansion of capabilities as Gemini models evolve.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Google to give app devs access to Gemini Nano for on-device AI

Google is preparing to unveil new mobile AI tools at the upcoming I/O event, including a suite of APIs that will enable developers to use Gemini Nano for on-device AI applications. The ML Kit SDK will be updated to support on-device generative AI functionalities through Gemini Nano, which integrates with existing models and offers predefined features for ease of implementation. The ML Kit’s GenAI APIs will allow applications to perform tasks such as summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image description without cloud data transmission. However, Gemini Nano's capabilities are limited compared to cloud-based options, with summaries restricted to three bullet points and image descriptions available only in English. The standard version, Gemini Nano XS, requires about 100MB of storage, while the smaller Gemini Nano XXS is text-only and occupies a quarter of that size. ML Kit is compatible with devices beyond Google's Pixel lineup, including the OnePlus 13, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Xiaomi 15, providing developers opportunities to enhance applications with generative AI features.

Tech Optimizer

May 15, 2025

Databricks to Acquire Neon in USD 1 Billion Deal to Power AI Agent Workflows with Serverless Postgres

Databricks intends to acquire Neon, a cloud-based serverless Postgres platform, for approximately USD 1 billion. Neon, founded in 2021, offers a managed, open-source Postgres service with features like effortless database cloning, isolated environment testing, and point-in-time data restoration. Over 80% of databases on Neon are created by AI agents. The acquisition aims to enhance Databricks' infrastructure for AI-native applications, allowing developers to create isolated Postgres instances quickly and decouple compute and storage resources. Neon has raised USD 129.5 million from investors, while Databricks has secured over USD 19 billion in funding, with a valuation of USD 62 billion. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, and Neon's team will join Databricks post-acquisition.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks Acquires Neon for $1 Billion, Boosting AI Infrastructure with Serverless PostgreSQL

Databricks has acquired Neon, a cloud-based database startup specializing in serverless PostgreSQL, in a billion-dollar deal. This acquisition aims to enhance Databricks' role in the AI tooling landscape and reflects a shift in the database market to meet the needs of AI-native applications. Neon, founded in 2021 and based in Menlo Park, California, had raised nearly million before this acquisition. Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi noted that 80% of databases on their platform are created by code rather than humans, indicating a shift in database management driven by autonomous AI agents. Databricks has been actively acquiring companies to strengthen its AI development capabilities, having previously acquired firms like MosaicML and Arcion. Ghodsi emphasized that as a private entity, Databricks can make long-term strategic decisions without public market pressures. The acquisition reflects a broader trend of increased deal-making in the AI sector and highlights the growing importance of robust data infrastructure in the context of sovereign AI initiatives.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks adds Postgres database with $1B Neon acquisition

Databricks announced its intention to acquire Neon, a developer of a cloud-based dataset platform built on PostgreSQL, to enhance capabilities for developers and autonomous AI agents. The acquisition's estimated value is approximately billion, although financial specifics remain undisclosed. Neon, based in Menlo Park, California, raised .6 million prior to the acquisition. This move will expand Databricks' portfolio with open-source database functionalities, aiding in the development of data and AI applications. Databricks has made several acquisitions to support generative AI development, including MosaicML, Arcion, Einblick, Lilac AI, BladeBridge, and Tabular, with some valued at over billion. Neon's platform allows users to create PostgreSQL instances quickly and features a disaggregated compute and storage architecture for automatic scaling. The Neon team will join Databricks following the acquisition's completion.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks to buy open-source database startup Neon for $1B

Databricks intends to acquire Neon, a startup known for its open-source alternative to AWS Aurora Postgres, in a deal valued at approximately billion. The acquisition aims to integrate Neon’s serverless relational database management system with Databricks' data intelligence services, enhancing the deployment of AI agents. Neon, founded in 2021, offers a managed cloud-based database platform with features like automatic scaling, database cloning, and point-in-time recovery. Recent data shows that 80% of databases on Neon are provisioned by AI agents. Neon has raised .6 million from investors including Microsoft’s M12, while Databricks has raised over billion, recently closing a .3 billion funding round. Databricks has previously acquired Tabular and MosaicML to strengthen its position in the AI landscape.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Slack Rolls Out ‘Mark as Read’ Option in Notifications for Android App

Slack is introducing a "Mark as Read" option in the notification window for its Android app, allowing users to mark messages as read directly from notifications without opening the app. This feature is currently being rolled out to Android users, while desktop users have had similar functionality through keyboard shortcuts. The update is part of a phased rollout, meaning not all users will have access immediately. Additionally, Slack recently launched 25 new AI applications in its marketplace to enhance productivity across various professional tasks.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Best Antivirus Software (2025): ESET Recognized as Top Cybersecurity Solution by Software Experts

ESET is recognized as a leading antivirus provider in 2025, known for its robust security solutions that effectively combat rising cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and zero-day exploits. The company's offerings include heuristic and behavioral detection, ransomware and phishing protection, exploit blocker technology, and low resource usage, ensuring minimal impact on system performance. ESET provides various products for home users, including ESET HOME Security Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, as well as a Small Business Security package for up to 25 devices and scalable solutions for larger organizations. Pricing for home products starts at .99/year, with multi-device and multi-year discounts available. ESET operates in over 200 countries, utilizing a global network for real-time threat intelligence and maintaining a commitment to effective digital security since its establishment in 1992.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

How to install and use Ollama to run AI LLMs on your Windows 11 PC

The current landscape of artificial intelligence interactions includes cloud-based tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, but some users, especially developers, prefer running large language models (LLMs) locally. Ollama provides a solution for this preference. To run LLMs effectively, hardware requirements include a GPU, with larger models needing more computational power. For example, Google's Gemma 3 has a 1 billion parameter model requiring 2.3GB of VRAM and a 4 billion parameter version needing over 9GB. Meta's Llama 3.2 has similar requirements. A modern PC with at least 8GB of RAM and a dedicated GPU can utilize Ollama. To install Ollama on Windows 11, users download the installer from the official website or GitHub and follow the installation process. Once installed, it operates in the background, indicated by an icon in the taskbar, and can be accessed via localhost:11434 in a web browser. Ollama primarily uses a command-line interface (CLI), requiring users to use PowerShell or WSL. Key commands include "ollama pull" to install LLMs and "ollama run" to execute them. For instance, to install the 1 billion parameter Google Gemma 3 LLM, users would enter "ollama pull gemma3:1b". Running the models opens a chatbot interface for user interaction, and exiting can be done by typing "/bye". Setting up Ollama is user-friendly and requires minimal technical expertise.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.