Intel just unveiled a massive PC chip refresh at CES 2025, led by its Core Ultra 200 series across desktop and mobile. The new silicon features dedicated NPUs, AI-based power management, and up to 3.3x faster local Llama 3 8B performance on the 285H. Systems begin shipping later this month.
Halliday just debuted a pair of retro-style smart glasses at CES 2025 that skip traditional waveguide lenses entirely. Using a tiny optical module called DigiWindow, the device projects a discreet 3.5-inch virtual screen directly into your field of vision without a camera, paired with a proactive AI agent that assists during conversations.
Timekettle just rolled out Babel OS, its first operating system built specifically for AI-driven simultaneous interpretation in earbuds. It uses semantic segmentation to predict speech completions with near-zero latency, adds voice cloning to preserve tone, and supports custom lexicons across 40+ languages. The software is rolling out via free OTA updates to products like the W4 Pro and X1 Hub, with offline edge AI on the way.
Microsoft just launched Phi-4, its latest 14-billion-parameter small model focused heavily on math problem-solving. Trained on high-quality synthetic and human datasets with fresh post-training tweaks, it takes aim at lightweight rivals like GPT-4o mini and Gemini 2.0 Flash. For now, it is only available for limited research use on Azure AI Foundry.
Apple just released iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2, bringing the next wave of Apple Intelligence. Users can now create Genmoji, generate artwork in Image Playground, and tap into ChatGPT directly through Siri and Writing Tools. It is live now for localized English, with other languages rolling out starting this April.
Researchers at the University of Surrey just open-sourced NitroFusion, an AI model that generates images in near real time as you type using standard consumer hardware. The framework lets users dial between one and four refinement steps, balancing speed and image quality without cloud GPUs or monthly subscription fees.
Yelp just rolled out its end-of-year product release packed with over 20 updates, headlined by AI-powered Review Insights. The feature uses LLMs to score topics like food quality, wait times, and ambiance from 1 to 100 directly above reviews. It gives users a quick snapshot of what people actually think, currently live on iOS for dining and nightlife.
AMD just released and open-sourced Nitro Diffusion, a pair of one-step text-to-image models based on Stable Diffusion 2.1 and PixArt-Sigma. Trained on AMD Instinct MI250 accelerators, they match full-step visual quality in a single inference step for both data centers and edge PCs. Code and weights are now up on Hugging Face and GitHub.
Google just launched PaliGemma 2, its next-gen vision-language model family built on Gemma 2. It offers drop-in replacement upgrades across multiple model sizes without major code changes, making it significantly easier for developers to fine-tune visual AI for custom datasets and vision tasks.
Google just detailed Face control for Chromebooks, a hands-free accessibility feature powered by machine learning. It maps 478 facial points in 3D to recognize up to 18 distinct facial gestures for moving the cursor and triggering actions. The tool is currently available in the ChromeOS beta channel and rolls out widely early next year.
AMD just launched Amuse 2.2 Beta, bringing support for Stable Diffusion 3.5 to Ryzen AI 300 and Radeon 7000 hardware. The update introduces offline high-quality modes and XDNA super-resolution, boosting native output resolutions up to 2048x2048 pixels. Why it matters: Local generative AI on everyday AMD laptops is finally getting fast, painless, and sharp.
Google's first Android 16 developer preview reveals a new "app functions" API designed to let Gemini perform tasks directly inside apps. Instead of just searching your inbox, the assistant could soon order food without you opening a delivery app, mirroring Apple's App Intents roadmap. Why it matters: Mobile AI assistants are finally evolving from conversational chatbots into actionable agents.
Apple is reportedly developing a revamp of Siri, dubbed "LLM Siri," designed to hold conversational interactions like ChatGPT. Internally tested as a standalone app, it will tap Apple AI models and App Intents to handle complex tasks across apps. Apple could preview it in 2025, but a rollout isn't expected until spring 2026.
Samsung just revealed Gauss2, its next-generation AI model family spanning three tiers: Compact for on-device computing, Balanced for speed and efficiency, and Supreme for heavy workloads. The models support up to 14 spoken languages and multiple coding languages, and already power internal tools like code.i. Samsung plans to weave Gauss2 into its wider consumer device lineup next.
Lightricks just released LTX Video, an open-source model that generates five seconds of video in just four seconds. With only 2 billion parameters, it runs near real-time on consumer GPUs like the RTX 4090 instead of locking users behind paid APIs. Why it matters: Bringing rapid video generation to local gaming PCs gives indie creators a real alternative to big tech monopolies.
Microsoft just launched a suite of industry-adapted AI models developed with partners like Bayer, Siemens, and Cerence. Built on its lightweight Phi architecture, these specialized SLMs target practical domain tasks from crop protection and in-car controls to factory floor troubleshooting via Azure AI Studio.
Waymo just scrapped its waitlist in Los Angeles, opening up 24/7 driverless rides to anyone with the Waymo One app. The service spans nearly 80 square miles across Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Downtown LA. It marks Waymo's second fully public metro rollout after San Francisco, pulling ahead while rivals like Cruise and Zoox play catch-up.
Apple rolled out notification summaries in iOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1, but the on-device LLM is already producing unhinged results. While it handles basic smart-home updates fine, it turns sensitive texts, breakup messages, and chaotic group chats into unintentionally hilarious, deadpan bullet points. It might not actually save you time, but at least your notification shade is now deeply entertaining.
Apple is developing a six-inch wall-mounted smart display powered by Siri and Apple Intelligence, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The iPad-like hub acts as a command center for HomeKit devices and video calls, with sensors that adapt UI based on your distance, and could launch as early as March 2025.
Apple just made its Image Playground app available in the iOS 18.2 developer beta, bringing built-in generative art to iPhone 16 and Pro users. The tool turns simple text prompts into stylized animations or illustrations, with recent updates speeding up rendering and prompt accuracy. It is Apple's latest push to make everyday generative AI feel native on mobile.
