Tech

Google’s new AI lets you walk and fly,

What would it feel like, to walk through a desert that you dreamed about? Or maybe, fly over the fantasy city you’ve always wanted to live in. Maybe, just maybe, you can drive through a forest, all created from a single sentence. Google DeepMind’s new experiment, Project Genie, is trying to make that possible.

Announced on January 29 via Google’s Innovation and AI blog, Project Genie is an experimental research prototype that turns simple text or image prompts into interactive, explorable virtual worlds.

What exactly is Project Genie?

Project Genie is powered by Genie 3, Google DeepMind’s latest “world model” AI. Unlike traditional image or video generators, Genie 3 creates environments that respond to your actions in real time. You can move through these worlds by walking, flying, or driving, while the AI generates what comes next on the fly.

According to Google, these worlds can range from realistic settings, like forests and deserts, to more imaginative, fantasy-style environments.

Why this is a big deal

World models like Genie 3 represent a shift in AI research. Instead of producing static images or short clips, they aim to simulate living, changing environments that maintain continuity and logic as users explore them.

Google DeepMind unveiled Genie 3 in 2025, calling it a breakthrough because it can sustain interactive worlds for several minutes, rather than just a few seconds.

What you can do inside Genie

According to Google’s blog, Project Genie includes:

World sketching: Create worlds using text prompts or images
World exploration: Move freely as the AI generates new terrain in real time
World remixing: Modify or combine worlds and download them as videos

As Google explains, “Unlike static 3D snapshots, Genie 3 generates the path ahead in real time as you move and interact with the world.”

Who can try it?

For now, Project Genie is available only to Google AI Ultra subscribers in the United States aged 18 and above. Google has said it plans to expand access later.

What are the limitations?

Google is upfront that Project Genie is still experimental. Current limitations include:

Worlds may not perfectly match prompts
Some character controls can feel limited
Sessions currently last up to 60 seconds
Advanced features like major world-changing events aren’t live yet

Feedback from early users will shape future updates.

The big picture

Project Genie arrives as competition heats up in generative AI. Companies like OpenAI, Meta, and World Labs are also investing heavily in spatial intelligence, AI systems that understand and generate 3D environments.

As DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis wrote on X:
“Create entire playable worlds to explore in real time just from a simple text prompt—kind of mindblowing really.”

That just might be the understatement of the year.

Tech

ChatGPT to estimate users’ age to protect teens

OpenAI is rolling out a new safety feature in ChatGPT that aims to spot underage users — not by asking them to tick a box, but by predicting their age based on how they use the service.

According to TechCrunch, the company has introduced an “age prediction” system designed to identify accounts that likely belong to users under 18, and automatically apply stricter safeguards to limit exposure to sensitive content.

The feature works by analysing “behavioural and account-level signals,” TechCrunch reported, including details such as a user’s stated age, how long the account has existed, and patterns like the time of day the account is active.

If the model flags an account as belonging to someone under 18, ChatGPT will automatically shift that user into a more restricted experience, applying extra protections around topics such as sex, violence, and other material considered sensitive for minors.

Why OpenAI is making this change now

The move comes as pressure builds globally on tech platforms to strengthen protections for children and teens — especially as AI tools become part of daily life in schools and homes.

In a separate report, Reuters said OpenAI is rolling out age prediction globally as it prepares to introduce an “adult mode” for verified users in early 2026. Reuters added that users incorrectly flagged as under 18 will be able to regain full access by verifying their identity through a selfie submission to Persona, an identity verification service.

OpenAI has been building toward this approach for months. In an earlier policy update, the company described its long-term plan to tailor ChatGPT experiences depending on whether someone is over or under 18, including defaulting to safer protections when age is unclear.

The bigger trend: platforms moving to algorithmic age checks

OpenAI isn’t alone in using signals and automated tools to estimate a user’s age. Across social media, platforms have been ramping up similar systems, especially in markets with stricter online safety rules.

For example, The Guardian reported that TikTok has been strengthening age-verification technology across the EU using profile details, posted content, and behavioural signals to identify younger users.

For ChatGPT, the change reflects a growing shift in consumer AI: safety controls are moving away from static settings and into real-time systems that try to adapt to who is using the tool — and what they might be vulnerable to seeing.

Tech

SIRI Getting Smarter

Google and Apple have confirmed a multi‑year partnership under which Apple will rely on Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models and cloud infrastructure to power the next generation of its AI features — notably a revamped Siri voice assistant and Apple Intelligence system slated to roll out later in 2026.

The announcement marks a significant collaboration between two longtime rivals in consumer technology. According to the joint statement, Apple selected Google’s AI after extensive evaluation, citing Gemini’s performance as the most capable foundation for its future Apple Foundation Models.

Under the agreement, Apple will integrate Gemini models into its internal AI ecosystem — including the long‑anticipated Siri upgrade, which has faced delays in recent years amid challenges in expanding its capabilities. Apple says that despite using Google’s models for core intelligence, key AI features will continue to run on Apple devices and through the company’s Private Cloud Compute platform, maintaining the firm’s strong privacy safeguards.

Multiple outlets confirm that the deal will see Google’s technology underpinning Apple’s AI innovation, but it does not involve sending raw user queries back to Google’s systems. The Verge notes that while Gemini will assist models and features, Apple retains control over on‑device processing and user privacy.

Market reaction was swift: news of the partnership contributed to Alphabet briefly crossing a $4 trillion market valuation, as investor confidence in AI technologies continues to buoy major tech stocks. The collaboration is seen as a validation of Google’s rapid progress with Gemini models — a family of AI systems that have been widely deployed across Google services and rated highly against competitor benchmarks.

The deal also reflects a strategic shift for Apple’s AI roadmap, which has historically focused on in‑house foundation models and selective integrations with third‑party systems like ChatGPT. By choosing Google’s infrastructure, Apple aims to accelerate innovation and close the gap in features such as personalised voice interaction, context‑aware responses and deeper integration with applications.

Experts tell reporters this collaboration could influence the broader AI ecosystem — positioning Gemini as a core engine not just for Google’s own products but also across rival platforms. Meanwhile, consumers can expect to see the first fruits of the partnership as Apple begins rolling out AI‑enhanced Siri features throughout 2026, with updates likely highlighted at Apple’s annual developer conference.

Education

WiseTech Global and Elm Company collaborate to drive innovation and digital transformation in the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia

7 January 2027

Sydney, Australia – WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC), the world-leading developer of logistics execution and supply chain management solutions, and Elm Company, a leading provider of digital solutions for both public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia, have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the logistics sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Under the MoU, both parties intend to explore and leverage modern technologies to drive innovation and deliver advanced technology solutions that enhance the efficiency and overall performance of the logistics sector, in line with Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation objectives.

The scope of the collaboration includes exploring digital solutions to improve operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience through technology solutions focused on simplicity, flexibility, and service quality.

The collaboration also aims to support digital transformation efforts in the logistics sector through collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two parties, fostering integration in the development of technological solutions to deliver sustainable added value.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Saudi Supply Chain and Logistics Conference 2025 on 13 December, with Elm represented by Hesham S. AlNaser, Vice President – Logistics Products, and WiseTech Global represented by Vlad Bilanovsky, Chief Execution Officer.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Majid bin Saad Al-Arifi, Elm’s Spokesperson and Vice President of Marketing, said:

“Elm continues to play its role as a leading digital enabler for government entities and businesses in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, building strategic partnerships that drive the development of innovative digital solutions. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting digital transformation and enhancing the efficiency of the logistics sector in line with future aspirations.”

Vlad Bilanovsky, Chief Execution Officer at WiseTech Global, said:

“Saudi Arabia represents significant opportunities for growth and development in the logistics sector. We are delighted to collaborate with Elm to explore innovative technology solutions that enhance operational performance, improve customer experience, and support the sector’s digital transformation journey.”

Photo: L-R Vlad Bilanovsky, WiseTech Global and Hesham Alnasser, ELM Company sign MoU on the sidelines of the Saudi Supply Chain and Logistics Conference.

Media contact information:
WiseTech Global: Claire Hosegood | +61 411 253 663 | claire.hosegood@wisetechglobal.com

Elm Company: To obtain a photo of the official spokesperson or for more information about Elm Company, please visit elm.com.sa or contact: media@elm.sa

About WiseTech Global

WiseTech Global is a leading developer and provider of software solutions to the logistics, global trade and supply chain industry globally. Our customers include over 17,000^[1] of the world’s logistics companies across 193 countries, including 47 of the top 50 global third-party logistics providers and 24 of the 25 largest global freight forwarders worldwide^[2].

Our mission is to change the world by creating breakthrough products that enable and empower those that own and operate the supply chains of the world. At WiseTech, we are relentless about innovation, adding over 5,700 product enhancements to our global CargoWise application suite in the last five years while bringing meaningful continual improvement to the world’s supply chains. Our breakthrough software solutions are renowned for their powerful productivity, extensive functionality, comprehensive integration, deep compliance capabilities, and truly global reach. For more information about WiseTech Global or CargoWise, please visit wisetechglobal.com and cargowise.com.

[1] Includes customers on CargoWise and non-CargoWise platforms whose customers may be counted with reference to installed sites

[2] Armstrong & Associates: Top 50 Global 3PLs & Top 25 Global Freight Forwarders ranked by 2023 gross logistics revenue/turnover and freight forwarding volumes – Updated 14 August 2024