Alphabet buys cyber security group Wiz for $32bn Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has announced its acquisition of cybersecurity startup Wiz for $32 billion, marking its largest deal ever. This move aims to enhance Google Cloud’s security capabilities amid competition with Amazon and Microsoft. Wiz will integrate with Google Cloud while continuing to support major […]
Alphabet buys cyber security group Wiz for $32bn
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has announced its acquisition of cybersecurity startup Wiz for $32 billion, marking its largest deal ever.
This move aims to enhance Google Cloud’s security capabilities amid competition with Amazon and Microsoft. Wiz will integrate with Google Cloud while continuing to support major cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud.
In a statement on Google’s blog Alphabet said that the acquisition aligns with Google’s focus on strengthening cloud security and enabling multi-cloud strategies.
Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian emphasised the partnership’s goal of simplifying cybersecurity for businesses, while Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport highlighted their commitment to protecting customers across various cloud platforms.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai stressed that the move “Reinforces Google’s dedication to improving online security for businesses and governments.”
Nvidia teams up with Disney
During Nvidia’s 2025 GTC the chip giant announced initiatives to advance humanoid robot development, including Newton, an open-source physics engine created in partnership with Disney Research and Google DeepMind.
Newton enables robots to perform complex tasks with greater precision. Disney plans to use Newton to enhance its robotic characters, such as Star Wars-inspired “BDX” droids.
Nvidia also introduced Isaac GR00T N1, the first open, customisable model for humanoid robot reasoning and skills.
Demonstrated at the GTC conference, GR00T N1 allows robots to complete common and multi-step tasks autonomously. Early adopters include Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, and Neura Robotics.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang described these advancements as key to expanding AI’s potential in robotics development.
Air New Zealand partners with Tata on AI-powered digital transformation projects
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed a five-year partnership with Air New Zealand to modernise the airline’s digital infrastructure.
The agreement aims to improve customer service, streamline operations, and boost efficiency using AI and cloud technologies. TCS will integrate digital solutions into key airline functions, including fleet management, crew scheduling, and ground services.
The partnership also covers Air New Zealand’s digital retail platform and loyalty programmes. TCS will support workforce upskilling to enhance staff capabilities in AI, cybersecurity, and digital engineering.
Announced in Mumbai, the deal was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and executives from TCS and Air New Zealand.
TfL’s voice of the tube replaced by AI
Transport for London (TfL) has replaced voice-over artist Elinor Hamilton’s voice announcements with an AI-generated alternative at Colindale Station.
Hamilton, who has voiced London Underground announcements since 2005, expressed concern that the switch diminishes the city’s character.
The move comes as part of station development works, with completion expected later this year. Hamilton also voiced fears that her late husband, Phil Sayer’s iconic ‘Mind the Gap’ message, could also be replaced.
Sayer, a former BBC presenter, became the familiar voice of the warning before his death in 2016. Hamilton said losing these human voices risks eroding London’s cultural identity.
Telegram founder allowed to leave France following arrest
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of social messaging app Telegram, has been allowed to fly home to Dubai as French authorities continue their case against him.
The tech billionaire was arrested in August 2024 after arriving in Paris on his private jet, being accused of failing to properly moderate his app to reduce criminality.
Telegram is used by around 950 million people worldwide and has previously positioned itself as an app focussed on its users’ privacy, but it is also used by criminals to advertise drugs as well as offer cybercrime and fraud services and has been dubbed “the dark web in your pocket”
However, since the arrest, Telegram has made a series of changes to the way it operates.
It joined the Internet Watch Foundation and has also announced that IP addresses and phone numbers of those who violate its rules will be handed over to police in response to valid legal requests.
