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The artificial intelligence sector is experiencing explosive growth, with significant developments across platforms, funding, and policy. OpenAI is pushing ChatGPT beyond a chatbot, transforming it into a robust operating system supporting third-party applications and prioritized placement options for its 800 million weekly users. Google DeepMind is advancing browser-based AI control with Gemini 2.5 Computer Use, promising low-latency interaction and built-in safety protocols. OpenAI’s Sora video creation tool has also demonstrated remarkable traction, amassing 627,000 iOS downloads in its debut week, exceeding ChatGPT’s initial launch numbers.

Beyond the software realm, investment in AI-related ventures is skyrocketing. xAI is reportedly seeking $20 billion in funding, including a significant $2 billion investment from NVIDIA, to fuel its ambitious projects. SoftBank is doubling down on robotics with a $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB’s robotics division, signaling a strategic move to integrate AI and robotics.

Regulatory landscapes are also shifting to address the rapid proliferation of AI. Apple will implement age verification for new iPhone accounts in Texas, Utah, and Louisiana starting in 2026. Meanwhile, the European Union is committing €600 million to improve access to AI computing resources and plans to double the Horizon Europe AI funding to over €3 billion. All of these updates were first reported via the r/artificial intelligence community on Reddit.