September 21, 2025

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Meta Licenses News Content, Invests $14.3 Billion in Scale AI

Elon Musk's xAI has launched Grok 4 Fast, a new, more affordable AI model designed for efficiency and accessibility. This model handles both reasoning and non-reasoning tasks, utilizing 40% fewer tokens than its predecessor while maintaining accuracy. Grok 4 Fast boasts a 2 million token context window, enabling it to process extensive information, and is available across web, iOS, and Android platforms at a significantly reduced cost of $0.20 per million input tokens, representing up to a 98% saving. Meanwhile, Meta is actively seeking to license news content from major publishers like Axel Springer, Fox Corp., and News Corp. for its AI products, a strategic shift from its previous stance on news payments. This move comes as Meta invests heavily in AI, including a $14.3 billion commitment to Scale AI, underscoring CEO Mark Zuckerberg's focus on AI development. Competitors such as Google and Perplexity are also pursuing similar content licensing agreements. In other AI developments, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is establishing agile AI standards to manage vast amounts of space-based sensor data, aiming for responsible AI deployment. On the public perception front, a Pew Research Center survey indicates that Americans are increasingly uneasy about AI's impact, with half feeling more concerned than excited and many fearing negative effects on creativity and relationships. The survey also highlights a lack of public trust and control over AI's growing presence. In the defense sector, a Chinese study suggests an AI-driven anti-submarine warfare system could detect a high percentage of stealthy submarines, though Western experts remain cautious about its immediate threat. Separately, Snorkel AI, a startup valued at $1.3 billion, has undergone workforce reductions, cutting 13% of its employees to refocus on its 'data-as-a-service' business. The Internet Computer blockchain is also integrating AI, aiming to become a platform for on-chain AI development and application creation.

Key Takeaways

  • xAI has launched Grok 4 Fast, an AI model that is faster, more efficient, and significantly cheaper than its predecessor, offering up to 98% savings.
  • Grok 4 Fast features a 2 million token context window, allowing it to process large amounts of information, and is available to all users on web, iOS, and Android.
  • Meta is negotiating with major publishers to license news content for its AI products, investing $14.3 billion in Scale AI as part of its AI development push.
  • Google and Perplexity are also pursuing similar news content licensing deals for their AI offerings.
  • A Pew Research Center survey reveals that half of Americans are more concerned than excited about AI, fearing negative impacts on creativity and relationships.
  • The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is developing agile AI standards to manage large volumes of data responsibly.
  • Snorkel AI, valued at $1.3 billion, has laid off 13% of its workforce to shift focus to its 'data-as-a-service' business.
  • A Chinese study indicates an AI-driven anti-submarine warfare system can detect a high percentage of stealthy submarines.
  • The Internet Computer (ICP) blockchain is integrating AI to function as a platform for on-chain AI development.
  • Concerns about AI's impact on youth, creativity, and relationships are growing among the American public.

xAI launches affordable Grok 4 Fast AI model

Elon Musk's company xAI has released Grok 4 Fast, a new artificial intelligence model designed to be cost-effective for both businesses and individuals. This model combines reasoning and non-reasoning tasks, offering a balance of efficiency and performance. Grok 4 Fast aims to make advanced AI technology more accessible and affordable for various uses. It is available to all users, including those on the free tier, across web, iOS, and Android platforms.

xAI introduces Grok 4 Fast with large context window

xAI has announced the introduction of Grok 4 Fast, a new AI model capable of multimodal reasoning. This advanced model features a significant 2 million token context window, allowing it to process and understand larger amounts of information. The release highlights xAI's ongoing development in creating more capable and versatile artificial intelligence systems.

xAI offers cheaper Grok 4 Fast AI model

Elon Musk's xAI has launched Grok 4 Fast, a more affordable version of its AI model. This new version handles both reasoning and non-reasoning tasks efficiently, using 40% fewer tokens while maintaining accuracy. Grok 4 Fast supports a 2 million token context window and costs only $0.20 per million input tokens, offering up to 98% savings compared to Grok 4. It performs well on benchmarks and is available starting September 20, 2025.

xAI releases faster, cheaper Grok 4 Fast AI

xAI has released Grok 4 Fast, a new AI model that is faster and more efficient than its predecessor, Grok 4. This model uses 40 percent fewer tokens for reasoning tasks, resulting in up to a 98% price reduction for similar performance. Grok 4 Fast features a unified architecture that can switch between complex reasoning and quick responses. It ranks highly on benchmarks for search and text tasks and is available to all users on web, iOS, and Android.

Americans uneasy about AI's impact on humanity

A new Pew Research Center survey reveals that Americans are increasingly concerned about artificial intelligence, with half now feeling more worried than excited. While 73% would use AI for daily tasks, 61% want more control over its use. Many fear AI will harm creativity and relationships, with only 16% believing it will improve creativity and 5% expecting better human connections. Trust in AI companies is also falling, and most Americans feel they have little control over AI's growing presence.

Americans fear AI harming creativity and relationships

A recent survey indicates that half of Americans are more concerned than excited about the increasing use of artificial intelligence in daily life. Most people believe AI will negatively impact their ability to think creatively and form meaningful relationships. Additionally, a significant majority doubt their ability to distinguish between human-generated and AI-generated content. While AI is seen as potentially helpful in areas like weather forecasting and crime detection, many draw lines at its involvement in personal matters.

NGA develops agile AI standards to manage data

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is creating new artificial intelligence standards to manage a rapidly growing amount of space-based sensor data. NGA Director Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth stated that AI is crucial for handling this data deluge without creating lengthy approval processes like the authority-to-operate (ATO). The agency aims for agile, responsible AI standards that align with American values and avoid issues like unvetted training data or processes. NGA is also focusing on the Accreditation of GEOINT AI Models (AGAIM) to ensure AI models are evaluated and managed responsibly.

Snorkel AI lays off 13% of workforce

Snorkel AI, a Silicon Valley startup valued at $1.3 billion, has laid off approximately 13% of its employees. The company cut 31 out of 240 employees, primarily affecting software engineers while sparing most AI-focused roles. Snorkel AI stated this decision is due to a shift in focus towards its 'data-as-a-service' business, leading to the deprioritization of some older business areas. The company aims to concentrate its efforts on areas with greater impact and better serve evolving customer needs.

Dr. Marc Siegel discusses AI's effect on youth

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, shared insights on how social media and artificial intelligence are impacting young people. His discussion, featured on 'Saturday in America,' explored the growing influence of these technologies on the younger generation. The segment likely covered potential benefits and drawbacks of AI and social media use among adolescents and children.

China's AI may challenge Western submarines

A new study from China suggests an advanced AI-driven anti-submarine warfare (ASW) system can detect 95% of stealthy submarines. Developed by the China Helicopter Research and Development Institute, the AI system analyzes data from multiple sources like sonar and underwater microphones to create real-time maps. It can adapt to countermeasures and translates complex data into simple actions for military personnel. While Western experts acknowledge AI's potential in submarine detection, they question the immediate threat due to the complexity of the underwater environment and the ongoing technological arms race.

UTA conference explores AI in healthcare

The University of Texas at Arlington is hosting the fifth annual Texas Health Informatics Alliance Conference, focusing on the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Experts will discuss trustworthy AI operations, AI and informatics legislation, and best practices for AI security. Keynote speakers include Dr. Sarah Collins from UT Southwestern Medical Center and Lisa Bazis from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The conference aims to foster dialogue on AI's impact and future in the healthcare field.

Meta seeks news content licenses for AI products

Meta is in discussions with major publishers like Axel Springer, Fox Corp., and News Corp. to license news content for its artificial intelligence products. This move signifies a strategic shift as Meta previously reduced payments for news content on Facebook. Competitors like Google and AI search company Perplexity are also pursuing similar licensing deals. The negotiations align with Meta's significant investment in AI infrastructure, including a $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg prioritizes AI development.

Yuhuai Wu celebrates Dustin's role in Grok4 Fast launch

Yuhuai Wu has announced the successful launch of Grok4 Fast, celebrating the contributions of Dustin to the project. This development marks a significant advancement for xAI, emphasizing the importance of collaborative expertise in driving progress in artificial intelligence technology. The launch of Grok4 Fast is highlighted as a key step forward for the company.

Internet Computer blockchain integrates AI

The Internet Computer (ICP) blockchain is positioning itself as a platform for on-chain artificial intelligence, aiming to create a 'self-writing internet' where AI develops applications. Dfinity founder Dominic Williams believes this integration will lead to a market revaluation for ICP. Early users are already building practical AI-powered applications on ICP, suggesting a future where anyone can create software by interacting with AI. This approach integrates the full AI development stack on-chain, offering a unique alternative to traditional cloud infrastructure.

Sources

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