OpenAI has launched Atlas, a new Chromium-based browser that integrates an AI assistant, Ask ChatGPT, directly into a sidebar. While the assistant is free to use, offering features like answering questions and analyzing web pages, early user experiences suggest it can be intrusive and sometimes inaccurate, with the sidebar reducing the main content window. Atlas also has a tiered system where advanced features, such as suggesting trending stories or booking travel, are reserved for paying subscribers, raising questions about OpenAI's monetization strategy and user data privacy. Meanwhile, OpenAI is reportedly developing an AI music generator, potentially leveraging input from Juilliard students for training. In broader AI developments, the U.S. economy is experiencing a significant boost from AI investments, contributing up to 1.3 percentage points to GDP growth in the second quarter, primarily through enhanced productivity in white-collar jobs rather than widespread job displacement. SAP is also seeing its stock performance rise due to strategic AI partnerships aimed at integrating advanced capabilities into its enterprise software. In marketing, a new book suggests AI can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency by acting as a 'human-in-the-loop' assistant, freeing up marketers for strategy and creativity, advocating for pragmatic adoption through pilot projects. Ukraine is advancing in AI-powered drone warfare, using AI for targeting and pilot assistance, though full autonomy is limited by hardware constraints and ethical considerations. Israel, despite its tech strengths, is increasing national investment in AI and quantum computing, establishing a National Artificial Intelligence Directorate to build infrastructure and talent. California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation addressing AI transparency, but with provisions for future revisions to address potential unintended consequences related to free speech and privacy. BeyondTrucks has integrated an AI-powered Optimization Solution into its transportation management system to improve load planning and route decisions in real-time.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI has launched Atlas, a new browser featuring an integrated AI assistant, Ask ChatGPT, with some advanced features requiring a subscription.
- OpenAI is reportedly developing an AI music generator, potentially using input from Juilliard students for training.
- AI investments are significantly boosting the U.S. economy, contributing up to 1.3% to Q2 GDP growth, with modest impact on jobs so far.
- SAP's stock performance is improving due to strategic AI partnerships aimed at enhancing its enterprise software.
- A new book suggests AI can boost marketing productivity by acting as an assistant, not a replacement for human marketers.
- Ukraine is advancing AI drone warfare capabilities, though full autonomy is limited by hardware and ethical concerns.
- Israel is increasing national investment in AI and quantum computing to bolster its global competitiveness.
- California Governor Newsom has signed AI transparency bills, but with provisions for future legislative revisions to address potential issues.
- BeyondTrucks has integrated an AI-powered Optimization Solution into its transportation management system for improved load planning and routing.
- User feedback on OpenAI's Atlas browser suggests the AI assistant can be clunky and intrusive, with the sidebar reducing content visibility.
OpenAI's Atlas Browser: AI Assistant or Web Distraction?
OpenAI has launched Atlas, a new browser built on Chromium, featuring an AI assistant called Ask ChatGPT. This tool aims to make the web more interactive by answering questions and analyzing web pages directly from a sidebar. While the Ask ChatGPT feature is free in Atlas, unlike some other AI tools, early testing suggests it can be clunky and sometimes provides unhelpful or inaccurate suggestions. The sidebar also shrinks the main content window, potentially disrupting website layouts. Despite its intentions, the reviewer found the AI assistant intrusive and preferred browsing the web without it.
ChatGPT's Atlas Browser: Potential but costly
OpenAI's new Atlas browser aims to compete with major browsers by integrating a chatbot assistant. However, users quickly encounter limits on the free plan, requiring a subscription for full functionality. The browser offers features like suggesting trending stories or highlighting deals on websites, but advanced actions like booking a train are reserved for paying customers. While Atlas shows potential for changing how we use the internet, its success depends on users being willing to pay for premium features. OpenAI also faces challenges in monetizing its services without relying on ads and managing user data privacy.
Israel lags in AI investment despite tech strength
Israel, a leader in cybersecurity and defense tech, is playing catch-up in national AI and quantum computing investment. While countries like the US, China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are making massive state-level investments, Israel has been slower to act due to political issues and war. Despite this, its private sector is strong, with many multinational R&D centers and a thriving AI startup scene that has seen significant funding increases. The government is now establishing a National Artificial Intelligence Directorate and plans substantial investment to build infrastructure and talent, aiming to compete in the global AI race.
California Governor Newsom signs bills with future revisions
California Governor Gavin Newsom approved several major bills, including those addressing antisemitism and AI transparency, but attached conditions for legislative revisions next session. He directed lawmakers to rework nearly a dozen laws to fix unintended consequences, such as concerns about free speech related to antisemitism legislation and potential privacy issues with AI safeguards. Newsom also called for adjustments to a law banning masked law enforcement officers and tech laws concerning user privacy. This approach allows urgent legislation to pass while acknowledging the need for future refinement.
Book Review: AI boosts marketing, doesn't replace humans
A review of the book "Marketing Artificial Intelligence: AI, Marketing, and the Future of Business" highlights AI's potential to enhance marketing efforts without replacing human jobs. The book argues that AI can significantly boost productivity and efficiency by handling tasks like data analysis and personalization. It emphasizes a 'human-in-the-loop' approach where AI acts as an assistant, freeing up marketers for strategy and creativity. The review also stresses the importance of pragmatic adoption, starting with small pilot projects, and a shift towards continuous, AI-driven operations rather than traditional campaigns.
Ukraine's AI drones succeed but face hardware limits
Ukraine is making significant advances in AI-powered drone warfare, but full autonomy remains years away due to hardware limitations. While AI enhances targeting and pilot effectiveness, especially when communication is jammed, the computing power available on small drones restricts complex decision-making. Current systems focus on 'last-mile targeting' and supportive roles rather than fully autonomous operations. Challenges also include data quality from older cameras and ethical concerns that prevent autonomous target selection for deep-strike missions. Despite battlefield successes, the reality of AI in drones is more about incremental gains than revolutionary breakthroughs.
SAP's AI partnerships boost stock performance
SAP's share price has seen significant gains in 2025, driven by its strategic focus on artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The company is actively forming partnerships with leading AI firms to integrate advanced capabilities into its enterprise software. These collaborations are viewed as crucial for future growth as businesses increasingly adopt AI for efficiency. Analysts are monitoring how these partnerships translate into business results and impact SAP's stock. While the long-term outlook is positive, the company must navigate technological risks and market volatility to sustain its growth.
AI fuels US growth but jobs see limited impact
Artificial intelligence is significantly boosting the U.S. economy, contributing up to 1.3 percentage points to GDP growth in the second quarter, according to the Bank of America Institute. AI investments in software, computing, and data infrastructure are driving this expansion. Currently, AI's impact on employment remains modest, primarily enhancing productivity in white-collar jobs rather than causing widespread layoffs. Increased investment in data centers is also raising energy prices, potentially spurring further capital spending.
BeyondTrucks integrates AI into its transport management system
BeyondTrucks has introduced an AI-powered Optimization Solution integrated directly into its transportation management system (TMS). This new feature aims to enhance efficiency for dispatchers and driver managers by improving load planning and route decisions. Unlike previous systems, this AI solution allows for real-time adjustments to constraints based on factors like traffic or delivery priorities, instantly recalculating routes. The system uses conversational intelligence to adapt to changing load demands, moving beyond static routing solutions.
OpenAI reportedly developing AI music generator
OpenAI is reportedly working on a new tool capable of generating music from text and audio prompts. Sources suggest that OpenAI has involved Juilliard students to help annotate music scores, which could be used to train the AI model. Details on the project's development stage are currently unavailable.
Sources
- OpenAI's Atlas Wants to Be the Web’s Tour Guide. I’m Not Convinced It Needs One
- I tried ChatGPT's Atlas browser to rival Google - here's what I found
- Israel playing catch-up in AI after two years of war
- Strings attached to bills Newsom signed on antisemitism, AI transparency and other major California policies
- CTech's Book Review: Adopting AI into our marketing worlds
- Ukraine’s AI Drone Revolution Hits Hardware Reality: Full Autonomy Remains Years Away Despite Battlefield Success
- How Do SAP’s AI Partnerships Influence Its Share Price in 2025?
- AI surge lifts U.S. growth but job effects remain limited: Bank of America Institute (MSFT:NASDAQ)
- BeyondTrucks adds built-in AI integration to its TMS
- OpenAI is reportedly working on an AI music-generation tool