UK watchdog wants Google to offer broader search choices, including AI (GOOG:NASDAQ)

Alphabet's Google plans to send AI chips into orbit next week aboard a SpaceX rocket, testing their performance in space conditions. The project, called Suncatcher, aims to explore the feasibility of large-scale machine learning infrastructure in space. Google's TPUs have undergone radiation and vibration testing, and the company is developing cooling systems for the space environment. Other companies, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, are also exploring orbital data centers.

Alphabet's Google launched Gemini Robotics ER 2, an AI model for robots to plan and adapt tasks in real time. The model integrates with Google Search and works across multiple robot types. Alphabet's Class A shares were down over 1% in Thursday's morning trade. The company is investing heavily in AI, with a Q2 capital expenditure forecast of $195B-$205B. Other tech firms like Nvidia, Tesla, and Amazon are also advancing in physical AI and robotics.

Alphabet's Google has agreed to fund upgrades at Georgia Power's Vogtle and Hatch nuclear plants, adding 96 MW of capacity. The deal aims to address rising energy demands from AI data centers and local opposition to such facilities. Georgia Power estimates $900 million in benefits for customers over the units' lifetimes, pending regulatory approval.

Google (GOOG) was fined €400M by Ireland's Data Protection Commission for GDPR violations related to location data processing. The investigation found users were not adequately informed about how their data was used for targeted advertising. Google has six months to comply with GDPR requirements. This is the fourth-largest fine issued by the Irish regulator since GDPR's implementation in 2018.

Alphabet's shares rose 1.72% to $356.915 after launching Googlebook laptops priced at $899. The devices integrate Gemini AI, offer 12 months of Google AI Pro, and 5TB of cloud storage. The company promises a decade of software support. Alphabet's stock trades 41.92% above its GF Value estimate of $251.49, indicating high investor expectations for AI, cloud, and advertising growth.

Berkshire Hathaway, led by Greg Abel, has invested over $37.9 billion in Alphabet, making it the third-largest holding. The investment includes a $10 billion private placement at a discount to support Alphabet's AI infrastructure. Alphabet's capital expenditures are expected to reach $200 billion this year, with strong payback periods on investments.