Author: AI News First

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has warned that AI misuse poses an “extreme risk” and could do catastrophic harm. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Schmidt cautioned that AI could be weaponised by extremists and “rogue states” such as North Korea, Iran, and Russia to “harm innocent people.” Schmidt expressed concern that rapid AI advancements could be exploited to create weapons, including biological attacks. Highlighting the dangers, he said: “The real fears that I have are not the ones that most people talk about AI, I talk about extreme risk.” Using a chilling analogy, Schmidt referenced the al-Qaeda…

AI models are being cranked out at a dizzying pace, by everyone from Big Tech companies like Google to startups like OpenAI and Anthropic. Keeping track of the latest ones can be overwhelming.  Adding to the confusion is that AI models are often promoted based on industry benchmarks. But these technical metrics often reveal little about how real people and companies actually use them.  To cut through the noise, TechCrunch has compiled an overview of the most advanced AI models released since 2024, with details on how to use them and what they’re best for. We’ll keep this list updated…

The New York Times is now allowing its product and editorial teams to use AI tools, which might one day write social copy, SEO headlines, and code, reports Semafor.  The news came to staff via an email, in which the publication announced the debut of its new internal AI summary tool called Echo. The New York Times also shared a suite of AI products that staff could use to build web products or develop editorial ideas, alongside editorial guidelines for using AI tools. The paper’s editorial staff is encouraged to use AI tools to suggest edits, brainstorm interview questions, and…

Apple’s aim to integrate Qwen AI into Chinese iPhones has taken a significant step forward, with sources indicating a potential partnership between the Cupertino giant and Alibaba Group Holding. The development could reshape how AI features are implemented in one of the world’s most regulated tech markets. According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, Apple is in advanced talks to use Alibaba’s Qwen AI models for its iPhone lineup in mainland China. The move would depart from Apple’s global strategy of using OpenAI’s GPT models for its AI features, highlighting the company’s willingness to adapt to local market conditions.…

Apple’s aim to integrate Qwen AI into Chinese iPhones has taken a significant step forward, with sources indicating a potential partnership between the Cupertino giant and Alibaba Group Holding. The development could reshape how AI features are implemented in one of the world’s most regulated tech markets. According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, Apple is in advanced talks to use Alibaba’s Qwen AI models for its iPhone lineup in mainland China. The move would depart from Apple’s global strategy of using OpenAI’s GPT models for its AI features, highlighting the company’s willingness to adapt to local market conditions.…

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in our daily lives, industry leaders and experts are forecasting a transformative 2025. From groundbreaking developments to existential challenges, AI’s evolution will continue to shape industries, change workflows, and spark deeper conversations about its implications. For this article, AI News caught up with some of the world’s leading minds to see what they envision for the year ahead. Smaller, purpose-driven models Grant Shipley, Senior Director of AI at Red Hat, predicts a shift away from valuing AI models by their sizeable parameter counts. “2025 will be the year when we stop using the number of…

No industry is immune to fraud, with cases rising in finance, retail, and loyalty programmes. From fake invoices and falsified receipts to identity fraud and synthetic accounts, traditional fraud detection methods struggle to keep up. Many businesses still rely on manual reviews, which are slow and error-prone, often detecting fraud only after the damage is done. As fraud tactics grow more sophisticated, organisations need a smarter approach. Automated document fraud detection powered by AI offers a proactive solution, letting businesses to verify documents in real-time, detect anomalies, and prevent fraud before it occurs. Here is where AI-powered intelligent document processing…

The UK semiconductor industry is at a critical juncture, with techUK urging the government to act to maintain its global competitiveness. Laura Foster, Associate Director of Technology and Innovation at techUK, said: “The UK has a unique opportunity to lead in the global semiconductor landscape, but success will require bold action and sustained commitment. “By accelerating the implementation of the National Semiconductor Strategy, we can unlock investment, foster innovation, and strengthen our position in this critical industry.   Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology, powering everything from consumer electronics to AI data centres. With the global semiconductor market projected to…