Welcome back to another exciting edition of Week in Review, where we dive into the week’s most significant tech developments! This week, OpenAI made headlines by canceling the anticipated release of its next major AI model, o3, opting instead for a streamlined approach with the integration of GPT-5 in ChatGPT. Meanwhile, TikTok made its much-awaited return to U.S. app stores after a brief hiatus, and Elon Musk’s ambitious $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI faces new hurdles. Join us as we explore these stories and more, setting the stage for an insightful recap of the week in technology!
| Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| OpenAI Cancels o3 Release | OpenAI has canceled the release of its AI model o3 to focus on a simplified product. CEO Sam Altman announced the upcoming release of GPT-5, which will integrate o3 into ChatGPT and its API. |
| TikTok Returns to App Stores | TikTok, along with CapCut and Lemon8, has returned to U.S. app stores after being removed due to a national security law. The restoration followed a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. |
| New iPhone SE Tease | Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at a new iPhone SE release. The new model may not include Touch ID and will use the same chip as iPhone 16, following a three-year gap since the last release. |
| Elon Musk’s OpenAI Bid | Elon Musk’s lawyers stated he will withdraw his $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI if the board commits to nonprofit status. |
| Meta’s Employee Policies | Meta’s CTO Andrew Bosworth responded to employee frustrations about new policies, suggesting they are free to leave if unhappy. |
| Tesla Defamation Suit | A Chinese court ordered Zhang Yazhou to pay $23,000 in damages to Tesla after a defamation case regarding a Model 3 crash. |
| Pinksky Launches on Android | Pinksky has launched an Android version of its photo-centric social app, aiming to attract former Instagram users. |
| Google DeepMind’s Soccer Robots | Researchers demonstrated humanoid robots learning to play soccer, showing skills in walking, kicking, and recovering from falls. |
| Google NotebookLM Plus | Google has expanded its NotebookLM Plus AI note-taking service to premium subscribers, offering higher usage limits and features. |
| Zeta’s Valuation Growth | Zeta, a banking software provider, raised $50 million, increasing its valuation to $2 billion, a 70% rise since 2021. |
| Google Maps Gulf Name Change | Google Maps users in the U.S. will now see the ‘Gulf of America’ instead of ‘Gulf of Mexico’ following an executive order. |
| Perplexity’s Growth Strategy | Perplexity used a contest on X to boost app downloads by 50% instead of spending on a Super Bowl ad. |
| Tumblr Moves to WordPress | Tumblr is migrating to WordPress infrastructure, allowing users to federate their blogs via ActivityPub. |
OpenAI’s Shift: Goodbye o3, Hello GPT-5
This week, OpenAI made a big announcement: they have decided not to release their o3 model, which many were looking forward to. Instead, CEO Sam Altman shared that they will work on a new model called GPT-5, which will include features from o3. This is exciting news for fans of AI technology, as GPT-5 is expected to be even smarter and more helpful than previous versions.
OpenAI’s decision to simplify their product offering shows their commitment to creating the best possible AI tools. Before GPT-5, they will release GPT-4.5, marking a significant step forward in AI development. Altman emphasizes that GPT-4.5 will be the last model that doesn’t use a “chain-of-thought” approach, which means future models will be better at understanding complex ideas and responding intelligently.
TikTok’s Comeback: Returning to App Stores
After being removed from app stores for almost a month, TikTok is back! Apple and Google have restored the popular app, which allows users to create and share fun videos. This decision came after the U.S. Attorney General indicated that the previous ban would not be enforced right away. TikTok’s return is great news for its millions of users who love to express their creativity.
Alongside TikTok, two other apps, CapCut and Lemon8, have also made their way back to the app stores. This shows the importance of these platforms in people’s daily lives, especially during a time when many are looking for ways to connect and share with friends. With the app back in action, users can once again enjoy endless entertainment and creativity!
Apple Teases New iPhone SE: What’s Coming?
Apple is stirring up excitement with a hint about a new iPhone SE, which is expected to be revealed soon. CEO Tim Cook described it as “the newest member of the family,” and many believe it will be a fourth-generation model. The iPhone SE is especially popular in markets like China and India, where people seek affordable smartphones with great features.
Rumors suggest that this new iPhone SE will not have the Touch ID home button, which some fans may miss. Instead, it could feature the same powerful chip as the latest iPhone 16. This upgrade would mean faster performance and improved capabilities for users, making the new iPhone SE a highly anticipated device in the tech world.
Elon Musk’s Complicated Bid for OpenAI
Elon Musk is in the news again with his ambitious bid to buy OpenAI for a whopping $97.4 billion. However, his lawyers have stated that Musk will pull out of the deal if OpenAI’s board decides to keep the company as a nonprofit. This adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as many are watching closely to see how this will unfold.
Musk’s serious offer demonstrates his interest in shaping the future of AI technology. The decision of OpenAI’s board will be crucial, as it could determine whether Musk’s vision for the company becomes a reality. This situation keeps everyone guessing about what the future holds for both Musk and OpenAI.
Meta’s Ultimatum: Choose to Stay or Leave
In response to employee concerns about company policies, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, made a bold statement: if employees are unhappy, they are free to quit. This message comes amid frustrations over cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Bosworth’s comments have sparked discussions about workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
This situation highlights the challenges that big tech companies face in balancing company policies with employee needs. As workers demand more from their employers, it will be interesting to see how Meta and other companies adapt to these changes. The tech industry is evolving, and how companies respond to their workers is more important than ever.
Tesla’s Legal Victory: A Defamation Case
Tesla recently won a defamation lawsuit against Zhang Yazhou, who had claimed that her Tesla Model 3 crashed due to faulty brakes. After Tesla counter-sued for defamation, a Chinese court ruled in favor of Tesla, ordering Zhang to pay $23,000 in damages and issue a public apology. This case highlights the complexities of legal battles in the automotive industry.
Tesla’s victory may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. It also emphasizes the importance of safety and accountability in the electric vehicle market. As more people turn to electric cars, ensuring their safety and reliability becomes essential for maintaining customer trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did OpenAI cancel the release of o3?
OpenAI canceled o3 to focus on a simplified product line, planning to integrate it into the upcoming GPT-5 model instead of releasing it as a stand-alone product.
What changes are expected in the new iPhone SE?
The new iPhone SE is likely to have no Touch ID home button and will use the same chip as the iPhone 16, enhancing its performance.
What led to TikTok’s return to U.S. app stores?
TikTok returned after the U.S. Attorney General assured Apple that the national security ban wouldn’t be enforced immediately, allowing the app’s restoration.
What conditions did Elon Musk add to his OpenAI bid?
Musk’s lawyers stated he would withdraw his $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI if the board decides to keep it as a nonprofit organization.
What is NotebookLM Plus?
NotebookLM Plus is a premium AI note-taking and research tool from Google, offering higher limits and features for subscribers of the Google One AI Premium plan.
How did Tesla win a defamation suit?
Tesla won a defamation suit against Zhang Yazhou, who claimed faulty brakes caused her crash, leading a court to order her to pay damages and apologize.
What is Pinksky, and how does it relate to Instagram?
Pinksky is a new Android app mimicking Instagram’s photo-sharing experience but built on open technology, targeting former Instagram users.
Summary
This week in tech news includes several major updates. OpenAI canceled the release of its AI model o3, opting instead to integrate its features into the upcoming GPT-5. TikTok returned to U.S. app stores after being removed for security concerns. Elon Musk added conditions to his $97.4 billion bid to buy OpenAI, indicating he will withdraw if it remains a nonprofit. Apple teased a new iPhone SE, and Google launched an expanded version of its AI note-taking tool. Additionally, Tumblr plans to join the open social web, showcasing the ongoing evolution in technology.
