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ChatGPT expands reach as new features drive engagement

OpenAI’s ChatGPT has experienced a surge in growth, reaching 400 million weekly active users by February 2025, according to a report from venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.

The AI chatbot, which took nine months to grow from 100 million to 200 million users in 2024, has now doubled its numbers in under six months. New AI model releases and enhanced functionality, such as GPT-4o’s multimodal capabilities and Advanced Voice Mode, have contributed to this accelerated adoption.

Mobile usage has played a crucial role in sustaining ChatGPT’s momentum, with mobile users growing consistently between 5% and 15% each month over the past year.

Of the 400 million weekly active users, 175 million now access ChatGPT via mobile devices. Despite growing competition, OpenAI’s chatbot remains the leading AI app in terms of unique monthly visits on the web and active users on mobile, according to market intelligence provider Similarweb.

Rival AI app DeepSeek has emerged as a strong competitor, quickly capturing 15% of ChatGPT’s mobile user base and ranking No. 2 globally within 10 days of launch. However, while DeepSeek has seen higher engagement than other competitors like Perplexity and Claude, it still lags behind ChatGPT overall.

The report also highlights AI developer tools, revenue trends, and the top generative AI apps across mobile and web.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Taco Bell parent company invests $1 billion in AI-powered restaurant technology

Taco Bell is ramping up its use of AI as part of a broader $1 billion investment by parent company Yum Brands in digital and technology.

At a recent investor event in New York, executives showcased the company’s ‘Byte by Yum’ AI tools, which aim to improve labour management and inventory tracking. Taco Bell’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Dane Mathews, said AI is already being used to streamline operations without reducing labour costs.

Around 500 Taco Bell locations in the United States now use AI-driven voice technology to handle drive-through orders, a significant increase from 100 locations in mid-2024.

During the investor event, executives presented a video skit demonstrating how AI could assist managers by suggesting staffing adjustments and optimising inventory. Analysts found the presentation both innovative and slightly unsettling, with Yum suggesting AI would help free up employees for other tasks rather than replace them.

Fast food chains are increasingly adopting AI to modernise operations, with companies like McDonald’s and Chipotle also investing in automation and digital tools. While Yum’s AI technology is currently used in nearly 25,000 of its 61,000 global restaurants, executives acknowledged there is still a long road ahead.

Analysts believe Yum may eventually commercialise its AI software beyond its own restaurant network. Taco Bell’s AI-driven strategy comes as the chain projects an 8% rise in same-store sales for the current quarter.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Foxconn unveils ‘FoxBrain’ AI model, steps into AI race

Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant best known for assembling Apple’s iPhones, has taken a big step into the AI arena by launching its large language model, ‘FoxBrain.’ Built on Meta’s Llama 3.1 architecture, FoxBrain is optimised explicitly for traditional Chinese and Taiwanese language use, marking a milestone as Taiwan’s first AI language model.

Developed swiftly over four weeks using 120 of Nvidia’s powerful H100 graphics processors, FoxBrain is positioned as a high-performing AI model, particularly strong in data analysis, problem-solving, code generation, and decision-making tasks. Foxconn admitted that while FoxBrain slightly trails China’s DeepSeek model, it nonetheless approaches global benchmarks and boasts capabilities well-suited for complex reasoning tasks.

The company initially intends FoxBrain to streamline internal operations, mainly focusing on enhancing manufacturing processes, improving supply chain management, and fostering smarter decision-making. Foxconn also aims to collaborate with technology partners, making its AI findings publicly accessible through open-source channels to encourage broader adoption and innovation across industries.

Nvidia was pivotal in FoxBrain’s development, providing infrastructure and expertise through Taiwan’s most powerful supercomputer, ‘Taipei-1,’ in Kaohsiung. Foxconn is set to unveil more details about FoxBrain at Nvidia’s GTC developer conference later this month, highlighting its ambition to become a leader in hardware manufacturing and AI-driven technologies.

Trump eyes TikTok sale: Four buyers in play

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that his administration is actively negotiating with four parties interested in purchasing TikTok, the immensely popular Chinese-owned social media platform.

Trump’s comments come amid continued uncertainty about TikTok’s future in the US, following security concerns that prompted legislation mandating its sale or facing a ban.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed optimism about the potential deal, suggesting all four prospective buyers offered strong options.

Though Trump did not disclose specifics about the parties involved, recent reports indicate significant interest, notably from prominent businessman Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Analysts estimate TikTok’s value could reach up to $50 billion, making it one of the most lucrative tech deals in recent years.

The uncertainty around TikTok began escalating when the new law targeting the platform took effect on 19 January, requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest the business due to national security concerns.

President Trump subsequently delayed enforcement of the law by signing an executive order granting a 75-day extension, providing additional time to facilitate a sale.

So far, neither TikTok nor ByteDance have publicly commented on Trump’s latest statements or the ongoing negotiations.

Meanwhile, the app’s tens of millions of American users continue to watch closely, hoping their favourite platform survives the political and economic storm surrounding it.

Stay up to date with the latest news on TikTok developments!

Labour probe launched into Scale AI’s pay and working conditions

The United States Department of Labor is investigating Scale AI, a data labeling startup backed by Nvidia, Amazon, and Meta, for its compliance with fair pay and working conditions under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The inquiry began nearly a year ago during Joe Biden’s presidency, with officials examining whether the company meets federal labour regulations. Scale AI has been cooperating with the department to clarify its business practices and the evolving nature of the AI sector.

Founded in 2016, Scale AI plays a crucial role in training advanced AI models by providing accurately labeled data. The company also operates a platform where researchers exchange AI-related insights, with contributors spanning over 9,000 locations worldwide.

In response to the investigation, a company spokesperson stated that the majority of payments to contributors are made on time, with 90% of payment-related inquiries resolved within three days.

Valued at $14 billion following a late-stage funding round last year, Scale AI serves major clients such as OpenAI, Cohere, Microsoft, and Morgan Stanley.

The company insists that contributor feedback is overwhelmingly positive and maintains that it prioritises fair pay and support for its workforce.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Solana co-founder opposes Trump’s US crypto reserve plan

Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, has voiced strong opposition to President Trump’s idea of creating a US crypto reserve, arguing that the proposal undermines the very principles of decentralisation by placing control in the hands of the government.

Yakovenko believes that a true crypto reserve should be based on measurable and objective criteria to ensure fairness and decentralisation, rather than being managed by the government.

The US reserve, which is intended to include major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, has sparked debate within the crypto community.

Yakovenko clarified that he had not been consulted about the inclusion of Solana in the reserve and that he did not support the idea of a national crypto reserve.

He instead advocated for state-run reserves, which he sees as a way to hedge against potential mistakes by the federal government.

While many in the crypto industry are preparing for the White House Crypto Summit, where several high-profile figures will attend, Yakovenko has not confirmed whether he will be joining the event.

Some sources suggest that Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse lobbied for Solana’s inclusion in the reserve to make the case for XRP stronger, though Yakovenko has denied this claim.

For Yakovenko, decentralisation remains the core value of crypto, and any initiative that places power in the hands of a central authority risks undermining the entire ecosystem.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Fast-delivery firms face antitrust scrutiny in India

Fast-delivery giants Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto are facing an antitrust investigation in India over allegations of deep discounting practices that harm smaller retailers.

The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), which represents 400,000 distributors, has filed a case with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to examine the business practices of these companies.

They claim that the discounting strategies of these platforms result in unfair pricing models that harm traditional retailers.

The quick-commerce sector in India, where products are delivered within minutes from local warehouses, has grown rapidly in recent years. However, this growth has come at the expense of brick-and-mortar stores, which cannot match the discounts offered by online platforms.

A recent survey showed a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with many shoppers reducing their purchases from supermarkets and independent stores due to the appeal of fast-delivery options.

The filing by the AICPDF, which has reviewed the pricing of several popular products, accuses companies like Zepto, Swiggy’s Instamart, and Zomato’s Blinkit of offering products at prices significantly lower than those available in traditional stores.

However, this has raised concerns about the long-term impact on local businesses. The CCI is now set to review the case, which may result in a formal investigation.

As India’s quick-commerce market continues to grow, estimated to reach $35 billion by 2030, the regulatory scrutiny of this sector is intensifying. The outcome of this case could shape the future of the industry, especially as companies like Zepto and Swiggy prepare for further expansion.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Indonesia approves Apple’s local content certificates

Indonesia has granted local content certificates for 20 Apple products, including the iPhone 16 after the company met requirements for locally-made components.

Apple still needs further approvals from the communications and trade ministries before it can officially sell the devices in the country.

The certification follows Apple’s recent pledge to invest over $300 million in Indonesia, including funding component manufacturing plants and a research and development centre.

Last year, the country had banned iPhone 16 sales due to non-compliance with local content rules.

Industry ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arief confirmed that Apple received certificates for 11 phone models and nine tablets.

However, negotiations had been ‘tricky’, according to Indonesia’s industry minister. Apple remains outside the top five smartphone brands in Indonesia, according to research firm Canalyst.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

XR headset from Samsung to challenge Apple Vision Pro

Samsung’s upcoming XR headset is expected to feature a 4K micro-OLED display from Sony, according to recent reports.

The 1.35-inch screen is slightly smaller than Apple’s Vision Pro but offers a higher resolution and a wider colour gamut.

The Vision Pro has struggled to gain mass appeal due to its high price, leaving space for rivals to introduce alternatives.

Samsung’s device is likely to be positioned as a direct competitor, offering premium features at a potentially more accessible price point.

Other companies are also preparing to challenge Apple in the XR space. Sony’s high-end model is already available, and Meta is reportedly expanding its Quest lineup. Samsung has hinted at additional smart glasses, though details remain scarce.

Apple may respond with an updated Vision Pro, adding to the competition in the XR market. With several key players developing new headsets, 2025 could be a defining year for immersive technology.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Reddit launches new tools to improve user engagement

Reddit has introduced new tools to help users follow community rules and track content performance, aiming to boost engagement on the platform. The update comes after a slowdown in user growth due to Google’s algorithm changes, though traffic from the search engine has since recovered.

Among the new features is a ‘rules check’ tool, currently being tested on smartphones, which helps users comply with subreddit guidelines. Additionally, a post-recovery option allows users to repost content in alternative subreddits if their original submission is removed. Reddit will also suggest subreddits based on post content and clarify posting requirements for specific communities.

The company has enhanced its post insights feature, offering detailed engagement metrics to help users refine their content. This follows Reddit’s December launch of Reddit Answers, an AI-powered search tool designed to provide curated summaries of community discussions, which is still in beta testing.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.