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Welcome to The Prompt by Kuro House, your daily digest of the most impactful AI news. Today, we’re diving into five stories that showcase real product launches, strategic moves, and groundbreaking updates in AI. Let’s get right to it.
First up, Google’s Gemini app has finally expanded to accept audio files, a feature users have been eagerly waiting for. According to an article from The Verge, free users can upload up to 10 minutes of audio and five prompts daily, while AI Pro and Ultra subscribers get up to three hours of audio uploads. The app supports multiple file formats and even ZIP files, making it versatile for different audio needs. Additionally, Google Search’s AI Mode now supports five new languages including Hindi, Japanese, and Korean, broadening access globally. And their NotebookLM tool can now generate reports like study guides and quizzes in over 80 languages, enhancing research productivity.
Next, Vodafone is experimenting with AI-generated advertising in a bold new way. The Verge reports that Vodafone’s latest TikTok ad features a presenter who isn’t real but created entirely with generative AI. The company confirmed they’re testing AI as part of everyday life and advertising innovation. This follows Vodafone’s previous AI-generated commercial and taps into a growing trend of AI influencers like Lil’ Miquela. It’s a fascinating glimpse at how AI is reshaping marketing and brand engagement.
In funding news, Cognition AI just raised $400 million, soaring to a $10.2 billion valuation. TechCrunch reports this jump from $4 billion earlier this year was led by Founders Fund and includes participation from Lux Capital and others. The startup’s AI coding agent Devin has seen annual recurring revenue climb to $73 million as of June, up from just $1 million last September. Despite rapid growth, Cognition maintains a strict work culture, recently laying off 30 staff and offering buyouts to ease intense work demands. This funding round signals strong confidence in AI-powered developer tools despite the challenging environment.
Google’s AI Mode for Search is getting a major language boost, adding Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese. TechCrunch highlights that this expansion opens the AI-powered search experience to millions more users worldwide. The feature, powered by Gemini 2.5, supports complex queries and even agentic tasks like restaurant reservations for premium subscribers. Google aims to make AI Mode the default search experience soon, signaling a big shift in how we explore the web. It’s a clear push to compete with AI search rivals and enhance global accessibility.
Finally, a unique and controversial AI product has hit the market: the Friend necklace, an always-listening chatbot pendant powered by Google’s Gemini 2.5. Wired’s deep dive reveals the device offers snarky, sometimes abrasive commentary on your daily interactions, which can make social situations awkward. Priced at $129 and available in the US and Canada, it listens continuously and responds via a companion app, but raises significant privacy and social concerns. The creator, Avi Schiffmann, designed the Friend to be a “gentle catalyst” for personal growth, but early users report it often feels more like a judgy companion than a friend. It’s a fascinating experiment in wearable AI, blending companionship with candid honesty.
That wraps up today’s top AI stories, each showing how artificial intelligence is evolving from concept to real-world impact. From expanded language support and audio uploads to AI-generated ads and bold new wearables, the landscape is shifting rapidly. Thanks for tuning in to The Prompt by Kuro House—stay curious, and we’ll catch you tomorrow for more AI insights.
