Perplexity launches shopping hub to compete with Google

Perplexity AI launches shopping features to compete with Google, enhancing user experience with product cards and visual search tools.

Published

1 year ago

November 19, 2024

ticker NEWS

Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity has introduced a shopping hub to enhance its platform and compete with Google’s search engine dominance.

The initiative, announced on November 18, aims to attract users by providing product cards that display relevant items in response to shopping-related queries.

Perplexity is backed by Jeff Bezos and Nvidia, and the new feature utilises integrations with Shopify to access up-to-date product information from businesses that ship to the United States.

This effort is part of a broader trend among e-commerce platforms to adopt AI tools to bring in more merchants.

The launch includes a feature called ‘Snap to Shop,’ which allows users to visually search for products based on their photos.

Initially, these features will roll out in the United States, with plans for expansion to other markets in the future.

Perplexity is also introducing a ‘Merchant Program’ that enables retailers to share product information directly with the company.

Recent reports indicate that Perplexity is in the process of raising new investments that could value the company at $9 billion.

The startup is looking to diversify its offerings, especially with increased competition from OpenAI, which recently added new search functionalities to ChatGPT.

Grok continues generating sexualised images despite new safeguards

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok faces scrutiny for generating non-consensual sexualized images despite new safety restrictions.

Published

4 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok faces scrutiny for generating non-consensual sexualized images despite new safety restrictions.

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok is still producing sexualised images of real people without their consent, even after new restrictions were introduced by X following public backlash.

A Reuters investigation found the chatbot continued generating explicit imagery despite warnings about the vulnerability of the subjects involved, raising fresh concerns over the effectiveness of the safeguards.

While officials have cautiously welcomed recent changes, the findings have reignited debate around AI accountability and user safety on social media platforms.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Peter Mandelson investigated by police over alleged Epstein information leaks

Scotland Yard investigates Lord Mandelson for allegedly leaking information to Epstein; PM Starmer vows to revoke his peerage if guilty.

Published

4 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Scotland Yard investigates Lord Mandelson for allegedly leaking information to Epstein; PM Starmer vows to revoke his peerage if guilty.

Scotland Yard has confirmed it is conducting a full criminal investigation into allegations that Lord Peter Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein while in public office. The probe centres on potential misconduct and whether any information was deliberately shared.

Police say a successful prosecution would require clear evidence that Mandelson intentionally passed confidential material to Epstein. Investigators are currently assessing whether the claims meet the criminal threshold required to proceed with charges.

Officials are also reviewing the full scope of Mandelson’s interactions with Epstein during his time in government, as pressure mounts for answers and accountability at the highest levels of power.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

U.S. downs Iranian drone near USS Abraham Lincoln as Gulf tensions rise

U.S. jet downed Iranian drone by USS Abraham Lincoln amid rising tensions; Iranian boats threatened U.S. tanker, risking misjudgment.

Published

5 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. jet downed Iranian drone by USS Abraham Lincoln amid rising tensions; Iranian boats threatened U.S. tanker, risking misjudgment.

The United States has shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. The carrier was operating roughly 500 miles from Iran when the drone moved closer, despite efforts by US forces to de-escalate the situation.

A US Navy F-35C fighter jet launched from the Lincoln intercepted and destroyed the drone mid-air, with officials confirming no damage or casualties. The incident highlights growing concerns over military brinkmanship in one of the world’s most volatile waterways.

With an increased US military presence in the region, analysts warn that even small miscalculations could trigger a wider conflict as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to intensify.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker