Top 10 AI News
Top AI & Technology News
AI Minted More Than 50 New Billionaires In 2025
Record activity in the AI sector this year has boosted dozens of founders and business executives into the billionaire ranks. Rapid AI investment and company growth created more than fifty new billionaires in 2025, according to Forbes’s analysis. The surge underscores how AI breakthroughs and funding are elevating entrepreneurs and investors to extraordinary wealth levels.
As OpenAI Shifts To For-Profit, Its Foundation Controls $130 Billion. Who Benefits?
Concentrated wealth can blur the line between public purpose and private influence. OpenAI’s recent conversion to a for-profit model leaves its non-profit arm controlling about $130 billion in assets. This arrangement raises questions about how the vast resources will be used and who ultimately benefits, as critics worry about mission drift and influence over AI development.
AI Startup Lovable Just Minted One Of Europe’s Youngest Ever Self-Made Billionaires
A new AI startup based in Europe, backed by venture funds, has surged in valuation overnight. Its teenage founder is now one of Europe’s youngest self-made billionaires. Lovable’s generative AI platform attracted huge investment this year, riding the wave of AI enthusiasm. The rapid rise highlights how quickly AI ventures can propel young founders to incredible wealth.
Amazon’s Robotaxi Unit Launches In San Francisco Without Steering Wheels—Or Fees
Zoox isn’t yet charging for rides in its electric vehicles, which do not have steering wheels, mirrors, or pedals. The robotaxi service launched in San Francisco on a trial basis, offering free rides to gather data. Jesse Levinson, cofounder of Zoox, says that regulatory approval for a commercial rollout is close at hand, given the vehicles’ safety performance.
Microsoft Confronts Agent Sprawl With Agent 365
Microsoft’s AI division is rolling out “Agent 365” to help companies manage the proliferation of AI agents. As enterprises deploy dozens of specialized AI tools, leadership found it hard to track and coordinate them. Agent 365 is a centralized platform that helps organize AI workloads and prevent redundant development. The goal is to streamline AI usage across Microsoft 365 apps.
Gemini 3 Approaches The Uber-Software Point: AI As The New UI
Google’s Gemini 3 AI is reaching a point where software interactions are entirely driven by AI (“AI as the new UI”). Instead of menus or buttons, users converse naturally to accomplish tasks. In testing, Gemini 3 allowed users to handle complex functions – from planning travel to editing documents – purely via chat prompts. It hints at a future where traditional graphical interfaces give way to AI-driven conversational interfaces.
Windows Is Becoming An Operating System For AI Agents
Microsoft is reimagining Windows as the operating environment for AI agents. In upcoming updates, Windows will natively run AI pilot apps that handle tasks across the system. For example, AI assistants will autonomously manage files, emails, and even third-party applications on behalf of the user. The shift reflects Microsoft’s strategy to make AI integral rather than add-on to its desktop OS.
Guided Learning Lets “Untrainable” Neural Networks Realize Their Potential
MIT researchers at CSAIL discovered that even neural networks previously considered “untrainable” can learn effectively when guided by another network’s inherent biases. Their guidance method involves a second AI that shapes training signals for the hard-to-train model. Early results show improved learning even in very deep or narrow networks, suggesting a new way to leverage architectures once thought impractical.
A New Way to Increase the Capabilities of Large Language Models
Researchers at the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab have developed an expressive architecture that enhances large language models’ state tracking and long-text reasoning. This new design adds a sequential memory component, allowing the model to better maintain context across lengthy passages. Early tests showed markedly improved accuracy on tasks such as narrative summarization and multi-step logical puzzles.
A “Scientific Sandbox” Lets Researchers Explore the Evolution of Vision Systems
MIT scientists created an AI-powered “scientific sandbox” for studying how vision systems evolve. In this virtual environment, AI-generated creatures with mutable “eyes” are placed in dynamic worlds, and their vision systems adapt over generations. This approach can reveal how complex image-sensing abilities emerge. Insights from the sandbox may guide design of better sensors and cameras for robots and autonomous vehicles.
“Robot, make me a chair”
An AI-powered design system now lets users describe simple objects in words and turns them into 3D-printable models. Dubbed “Text2Design”, the system takes a text prompt like “a small chair with lattice legs” and generates a blueprint of a modular chair that can be assembled. The demonstration project shows how natural language instructions can directly yield a manufacturable object.
Enabling Small Language Models to Solve Complex Reasoning Tasks
MIT researchers have introduced “Disciplined Collaborative Intelligence” (DisCIPL), a system that coordinates multiple small AI models to tackle complex tasks. In DisCIPL, each mini-model has a specific role (like budgeting or scheduling) and they communicate to stay on track. For example, to plan a trip under a budget, one model handles travel choices while another tracks costs; together they ensure valid plans without one agent going astray.
New MIT Program to Train Military Leaders for the AI Age
MIT is launching a certificate program to equip naval officers and other military leaders with AI skills. The new “Applied AI” course covers data analysis, machine learning applications, and AI ethics in defense contexts. By blending technical training with strategic studies, the program aims to help military planners leverage AI for logistics, threat analysis, and decision support.
New Method Improves the Reliability of Statistical Estimations
Statisticians at MIT developed a new technique to better assess the reliability of experiment results. The method applies a smoothing approach to estimation problems, reducing accidental noise from small samples. Applied to fields from economics to public health, it can indicate when study conclusions are trustworthy. The researchers say this could be an important tool in the age of big data, where false positives are a concern.
New Materials Could Boost the Energy Efficiency of Microelectronics
MIT engineers discovered that stacking novel materials in chip components can significantly reduce the energy wasted as heat. By building layers of high-mobility semiconductors on the backside of processors, the approach cuts power loss. In experiments with test chips, the new stacked configuration improved energy efficiency for memory and logic operations, which could be critical for AI workloads that push hardware to its power limits.
MIT Affiliates Named 2025 Schmidt Sciences AI2050 Fellows
Three MIT affiliates have been selected as Schmidt AI2050 Fellows for 2025, joining an elite group tackling AI’s toughest problems. The fellows include postdoctoral researcher Zongyi Li and Associate Professor Tess Smidt. They’ll receive support to advance projects like efficient algorithms for weather forecasting and machine learning for scientific discovery. In total, 10 scholars from universities and labs around the world are part of this cohort.
MIT Researchers “Speak Objects Into Existence” Using AI and Robotics
An MIT team created a “speech-to-reality” system that combines 3D generative AI with robotic assembly. Users describe an object (for example, “a red stool with lattice legs”) and an AI model generates a 3D design. Then robotic arms pick and assemble parts to physically build it. The proof-of-concept demonstrates how spoken commands can lead directly to manufacturing custom objects on demand.
Robots That Spare Warehouse Workers the Heavy Lifting
Founded by MIT alumni, Pickle Robot Company has developed autonomous robots that lift and move heavy items in warehouses. These mobile “picker” robots can scan and grab boxes from trucks and shelves, saving human workers from strenuous lifting. Trials at logistics centers showed the robots can load or unload pallets hours faster, boosting efficiency while reducing worker injury risk.
US stocks rose again in 2025 after overcoming turbulence from tariffs and Trump’s fight with the Fed
This was a scary good year for investors. The U.S. stock market experienced historic drops over concerns about presidential tariffs, interest rates, and an AI bubble – yet still ended the year on a high note. By late December, major indexes set new records as tech and AI companies rallied. The volatile 2025 underscored how quickly market sentiment swung from dread to exuberance in the face of economic and geopolitical drama.
Google’s parent buys data center energy specialist Intersect for $4.75 billion to help power AI
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, agreed to acquire Intersect, a data center energy optimization firm, for $4.75 billion. The deal gives Google advanced tools to cut power waste as it scales up AI computations. Intersect’s technology uses artificial intelligence to control cooling and energy use in data centers. By reducing overhead costs, Google aims to support its expanding AI operations without a corresponding spike in energy consumption.
Starlink in the crosshairs: How Russia could attack Elon Musk’s conquering of space
Russia is eyeing SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network as a potential target in geopolitical conflicts. In Ukraine and beyond, Starlink has helped keep communications online. Moscow analysts worry Starlink’s global internet coverage undermines Russian influence. The Kremlin could attempt cyberattacks on ground stations or jam satellite signals. Military experts say disabling Starlink would be high-stakes, as the network already has thousands of satellites providing broadband worldwide.
The rise of deepfake cyberbullying poses a growing problem for schools
Deepfake technology is creating a new challenge for schools as students use AI to generate fake images and videos of classmates. Incidents reported in Louisiana and elsewhere include viral AI-created content intended to harass peers. Educators face difficulties responding: the manipulated images spread quickly online, and victims are often blamed for any confrontation that follows. This trend is prompting schools to update policies on cyberbullying and calls for AI tools to detect doctored media.
Boys at her school shared AI-generated, nude images of her. After a fight, she was the one expelled
A middle school student in Louisiana became a victim of AI-driven cyberbullying when classmates created nude images of her using generative AI tools. After an altercation at school, administrators expelled the girl rather than addressing the boys’ actions. The case has sparked debate over school policies: many are unprepared for digital image manipulation. Advocacy groups are urging schools to distinguish between victims and perpetrators when AI is used to create harassing content.
Trump Media to merge with nuclear fusion company that wants to power AI
Trump Media & Technology Group announced it will merge with a startup developing nuclear fusion reactors. The fusion startup aims to provide nearly limitless energy to power data centers and AI computing. By combining with Trump’s publicly traded company, the venture gains capital, while Trump Media gets a stake in promising green energy. Observers note the deal ties together high-profile media, politics, and next-gen tech in a single corporate structure.
Wall Street rises after an encouraging inflation update, as Micron helps AI stocks stop their slide
Stocks climbed as fresh data showed inflation easing more than expected, easing fears of rate hikes. Tech and AI-related stocks led the gains after memory-chip maker Micron reported strong demand tied to data centers. The rally helped Wall Street recover from a recent dip linked to concerns over AI-market saturation. Investors cheered the combination of slower inflation and robust tech earnings as signs of a healthy economy.
More drops for AI stocks drag Wall Street to its worst day in nearly a month
Heavy losses in AI and tech stocks sent indices sharply lower, marking Wall Street’s worst day since late November. Companies in the AI hardware and cloud services sectors were hit hardest on concerns their growth may slow. Energy and materials shares were the few bright spots. The market’s pullback reflects investor caution around lofty tech valuations after a recent rally.
Texas universities deploy AI tools to review and rewrite how some courses discuss race and gender
Some Texas colleges are using AI to analyze course materials on race and gender. The state legislature has demanded reviews of certain classes, and universities turned to machine learning to expedite the text analysis. AI flagged phrases for potential bias and suggested edits. Critics argue the AI tool may oversimplify nuanced topics. University officials say the system speeds review but final decisions remain with human faculty.
Militant groups are experimenting with AI, and the risks are expected to grow
Intelligence agencies warn that extremist groups are exploring AI tools. Some have used deepfake videos and encrypted messaging AI. Experts believe advances in machine learning could enable militants to create realistic fake media for propaganda. There’s also concern about AI-driven disinformation campaigns or automated cyberattacks. The article notes authorities are racing to understand and mitigate these emerging threats.
Merriam-Webster’s 2025 word of the year is ‘slop’
Merriam-Webster selected “slop” as its 2025 word of the year. The dictionary publishers say searches for “slop” spiked as people questioned if the slang meaning “nonsense” would become mainstream. The choice points to broader concerns over misinformation and empty political rhetoric this year. “Slop” had surged over the summer, driven partly by its use in news media.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve jazz concert canceled after Trump name added to building
Celebrated jazz artists Isaac Hayes, Wynton Marsalis and others pulled out of the Kennedy Center’s Christmas Eve concert after organizers added former President Donald Trump’s name to the naming of the concert hall. The musicians cited ideological differences and a respect for the concert series legacy. Center officials defended the decision as honoring a donor’s wishes, but it sparked debate about politicization of cultural events.
Movie Review: In ‘Testament of Ann Lee,’ a blazing Amanda Seyfried can make you believe anything
Critic Christy Lemire praises Amanda Seyfried’s fiery lead performance in the new biopic “Testament of Ann Lee.” Seyfried plays a religious visionary in colonial America, and the film earns points for its energy and spectacle. While the review notes some narrative clunkiness, Seyfried’s magnetic presence keeps the viewer engaged. The overall verdict: a spirited historical drama bolstered by a powerful lead turn.
Mohammad Bakri, renowned and controversial Palestinian actor and filmmaker, dies at 72
Veteran actor-director Mohammad Bakri, a prominent figure in Palestinian and international cinema, died at age 72. He appeared in dozens of films and directed award-winning documentaries. Bakri was known for his outspoken criticism of Israeli policies, which made him a divisive figure. His work often sparked debate, but he is remembered as a gifted storyteller and a powerful voice for Palestinian narratives in film.
Trump warns against infiltration by a ‘bad Santa,’ defends coal in jovial Christmas calls with kids
In a series of lighthearted calls, former President Donald Trump embraced the role of merry Santa to sick children, cautioning them humorously against a “bad Santa” and suggesting they get coal for Christmas “if you’re not being well behaved.” The exchanges, broadcast on social media, mixed holiday cheer with Trump’s trademark wit. Critics noted the foray as yet another attempt to recast himself in a benign, family-friendly light ahead of 2025 activities.
After missing deadline, DOJ says it may need a ‘few more weeks’ to finish releasing Epstein files
Federal judges and lawmakers have been waiting for the Justice Department to release file materials related to Jeffrey Epstein. The deadline passed, and DOJ officials announced it will take a “few more weeks” to complete the historic release. The documents include court filings and investigation files. The delay drew criticism from Epstein’s victims and public watchdogs pushing for full transparency in the case’s controversial connections.