PixVerse raises $439M, valuation tops $2B

Google is integrating its Gemini AI assistant into Waze to enable conversational voice commands for drivers. The update adds two Gemini-powered features: enhanced conversation reporting for traffic incidents and map updates, plus a new Destination Search function that lets drivers search for locations using natural language. The changes aim to reduce driver distraction by allowing hands-free interaction while navigating.

Paris-based AI voice startup Gradium closed a $100 million seed round backed by Nvidia. The company plans to use the funding to establish a Bay Area office and compete for talent in the region. The move signals Gradium's intent to position itself within the core of the global AI ecosystem.

Deutsche Telekom is integrating OpenAI technology to transform its operations across customer service, employee workflows, and network operations. The initiative positions the telecom operator as an AI-native company, with implications for how carriers modernize infrastructure and customer interactions. The scope extends to voice services, signaling a broader shift in how legacy telecom players adopt generative AI.

Character.AI announced c.ai Series, a new product combining short-form episodic videos with interactive elements designed for mobile viewing. The videos are animated and generated almost entirely with AI, positioning the company beyond its chatbot roots. The move targets the microdrama market, projected to reach $26 billion in the coming years.