The evening briefing.
Today across AI and tech: Apple's Siri revamp focuses on privacy with auto-deleting chats, while AI sentiment faces backlash as Eric Schmidt is booed at a commencement. Meanwhile, new hardware boosts AI infrastructure.
AI Sentiment Shift. A noticeable shift in public perception towards AI is emerging, with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt facing boos from University of Arizona students during his commencement speech when discussing the technology. This incident highlights growing anxieties among graduates about AI's impact on future job markets. Axios also reports a broader "AI Hate Wave" is here, indicating a significant backlash against the technology. This sentiment suggests that the initial widespread enthusiasm for AI is now being tempered by concerns over its societal implications.
Privacy and Policy in AI. Privacy is becoming a key differentiator in the AI landscape, with Apple reportedly planning a new Siri version for iOS 27 that includes auto-deleting chat histories. Users will have options to retain conversations for varying periods, a feature that contrasts with current industry norms. Concurrently, the EU is weighing restrictions on the use of US cloud platforms for processing government data, signaling a push for greater data sovereignty. These developments underscore a growing focus on data protection and national control in the era of pervasive AI.
AI Infrastructure and Applications. Advancements in hardware continue to support the expanding needs of AI, with Kioxia unveiling a PCIe 5.0 SSD offering 14,000 MB/s read speeds for AI workstations. Similarly, Acasis launched 80Gbps Thunderbolt 5 storage, targeting AI developers and 8K video professionals. Beyond hardware, AI is finding diverse applications, from "World Action Models" giving robots the ability to simulate consequences before moving, to chatbots increasingly handling orders at drive-thrus. These innovations highlight both the foundational and practical growth of AI.
Societal Impact and Accessibility. The broader societal implications of AI are becoming clearer, with a new study warning that over half of Americans were hit by fraud in 2025, partly due to AI making scams more efficient. Conversely, governments are also leveraging AI for public benefit, as seen in Malta's decision to provide ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft Copilot for free to all citizens. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone has access to essential AI tools, demonstrating a dual-edged impact of AI on society.
Apple's Siri revamp could include auto-deleting chats
Apple is reportedly planning a new Siri version for iOS 27 that will include auto-deleting chat histories, allowing users to save conversations for 30 days, one year, or forever. This privacy feature aims to differentiate Apple in the AI space.
Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt booed for AI cheerleading at commencement
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed by University of Arizona students during his commencement address when he spoke about AI, reflecting growing anxieties among graduates about the technology's impact on the job market. This incident marks the second time a commencement speaker has received such a response this graduation season.
AI wearables are coming but need to pass the coffee shop test to survive
New AI wearables are on the horizon, but their success hinges on public acceptance and whether users feel comfortable using them in social settings like coffee shops. The devices must integrate seamlessly without causing social awkwardness or privacy concerns.
World Action Models enable robots to simulate consequences before moving
World Action Models address a core weakness in robotics AI by allowing models to understand how the world changes from their actions, rather than just matching movements to camera images. These models can learn from everyday videos without explicit robot action labels, making data acquisition more efficient.
Study warns over half of Americans hit by fraud in 2025 as scams become more efficient
A new study indicates that over half of Americans were victims of fraud in 2025, with AI contributing to the increased efficiency and sophistication of scams. Consumers are also reportedly trusting AI outputs blindly, exacerbating the problem.
EU weighs restricting use of US cloud platforms for government data processing
The European Union is considering new regulations that would restrict government data processing on US cloud platforms, aiming to enhance data sovereignty and protect sensitive information within the bloc. This move reflects ongoing concerns about foreign access to European data.
Maltese citizens to receive ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft Copilot for free
Malta's government announced that all citizens will receive free access to ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft Copilot, aiming to boost digital literacy and ensure equitable access to AI tools across the population. This initiative seeks to empower citizens with essential skills for the digital age.
Agent harnesses like OpenClaw are changing how AI models are built and run
Agent harnesses, such as OpenClaw, are emerging as a new paradigm for developing and deploying AI models, allowing for more controlled and secure execution of AI agents. These systems aim to improve the reliability and safety of advanced AI applications.
Chatbots at the drive-thru are just the beginning for AI in services
AI chatbots are becoming more common at fast-food drive-thrus, with companies like McDonald's deploying them for voice ordering. This trend indicates a broader integration of AI into customer service and operational roles across various industries.
Kioxia unveils PCIe 5.0 SSD with 14,000 MB/s read speeds for AI workstations
Kioxia has introduced its new PCIe 5.0 XG10 SSD series, offering read speeds up to 14,000 MB/s, designed to provide a significant performance boost for AI workstations, content creators, and high-end gaming systems. This powerful SSD aims to meet the demands of data-intensive applications.
Acasis unveils 80Gbps Thunderbolt 5 storage for AI developers and 8K video
Acasis has launched its FlowCore Series, a new Thunderbolt 5 storage solution offering 80Gbps bandwidth with independent bandwidth per drive, catering to AI developers and professionals working with 8K video. This high-performance offering is designed for demanding multi-bay workflows.
The Mac mini is becoming a viable option for infrastructure deployments
Apple's Mac mini is increasingly being recognized as a suitable platform for infrastructure applications, with Tim Cook highlighting its role during a recent earnings call. Its compact size and performance make it attractive for various computing tasks beyond personal use.
Scientists "bottle the sun" with a liquid battery that stores solar energy
Scientists have developed a liquid battery capable of storing solar energy, effectively "bottling the sun" for later use. This innovation could offer a new method for renewable energy storage and distribution.
ElliQ is a surprisingly helpful companion robot for older adults
The ElliQ companion robot has shown to be surprisingly effective in assisting older adults, particularly in encouraging activities crucial for managing conditions like Parkinson's disease. The robot helps users with exercise, socialization, and engaging in hobbies.