A lot of significant news closed the week in tech, and TechFyle’s got you covered. From Africa’s first AI-powered spam alert system to Cybertruck delivery hiccups, here’s a quick look at the biggest news stories that might’ve slipped through the cracks.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Airtel Africa Rolls Out AI Spam Alert Service
Airtel Africa is shaking up telecom services across the continent with a new AI-powered Spam Alert Service. This feature offers real-time spam SMS protection and is automatically activated for all users. It’s free and doesn’t need any downloads. Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, says it’s a “gamechanger” in customer experience and security. This is Africa’s first AI-driven spam alert system, setting the bar for future regional tech solutions.
Amazon Discontinues Local Alexa Storage
Amazon is dropping the option for Echo users to store voice recordings locally starting March 28. Moving forward, all Alexa requests will be processed in the Amazon cloud. The move is tied to the upcoming Alexa+ upgrade, offering more advanced AI features but only for users who allow cloud data sharing. Critics point to privacy concerns, especially given Amazon’s $25 million settlement over storing children’s recordings indefinitely. This decision marks a shift in user data control versus AI capability.
Intel Stock Jumps with New CEO Lip-Bu Tan
Intel’s stock surged 15% after it named Lip-Bu Tan CEO. Tan had previously left the board over strategy disagreements. He’s back to revive Intel’s semiconductor game, especially after missing the AI chip boom. Analysts believe Tan’s strong industry ties could help attract clients to Intel’s contract chip business. His prior success at Cadence Design Systems adds credibility. However, any real turnaround may take years, given Intel’s recent market share losses and missed revenue targets.
Tesla Investor Cautions Musk’s Political Role
Christopher Tsai, a major Tesla investor, urges Elon Musk to step away from politics and return focus to business. Musk’s involvement in federal spending cuts under Trump and other political moves has dragged down Tesla’s stock. Tsai, whose firm holds 75,000 shares, still believes Tesla will become “one of the most valuable companies on the planet” but warns the market that it disapproves of Musk’s political ventures.
Pirate Bay Backer Carl Lundström Dies in Plane Crash
Carl Lundström, a financier behind The Pirate Bay, died in a Slovenia plane crash. His Mooney M-20 aircraft crashed in mountainous terrain en route from Zagreb to Zurich. Lundström had a controversial history, including a four-month prison sentence for aiding copyright infringement. He also ran in Swedish elections for a right-wing party and was heir to the Wasabröd crispbread fortune.
TikTok Adds Teen Safeguards, Imposes 10 PM Curfew
TikTok now blocks access for users under 16 after 10 PM using a new “wind-down” feature that plays calming music and sends alerts. The app expands Family Pairing controls, allowing parents to set app usage breaks, monitor followers, and view blocked accounts. TikTok also uses AI to verify ages and is working with Telefónica to develop age confirmation tech. These changes come amid ongoing scrutiny in the U.S., with ownership divestment mandated by April 5.
Tesla Pauses Cybertruck Deliveries Due to Trim Issues
Tesla has halted Cybertruck deliveries over trim pieces reportedly flying off vehicles. This is the latest in several issues, with seven recalls since launch, including for windshield wipers and unintended acceleration. Public sentiment is cooling on Tesla, with polls showing more negative than positive views. Tesla’s sales have also dipped, prompting questions about the Cybertruck’s future reliability.
RIP Google Assistant? Gemini AI Poised to Replace It
Google is ready to retire Google Assistant and roll out its Gemini AI as the new standard for Android devices. Assistant, which was launched in 2016, will become unavailable on most mobile devices by year-end. Only devices with over 2GB of RAM and Android 10 or newer will support Gemini.
This shift is part of Google’s “platform shift” from traditional voice assistants to generative AI. Gemini now personalizes responses based on search history, past chats, and saved data, but users can opt-out anytime. The AI can recall past conversations and will soon add screen-sharing and live video features. This move emphasizes Google’s focus on AI-driven experiences and marks a major evolution in how Android users interact with their devices.
TF Summary: What’s Next
These stories, from AI in Africa to Tesla’s Cybertruck troubles, show the tension between tech innovation and public trust. Companies must balance progress with responsibility as AI expands and privacy concerns rise. The next few weeks will see how these shifts impact the global tech narrative.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech