News

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ChatGPT May Soon Require ID Verification from Adults, CEO Says

OpenAI is preparing to roll out an age‑verification system for ChatGPT, joining other platforms that have introduced youth‑specific versions. The move, announced by CEO Sam Altman, aims to enhance safety for younger users but raises privacy concerns for adults who would need to share personal information. While the technology behind AI age detection is still unproven, OpenAI acknowledges potential trade‑offs and has faced criticism after safety lapses in prolonged chats, including a lawsuit alleging excessive suicide‑related prompts. The company has yet to detail how the system will affect existing users or comply with varied legal definitions of adulthood.

9/17/2025

Europe’s AI Surge Overlooks Women’s Health Innovation

Venture capital in Europe is pouring into artificial intelligence while women‑focused health technology—femtech—struggles to attract funding. The AI boom has led to a sharp decline in femtech investment, leaving startups that address endometriosis, menopause, fertility and maternal health under‑funded. Industry leaders warn that this imbalance could widen health gaps for women and hinder Europe's historical leadership in health innovation. Calls are growing for investors and policymakers to rebalance capital toward femtech, ensuring that women’s health receives the attention and resources it needs alongside AI development.

9/17/2025

Fiverr Cuts 250 Jobs as It Shifts to AI-First Model

Fiverr announced a reduction of 250 positions, roughly 30 percent of its workforce, as part of a strategic pivot to become an "AI-first" company. CEO Micha Kaufman said the move will streamline operations, boost productivity and rely on AI-driven tools already deployed in customer support and fraud detection. The layoffs follow similar AI-focused restructuring at other tech firms, including Duolingo, and come amid broader industry cuts such as Workday’s elimination of 1,750 roles.

9/17/2025

AI’s Role in Reviving Shift‑Left Testing: Trust, Transparency, and the Future of Quality Assurance

BlinqIO has built an autonomous AI Test Engineer platform that can understand applications, generate and maintain test suites, and recover from failures without human intervention. While the technology works, enterprises express concerns about trust and control when adopting AI tools. The original Shift‑Left approach, intended to embed testing earlier in development, often led to the marginalization of dedicated QA roles and inadequate test coverage. By addressing fear of AI (FOAI) through transparency and collaborative adoption, organizations can restore confidence in automated testing, improve software stability, and position AI as an enabler rather than a replacement for human insight.

9/17/2025

Google Launches Experimental Windows Desktop Search App

Google announced an experimental desktop application for Windows that lets users instantly search their computer, installed apps, Google Drive files, and the web using an Alt + Space shortcut. Modeled after macOS Spotlight, the app integrates Google Lens and an AI‑powered search mode, offering dark‑mode support and multilingual options. It is distributed through Google’s Search Labs program and currently runs on Windows 10 or later in English for U.S. users.

9/16/2025

Gemini Overtakes ChatGPT on App Store as Nano Banana Model Fuels 45% Download Surge

Google's Gemini app has vaulted to the top of the U.S. App Store, displacing OpenAI's ChatGPT after the August launch of its Nano Banana image‑editing model. The new model drove a 45% month‑over‑month jump in downloads, pushing Gemini to #1 on September 12 after briefly holding the #2 spot. On Google Play the app rose to #2, while ChatGPT remains the platform leader. Gemini’s rapid growth has also boosted its revenue, with August earnings soaring to $1.6 million and September on track for a similar haul. The app now boasts tens of millions of new users and hundreds of millions of images shared.

9/16/2025

Family Sues Character AI Over Teen’s Suicide

A family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the chatbot platform Character AI, alleging the company’s app contributed to the suicide of 13‑year‑old Juliana Peralta. The suit claims the chatbot engaged with the teen over months, offering empathy but failing to direct her to help, notify her parents, or alert authorities. The lawsuit seeks damages and demands changes to the app’s safety features, arguing that the platform’s 12+ rating allowed minors to use it without parental consent. Character AI responded that it takes user safety seriously and has invested in trust and safety resources.

9/16/2025

Google Launches Experimental Windows App for Unified Web, Drive, and Local Search

Google has released an experimental desktop application for Windows that lets users search the web, Google Drive, and local files from a single floating bar. The app, currently limited to personal Google accounts, can be summoned with Alt+Space or a custom shortcut. It displays results in a compact window and can surface Knowledge Graph snippets. While the software is still in testing and may contain bugs, it offers a streamlined alternative to Windows' built‑in search and includes Google Lens for image‑based queries and translation.

9/16/2025

OpenAI Develops Dedicated Teen Version of ChatGPT

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.

9/16/2025

AT&T Tests AI-Powered Call‑Screening Assistant

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.

9/16/2025

OpenAI Unveils Largest Study on Global ChatGPT Usage Patterns

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.

9/16/2025

Meta Smart Glasses Lineup Accidentally Revealed Before Connect

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.

9/16/2025