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TELUS Details $150M Data Transformation with Google Cloud

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At Google Cloud Next 25, TELUS shared how a sweeping data overhaul helped the telecom giant become an AI-driven enterprise. Head of Enterprise Data Engineering Stephen Lee described migrating from legacy on-prem systems to a unified cloud platform on Google BigQuery.

The transformation, supported by Accenture and Onix, enables self-serve analytics and generative AI across business lines. TELUS eliminated 30% of outdated data and now ingests from over 100 internal systems. The initiative contributed $150M in EBITDA gains and powers cross-unit innovation, including a new MDM initiative. “People, process, and technology—that’s what it takes,” said Lee.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Google Unveils AI Milestones at Google Cloud Next 25

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At Google Cloud Next 25 in Las Vegas, CEO Thomas Kurian showcased the company’s AI momentum, revealing over 3,000 product updates in 2024 and surging usage of Gemini and Vertex AI. More than 4 million developers now use Gemini, while Workspace delivers 2 billion monthly AI assists.

Google introduced its most powerful AI chip, Ironwood, and announced $75B in infrastructure investment. Agentspace, a new AI agent platform, and smarter Workspace features mark Google’s bid to lead in enterprise AI. “The opportunity with AI is as big as it gets,” said CEO Sundar Pichai.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Google Brings Wizard of Oz to Life with AI

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Google and Sphere Entertainment have announced a landmark AI collaboration to reimagine The Wizard of Oz for Sphere’s 16K immersive dome in Las Vegas. Opening August 28, 2025, the project uses Google Cloud and DeepMind’s Gemini, Veo 2, and Imagen 3 models to enhance resolution, extend scenes, and digitally recreate characters.

The film’s restoration, powered by Google’s AI infrastructure, has already processed over 1.2 petabytes of data. Sphere Studios and Magnopus are collaborating on the work, which aims to revolutionize cinematic storytelling—just as Technicolor once did in 1939.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Google to Acquire Canadian Eye-Tracking Startup AdHawk for $115M

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Google is finalizing a $115 million acquisition of AdHawk Microsystems, a Waterloo-based eye-tracking startup. The deal includes $15 million in performance-based incentives. Founded in 2017, AdHawk develops low-power eye-tracking chips, hardware, and software, enabling devices to track gaze more efficiently than traditional sensors.

The acquisition aligns with Google’s renewed push into smart glasses following the discontinuation of Google Glass. AdHawk’s team will join Google’s Android XR division, supporting next-gen headset and smart glasses development. Google’s interest in AI-powered wearable tech continues, bolstered by its collaboration on Samsung’s upcoming Moohan headset.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Bloomberg.

AI: The $230 Billion Opportunity for Canada

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2024 saw generative AI transform from experimental to essential for Canadian businesses. Companies like TELUS reaped efficiency and cost benefits through full-scale AI deployments. AI’s economic potential in Canada is vast, with predictions of a $230 billion boost and 175 annual work hours saved per employee.

Looking ahead, AI-powered products will reshape customer experiences, streamline workflows, and drive innovation in sectors like finance, telecommunications, and healthcare. Canadian startups like Cohere and Viral Nation are poised to scale with AI.

As AI adoption deepens, leaders must embed AI strategies into their operations, setting the stage for a transformative 2025.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Google Expands AI Capabilities with Gemini Update

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Google has launched a new version of its Gemini AI model, enabling advanced “agents” to perform tasks in digital and real-world environments. Project Mariner, a browser-based assistant, navigates websites and handles actions like filling shopping carts. Project Astra, initially embedded in smart glasses, offers conversational AI capable of retrieving and remembering user data.

Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, highlights Gemini’s improved task execution and external tool usage. However, Google promises human oversight for significant actions. As competitors like Amazon and Cohere also develop AI agents, Google aims to set benchmarks for responsible use.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Logic.

Canada’s Competition Bureau Sues Google Over Ad Practices

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Canada’s Competition Bureau has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleging anti-competitive behavior in online advertising. The Bureau seeks a tribunal order requiring Google to divest two ad tech tools and pay penalties for violating competition laws. The investigation, launched in 2020 and expanded this year, found Google abused its dominance in Canada’s ad tech market to entrench its power.

Google denies wrongdoing, claiming robust competition exists and pledging to contest the case. The lawsuit aligns with similar actions in the U.S. and EU, where Google faces scrutiny for alleged monopolistic practices in digital advertising.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Reuters.

    Google Expands AI Search Summaries to Over 100 Nations, Including Canada

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    Google’s AI Overviews, launched in the US in May, are now expanding to over 100 countries, including Canada, Australia, and South Africa. AI-generated summaries will appear in various languages, including English, Hindi, and Spanish, catering to users worldwide.

      While ads were recently introduced in the US AI Overviews, other countries will continue with traditional ad placements. This update also enhances cited webpage visibility in Overviews, following testing since August in markets such as the UK, India, and Brazil. Google aims to streamline multilingual search experiences, offering more accessible information globally.

      Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Verge.

      AI to Transform Nova Scotia’s Healthcare System by 2025

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      The Nova Scotia government has announced a partnership with Google Cloud to implement AI-powered digital solutions aimed at improving healthcare delivery by fall 2025. The three key initiatives will include advanced natural-language search capabilities for Nova Scotians seeking health information, tools for healthcare professionals to quickly access patient records, and AI assistance for radiologists in reviewing chest X-rays.

      Premier Tim Houston emphasized that this collaboration aligns with Nova Scotia’s healthcare plan to tackle challenges and reduce administrative burdens. Google Cloud will also provide training to healthcare staff, ensuring privacy protection for personal health data.

      Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

      Canadian Fintech Hardbacon Collapses Following Changes to Google Search

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      Canadian financial technology firm Hardbacon has shuttered. All employees have been let go, CEO Julien Brault stated, and operations have been suspended as his company declares bankruptcy. Changes to Google’s search algorithm impacted sites with affiliate links and caused traffic to Hardbacon to plummet overnight.

      Within months, visits were down 97%, “despite extensive SEO and content optimization work.” In an effort to ride out the wave, the CEO attempted to manage expenses, but traffic never returned. Brault hopes that, at a minimum, Google might “lose ground due to its abusive behaviour” as the tech titan is increasingly scrutinized for its monopolizing methods.

      Want to know more? Check out the source code on Fintech.ca.