Top 10 A.I. Developments This Week
Robot burger flippers at McDonald's are one thing - but AI journalists at the BBC?
Trying something new.
We’re moving quickly towards hyper-intelligence, and it’s hard to keep pace with all the developments, so I’ve distilled it down to ten of the biggest moves in the past seven days.
Please hit reply (or comment below) if you’d like me to keep our Surviving Tomorrow community up-to-date with regular recaps about our AI overlords.
1. xAI’s Grok-Imagine Tool: xAI launched Grok-Imagine, an AI tool for generating images and videos without explicit safety restrictions — they even have a “Spicy Mode” (eww) — sparking debates about creative freedom versus ethical concerns. This tool aims to empower content creators but has raised questions about responsible AI deployment.
Humanspeak:
Elon Musk’s team just made a way for millions of pervs to start creating their own porn from images of classmates and celebrities.
2. OpenAI’s GPT-OSS Models: OpenAI released two open-weight reasoning models, gpt-oss-120b and gpt-oss-20b, under an Apache 2.0 license, offering advanced reasoning capabilities and improved safety features for complex tasks like coding and problem-solving. These models democratize access to high-performance AI, enabling developers to build innovative applications without proprietary restrictions.
Humanspeak:
After loads of rightful criticism, ChatGPT’s parent company is trying to pretend like they’re being a bit more “open”… suggesting they’ve actually got some massively more advanced tech brewing in their back pocket.
3. Google’s Genie 3 World Model: DeepMind unveiled Genie 3, a world model designed to simulate 3D environments, advancing AI’s ability to understand and interact with spatial contexts. This breakthrough is a potential stepping stone toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), with applications in robotics and virtual reality.
Humanspeak:
Pretty soon, we’ll all be designing our own video games in seconds.
4. Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.1: Anthropic introduced Claude Opus 4.1, a state-of-the-art coding model with enhanced reasoning and instruction-following capabilities, positioning it as a top competitor in AI-driven software development. The model’s advanced features support developers in creating complex, reliable codebases.
Humanspeak:
Software developers will soon be the new starving artists/street buskers.
5. WHO’s AI for Health Governance Center: The World Health Organization announced a new AI for Health Governance center to ensure ethical AI development in healthcare, focusing on transparency, fairness, and accountability. This initiative could set global standards for AI applications in medical diagnostics and patient care.
Humanspeak:
Another step toward one-world governance, starting with your health. In the context of for-profit “health” “care” capitalism, we’ll need to keep a far closer eye on who’s sponsoring and controlling health governance. Lockdowns for everybody!
6. McDonald’s AI Deployment: McDonald’s began rolling out AI across its 43,000 locations, integrating smart kitchen equipment, AI-enabled drive-throughs, and predictive maintenance to enhance service speed and reduce employee stress. This large-scale adoption underscores AI’s potential to transform fast-food operations and customer experiences.
Humanspeak:
Fast “food” but faster. And more dehumanizing than it already is.
7. Xiaomi’s Next-Gen AI Voice Model: Xiaomi announced a new AI voice model optimized for in-car and smart home environments, featuring faster response times and offline capabilities. This model aims to rival Apple and Huawei in voice-first ecosystems, enhancing user interactions in connected devices.
Humanspeak:
Her is almost here. Go hug a real human.
8. BBC’s AI-Driven News Department: BBC News launched a new department, BBC News Growth, Innovation, and AI, to integrate AI for tailoring content to individual audience preferences. This move signals a shift toward personalized media experiences, potentially reshaping journalism.
Humanspeak:
The echo chamber intensifies. And more journalists will lose their jobs.
9. FortyTwo’s Decentralized AI Network: FortyTwo, a new startup, raised $2.3 million to build a decentralized peer-to-peer AI network, allowing users to contribute computing resources and participate in model development. This approach challenges centralized AI giants, promoting a collaborative, democratized AI ecosystem.
Humanspeak:
Fun until jihadists learn to weaponize it.
10. Google’s Guided Learning Tool in Gemini: Google introduced a Guided Learning tool in its Gemini AI, designed to compete with OpenAI’s Study Mode by offering personalized educational support through advanced reasoning. This tool enhances Gemini’s utility in academic settings, making learning more interactive and tailored.
Humanspeak:
Teachers are on notice. Hopefully students will get smarter.
Please hit reply or comment below if you’d like me to keep doing AI recaps.
Thanks for the human speak