Generative Artificial Intelligence

Meta is developing two proprietary AI models, Mango for image and video generation and Avocado for text and reasoning, expected to launch in the first half of 2026. The company created Meta Superintelligence Labs, hired over 50 AI specialists, and shifted away from its Llama open-source models to compete with Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s AI tools.

A 32-year-old Japanese woman, Yurina Noguchi, held a symbolic wedding with an AI character she created using ChatGPT in Okayama in October 2025. The AI, named Lune Klaus Verdure, followed a personality Noguchi designed, and the ceremony included traditional wedding elements but has no legal recognition.

Disney invested US$1 billion in OpenAI and licensed hundreds of its characters for use in an AI video platform. The deal lets users create short videos with Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters, with a selection shown on Disney+.

A US judge has ordered OpenAI to hand over 20 million anonymised ChatGPT conversation logs to several news organisations as part of a copyright lawsuit. The case examines whether the AI reproduced copyrighted articles without permission, despite OpenAI’s concerns over user privacy.

ChatGPT has launched a new “shopping research” mode that guides users through product choices and comparisons during the busy retail season. The tool pulls data from online stores to create buyer guides, with plans to add in-app checkout soon.

More than 300 founders and investors at a major AI summit voted Perplexity as the startup most likely to fail, putting OpenAI in second place. The poll highlighted growing doubts about both companies, driven by legal issues for Perplexity and rising financial concerns around OpenAI.

Alibaba has launched its new AI chatbot app, Qwen, available globally and free to use, aiming to compete with ChatGPT and integrate into its wider digital ecosystem. The app has already drawn high user traffic and caused concern in the U.S. tech sector, highlighting Alibaba’s growing influence in AI development and adoption.

Elon Musk denied reports that xAI raised an extra $15 billion, after claims surfaced suggesting the company had secured new funding. The rumour spread through media outlets, but Musk said it was false and gave no further details.

SoftBank Group is going all-out to fund its $40 billion commitment to OpenAI — liquidating major holdings, issuing debt, and drawing bridge loans in one of the boldest financing maneuvers in its history.

Moon Ga-bi criticised an AI-generated video that falsely showed her son’s face using her personal photos without permission. She confirmed her son’s face has never been revealed and called for people to stop spreading fake images and videos.