From legal battles to licensing deals: Getty Images now supplies visuals for ChatGPT

The artificial intelligence landscape is full of unexpected twists, but few are as striking as the new Getty Images OpenAI partnership. Just a few years after accusing AI companies of wholesale theft, Getty Images has signed an official agreement to provide its vast library of professional images directly to OpenAI for use in ChatGPT.

Under this deal, Getty’s licensed photos, illustrations, and archival material will appear within ChatGPT’s search and discovery features. Users asking questions or seeking information may now see Getty’s high-quality visuals integrated directly into AI-generated answers. The goal, according to Getty, is to make AI-powered search more reliable and trustworthy by relying on properly sourced, permission-based content rather than the murky data sets that have sparked so much controversy.

What the Getty Images OpenAI partnership means for AI-generated search

This collaboration marks a significant shift in how major content platforms interact with generative AI. For years, Getty Images has been one of the loudest voices demanding that AI companies respect copyright and obtain proper licenses before training on creative works. Now, instead of fighting in court, they are working together.

OpenAI gains access to one of the world’s largest collections of professional photography, covering news, sports, entertainment, historical events, and more. For ChatGPT users, this means richer, more visually engaging responses. Instead of generic or unverified images, the AI can pull from Getty’s curated, high-quality library.

On the other side, Getty Images opens a new revenue stream and reinforces its position that AI should be built on licensed, ethical foundations. This is not just a business deal—it is a statement that content owners and AI developers can coexist through formal agreements.

How this deal reshapes the AI copyright debate

The Getty Images OpenAI partnership sends a powerful signal to the rest of the industry. Up until now, the conversation around generative AI has been dominated by lawsuits, accusations of theft, and demands for compensation. Getty itself was among the companies that sued AI image generators for using its content without permission.

This new agreement does not erase those concerns, but it does offer a blueprint for a different path. Instead of endless litigation, rights holders and AI companies can negotiate licensing terms that benefit both sides. It suggests that the AI industry is moving from a phase of confrontation to one of collaboration.

Of course, not every content creator will be satisfied. Small photographers and independent artists may still feel left out of these large-scale deals. But for major archives and media companies, this partnership demonstrates that there is a viable commercial model for AI-generated content.

Why this matters for the future of AI search

The integration of Getty Images into ChatGPT is part of a broader trend. Search engines and AI assistants are increasingly relying on licensed, verified content to improve accuracy and trustworthiness. As AI-generated answers become more common, the quality of the underlying data becomes critical.

By partnering with a trusted source like Getty, OpenAI is betting that users will value professional, properly attributed visuals over random or unverified images. This could set a new standard for how AI companies source their content. It also puts pressure on competitors to strike similar deals with other major archives.

For publishers and photographers, this deal offers a potential model for monetizing their work in the age of AI. Instead of fighting a losing battle against scraping and unauthorized use, they can negotiate licensing agreements that generate revenue.

What comes next for the Getty Images and OpenAI partnership

Neither company has disclosed the financial terms of the agreement, but the strategic implications are clear. OpenAI strengthens its position as a responsible AI developer, while Getty Images secures a place at the table as AI reshapes how people find and consume visual content.

This is likely just the beginning. As AI search becomes more visual, similar partnerships between content owners and AI platforms will probably multiply. The key takeaway is that the era of AI companies taking whatever they want from the internet may be ending. In its place, a new era of licensing and collaboration is beginning.

For more on how AI is transforming content licensing, read our guide on AI content licensing trends. You can also explore how ChatGPT uses images in search.

Google Chrome Tests a Floating ‘Ask Gemini’ Button That Follows Your Every Highlight

Google is quietly experimenting with a new feature in Chrome Canary that could fundamentally change how you interact with its AI assistant. The Ask Gemini button appears as a floating toolbar whenever you select text on a webpage, offering instant access to Gemini without extra clicks. But will this innovation enhance your browsing experience or simply add clutter?

According to reports from Windows Central, the feature is still in early testing. It presents a small pop-up above any highlighted text, similar to the context menu on Android phones. The toolbar includes four options: Ask Gemini, Copy, Share, and a three-dot menu for additional settings.

This move signals Google’s ambition to embed its AI deeply into Chrome. However, users who frequently copy text without wanting an AI intervention may find the constant appearance intrusive. The key question is whether Google can strike the right balance between utility and annoyance.

How the Floating Ask Gemini Toolbar Works

When you highlight any text on a webpage, a sleek toolbar hovers just above the selection. The star of the show is the Ask Gemini option, which opens the Gemini side panel with your selected text as a ready prompt. This eliminates the need to switch tabs or manually copy content into a separate Gemini window.

Building on this, users can ask follow-up questions directly within the side panel, making research seamless. The three-dot menu currently offers two choices: “Hide for this site” and “Settings.” The latter opens Chrome’s general content settings, which appears unfinished—indicating the feature is a work in progress.

For those who prefer a cleaner interface, the “Hide for this site” option is a welcome addition. It allows you to suppress the toolbar on specific websites where you don’t need AI assistance, giving you control over the experience.

Gemini’s Expanding Presence in Chrome

Google has been systematically adding Gemini entry points across Chrome. The Chrome AI assistant is now accessible via the @gemini address bar shortcut and a pinnable AI Mode toolbar button, both currently in testing. This suggests the company envisions Gemini as an omnipresent layer within the browser.

Furthermore, the text selection toolbar takes this logic further: instead of you seeking out Gemini, the AI finds you every time you select something. This approach mirrors the strategy seen in other Google products, where AI becomes a background utility rather than a separate tool.

It’s worth noting that this news follows the recent addition of an “Ask Gemini” shortcut to the right-click menu, which many users discovered a few weeks ago. That feature already made accessing Gemini relatively effortless. However, the new floating toolbar puts the option front and center, reducing the steps needed to engage with the AI.

Will This Feature Reach Stable Chrome?

Google has not publicly announced the floating toolbar. It remains confined to Chrome Canary, the experimental version of the browser, and there is no guarantee it will ever reach the stable release. The company often tests features that never see the light of day, depending on user feedback and performance metrics.

Nevertheless, the pattern is clear: Google is committed to integrating Gemini into every corner of Chrome. The Ask Gemini button could become a standard tool for power users who rely on AI for research, summarization, or writing assistance. On the other hand, casual users might find the persistent toolbar distracting, especially if they highlight text frequently for copying.

As with any new feature, the success will hinge on customization options. Users who dislike the toolbar can hide it for specific sites, but a global toggle might be necessary to satisfy everyone. Google’s track record with such features—like the side panel and address bar shortcuts—suggests they will refine the experience based on real-world usage.

Practical Implications for Everyday Browsing

For content creators, researchers, and students, the Gemini floating toolbar could save significant time. Instead of manually copying text, opening Gemini, and pasting it, you can now trigger the AI with a single click. This streamlined workflow is particularly valuable when conducting research across multiple tabs.

However, the feature also raises questions about privacy and data handling. When you highlight text and click “Ask Gemini,” that content is sent to Google’s servers for processing. Users concerned about data collection may want to review their privacy settings or use the “Hide for this site” option on sensitive pages.

In addition, the toolbar’s placement could interfere with other browser functions. For example, if you frequently use the context menu for copying or searching, the floating toolbar might overlap with those options. Google will need to ensure the feature doesn’t disrupt existing workflows.

Ultimately, the Chrome AI assistant is evolving rapidly, and this test is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Whether you love or hate the idea, it’s clear that Google sees AI as the future of browsing. The floating Ask Gemini button is a bold step toward making that future a reality.

Apple is quietly laying the groundwork for a future where intelligence is woven into what you wear. According to a recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the tech giant plans to launch camera-equipped AirPods and its first pair of smart glasses by 2027. These products are not just about style or convenience; they represent a major shift toward Apple wearable intelligence that can see and interpret the world around you in real time.

Your AirPods Might Start Paying Attention

When most people think of AirPods, they imagine music, podcasts, and phone calls. Cameras aren’t exactly high on the wishlist. But Apple has a different vision. The cameras wouldn’t be there for recording videos. Instead, they’d help gather information about the world around you and feed that data into Siri and Apple’s AI systems.

Imagine asking Siri about a building you’re looking at, identifying an object in front of you, or getting contextual information without ever pulling out your phone. Your AirPods could become another set of eyes for Apple’s AI, a dramatically different role from what earbuds do today. As a result, these camera AirPods could turn a passive accessory into an active participant in your daily life.

Glasses to See, Not Just Display

Then there’s Apple’s smart glasses, arguably one of the company’s most anticipated future products. Unlike the bulky Vision Pro headset, Apple smart glasses could bring AI into a form factor people might actually wear all day. While details remain scarce, cameras are expected to play a crucial role, helping the device understand its surroundings and deliver real-time, useful information.

Building on this, the glasses could overlay relevant data—like directions, restaurant reviews, or reminders—directly into your field of view. This means that instead of looking at a screen, you’d interact with information that feels naturally integrated into your environment.

How These Products Fit Into Apple’s Broader AI Strategy

What’s particularly interesting is how these products fit into Apple’s broader AI strategy. Most companies are trying to make AI more useful through apps and chatbots. Apple appears to be exploring something more ambient—AI that observes the world around you and responds when needed.

However, this approach raises important questions about privacy and user acceptance. Cameras in your ears or on your face might feel intrusive, even if the data is processed locally. Apple has a strong track record with privacy, but convincing consumers to embrace wearable AI technology will require clear communication about how data is handled.

For more insights on how Apple is rethinking AI, check out our analysis of Apple’s AI strategy in 2025. Additionally, you can explore the evolution of wearable tech trends to see how competitors are approaching this space.

What This Means for the Future

Whether consumers are ready for camera-equipped wearables is another question entirely. But if Gurman’s report is accurate, 2027 could be remembered as the year Apple stopped thinking about AI as software and started turning it into something you wear. This shift from screen-based to ambient intelligence could redefine how we interact with technology, making it more intuitive and less intrusive.

Nevertheless, challenges remain. Battery life, processing power, and design aesthetics will all need to be perfected before these products hit the market. Furthermore, Apple will need to ensure that the AI is genuinely helpful, not just a gimmick. If they succeed, Apple wearable intelligence could set a new standard for how we interact with the digital world.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Apple’s 2027 roadmap signals a bold bet on ambient AI. By embedding cameras into AirPods and smart glasses, the company is pushing the boundaries of what wearables can do. The question is no longer if this technology will arrive, but how quickly it will become part of our everyday lives.