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Duolingo CEO clarifies AI-first memo, says context was missing

Duolingo CEO clarifies AI-first memo, says context was missing

After drawing criticism for announcing plans to make the company "AI-first," Duolingo cofounder and CEO Luis von Ahn has offered additional context about the strategy. He said the backlash largely stemmed from how the message was framed, not from the initiative itself. According to von Ahn, the direction

GPT-5 gets a warmer, friendlier tone after a rocky rollout

GPT-5 gets a warmer, friendlier tone after a rocky rollout

OpenAI has started rolling out a personality tweak to its latest flagship model, aiming to make GPT-5 feel warmer, friendlier and more approachable in everyday use. The refresh follows a launch that some users found rough around the edges, with a subset saying they preferred the conversational style of GPT-4o.

Over dinner, Sam Altman sketches OpenAI’s life after GPT‑5

Over dinner, Sam Altman sketches OpenAI’s life after GPT‑5

I was seated in a waterfront dining room in San Francisco when OpenAI’s chief executive breezed in, holding up a naked iPhone like a prop. The point landed: form matters. It also foreshadowed a broader message — OpenAI’s next act won’t be just about another model number. Between

Claude can now end abusive or harmful chats — a new safeguard aimed at model welfare

Claude can now end abusive or harmful chats — a new safeguard aimed at model welfare

Some of the newest, largest versions of Claude have gained a safeguard that allows the assistant to end a conversation in rare, extreme cases of persistently harmful or abusive interactions. Notably, the aim isn’t framed as protecting the human on the other side, but as reducing potential harm to

AI plush toys promise less screen time for kids — but at what cost?

AI plush toys promise less screen time for kids — but at what cost?

AI-powered stuffed animals are being pitched as a friendlier, screen-free way for kids to chat with technology. The idea is simple: put a conversational assistant inside a cuddly plush, and you’ve got an always-on playmate without a glowing display. One recent hands-on demo with a new toy called Grem

Duolingo’s CEO says AI-first memo lacked context, not a plan for layoffs

Duolingo’s CEO says AI-first memo lacked context, not a plan for layoffs

Duolingo’s chief executive moved to clarify why his earlier message about steering the company toward an “AI‑first” strategy sparked backlash. He said the reaction stemmed from missing context, not from any intent to sideline people. According to the executive, the note raised few eyebrows internally. Outside the company,

GPT-5 Gets a Warmer, Friendlier Personality

GPT-5 Gets a Warmer, Friendlier Personality

OpenAI has rolled out a personality update for GPT-5 aimed at making conversations feel warmer and more approachable. The change follows a launch that some users found a bit rocky, with a portion of the community saying they preferred the tone of GPT-4o. According to the company, the adjustments are