Digital
Apple taps Google’s Gemini to supercharge Siri in a rare tech truce
CALIFORNIA: Apple has struck a multiyear deal with Google to run its next wave of artificial intelligence, including Siri, on Google’s Gemini models, sealing an unlikely alliance between two of Silicon Valley’s fiercest rivals.
The iPhone maker said it chose Gemini after a “careful evaluation” showed Google’s system offered the strongest foundation for its AI push, a tacit admission that Apple’s in-house efforts have lagged in the race to catch up with fast-moving rivals.
The pact is a sharp departure for Apple, which has traditionally built its core technologies itself. Yet it also extends a long-running commercial relationship that already sees Google pay Apple billions of dollars a year to remain the default search engine on iPhones, a deal currently under US antitrust scrutiny.
News of the AI tie-up lifted Alphabet’s shares above a $4 trillion valuation for the first time, underlining investor belief that Google has secured a commanding role in the next phase of consumer AI.
Not everyone is cheering. Elon Musk, whose xAI competes in the same field, called the agreement “an unreasonable concentration of power”, given Google’s grip on Android and Chrome.
Apple had also weighed partnerships with OpenAI, Anthropic and Perplexity, but ultimately plumped for Gemini. Financial terms were not disclosed.
For Apple, the deal offers a quick route back into the AI arms race after a faltering start that saw delays to a revamped Siri and the departure of its AI chief late last year. Analysts said the partnership gives the company breathing room as it tries to get its broader AI strategy on track into 2026.
Apple insisted that its own system, Apple Intelligence, will still run on devices for core functions, preserving what it calls industry-leading privacy, even as Google’s models do the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
Digital
Maharashtra partners OpenAI, Sarvam AI to boost state’s tech ecosystem
State to set up dedicated AI department and roll out frontier technology policies
MUMBAI: Maharashtra is set to become a primary hub for artificial intelligence following the 2026–27 Budget announcement. chief minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the state has signed letters of intent with global giant OpenAI and national pioneer Sarvam AI to integrate advanced technology into the state’s economic and administrative framework.
The collaboration with OpenAI and Sarvam AI marks a shift towards adopting cutting-edge generative tools for governance. These partnerships, alongside MoUs with IIT Bombay and BharatGen, are designed to create a robust ecosystem for research and innovation. The move signals the state’s intent to bring together global technology leaders and domestic research institutions to accelerate the development and adoption of artificial intelligence across sectors.
Regarding the strategic intent of these alliances, chief minister Fadnavis stated, “With the objective of making the State’s Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence sector dynamic, letters of intent have been signed with globally and nationally reputed institutions like OpenAI and Sarvam AI to facilitate the Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence sector in the state.”
To manage these high-level partnerships and ensure effective implementation, the government is establishing an independent department of electronics, Information technology, and artificial intelligence. The new department will function with a dedicated commissionerate and specialised technical manpower, enabling faster decision-making, improved coordination, and stronger accountability in executing technology-driven initiatives.
The state also plans to introduce special policies aimed at strengthening its position in emerging technology sectors. These policies will focus on advancing Maharashtra as a global hub for frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, drones, autonomous vehicles, and deep technology.
According to the chief minister, “The state government plans to introduce special policies to develop Maharashtra as a world-class hub for frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, drones, autonomous vehicles and deep technology.”
Artificial intelligence is already being integrated into the state’s governance framework. A collaboration with Microsoft has led to the development of MahaCrimeOS AI, a platform that has reportedly reduced police investigation times by 80 per cent across 23 police stations in Nagpur. The initiative demonstrates how AI-driven tools can significantly enhance law enforcement efficiency and data analysis capabilities.
The government is also working toward building a fully digitised administrative ecosystem. Plans are underway to achieve complete digitisation of land transactions and implement electronic office systems across departments, paving the way for a paperless government. In addition, a pilot project will introduce AI-powered solutions in 75 selected villages to improve infrastructure, governance efficiency, and overall quality of life in rural areas.
To strengthen digital infrastructure and data protection, the state also intends to establish an advanced data centre in Nagpur. This facility will be designed to safeguard sensitive and sovereign information while supporting large-scale digital services and government platforms.
These initiatives form part of Maharashtra’s broader cyber security and digital transformation strategy aligned with the Viksit Maharashtra 2047 vision. By partnering with global and domestic technology leaders such as OpenAI and Sarvam AI, the state aims to build a secure, future-ready digital ecosystem that enhances citizen services, supports innovation, and strengthens India’s position in emerging technologies.
