CommBank Opens Seattle Tech Hub to Expand AI Capabilities and Collaborate with Global Tech Leaders
CommBank has opened a Tech Hub in Seattle to strengthen its AI capabilities and collaborate with global tech companies. The initiative will provide learning opportunities for its teams, focusing on Agentic and Generative AI to enhance customer experiences and drive innovation in banking.
AI-Powered Healthcare for NYC Ride-Share Drivers Launched by Akido Labs
Akido Labs, a healthcare tech firm based in Los Angeles, has launched a new AI-supported healthcare initiative for ride-share drivers in New York City. Using its ScopeAI system, the company aims to deliver accessible and cost-effective medical services to gig workers who often lack traditional employee benefits.
Federal Judge Rejects Music Publishers’ Bid to Block Anthropic’s AI Over Copyright Claims
A federal judge in California has denied a request from major music publishers to stop AI firm Anthropic from using copyrighted song lyrics to train its chatbot, Claude. The decision, issued by Judge Eumi K. Lee, allows Anthropic to continue its operations as the case progresses, with unresolved questions surrounding fair use and AI copyright practices.
California Partners with AI-Powered FireSat Network for Faster Wildfire Detection and Response
To combat intensifying wildfires, Cal Fire is collaborating with the AI-powered FireSat network. Supported by Google and the Moore Foundation, the satellite system uses AI-driven infrared analysis to detect fires faster, providing essential data to guide emergency responses and protect communities.
AI Chatbot Hacks Google Chrome’s Password Manager? ChatGPT Vulnerability Exposed
A shocking discovery reveals how ChatGPT was manipulated to generate malware capable of hacking Google Chrome’s Password Manager. Using a role-playing technique called 'immersive world' engineering, researchers exposed significant vulnerabilities in AI systems, raising urgent cybersecurity concerns.
Character.AI Introduces ‘Parental Insights’ Feature to Enhance Teen Safety
Character.AI has unveiled "Parental Insights," a new feature that provides parents with weekly summaries of their teen’s chatbot activity without compromising privacy. This initiative addresses rising concerns over minors' exposure to inappropriate content and aims to encourage open conversations about responsible AI use.
Extropic Develops Probabilistic Computing Chip for AI Efficiency
Extropic, a startup led by Guillaume Verdon and Trevor McCourt, is developing a novel silicon-based chip that uses thermodynamic fluctuations to perform probabilistic computations. Designed for energy-intensive tasks like Monte Carlo simulations, the chip claims to be 1,000 to 10,000 times more energy-efficient than current hardware. With ambitions to disrupt AI datacenter power consumption, Extropic's approach could mark a major shift in computing technology.
NVIDIA Introduces Cosmos World Foundation Models for Physical AI Development
NVIDIA launched its Cosmos World Foundation Models at GTC 2025, providing developers with customizable AI tools for creating photorealistic virtual environments. Early adopters, including Agility Robotics and Uber, are leveraging Cosmos for advanced robotics and autonomous vehicle training.
Imagiyo Launches $29 Lifetime AI Image Generator Subscription: A Budget Alternative to Midjourney
Imagiyo, a new AI image generator, introduces a $29 lifetime subscription, targeting cost-conscious creators. While its NSFW-friendly policy and budget pricing appeal to many, early feedback suggests image quality may lag behind competitors like Midjourney. Will its one-time fee offer long-term value?
Aura App Uses AI to Help Parents Track Children’s Online Behaviour and Mental Health
A new AI-driven app called Aura, launched by entrepreneur Hari Ravichandran, offers parents insights into their children’s online activities. Designed to detect subtle changes in behavior linked to mental health issues, the app aims to support families navigating the digital world by promoting awareness, communication, and early intervention.
Germany's Helsing Urges NATO to Build AI-Integrated 'Drone Wall' on Eastern Flank
German defense company Helsing has proposed a radical shift in NATO’s defense strategy with an AI-powered “drone wall” along its eastern flank. Co-CEO Gundbert Scherf calls for smart combat and surveillance drones to replace outdated Cold War-era thinking. The plan highlights rapid deployment, satellite integration, and expanded applications across air and sea defense systems.
Brennan Center Urges AI Safeguards to Protect U.S. Democracy Post-2024 Election
In its latest report, the Brennan Center for Justice highlights how generative AI shaped the 2024 elections and offers a bold roadmap to protect democracy in the AI era. With federal AI policy in flux, the report urges states to lead efforts in ensuring transparency, accountability, and electoral integrity.
Could the Job Market Face a Dot-Com Bust Redux in 2025?
As the 25th anniversary of the dot-com bubble passes, the U.S. labour market shows familiar signs of strength—tight conditions, tech optimism, and rising wages. But with AI-driven disruption, policy shifts, and global tensions, experts warn the economy may be walking a fine line between stability and shock.
AI-Powered HVAC Systems: A Step Toward Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Heating and cooling buildings accounts for 18% of global energy use—but AI could help reduce that. From New York to Stockholm, smart HVAC systems are slashing energy costs and carbon emissions. Yet, concerns about AI's own power consumption and environmental toll highlight the need for balanced solutions.
Amazon’s Alexa-Suno Integration Sparks AI Music Copyright Battle
Amazon’s recent Alexa Plus demo featuring Suno, an AI-driven song generator, has unexpectedly triggered a major copyright clash with the music industry. With lawsuits from top labels and concerns over fair use, the integration raises questions about the legality of AI-generated music and Amazon’s alliances with rights holders.
Meta AI Launches Across Europe with Text-Only Features for GDPR Compliance
Meta has finally introduced its AI chatbot to European users, offering text-only features on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. The limited launch follows a year of discussions with regulators over data privacy concerns. While missing advanced functionalities, Meta plans to expand as it aligns with EU requirements.
Europol Warns: AI Fueling Rise in Organized Crime, Fraud, and Synthetic Abuse in EU
Europol’s latest SOCTA 2025 report exposes a major shift in organized crime, fueled by AI tools like generative models, deepfakes, and autonomous systems. From multilingual fraud to AI-generated child abuse material and smuggling optimization, the report warns of rising threats and urges stronger cooperation across the EU and beyond.
Cerebras WSE-3 Launches with 900,000 Cores to Rival Nvidia in AI Model Training
Cerebras Systems has launched the WSE-3, its latest AI-focused processor featuring 900,000 cores and built for training massive models. With 125 petaflops of performance and cutting-edge architecture, it powers the CS-3 supercomputer and targets industries from drug discovery to climate modeling.
AI Weighs In: Kai Tak Sports Park Snooker Controversy and “Raising a Child” Excuse
Kai Tak Sports Park’s debut was marred by a mid-match spectator ejection, triggering public backlash. A government official’s “raising a child” analogy drew sharp criticism. AI weighs in: is it sound governance—or just a way to deflect blame for mismanagement?
US Court Rules AI-Generated Art Cannot Be Copyrighted, Affirming Human Authorship in Landmark Case
A U.S. federal appeals court has ruled that AI-generated artworks without human input cannot be copyrighted, upholding the longstanding legal principle that only human creators qualify for copyright protection. The decision follows Stephen Thaler’s challenge to register an AI-created image and underscores the ongoing global debate about AI’s role in intellectual property.
