Artificial intelligence
GPT-5 August release gets closer 📤
- OpenAI is reportedly preparing to release GPT-5 in August, with Sam Altman confirming the model is coming ‘soon’.
- The next-generation model will integrate OpenAI’s o3 reasoning technology with improved multimodal capabilities and larger context windows.
- Early testing suggests GPT-5 could represent a significant leap in AI performance, potentially reshaping enterprise AI adoption.
Nvidia trading volume hits record high 📈
- Nvidia’s stock achieved $221.81 billion trading volume ranking second in daily market activity.
- The surge followed Alphabet’s $85 billion AI spending announcement and Trump’s AI Action Plan supporting chip infrastructure.
- Despite challenges from Chinese competitors, Nvidia remains well-positioned as demand for AI chips continues growing.
Billion-dollar Nvidia chips smuggled to China 💰
- At least $1 billion worth of Nvidia AI chips were smuggled into China after export controls.
- Chinese distributors are selling banned B200, H100, and H200 processors through black market networks across multiple provinces.
- Nvidia emphasises that building data centres with smuggled products is technically and financially unfeasible.
ServiceNow raises revenue forecast on AI demand 📊
- ServiceNow increased its annual subscription revenue outlook driven by strong AI-powered automation demand.
- The company’s cloud-based enterprise solutions are benefiting from businesses embracing AI for operational efficiency.
- Stock rose over 7% in extended trading following the positive guidance and strong quarterly results.
Major tech
Tesla faces rough quarters ahead 📉
- Tesla shares dropped 7% as CEO Elon Musk warned of ‘a few rough quarters’ due to reduced EV incentives.
- The company reported its worst quarterly sales decline in over a decade while starting production of affordable vehicle prototypes.
- Musk’s political controversies and increased competition are impacting Tesla’s brand value and market position.
Google Pixel 10 series design revealed 📱
- The entire Pixel 10 lineup appeared in Google Play Store banners ahead of August 20 launch.
- Four models confirmed: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold with $50 promotional discount.
- The new devices maintain similar design language to Pixel 9 series but with refined camera bar and additional colour options.
Creators
Meta ends Threads creator bonus program 💸
- Meta quietly terminated its Threads bonus program that paid creators $500-$5,000 monthly for engagement goals.
- The platform’s explosive growth to 350 million users suggests Meta believes organic momentum no longer requires direct creator incentives.
- Creators express concern about reduced earning potential compared to competing platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
YouTube cracks down on AI content 🎬
- YouTube updated creator policies to target ‘inauthentic content’ including repetitive AI-generated videos.
- Creators using AI tools for mass content production face potential monetisation restrictions under the new guidelines.
- Marketers welcome the changes as they improve platform quality, though some creators worry about enforcement fairness.
- Here’s our write-up on how faceless YouTube channels could be in trouble.
Photographer captures Saturn and ISS together 🪐
- Amateur astrophotographer captured Saturn and the International Space Station in the same telescopic frame.
- The precise timing required exact location and careful planning to achieve the momentary conjunction from Washington state.
- NASA featured the image as Astronomy Picture of the Day, highlighting the 1.4 billion kilometre separation between subjects.
Pop culture
BLACKPINK wins with ‘JUMP’ on M! Countdown 🏆
- BLACKPINK secured first place on M! Countdown with ‘JUMP’ earning 6,942 points.
- The group’s victory over NCT Dream highlights their continued global impact during their Deadline World Tour.
- July 24 episode featured multiple comebacks including STAYC, WayV, ZEROBASEONE, and TXT first performances.
Avatar: Seven Havens first look revealed 🌍
- Nickelodeon unveiled the first image from Avatar: Seven Havens at San Diego Comic-Con 2025.
- The sequel series follows earthbending twins in a post-cataclysm world where being the Avatar marks one as humanity’s destroyer.
- The 26-episode series continues the Avatar universe with creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko returning.
Nintendo Direct reportedly coming this month 🎮
- Reliable leaker reports a Nintendo Direct scheduled before July 31 following Donkey Kong Bananza release.
- Fans are eager for updates on Metroid Prime 4, Kirby Air Riders, and major third-party ports.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 confirmation and potential Call of Duty announcements could headline the showcase.
