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Artificial Intelligence

AI Models from OpenAI and Google Achieve Gold Medal Scores at International Math Olympiad

AI models from OpenAI and Google DeepMind independently achieved gold medal scores at the 2025 International Math Olympiad (IMO). Both companies entered "informal" systems that ingested questions and generated proof-based answers in natural language.

OpenAI and Google researchers claimed these gold medal performances represent breakthroughs in AI reasoning models in non-verifiable domains. Google raised questions about OpenAI's announcement, citing a lack of official evaluation by IMO.

OpenAI used third-party evaluators to grade its AI model, while Google worked with IMO organizers and waited for official grading before announcing its results. The debate highlights how quickly AI models are improving, with both OpenAI and Google's AI models scoring higher than most high school students at IMO.

Privacy & Security

Spyware Mogul Seeks Reversal of Surveillance Industry Ban Amid Data Breach Concerns

Scott Zuckerman, founder of a spyware company previously banned from the surveillance industry, is petitioning the FTC to lift the ban. The ban, imposed in 2021 after a data breach at his company SpyFone exposed sensitive user data, requires Zuckerman to maintain cybersecurity practices and undergo audits.

Zuckerman claims the ban creates an "unnecessary burden" due to compliance costs. Critics argue against lifting the ban, citing Zuckerman's history of data breaches and continued involvement in spyware operations, such as the SpyTrac app, even after the ban.

The FTC's decision, overseen by Trump-appointed chair Andrew Ferguson, will be a key test for the agency's cybersecurity enforcement. Public feedback on Zuckerman's petition is open until August 19.

Technology

Teens Embrace AI Companions for Social Practice and Entertainment: A New Study

A recent study by Common Sense Media reveals that 72% of U.S. teens have experimented with AI companions, engaging in personal conversations rather than using them solely as assistants. The study highlights that 52% of these teens are regular users, with some chatting daily or a few times a week. While AI companions are used for entertainment, curiosity, and advice, half of the teens express distrust in the information provided.

Interestingly, one-third find these AI conversations more satisfying than those with real-life friends, and 39% use them to practice social skills for real-world interactions. Despite the increasing use of AI companions, the study indicates that 80% of teens still spend more time with real friends, suggesting that technology hasn't fully replaced human interaction.

Artificial Intelligence

ChatGPT's Explosive Growth: 2.5 Billion Daily Prompts

OpenAI's ChatGPT now processes 2.5 billion prompts daily from users worldwide, with 330 million originating from the U.S. This highlights the increasing prevalence of the AI chatbot.

In comparison, Google handles approximately 14 billion daily searches. However, ChatGPT's growth is remarkable, having more than doubled its search volume in about 8 months, from 1 billion queries per day in December.

Military Technology

Rune Technologies Secures $24M to Modernize Military Logistics with AI-Powered Software

Rune Technologies, founded by ex-Anduril and Meta employees, has raised a $24 million Series A round to develop AI-enabled software, TyrOS, for military logistics. TyrOS aims to replace manual processes with intelligent supply webs that predict needs and optimize resources, even in disconnected environments.

The U.S. Army and Marine Corps are already piloting the system. TyrOS uses deep learning to forecast supply and demand, considering environmental and supply variables. Its edge-first architecture allows operation without constant server connectivity.

Rune is integrating generative AI for real-time battle space analysis and has partnered with Palantir. The company envisions connecting tactical data to strategic decision-making, potentially influencing defense production.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Browsers Enhance User Experience with Prompt Automation

AI-powered browsers like Dia and Comet are introducing features to simplify repetitive tasks. Dia has launched a skill gallery where users can copy prompts for various tasks, while Comet is preparing to launch ready-made shortcuts for tasks like organizing tabs and preparing for meetings. Comet will also allow users to create custom scripts using natural language prompts.

Robotics and Automation

Cartken Shifts Gears: From Food Delivery to Industrial Robotics

Autonomous robotics startup Cartken, known for its delivery robots, is shifting its focus to the industrial sector. The company has seen increased demand for its robots in factories and labs, leading to the development of larger robots like the Cartken Hauler.

Cartken's robots are capable of navigating both indoor and outdoor environments, thanks to data collected from food delivery operations. The company is expanding its partnership with Mitsubishi, with Melco Mobility Solutions ordering nearly 100 Cartken Hauler robots for use in Japanese industrial facilities.

While Cartken will continue its last-mile delivery business, it will not be expanding it, focusing instead on industrial applications across various sectors, including automotive, pharmaceutical, and chemical companies.

Government & Defense

Microsoft Restricts China-Based Engineers from US Department of Defense Projects

Following a report highlighting the use of China-based engineers to maintain cloud computing systems for the U.S. Department of Defense, Microsoft has announced changes to prevent this practice moving forward. The previous system involved "digital escorts" supervising the engineers, but concerns were raised about the escorts' technical expertise. Microsoft's chief communications officer, Frank X. Shaw, stated that no China-based engineering teams will provide technical assistance for DoD Government cloud and related services.

Business and Acquisitions

Windsurf's Acquisition by Cognition: From Bleakness to a Deal That Cares for Employees

Jeff Wang, Windsurf's interim CEO, shared details about the company's acquisition by Cognition following a failed deal with OpenAI and the departure of key executives to Google DeepMind.

The initial news of the Google deal and executive departures led to a demoralized team, but Wang and Cognition executives negotiated an acquisition that prioritized employee payouts, waived cliffs, and accelerated vesting for Windsurf equity.

Wang highlighted the complementary nature of the two companies, with Cognition's strong engineering team and Windsurf's go-to-market and marketing expertise creating a synergistic fit.

The acquisition was finalized quickly, turning what Wang described as "probably the worst day of 250 people’s lives" into "probably the best day."

Cybersecurity

Unveiling the Best Cyber Security Reads: A Journey Through Hacking, Espionage, and Digital Surveillance

This curated list highlights essential cybersecurity books covering a range of topics from historical hacks to modern digital espionage.
Key Highlights:
  • Countdown to Zero Day: Explores the Stuxnet cyberattack on Iran's nuclear facility.
  • Dark Wire: Uncovers the FBI's Operation Trojan Shield, a daring sting operation against global criminals.
  • The Cuckoo’s Egg: Recounts Cliff Stoll's investigation of a $0.75 discrepancy that led to uncovering a KGB cyberespionage operation.
  • Your Face Belongs to Us: Investigates the rise of Clearview AI and the implications of facial recognition technology.
  • Cult of the Dead Cow: Chronicles the history of the influential hacking supergroup and their impact on the internet.
  • Hack to the Future: Provides a comprehensive history of the hacking world and its evolution.
  • Tracers in the Dark: Details investigations into cryptocurrency-related crimes and the takedown of dark web marketplaces.
  • Dark Mirror: Offers an inside look at Edward Snowden's leaks and the U.S. government's global surveillance operations.
These books offer valuable insights into the world of cybersecurity, from its historical roots to its current challenges and implications.