Sustainable development

Frontier and GPT-5.3-Codex mark major OpenAI expansion

OpenAI has unveiled Frontier, a new enterprise platform designed to help organisations build, deploy, and manage AI agents capable of executing real operational work.

The launch reflects accelerating enterprise adoption, with businesses reporting measurable productivity gains across manufacturing, finance, sales, and energy operations through agent deployment.

Frontier addresses a growing gap between AI model capability and real-world implementation. The platform equips AI agents with shared organisational context, system access, governance permissions, and feedback learning mechanisms.

By integrating across existing cloud infrastructure, enterprise software, and data environments, Frontier enables AI coworkers to operate across workflows rather than within isolated tools.

Alongside the platform release, OpenAI introduced GPT-5.3-Codex, its most advanced agentic coding model to date. The system combines the coding strength of earlier Codex iterations with expanded reasoning and professional task execution.

Benchmark performance leads across SWE-Bench Pro, Terminal-Bench, OSWorld, and GDPval, reflecting gains in software engineering, computer use, and knowledge work automation.

Cybersecurity capabilities also advance with the release. GPT-5.3-Codex includes enhanced vulnerability detection training and operates under strengthened safeguards designed to support defensive research while mitigating misuse.

Together, Frontier and GPT-5.3-Codex position AI agents as scalable digital coworkers capable of executing complex technical and enterprise workloads end-to-end.

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AI drives bold change with five technologies at Milano Cortina 2026

AI and digital technologies are set to play a central role at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, positioning the event as a global showcase for large-scale AI deployment. Organisers aim to demonstrate how advanced technologies can transform major international events across media, operations, and public engagement.

Audience experience will be significantly reshaped through AI-powered broadcasting and digital platforms. Innovations include first-person drones following athletes in real time and AI-assisted replays that generate multi-angle freeze frames and performance data. In parallel, AI-driven tools on the official Olympic website and social media platforms will offer personalised highlights, summaries, and interactive content.

At the same time, technology will support athletes both on and off the field. AI systems will monitor and flag abusive online content, while dedicated digital applications will assist with training, injury prevention, and communication with family members during competitions.

Beyond digital innovation, the Games will also highlight sustainability through design. Transparent, reusable Olympic torches powered by biofuel and made from recycled materials will showcase how technology can support environmental responsibility alongside sporting tradition.

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AI demand squeezes memory supply, putting mid-range phones at risk

The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, especially high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in data centres and AI accelerators, is causing memory chip makers to prioritise production capacity for high-margin AI-related products, squeezing the supply of traditional DRAM and NAND used in consumer devices like smartphones, tablets and PCs.

Industry leaders, including Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron, are shifting wafer capacity toward AI-grade memory, and major cloud and hyperscale buyers (e.g., Nvidia, AWS, Google) are securing supply through long-term contracts, which reduces available inventory for mid-tier device manufacturers.

As a result, memory pricing has climbed sharply, forcing consumer electronics makers to raise retail prices, cut specs or downgrade other components to maintain margins.

Analysts warn the mid-range smartphone segment, typically priced between roughly $400–$600, faces a particular squeeze, with fewer compelling devices expected and slower spec improvements, as memory becomes a dominant cost driver and supply constraints persist.

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New AI system predicts iceberg movements to aid maritime safety

Scientists are applying AI to enhance iceberg tracking and movement prediction, using machine learning models that analyse historical drift patterns, ocean currents and weather data.

These AI systems aim to identify how icebergs behave over time and improve forecasts for their positions, which can help maritime operators and climate researchers anticipate hazards and plan safe routes.

Traditional methods for tracking icebergs, relying on satellite imagery and manual analysis, are limited by coverage gaps and delays. The new AI techniques can fill these gaps by generating continuous trajectory predictions, enabling more proactive monitoring over remote polar waters.

Researchers suggest that this approach could support shipping safety, offshore operations, and environmental management as climate change alters iceberg calving and drift behaviours.

This work reflects broader trends in using AI for environmental modelling, where machine learning augments physical models to better understand complex natural systems influenced by changing climate conditions.

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Amazon expands AI film production tools as Hollywood trials new systems

The US tech giant, Amazon, is preparing a new phase for its proprietary production tools as the company opens a closed beta that will give selected studios early access to its AI systems.

Developers created the technology inside Amazon MGM Studios to improve character consistency across scenes and speed up work in pre and post-production instead of relying on fragmented processes.

The programme begins in March and is expected to deliver initial outcomes by May. Amazon is working with recognised industry figures such as Robert Stromberg, Kunal Nayyar and former Pixar animator Colin Brady to refine the methods.

The company is also drawing on Amazon Web Services and several external language model providers to strengthen performance.

Executives insist the aim is to assist creative teams rather than remove them from the process. The second season of the series ‘House of David’ already used more than 300 AI-generated shots, showing how the technology can support large-scale productions instead of replacing artistic decision-making.

Industry debate continues to intensify as studios explore new automation methods. Netflix also used generative tools for major scenes in ‘The Eternaut’.

Amazon has repeatedly cited AI progress when announcing staff reductions, which added further concern over the long-term effects on employment and creative roles.

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Independent UN AI panel formed to guide evidence-based global governance

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has formally submitted, for consideration and appointment by the United Nations General Assembly, the proposed composition of a new Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, marking a step towards evidence-based global AI governance.

The panel brings together 40 experts from across regions and disciplines, selected through an open global call that attracted more than 2,600 applications, and members serve in a personal and independent capacity.

In his submission to the General Assembly, Guterres said the body would act as the first fully independent global scientific authority focused on closing the AI knowledge gap and assessing real-world impacts across economies and societies.

According to the UN chief, a reliable and unbiased understanding of AI has become essential as technologies reshape governance, labour markets, and social systems at an accelerating speed.

The panel will operate for an initial three-year term, aiming to provide a shared scientific foundation for international cooperation amid rising geopolitical tension and technological competition.

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Tinder tests AI Chemistry feature to cut swipe fatigue and revive engagement

The dating platform is expanding its reliance on AI, with Tinder experimenting with a feature designed to ease swipe fatigue among users.

A tool, known as Chemistry, that builds a picture of each person through optional questions and by reviewing their Camera Roll with permission, offering a more personalised route toward potential matches instead of repetitive browsing.

Match is currently testing the feature only in Australia. Executives say the system allows people to receive a small set of tailored profiles rather than navigating large volumes of candidates.

Tinder hopes the approach will strengthen engagement during a period when registrations and monthly activity remain lower than last year, despite minor improvements driven by AI-based recommendations.

Developers are also refocusing the broader discovery experience to reflect concerns raised by Gen Z around authenticity, trust and relevance.

The platform now relies on verification tools such as Face Check, which Match says cut harmful interactions by more than half instead of leaving users exposed to impersonators.

These moves indicate a shift away from the swipe mechanic that once defined the app, offering more direct suggestions that may improve outcomes.

Marketing investment is set to rise as part of the strategy. Match plans to allocate $50 million to new campaigns that will position Tinder as appealing again, using creators on TikTok and Instagram to reframe the brand.

Strong quarterly revenue failed to offset weaker guidance, yet the company argues that AI features will help shape a more reliable and engaging service for users seeking consistent matches.

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EU tests Matrix protocol as sovereign alternative for internal communication

The European Commission is testing a European open source system for its internal communications as worries grow in Brussels over deep dependence on US software.

A spokesperson said the administration is preparing a solution built on the Matrix protocol instead of relying solely on Microsoft Teams.

Matrix is already used by several European institutions, including the French government, German healthcare bodies and armed forces across the continent.

The Commission aims to deploy it as a complement and backup to Teams rather than a full replacement. Officials noted that Signal currently fills that role but lacks the flexibility needed for an organisation of the Commission’s size.

The initiative forms part of a wider push for digital sovereignty within the EU. A Matrix-based tool could eventually link the Commission with other Union bodies that currently lack a unified secure communication platform.

Officials said there is already an operational connection with the European Parliament.

The trial reflects growing sensitivity about Europe’s strategic dependence on non-European digital services.

By developing home-grown communication infrastructure instead of leaning on a single foreign supplier, the Commission hopes to build a more resilient and sovereign technological foundation.

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Gemini growth narrows gap in chatbot race

Google’s AI chatbot Gemini has surpassed 750 million monthly users, signalling rapid consumer adoption, according to fourth-quarter 2025 earnings. The figure jumped from 650 million in the previous quarter, reinforcing Gemini’s rapid expansion in the generative AI market.

Competitive positioning remains solid. Meta AI has nearly 500 million users, while ChatGPT leads globally with about 810 million. Ongoing product upgrades and ecosystem integration across Google services have sustained Gemini’s growth momentum.

Gemini 3 has driven adoption, with Google calling it its most advanced model, offering deeper reasoning and more nuanced responses. Leadership called the release a key growth driver, with further investment and updates expected to sustain expansion.

Broader AI demand is also lifting Alphabet’s financial performance. Annual revenue has topped $400 billion for the first time, driven by enterprise API demand and infrastructure growth, including the Ironwood TPU rollout.

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Malaysia enforces a total ban on e-waste imports after corruption probe

Authorities have imposed a full and immediate ban on the import of electronic waste in Malaysia to end the long-standing practice of foreign dumping.

The Anti-Corruption Commission reclassified all e-waste as an absolute prohibition, removing the earlier discretion that allowed limited exemptions. Officials argue that the country should protect its environment rather than accept hazardous materials from other nations.

Authorities have spent years intercepting containers loaded with discarded electronics suspected to contain toxic metals that contaminate soil and water when mishandled.

Environmental groups have repeatedly urged stronger controls, noting that waste from computers, mobile phones and household appliances poses severe risks to human health. The government now insists that firm enforcement must accompany the new restrictions to prevent continued smuggling.

The decision comes amid a widening corruption inquiry into oversight of e-waste. The director-general of the environment department and his deputy have been detained on suspicion of abuse of power. At the same time, investigators have frozen bank accounts and seized cash linked to the case.

The Home Ministry has pledged increased surveillance and warned that Malaysia will safeguard its national security by stopping illegal e-waste at its borders.

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