NerdNews

OpenAI's GPT-4o image generation is a new feature that allows users to generate high-quality images directly in the ChatGPT interface. It has unmatched quality in text generation and information visualization, and can follow complex instructions, generate readable text, and keep a character consistent across scenes. However, it's not the fastest and is not yet production-ready out of the box.

Autodesk has announced new features for Maya and 3ds Max, including the Golaem plug-in for crowd simulation, Flow Animating in Context, and AI-powered Machine Learning Deformer. These updates aim to speed up workflows and improve efficiency. The Golaem plug-in allows for easier crowd simulation, while Flow Animating in Context integrates surrounding shots into Maya's timeline for better continuity. The AI-powered Machine Learning Deformer has also been improved, loading 40 times faster and reducing disk space usage by 80%.

Nvidia has released G-Assist, an AI chatbot that runs on your GPU, allowing for local AI processing without the need for cloud connectivity. The chatbot is designed for gamers and can optimize system settings, provide game-specific suggestions, and control third-party peripherals. However, it's still experimental and can cause performance drops in games due to high GPU usage.

OpenAI will add support for Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP) across its products, enabling AI models to draw data from various sources and complete tasks more effectively. MCP is an open-source standard that allows developers to build two-way connections between data sources and AI-powered applications.

Brisk, an AI edtech startup, has raised $15M in funding to develop its platform that helps teachers identify signs of AI-generated writing and provides tools for educators to work more efficiently. The platform uses generative AI, computer vision, and other AI features to assist with tasks such as writing lesson plans, grading work, and providing feedback to students.

Bill Gates believes AI will automate most tasks, leaving only three jobs safe: coding, biology, and energy. He thinks humans will need to decide how to use AI and reserve certain tasks for themselves, potentially leading to a shorter workweek. Gates' comments have implications for creatives, who may need to adapt to working with AI or focus on tasks that require human skills like strategy and relationship-building.

JavaOne 2025 Day 2 covered topics such as Foreign Function & Memory API, virtual threads, platform engineering, and the evolution of Jakarta EE. The Foreign Function & Memory API aims to replace the Java Native Interface, while virtual threads in Helidon enable fast and robust Java microservices. Platform engineering can simplify manual handling of Kubernetes tasks, and Jakarta EE 11 brings updated specifications and new features.

Nischal HP discusses the role of data credibility in combating greenwashing and enabling climate action. He shares how technology can create verifiable data on carbon sequestration, empowering farmers and corporations to participate in carbon markets. AI and machine learning models can predict agricultural practices and estimate carbon sequestration, helping to build a new economy based on sustainable development.

Flow metrics help detect congestion in microservices by measuring work-in-progress (WIP) and age of requests. This approach enables servers to limit WIP and age, preventing cascading failures and improving resilience. By implementing flow metrics, developers can design more robust systems that provide a better quality of service to clients.

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has published new quantum-safe encryption standards, including a key encapsulation mechanism with access control (KEMAC) called Covercrypt. This standard allows for data encryption based on user-attributes, which are kept anonymous, and enables organizations to transition to quantum-safe cryptography.

Earth AI's algorithms have identified promising deposits of critical minerals in Australia, using AI to scan wide areas quickly and efficiently. The company's technology has the potential to revolutionize the mining industry by finding deposits that might have been overlooked. Earth AI has discovered deposits of copper, cobalt, and gold in the Northern Territory and silver, molybdenum, and tin at another site in New South Wales.

Waymo will launch a robotaxi service in Washington, D.C. in 2026, pending updates to the district's permitting rules. The company will work with policymakers to allow fully autonomous vehicles on public roads. Waymo already operates in Phoenix, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Austin, and plans to expand to Miami and other cities.

Google releases Gemini 2.5 Pro Experimental, its 'most intelligent' model yet, with a massive context window, multimodality, and reasoning capabilities, outperforming other large language models in benchmarks and user testing.

Amazon's Alexa Fund has expanded its scope to invest in AI startups, including those working on AI-enabled hardware, smart agents, and generative media. The fund has invested in four new startups: NinjaTech AI, Hedra, Ario, and HeyBoss, which are working on various AI-powered projects such as chatbots, content creation, and family management apps.

Amazon's new 'Interests' feature uses large language models to provide personalized product suggestions based on user prompts, available on the Amazon Shopping app and mobile website, with plans to expand to more US customers

23andMe's genetic data, considered a 'gold mine' for AI companies, is up for sale after the company's bankruptcy. The data could be valuable for training AI models, but its sale raises concerns about privacy and ethics. Companies like Google and OpenAI may be interested in acquiring the data, but face reputational risks due to the sensitive nature of genetic information.

Tesla's Supercharger network is expanding to multiple EV brands, including GM, Ford, Rivian, and more, with some brands offering adapters for existing customers and others integrating the North American Charging Standard (NACS) into their new vehicles.

Waymo plans to expand its driverless Waymo One service to Washington DC in 2026, but needs regulatory approval first. The company will work with policymakers to formalize regulations for operating without a human driver. Waymo has tested vehicles in DC for years and will introduce its services to local communities and emergency responders.

A journalist was accidentally added to a Signal group where US officials, including the Secretary of Defense and Vice President, discussed secret military plans, including airstrikes on Yemen-based Houthi insurgents. The conversation was leaked, revealing sensitive information such as launch times and targets.

Multiple Oracle customers have confirmed that data samples shared by a threat actor are valid, contradicting Oracle's denial of a breach. The threat actor claims to have stolen authentication data and encrypted passwords of 6 million users, which could be decrypted using stolen files. Oracle has refused to respond to further questions about the incident.