OpenAI launches its new Sora 2 video model and a social app

OpenAI has released Sora 2, an updated version of its text-to-video generation model, alongside a new social app for iOS called “Sora.” The launch marks the company’s most significant move into social applications, allowing users to create and share AI-generated videos. The app is initially available by invitation in the U.S. and Canada. The new …

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Debut of AI actress sparks backlash from Hollywood actors

The announcement of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress, has ignited a debate within the entertainment industry. The creator, Eline Van der Velden, introduced Norwood at the Zurich Summit, stating that multiple talent agencies are already interested in representing the digital character. Van der Velden, whose AI talent studio Xicoia developed Norwood, said her goal is …

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YouTube is Google’s key to dominating the AI era, analyst argues

While many focus on artificial intelligence’s impact on Google Search, the company’s video platform YouTube is best positioned to be the biggest beneficiary of the technology. Ben Thompson writes on his website Stratechery that YouTube’s business model is perfectly suited to leverage AI for both content creation and monetization. According to Thompson, AI represents a …

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AI podcast startup defends mass content production amid industry criticism

Inception Point AI produces 3,000 podcast episodes weekly and maintains profitability with just 20 listeners per show. Ashley Carman reports for Bloomberg. Co-founder Jeanine Wright says the company will continue its AI-driven approach despite widespread industry backlash calling the content “slop.” Wright predicts AI will become the default content creation method within 12 to 24 …

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OpenAI improves shopping feature for ChatGPT users

OpenAI has introduced Instant Checkout, allowing users to purchase products directly through its ChatGPT chatbot. Ashley Capoot reports for CNBC. The feature initially supports single-item purchases from U.S. Etsy sellers and is available to all U.S. ChatGPT users. More than one million Shopify merchants, including brands like Skims and Glossier, will join the platform soon. …

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Microsoft introduces Agent Mode for automated Office tasks

Microsoft has launched Agent Mode for Excel and Word, along with Office Agent in Copilot chat, marking a significant expansion of AI capabilities in its productivity suite. The company calls this approach “vibe working,” comparing it to the concept of “vibe coding” where users create complex outputs through simple prompts. Agent Mode represents a more …

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Claude Sonnet 4.5 can operate autonomously longer than ever

Anthropic announced Claude Sonnet 4.5, an AI model that can operate autonomously for up to 30 hours on complex tasks. The company demonstrated this capability by having the model create a chat application similar to Slack, producing 11,000 lines of code before stopping upon task completion. The new model represents a significant improvement over Anthropic’s …

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Anthropic plans major global expansion in 2026

AI company Anthropic plans to triple its international workforce and expand its applied AI team fivefold next year. The move is a response to soaring global demand for its Claude family of AI models. MacKenzie Sigalos reports for CNBC. According to the company, nearly 80 percent of Claude’s activity now comes from outside the United …

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A record deal for an AI-generated artist raises copyright questions

Record company Hallwood Media has signed a deal with lyricist Telisha “Nikki” Jones, the human creator behind the popular AI-generated R&B artist Xania Monet. Elissa Welle reports for The Verge that the deal highlights significant legal uncertainties surrounding AI and copyright. Xania Monet has over a million listens on Spotify, but her likeness, vocals, and …

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Spotify updates its policies for AI-generated music

Spotify is introducing a series of policy changes to manage AI-generated content on its platform. The updates include a new system for labeling AI music, a spam filter to catch fraudulent uploads, and a clearer ban on unauthorized voice clones. Sarah Perez reports for TechCrunch. For labeling, the company will adopt the upcoming DDEX industry …

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