🔒 DeepSeek R1 censorship controversy 🔒
Nearly matches OpenAI o3

DeepSeek's updated R1 reasoning model (R1-0528) achieves remarkable scores on coding, math, and general knowledge benchmarks, nearly surpassing OpenAI's flagship o3. However, testing reveals the model has become "substantially less permissive" on contentious topics, particularly criticism of the Chinese government. The model now refuses to answer 85% of questions about politically controversial subjects according to Chinese regulations, including topics like Xinjiang internment camps. While it sometimes offers critical perspectives, R1-0528 often defaults to official government stances when questioned directly, marking it as "the most censored DeepSeek model yet."

📸 Google Photos AI makeover 📸
Redesigned editor brings Pixel-exclusive features

Google is celebrating 10 years of Google Photos with a comprehensive editor redesign that democratizes AI features previously exclusive to Pixel devices. The update introduces Reimagine, which uses generative AI to transform objects and backgrounds through text prompts, and Auto Frame, which suggests optimal cropping and framing options. The new "AI Enhance" feature combines multiple effects for quick edits, while contextual suggestions appear when tapping specific photo areas. The redesign consolidates all editing tools in one place and will roll out to Android devices next month, with iOS following later this year.

🤖 Factory Droids automate coding 🤖
World's first autonomous software development agents

Factory has launched Droids, described as "the world's first software development agents" now available for general access. These autonomous agents integrate with entire engineering systems (GitHub, Slack, Linear, Notion, Sentry) to build production-ready software both locally and remotely. The platform allows developers to work with agents synchronously and asynchronously, representing what Rick Rubin calls "vibe coding" - the punk rock approach where "if you had something to say, you could say it" without requiring extensive expertise, just ideas and the ability to convey them.

INTERESTING NEWS

🏎️ Perplexity speeds up with Lewis Hamilton 🏎️

Perplexity has announced a global partnership with seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, bringing together "the relentless pursuit of speed, precision, and curiosity." The collaboration emphasizes shared values of constant learning and questioning, with Hamilton stating: "Whether it's in sport or life, you can never stop asking questions. The best never stop learning. Curiosity is fuel." The partnership represents Perplexity's push to align with high-performance individuals who embody their philosophy of advancing with understanding and purpose.

📰 NYT-Amazon licensing 📰

The New York Times has struck its first AI licensing agreement with Amazon, nearly two years after suing OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement. The deal grants Amazon access to editorial content from The Times, NYT Cooking, and The Athletic to train AI platforms, with potential integration into Alexa experiences. Amazon will provide direct links to Times products when using the content, ensuring readers can access the full Times experience. This marks Amazon's first such publisher agreement and represents a significant shift for The Times, which previously fought against unauthorized AI training on its content.