The rapid embrace of AI in China, its biggest testing ground, may shape how AI is used globally
HONG KONG (AP) — More than a year after the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek, a main rival to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, stunned the world with its own advanced AI model, China has become a testing ground for mass use of AI tools. In March, groups of Chinese lined up get help setting up the AI agent OpenClaw on their laptops, a reflection of China's edge as a massive testing ground. Its ability to foster mass adoption, rather than just AI model advancements, is helping to shape how AI is used around the world, potentially giving it an upper hand in its tech rivalry with the U.S.
Dear Readers: Yes, pen pal programs still exist in a digital world
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A recent trip to New Zealand to visit her pen pal of 40 years made an Associated Press reporter from New Hampshire wonder about the history of programs that bring strangers together to write letters. While the program that matched them as teenagers folded years ago, others are still going strong. And even though the government postal service in Denmark recently stopped delivering letters altogether, some see signs of a letter-writing resurgence. More than 15,000 people signed up for a pen pal program created by a writer for The New Yorker during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, an app called Slowly that mimics the anticipation of receiving a letter by delaying digital message deliveries has 10 million users.
Associated Press global investigation into government surveillance efforts wins Pulitzer Prize
NEW YORK (AP) — The Associated Press has won a Pulitzer Prize for international reporting for stories on the expansion of government surveillance efforts in China and the role that U.S. tech firms played in it. The Pulitzer board recognized AP staffers Dake Kang, Garance Burke, Byron Tau and Aniruddha Ghosal, along with contributor and independent journalist Yael Grauer for what it called “an astonishing global investigation into state-of-the-art tools of mass surveillance." Also included was a story about the expansion of license plate surveillance of drivers in the United States.
Some iPhone owners could get up to $95 payment after Apple agrees to settle case for $250 million
LONDON (AP) — Apple has agreed to a $250 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over false advertising of Siri's AI capabilities. The lawsuit claims Apple misled consumers by promoting features that didn't exist when the iPhone 16 launched in 2024. If approved, the deal means owners could receive at least $25 and up to $95 for each eligible device. The settlement covers about 37 million devices bought in the U.S. between June 2024 and March 2025. Apple has been trying to keep up with AI advancements but hasn't delivered on the promised Siri updates. The company is expected to unveil the upgrade soon.
Man accused of attacking OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home pleads not guilty to attempted murder
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at the San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, attempted arson and other charges. Daniel Moreno-Gama didn't speak during Tuesday's arraignment on state charges as his lawyer entered the pleas on his behalf. The 20-year-old also faces federal charges. Prosecutors say Moreno-Gama, of Spring, Texas, hurled the flammable bomb at Altman’s home last month, setting an exterior gate alight before fleeing on foot. They say he showed up at OpenAI’s headquarters about an hour later and threatened to burn down the building.
Roomba pioneer aims to crack the household market again with an AI-powered pet robot
The robotics pioneer who helped unleash the Roomba vacuum is now betting that you might one day replace your beloved dog or cat with a plush robot that follows you around your home and adapts to your daily habits. Colin Angle unveiled a four-legged prototype of that artificial pet, called a Familiar, on Monday. Imagine a creature the size of a bulldog with doe-like eyes and bear cub ears and paws, extending itself into a greeting stretch that invites you to pat its touch-sensitive fake fur. The lifelike machine, powered by the latest artificial intelligence technology, would not have been possible when Angle co-founded iRobot in 1990.
Italy's Meloni denounces deepfake photo as a political attack
ROME (AP) — Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has denounced the circulation of a deepfake photo of her posing in bed, wearing lingerie. She has complained that such manipulated images were being used to attack her. Meloni shared the photo in question on Facebook. She included with it the post from someone named Roberto who apparently had himself shared it on social media and commented that Meloni should be “ashamed” of herself. Meloni warned against sharing such images on social media without verifying them.
OpenAI president discloses his stake in the company is worth $30B
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s president and CEO Sam Altman’s top lieutenant, disclosed in court Monday that his stake in the artificial intelligence company is worth nearly $30 billion. Brockman, who also said he did not invest in OpenAI, took the witness stand Monday in the landmark trial that centers on the 2015 birth of ChatGPT maker OpenAI as a nonprofit startup primarily funded by Musk before evolving into a capitalistic venture now valued at $852 billion.
New Mexico seeks child safety restrictions on Meta apps and algorithms in trial's 2nd phase
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state prosecutors are seeking fundamental changes to Meta’s social media apps and algorithms to safeguard children in the second phase of a landmark trial on allegations that platforms such as Instagram have created a public safety hazard. Attorneys made opening statements Monday in the three-week bench trial. Meta has warned that it could eliminate service in the state if forced to comply with impractical mandates. Recent jury verdicts have validated long-standing concerns about the dangers of social media for young people. New Mexico prosecutors say Meta's platforms pose a public nuisance under state law and want improvements aimed at curbing child sexual exploitation.
States across the wildfire-prone Western US are using AI for early detection
Another severe wildfire season is forecast for the Western U.S. due to record-breaking heat and an abysmal snowpack. Some states and utilities are trying to get ahead of that threat using AI. In Arizona, the state’s largest electric utility is installing AI-monitored cameras across its service region. The technology identifies possible smoke and notifies human analysts for quick verification. Fire management officials say the technology spots more fires than humans, and alerts authorities more quickly, allowing for faster and more efficient action to extinguish wildfires. Similar technology is being rolled out in Colorado, California and other wildfire prone states, as well as in Canada and Australia.
