News

Microsoft Unveils Mico, the New Face of Copilot AI in Its Fall Release

Microsoft introduced its Copilot Fall Release on Thursday, spotlighting a new AI chatbot persona named Mico. Designed as an expressive, customizable companion, Mico serves as the official successor to the classic Clippy. The optional avatar can change colors, animate, and even perform cartwheel‑like motions, aiming to make voice interactions feel more natural. A hidden Easter egg lets users tap the avatar until it temporarily transforms into Clippy, while a "real talk" feature promises conversational nuance. The announcement video highlights Mico at the 42‑minute mark, underscoring Microsoft's push toward a more personable AI experience.

Study Links Low‑Quality Training Data to Diminished Large Language Model Performance

Researchers from Texas A&M, the University of Texas and Purdue University have introduced the “LLM brain rot hypothesis,” suggesting that continual pre‑training on low‑quality web text can cause lasting cognitive decline in large language models. Their pre‑print paper analyzes a HuggingFace dataset of 100 million tweets, separating “junk” tweets—identified by high engagement yet short length or superficial, click‑bait content—from higher‑quality samples. Early results show a 76 percent agreement between automated classifications and graduate‑student evaluations, highlighting the potential risks of indiscriminate data ingestion for AI systems.

OpenAI Acquires Sky AI Interface from Software Applications, Boosting Mac Capabilities

OpenAI announced it has acquired Software Applications, Inc., the developer of Sky—a desktop AI assistant for Mac that can see the screen and act within apps. The purchase brings together OpenAI's large language models with a product designed to work alongside users throughout their day, from writing to coding. Sky’s founders, Ari Weinstein and Conrad Kramer, previously sold Workflow to Apple, where it became Shortcuts, while co‑founder Kim Beverett spent a decade at Apple on Safari and other core services. The deal, led by OpenAI executives Nick Turley and Fidji Simo, adds a new layer to Apple’s emerging AI ecosystem, which includes Apple Intelligence and a partnership that routes Siri queries to ChatGPT.

Microsoft Rolls Out Copilot Mode in Edge Browser

Microsoft has introduced Copilot Mode to its Edge browser, offering AI‑driven assistance such as Actions and Journeys. The feature, available in a limited preview for U.S. users, lets people talk to the browser, have it perform tasks, and revisit previous browsing sessions. Edge now joins competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT Atlas, Perplexity’s Comet, and Google’s Gemini in Chrome, intensifying the AI‑focused browser wars. Users can toggle the mode on or off, and Microsoft says data collection is limited to improving the experience while preserving privacy.

Meta Introduces AI Photo and Video Editing Tools Directly in Instagram Stories

Meta has rolled out AI‑powered photo and video editing features that users can access straight from Instagram Stories. By tapping the paintbrush icon and selecting the “Restyle” menu, creators can enter text prompts to add, remove, or change elements in their media, from hair color to background scenery. The rollout expands upon earlier AI capabilities that were limited to chatbot interactions, adding preset effects, style filters, and video overlays such as snow or flames. Meta also highlighted related AI updates, including a new AI‑generated video feed called “Vibes” and upcoming parental‑control options that let parents manage AI chat interactions for teen users.

EA Partners with Stability AI to Develop Transformative Game‑Making Tools

Electronic Arts announced a partnership with Stability AI, the creator of the Stable Diffusion model, to co‑develop AI models, tools, and workflows that will help artists, designers, and developers reimagine game content creation. EA emphasizes that AI will act as a trusted ally while keeping humans at the center of storytelling. Early projects include accelerating physically based rendering material creation and enabling AI‑driven pre‑visualization of 3D environments. The move reflects EA’s broader push to embed AI across its operations and aligns with industry trends toward AI‑first strategies.

Turbo AI Scales to Millions with AI‑Powered Note‑Taking Platform

Turbo AI, founded by 20‑year‑old college dropouts Rudy Arora and Sarthak Dhawan, has grown from one million to five million users within six months. The Los Angeles‑based startup offers an AI‑driven note‑taking and study tool that records, transcribes, summarizes, and creates flashcards, quizzes, and a chat assistant. Its user base now includes students at top universities and professionals at firms such as Goldman Sachs and McKinsey. With eight‑figure annual recurring revenue, cash‑flow positivity, and a cautious $750,000 funding round, Turbo AI remains profitable while exploring new pricing models.

AI Adoption Surges Amid Growing Privacy and Security Concerns, Deloitte Survey Finds

A Deloitte survey of U.S. consumers shows that while more than half are experimenting with or regularly using generative AI, a majority also express strong worries about privacy and security. About four in ten respondents pay for AI services, yet concerns about data misuse, inaccurate results, and companies’ focus on competition over problem solving persist. Users increasingly verify AI outputs and remain reluctant to share personal data, highlighting a trust gap that tech firms must address.

Hundreds of Prominent Figures Call for a Ban on AI Superintelligence Development

Over 700 high‑profile individuals, including AI pioneers and celebrities, have signed a statement demanding a halt to the creation of artificial superintelligence until it can be proven safe. The petition warns that unchecked AI could threaten freedom, national security, and even human survival. A recent poll shows a clear public desire for stricter regulation, with a majority opposing rapid, unregulated AI progress. The movement reflects growing unease about the pace of AI advances and calls for stronger oversight before further development.

Amazon's New AI Shopping Tool 'Help Me Decide' Will Assist You in Choosing What to Buy

China’s New Five-Year Plan Targets Technological Self‑Reliance

China has unveiled a draft five-year plan that emphasizes technological self‑reliance and reduced exposure to foreign pressure. The proposal highlights development in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, while seeking to boost domestic consumption and lessen reliance on exports. It builds on the previous plan launched during the earlier U.S. administration and reflects ongoing trade tensions between Beijing and Washington.

Microsoft Expands Edge Copilot Mode Amid AI Browser Race with OpenAI's Atlas

Microsoft introduced a fresh set of capabilities for its Edge browser’s Copilot Mode, positioning it as an AI‑driven companion that can view and reason over open tabs, summarize content, and perform actions like filling forms or booking hotels. The rollout, which follows a similar launch of OpenAI’s Atlas browser, adds new “Actions” and “Journeys” features and builds on the earlier July debut of basic Copilot functionality. The move underscores a growing competition to embed artificial intelligence directly into web browsers.