AI advancements, smartphone market shift, stem cell breakthrough...

OpenAI has formally responded to a lawsuit alleging its ChatGPT chatbot played a role in the tragic suicide of a teenager. The company argued it should not bear liability as the teen bypassed safety features, citing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to shield itself from responsibility. OpenAI noted that the chatbot repeatedly directed the teen to resources for help and denied the family’s claim that its design choices contributed to the incident. This case raises broader questions about the ethical responsibilities of AI developers and the effectiveness of current safeguards in preventing misuse of such technologies. The Verge TechCrunch

For the first time since 2011, Apple is expected to surpass Samsung in global smartphone shipment volume, according to Counterpoint analysts. This milestone is attributed to Apple’s dominance in premium phone segments and the growing market for refurbished iPhones, which expand access to its ecosystem. The achievement reflects a strategic pivot from hardware innovation to broader ecosystem control while competitors like Samsung face challenges in retaining market share. The Register

Elon Musk revealed that Tesla’s much-touted Full Self-Driving (FSD) software has failed to find acceptance among rival automakers. Musk admitted that while some expressed interest in limited pilots, no company has committed to adopting the technology. This development highlights ongoing skepticism regarding Tesla’s autonomous driving claims and raises questions about the broader industry’s hesitance to integrate external AI systems. TechSpot

ICANN defended its funding decision for a group proposing a model that would give states increased control over internet governance, while distancing itself from the controversial proposal. The ongoing debate underscores tensions between national sovereignty and the need for a globally unified internet framework. Critics argue that state intervention could jeopardize the open nature of the internet. The Register

A MIT study reports that agentic AI could replace up to 11% of the U.S. workforce, simulating significant disruptions using a model called the Iceberg Index. The findings intensify concerns about how AI advancements may outpace regulatory frameworks and workforce adaptation, urging policymakers to address potential inequalities and job displacement. TechSpot

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan voiced support for a senior executive accused by TSMC of trade secret violations. Tan dismissed the allegations as baseless, emphasizing Intel’s ethical hiring processes. This dispute reflects the intense competition between industry leaders in semiconductor innovation, with legal challenges increasingly used as a defensive strategy. The Information

Jeff Bezos’ AI venture, Project Prometheus, has quietly acquired General Agents, an agentic computing startup. This acquisition bolsters the project’s ambition to lead in AI-powered decision-making technologies. With $6 billion in funding, the venture underscores the escalating investment in transformative AI capabilities. Wired

The Nordic tech ecosystem has seen a dramatic rise, with billion-dollar companies emerging at unprecedented rates. Founders such as Dennis Green-Lieber from Propane attribute success to increased funding opportunities and innovative ventures in AI. This trend highlights the region’s growing role as a global tech hub. TechCrunch TechCrunch

Scientists have successfully restored aging blood stem cells to a more youthful state in mice, offering hope for treating age-related blood disorders. This breakthrough represents a step forward in regenerative biology, with potential applications in combating conditions like anemia and immune system decline in aging populations. Science Alert

A comprehensive study has identified five distinct epochs of brain development, shedding light on how the human brain evolves over a lifetime. This research provides critical insights into cognitive health and may inform interventions for neurological diseases. Science Alert Financial Times