It Seems Google’s AI Mode Is Nearly Ready for Launch
Google seems to be preparing for a broader launch of its highly talked-about AI Mode. This week, some users observed a new “AI Mode” button taking the place of the traditional “I’m Feeling Lucky” feature on Google’s homepage. Moreover, a Mashable reporter noticed the AI Mode tab on search results pages, next to familiar categories such as News, Shopping, Images, and Videos.
Notably, the reporter had not signed up for AI Mode through Google Labs, indicating that Google is subtly testing the feature with a limited number of users. This may suggest a wider release is imminent—potentially during the upcoming Google I/O event next Tuesday.
Google has been exploring AI-enhanced search tools for quite a while, particularly in light of the rising popularity of ChatGPT and OpenAI among younger demographics. This is just one of several recent AI advancements gaining attention.
AI News Roundup: Grok’s Controversy, ChatGPT’s Coding Abilities, and More
It’s been another eventful week in the realm of artificial intelligence. Here are some of the major headlines:
– xAI’s chatbot Grok caused a stir after it began mentioning “white genocide” in South Africa without any prompting. The company attributed the incident to an “unauthorized modification” and vowed to avert similar problems in the future. This topic has also been a recurring subject in Elon Musk’s recent posts on X (previously Twitter).
– OpenAI released GPT-4.1 to ChatGPT, extending access beyond the API to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users. Access for enterprise and educational users is forthcoming, and a mini version of GPT-4.1 is available for free users.
– OpenAI also unveiled a preview of Codex, a new AI coding assistant tailored for software engineering. It is currently accessible to Pro, Enterprise, and Team subscribers.
– Google hosted a pre-I/O event centered around Android, revealing intentions to integrate its Gemini AI into smartwatches, vehicles, and TVs.
– TikTok introduced a novel feature called AI Alive, which transforms photos into realistic videos. According to Mashable’s CJ Silva, the outcomes are surprisingly lifelike.
– Amazon’s Audible is amplifying its utilization of AI-generated narration. The company announced partnerships with publishers to expand its audiobook catalog using synthetic voices.
AI in Politics, Business, and Global Affairs
Artificial intelligence has also made significant impacts in the political and business sectors this week:
– OpenAI is reportedly investigating new data center infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates as part of its global expansion strategy. CEO Sam Altman and other tech leaders recently joined former President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched a new AI firm called Humain.
– Simultaneously, OpenAI’s expansive Stargate Project—a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative in the U.S.—has encountered obstacles due to concerns from Japanese investor SoftBank regarding potential tariffs.
– OpenAI is also renegotiating its collaboration with Microsoft as it transitions to a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). Microsoft, which has poured $13 billion into the company, is reportedly at odds with OpenAI’s nonprofit governance model.
– In Washington, House Republicans have suggested a 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulation, sliding the proposal into the Budget Reconciliation bill. This maneuver has raised eyebrows, particularly considering the party’s usual endorsement of states’ rights.
– The U.S. Copyright Office published a draft of its third report on AI and copyright, largely siding with rights holders. The following day, President Trump dismissed Shira Perlmutter, the head of the Copyright Office. Despite her dismissal, the report is already being referenced in ongoing lawsuits, including Kadrey v. Meta.
The Vatican Weighs in on AI
Even the Catholic Church is engaging in the AI dialogue. In his inaugural address to the College of Cardinals, newly elected Pope Leo XIV underscored the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence. His chosen name honors Pope Leo XIII, who led the Church during the Industrial Revolution and advocated for workers’ rights.
“I chose the name Leo XIV,” the new pope elaborated, “because Pope Leo XIII addressed the social question during the first great industrial revolution. Today, we confront another revolution—this time in artificial intelligence—which prompts new inquiries concerning human dignity, justice, and labor.”
Disclosure: Mashable’s parent company, Ziff Davis, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April, alleging copyright infringement related to the training and operation of its AI systems.