Sources detail Musk's time at xAI after he left DOGE: he oversaw the design of the racy chatbot Ani, employees turned over biometric data to train avatars, more (Wall Street Journal)

Grok AI, developed by xAI under Elon Musk, is making waves in the crowded AI market by offering a chatbot that is witty, sarcastic, and unapologetic. Unlike typical AI assistants that aim for politeness, Grok embraces a more authentic approach, tackling uncomfortable questions head-on. This unique personality sets it apart and could redefine user expectations for AI interactions, making it a noteworthy development in the tech landscape.

LLEXICORP is making strides in enhancing the explainability of convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which are crucial for modern computer vision systems. As the demand for transparency in AI grows, their work on concept relevance propagation (CRP) methods aims to clarify how CNNs make decisions, linking model predictions to understandable concepts.

A new framework for evaluating explainable AI in semantic segmentation has been proposed, emphasizing the importance of transparency and trust in AI models. This approach aims to balance model complexity, predictive performance, and interpretability, which is crucial as AI is increasingly used in critical applications.

Elon Musk recently appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast, where he discussed the exciting possibility of flying Teslas. The conversation touched on innovative technologies and the future of transportation, showcasing Musk's vision for a world where cars can take to the skies.

Anthropic has secured a significant partnership with Cognizant, which will see the AI model Claude deployed to 350,000 of its employees. This collaboration not only enhances Cognizant's offerings but also positions Claude as a key player in enterprise AI solutions. The deal is a win-win, as it allows Cognizant to co-sell Claude models to its business clients, potentially transforming how companies leverage AI in their operations. This move highlights the growing importance of AI in the corporate landscape and could set a precedent for future collaborations in the tech industry.

OpenAI has struck a significant seven-year deal with AWS, committing to pay $38 billion for AI computing resources. This partnership will enable OpenAI to train its models on Amazon's servers, leveraging their powerful CPUs. This collaboration is crucial as it not only strengthens OpenAI's infrastructure but also highlights the growing demand for AI capabilities in the tech industry. Such investments are pivotal for advancing AI technologies and ensuring that companies can scale their operations effectively.

A new framework called Feature-Function Curvature Analysis (FFCA) has been introduced to enhance explainable AI (XAI) by providing a more accurate understanding of complex machine learning models. Traditional methods often oversimplify a model's behavior, but FFCA analyzes the geometry of learned functions, allowing for a clearer interpretation of how features interact. This advancement is significant as it builds trust in AI systems, making them more transparent and reliable for users.

Palantir is shaking up the traditional hiring model with its new four-month 'Meritocracy Fellowship' aimed at high school graduates. This innovative program offers a pathway to employment at Palantir without the need for a university degree, challenging the notion that higher education is essential for success in tech. By focusing on skills and potential rather than formal education, Palantir is opening doors for talented individuals who may have been overlooked, making it a significant move in the evolving job market.

The Databricks Free Edition Hackathon is an exciting opportunity for developers and students to showcase their creativity in data and AI. By providing free access to powerful tools, Databricks is fostering innovation and collaboration worldwide. This initiative not only empowers participants to explore new ideas but also highlights the potential of data-driven solutions in various industries, making it a significant event for the tech community.

Walmart has kicked off the holiday shopping season by unveiling its early Black Friday deals for 2025, showcasing a variety of discounts on popular items like TVs and headphones. This is significant as it gives shoppers a head start on their holiday shopping, allowing them to snag great deals before the rush. With more than 20 sales already live, customers can expect to find substantial savings, making it an exciting time for bargain hunters.

In our latest lab tests, we evaluated eight leading portable power stations from brands like Jackery, Anker, and Bluetti to determine which models stand out in efficiency. This matters because as more people rely on portable power for outdoor activities and emergencies, knowing which products perform best can help consumers make informed choices.

The ongoing federal government shutdown has left hundreds of civilian employees at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) either unpaid or furloughed for over a month. This situation not only affects the livelihoods of these workers but also raises concerns about the operational capacity of CBP during a critical time. The implications of such a shutdown extend beyond just the employees, impacting border security and immigration processes, which are vital to national interests.

The Philippines is grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has tragically claimed at least 40 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands. As the nation begins to recover from this devastation, a new tropical system is on the horizon, raising concerns about further challenges ahead. This situation is critical as it highlights the vulnerability of the region to severe weather events and the urgent need for disaster preparedness.

Two former Meta employees have launched a new startup called Sandbar, introducing a unique ring designed for taking voice notes and controlling music. This innovation is part of a growing trend in voice-based hardware aimed at enhancing companionship and productivity. As technology continues to evolve, products like Sandbar's ring could significantly change how we interact with devices, making everyday tasks more seamless and intuitive.