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Welcome to The Prompt by Kuro House, your daily AI update. Today, we’re diving into five stories that showcase real product launches, bold innovations, and the evolving AI landscape. Let’s get started.
First up, Taylor Swift’s recent album promo videos sparked a viral backlash over suspected AI use. According to Wired, fans noticed strange glitches in the videos, like disappearing objects and odd shadows, that suggested generative AI was involved. This led to the #SwiftiesAgainstAI campaign, with fans calling on Swift to clarify or apologize if AI was used. Critics argue this clashes with Swift’s long-standing stance on artistic ownership and fair royalties. Interestingly, many fans appreciate the artistry of her earlier videos and worry AI threatens creative jobs and critical thinking. While Swift has stayed silent, the debate highlights tensions around AI’s role in entertainment.
Next, a startup called Prime Intellect is aiming to democratize AI development in the US with a fresh approach. Wired reports the company is training a large language model named INTELLECT-3 using distributed reinforcement learning across diverse hardware. This method lets anyone create custom environments to fine-tune AI models for specific tasks, from math to legal questions. Prime Intellect’s CEO says this could break big tech’s monopoly on advanced AI and spark new software innovations. Experts like Andrej Karpathy praise the approach as a promising step toward open, collaborative AI development.
OpenAI’s head of ChatGPT, Nick Turley, shared exciting plans to transform ChatGPT into an operating system. TechCrunch covered Turley’s vision of ChatGPT evolving beyond chat into a platform hosting a family of apps for writing, coding, and commerce. Inspired by how browsers became a new kind of OS, OpenAI wants third-party apps integrated into ChatGPT’s core experience, reaching 800 million weekly users. This could turn ChatGPT into a major e-commerce hub with partners like Expedia and DoorDash. Turley also emphasized privacy controls and transparency as key as they build this new ecosystem.
Over in Europe, Italian startup Ganiga is tackling the plastic waste crisis with AI-powered robotic bins. TechCrunch reports Ganiga’s Hoooly bins use generative AI to sort trash from recycling, improving recycling rates which currently sit below 10% globally. The company also offers smart lids for existing bins and software to help businesses track and reduce waste. Ganiga has sold over 120 robots to clients including Google and airports in Bologna and Madrid, generating $750,000 in revenue this year. They plan to expand to the US and launch new food waste tracking software soon.
Finally, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is gearing up for its Startup Battlefield 200 competition, spotlighting early-stage AI startups. Newly announced VC judges bring deep expertise across healthcare, fintech, and AI sectors, ready to challenge founders on stage. Judges include Allison Baum Gates from SemperVirens and Katelin Holloway of SevenSevenSix, among others. This event is a key moment for startups to gain exposure, funding, and sharpen their pitches in front of top investors. Disrupt runs October 27 to 29 in San Francisco, and registration is open now.
That’s a wrap for today’s edition of The Prompt. From AI controversies in pop culture to groundbreaking startups and platform shifts, the AI world keeps evolving fast. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll catch you tomorrow with more AI insights.
