AWS CEO Matt Garman celebrated the partnership as a ‘powerhouse combination’, noting that the models outperform comparable options, claiming they are three times more price-efficient than Gemini and five times more than DeepSeek‑R1, when deployed via Bedrock.
Rich functionality comes with these models: wide context capacity, chain-of-thought transparency, adjustable reasoning levels, and compatibility with agentic workflows. Bedrock offers secure deployment with Guardrails support, while SageMaker enables experimentation across AWS regions.
Financial markets took notice. AWS stock rose after the announcement, as analysts viewed the pairing with OpenAI’s open models as a meaningful step toward boosting its AI offerings amid fierce cloud rivalry.
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GitHub has prematurely unveiled OpenAI’s next-generation GPT-5 models in a blog post that was swiftly deleted. The post briefly revealed that GPT-5 will be released in four variants, promising significant upgrades in reasoning ability, coding performance, and user experience.
Archived versions of the removed announcement show that GPT-5 features improved agentic capabilities and can complete complex coding tasks with minimal input.
The four model versions include a full-strength GPT-5 for logic and multi-step operations, a lightweight mini version for cost-efficient usage, a nano version optimised for speed and low latency, and a chat-focused variant built for advanced, multimodal enterprise interactions.
Reddit users first spotted the post, including comparisons between GPT-5 and competing models such as Llama 4 Scout and Cohere v2.
The accidental release aligns with growing anticipation after OpenAI insiders hinted at a major release earlier in the week, with CEO Sam Altman teasing the update just days before.
OpenAI is expected to launch GPT-5 later today, officially during a live-streamed event. The company has also introduced two new open-weight GPT-OSS models, including one that can run locally on personal devices.
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OpenAI has launched its first open-weight AI models in over five years, under the Apache 2.0 license. Developers now have access to download, adapt, and deploy the models commercially, marking a significant shift in policy from the company’s previously closed-source approach.
The move comes amid pressure from China’s open-source AI sector and Western rivals, such as Meta. The GPT-OS models focus on reasoning and support complex tasks such as coding and mathematics.
GPT-OS-120 b targets high-performance setups, while GPT-OS-20 b can run on standard machines. While not fully open-source, the release provides transparency regarding weights and architecture, although the training data remains undisclosed.
The approach has split expert opinion: some praise the openness, others question the limited disclosure. Regardless, it signals OpenAI’s strategic recalibration in response to market pressure.
Benchmark tests show the models excel in advanced reasoning. The o4-mini, a related model, has already surpassed its competitors in evaluations such as AIME 2024 and 2025. Analysts say these tools could reshape workflows across sectors, from coding to enterprise automation.
OpenAI’s timing aligns with rapid revenue growth and a $40 billion funding round. Analysts see this release as a calculated step in a maturing, competitive industry, where a balance of proprietary control and open access may define future leadership.
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Indonesia is considering adding Bitcoin to its national reserves, with support from the Vice President’s office and other key parties. The proposal suggests allocating about $18.3 billion to Bitcoin through the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (BPI Danantara).
Proponents say this could help reduce national debt and diversify reserves.
Bitcoin advocates recently presented to the Vice President’s office, proposing Bitcoin mining as part of the national reserve strategy. Discussions focused on Bitcoin’s potential to strengthen Indonesia’s economy long-term, aligning with milestones like the country’s centenary of independence.
BPI Danantara, launched in February 2025, manages state assets independently to boost development. The Bitcoin allocation could secure up to 200,000 BTC, generating profits to ease debt pressures.
If approved, Indonesia would be among the first Southeast Asian countries to include Bitcoin in its sovereign wealth fund, marking a significant step in the region’s crypto landscape.
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The technology offers eye-catching scenarios like flying over mountains, exploring volcanoes, or swimming through deep oceans. Although the graphics still show AI hallmarks, the functionality is advanced enough to raise concerns across the game industry.
Many fear that Genie 3 could render traditional development tools, such as Unity and Unreal, less essential, especially for prototyping or indie games. With just a few words, AI can now build what teams of artists and designers once did.
Job losses driven by AI are already happening in other sectors. Customer support, design, and language learning platforms have replaced humans with bots. Game developers may be next in line as studios seek to cut costs.
Some players may continue to favour human-made games, but the pressure is growing. Genie 3 shows that AI is no longer just assisting developers; it’s beginning to replace them.
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The Philippines SEC has warned 10 major crypto exchanges, including OKX, Bybit, KuCoin, and Kraken, for operating without proper authorisation under new regulations. These platforms continue offering services to Filipino users despite lacking official registration, putting investors at risk.
The SEC noted that other unregistered exchanges may also be operating illegally. It plans to take enforcement actions such as cease and desist orders and criminal complaints.
The regulator will collaborate with Google, Apple, and Meta to block unauthorised marketing and app availability.
Similar crackdowns are underway across Southeast Asia. Thailand recently ordered the blocking offshore exchanges like Bybit and OKX, urging investors to withdraw funds. Indonesia has increased income tax rates on foreign crypto platforms, raising costs for offshore trading.
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China’s Ministry of State Security has warned of foreign attempts to collect sensitive biometric data via crypto schemes. The ministry warned that foreign agents are illegally harvesting iris scans and facial data, risking personal privacy and national security.
The advisory noted recent cases in which foreign intelligence services exploited biometric technologies to spy on individuals within China. Cryptocurrencies incentivised people worldwide to submit iris scans, which were sent overseas.
Although no specific companies were named, the description resembled the approach of the crypto firm World, formerly known as Worldcoin.
Biometric identification methods have proliferated across many sectors due to their accuracy and convenience. However, the ministry stressed the vulnerability of such systems to data breaches and misuse.
Iris patterns, unique and challenging to replicate, are prized by malicious actors.
Citizens are urged to remain cautious, carefully review privacy policies, and question how their biometric information is handled.
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Brazil’s House of Representatives will convene on 20 August to evaluate a bill proposing the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve. If approved, the legislation would allow up to 5% of the nation’s treasury reserves, equivalent to nearly $15 billion, to be invested in Bitcoin.
The hearing will involve several key institutions, including the Central Bank of Brazil, the Ministry of Finance, a crypto advocacy group, and financial sector stakeholders.
Supporters of the bill claim that a Bitcoin reserve would shield Brazil’s foreign reserves from currency volatility and geopolitical threats. They also argue it would encourage broader adoption of blockchain technologies.
The proposal follows similar global movements. India and Sweden are also rumoured to be exploring similar strategies.
Reactions in Brazil are mixed. While Vice President Alckmin’s chief of staff praised the initiative, calling Bitcoin’ digital gold,’ officials at the Central Bank have cautioned against integrating crypto into official reserves.
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The use of AI for travel planning has surged in the UAE, with six in ten travellers reporting they use AI to manage flights, hotels, itineraries, and dining. Tourism Economics and ATM data show that the UAE’s adoption rate significantly exceeds the global average.
Despite the technological appeal, travel professionals stress the importance of human contact. Automated agents may optimise logistics, but UAE customers continue to value emotionally intelligent service, especially for complex or premium experiences.
As Al Rais Travel puts it, a hybrid approach, where AI performs background analysis and humans provide real connection, is ideal.
Industry dialogue at ATM 2025 underscored trust as key: AI can generate draft itineraries and administrative support, but travellers still rely on agents to uncover hidden gems, accommodate cultural preferences, and fine-tune experiences.
Experts such as Naomi Ekberg argue that in the UAE’s cosmopolitan market, AI should free up staff to deliver memorable human moments rather than replace them.
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Taiwan’s Digital Minister, Huang Yen-nun, discussed deeper cooperation in digital and AI technologies with the United States during the recent APEC conference in Incheon—the talks from 3 August to 6 August marked a new phase in bilateral tech collaboration.
Huang confirmed that the APEC gathering had produced its first joint ministerial statement on digital and AI policy. Ministers pledged to enhance connectivity, prevent digital exclusion, promote trustworthy AI, and accelerate the adoption of responsible technology across the Asia-Pacific region.
Digital goals of Taiwan closely align with the APEC declaration, Huang said, particularly in areas such as online fraud prevention, resilience-building, and expanding the digital economy. He framed the agreement as a strong alignment with national priorities.
Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, was highlighted as a key ally. Huang also held talks with representatives from Japan and Southeast Asia to explore regional cooperation in emerging technologies.
Cybersecurity and semiconductors remain central to Taiwan’s leadership in the technology sector. However, Huang acknowledged that further investment and collaboration with digital trailblazers, such as those in the United States, are needed to maintain the country’s edge in high-value innovation.
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