IQVIA, a leading global provider of advanced analytics, clinical research services, and technology solutions, has unveiled an expanded collaboration with tech giant Salesforce aimed at enhancing customer engagement within the life sciences sector. Leveraging IQVIA's Orchestrated Customer Engagement Platform alongside Salesforce's CRM capabilities, the partnership aims to develop the Salesforce Life Sciences Cloud. IQVIA is granting Salesforce licenses for its engagement platform and associated software to facilitate the creation of this offering, scheduled for release in 2025. Both companies will collaborate closely to promote the new solution in the market.

Meta is introducing new features for Messenger users, enabling the creation of shared albums within chats, the transmission of high-definition photos, and the sharing of larger files up to 100MB in size. This update caters to individuals accustomed to sharing albums or HD images via platforms like Google Drive. Previously, users were limited to viewing a list of photos shared in a chat without the ability to organize them; now, they can create albums in group chats, facilitating organization for various occasions such as vacations or family events. To initiate an album, users select multiple photos from the chat composer and tap "create album," or long-press a photo to do so. Additionally, users can add photos to existing albums by selecting the "Add to album" option. Everyone in a chat can view, add, delete, and download pictures and videos within an album, which can be accessed via the "Media" button in the chat interface. This introduction of shared albums fills a gap in Meta's messaging services, as it's not available on platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram DMs, likely making it a welcomed addition for users.

Truecaller has introduced a web version of its caller ID app, offering features such as SMS and chat syncing, call notifications, and number lookup on desktops. Initially, the web version, named Truecaller for Web, is accessible to Android users worldwide, with plans for iOS support later. Android users can now connect their devices to the web client via a QR code, with Truecaller currently restricting active web sessions to one and automatically logging out inactive users after 30 days. Users also have the option to manually unlink a browser from settings, resembling the web versions of messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram.

Google has introduced Vids, a new addition to its Google Workspace suite, designed for streamlined video creation in professional settings. Vids offers a straightforward interface for crafting slide presentations using a linear timeline, where users can seamlessly incorporate content from their Google Drive. Notably, Vids distinguishes itself with the integration of Google's Gemini AI, allowing users to opt-in for assistance in scriptwriting, storyboarding, and text-to-speech narration. Additionally, Gemini can access a repository of stock footage and generate imagery. Currently undergoing testing with a select group of Workspace users, Vids aims to unveil a broader beta version in the upcoming summer, promising an influx of AI-infused presentations in the workplace.

Automattic, the owner of WordPress.com, is set to acquire Beeper, the company known for its iMessage-on-Android solution, referenced in the Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit against Apple. The acquisition, reportedly priced at $125 million, marks Automattic's second venture into cross-platform messaging solutions following its purchase of Texts.com last October. Kishan Bagaria, the founder of Texts.com, assumed the role of Automattic's head of Messaging post-acquisition, but this position will now transition to Eric Migicovsky, Beeper's founder and previously known for his work on the Pebble smartwatch and as a partner at Y Combinator.

Google has rolled out a suite of new cloud-based security offerings alongside updates to its existing lineup, targeting enterprises handling extensive, multi-tenant networks. Among these introductions is Gemini in Threat Intelligence, a fresh addition to Google's Mandiant cybersecurity platform, harnessing Gemini's capabilities. Currently available for public preview, Gemini in Threat Intelligence empowers users to analyze significant volumes of potentially malicious code, conduct natural language searches for ongoing threats or signs of compromise, and distill insights from open source intelligence reports across the internet. And in Security Command Center, Google’s enterprise cybersecurity and risk management suite, a new Gemini-driven feature lets security teams search for threats using natural language while providing summaries of misconfigurations, vulnerabilities and possible attack paths.

Google is expanding the integration of Gemini across its products, with the latest upgrade being announced for Android Studio's bot, now called Gemini Pro. This advanced bot, residing within the Integrated Development Environment (IDE), allows developers to inquire about coding-related queries. Google promises enhanced answer quality in various aspects including code completions, debugging, resource discovery, and documentation writing. To uphold privacy standards, users are required to log in and explicitly enable Gemini usage, while the bot's responses heavily rely on conversation history and provided context. Additionally, Google offers easy access to the Gemini API starter template through Android Studio, facilitating the integration of generative AI-powered features into applications.

SingleInterface, a SaaS startup specializing in aiding offline businesses in maximizing their online presence to boost revenue, has secured $30 million in funding. The challenge of finding a comprehensive solution for transitioning to the digital sphere is a common hurdle for many businesses. Some platforms may offer website development services, while others focus solely on improving search engine visibility. SingleInterface addresses this issue by providing a diverse suite of products tailored for multi-location brands spanning sectors such as food and beverage, retail, and automotive. Collaborating with over 400 multi-location brands across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, SingleInterface assists these businesses in managing the digital footprint of their physical stores and retail outlets. Its offerings include tools for enhancing online customer engagement, optimizing search engine and map listings, handling feedback and web reviews, and even website creation with integrated SEO management, providing valuable insights for each business location. Leveraging AI technology, the startup streamlines the process of digitizing thousands of stores simultaneously, easing the transition to the online realm for businesses.