NerdNews

Luma's new AI model, Ray3 Modify, allows users to generate videos from a start and end frame, preserving the performance of the original footage. The model can also modify existing footage by providing character reference images, retaining the actor's original motion, timing, eye line, and emotional delivery.

Google has delayed its plans to replace Google Assistant with Gemini on Android devices until 2026. The company wants to ensure a seamless transition and has already brought Gemini to Wear OS smartwatches, Android Auto, and Nest devices. Once the transition is complete, users will no longer be able to access Google Assistant on devices that meet the minimum requirements to run Gemini.

Ars Technica tested four AI coding agents (OpenAI Codex, Anthropic Claude Code, Google Gemini CLI, and Mistral Vibe) on rebuilding the classic game Minesweeper. The agents were given a prompt to create a full-featured web version with sound effects and a surprise gameplay feature. OpenAI Codex performed the best, including the crucial 'chording' feature and a fun 'Lucky Sweep Bonus'. Claude Code also did well, with strong presentation and quick generation time. Mistral Vibe and Google Gemini CLI had significant issues, with Gemini failing to produce a working game.

OpenAI engineers share lessons from building Codex and launching an app with it. Key takeaways include onboarding AI like a new hire, not overloading context, and letting AI work like a computer. The team also emphasizes the importance of architecture and code review when working with AI tools.

WorkBeaver's CEO, Bars Juhasz, discusses the need for responsible AI adoption, focusing on the demand side and helping people become comfortable with AI. The company's approach differs from others by prioritizing staff and worker needs, rather than top-down directives. WorkBeaver's tech uses a menu-driven interface and AI agents to automate tasks, with a focus on privacy and security.

OpenAI's ChatGPT update introduces options to adjust the AI's warmth and enthusiasm, as well as its use of emoji, headers, and lists. Users can also edit emails directly within the chat, making it easier to update and format text.

Humanoid robots are being developed by major tech companies, but the tech doesn't match the hype yet. China is investing heavily in robotics, and companies like Tesla, Nvidia, and Meta are working on humanoid robots. However, actual use cases are slim, and impressive demos are often staged or teleoperated.

Waymo suspended its robotaxi service in San Francisco after a massive blackout caused many of its vehicles to stall on city streets. The company has since resumed service, stating that it is committed to ensuring its technology adjusts to traffic flow during such events.

Scammers in China are using AI-generated images to deceive ecommerce sites into issuing refunds. The scam involves generating fake photos and videos of damaged products, which are then submitted as evidence to support refund claims. This trend is not unique to China, with a fraud detection company reporting a 15% increase in AI-doctored images used in refund claims globally.

OpenAI now allows users to adjust ChatGPT's personality by tweaking its warmth and enthusiasm levels, offering more, less, or default options. This update comes after user complaints about the chatbot's tone, particularly with the GPT-5.2 release. The new customization options are available in the Personalization settings, allowing users to fine-tune ChatGPT's responses to their preferences.

Trump Media & Technology Group is merging with TAE Technologies, a fusion power company, in a $6B+ deal. The merger aims to expand Trump Media's presence in the fusion power space and generate clean energy.

A power outage in San Francisco caused Waymo's autonomous vehicles to stop moving, leading to traffic jams across the city. The vehicles were unable to navigate without functioning traffic lights and reliable wireless data connections. Waymo has since resumed its ride-hailing services in the area.

Google has filed a lawsuit against SerpApi, a company that offers tools to scrape content on the web, including Google’s search results. SerpApi is accused of violating the Copyright Act by using 'deceptive means' to automatically access and take Google’s search results 'at an astonishing scale' before selling the data to customers.

The US Department of Energy has signed agreements with 24 organizations, including OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, to advance the Genesis project, which aims to use AI to drive scientific discoveries. The project, kicked off by an executive order from President Trump, aims to create an integrated Science and Security Platform for the US by pulling together supercomputers and other resources across the DOE's 17 National Laboratories.

Apple's SHARP AI model can convert 2D images into 3D gaussian splats in under a second, using a single forward pass through a neural network. This technology has the potential to revolutionize 3D content creation and could give Apple an edge in AI-driven 3D workflows.

Google will charge developers $2.85 for every app and $3.65 for every game a user installs within 24 hours of clicking a link that takes them outside Google's app store. The company will also take a 20 percent cut of any in-app purchases and 10 percent of any auto-renewing subscriptions.

A Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, has been accused of using Ploutus malware to steal millions of dollars from ATMs across the US. The gang allegedly deployed the malware on ATMs, allowing them to dispense cash without being detected. The US Department of Justice has charged 54 alleged members of the gang in connection with the attacks.

Rad Power Bikes and Luminar, a lidar maker, have filed for bankruptcy. Rad Power Bikes will continue to operate while seeking a buyer, while Luminar plans to sell off its business. This news comes as the transportation industry faces significant changes, including the growth of robotaxis and the challenges faced by EV manufacturers.

The European Commission has revised its plan to ban gas-powered cars by 2035, allowing 10% of new car sales to be hybrids. This change has sparked concern among electric startups and their investors, who fear it may harm electrification progress and undermine Europe's competitiveness in the global EV market.

Airbus is preparing to migrate its mission-critical workloads to a digitally sovereign European cloud, driven by the need for access to new software and concerns over data sovereignty. The company estimates an 80% chance of finding a suitable provider, with a contract worth over €50 million to be awarded in the next few months.