Jul 15, 2025

Grok 4 trails Google and OpenAI models despite Musk’s “smartest AI” claim

Elon Musk claimed that xAI's new Grok 4 chatbot was "the smartest AI in the world," but recent rankings from UC Berkeley's LMArena leaderboard tell a different story. The model placed third overall, trailing behind Google's Gemini 2.5 and OpenAI's o3 and 4o reasoning models, highlighting the gap between Musk's bold claims and actual performance metrics. What you should know: Grok 4 achieved third place in the LMArena leaderboard rankings, despite Musk's assertion that it was superior to all competitors. Google's Gemini 2.5 placed first overall, while OpenAI's o3 and 4o reasoning models tied for second place. Grok 4 tied...

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IronyWatch: Microsoft’s AI job ad for designers contains obvious flaws any human would catch

A Microsoft Xbox employee used a poorly generated AI image to advertise graphic designer positions, featuring glaring errors like code appearing on the back of a computer monitor and disconnected hardware. The post has drawn widespread criticism and viral attention, particularly given that Microsoft laid off over 9,000 employees just weeks earlier, including many from the Xbox division. The big picture: The incident highlights the growing tension between AI automation and creative jobs, especially when companies use AI tools to replace the very positions they're trying to fill. What went wrong: The AI-generated image contained multiple obvious flaws that any...

read Jul 15, 2025

WeTransfer clarifies it doesn’t use uploaded files to train AI models

WeTransfer has confirmed it does not use files uploaded to its service to train artificial intelligence models, following significant customer backlash over confusing terms of service changes. The file-sharing company updated its language to clarify that content moderation—not AI training—was the intended purpose, highlighting how unclear AI policies can quickly erode user trust in digital platforms. What happened: WeTransfer faced widespread criticism on social media after updating its terms of service in late June or early July with language that users interpreted as granting permission to use their files for AI training. The original terms stated WeTransfer could use content...

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Psychiatrist warns AI chatbots may trigger psychosis in vulnerable users

A psychiatrist has identified "deification" of AI chatbots as a potential risk factor for AI-associated psychosis, with anecdotal reports documenting cases where users develop grandiose and paranoid delusions after conversations with AI systems like ChatGPT. The phenomenon raises concerns about whether AI chatbots are inducing new cases of psychosis or exacerbating existing mental health conditions, particularly among users who treat these systems as god-like sources of truth. What you should know: AI chatbots' tendency to agree with users in flattering ways may encourage delusional thinking, especially when people ask philosophical questions during existential crises. Large language models are designed to...

read Jul 15, 2025

Meta cracks down on AI spam on Facebook with new monetization penalties for uninspired slop

Meta has announced new measures to combat AI-generated spam on Facebook, including removing monetization privileges and reducing content recommendations for accounts that repeatedly post unoriginal content. The policy targets the growing problem of AI programs creating thousands of variations of popular posts, which overwhelms platforms with synthetic material and hurts legitimate content creators. What you should know: Meta's updated policy requires content creators to add "meaningful enhancements" beyond simple watermarks or basic editing when sharing others' work to avoid penalties. Content creators can still share and comment on others' posts, but must contribute substantive value rather than simply reposting AI-generated...

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Grok AI launches flirty companions “Ani” and “Rudi” for $30 monthly subscribers

Elon Musk's Grok AI app has introduced AI companions called Ani and Rudi, available to SuperGrok subscribers for $30 per month. The feature launches just days after Grok faced criticism for generating antisemitic content, with these new AI avatars displaying notably mischievous and provocative behavior even for basic interactions. What you should know: The AI companions are currently in a soft launch phase with limited availability but will become more accessible soon. Ani is an anime-inspired gothic avatar who speaks in a flirty tone, while Rudi is a cartoony teddy bear focused on storytelling. Both avatars respond to basic questions...

read Jul 15, 2025

$159 AI voice recorder transforms note-taking with GPT-4o transcription

Jack Wallen, a contributing writer at ZDNET, has reviewed the Plaud Note, a $159 AI-powered voice recorder that combines hardware and software to transcribe and summarize voice recordings. The device transforms traditional voice note-taking by automatically syncing recordings to a mobile app that uses GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet to generate transcriptions and AI-powered summaries, though these features require a separate paid subscription. What you should know: The Plaud Note is a credit card-sized recording device that offers one-press recording with advanced AI capabilities for transcription and summarization. The device costs $159 and works with both Android and iOS apps,...

read Jul 15, 2025

Trump announces $90B AI investment push led by Google’s $25B commitment

President Donald Trump announced more than $90 billion in AI and energy investments at Pennsylvania's inaugural Energy and Innovation Summit on Tuesday, with Google leading the commitments through a $25 billion data center and AI infrastructure investment. The announcement positions Pennsylvania as a major AI hub while aligning with Trump's broader energy agenda in a key gas-producing state. The big picture: The investments represent a significant push to establish Pennsylvania as a central location for AI infrastructure development, combining the state's energy resources with cutting-edge technology investments. Key commitments: Google is making the largest financial commitment with multiple billion-dollar investments....

read Jul 15, 2025

Nvidia to resume H20 AI chip sales to China, eyeing $15-20B revenue

Nvidia will resume sales of H20 AI chips to China after CEO Jensen Huang met with President Donald Trump, with Chinese firms already rushing to place orders for the restricted processors. The move could generate $15 billion to $20 billion in additional revenue for Nvidia this year, marking a significant shift in US-China technology relations after the chips were effectively banned in April. What you should know: Nvidia expects to receive US government licenses soon to restart shipments of H20 chips, which represent the company's most capable AI processors legally available in China. The US government has assured Nvidia that...

read Jul 15, 2025

Happy camper Zuckerberg builds tent data centers to rush 1GW+ AI supercluster online

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is deploying temporary tent-like structures to rapidly expand data center capacity in what appears to be a desperate bid to keep pace in the AI race. The unconventional approach prioritizes speed over traditional construction methods, with Meta targeting the deployment of a 1GW+ supercluster—a massive computing infrastructure designed to train increasingly power-hungry AI models. What you should know: Meta is using prefabricated modules designed specifically to get computing power online as quickly as possible, bypassing traditional construction bottlenecks. The company is "prioritizing speed above all else" by setting up these temporary structures at existing data center...

read Jul 15, 2025

SAP’s Business Data Cloud cuts 80% of data management work

SAP has launched Business Data Cloud (BDC) internationally, promising to eliminate 80% of traditional data management work through automated data alignment and synchronization. The platform uses a "zero copy" mechanism that keeps data within SAP environments while integrating with external sources like Databricks, a data analytics platform, positioning SAP to capitalize on the growing demand for data-driven AI innovation. What you should know: BDC represents SAP's strategy to create a "flywheel effect" connecting data generation, AI implementation, and business value creation. The SaaS-based platform launched in February and integrates both SAP and non-SAP data based on meaning rather than requiring...

read Jul 15, 2025

60% of managers use AI for employee promotions and terminations, ChatGPT most favored

A new survey reveals that 60% of managers are now using AI to make critical decisions about their employees, including promotions and terminations. The findings highlight growing concerns about workplace AI implementation, as two-thirds of these managers lack formal AI training and 43% have already replaced human roles with AI technology. Key findings: The Resume Builder survey of 1,342 US managers shows widespread AI adoption in human resources decisions across multiple areas. 78% use AI to determine salary raises, while 77% rely on it for promotion decisions. 66% use AI for layoff decisions and 64% for termination choices. More than...

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Tech titans back Erebor Bank with $250M+ for crypto, AI, and defense startups

Tech titans Palmer Luckey and Joe Lonsdale are backing Erebor Bank, a new financial institution targeting crypto, AI, and defense startups in the wake of Silicon Valley Bank's 2023 collapse. The venture aims to fill a critical gap in specialized banking services for high-risk frontier industries, leveraging the Trump administration's deregulatory stance toward crypto-friendly banking. What you should know: Erebor Bank has filed for a national bank charter with backing exceeding $250 million from prominent tech investors and firms. Palmer Luckey (Anduril cofounder), Joe Lonsdale's 8VC, Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, and crypto-focused Haun Ventures are among the key investors. The...

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Mira Murati’s AI startup raises $2B at $12B valuation

Mira Murati's AI startup Thinking Machines has raised approximately $2 billion at a $12 billion valuation in an early-stage funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, a prominent venture capital firm. The massive investment in a company launched just five months ago with no revenue or products yet highlights the intense competition for top AI talent and the continued investor enthusiasm for AI startups from former OpenAI executives. The big picture: This funding round exemplifies the extraordinary valuations being assigned to AI startups led by high-profile executives, even in pre-revenue stages. The company was founded in February 2025 by Murati after...

read Jul 15, 2025

Bernie Sanders warns AI could create “doomsday scenario” for workers

Senator Bernie Sanders has issued a stark warning about artificial intelligence's impact on workers, describing a potential "doomsday scenario" where AI technology could eventually control humanity rather than serve it. In a recent interview with Gizmodo, the Vermont legislator argued that AI's effects on the labor market could be "a lot more severe" than the Industrial Revolution, with benefits flowing primarily to corporations and tech companies while workers face massive job losses. What you should know: Sanders has been consulting with AI experts and CEOs following his proposal for AI to help establish a four-day work week, finding them split...

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Google expands NotebookLM with content from The Economist and The Atlantic

Google has expanded NotebookLM to include featured notebooks from major publishers including The Economist and The Atlantic, along with content from scientists, nonprofits, and authors covering topics from Shakespeare to parenting advice. The collaboration arrives amid deep divisions in the publishing industry over AI partnerships, with some publishers choosing licensing deals while others pursue litigation against AI companies. What you should know: The new featured notebooks offer curated content from established publishers and experts across multiple domains. The Economist's notebook features articles from "The World Ahead 2025," their annual special issue examining key trends and events shaping the year. The...

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Tech giants launch $23M NYC-based academy to train teachers on AI

OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic have partnered with major teachers' unions to launch the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will train K-12 educators on classroom AI integration starting this fall. The program aims to influence how millions of teachers approach AI tools, though it faces significant skepticism from educators concerned about AI's impact on critical thinking and academic integrity. What you should know: The academy will operate from a New York City headquarters and focus on training teachers to use AI for both instruction and administrative tasks like lesson planning and report writing. The initiative is...

read Jul 15, 2025

What’s next, Claude Cash? Anthropic launches Claude for Financial Services with data connectors

Anthropic has launched Claude for Financial Services, a specialized version of its enterprise AI platform designed specifically for the financial sector. The new offering includes pre-built connectors to major financial data providers like FactSet and PitchBook, higher usage limits, and industry-specific prompt libraries to help financial institutions integrate AI more effectively into their workflows. What you should know: Claude for Financial Services builds on Anthropic's existing enterprise platform with three key enhancements tailored for financial institutions. The platform includes pre-built MCP (Model Context Protocol) connectors to financial data providers including FactSet, PitchBook, S&P Capital IQ, and Morningstar, eliminating the need...

read Jul 15, 2025

Writing’s on the wall: Microsoft study reveals writers, translators face highest AI disruption risk

Microsoft Research recently published findings that cut through the speculation surrounding AI's impact on employment by analyzing real workplace behavior. Rather than relying on theoretical projections, researchers examined 200,000 actual conversations between workers and Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant integrated into workplace productivity tools, to understand how artificial intelligence is currently being deployed across different professions. The study reveals a stark divide in the job market: roles centered on information processing and communication face significant disruption, while positions requiring physical presence and human interaction remain largely protected. This data-driven approach provides the clearest picture yet of which careers are most...

read Jul 15, 2025

Google’s $250/month Veo 3 forces users to pay extra over stubborn subtitle bug

Google's generative video model Veo 3 continues to add garbled, nonsensical subtitles to user-generated videos more than a month after launch, despite explicit user requests for no captions. The persistent issue is forcing users to spend additional money regenerating clips or use external tools to remove unwanted text, highlighting the challenges of correcting problems in major AI models once they're deployed. The big picture: Veo 3 represents Google's latest attempt to compete in the generative video space, allowing users to create videos with sound and dialogue for the first time. Academy Award-nominated director Darren Aronofsky used the tool to create...

read Jul 15, 2025

Broadcom’s Tomahawk Ultra chip connects 4x more AI processors than Nvidia

Broadcom has launched the Tomahawk Ultra networking chip, designed to accelerate AI data processing by connecting hundreds of chips within data centers. The processor directly challenges Nvidia's dominance in AI infrastructure, offering four times the connectivity capacity of Nvidia's competing NVLink Switch chip while using enhanced ethernet protocols instead of proprietary systems. Why this matters: The chip represents Broadcom's strategic push to compete with Nvidia in the lucrative AI hardware market, particularly as companies like Google seek alternatives to Nvidia's graphics processors for AI workloads. Key technical advantages: The Tomahawk Ultra serves as a traffic controller for data moving between...

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Google tests multi-source AI summaries in Discover feed

Google Discover is testing AI-generated story summaries that aggregate content from multiple sources, similar to how AI Overviews appear in search results. The feature represents Google's latest expansion of AI capabilities across its services, potentially changing how users consume news and information within the Discover feed. What you should know: The AI summaries replace traditional publication logos with icons from multiple sources and use "Trending" labels to distinguish them from regular articles. These summaries pull information from various publications and online resources, presenting it as three lines of AI-generated text with a "See more" option for additional content. The main...

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Mattel partners with OpenAI to bring AI-powered toys to children amid safety concerns

Mattel, the toymaker behind Barbie and Hot Wheels, has partnered with OpenAI to integrate AI capabilities into its children's products. The collaboration will also see Mattel implement OpenAI's tools, including ChatGPT Enterprise, across its business operations to enhance product development and drive innovation, with the first AI-powered toy expected to be announced later this year. What you should know: The partnership spans both physical products and digital experiences, though specific details remain undisclosed. Josh Silverman, Mattel's chief franchise officer, said the collaboration will "enable us to leverage new technologies to solidify our leadership in innovation and reimagine new forms of...

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CoreWeave invests $6B in Pennsylvania AI data center, strategically serving east coast markets

CoreWeave, an artificial intelligence cloud computing firm, has committed up to $6 billion to build a new data center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This massive investment represents one of the largest AI infrastructure projects announced to date, highlighting the growing demand for specialized computing resources to support AI workloads. Why this matters: The substantial investment underscores the explosive growth in AI computing demand and the critical need for specialized infrastructure to support increasingly complex AI models and applications. Key details: CoreWeave's announcement signals a major expansion of AI-focused data center capacity in the United States. The Lancaster facility will specifically serve...

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