May 16, 2025
Retter Reboot #20
Windsurf Launches In-House AI Coding Models
AI coding startup Windsurf has launched its own AI models—SWE-1, SWE-1-lite, and SWE-1-mini—moving beyond external models like GPT-4.1. The main model supports complex software engineering tasks, while lite versions are free for all users. This shift positions Windsurf as a full-stack AI platform.
Google Unveils Material 3 Expressive: A Bold Evolution in UI Design
Google introduced Material 3 Expressive, a vibrant update in UI design with bold colors, playful animations, and unique button shapes. Over 18,000 users in research favored this approach, especially Gen Z. The new design is about personalization and stronger emotional connection.
TikTok Unveils AI Alive: Transforming Photos into Animated Stories
TikTok's new "AI Alive" feature lets users turn photos into animated stories for TikTok Stories, complete with effects and sound. Each AI-generated video is clearly labeled and moderated to ensure transparency and safety, boosting creative expression on the platform.
Airbnb Expands Offerings with New Services and Experiences
Airbnb now offers "Airbnb Services" like private chefs and spa treatments in 260 cities, plus curated "Experiences" including celebrity-led events. These updates position Airbnb as a full travel and lifestyle platform, blending home comforts with hotel-like convenience.
YouTube Introduces Interactive Product Feed for Shoppable TV Ads
YouTube now lets viewers browse and shop products on connected TVs during ads using their remote. Product links can be sent to your phone, merging TV viewing with e-commerce. The new format has already driven 50M+ conversions monthly in the US.
OpenAI Integrates GPT-4.1 Models into ChatGPT
OpenAI’s latest update brings GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini to ChatGPT. The new models offer stronger coding and instruction-following abilities. OpenAI promises more transparency on AI safety evaluations after initial criticism about the launch.
Nvidia and Amazon Secure Major AI Deals in Middle East Amid Trump's Visit
Nvidia will supply hundreds of thousands of AI chips to Saudi startup Humain, while AWS and Humain announced a $5B “AI zone” project in Saudi Arabia. These moves are part of a US-led strategy to strengthen AI in the Gulf.
OpenAI Eyes UAE for Strategic Data Center Expansion
OpenAI may build data centers in the UAE, partnering with Abu Dhabi’s G42 and other local players. The region’s growing investment in AI makes it a strategic choice for OpenAI’s global expansion.
AI Disrupts Web’s Economic Model, Says Cloudflare CEO
AI-generated answers mean users are clicking through to websites less often, says Cloudflare’s CEO. This change threatens ad-driven revenue for publishers and may force new web monetization models.
Amazon and HUMAIN Announce $5B Strategic AI Partnership in Saudi Arabia
AWS and HUMAIN will create an “AI Zone” in Saudi Arabia, offering state-of-the-art AI infrastructure, services, and training for 100,000 citizens. The project supports Saudi Vision 2030 and will focus on Arabic language models and enterprise AI.
Google DeepMind's AlphaEvolve: AI-Crafted Algorithms Deliver Major Efficiency Gains
DeepMind’s AlphaEvolve agent now improves Google’s infrastructure by evolving better algorithms, optimizing resource usage, and even beating decades-old computing records. This is a big leap for AI-driven innovation in tech.
Notion Integrates GPT-4.1 and Claude 3.7 to Enhance Enterprise Productivity
Notion now lets users pick between GPT-4.1 and Claude 3.7 for tasks like meeting notes and enterprise search, all while keeping privacy in focus. The AI toolkit is tuned for productivity and accuracy in the enterprise world.
Altman Envisions ChatGPT That Remembers Your Whole Life
OpenAI’s Sam Altman shared his vision for a future ChatGPT that remembers users’ entire digital histories, aiming for seamless, personalized assistance. While this could make AI more helpful, it raises new concerns about privacy and data security.
Extra: Which OpenAI Model Should You Use?
GPT-4.1: Best for complex coding, long docs, and the latest info.
o3: Top choice for tough, multi-step analysis or when the AI needs to use tools.
GPT-4o: Great all-rounder for real-time, multimodal (text, voice, image) tasks.
GPT-4.5: Ideal for creative writing, broad knowledge, and tone control.
o4-mini: Efficient for math, coding, and technical tasks at scale.
GPT-4.1 mini: Fast, reliable answers for everyday questions—good for free users.
