xAI's AI Model 'Grok 4' Now Free Globally with Ads and Usage Limits
xAI's AI model 'Grok 4' becomes globally available for free usage with ads and usage limits, allowing wider access while introducing monetization strategies to sustain operations.
Consumer Behavior
AI Frenzy Propels Tech Valuations Beyond Dot-Com Bubble Highs
In a frenzy reminiscent of the dot-com bubble, AI mania propels tech valuations to dizzying heights, with price-to-earnings ratios of S&P 500's largest companies surpassing 1999 peaks, prompting analysts to caution against 'frothy' market sentiment and potential pullback in AI stocks.
Pinterest CEO Tempers Expectations for AI Shopping Agents, Cites Challenges
Pinterest's CEO tempers expectations for AI shopping agents, citing challenges like low-quality AI-generated content and potential user bans due to AI moderation systems, while positioning Pinterest as an 'AI-enabled shopping assistant' that recommends products aligned with users' interests.
Apple Loses Key AI Talent as Siri Lags Behind Rivals
Apple faces setbacks in AI race as around a dozen key AI talents, including Ruoming Pang, head of Apple's Foundational Models team, depart for rivals like Meta and OpenAI, hindering efforts to integrate large language models and update Siri, which lags behind competitors.
Samsung Secures Deal to Produce iPhone 18 Camera Sensors in Texas, Challenging Sony's Dominance
In a groundbreaking move, Samsung secures a deal to manufacture advanced three-layer stacked camera sensors for Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 at its Texas facility, challenging Sony's long-standing dominance as the sole supplier and allowing Apple to circumvent tariffs on foreign-made chips.
AI Powers Multilingual Conversations, Amazon Expands Wearables, Meta Acquires Voice AI
In a groundbreaking move, AI facilitates multilingual dialogues as Lex Fridman and Mark Zuckerberg converse in Hindi, Amazon expands into wearable AI by acquiring 'Bee,' and Meta acquires voice AI firm PlayAI, revolutionizing communication and interaction.
Toy Sales Surge: Adult Toys Soar as Licensed Products Dominate
The U.S. toy industry sees a 6% sales increase in the first half of 2025, with licensed toys up 18% driven by video games and movies, while adult toy sales surge 18%, offsetting declines in the 3-5 age group.
Musk Revives Vine Archive, Allowing Users to Relive Viral Moments
In a nostalgic move, Elon Musk revives the Vine video archive, allowing users to relive and share viral moments from the once-popular short-form video platform, although the ability to create new Vines remains unavailable.
Apple Hits 3 Billion iPhone Milestone, Teases Ultra-Thin iPhone 17 Air
Apple celebrates 3 billion iPhones shipped since 2007, announces ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air with 6.6-inch screen and single camera lens for $900 amid double-digit iPhone growth.
Fundamental Research Labs Secures $33M to Develop AI Agents for Consumer and Business Use
Fundamental Research Labs secures $33 million to develop AI agents like Fairies, a consumer assistant, Shortcut for financial analysis, and digital humans, focusing initially on productivity apps across various industries.