Remember DeepSeek? Two New AI Models Say They’re Even Better

AI companies used to measure themselves against industry leader OpenAI. No more. Now that China’s DeepSeek has emerged as the frontrunner, it’s become the one to beat.

ORIGINAL LINK: https://decrypt.co/303703/remember-deepseek-two-new-ai-models-say-theyre-even-better

Copyright Office suggests AI copyright debate was settled in 1965

The US Copyright Office issued AI guidance this week that declared no laws need to be clarified when it comes to protecting authorship rights of humans producing AI-assisted works.

ORIGINAL LINK: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/01/copyright-office-suggests-ai-copyright-debate-was-settled-in-1965/

It doesn't matter if DeepSeek copied OpenAI — the damage has already been done in the AI arms race

This whole DeepSeek copying ChatGPT accusation from OpenAI and Microsoft reminds me of a lesson I’ve learned over the past 15 years of writing about this stuff — most people do not care if something is a copycat. They will go for the thing that is cheaper and better.

ORIGINAL LINK: https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/it-doesnt-matter-if-deepseek-copied-openai-the-damage-has-already-been-done-in-the-ai-arms-race

Copyright Office Offers Assurances on AI Filmmaking Tools

The U.S. Copyright Office declared Wednesday that the use of artificial intelligence tools to assist in the creative process does not undermine the copyright of a work.

ORIGINAL LINK: https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/copyright-ai-tools-filmmaking-studios-office-1236288969/

This week in review - product updates

Here is a detailed review of the major and most recent changes or offerings in consumer-facing AI technologies from key companies and organizations, including OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, Perplexity AI, and xAI's Grok.

OpenAI

• Model Advancements: OpenAI recently launched its new generative AI model, "o3," which boasts advanced reasoning capabilities and is seen as a significant step toward superhuman intelligence. However, the model has not been made publicly available, raising questions about accessibility and transparency[5].

• Search Integration: OpenAI expanded its search-like capabilities with the launch of "ChatGPT Search," enabling users to perform more advanced informational queries[1].

• Agents: OpenAI introduced "Operator," an agent capable of performing multi-step operations across various applications. This marks a shift toward creating virtual assistants that can act autonomously on users' behalf[21].

Microsoft

• Copilot Integration: Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant has been integrated into its Microsoft 365 suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote), enabling features like drafting, summarizing, and data analysis. This integration comes with a price increase for Microsoft 365 subscriptions—the first in 12 years[6][19].

• Windows AI Features: Microsoft declared 2025 as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh," highlighting new AI capabilities like "Copilot Vision," which allows AI to recognize and respond to content displayed on a user's screen[2][17].

• Environmental Focus: The company is also working on making its data centers more environmentally friendly by reducing water usage and prioritizing sustainable materials[17].

Google

• Gemini 2.0: Google has scaled up its Gemini AI platform with advanced multimodal capabilities and long-context reasoning. Gemini-powered features are increasingly integrated into Google Search, such as AI Overviews and task automation across apps[13][18].

• Vertical Integration: Google continues to leverage its proprietary Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) for training models, giving it a competitive edge in hardware-software integration. This vertical approach strengthens Google's position in both consumer and enterprise markets[1].

• Search Advertising: Google is reshaping search marketing with AI-driven enhancements like multimodal experiences and creative tools for advertisers. This transformation aims to redefine how users interact with businesses online[12].

Anthropic

• Claude Updates: While specific updates from Anthropic were not highlighted in recent reports, the company remains focused on talent acquisition and enterprise applications of its Claude models. Anthropic is also exploring agentic AI capabilities for professional use cases[1][21].

Perplexity AI

• Mobile Assistant: Perplexity launched a mobile assistant for Android that combines general query answering with task execution (e.g., composing emails, setting reminders). It also offers multimodal features like using the camera to interpret surroundings or perform actions based on screen content[3].

• Expansion Plans: Perplexity made headlines with a proposed merger with TikTok U.S., aiming to combine its search engine capabilities with TikTok's video platform. This move could significantly enhance Perplexity's reach and diversify its offerings[10][22].

xAI (Grok)

• Grok 3 Launch: xAI announced Grok 3, its next-generation model boasting ten times the computational power of Grok 2. This model includes advanced text generation, image rendering, and real-time data processing capabilities[8].

• Standalone App: Grok is now available as a standalone iOS app and web platform (Grok.com), expanding beyond its initial integration with X (formerly Twitter). It offers features like real-time web access, text-to-image generation, and advanced Q&A functionalities[4][11].

• Future Enhancements: Upcoming updates to Grok include improved natural language understanding and expanded domain-specific applications for industries like healthcare and finance[4].

Key Trends Across Companies

1. Agentic AI: Most companies are focusing on agents that can perform autonomous tasks across apps (e.g., OpenAI's Operator, Google's Gemini agents).

2. Multimodal Capabilities: Integration of text, image, and audio processing is becoming standard (e.g., Google's Gemini 2.0, Perplexity's mobile assistant).

3. Consumer Accessibility: Companies are launching standalone apps or integrating features into widely used platforms to reach broader audiences.

4. Enterprise Focus: Many advancements target professional use cases, such as domain-specific tools for industries like healthcare or marketing.

   These developments highlight how consumer-facing AI technologies are evolving rapidly toward greater autonomy, multimodal functionality, and integration into everyday workflows.

   Citations:

   [1] https://www.sequoiacap.com/article/ai-in-2025/

   [2] https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/06/microsoft_2025_windows_refresh/

   [3] https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/23/24350488/perplexity-ai-mobile-assistant-android

   [4] https://securityboulevard.com/2025/01/the-comprehensive-guide-to-understanding-grok-ai-architecture-applications-and-implications/

   [5] https://www.economist.com/business/2025/01/20/openais-latest-model-will-change-the-economics-of-software

   [6] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/16/microsoft-raises-price-of-consumer-microsoft-365-first-time-since-2013.html

   [7] https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/01/05/whats-in-store-for-ai-in-2025-heres-what-chatbots-and-consulting-experts-say

   [8] https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2645818/elon-musk-announces-grok-3-ai-model-launch-amidst-nvidias-ces-2025-plans

   [9] https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2025/01/21/microsoft-and-openai-evolve-partnership-to-drive-the-next-phase-of-ai/

   [10] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/18/perplexity-ai-makes-a-bid-to-merge-with-tiktok-us.html

   [11] https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/08/xai-is-testing-a-standalone-ios-app-for-its-grok-chatbot/

   [12] https://searchengineland.com/google-ads-plans-major-ai-push-in-2025-reshaping-search-marketing-450029

   [13] https://www.seroundtable.com/january-2025-google-webmaster-report-38669.html

   [14] https://www.computerworld.com/article/3601452/microsoft-adds-copilot-ai-features-to-some-non-us-m365-consumer-plans.html

   [15] https://www.adweek.com/media/5-ai-trends-2025/

   [16] https://www.nojitter.com/ai-automation/no-jitter-roll-moveworks-launches-agentic-automation-and-twilio-integrates-with-openai

   [17] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/big-changes-are-coming-to-ai-in-2025-microsoft-170022863.html

   [18] https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/intl/en-emea/consumer-insights/consumer-trends/digital-marketing-trends-2025/

   [19] https://www.geekwire.com/2025/microsoft-increases-price-of-microsoft-365-bundle-for-consumers-the-first-bump-in-12-years/

   [20] https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/21/24349006/microsoft-openai-compute-partnership

   [21] https://www.platformer.news/openai-operator-ai-agent-hands-on/

   [22] https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/business/money-report/perplexity-ai-revises-tiktok-merger-proposal-that-could-give-the-u-s-government-a-50-stake/3750734/?os=f%2F

The AI lie: how trillion-dollar hype is killing humanity

AI companies like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic want you to believe we’re on the cusp of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—a world where AI tools can outthink humans, handle complex professional tasks without breaking a sweat, and chart a new frontier of autonomous intelligence.

ORIGINAL LINK: https://www.techradar.com/pro/the-ai-lie-how-trillion-dollar-hype-is-killing-humanity

DeepSeek is the new AI chatbot that has the world talking – I pitted it against ChatGPT to see which is best

DeepSeek is the new AI chatbot on everybody’s lips and is currently sitting at the top of Apple’s App Store in the US and the UK.

ORIGINAL LINK: https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/deepseek-is-the-new-ai-chatbot-that-has-the-world-talking-i-pitted-it-against-chatgpt-to-see-which-is-best