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Google hires Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan in latest AI talent deal

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Chief executive officer of Google Sundar Pichai.

Marek Antoni Iwanczuk | Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images

Google on Friday made the latest a splash in the AI talent wars, announcing an agreement to bring in Varun Mohan, co-founder and CEO of artificial intelligence coding startup Windsurf.

As part of the deal, Google will also hire other senior Windsurf research and development employees. Google is not investing in Windsurf, but the search giant will take a nonexclusive license to certain Windsurf technology, according to a person familiar with the matter. Windsurf remains free to license its technology to others.

The person familiar with the deal says Google is paying $2.4 billion in licensing fees and for compensation.

“We’re excited to welcome some top AI coding talent from Windsurf’s team to Google DeepMind to advance our work in agentic coding,” a Google spokesperson wrote in an email. “We’re excited to continue bringing the benefits of Gemini to software developers everywhere.”

The deal between Google and Windsurf comes after the AI coding startup had been in talks with OpenAI for a $3 billion acquisition deal, CNBC reported in April. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The move ratchets up the talent war in AI particularly among prominent companies. Meta has made lucrative job offers to several employees at OpenAI in recent weeks. Most notably, the Facebook parent added Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang to lead its AI strategy as part of a $14.3 billion investment into his startup. 

Douglas Chen, another Windsurf co-founder, will be among those joining Google in the deal, Jeff Wang, the startup’s new interim CEO and its head of business for the past two years, wrote in a post on X.

“Most of Windsurf’s world-class team will continue to build the Windsurf product with the goal of maximizing its impact in the enterprise,” Wang wrote.

Windsurf has become more popular this year as an option for so-called vibe coding, which is the process of using new age AI tools to write code. Developers and non-developers have embraced the concept, leading to more revenue for Windsurf and competitors, such as Cursor, which OpenAI also looked at buying. All the interest has led investors to assign higher valuations to the startups.

This isn’t the first time Google has hired select people out of a startup. It did the same with Character.AI last summer. Amazon and Microsoft have also absorbed AI talent in this fashion, with the Adept and Inflection deals, respectively.

Microsoft is pushing an agent mode in its Visual Studio Code editor for vibe coding. In April, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said AI is composing as much of 30% of his company’s code.

The Verge reported the Google-Windsurf deal earlier on Friday.

WATCH: Google pushes “AI Mode” on homepage



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Surge in Alibabas Volume Amid Tech Shifts and AI Investments

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1. Nvidia (Nasdaq: NVDA)
Nvidia dropped solidly by -3.32%, with the trading volume of 42.33B. UAE AI company G42 is seeking to diversify its chip supply beyond Nvidia, including negotiations with tech giants like Amazon AWS, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI for its planned AI park. Google is reportedly leading in these discussions.

2. Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA)
Tesla dropped solidly by -3.50%, with the trading volume of 27.32B. Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk states that 80% of Tesla’s value will depend on the Optimus robot. Despite challenges in Europe, including executive resistance and competition, Tesla lowered Model 3 prices in China, marking its long-range version’s debut with a price cut.

3. Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA)
Alibaba Group Holding Limited surged by 12.90%, with the trading volume of 10.94B. Alibaba plans to invest over 380 billion yuan in the next three years to boost its computing power industry, impacting domestic AI infrastructure. Its Q1 FY 2026 financial report showed a 10% revenue growth and a 76% net profit increase, exceeding expectations.

4. Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT)
Microsoft dipped mildly by -0.58%, with the trading volume of 10.63B. UAE AI company G42 is diversifying chip supplies to reduce dependency on Nvidia, engaging with tech giants like Amazon AWS, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Elon Musk’s xAI for a planned AI park, with Google’s negotiations being the most advanced.

5. Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL)
Apple dipped mildly by -0.18%, with the trading volume of 9.16B. Apple is expanding its retail footprint in India with a new store, Apple Hebbal, set to open in Bangalore on September 2. This follows the openings of Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in Delhi. Apple also plans to remove physical SIM card slots in more countries for the iPhone 17 series.

6. Alphabet (Nasdaq: GOOGL)
Alphabet gained mildly by 0.60%, with the trading volume of 8.44B. UAE’s AI company G42 is seeking to diversify its chip suppliers to reduce reliance on Nvidia. They are negotiating with major tech companies including Amazon AWS, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Elon Musk’s xAI, with Google likely to sign a computing power procurement deal soon.

7. Palantir Technologies (NYSE: PLTR)
Palantir Technologies dipped mildly by -0.89%, with the trading volume of 7.27B. South Korean retail investors showed significant interest in Palantir Technologies, with substantial net purchases over the past week.

8. Meta Platforms (Nasdaq: META)
Meta Platforms dipped mildly by -1.65%, with the trading volume of 6.70B. Meta and Scale AI’s partnership faced challenges as major investment leads to strained relations and data quality concerns. Additionally, Meta plans to release a smart glasses SDK, diverging from trends by opting for LCoS over Micro LED technology.

9. Broadcom (Nasdaq: AVGO)
Broadcom dropped solidly by -3.65%, with the trading volume of 6.42B. Broadcom (AVGO.US) is expected to report a 21% revenue increase to $15.82 billion for Q3, with EPS projected at $1.66. Oppenheimer reaffirmed its “outperform” rating, raising the target price to $325. The AI business could exceed $5 billion in revenue.

10. Marvell Technology (Nasdaq: MRVL)
Marvell Technology plunged by -18.60%, with the trading volume of 6.19B. Company XYZ announced plans for global expansion, focusing on emerging markets and sustainable initiatives. New partnerships aim to enhance technological capabilities, while leadership emphasizes innovation and growth potential.



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Americans Embrace AI Tech In Their Cars But Some Features Drive Them Crazy

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A new JD Pwoer study reveals which AI features drivers actually love and which ones are still frustratingly confusing

                                        https://www.carscoops.com/author/bradcarscoops-com/                                    

by Brad Anderson

31 minutes ago

 Americans Embrace AI Tech In Their Cars But Some Features Drive Them Crazy

  • Owners are proving particularly receptive to smart climate control systems.
  • Genesis took out top honors for innovation for the fifth consecutive year.
  • There is also growing demand from buyers for in-car payment systems.

Artificial intelligence has been steadily weaving its way into everyday life, from the phones in our pockets to the services we rely on daily. The auto industry has been no exception, and AI-driven features are now shaping how people interact with their cars.

Α new study from J.D. Power has found that while some of these features are being well-received by consumers, there are many others that need work before they actually start adding to the ownership experience.

Read: JLR Is Now Using The AI Damage Scanners That Hertz Customers Hate

As part of an expansion of its annual U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, J.D. Power looked at seven AI-based technologies that should, in theory, enhance the driving experience. Among them, one of the clear successes is smart climate control, which automatically manages heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to balance comfort and efficiency.

Smarter Comfort in Action

The study found that owners using these systems are now reporting 6.3 fewer problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) than before, a meaningful improvement. These systems also provide a much-needed workaround for the growing number of cars that have moved climate settings into touchscreen menus instead of physical buttons. J.D. Power’s broader studies back this up, noting that smart climate controls are now boosting both vehicle quality scores and customer satisfaction overall.

Other AI-based systems are also showing promise, such as smart ignition and driver preference modes. In-vehicle shopping and payment systems also drew attention, with 62 percent of owners expressing interest. So far, the most common uses are paying for fuel, tolls, parking, or EV charging, but past designs have struggled with clunky menus and limited apps.

According to the study, the next generation could succeed if automakers focus on simple, quick purchases tied directly to the driving experience.

 Americans Embrace AI Tech In Their Cars But Some Features Drive Them Crazy


Blind spot cameras stand out as one of the most appreciated technologies, with 93 percent of drivers saying they use them regularly and 74 percent wanting the feature in their next vehicle. Models equipped with blind spot cameras also tend to sell faster than those without, underlining just how valuable the technology has become.

Features That Miss the Mark

By comparison, several other AI features could be improved. For example, J.D. Power concluded that car wash modes becoming increasingly prevalent across the market have lots of room for improvement. These models automatically prepare a vehicle to go through a car wash, but it was found that this mode is often buried within the infotainment system, and 38 percent of owners say they need better instructions on how to use it.

Similar, recognition technologies remain a sticking point, posting the highest problem rates in the study. Biometric authentication alone averaged more than 29 issues per 100 vehicles, while touchless or hidden controls and direct driver monitoring each saw more than 19.

Which Brands Are The Best For Tech?

The study also compared automakers on their overall use of technology. Genesis once again led the pack, taking the top spot for the fifth year in a row, with Cadillac and Lincoln following behind.

The premium segment’s average score was lifted to 671 with Tesla and Rivian included, but both were excluded from the rankings since they did not meet the study’s award criteria. Even so, Tesla posted a standout score of 873 and Rivian followed with 730, according to J.D. Power.

 Americans Embrace AI Tech In Their Cars But Some Features Drive Them Crazy


In the mass-market category, Hyundai claimed the highest score for innovation, followed by Kia and, perhaps more surprisingly, Mitsubishi, which ranked ahead of GMC, MINI, and Toyota.

At the other end of the spectrum, Stellantis brands such as Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler landed at the bottom, while Jaguar held the lowest position among premium marques. And if you’re wondering about Tesla, while giving it a huge score at 873, JD Power said it

 Americans Embrace AI Tech In Their Cars But Some Features Drive Them Crazy


 Americans Embrace AI Tech In Their Cars But Some Features Drive Them Crazy


JD Power



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AI-powered cameras aim to make Gulf Shores’ roads safer

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GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) – The City of Gulf Shores is using the power of Artificial Intelligence to track events and make the city safer. It’s the only city in the state and one of just 40 in the country to use this particular AI system to monitor intersection activity.

Right now, the only intersection covered by this new AI technology in at Hwy. 59 and E/W Beach Blvd., but that will soon change.(Hal Scheurich)

“So, it tells me that this is a near-miss where a car cut another car off,” said Gulf Shores City Engineer, Jenny Wolfschlag as she referenced her computer monitor. “The first car was going southeast, and the second car was going westbound. It left a dot where the accident would have happened if they would have been traveling at a little bit different speed and actually hit each other.”

Wolfschlag has a new, high-tech tool to help her department analyze problems with traffic patterns and make decisions on the best safety-related changes to make. Gulf Shores is the first city in Alabama to put the DERQ-AI platform to work on the street and Wolfschlag said it’s already proving its worth.

“The data that we’re getting out of that system is fantastic,” Wolfschlag said. “One thing that it does that’s really interesting, it produces hot spot maps, so we can pull up a heat map and see in particular, where pedestrians are crossing illegally.”

The integrated camera system does far more than monitor traffic flow in real time. It is also tied into the city’s Centrac’s software platform, allowing on the fly adjustments to signal timing based on the amount, and direction of traffic. It can even track pedestrian traffic, something Wolfschlag sees as a valuable feature.

“For example, if you have a group of one or two people crossing the street, it will set a set time. It might give them twenty seconds to cross the street, but if it recognizes a person with a mobility aid, it can automatically adjust that and maybe give them twenty-five seconds to cross the street,” Wolfschlag explained.

Those driving around or walking to the beach would never know Artificial Intelligence was at work making the trip quicker and safer. Those I pointed it out to were impressed and happy to learn of the city’s investment into this technology.

“AI is changing so we might as well adapt to certain situations, but I think it will be good,” Austin Nguyen of Fairhope said.

“I think it’s a great idea,” agreed Mo Rhazi of Baton Rouge. “I think it’s always great to collect data and improve the safety and make sure that you can avoid. Always, a proactive solution is always better than reactive.”

Right now, the only intersection covered by this new AI technology in at Hwy. 59 and E/W Beach Blvd., but that will soon change. The goal is to have an AI device at every intersection between there and Fort Morgan Road.

“Since this really integrates that pedestrian with the vehicle movement, we thought it would be a good place to start. We’re also going to put in in the light at our new high school that is getting ready to open in August of next year,” added Wolfschlag.

It costs the city around $40,000 per intersection to install the DERQ – AI platform. The hope is that they’ll be able to transition at least one intersection per year until the goal is reached.



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