Anthropic has announced that its Claude Opus 4 and 4.1 models can now end conversations in extreme cases of harmful or abusive user interactions.
The company said the change was introduced after the AI models showed signs of ‘apparent distress’ during pre-deployment testing when repeatedly pushed to continue rejected requests.
According to Anthropic, the feature will be used only in rare situations, such as attempts to solicit information that could enable large-scale violence or requests for sexual content involving minors.
Once activated, Claude AI will be closed, preventing the user from sending new messages in that thread, though they can still access past conversations and begin new ones.
The company emphasised that the models will not use the ability when users are at imminent risk of self-harm or harming others, ensuring support channels remain open in sensitive situations.
Anthropic added that the feature is experimental and may be adjusted based on user feedback.
The move highlights the firm’s growing focus on safeguarding both AI models and human users, balancing safety with accessibility as generative AI continues to expand.
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Apple is again exploring AI-powered robotics, reportedly working on prototypes including a tabletop assistant and lifelike upgrades to Siri. A home display may launch in 2026, with a robot device expected in 2027, though neither is confirmed for release.
One concept, codenamed J595 and the ‘Pixar Lamp,’ features a swivelling screen on a robotic arm that tracks user movement. The robot is a personal assistant that responds to conversations using facial recognition and motorised movement.
Other prototypes under evaluation include mobile bots and humanoid robots for industrial use.
The devices would run Apple’s new internal software platform, ‘Charismatic,’ designed for voice commands, personalised content, and smart home automation. Apple has not confirmed robotics, but CEO Tim Cook highlighted the company’s AI focus, hinting at upcoming innovations.
Experts note that domestic humanoid robots are still far from mainstream adoption. Gary Marcus, an AI expert and NYU professor, said Apple’s focus on privacy, security, and design suggests that future humanoid robots could benefit from its integrated hardware and software.
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OpenAI has updated GPT-5 to make its tone noticeably warmer and more engaging, without reverting to the overly flattering style some users criticised in GPT-4o. The change is rolling out, aiming to balance emotional resonance with substance.
CEO Sam Altman stated the adjustment directly responds to users finding GPT-5 too formal or robotic. The update is subtle yet visible, enhancing conversational warmth while avoiding sycophantic tendencies.
OpenAI also expands user control by offering three interaction modes, Auto, Fast, and Thinking, which adapt response style to user preference. These changes empower users to shape the tone and depth of their AI interactions.
Reacting to public frustration, OpenAI has reinstated GPT-4o (along with GPT-4.1, o3, and GPT-5 Thinking mini) for paid subscribers, while promising more customisation options in future updates.
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A new report from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and ThoughtExchange highlights the growing role of AI in K-12 communications, offering detailed guidance for ethical integration and effective school engagement.
Drawing on insights from 200 professionals across 37 states, the study reveals how AI tools boost efficiency while underscoring the need for stronger policies, transparency, and ongoing training.
Barbara M Hunter, APR, NSPRA executive director, explained that AI can enhance communication work but will never replace strategy, human judgement, relationships, and authentic school voices.
Key findings show that 91 percent of respondents already use AI, yet most districts still lack clear policies or disclosure practices for employee use.
The report recommends strengthening AI education, accelerating policy development, expanding the scope to cover staff, and building proactive strategies supported by human oversight and trust.
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The ads, circulating primarily on TikTok, combine unnatural expressions with awkward speech patterns, triggering community outrage.
Fans on Reddit slammed the ads as ’embarrassing’ and akin to ‘cheap, lazy marketing,’ arguing that Nexon had bypassed genuine collaborators for synthetic substitutes, even though those weren’t subtle attempts.
Critics warned that these deepfake-like promotions undermine the trust and credibility of creators and raise ethical questions over likeness rights and authenticity in AI usage.
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Singapore has launched a $27 billion initiative to boost AI readiness and protect jobs, as global tensions and automation reshape the workforce.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stressed that securing employment is key to national stability, particularly as geopolitical shifts and AI adoption accelerate.
IMF research warns Singapore’s skilled workers, especially women and youth, are among the most exposed to job disruption from AI technologies.
To address this, the government is expanding its SkillsFuture programme and rolling out local initiatives to connect citizens with evolving job markets.
The tech investment includes $5 billion for AI development and positions Singapore as a leader in digital transformation across Southeast Asia.
Social challenges remain, however, with rising inequality and risks to foreign workers highlighting the need for broader support systems and inclusive policy.
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AI-powered stuffed animals are transforming children’s play by combining cuddly companionship with interactive learning.
Toys such as Curio’s Grem and Mattel’s AI collaborations offer screen-free experiences instead of tablets or smartphones, using chatbots and voice recognition to engage children in conversation and educational activities.
Products like CYJBE’s AI Smart Stuffed Animal integrate tools such as ChatGPT to answer questions, tell stories, and adapt to a child’s mood, all under parental controls for monitoring interactions.
Developers say these toys foster personalised learning and emotional bonds instead of replacing human engagement entirely.
The market has grown rapidly, driven by partnerships between tech and toy companies and early experiments like Grimes’ AI plush Grok.
Regulators are calling for safeguards, and parents are urged to weigh the benefits of interactive AI companions against possible social and ethical concerns.
The sector could reshape childhood play and learning, blending imaginative experiences with algorithmic support instead of solely relying on traditional toys.
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Priorities include deploying 4G networks in remote regions, expanding public internet services, and reinforcing the Palapa Ring broadband infrastructure.
On the talent front, the government launched a Digital Talent Scholarship and AI Talent Factory to nurture AI skills, from beginners to specialists, setting the stage for future AI innovation domestically.
In parallel, digital protection measures have been bolstered: over 1.2 million pieces of harmful content have been blocked, while new regulations under the Personal Data Protection Law, age-verification, content monitoring, and reporting systems have been introduced to enhance child safety online.
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A new workplace trend known as ‘quiet cracking’ describes employees who stay in their roles while feeling increasingly disengaged and emotionally drained.
Unlike quitting, where workers reduce effort, quiet cracking refers to those who continue to meet expectations yet feel like they are breaking inside.
Experts say the phenomenon usually develops gradually, with workers reporting fatigue, stress and frustration instead of open dissatisfaction. Many feel unable to speak up for fear of losing their job or facing uncertainty in the broader labour market, leaving them silent.
Critics argue that labelling such behaviour risks encouraging weakness instead of resilience, but supporters warn that ignoring the issue may worsen mental health challenges.
Some workers are turning to AI for support instead of seeking human assistance. Generative AI tools offer low-cost and constant access for advice and empathetic responses.
Advocates suggest AI could expand mental health support where professionals are scarce, while opponents caution that relying on AI instead of qualified therapists could carry significant risks.
Whether quiet cracking becomes a lasting workplace concern or fades as a passing trend remains uncertain, for now, it highlights the growing debate about how technology might play a role in addressing modern mental health struggles.
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ChatGPT’s mobile app has surpassed $2 billion in worldwide consumer spending since its launch in May 2023, according to Appfigures. Revenue from January to July 2025 alone reached $1.35 billion, a 673% increase from the same period in 2024.
The app has also dominated downloads, with an estimated 690 million lifetime installs, including 318 million added in 2025. India leads in total downloads at 13.7%, followed by the US, which accounts for 38% of revenue.
Competitors such as Grok, Claude, and Copilot remain far behind, with Grok generating just $25.6 million in 2025.
Consumer spending per download reinforces ChatGPT’s lead, averaging $2.91 globally and $10 in the US. The figures highlight OpenAI’s dominance in the mobile AI assistant market, despite ongoing criticism from X owner Elon Musk, who has alleged that the App Store suppresses competition.
Apple has rejected these claims.
The AI market continues to heat up as Microsoft integrates OpenAI’s GPT-5 into its Copilot offerings. Elon Musk has predicted intense competition, while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has downplayed Musk’s criticism, emphasising innovation and collaboration as the sector expands.
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