In today's AI news roundup, several major developments are reshaping the landscape. DeepSeek released its V4 model, cutting prices by a staggering 75%, making advanced AI more accessible. Microsoft and OpenAI revised their exclusive partnership, signaling a new phase in their collaboration. Salesforce announced it is hiring 1,000 employees to bolster its AI initiatives. Meanwhile, Cyera acquired AI security startup Ryft, and robotics startup Sereact raised $110 million for its AI-driven robots.
Other notable stories include Xiaomi releasing an efficient open-source AI model, AI being used to reconstruct the face of a Pompeii victim, and Spotify adding Peloton fitness content. Taylor Swift took a stand against unauthorized use of her voice in AI systems by trademarking it.
On the infrastructure front, a new data center venture is eyeing Norway, and AI is being deployed to find hidden geothermal power and run a copper mine. A new AI framework reportedly outperforms human baselines, while industry observers note a missing step between hype and profit.
Finally, Avoca emerged as an AI service unicorn, and the robotics startup achieved a $1 billion valuation.