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AI Industry News and Major Company Updates

Technology Artificial Intelligence 484 words

Recent Business Developments and Major Company Announcements in Artificial Intelligence (June 19–26, 2025)

Investments and Funding

  • Thinking Machines Lab Secures $2 Billion: Founded by Mira Murati, Thinking Machines Lab closed a $2 billion funding round at a $10 billion valuation. The company focuses on developing agentic AI systems for reasoning, planning, and autonomy. (crescendo.ai)

  • SoftBank's $1 Trillion AI and Robotics Hub: SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son proposed building a $1 trillion AI and robotics complex in Arizona, aiming to position the U.S. as a leader in AI and robotics innovation. (crescendo.ai)

Product Launches and Partnerships

  • Meta and Oakley Introduce AI-Powered Smart Glasses: Meta partnered with Oakley to launch Meta HSTN, a new line of smart glasses featuring 3K video recording, AI assistant capabilities, and open-ear audio, priced at $399 for standard and $499 for limited edition versions. (crescendo.ai)

  • TCS and Microsoft Collaborate on AI Solutions: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft to build AI-first solutions for business transformation, focusing on Azure OpenAI services and industry-specific applications. (crescendo.ai)

Strategic Moves

  • Apple Explores Acquisition of Perplexity AI: Apple has held internal discussions about acquiring Perplexity AI, a startup focused on AI-powered search, in a deal potentially valued around $14 billion. (crescendo.ai)

  • Nvidia and Foxconn Discuss Humanoid Robots Deployment: Nvidia and Foxconn are reportedly in talks to deploy humanoid robots at Foxconn’s new AI server plant in Houston, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs. (crescendo.ai)

Industry Trends

  • Increase in Workplace AI Usage: A Gallup report indicates that AI usage in U.S. workplaces has nearly doubled over two years, with employee AI use rising from 21% to 40%, highlighting rapid adoption across various sectors. (crescendo.ai)

  • Dine Brands Implements AI in Restaurants: Dine Brands plans to roll out AI tools across over 3,500 Applebee’s and IHOP locations to handle personalized promotions, tech support for franchisees, and smart staffing. (crescendo.ai)

Legal and Regulatory Developments

  • Chegg Sues Google Over AI-Generated Search Summaries: Chegg filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging that AI-generated search previews reduce traffic to educational sites and impact user engagement, highlighting tensions between AI firms and content creators. (upgrad.com)

  • OpenAI and Elon Musk Agree to Expedited Trial Over For-Profit Status: OpenAI and Elon Musk have agreed to fast-track their legal dispute over OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit model, with the case proceeding to trial in autumn. (marketingprofs.com)

Technological Advancements

  • OpenAI Introduces New Voice Models: OpenAI announced three new voice models—gpt-4o-transcribe, gpt-4o-mini-transcribe, and gpt-4o-mini-tts—designed for improved transcription and text-to-speech capabilities, available through OpenAI’s API for developers. (champaignmagazine.com)

  • IBM Launches AI-Powered Cybersecurity Assistant: IBM introduced a generative AI-powered cybersecurity assistant to enhance threat detection and response services, aiming to improve efficiency and accuracy in identifying and mitigating cyber threats. (neudesic.com)

These developments underscore the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, with significant investments, strategic partnerships, and technological innovations shaping the industry's future.