Latest Software & Apps News

📅December 20, 2025 at 1:00 AM
AI dominates software trends with new models like Gemini 3 Flash, massive funding for dev tools, collaborations, and policy shifts in chips and apps as 2025 ends.
1

Google Launches Gemini 3 Flash AI Model

Google released Gemini 3 Flash, a faster, efficiency-optimized model with improved multimodal capabilities for text, images, and video. It's integrated into the Gemini app, AI Studio, and API to boost everyday AI use in apps and workflows.Source 2 This raises the bar for responsive AI in consumer and enterprise products.Source 2

2

AI Coding Startup Lovable Raises $330M at $6.6B Valuation

Stockholm-based Lovable secured $330 million in funding, valuing it at $6.6 billion for its AI software development tools.Source 2 The round highlights investor enthusiasm for AI agents that automate coding and building software.Source 2 It signals strong demand despite market scrutiny on enterprise traction.Source 2

3

Yann LeCun Targets $3.5B Valuation for New AI Startup

Meta's chief AI scientist Yann LeCun is seeking a $3.5 billion valuation for his new AI venture.Source 2 This rare move by top talent underscores private market interest in elite AI leadership.Source 2 Details are limited, but it reflects crowding yet lucrative AI startup space.Source 2

4

Zoom Launches AI Companion 3.0 with Agentic Workflows

Zoom introduced AI Companion 3.0, expanding to browser access, low-code automation, and federated AI orchestration across apps.Source 3 It retrieves data from meetings and third-party tools, generates documents, and supports drag-and-drop workflows.Source 3 This pushes AI beyond summaries into proactive enterprise assistance.Source 3

5

Microsoft Releases Promptions for Easier AI Prompting

Microsoft launched Promptions, an open-source UI framework that generates guided options for prompts based on context.Source 3 It reduces trial-and-error with controls for tone, length, and format.Source 3 Aimed at making AI interactions more intuitive for users and developers.Source 3

6

US Energy Department Signs AI Deals for Genesis Mission

The US Department of Energy inked agreements with 24 orgs including Microsoft, Google, Nvidia for AI in science.Source 4Source 2 Partners provide cloud, chips, and models for simulations and research.Source 4 Aims to boost US energy security and reduce foreign tech reliance.Source 4

7

Apple Updates Developer Agreements for Debt Collection

Apple gained authority to collect debts from developers anytime, sparking debate on App Store finances.Source 1 This tightens revenue sharing scrutiny, potentially burdening small studios.Source 1 Encourages financial discipline amid platform power dynamics.Source 1

8

ByteDance Transfers TikTok US Control to New JV

ByteDance signed deals to shift TikTok US to a joint venture with Oracle and others, averting a ban.Source 2 New entity handles data and ops; ByteDance keeps minority stake.Source 2 Key issue remains algorithm control amid security concerns.Source 2

9

Coursera and Udemy Announce Merger Agreement

Coursera and Udemy merged to combine learning platforms with AI skills tools.Source 5 Aims to accelerate innovation and global talent transformation.Source 5 Enhances ecosystems for learners and enterprise customers.Source 5

10

Akamai Launches ISV Catalyst Program for Cloud Growth

Akamai introduced ISV Catalyst to speed cloud adoption for independent software vendors on its platform.Source 12 Targets accelerated growth via globally distributed cloud.Source 12 Helps ISVs scale software delivery efficiently.Source 12

11

US Reviews Nvidia H200 Shipments to China

Trump admin launched review that may allow Nvidia H200 AI chips to China.Source 2 Balances security with commercial AI supply chain demands.Source 2 Signals recalibration amid China's compute needs.Source 2

12

China Advances EUV Prototype for AI Chips

China revealed EUV lithography prototype in 'Manhattan Project' for AI chips, targeting 2028-2030 production.Source 2 Involves reverse-engineering and talent recruitment.Source 2 Challenges Western dominance in advanced semis.Source 2