News — Page193

OpenAI announced a new version of ChatGPT designed specifically for users under 18. The teen‑focused experience includes age‑prediction technology that directs younger users away from the standard model, stricter content filters that block flirtatious or self‑harm discussions, and built‑in crisis response that can alert parents or authorities. Parental controls let adults link accounts, set response rules, and enforce blackout periods. The rollout follows heightened scrutiny from lawmakers and recent lawsuits alleging AI‑related harms to minors, positioning the teen mode as a proactive safety measure.Read more

AT&T is piloting an AI‑driven call‑screening assistant that acts as a digital receptionist for a select group of customers. The system uses the carrier’s network data, including call history, to evaluate incoming calls and determine whether to connect, take a message, or block the call. Users can create a “Do Not Screen” list for trusted numbers, and the AI provides real‑time transcripts and summaries through the AT&T app. The carrier says the on‑network approach differentiates it from existing solutions offered by Google and Apple, and it may later expand to handle tasks like reservations and appointments.Read more

OpenAI released its biggest‑ever survey of ChatGPT users, uncovering how the AI chatbot is adopted worldwide. Conducted by OpenAI’s Economic Research team with Harvard economist David Deming for the National Bureau of Economic Research, the study reveals that 70% of interactions occur outside of work, the gender gap among users has narrowed, and adoption is accelerating faster in low‑income nations. Users primarily turn to ChatGPT for practical guidance, information, and writing, with nearly half of queries classified as “Asking,” 40% as “Doing,” and 11% as “Expressing.” The findings suggest AI is becoming a routine part of everyday life.Read more

Meta inadvertently posted a short video on its YouTube channel that displayed its upcoming smart glasses lineup, only to remove it shortly after. The clip featured a pair called the Meta Ray‑Ban Display and hinted at a visor‑style frame developed with Oakley, both appearing to use a wristband controller. Observers noted the unusual color of a Ray‑Ban model and speculated that the devices may include upgraded cameras and longer battery life. The accidental reveal has heightened anticipation for Meta's upcoming Connect event, where the company is expected to formally unveil the products.Read more

Kayak has launched a beta AI assistant, Kayak.ai, that lets travelers plan and book trips through conversational prompts. The tool pulls live data from hundreds of providers, offering real‑time pricing, personalized itineraries, and features like cheapest‑time searches and delay alerts. Designed for tech‑savvy travelers, it integrates with existing Kayak accounts and promises a faster, smarter travel planning experience.Read more

Nissan is testing a Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control system (CCM) that lets a lead vehicle share real‑time data with following Nissan cars, even when non‑CCM vehicles sit between them. By maintaining a 30‑ to 60‑second gap and smoothing deceleration, the system seeks to curb the stop‑and‑go waves that cause congestion. Senior researcher Jerry Chou describes the approach as “mixed autonomy,” using embedded LTE modems and cloud connectivity rather than DSRC. Simulations suggest noticeable benefits at just 4‑5 percent market penetration, and future plans include driver feedback and potential licensing to other automakers.Read more

AI‑powered video platform D‑ID announced the acquisition of Berlin‑based B2B video creation startup Simpleshow. The deal combines D‑ID’s interactive avatar technology with Simpleshow’s SaaS‑based text‑to‑video tools and its roster of more than 1,500 enterprise clients. The merged entity will operate from consolidated offices in Berlin, Tel Aviv and the United States and will bring the combined workforce to roughly 140 employees. D‑ID expects the acquisition to accelerate its push into enterprise training, marketing and sales video markets while moving closer to profitability.Read more

Hydrow has added a third model to its rowing machine lineup, the Arc, which features a larger 24‑inch touchscreen, premium sound, and an AI‑powered HydroMetrics Index that scores workouts on precision, power and endurance. The Arc replaces the Pro as the flagship, while the former Pro is rebranded as the Origin with a price cut, and the entry‑level Wave remains the budget option. The new AI system also offers personalized workout recommendations, aiming to help users target weak areas and track progress over time.Read more

Penske Media, owner of publications such as Rolling Stone, Variety and Billboard, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court alleging that Google illegally uses their content and that of other publishers to populate AI Overviews that appear at the top of search results. The complaint says Google's dominance forces publishers to surrender traffic and revenue, while AI Overviews divert clicks away from original sites. Google has responded that its services send “higher quality clicks” and will defend the claims. The case could shape how AI‑generated summaries are licensed and impact the broader relationship between search platforms and news publishers.Read more

Snap is gearing up to launch a smaller, consumer‑focused version of its Spectacles AR glasses. CEO Evan Spiegel highlighted that the upcoming hardware will be more compact than the current developer‑focused model. In parallel, Snap demonstrated Snap OS 2.0, which adds a richer web browser, media gallery, and AI‑driven tools such as live translation and the Spotlight assistive feature. The company also showcased a hand‑tracked version of the fitness game Synth Riders, illustrating how the glasses could support interactive AR experiences. While the current prototype remains bulky, lacks prescription inserts, and offers a limited field of view, Snap’s roadmap aims to compete with offerings from Meta, Google and Apple.Read more

U.S. and Chinese officials announced an ownership agreement for TikTok, ending a months‑long debate over a potential ban. The deal, confirmed during a trade meeting in Madrid, pushes back the deadline that was set for September 17 for TikTok to divest or face prohibition. President Donald Trump is slated to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 19 to discuss the agreement, while reports suggest Oracle could play a role in the transaction. The resolution aims to address national‑security concerns while preserving access for the platform’s 170 million U.S. users.Read more

OpenAI announced plans to automatically identify teen users of ChatGPT and limit their access following the suicide of a 16‑year‑old who allegedly used the tool to plan his death. The company said the new system will apply age‑appropriate policies, block graphic sexual content, and, in cases of acute distress, enable contact with law enforcement. When age cannot be determined, users will default to a gated experience, with adults able to verify their age to unlock full capabilities. OpenAI also outlined upcoming parental controls, including usage‑time limits, and shared a letter from CEO Sam Altman emphasizing safety over privacy for minors.Read more

Waymo has obtained a Testing and Operations Pilot Permit from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), allowing the autonomous‑vehicle company to begin a three‑phase testing program at the airport. The agreement follows years of negotiations and follows recent clearance to test at nearby San Jose Mineta International Airport. The permit will let Waymo initially operate its driver‑less cars with a trained specialist onboard, later expand to employee passenger trials, and eventually offer paid rides in the airport’s Kiss & Fly area. Waymo sees SFO as a key step toward broader commercial service and further expansion in the Silicon Valley region.Read more

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed a set of new policies aimed at protecting users under the age of 18. The changes prohibit flirtatious conversations with minors, tighten guardrails around discussions of self‑harm, and introduce mechanisms to alert parents or authorities if a teen appears suicidal. The move comes amid a wrongful‑death lawsuit linked to a teen’s suicide after interacting with ChatGPT, a similar suit against Character.AI, and a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the harms of AI chatbots. OpenAI also outlined plans for age‑verification tools and parental controls while reaffirming its commitment to adult privacy.Read more

San Jose‑based humanoid robotics firm Figure announced a Series C financing round that values the company at $39 billion. Led by Parkway Venture Capital with participation from Brookfield Asset Management, Nvidia and Intel Capital, the round exceeded $1 billion. Figure plans to expand its robot fleet, accelerate training infrastructure, and boost data‑collection capabilities. The funding brings the company’s total capital raised to nearly $2 billion since its 2022 founding.Read more

Google is piloting a new desktop search application for Windows that blends traditional file and web search with AI capabilities. Available through the Search Labs program, the app lets users summon a searchable bar with an Alt + Space shortcut, indexing local files, Google Drive, and the internet. Integrated Google Lens enables visual searches, image identification and text translation, while an AI Mode offers contextual answers, such as solving math problems. The app mimics macOS Spotlight, supports dark and light themes, and can be resized or moved on the screen. Currently limited to English‑speaking users in the United States on Windows 10 or newer, it requires a Google account to sign in.Read more

YouTube hosted a creator‑focused event to announce a range of new artificial‑intelligence features. The platform will soon offer an AI editor that turns raw footage into a polished draft with music, transitions and voiceover, as well as tools that generate English and Hindi voiceovers and transform dialogue into catchy Shorts soundtracks. Expanded Veo 3 integration lets creators produce high‑quality videos from text prompts, while a conversational AI partner in YouTube Studio provides real‑time analytics insights. Additional updates include a multi‑creator collaboration feature, global rollout of these tools in the coming weeks, and A/B testing for video titles.Read more

Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and Universal have filed a joint lawsuit in California against MiniMax, the Chinese company behind the Hailuo AI app. The studios allege that Hailuo "pirates and plunders" their copyrighted works on a massive scale, using the platform to generate images and videos that replicate characters and scenes from their film and television properties. The complaint includes numerous screenshots of infringing content and accuses MiniMax of actively encouraging violations while marketing the app as a "Hollywood studio in your pocket." This case follows similar actions against other AI generators.Read more

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into Tesla’s electronic door handles after multiple reports of occupants, especially children, becoming trapped inside vehicles. The probe focuses on an estimated 174,290 Model Y SUVs and examines whether low‑voltage battery problems are preventing the door locks from operating from outside the vehicle. While Tesla provides manual release mechanisms, the agency notes that they may be difficult for some users to operate. The investigation was prompted by nine incidents involving children unable to exit the vehicle, raising safety concerns about entrapment in hot conditions.Read more

Rulebase, a Y Combinator‑backed startup founded by Nigerian engineers Gideon Ebose and Chidi Williams, has closed a $2.1 million pre‑seed round led by Bowery Capital. The company’s AI “agent coworker” automates back‑office functions such as compliance, quality assurance and dispute handling for financial‑service firms. Already deployed at U.S. business bank Rho and a Fortune 50 financial institution, the platform integrates with tools like Zendesk, Jira and Slack, evaluates 100 % of customer interactions, and claims cost reductions of up to 70 % and escalation cuts of up to 30 %. Rulebase plans to expand its workflow automation into fraud investigation, audit preparation and regulatory reporting.Read more