Artificial Intelligence
Ongoing coverage on Artificial Intelligence.
Latest coverage
Okay, maybe I could be convinced AI monitors aren't all bad
MSI is showcasing new AI-powered monitor features at Computex, including the "agentic AI monitor" MEG X. While many features are questionable, the ability to control monitor settings via voice commands, bypassing traditional OSD menus, is highlighted as a potentially useful innovation for gamers.
Amnesty International reports unprecedented AI data theft and VPNs are more popular than ever
Amnesty International reports that generative AI companies like OpenAI, Google Gemini, and Midjourney are unlawfully scraping private data from the internet. This has led to a significant increase in VPN popularity, with searches for VPNs reaching unprecedented levels. The article discusses concerns about AI's impact on data privacy, copyright, and potential misuse for manipulation.
Traffic to DuckDuckGo's proudly 'No AI' search page has tripled since latest Google AI search update
DuckDuckGo has reported a threefold increase in traffic to its 'No AI' search page following recent updates to Google's AI-integrated search. The privacy-focused search engine is offering users an opt-in experience that limits AI-generated results, positioning itself as a choice-driven alternative to Google's AI-first approach. DuckDuckGo also provides browser extensions to make its AI-free search the default on Chrome and Firefox.
AI Yi-Yi!
An analysis discusses how Large Language Models (LLMs) can continue to believe false statements even when explicitly warned they are untrue. The article also briefly mentions a lawsuit claiming an SF startup is secretly testing and destroying robots in Airbnbs.
Robot watch: The weirdest things the clankers did this month including moonwalking themselves to death, losing a fight to a step, and drowning by the dozens in Sydney Harbour
This article rounds up notable robot malfunctions and failures from May, including robots losing fights to stairs, moonwalking to their demise, and a fleet of Waymo vehicles driving into water. It also touches on the Curiosity rover getting stuck on Mars and a drone show mishap where 89 drones fell into Sydney Harbour.
Meta is reportedly working on an AI pendant and more smart glasses
Meta is reportedly developing an AI-powered pendant and new smart glasses, aiming to sell 10 million wearable devices in the latter half of 2026. This initiative signals a significant push into the wearable technology market for the company.
Evening Interviews
Skull and Bones held a Year 3 Season 1 Community AMA, with details shared via The Deck Devstream on YouTube. Separately, EVE Online and Google DeepMind have formed an AI partnership, described as having 'the biggest bullsh*t detectors on the planet'.
AI Yi-Yi!
Google's AI agent, Spark, is now available to Ultra subscribers on Android devices. This 24-7 AI agent aims to provide continuous assistance and information.
Amazon bins an internal AI leaderboard for its Kiro employees, because they were burning through too many costly tokens
Amazon has discontinued an internal AI leaderboard for its Kiro development platform due to employees excessively using costly tokens. The leaderboard, which tracked staff usage of the AI tool, was reportedly spammed with pointless agents, leading to high token consumption and significant costs for the company.
Paramount+ used AI to make the ugliest Star Trek thumbnail ever
Paramount+ utilized artificial intelligence to generate a Star Trek thumbnail featuring Captain Kirk in an unusual outfit. The AI-generated image has been criticized for its aesthetic quality.
AI Yi-Yi!
Several major companies are facing scrutiny over their AI implementations. Google has adjusted usage limits for its Gemini AI following user complaints, while TikTok's AI moderation system has been criticized for wrongly punishing filmmakers. Paramount+ is also reportedly serving "AI slop" content.
AMD chief Dr. Lisa Su tells MIT graduates, 'Technology itself does not decide what the future looks like. People…
AMD CEO Lisa Su addressed the MIT graduating class of 2026, emphasizing that people, not technology, shape the future. While acknowledging the growing presence of AI in the job market, Su stressed its role as a tool that requires human judgment and responsibility, contrasting with more alarmist sentiments expressed by other speakers.
Popular Japanese voice actors unified against “Unauthorized AI Voice Generation”
Popular Japanese voice actors, including Kenjiro Tsuda, Megumi Ogata, Yuki Kaji, and Jun Fukuyama, have united against the unauthorized use of their voices in generative artificial intelligence. A committee at Japan's Ministry of Justice is examining legal liability for such infringements, with voice actors calling for clear guidelines and regulations to coexist with AI technology.
The Morning After: Apple's dramatic Siri overhaul is coming and it might look like this
Apple is reportedly planning a significant overhaul of its virtual assistant, Siri, with a focus on artificial intelligence capabilities. This news comes alongside reviews of Google's latest wearable device and GoPro's newest action camera.
Take-Two CEO says 'former Rockstar employees' have tried to match GTA's success and 'haven't been able to'—and while he doesn't name names, that's gotta sting for a certain someone
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that while AI could theoretically allow smaller teams to create games, it doesn't guarantee success on the scale of Grand Theft Auto. He noted that many, including former Rockstar employees, have tried to replicate Rockstar's hit-making ability without success, emphasizing that creativity, not just technology, is key to continued success.
Anthropic boasts $965 billion valuation following $65 billion Series H funding round
Anthropic has achieved a valuation of $965 billion following a $65 billion Series H funding round. Investors in this round included Altimeter Capital, Dragoneer, Greenoaks, and Sequoia Capital, reportedly making Anthropic the most valuable AI startup globally.
TikTok creator ByteDance to start making its own processors
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, plans to manufacture its own central processing units (CPUs). This initiative aims to bolster the company's artificial intelligence capabilities.
AI Yi-Yi!
Anthropic has reportedly surpassed OpenAI in both revenue and valuation, indicating significant growth in the AI sector. Meanwhile, Wix is laying off approximately 20% of its workforce, with its CEO citing AI as a factor in the decision. Apple is also expected to unveil an overhaul of its Siri virtual assistant for iOS 27.
Evening Safety Dance
Troops' phones have leaked location data to foreign adversaries, highlighting significant security vulnerabilities. Security teams are struggling to keep pace with AI's rapid advancements in cracking cloud security measures. The Chrome browser is also set to receive a major update.
Microsoft debuts a more buttoned-up look for Copilot
Microsoft is updating the branding for its AI assistant, Copilot, to present a more consistent and less personalized appearance. This change aims to streamline the user experience across different platforms where Copilot is integrated.