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Thinking robots, social media bans, new chips, robotaxis, price hikes

Learn more, scroll less. Curated AI/Tech/Business news and articles.

September 26, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

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  • Pulse is a new proactive feature for ChatGPT that delivers personalized updates, visual “cards,” and research based on your past chats, calendar, apps, and preferences.

  • It’s currently available in preview to Pro users on mobile, with optional app integrations and feedback control to tune what appears.

  • OpenAI emphasizes data privacy: Pulse won’t use data to train models for other users, and safety filters are built in to avoid harmful content.

  • After an internal investigation, Microsoft disabled certain cloud and AI services to an Israeli military unit, citing findings that its tech was used for mass surveillance of Palestinians.

  • The move follows reporting that the Israeli Unit 8200 used Microsoft’s infrastructure to store intercepted calls from Gaza and the West Bank.

  • Microsoft affirmed it doesn’t support tech used for mass civilian surveillance, but key cybersecurity contracts with Israel remain unaffected.

  • Meta introduced Vibes, a feed of short-form, AI-generated videos, accessible through the Meta AI app and meta.ai, allowing users to create, remix, and share clips.

  • Videos may begin from scratch or remix those you see by adding visuals, music, or changing style, and you can cross-post to Instagram and Facebook.

  • Meta partnered with Midjourney and Black Forest Labs in early stages, and plans to further develop its own AI models for visual media.

  • Neon, an app that pays users to record phone calls for AI training, went offline after a security flaw allowed access to users’ phone numbers, call recordings, and transcripts.

  • The servers failed to properly restrict access: any logged-in user could fetch data belonging to others.

  • The founder shut down the service temporarily and sent a vague email to users about reinforcing security, but didn’t explicitly inform them about the data breach.

  • DeepMind introduced robotics models that can reason before acting, enabling robots to plan multi-step tasks rather than just following instructions.

  • The system combines embodied reasoning (in-environment planning) with action models that translate plans into physical moves.

  • It marks a shift toward robots that can adapt to novel situations without bespoke programming.

  • Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis said his government is exploring banning social media access for minors under 16, citing concerns about online safety and AI influence.

  • The proposal came during a UN event on protecting children in the digital age, drawing inspiration from similar policies abroad.

  • He acknowledged implementation challenges but argued they shouldn’t deter action on youth protection.

  • Qualcomm revealed its next-gen Windows PC chips: Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme, built on a 3nm process.

  • The Extreme variant can hit up to 5.0 GHz on select cores, and the new chips bring improvements in AI, graphics, and energy efficiency.

  • Devices using these chips are expected to launch in early 2026, aiming to compete with Intel, AMD, and Apple silicon.

  • Waymo launched “Waymo for Business,” a program enabling employers to set up accounts, manage budgets, and track ride activity for employees.

  • Companies can subsidize rides or issue promo codes while maintaining oversight of travel spending.

  • The offering mirrors existing ride-hailing business plans but applies it to autonomous, electric robotaxis.

  • Instagram has achieved 3 billion monthly active users, joining Meta’s other huge platforms in scale.

  • Growth has been driven largely by Reels (short-form video), private messaging (DMs), and recommendation algorithms.

  • Upcoming changes: easier access to Reels and DMs in navigation, algorithm tweaks that give users more control over topics shown, and tests to make Reels the default launch view in some countries.

  • Kubota unveiled a concept tractor that is both hydrogen fuel cell powered and autonomous, showcased at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.

  • The machine delivers about 100 horsepower, is driverless (no seat), can be remotely controlled within network range, and runs for about half a day per refueling.

  • Its aim is to address labor shortages and sustainability in agriculture, reducing emissions while boosting efficiency.

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