News/AI Models
California tax and fee bureaucracy launches $445K AI assistant to handle calls
California's Department of Tax and Fee Administration has launched an AI-powered virtual assistant to help its call center handle taxpayer inquiries, marking one of three state-funded AI initiatives under Governor Gavin Newsom's broader technology adoption effort. The $445,000 pilot program aims to eliminate the need to reassign workers during peak tax season when call volumes spike by over 50%, while potentially enabling the department to answer over 10,000 additional calls annually. The big picture: California is testing generative AI across government services while navigating labor concerns and public trust issues as the technology becomes more prevalent in public sector operations....
read Sep 9, 2025AI reveals African Great Migration has only 533K wildebeest, not 1.3M
A new AI-powered analysis of satellite imagery has revealed that East Africa's Great Migration involves far fewer wildebeest than previously estimated, with researchers counting only 324,000-533,000 animals instead of the widely cited 1.3 million. This finding challenges decades-old population estimates and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can provide more accurate wildlife census data crucial for conservation efforts. What you should know: Princeton University researchers used deep-learning models to analyze thousands of square kilometers of satellite imagery, producing the first comprehensive AI-based count of wildebeest in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Two AI models—U-Net and YOLOv8—were trained on a dataset containing 70,417 manually labeled...
read Sep 9, 2025Apple Watch can now detect creeping hypertension with machine learning
Apple's latest Apple Watch now includes hypertension detection capabilities, marking the tech giant's entry into monitoring what's often called the "silent killer." The feature uses machine learning to identify high blood pressure in users, targeting a condition that affects over a billion people globally and often goes undiagnosed until serious complications arise. Why this matters: Hypertension frequently presents no obvious symptoms while silently damaging blood vessels and organs, making early detection through wearable technology potentially life-saving for millions of users. The technology: Apple's implementation relies on machine learning algorithms integrated into the watch's existing sensor array to monitor blood pressure...
read Sep 9, 2025Park City, Utah hotels turn to AI as tourism revenues drop 21.7%
Summit County's tourism economy is poised to become increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence, as major hospitality and design companies already implement AI to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences. This shift comes as Park City faces declining hotel tax revenues, making operational efficiency through AI potentially crucial for maintaining the region's tourism-dependent economic foundation. What you should know: Marriott International and Gensler, a global architecture firm, have partnered to integrate AI throughout the hotel design and guest experience process.• AI allows designers to pitch, create and showcase ideas without spending time and money building physical mockups, according to Jordan Goldstein,...
read Sep 9, 2025Firefox literally shakes things up with new iPhone feature that generates AI web summaries
Firefox has introduced a "shake to summarize" feature for iPhones that generates AI-powered summaries of webpages users are reading. The feature makes Firefox one of the first major third-party apps to integrate with Apple Intelligence, positioning Mozilla to compete in the growing market for AI-enhanced browsing experiences. How it works: The shake-to-summarize feature offers multiple ways for users to access AI-generated webpage summaries. Users can physically shake their iPhone to trigger a summary, tap the "thunderbolt" icon in the address bar, or select "Summarize page" from the three-dot menu at the bottom of the screen. On iPhone 15 Pro and...
read Sep 9, 2025Eli Lilly launches TuneLab, sharing $1B AI drug discovery platform with biotech partners
Eli Lilly has launched TuneLab, an AI-powered platform that provides biotech companies access to drug discovery models trained on over $1 billion worth of the pharmaceutical giant's proprietary research data. The platform aims to democratize AI capabilities in drug development, allowing smaller companies to leverage the same advanced tools used by Lilly's scientists while contributing their own data to enhance the system. Why this matters: The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly turning to AI to accelerate drug discovery and reduce costs, with analysts projecting AI-related R&D spending to reach $30-40 billion by 2040 as companies seek faster, cheaper alternatives to traditional...
read Sep 9, 2025UAE releases 32B-parameter AI model that matches OpenAI performance
The United Arab Emirates has released K2 Think, an open-source AI reasoning model that matches the performance of much larger systems from OpenAI and DeepSeek while using just 32 billion parameters compared to their 200+ billion. Developed by researchers at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi and backed by tech conglomerate G42, this represents one of the strongest indicators yet that the UAE's massive AI investments are yielding competitive results in the global race for AI supremacy. What you should know: K2 Think is specifically designed for advanced reasoning tasks rather than being a complete large...
read Sep 9, 2025Heads up! NASA’s AI gives satellite operators 24-hour warning for solar storms
NASA's Frontier Development Lab has successfully used artificial intelligence to predict disruptive solar events up to 24 hours in advance, working with commercial partner KX Systems to adapt financial market analytics software for space weather forecasting. This breakthrough could help satellite operators prepare for solar activity that causes both stunning auroras and potentially damaging disruptions to GPS and other space-based infrastructure. How it works: The collaboration leveraged KX Systems' kdb+, a data analytics software typically used to track rapid financial market shifts, to analyze space weather patterns. Researchers imported multiple datasets monitoring the ionosphere (the upper layer of Earth's atmosphere),...
read Sep 9, 2025Citigroup hires IBM veteran as new AI head to accelerate banking transformation
Citigroup has appointed Shobhit Varshney, a longtime IBM executive, as its new head of AI to accelerate the bank's artificial intelligence initiatives across its operations. The hire signals Wall Street's intensifying race to integrate AI deeper into banking, as Citi joins competitors like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs in deploying AI tools to automate routine work and boost efficiency. What you should know: Varshney joins from IBM, where he led data and AI for the consulting business across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. He will report to Chief Operating Officer Anand Selva and work closely with Chief Technology Officer David...
read Sep 9, 2025AI use hastened in states after Trump administration federal health system cuts
States across the U.S. are turning to artificial intelligence platforms to track disease outbreaks after the Trump administration withdrew from the World Health Organization and cut thousands of jobs from the CDC. Massachusetts now relies on an AI system called BEACON that scans news reports in local languages for early signs of threats like bird flu and Ebola, while Illinois uses AI-powered BlueDot and reports from Brown University's Pandemic Center to monitor infectious diseases entering through Chicago's O'Hare Airport. The big picture: Public health officials are scrambling to create makeshift surveillance networks as traditional federal and international disease monitoring systems...
read Sep 9, 2025Dutch ASML invests $1.5B in French Mistral AI, becomes largest shareholder
ASML, the Dutch semiconductor equipment maker, will invest 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in French artificial intelligence startup Mistral AI, securing an 11% stake and becoming the company's main shareholder. The strategic investment also includes a partnership to integrate Mistral's AI models across ASML's product portfolio and grants ASML a seat on Mistral's strategic committee. Why this matters: The deal represents one of the largest corporate investments in a European AI startup, signaling ASML's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into its semiconductor manufacturing equipment business while strengthening Europe's position in the global AI race. Key details: ASML's investment makes it...
read Sep 9, 2025Cisco launches AI-powered data fabric to unify enterprise analytics
Cisco has launched an AI-driven data fabric powered by Splunk, designed to help enterprises unify and analyze distributed business and machine data. The new architecture, unveiled at Splunk .conf25 in Boston, integrates the Cisco Data Fabric with Splunk Federated Search for Snowflake to enable AI-powered insights from machine-generated telemetry across multiple platforms. What you should know: The Cisco Data Fabric creates a unified framework that connects disparate data sources for comprehensive analytics and AI applications. Built using Splunk Enterprise and Splunk Cloud Platform capabilities, the fabric federates data from cloud, on-premises, and platforms like Snowflake and Splunk Indexes. The system...
read Sep 8, 2025AMD driver update lets gamers force FSR 4 in 85+ titles
AMD's FSR 4 AI-powered upscaling technology is now available for most games that support FSR 3.1 with DirectX 12, according to the company's latest 25.9.1 driver update. The expansion significantly broadens FSR 4's reach beyond the 85+ officially supported titles, allowing gamers to access AMD's machine learning-enhanced graphics technology through a simple toggle in the AMD Software app. What you should know: FSR 4 can now be force-enabled in most FSR 3.1-compatible games through AMD's driver override feature. Users can flip a toggle in the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition app to override FSR 3.1 implementations with FSR 4. The technology...
read Sep 8, 2025Is an assistant making you insecure? Study finds AI coding creates 10x more security vulnerabilities
Programmers using AI-powered coding assistants create 10 times more security vulnerabilities than developers who code without AI assistance, according to new research from Apiiro, a security firm. The findings reveal a critical trade-off: while AI helps developers produce code faster and with fewer syntax errors, it's simultaneously introducing far more dangerous security flaws that could expose systems to cyberattacks. What you should know: The research analyzed code from thousands of developers across tens of thousands of repositories, revealing that AI-assisted programmers produce three to four times more code overall. Syntax errors dropped 76% and logic bugs decreased 60% when developers...
read Sep 8, 2025Getac unveils world’s first rugged Copilot+ PC tablet with 48 TOPS AI power
Getac has unveiled the F120, which it claims to be the world's first fully rugged Copilot+ PC in a tablet form factor, designed to withstand extreme conditions while running advanced AI workloads. The device combines battlefield-grade durability with cutting-edge AI processing power, targeting professionals in industries where equipment failure isn't an option and advanced computing capabilities are increasingly essential. What you should know: The F120 meets Microsoft's strict Copilot+ PC standards while maintaining military-grade ruggedness certifications. Built around Intel's Core Ultra 200V Series processor with an Intel AI Boost NPU (neural processing unit) delivering up to 48 TOPS of AI...
read Sep 8, 2025Dyson’s new robot vacuum abandons signature design for generic look
Dyson unveiled its second robot vacuum, the Spot+Scrub Ai, at IFA 2025, promising advanced AI-powered stain detection and cleaning capabilities. However, the device's generic appearance and features closely mirror existing competitors like iRobot's Roomba models, raising questions about whether the company known for innovative design has abandoned its originality in favor of market conformity. Key features: The Spot+Scrub Ai represents a significant departure from Dyson's first robot vacuum, the 360 Vis Nav, incorporating several industry-standard elements. The robot includes LiDAR navigation (a laser-based mapping system), vacuum and mopping functions, and a self-emptying base station with three separate bins for clean...
read Sep 8, 2025k, I’m out: Study finds AI models bail on conversations when corrected or overwhelmed
Large language models have developed an unexpected behavioral quirk that could reshape how businesses deploy AI systems: when given the option to end conversations, these AI assistants sometimes choose to bail out in surprisingly human-like ways. Recent research from AI safety researchers reveals that modern AI models, when equipped with a simple "exit" mechanism, will terminate conversations for reasons ranging from emotional discomfort to self-doubt after being corrected. This behavior, dubbed "bailing," offers unprecedented insights into how AI systems process interactions and make decisions about continued engagement. The findings matter because they suggest AI models possess something resembling preferences about...
read Sep 8, 2025US Census data reveals 2% drop in enterprise AI adoption
US Census Bureau data reveals AI usage among large companies dropped from nearly 14 percent in mid-June to under 12 percent in August—the largest decline since tracking began in November 2023. This represents a concerning trend for tech investors who have poured billions into AI development, expecting enterprise adoption to drive sustainable returns on their massive investments. What you should know: The decline affects companies across different sizes, with the steepest drop occurring among enterprises with over 250 employees. Data from over 1.2 million US firms shows AI usage fell most dramatically in large corporations, while very small businesses with...
read Sep 8, 2025AI transforms fertility care faster than regulations, societal contemplation can keep up
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming fertility care, offering new precision in IVF treatments while raising complex questions about human agency, privacy, and the meaning of parenthood. This technological shift is outpacing regulatory oversight, creating a landscape where patients may encounter AI-driven tools before clear protections are established. What you should know: AI applications in fertility range from personalized ovulation tracking to algorithmic embryo selection, each carrying distinct benefits and risks. AI-based fertility trackers now analyze heart rate, sleep patterns, and temperature data to create individualized fertility profiles, moving beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional apps. In IVF clinics, AI systems...
read Sep 8, 2025Databricks hits $4B revenue as AI drives 50% growth with $1B funding
Databricks has projected $4 billion in annualized revenue, marking a 50% increase from the previous year, driven by surging demand for its artificial intelligence products. The milestone coincides with the company's successful $1 billion Series K funding round at a valuation exceeding $100 billion, positioning it as a leading candidate for a potential public offering. Key financial metrics: The analytics firm has achieved impressive growth indicators across multiple areas. The company surpassed a $4 billion revenue run rate in the second quarter, with AI products specifically reaching $1 billion in revenue Databricks is targeting net revenue retention above 140% and...
read Sep 8, 2025RoboBallet AI makes manufacturing elegant, coordinating 8 robotic arms in seconds
UCL, Google DeepMind, and Intrinsic have developed RoboBallet, an AI system that coordinates multiple robotic arms in manufacturing environments, solving up to 40 tasks with eight robotic arms in seconds compared to traditional programming methods that require hours of human work. The system uses reinforcement learning and graph neural networks to choreograph robot movements with unprecedented precision, potentially transforming factory efficiency and scalability across industries from automotive to electronics assembly. How it works: RoboBallet employs AI to learn optimal coordination patterns through trial and error, replacing labor-intensive manual programming. The system uses reinforcement learning (AI that learns through trial and...
read Sep 8, 2025Stanford professor returns to handwritten exams…at students’ request
Stanford computer science professor Jure Leskovec made a surprising pivot two years ago, switching from open-book, take-home exams to handwritten, in-person tests in response to the rise of AI tools like GPT-3. The change came at the request of his students and teaching assistants, who wanted a way to genuinely assess knowledge without AI assistance, highlighting the complex challenges educators face as artificial intelligence reshapes academic evaluation. What happened: Leskovec, a machine learning researcher with nearly three decades of experience, found himself grappling with an "existential crisis" among students when GPT-3 launched publicly. Students questioned their role in a world...
read Sep 8, 2025Therapists now treat “AI psychosis” as ChatGPT use soars, though skeptics question diagnosis
Therapists are increasingly offering specialized therapy for "AI psychosis"—a controversial term describing mental health issues that arise from prolonged, unhealthy interactions with generative AI systems like ChatGPT. This emerging therapeutic focus has sparked heated debate within the mental health community, with some professionals arguing it represents a legitimate new area of concern while others dismiss it as an unnecessary rebranding of existing disorders. The big picture: With nearly 700 million weekly ChatGPT users and billions more using competing AI platforms, a growing subset of users are experiencing what experts describe as distorted thinking and difficulty distinguishing reality from AI-generated content....
read Sep 8, 2025OpenAI backs AI-animated film “Critterz” with $30M budget
OpenAI is backing "Critterz," an AI-generated animated feature film set to debut at the Cannes Film Festival before hitting theaters worldwide in 2026. The company hopes this low-budget production will demonstrate AI's viability in Hollywood and convince skeptical film executives to embrace generative artificial intelligence for movie production. The big picture: OpenAI is making a strategic push into entertainment with a full-length animated film produced primarily using its AI tools, including the recently launched GPT-5 model. Key details: "Critterz" represents a dramatic shift in how animated films could be made, with production costs and timelines that challenge industry norms. The...
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