xAI Releases Grok 2.5: A Step Towards Open Source AI with Caveats

Meta announces additional layoffs impacting hundreds of staff as it simultaneously boosts AI investments, signaling a strategic shift to prioritize future technologies.

News of OpenAI's partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (now Department of War) under the Trump administration has caused a significant consumer backlash. This led to a surge in ChatGPT uninstalls and a boom in downloads for competitor Claude, reflecting shifting user preferences.

Despite Pentagon blacklisting, AI chatbot Claude surged in popularity, topping US app charts. This comes amidst user demand causing outages and ongoing debate over ethical AI use in defense.

Elon Musk's xAI is pivoting from AGI to lunar development and deep space computing. Recruitment now centers on building lunar mass drivers for AI satellites, a bold vision driven by ambitious energy goals and a new narrative for humanity's future.

Intel stock surged on Wednesday, nearing its highest point since early 2022. Investor optimism is fueled by strong server chip sales driven by AI demand and promising growth in its foundry business, supported by government and strategic investments.

AI startup Moonshot AI, backed by Alibaba, has achieved a $4.8 billion valuation, showcasing rapid growth. Its Kimi chatbot's popularity in China, amidst a burgeoning domestic AI market, fuels significant investor interest and potential for future IPOs.

Threads has surpassed X in daily mobile usage according to Similarweb data. While X maintains web dominance, Threads' mobile surge is fueled by Meta's strategic promotion, creator focus, and rapid feature development, indicating a significant shift in social media engagement.

A new report highlights the crucial, yet invisible, role of human data annotators in the booming AI industry. However, this positive portrayal contrasts with ongoing lawsuits against major firms like Scale AI, which are accused of misclassifying and underpaying these essential contract workers.

Indian used-car marketplace Spinny is reportedly raising $160 million to acquire car services startup GoMechanic. This strategic move aims to expand Spinny's control over the used-car lifecycle and strengthen its market presence.

El Salvador plans to integrate Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, into its educational system, reaching over a million students. The initiative, announced by xAI, faces scrutiny due to Grok's controversial past statements. President Bukele champions the move, aiming for an "AI-powered education program."

Meta faces backlash for appointing Robby Starbuck, known for anti-DEI views, as an AI bias advisor after he sued them. Critics cite his controversial online activity, including spreading misinformation and divisive rhetoric, raising concerns about Meta's commitment to inclusivity.

Google Chrome is tackling annoying website notifications with a new feature that automatically revokes notification permissions from sites users rarely interact with. This update aims to reduce unwanted pop-ups and give users more control over their browsing experience.

Motion sickness is a growing concern as self-driving cars and ride-sharing become more common. University of Michigan researchers are developing PREACT, a technology using haptic feedback or seat adjustments to prepare passengers for vehicle movements, aiming to reduce discomfort.

The Perseverance rover is now studying inactive megaripples at "Kerrlaguna" on Mars, offering insights into the planet's dynamic surface. This investigation, using instruments like SuperCam, will help understand wind and water's role in shaping the landscape and could benefit future human missions.

Leaked documents reveal major automakers like BMW, JLR, Nissan, and Toyota lobbied the UK government to ease EV sales mandates. They argued strict targets threaten UK investments and jobs, despite government advisors warning of increased carbon emissions. The government has since softened its stance.

X (formerly Twitter) is close to settling a class-action lawsuit with ex-employees who were laid off after Elon Musk's acquisition in 2022. The dispute centers on claims that severance packages fell short of a pre-existing Twitter plan, with many not receiving the promised payments.