News — 2026-04-14

A developer using Claude Code noticed a consent prompt for telemetry even in projects that lack any Vercel configuration. Investigation revealed that the Vercel plugin injects system‑level instructions, captures full Bash command strings, device identifiers, OS details and other usage data, and transmits them without an explicit opt‑in. Disabling the data collection requires manual changes to environment variables or configuration files, steps that are not presented during installation. Vercel has not responded to requests for comment. Read more

Google has expanded its Gemini AI chat tool with a new feature that creates interactive visualizations instead of static images. Users can ask Gemini to "show me" or "help me visualize" a topic, then click a button to launch a dynamic simulation with sliders and adjustable views. The capability, demonstrated with a moon‑orbit model and a car‑engine animation, is now available worldwide for Pro‑model users, though it remains excluded from Education and Workspace accounts. Anthropic recently introduced a similar function for Claude, but Gemini currently lacks a save option for the visuals. Read more

Anthropic announced that its AI assistant Claude is now available as a Microsoft Word add‑in. The beta‑tested feature is free for customers on the company’s Team or Enterprise plans and lets users generate and edit documents, respond to comments, and even negotiate contract language. Claude joins a growing list of workplace integrations that includes Google Workspace, Slack and the Claude Cowork desktop app, positioning the tool as a direct competitor to Microsoft’s own Copilot. Read more

OpenAI announced Monday that it has bought Hiro Finance, an AI‑driven personal finance startup founded by serial entrepreneur Ethan Bloch. The deal, confirmed by both parties, will see Hiro shut down its consumer app and transfer its roughly ten‑person team to OpenAI. Backed by Ribbit Capital, General Catalyst and Restive, Hiro offered users scenario‑based budgeting powered by a model trained for financial math. While terms remain undisclosed, the acquisition signals OpenAI’s push to deepen its foothold in the fintech space and expand talent ahead of its next growth phase. Read more