Aug 15, 2025
Retter Reboot#33
Perplexity Reportedly Offers Over Twice Its Valuation to Acquire Google Chrome
AI search startup Perplexity has reportedly made a bold offer to acquire Google Chrome, proposing a purchase price more than double its own valuation. The move, if true, signals Perplexity’s ambition to secure a dominant position in the browser market and deeply integrate its AI-powered search capabilities. While the feasibility of such a deal remains questionable given Chrome’s strategic value to Google, the report reflects the growing competition between traditional search giants and emerging AI-driven platforms.
xAI Co-Founder Departs to Launch AI Safety Fund Amid Executive Exodus
A co-founder of xAI, Elon Musk’s AI startup, has left the company to establish an AI Safety Fund, joining a recent wave of senior executive departures. The new fund will focus on promoting safe and responsible AI development, reflecting growing industry concerns over AI’s potential risks.
Anthropic Enters AI Coding Wars with New Developer Tools
Anthropic has unveiled new AI-powered coding capabilities for its Claude platform, aiming to compete more directly with OpenAI’s and Google’s developer-focused AI tools. The update includes enhanced code generation, debugging, and natural language-to-code translation, as well as improved multi-step reasoning for complex programming tasks.
Apple Plans Major AI Comeback, but Skepticism Remains
Apple is reportedly preparing a significant AI push to compete with leaders like OpenAI and Google, but analysts and observers caution that the company has made similar promises in the past without delivering transformative results. While recent AI announcements hint at deeper integration across Apple’s ecosystem, critics note that its rivals have already set a fast pace in AI innovation.
Google Gemini to Learn From User Chats by Default
Google has announced that Gemini will now use user chat data to improve its AI models, unless users opt out. The change means conversations will be analyzed to enhance Gemini’s capabilities, similar to how other AI providers train their systems. Google says sensitive information will be protected through anonymization and security measures, but privacy advocates warn the default opt-in could raise concerns over data usage transparency.
Google Integrates AI Into Flight Deals Amid Antitrust and Competitive Pressures
Google has added AI-powered features to its flight search, enabling more personalized and timely deal alerts for travelers. The update helps users track fare changes, predict price drops, and receive tailored recommendations based on search history and preferences. The move comes as antitrust scrutiny intensifies over Google’s dominance in search and travel services, and as competitors like Hopper and Expedia invest heavily in AI-driven booking tools.
Nvidia Unveils Cosmos World Models for Real-World AI Applications
Nvidia has announced Cosmos, a family of world models designed to simulate and predict physical environments for AI agents. These models aim to improve AI capabilities in robotics, autonomous vehicles, manufacturing, and other real-world scenarios by enabling agents to understand, plan, and act in complex environments. Alongside Cosmos, Nvidia introduced new infrastructure tools to support the deployment of AI in physical applications, including simulation platforms, optimized compute frameworks, and integrations with its Omniverse ecosystem. The goal is to accelerate the development of AI systems that can operate safely and efficiently outside purely digital contexts.
Sam Altman to Compete with Neuralink Through New Brain-Computer Interface Startup
OpenAI cofounder Sam Altman is launching a new startup aimed at developing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, directly competing with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. The venture will focus on creating non-invasive and potentially more accessible BCI solutions, with the goal of enhancing human cognition and enabling seamless interaction between the brain and digital systems.
ChatGPT Restores Model Picker with New Limitations
OpenAI has brought back ChatGPT’s model picker, allowing users to choose between different AI models, including GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, and GPT-3.5. However, the feature now comes with new restrictions: the available models may vary based on subscription tier, usage limits, and the type of conversation.
AI Companion Apps Projected to Generate $120M in 2025
AI companion apps — digital services that simulate friendship, romance, or mentorship — are on pace to generate $120 million in revenue in 2025, according to new market data. The sector has seen rapid adoption thanks to advances in generative AI, which enable more lifelike conversations, customizable personalities, and emotional interaction features. While the market remains niche compared to broader AI applications, analysts note strong growth potential as apps expand into wellness, education, and productivity. However, the space faces ethical scrutiny over data privacy, emotional dependency, and potential misuse.
