News reporting focused on AI and machine learning, covering the companies behind these technologies, their real-world applications, and the ethical concerns they raise. This includes areas like generative AI (large language models, text-to-image and video), speech tech, and predictive analytics.
Developer Puter has compiled the Firefox browser to WebAssembly, allowing the entire Gecko-based browser to run inside another browser. The project cost an estimated $25,000 in AI tokens and uses a WebSocket proxy for network traffic. The demo supports end-to-end encryption for HTTPS sites.
Perplexity introduces 'Search as Code', a new architecture where AI models write their own search workflows as Python code instead of calling fixed APIs. The approach reduces token usage by 85% in a cybersecurity benchmark and beats rivals on four out of five tests. The system is rolling out in Perplexity Computer and the Agent API.
OpenAI now allows users to control its Codex desktop AI tool directly from the ChatGPT app on iOS and Android devices. This preview feature enables phone-based management of tasks on the computer, including reviewing outputs and approving commands. It rolls out to all ChatGPT plans, amid OpenAI's efforts to compete with rivals like Anthropic's Claude Code.
Amp, a startup in Menlo Park, California, has secured more than $1.3 billion to build a global pool of specialized computer chips for AI training. Founded by Anjney Midha, the company aims to provide access to computing power for startups, universities, and others excluded by tech giants like Amazon, Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI. Investors include Andreessen Horowitz and Y Combinator, with partners such as Periodic Labs and ElevenLabs joining the effort.
The jury trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI leaders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman has revealed emails from 2015 showing the lab's founding discussions and early conflicts. Exhibits include plans for a nonprofit AI effort, Musk's role in shaping its mission, concerns over control, and support like a supercomputer from Nvidia. The case centers on claims that OpenAI abandoned its goal of developing artificial general intelligence for humanity's benefit.
NVIDIA has released Nemotron 3 Nano Omni, an open multimodal model that combines vision, audio, and language processing. It offers up to 9x higher throughput than other open omni models, topping leaderboards in document intelligence, video, and audio tasks. The model supports agentic workflows like computer use and is available now on multiple platforms.
Meta has started using data from its employees' computer activity to train AI agents. The company installed a tool called Model Capability Initiative on US-based workers' machines. It captures mouse movements, clicks, keystrokes, and screenshots to help AI models mimic human computer interactions.
Meta is deploying surveillance software on US employees' computers to record mouse movements, clicks, and keystrokes. The system, known as Model Capability Initiative, aims to train AI agents for independent task handling. Officials state the data stays separate from performance evaluations amid plans for workforce reductions.
OpenAI has updated its Codex developer tool to include a background computer use feature that lets the AI view screens, click, and type directly. The agent can now handle tasks autonomously over days or weeks and includes new plugins and image generation. This positions Codex against competitors like Anthropic's Claude Code, with rollout starting on macOS.
OpenAI has updated its Codex system to control desktop apps on macOS computers. The tool runs in the background and supports multiple agents at once. New features include image generation, plugins, web browsing, task automation, and memory for past interactions.
The UK government has introduced the Sovereign AI fund with $675 million to support local AI startups and reduce reliance on foreign technology. The fund targets areas like model development, agentic AI, and drug discovery, offering access to supercomputers, free visas, procurement deals, and government expertise. Initial investments include Callosum and compute grants to six other startups.