💻 ChatGPT just got its own virtual computer

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☀️ On this day: On July 18, 1968, Intel Corporation was founded by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore in Mountain View, California. Originally named N M Electronics, the company quickly became a leader in semiconductor innovation and would go on to revolutionize computing with inventions like the microprocessor.

What’s happening:

• 💻 ChatGPT just got its own virtual computer

• 🎬 Netflix uses AI effects for the first time to cut costs

• ⚖️ Zuckerberg settles $8B privacy lawsuit, avoids trial

• ⚡ OpenAI adds Google Cloud to power ChatGPT

• 🍎 Apple sues leaker Jon Prosser over iOS 26 theft

• + 📊 Daily poll and results

• + 📈 Trending tools and resources

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Hand-picked news:

💻 ChatGPT just got its own virtual computer ↗️LINK

• What: OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Agent, an advanced upgrade that lets the AI control its own virtual computer to perform complex, real-world workflows. Agent integrates tools like Operator and Deep Research, enabling autonomous browsing, coding, and app interaction.

• Why: The move boosts ChatGPT's “agentic” power, allowing it to book trips, build products, handle APIs, and more — all while navigating tasks with interruptions and user input.

• Impact: Agent hits state-of-the-art benchmarks and is classified “high capability,” triggering strict safety controls. It signals a major step toward fully autonomous AI assistants.

🎬 Netflix uses AI effects for the first time to cut costs ↗️LINK

• What: Netflix used generative AI for the first time in its original series The Eternauts, creating a building collapse scene 10 times faster and at a lower cost than traditional methods. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos called it a breakthrough for smaller-budget productions.

• Why: AI helped reduce production time and expense, enabling high-end visuals previously out of reach for lower-budget series. However, the move reignites concerns about AI replacing creative jobs and using copyrighted material without consent.

• Impact: While artists and studios see AI as a powerful tool, critics argue it threatens jobs and artistic integrity. Netflix's success may push more studios to follow suit.

⚖️ Zuckerberg settles $8B privacy lawsuit, avoids trial ↗️LINK

• What: Mark Zuckerberg and other Meta execs have settled an $8 billion lawsuit over Facebook’s role in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, avoiding public testimony. Plaintiffs accused them of failing to protect user data, costing the company billions.

• Why: Shareholders sought personal damages from 11 Meta leaders, alleging gross negligence in overseeing privacy compliance after a 2012 FTC order. The 2019 FTC fine alone cost Facebook $5B.

• Impact: The surprise settlement halts a high-profile trial that could have exposed key testimony. Critics say it avoids accountability, despite offering closure for Meta leadership.

⚡ OpenAI adds Google Cloud to power ChatGPT ↗️LINK

• What: OpenAI is now using Google Cloud to run ChatGPT and other AI models, expanding its cloud infrastructure partners amid rising compute demands. Google joins Oracle and CoreWeave as key suppliers.

• Why: The shift reflects OpenAI’s need for more GPU capacity and marks a change in its relationship with Microsoft, which is no longer its exclusive cloud provider and now a direct AI competitor.

• Impact: The partnership is a win for Google Cloud and highlights how AI giants are diversifying cloud partners to meet surging workloads, signaling a more competitive and fragmented AI infrastructure landscape.

🍎 Apple sues leaker Jon Prosser over iOS 26 theft ↗️LINK

• What: Apple is suing tech leaker Jon Prosser, alleging he orchestrated unauthorized access to a developer iPhone containing trade secrets about iOS 26. Apple claims Prosser offered incentives to Michael Ramacciotti, who allegedly accessed the device via an Apple engineer friend.

• Why: Prosser reportedly used the stolen info to publish videos revealing unreleased iOS features, including a new design language. Apple discovered the breach via an anonymous tip and supporting evidence, including a voice note.

• Impact: Apple seeks damages and a ban on further leaks. The case highlights escalating tensions between tech giants and leakers, raising legal and ethical stakes in the digital rumor economy.

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Today’s Poll:

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Yesterday’s Poll Result:

Do you think AI making phone calls for you will become as normal as texting?

• A) Yes – It’s the future of everyday communication - 48%

• B) No – Talking to humans won’t go out of style - 52% 🏆

Reader’s opinion:

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