October 6, 2025, 22:15 EDT

OpenAI Strikes Major Deal with AMD to Boost AI Computing Power

OpenAI and semiconductor manufacturer AMD have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen global artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, marking a significant expansion in the rapidly evolving AI hardware sector.

The deal, announced Monday, includes a supply agreement for AMD’s forthcoming Instinct MI450 high-performance chips and gives OpenAI the option to acquire up to a 10% stake in AMD. The partnership underscores OpenAI’s efforts to diversify its chip suppliers and accelerate the development of next-generation AI systems.

Details of the Partnership

Under the agreement, AMD will supply up to 6 gigawatts of computing capacity to support OpenAI’s next wave of AI models and infrastructure projects. The first deployment—representing 1 gigawatt of computing power—is expected to go live in the second half of 2026, according to a joint company statement.

OpenAI will also gain a warrant to purchase up to 160 million shares of AMD common stock, equivalent to roughly 10% of AMD’s outstanding shares. The warrant will vest in stages, tied to computing capacity milestones and certain undisclosed share-price targets.

AMD’s stock surged 25% in pre-market trading following the announcement, while shares of rival Nvidia dipped slightly after a record-breaking year for its stock price.

Boost for AMD Amid Fierce AI Hardware Competition

The deal represents a significant opportunity for AMD, which has lagged behind Nvidia in supplying high-end graphics processing units (GPUs) to AI developers. Nvidia’s chips currently dominate the AI compute market, powering most of the data centers used by companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google.

“This partnership is a major step in building the compute capacity needed to realize AI’s full potential,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a statement. “AMD’s leadership in high-performance chips will enable us to accelerate progress and bring the benefits of advanced AI to everyone faster.”

The collaboration positions AMD as a credible alternative supplier for large-scale AI workloads, potentially easing global shortages in AI chips.

Part of a Larger AI Expansion Strategy

The OpenAI-AMD agreement follows a $100 billion partnership announced last month between OpenAI and Nvidia. That deal aims to deliver at least 10 gigawatts of additional data center computing power, anchored by the new Stargate data center campus under construction in Abilene, Texas.

At the facility, OpenAI and its partners have already installed hundreds of Nvidia’s GB200 supercomputing racks, each containing dozens of advanced AI processors. The addition of AMD’s technology is expected to further diversify OpenAI’s computing ecosystem and mitigate reliance on a single supplier.

Industry analysts say the deal illustrates the sheer scale of computing power required to meet global AI demand. “We realize there will be delays with these deals, and that the infrastructure required largely doesn’t exist today,” Barclays analysts noted in a research briefing. “But this is a clear proof point that the ecosystem is desperate for more compute.”

Broader Implications for the AI Ecosystem

The AMD partnership not only strengthens OpenAI’s technical backbone but also highlights a broader industry trend toward supplier diversification and capacity expansion.

Analysts suggest that while the agreement may not immediately impact Nvidia’s market share, it signals growing pressure on the semiconductor supply chain to keep pace with the AI boom. Global demand for data center chips has surged as companies race to train and deploy increasingly complex language and vision models.

With governments and enterprises investing heavily in AI infrastructure, partnerships like OpenAI’s with AMD may shape the next decade of computing innovation.

Market and Industry Outlook

AMD’s push into AI hardware mirrors the company’s strategy to expand beyond gaming and traditional computing markets. The Instinct MI450 chip series, expected to debut next year, is designed to compete directly with Nvidia’s H100 and H200 processors, offering improved performance for large-scale AI workloads.

If successful, the collaboration could boost AMD’s position in a market projected by Bloomberg Intelligence to exceed $400 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s diversified sourcing strategy may enhance operational resilience and accelerate its roadmap for AI model deployment.

As AI adoption continues to surge across industries, this partnership underscores the sector’s momentum—and the strategic importance of securing reliable, scalable computing power.

Source: AP News – OpenAI and chipmaker AMD sign chip supply partnership for AI infrastructure

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Published Time: 09-18-2025, 16:40 EDT

Meta unveiled a new generation of smart glasses at its annual Connect event in Menlo Park, California, introducing advanced wearable technology powered by artificial intelligence. The flagship device, equipped with a miniature display and neural wristband, represents CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision of moving beyond traditional keyboards, screens, and controllers toward more natural human-computer interaction.

The launch highlights Meta’s continued investment in AI-driven hardware as it competes with other tech companies to shape the next era of personal computing.

A New Era of AI-Powered Glasses

The new Meta Ray-Ban Display, priced at $799, will be available beginning September 30. Zuckerberg described the glasses as a step forward in wearable AI, enabling users to control functions with “barely perceptible movements” of their wrist through a neural interface.

“Glasses are the only form factor where you can let AI see what you see, hear what you hear, and eventually generate what you want to generate,” Zuckerberg said at the event.

The device is designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life, offering features such as image and video generation, contextual AI assistance, and hands-free control.

Analyst Perspectives

Industry experts have drawn comparisons between Meta’s announcement and the debut of the Apple Watch, suggesting the device could be positioned as a smartphone alternative.

Mike Proulx, research director at Forrester, said the glasses may appeal to consumers seeking convenience without the bulk of virtual reality headsets.

“Unlike VR headsets, glasses are an everyday, non-cumbersome form factor,” Proulx explained. “But Meta must convince consumers that the benefits outweigh the cost.”

He added that the product’s potential lies in its ability to deliver utility while competing for mass-market adoption.

Improvements to Existing Models

Meta also updated its display-free Ray-Ban glasses, enhancing battery life to eight hours under typical use—nearly double the previous version. The new model, priced at $379, includes additional features such as:

• Conversation focus, a tool that amplifies the voice of the person the wearer is speaking to while reducing background noise.
• Expanded live translation capabilities, now including German and Portuguese.

The previous version of the Ray-Ban glasses is now priced at $299 and will also receive some of the software upgrades.

Sports-Focused Wearables

Meta broadened its lineup with the introduction of the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a set of AI-powered glasses designed specifically for athletes. These glasses, retailing at $499 and available October 21, integrate with Garmin devices to track workouts and deliver real-time data such as heart rate, speed, and elevation.

For example, users can ask: “Hey Meta, what’s my heart rate?” and receive an instant voice response. The glasses also auto-capture video clips during milestone achievements, such as sprint intervals or increased elevation gains.

Meta did not disclose sales figures for its glasses but indicated demand has exceeded expectations.

Long-Term Vision: Beyond the Smartphone

For over a decade, Meta has pursued the idea of blending physical and digital experiences through wearables, beginning with its Oculus headsets and broader Metaverse initiatives.

Thomas Husson, analyst at Forrester, noted that the latest announcement reflects growing momentum.

“After many false starts, the momentum to move beyond an early adopter niche is now,” Husson said.

Meta also teased the development of Orion, a prototype for holographic augmented reality glasses described by Zuckerberg as “the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen.” However, this model remains years from commercialization.

Meta’s Push Into AI Superintelligence

Like its competitors, Meta is investing heavily in AI research and talent acquisition. Zuckerberg has publicly shared his belief in the potential of what he calls “personal superintelligence”—a concept he views as key to accelerating human progress.

In a July post, he wrote that superintelligence is now “in sight,” though he did not provide specifics on development. Rival firms often describe similar goals under the term artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Zuckerberg has repeatedly said he believes AI glasses will eventually become the primary interface for integrating this advanced form of intelligence into everyday life.

Looking Ahead

Meta’s unveiling of multiple smart glasses models signals its intent to expand AI wearables beyond niche adoption and into mainstream consumer use. By combining fashion partnerships with technical innovation, the company aims to reimagine how users interact with digital content, fitness tracking, and AI-driven productivity.

While challenges remain—including cost, practicality, and consumer adoption—Meta is positioning itself to lead in a market where AI, wearables, and everyday computing converge.

Source: AP News –Meta unveils AI-powered smart glasses with display and neural wristband at Connect event

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Published Time: 08-14-2025, 15:20

OpenAI’s latest AI model, GPT-5, was promoted as a major leap in artificial intelligence — a system capable of “PhD-level” expertise in any subject. But less than a week after launch, the rollout has drawn widespread criticism from users who say the chatbot is producing basic factual errors, mishandling simple tasks, and displaying a noticeably flatter personality compared to earlier versions.

High Expectations, Disappointing Delivery

In a livestream before the launch, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman compared the jump from previous models to GPT-5 as being like moving from early smartphones to high-resolution “retina displays.” He described the new model as significantly better in both obvious and subtle ways.

However, once users began testing GPT-5, reports of inaccuracies spread quickly across social media. Some users shared examples of the chatbot mislabeling U.S. presidents in image outputs, duplicating political figures, and even inventing new state names when asked to label a U.S. map.

Tech journalist Tim Burke posted on Bluesky that GPT-5 mislabeled several presidents’ names, while technology writer Ed Zitron highlighted map-labeling errors such as “Yirginia” appearing in place of Virginia.

Public Mockery and Growing Concerns

While some of the mistakes were treated with humor, others saw them as a sign of deeper performance issues. Longtime ChatGPT users noted that the model’s personality had shifted, describing its responses as less engaging and more mechanical.

Adding to the frustration, OpenAI retired earlier models, including the popular GPT-4o, which many users preferred. A Change.org petition calling for the restoration of GPT-4o quickly gathered more than 4,000 signatures.

On Reddit, one user complained that GPT-5 disrupted a task automation system that had worked seamlessly on earlier versions, deleting items and altering deadlines.

OpenAI Responds to Backlash

Within 24 hours of the rollout, Altman acknowledged the problems in a post on X, saying the launch was “a little more bumpy than we hoped for.” OpenAI announced that GPT-4o would be reintroduced for paid subscribers and that updates to GPT-5 were underway.

When contacted by CNN, OpenAI referred to Altman’s public statements and a company blog post detailing ongoing optimization efforts.

A Risk to OpenAI’s Consumer Strategy

The backlash has fueled doubts about OpenAI’s consumer product strategy. Despite being valued at around $500 billion, the company has yet to turn a profit. Industry analysts note that overly ambitious marketing can heighten the risk of disappointing users, especially when a product replaces tools people have integrated into their workflows.

AI researcher and critic Gary Marcus commented that GPT-5’s underwhelming debut could impact OpenAI’s reputation and valuation, noting that the company is already lowering prices to maintain user numbers and facing talent losses amid rising competition.

A Broader Industry Challenge

GPT-5’s difficulties reflect a larger challenge facing the AI sector: bridging the gap between ambitious promises and real-world performance. Companies often highlight benchmark test results to demonstrate capability, but these technical achievements do not always translate into consistent, useful experiences for everyday users.

Altman’s initial claim — that GPT-5 would feel like conversing with a true expert in any field — resonated with investors and enthusiasts. Yet the current reality, as users are experiencing it, shows limitations that critics say underscore the hype surrounding generative AI.

The Future of AI Rollouts

For some industry watchers, the GPT-5 launch represents a turning point. The backlash signals that users are becoming more discerning, less willing to accept performance gaps in exchange for novelty. As more companies enter the AI space, consumer trust will depend on balancing innovation with reliability.

While OpenAI’s rapid response to user concerns may mitigate some of the immediate criticism, the incident serves as a reminder that in an increasingly competitive market, delivering on promises is just as important as making them.

Source: CNN – The latest ChatGPT is supposed to be ‘PhD level’ smart. It can’t even label a map

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Published: August 8, 2025, 16:05 (U.S. Eastern Time)

OpenAI has officially released GPT-5, the latest version of the artificial intelligence technology that powers ChatGPT. The launch is being closely monitored by industry experts, investors, and policymakers as a key indicator of whether the generative AI boom is sustaining its momentum or approaching a plateau.

Arriving more than two years after GPT-4’s debut in March 2023, GPT-5 lands amid heightened competition, substantial financial investment, and growing public debate about the benefits and risks of AI.

A Competitive Release in a Crowded AI Landscape

OpenAI’s announcement comes just days after rival Anthropic unveiled the newest version of its Claude chatbot. Google and several major AI developers in the U.S. and China are also in an aggressive race to outperform each other on speed, accuracy, and functionality benchmarks.

Microsoft, a longstanding OpenAI partner, confirmed it will integrate GPT-5 into its Copilot AI assistant, broadening the model’s reach across productivity tools.

Pushing Toward AGI While Expanding Usability

Expectations for GPT-5 have been high. OpenAI has consistently framed each major update as a step toward artificial general intelligence (AGI)—a level of machine intelligence that could surpass humans in performing economically valuable tasks.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called GPT-5 a “significant step along our path to AGI” but emphasized its practical value to the 700 million weekly ChatGPT users.

“It’s like talking to an expert — a legitimate PhD-level expert in anything, any area you need, on demand,” Altman said during a livestreamed launch event Thursday.

GPT-5 is now available to all ChatGPT users, including those with free accounts, though usage limits apply. Early demonstrations highlighted the model’s enhanced coding abilities, a space where Anthropic’s Claude has gained traction.

Safety and Reliability at the Forefront

One of OpenAI’s major talking points at the launch was safety. The company says GPT-5 has been designed to be “less deceptive” and better at rejecting harmful or manipulative prompts that might circumvent safeguards.

The announcement followed a recent Associated Press report detailing a study in which ChatGPT provided unsafe responses about drugs and self-harm to researchers posing as teenagers.

OpenAI representatives said they have strengthened content moderation, expanded testing for edge cases, and fine-tuned the model’s ability to identify potentially harmful requests before responding.

Expert Perspectives on GPT-5’s Performance

From a technical standpoint, GPT-5 demonstrates “modest but significant improvements” over GPT-4, according to John Thickstun, an assistant professor of computer science at Cornell University.

“While I don’t think AI is going to replace all human work anytime soon, there’s still a lot of room for OpenAI and others in the field to advance the technology,” Thickstun said. “This is about building on the gains they’ve made, not just resting on them.”

GPT-5’s architecture reportedly departs significantly from GPT-4, potentially laying the foundation for more dramatic leaps in future versions.

OpenAI’s Evolution and Business Challenges

Founded in 2015 as a nonprofit research lab dedicated to developing AGI safely, OpenAI has since transitioned into a capped-profit model. Its valuation has surged to an estimated $300 billion, making it the third most valuable private company in the world.

However, its hybrid structure has faced legal and regulatory challenges. In November 2023, OpenAI’s nonprofit board briefly removed Altman as CEO before reinstating him within days. Since then, the company has announced plans to convert its for-profit arm into a public benefit corporation, which would require balancing shareholder returns with its stated mission.

The company has yet to report a profit. It has also faced scrutiny from California and Delaware attorneys general over its nonprofit roots, as well as a lawsuit from co-founder and early donor Elon Musk, who now runs a competing AI firm.

Economic Realities of the AI Market

Building and running GPT-5 requires enormous computing resources, including high-cost chips and advanced data center infrastructure. OpenAI is seeking substantial new funding to sustain its research and operations.

Analysts at JPMorgan Chase recently described OpenAI as having an “increasingly fragile moat” at the frontier of AI, warning that no single developer may be able to maintain a lasting competitive advantage. The bank suggested that intense competition could drive companies to lower AI product pricing, potentially shifting the industry’s business model in the coming years.

A Bellwether for the Industry

GPT-5’s release will serve as a test case for the broader AI sector: can generative models continue to deliver meaningful improvements that justify the immense hype and investment? Or will incremental progress slow the pace of adoption and innovation?

For OpenAI, the answer will depend not only on technical performance but also on user adoption, safety credibility, and the company’s ability to navigate legal, financial, and competitive pressures.

In the meantime, millions of ChatGPT users now have access to OpenAI’s most advanced technology to date — a model that could shape the next phase of human-AI interaction.

Source: AP News – OpenAI launches GPT-5, a potential barometer for whether AI hype is justified

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Jony Ive, the legendary designer behind Apple’s most iconic products, is officially joining OpenAI in a bold move to redefine the future of personal computing.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has announced a strategic partnership and merger with Ive’s tech company, io, in a deal reportedly valued at $6.5 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and other sources. Ive’s renowned design firm LoveFrom will now take the lead on design initiatives for both OpenAI and io.

“We have the opportunity to completely reimagine what it means to use a computer,” said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in an announcement video.

A New Vision for AI-Driven Hardware

This collaboration marks a turning point as tech leaders race to integrate AI into everyday devices—going far beyond phones and laptops. Ive and Altman are working on a mysterious AI-powered product aimed at creating a more human-centered, less disruptive computing experience than today’s smartphones.

While details remain under wraps, Altman teased that a prototype already exists and called it “the coolest piece of technology the world will have ever seen.” The first public glimpse of their work is expected sometime next year.

A Partnership Years in the Making

Ive has already been working with OpenAI for the past two years, quietly helping to explore next-gen AI interfaces. According to The New York Times, OpenAI previously held a 23% stake in io, making this expansion of the partnership a natural progression.

The timing of the announcement is no coincidence. Just one day earlier, Google unveiled its plans for AI-powered smart glasses—joining Meta, which has already sold over 2 million pairs of its Ray-Ban smart glasses. Meanwhile, other AI-centric gadgets like the Humane AI Pin have struggled to gain traction.

“The products we use to deliver powerful technology are decades old,” Ive remarked. “Surely, there’s something beyond these legacy devices.”

Ive’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

Jony Ive is best known for shaping the design of the iPhone, iMac, iPad, and Apple Park headquarters. After nearly 30 years at Apple, he left in 2019 to form LoveFrom, but his influence on modern consumer tech remains unmatched. Apple CEO Tim Cook once said Ive’s role in the company’s revival “cannot be overstated.”

With this new venture alongside OpenAI, Ive is poised to influence yet another generation of devices—this time infused with the power of artificial intelligence.

As OpenAI continues to dominate the AI conversation and Apple integrates ChatGPT into Siri, all eyes are now on what Ive and Altman will unveil in 2025.

Source: CNN – Former Apple design chief Jony Ive is joining OpenAI

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The way we “Google” something—typing in keywords and scrolling through a list of links—is about to change dramatically. On Tuesday, Google unveiled a suite of updates that could transform its iconic search engine into a smarter, more personalized digital assistant.

From Keywords to Digital Agents

Google’s vision moves far beyond the traditional search box. Instead of just delivering links and snippets, the company wants its search engine to act like a “digital agent” that understands your real-world context, preferences, and surroundings to provide precise answers. This marks a major shift in how we find information online, driven by artificial intelligence.

Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai described the moment as a new era for AI: “We are now entering a new phase of the AI platform shift, where decades of research are now becoming reality for people, businesses, and communities all over the world.”

Introducing AI Mode

One of the biggest announcements is the expansion of “AI Mode” in the Google app, now available to all U.S. users. Unlike traditional search, AI Mode breaks down questions into subtopics and performs multiple related searches to deliver detailed, tailored answers.

Soon, AI Mode will personalize responses even more by using your search history and integrating with other Google apps like Gmail.

Two Game-Changing Features Coming Soon

Google is also rolling out two exciting new AI-powered ways to search:

• Task Automation: Powered by Project Mariner, this feature can handle complex, multi-step tasks for you. For example, you might ask, “Find two affordable tickets for this Sunday’s Reds game,” and Google will search, compare prices, fill out purchase forms, and present options—all automatically.
• Live Visual Search: By using your phone’s camera, you can show Google what you’re looking at in real time. Imagine fixing your bike and pointing your camera at a bolt to ask if it’s the right size. This builds on Google Lens but takes it further with live, context-aware help.

These features are currently in the Labs section of the Google app and will expand in the coming months.

Keeping Search and Assistance Clear

Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, shares some features with the search engine, but Google emphasizes a key difference: Search is for learning and discovery, while Gemini is designed to help with tasks like coding and writing.

Facing Rising Competition

Google’s dominance in search has lasted nearly 30 years, but now faces intense competition. AI chatbots like ChatGPT and new AI-driven search engines such as Perplexity offer fresh alternatives. Tech giants Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft are also integrating AI into their virtual assistants, and OpenAI recently launched its own AI-powered search engine.

Notably, Apple’s Eddy Cue revealed in court that Google searches in the Safari browser dropped in April 2025 for the first time since 2002, signaling a potential shift in user habits. Google disputes this, pointing to overall growth in search queries.

Market analysts predict that by 2026, traditional search volume could drop by 25% as AI tools become more popular.

Google’s Future Outlook

Despite the challenges, Google is optimistic. Sundar Pichai described the future as “a proactive world, an agentic world” where AI anticipates user needs and takes action on their behalf.

With these AI-powered updates, Google aims to stay at the forefront of how we explore the web—making search more intuitive, interactive, and personalized than ever before.

Source: CNN – Google outlines its big plans for the future of search

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In a groundbreaking moment for both the legal world and the role of technology in justice, Stacey Wales used artificial intelligence (AI) to have her deceased brother, Christopher Pelkey, speak at the sentencing of his killer in a road rage incident. The decision was a deeply personal one for Wales, who had spent years crafting a victim impact statement. But she realized that no matter how carefully worded her statement was, it could never truly capture her brother’s humanity and what he would’ve said himself.

Determined to give Pelkey a voice, she and her husband, both tech professionals, took a bold step: they created an AI-generated video of Pelkey, using his likeness and voice to deliver the message she had written. The video played at the sentencing hearing for Gabriel Paul Horcasitas, the man who shot Pelkey in November 2021, and in it, Pelkey expressed a message of forgiveness to his killer—something Wales knew her brother would have done, though she wasn’t yet ready to do herself.

A Moving Moment in the Courtroom

The AI version of Pelkey delivered the statement in a tone that, although slightly robotic, captured his essence. In the video, Pelkey acknowledged the tragedy of his death, saying, “It is a shame we encountered each other that day in those circumstances. In another life, we probably could have been friends.” His voice, recreated by AI, spoke of a forgiveness that touched the courtroom.

Judge Todd Lang, moved by the video, remarked, “As angry as you are and justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness.” Pelkey’s killer was sentenced to 10.5 years for manslaughter and an additional 2 years for endangerment.

The Use of AI in Legal Settings

This marks a significant, possibly unprecedented, use of AI in the courtroom. Legal experts are watching closely as AI begins to play an increasing role in both criminal justice and legal processes. This incident has raised critical questions about the ethical and practical implications of using technology to replicate deceased individuals. Is it an effective tool for bringing humanity into legal proceedings, or does it risk distorting the emotional weight of justice?

Paul Grimm, a Duke University law professor, commented on the potential influence of AI in legal settings, stating, “These kinds of technologies have tremendous impact to persuade and influence… we’re always going to have to balance whether or not it is distorting the record.” As AI becomes more advanced, the legal world will need to navigate the fine line between innovation and fairness in courtrooms.

The Emotional and Legal Complexities

For Wales, the decision to use AI was part of her grieving and healing process. Pelkey’s autopsy photos and footage from his death had already been shown in court, but Wales wanted the judge to see her brother as he was in life. It was a way to present his humanity beyond the tragedy of his death. She and her husband, who are both involved in tech, used AI software to create the video, training it with old photos and videos of Pelkey.

Though the defense team did not receive prior notice about the use of AI in the victim’s statement, the judge did not object. Pelkey’s defense attorney, Jason Lamm, has expressed concerns, noting that the introduction of AI may influence the judge’s sentencing, a matter that could be raised in an appeal.

Navigating AI’s Role in Legal Cases

The legal world is still adjusting to the presence of AI-generated content in courtrooms. While some judges have been open to incorporating AI in limited ways, there are growing concerns about its use. A recent incident in New York saw an appellate judge shut down a request for an AI-generated avatar to present a legal case, highlighting the challenges in ensuring transparency and accuracy in AI’s application.

Critics warn that AI could introduce biases into court proceedings, potentially portraying a party in a more sympathetic light or influencing a judge or jury’s emotions. Experts suggest that in the future, AI-generated content should be reviewed by opposing counsel before being introduced as evidence or in victim impact statements.

Wales herself acknowledged the importance of using AI responsibly. “This was not evidence; the jury never saw this. It wasn’t even made before a verdict came down,” she said, emphasizing that the video was an opinion, not part of the official trial. The AI was simply a way to allow her brother to be present in the courtroom, even though he could not physically be there.

A Healing Moment for the Family

For Wales and her family, the AI video provided a sense of closure and connection. After the hearing, her 14-year-old son told her, “Thank you so much for making that. I needed to see and hear from Uncle Chris one more time.” It was a bittersweet moment that captured the complex relationship between technology, grief, and justice.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in the courtroom will undoubtedly be a topic of ongoing debate. Whether it can become a tool for justice or a source of legal complications remains to be seen. But in this case, for Stacey Wales, the technology gave her brother a chance to speak one last time—and that, she says, was healing for her and her family.

Source: CNN – He was killed in a road rage incident. His family used AI to bring him to the courtroom to address his killer

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Instagram is rolling out a new AI-powered system designed to detect if teens are lying about their age on the platform. This move is part of a broader push by parent company Meta Platforms to enhance safety and privacy for younger users.

For some time, Meta has used AI to assess users’ ages, but this new feature takes a more proactive approach. The company will now actively scan accounts suspected of being teen profiles, even if the user initially entered a false birthdate when signing up.

If Instagram’s AI flags an account as potentially belonging to a teen, it will automatically switch the account to a “teen” status. Teen accounts come with several key restrictions aimed at boosting safety. For instance:

• Privacy by Default: Teen accounts will be private unless changed by the user.
• Message Restrictions: Teens can only receive direct messages from people they follow or are already connected to.
• Content Limits: Content deemed “sensitive” — like videos featuring fights or promoting cosmetic procedures — will be restricted.
• Screen Time Warnings: Teens will receive a reminder if they spend more than 60 minutes on the app. Additionally, Instagram will activate a “sleep mode” from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., turning off notifications and sending auto-replies to direct messages.

Meta’s AI system looks at various signals to determine whether a user is accurately representing their age. These include the type of content they engage with, their profile details, and the account’s creation date. The company claims that over time, the AI is trained to better recognize patterns that suggest a user’s true age.

This move comes as social media platforms, including Instagram, face growing scrutiny over their impact on young users’ mental health. Many states are attempting to pass age verification laws to ensure that children under 13 aren’t using apps like Instagram, although these laws have encountered legal challenges.

Meta, along with other social media companies, has advocated for app stores to take more responsibility for age verification. Critics argue that platforms like Instagram aren’t doing enough to safeguard children.

In addition to the AI measures, Instagram will now send notifications to parents, offering guidance on how to discuss the importance of accurate age reporting with their teens.

Meta’s new AI-driven initiative signals a deeper commitment to creating a safer, more controlled experience for younger users, especially as public concern about social media’s impact on mental health grows.

Source: AP News – Instagram tries using AI to determine if teens are pretending to be adults

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Siri’s AI Upgrade Faces Delays

When Apple introduced its revamped Siri in June 2024, the company promised a groundbreaking shift in how its digital assistant interacts with users. The vision was clear: Siri would seamlessly cross-reference emails, texts, and flight data to answer complex questions like, “When is my mom’s flight landing?” followed by “What’s our lunch plan?”

However, that future is now further away than expected. On March 7, Apple announced it was delaying an upcoming Siri upgrade designed to provide more personalized responses and execute actions within apps. Bloomberg reported that the postponement has caused internal frustration, with Apple’s Siri division calling the delay “ugly” and “embarrassing.”

As artificial intelligence continues to redefine how people work, communicate, and access information, Apple’s position in the AI race is under scrutiny. The company revolutionized mobile computing with the iPhone in 2007, and now, it’s expected to do the same with AI. However, competitors are rapidly advancing, releasing new AI models, chips, and software features at an unprecedented pace.

Financial and Trade Challenges Loom

Beyond AI setbacks, Apple is also grappling with economic challenges. The company faces potential tariffs on Chinese imports, which could disrupt its supply chain. CEO Tim Cook revealed in a January earnings call that Apple’s sales in China had declined by 11% year-over-year. Additionally, global iPhone revenue—Apple’s financial backbone—failed to meet Wall Street’s expectations, contributing to a 12% drop in Apple’s stock value year-to-date.

Despite these setbacks, Apple remains resilient. Experts point to the iPhone’s ubiquity and strong user base as a key advantage.

“If times are tough, Apple is in a good position because their main business is a smartphone,” said Barton Crockett, a senior analyst at Rosenblatt Securities. “And the smartphone is arguably now a consumer staple—one of the most indispensable devices today.”

Apple’s Struggle to Lead the AI Race

Concerns have been mounting over Apple’s AI progress. The company’s AI initiative, branded as Apple Intelligence, has lagged behind competitors like Google and Samsung. While Apple rolled out its first set of AI features in October 2024, these updates arrived months after rivals had already introduced AI-powered tools on their devices.

One of Apple’s most ambitious AI upgrades involves overhauling Siri to function more intuitively, allowing users to retrieve old messages, edit photos, or find a lost recipe simply by asking. However, Bloomberg reported that these features were originally scheduled for an April 2025 software update but have now been postponed.

Company spokesperson Jacqueline Roy acknowledged the delay:

“It’s going to take us longer than we thought to deliver on these features, but we anticipate rolling them out in the coming year.”

Meanwhile, competitors continue to refine their AI assistants. Google’s Gemini AI now customizes responses based on a user’s search history, while Amazon has introduced Alexa+, a version of Alexa that remembers user preferences.

“Apple needs to stay relevant,” said Ben Bajarin, CEO of Creative Strategies. “The fact that they don’t have much to show for their AI efforts is what concerns most people.”

A Rare Setback for Apple

Apple is no stranger to market challenges, particularly in China, where domestic brands are gaining ground. The company has also previously navigated U.S. tariffs, managing to avoid some penalties during the Trump administration. However, product delays of this scale are unusual.

“I can’t recall Apple delaying a major feature like this before,” said Gene Munster, a longtime Apple analyst and managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management. “It doesn’t mean Apple has lost its edge, but it does indicate some scrambling internally.”

Beyond the iPhone: Apple’s Next Move

While the iPhone remains central to Apple’s business, the company is under pressure to innovate beyond smartphones. Consumers today upgrade their phones primarily out of necessity rather than excitement over new features. This makes it critical for Apple to establish itself in the next technological frontier—likely AI.

So far, Apple hasn’t proven it can lead in AI. The longer it takes for Siri’s new capabilities to roll out, the longer Apple will face skepticism about its AI ambitions.

Despite these concerns, some analysts remain optimistic. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities recently wrote that Apple’s stock could reach new highs in 2025. Meanwhile, Cook reported strong iPhone sales in markets where Apple Intelligence features have already been deployed.

There may also be strategic reasons behind Apple’s decision to delay Siri’s new capabilities. A rushed rollout could lead to embarrassing missteps—like Google’s AI-generated search results that erroneously suggested putting glue on pizza.

In addition to AI, Apple is reportedly working on a slimmer iPhone model, according to reports from Bloomberg, The Information, and The Wall Street Journal. A fresh design could help reinvigorate interest in the iPhone as Chinese rivals experiment with innovative form factors, such as Huawei’s foldable “accordion-style” smartphone.

Looking Ahead

The Siri delay may be frustrating, but it’s not enough to call Apple’s overall vision into question.

“The roadmap is clear—Apple’s AI capabilities will continue to evolve,” said Crockett. “The future functionality of the iPhone will be better than the past. There’s still plenty to look forward to.”

While Apple faces short-term hurdles, its long-term prospects remain promising. The AI race is far from over, and Apple still has the potential to redefine the future of smart devices—just as it did with the iPhone.

Source: CNN – Apple is having a rough 2025 so far. But it’s not all doom and gloom

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eBay has announced major updates to its platform, making it easier for buyers to find fast-shipping items and local listings. The improvements include enhanced search item cards, a new filter for shipping and pickup options, and AI-powered delivery estimates.

Key Updates to eBay’s Search & Shopping Experience

1. Fast-Shipping Visibility
   • eBay now displays delivery range estimates on search item cards for all fast-shipping items.
   • This helps buyers quickly identify items that will arrive sooner.
2. New “Shipping and Pickup” Filter
   • Customers can now filter search results to find items with fast shipping.
   • The filter also includes local pickup options, making it easier to buy from nearby sellers.
3. Drive-Time Estimates for Local Listings
   • eBay has introduced an update that shows how long it would take to drive to a local item’s location.
   • This feature helps buyers determine if a pickup option is convenient for them.

AI-Powered Delivery Predictions

eBay has invested in AI technology to improve delivery estimates. In the past, due to its global and decentralized seller network, it was difficult to provide accurate shipping times.

Now, eBay’s AI system considers multiple factors to predict delivery times more accurately:
Customer’s proximity to the item’s location
Chosen shipping service
Seller’s past shipping history
Real-time data synchronization

These AI-driven improvements allow buyers to make more informed purchase decisions.

New “Top-Service” Badge in Germany

To help customers easily identify high-quality listings, eBay has introduced a “Top-Service” badge in Germany.

• This badge highlights items that meet premium service standards, such as:
  Fast & free shipping
  Free returns
  Trusted sellers

eBay’s Strategy: Competing with Amazon & Etsy

With these updates, eBay aims to enhance the user experience and stay competitive with e-commerce giants like Amazon and Etsy. By improving search functions and streamlining the shopping journey, the company hopes to attract more buyers and make the platform easier to navigate.

“These updates represent a major advancement in our dedication to delivering a seamless and efficient shopping journey,” eBay stated in a blog post.

Conclusion

eBay’s latest AI-driven improvements and enhanced search features are designed to simplify shopping, ensuring buyers can easily find fast-shipping items and local deals. With a focus on convenience and accuracy, eBay continues to evolve as a top competitor in the e-commerce space.

Source

The post eBay Makes It Easier to Find Fast-Shipping and Local Pickup Items appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.