Marking its 50th anniversary, Microsoft has released a sweeping update to its AI assistant, Copilot. New features include memory retention, web task execution, visual analysis across devices, and podcast-style audio explanations. The update enhances personalization and productivity, positioning Copilot as a more competitive and versatile AI tool.

A recent preprint by researchers from Westlake University analyzes AI’s increasing presence in scientific research. While AI tools are widely adopted, the study finds that AI researchers seldom lead discoveries and suggests strategies to integrate them more directly into the scientific process.

Artificial intelligence is projected to contribute US$22.3 trillion to the global economy by 2030, according to IDC’s latest analysis. The report highlights AI’s growing role across industries, its powerful economic multiplier effect, and global efforts to expand AI infrastructure to drive innovation and regional competitiveness.

Reply has announced two international AI-focused competitions for 2025—one for music, tied to Kappa FuturFestival in Turin, and one for film, premiering in Venice with Mastercard. Aimed at young creatives, the contests highlight AI’s role in storytelling, sound, and visuals, with awards recognizing innovation, design, and social impact.

In a bold move to reshape scientific research, Microsoft’s AI for Science lab, headed by physicist-turned-AI-expert Christopher Bishop, is leveraging artificial intelligence to accelerate discoveries in areas like drug development, sustainable energy, and climate solutions. From developing powerful tools like TamGen to pioneering AI emulators for weather prediction, the lab is redefining how science is done in the age of AI.

Adaptive Security has secured $43 million in funding led by Andreessen Horowitz and the OpenAI Startup Fund—the first time OpenAI has invested in a cybersecurity firm. The company aims to fight AI-driven threats like deepfake social engineering using its own generative AI tools, real-time risk triage, and adaptive security training.

Sweden has entered the forefront of autonomous warfare, testing a new drone-swarming system with Saab that allows a single operator to manage up to 100 drones. Trialed during the Arctic Strike Exercise in March 2025, the program highlights Sweden’s growing defense capabilities as NATO’s newest member—mirroring a broader international shift toward AI-powered military swarms.

Amazon is piloting two new AI tools: 'Interests', a shopping feature that uses natural language prompts for personalized product searches, and 'Health AI', a chatbot offering health-related information and product suggestions. These tools represent Amazon’s growing push to integrate AI into consumer-facing services.

Apple is accelerating its healthcare ambitions with Project Mulberry, an AI-powered virtual health coach integrated into its Health app. The initiative will deliver personalized advice using data from Apple devices and expert-backed guidance in sleep, nutrition, and fitness—potentially launching as the new Health+ service.

As the UK prepares for a major AI summit, publishers are pressing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to defend intellectual property rights. The industry warns against unlicensed AI training on copyrighted works, citing economic impact and the need for legal clarity in a fast-evolving tech landscape.

Amid the AI arms race, Anthropic stands out with its mission to build safe, benevolent AI. Led by Dario and Daniela Amodei, the company’s flagship model, Claude, reflects a cautious yet visionary approach—prioritizing ethics over speed, transparency over hype.

OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT update introduces a tool that lets users generate images in the style of Studio Ghibli, drawing global attention and sparking both excitement and ethical debates. While it opens creative doors for many, questions over intellectual property and artistic authenticity continue to grow.

Intelmatix has officially launched its AI Academy following its presentation at LEAP 2025. The initiative aims to equip non-technical professionals with practical knowledge to implement AI across industries, addressing the global skills gap and supporting digital transformation efforts.

CommBank has opened a Tech Hub in Seattle to strengthen its AI capabilities and collaborate with global tech companies. The initiative will provide learning opportunities for its teams, focusing on Agentic and Generative AI to enhance customer experiences and drive innovation in banking.

Akido Labs, a healthcare tech firm based in Los Angeles, has launched a new AI-supported healthcare initiative for ride-share drivers in New York City. Using its ScopeAI system, the company aims to deliver accessible and cost-effective medical services to gig workers who often lack traditional employee benefits.

A federal judge in California has denied a request from major music publishers to stop AI firm Anthropic from using copyrighted song lyrics to train its chatbot, Claude. The decision, issued by Judge Eumi K. Lee, allows Anthropic to continue its operations as the case progresses, with unresolved questions surrounding fair use and AI copyright practices.

To combat intensifying wildfires, Cal Fire is collaborating with the AI-powered FireSat network. Supported by Google and the Moore Foundation, the satellite system uses AI-driven infrared analysis to detect fires faster, providing essential data to guide emergency responses and protect communities.

A shocking discovery reveals how ChatGPT was manipulated to generate malware capable of hacking Google Chrome’s Password Manager. Using a role-playing technique called 'immersive world' engineering, researchers exposed significant vulnerabilities in AI systems, raising urgent cybersecurity concerns.

Character.AI has unveiled "Parental Insights," a new feature that provides parents with weekly summaries of their teen’s chatbot activity without compromising privacy. This initiative addresses rising concerns over minors' exposure to inappropriate content and aims to encourage open conversations about responsible AI use.

Extropic, a startup led by Guillaume Verdon and Trevor McCourt, is developing a novel silicon-based chip that uses thermodynamic fluctuations to perform probabilistic computations. Designed for energy-intensive tasks like Monte Carlo simulations, the chip claims to be 1,000 to 10,000 times more energy-efficient than current hardware. With ambitions to disrupt AI datacenter power consumption, Extropic's approach could mark a major shift in computing technology.

NVIDIA launched its Cosmos World Foundation Models at GTC 2025, providing developers with customizable AI tools for creating photorealistic virtual environments. Early adopters, including Agility Robotics and Uber, are leveraging Cosmos for advanced robotics and autonomous vehicle training.

Imagiyo, a new AI image generator, introduces a $29 lifetime subscription, targeting cost-conscious creators. While its NSFW-friendly policy and budget pricing appeal to many, early feedback suggests image quality may lag behind competitors like Midjourney. Will its one-time fee offer long-term value?

A new AI-driven app called Aura, launched by entrepreneur Hari Ravichandran, offers parents insights into their children’s online activities. Designed to detect subtle changes in behavior linked to mental health issues, the app aims to support families navigating the digital world by promoting awareness, communication, and early intervention.

German defense company Helsing has proposed a radical shift in NATO’s defense strategy with an AI-powered “drone wall” along its eastern flank. Co-CEO Gundbert Scherf calls for smart combat and surveillance drones to replace outdated Cold War-era thinking. The plan highlights rapid deployment, satellite integration, and expanded applications across air and sea defense systems.

In its latest report, the Brennan Center for Justice highlights how generative AI shaped the 2024 elections and offers a bold roadmap to protect democracy in the AI era. With federal AI policy in flux, the report urges states to lead efforts in ensuring transparency, accountability, and electoral integrity.

As the 25th anniversary of the dot-com bubble passes, the U.S. labour market shows familiar signs of strength—tight conditions, tech optimism, and rising wages. But with AI-driven disruption, policy shifts, and global tensions, experts warn the economy may be walking a fine line between stability and shock.

Heating and cooling buildings accounts for 18% of global energy use—but AI could help reduce that. From New York to Stockholm, smart HVAC systems are slashing energy costs and carbon emissions. Yet, concerns about AI's own power consumption and environmental toll highlight the need for balanced solutions.

Amazon’s recent Alexa Plus demo featuring Suno, an AI-driven song generator, has unexpectedly triggered a major copyright clash with the music industry. With lawsuits from top labels and concerns over fair use, the integration raises questions about the legality of AI-generated music and Amazon’s alliances with rights holders.

Meta has finally introduced its AI chatbot to European users, offering text-only features on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. The limited launch follows a year of discussions with regulators over data privacy concerns. While missing advanced functionalities, Meta plans to expand as it aligns with EU requirements.

Europol’s latest SOCTA 2025 report exposes a major shift in organized crime, fueled by AI tools like generative models, deepfakes, and autonomous systems. From multilingual fraud to AI-generated child abuse material and smuggling optimization, the report warns of rising threats and urges stronger cooperation across the EU and beyond.