All the Latest from Notion, Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI
Emerging Tech Roundup — April 18, 2025
The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.
This week in tech: Notion brings an AI to Gmail, Anthropic’s integrates Claude with Gmail, MIT and IBM researchers train LLMs to self-detoxify language, Google Search adjusts its global domain, Adobe updates its portfolio with interest in video production, OpenAI works on an X-like social media network, and Nike and Hyperice plan to release a high-tech recovery shoe for athletes.
Notion Releases an AI-Powered Email Client for Gmail
(Tech Crunch, April 15)
Notion has launched Notion Mail, an AI-powered email client for Gmail that integrates with the Notion platform to help users organize emails, draft replies, schedule meetings, and search messages. Users can access basic AI features for free (with limits) or unlock unlimited use via a paid tier, competing with AI email tools like Superhuman and Fyxer. Built using infrastructure from Notion's 2024 acquisition of Skiff, Notion Mail offers a modular, customizable inbox experience, allowing users to tailor functionality far beyond traditional email settings.
Anthropic’s Claude Can Now Read Your Gmail
(Tech Crunch, April 15)
Anthropic has announced that Claude now integrates with Google Workspace, allowing it to access Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Docs to deliver more personalized assistance. Rolling out in beta for Max, Team, Enterprise, and Pro subscribers, the integration aims to reduce repetitive uploads and prompt crafting, while offering in-line citations for transparency. This makes Anthropic one of the first third-party AI companies to offer deep Workspace integration, positioning Claude alongside competitors like Gemini and ChatGPT in the productivity assistant space.
Training LLMs to Self-Detoxify Their Language
(Tech Xplore, April 15)
MIT and IBM researchers have developed SASA, a new method that helps AI models avoid generating toxic or harmful language without needing to retrain them. SASA works by adjusting word choices during sentence creation, steering the model toward safer, more respectful responses based on context. It was tested on popular models like GPT-2 and Llama, showing strong results in reducing toxicity while keeping responses natural and fluent.
Google Search is Going to Be Google.com Globally
(The Verge, April 15)
Google will begin redirecting country-specific Search domains (like google.ng or google.com.br) to google.com to simplify the user experience. While users may need to reset some preferences, Google says local search results and legal obligations will remain unchanged. Since 2017, Google has provided localized results regardless of domain, making ccTLDs unnecessary moving forward.
Adobe Takes Stake in Synthesia, Startup Behind AI Clones for Corporate Videos
(CNBC, April 15)
Adobe has made a strategic investment in Synthesia, a UK-based AI startup that enables businesses to create videos using life-like AI avatars. While financial details weren’t disclosed, the move supports Adobe’s push to transform video production and aligns with its broader vision of democratizing content creation. Synthesia, already used by over 70% of Fortune 100 companies, joins Adobe’s portfolio of creative tech bets, alongside past investments in startups like Captions and VidMob.
OpenAI is Working on X-like Social Media Network
(Reuters, April 15)
OpenAI is reportedly developing an X-like social media platform with a social feed tied to ChatGPT’s image generation, according to The Verge. The project is still in early stages, and CEO Sam Altman has been seeking private feedback, though it's unclear whether it will be a standalone app or part of ChatGPT. This move could heighten tensions with Elon Musk, who owns X and has an ongoing feud with Altman, further fueled by a rejected $97.4 billion takeover bid from Musk earlier this year.
Nike and Hyperice to Release the Hyperboot Warm-Up Footwear for Athletes on May 17
(Engadget, April 17)
Nike and Hyperice are launching the Hyperboot, a high-tech recovery shoe combining heat therapy and air-compression massage in a walkable design. Featuring dual-air bladders, heating elements, and customizable compression and heat settings, the Hyperboot helps athletes warm up and recover faster while staying mobile. Battery-powered and tested by pros like Sha’Carri Richardson, the Hyperboot will first launch in North America with global availability coming later this year.