Weekly Recap: OpenAI’s Potential $20K Monthly Fee for Cutting-Edge AI Agents!
Welcome to our latest Week in Review, where we dive into the most impactful tech news stories of the week, including OpenAI’s eye-popping pricing for specialized AI agents, the comeback of the early-internet sensation Digg, and groundbreaking genetic engineering by Colossal Biosciences. Let’s explore these exciting developments in the tech world!
OpenAI’s Ambitious Plans for AI Agents
OpenAI is reportedly considering a staggering $20,000 monthly fee for its specialized AI “agents.” According to a report from The Information, these agents will be designed for various applications, with one specifically targeting PhD-level research. This pricing reflects OpenAI’s need to recover from significant losses, estimated at $5 billion last year due to operational costs.
Scale AI Under Investigation
In other news, Scale AI is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor for potential violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The focus is on issues such as:
- Unpaid wages
- Misclassification of employees as contractors
- Illegal retaliation against workers
According to sources, this investigation has been ongoing since at least August 2024. A spokesperson for Scale AI mentioned that the inquiry began during the previous presidential administration, suggesting a misunderstanding of their business model.
Legal Battles for OpenAI
A federal judge recently denied Elon Musk’s request for an injunction to stop OpenAI’s transition into a for-profit entity. U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers noted that the evidence presented was insufficient. However, she indicated a willingness to expedite a trial regarding the legality of OpenAI’s conversion plan, which Musk claims strays from the company’s original nonprofit mission.
Revival of Digg
The beloved news aggregator Digg is making a comeback under the leadership of its original founder Kevin Rose and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Rose stated to TechCrunch that the revamped Digg will differ significantly from its former self, aiming to innovate the way users consume news.
Exciting Tech Developments
- Google’s Screenshare Feature: At Mobile World Congress 2025, Google introduced “Screenshare,” allowing users to share their phone screens with an AI chatbot for real-time interaction.
- AI Phone from Deutsche Telekom: Deutsche Telekom is set to launch an “AI Phone” priced under $1,000, developed in collaboration with Perplexity.
- AI in Gaming: Researchers from UCSD tested AI models in a Super Mario Bros. emulator, with Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 emerging as the top performer.
- Volkswagen’s ID EVERY1: Volkswagen unveiled its most affordable electric vehicle yet, the ID EVERY1, featuring cutting-edge software from Rivian.
AI Innovations and Applications
Wildlife researchers are leveraging AI to analyze camera trap data more efficiently. Google’s open-source project, SpeciesNet, can identify animal species from images, drastically improving research timelines.
Subscription Services on the Rise
YouTube has introduced a new subscription tier, YouTube Lite, allowing users to watch most videos ad-free for a monthly fee of $7.99, although it lacks some Premium features.
Colossal Biosciences’ Genetic Engineering
Colossal Biosciences is making waves by genetically engineering mice with mammoth-like fur, part of their broader ambition to resurrect the woolly mammoth by 2028. This adorable development has captivated many, as seen in their recent promotional video.
Signal’s Popularity in the Netherlands
Privacy-focused messaging app Signal has surged in popularity in the Netherlands, often ranking as the top downloaded free app. According to Rejo Zenger from Bits of Freedom, the app’s rise may be linked to growing concerns over privacy in technology.
Stay tuned for more updates in our next Week in Review!
