Core Insights - OpenAI has launched a new social media app called Sora, aimed at capturing the attention of users currently engaged with short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram [4][6] - The app allows users to create AI-generated videos in various styles, including anime and realistic formats, and is currently available only on Apple devices in the U.S. and Canada [4][5] - Concerns have been raised about the proliferation of AI-generated content, referred to as "AI slop," which may overshadow authentic human creativity and degrade the information ecosystem [5][8] Company Developments - OpenAI's Sora app features an official launch video with an AI-generated version of CEO Sam Altman, showcasing the app's capabilities in a whimsical setting [5] - The app is designed to be highly personalized, recommending videos based on user engagement, similar to Meta's recently launched Vibes product [6][10] - OpenAI has acknowledged concerns regarding addiction and misinformation, stating it will periodically poll users on their well-being and prioritize content from friends over strangers [10] Industry Trends - The rise of AI-generated short-form videos is becoming a competitive space, with both OpenAI and Meta introducing similar products to attract users [6] - Experts warn that the dominance of AI-generated content could lead to a skewed information environment, impacting societal decision-making and governance [8][9] - The trend towards AI-generated content raises questions about the future of creativity and authenticity in digital media [5][9]

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Chat GPT app icon is seen on a smartphone screen, Aug. 4, 2025, in Chicago. Credit: AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, file OpenAI is turning ChatGPT into a virtual merchant that can help sell goods for Etsy and Shopify as the artificial intelligence company looks for new revenue in online commerce. ChatGPT users can now buy directly fro ...

Core Viewpoint - DoorDash is expanding its services to include restaurant reservations and robot deliveries, aiming to enhance customer experience and meet growing demand while maintaining its competitive edge in the delivery market [4][6][10]. Expansion Plans - DoorDash announced plans to add restaurant reservations through a new "Going Out" tab, initially launching in New York and Miami, with plans to expand to other cities later [8][9]. - The company reported a 20% increase in total orders, reaching 761 million in the second quarter of the year, indicating strong customer demand [4]. Delivery Innovations - DoorDash is introducing autonomous delivery robots named Dot, which can travel at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour and are designed for suburban deliveries [11][12]. - The company has invested seven years in developing Dot, which is capable of carrying up to 30 pounds of cargo [13][14]. Competitive Landscape - The expansion into restaurant reservations and robot deliveries poses a challenge to competitors like OpenTable and Instacart, as DoorDash aims to deepen its relationships with restaurants and attract new customers [6][10]. - Following the announcement of its partnership with Kroger for delivery from 2,700 stores, DoorDash's shares rose by 4%, while Instacart's shares fell by 10% [6]. Future Vision - DoorDash envisions a hybrid delivery model combining human and autonomous methods to enhance service efficiency and accessibility [18].

Core Points - Electronic Arts (EA) is set to be acquired by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) for $55 billion, marking the largest all-cash private equity buyout in history [1][2] - The consortium includes US investment firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, with the latter founded by Jared Kushner [2] - EA reported a revenue of $7.5 billion in its most recent fiscal year and is known for franchises like FIFA, Madden NFL, The Sims, and Battlefield [2] Financial Details - The acquisition will be financed through approximately $36 billion in equity from consortium members and $20 billion in debt from JPMorgan Chase [3] - PIF, which already holds a 9.9% stake in EA, will roll over its existing investment as part of the transaction [3] Transaction Timeline and Impact - The acquisition is expected to close in early 2026, pending approval from EA shareholders and regulatory authorities [3] - Upon completion, EA will be delisted from the Nasdaq stock exchange but will remain headquartered in Redwood City, California, under the leadership of CEO Andrew Wilson [4] - This deal represents PIF's ongoing strategy to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy beyond oil revenues, with a focus on the gaming sector [4]

Core Points - Lufthansa plans to cut 4,000 jobs, nearly 4% of its workforce, primarily in Germany, by 2030, reflecting the economic downturn in Europe [1][5] - The airline group employs around 103,000 people and includes subsidiaries such as Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, Swiss Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways [2] - Germany is experiencing a recession for the second consecutive year, with unemployment reaching a decade high, impacting major corporations [2] - The job cuts at Lufthansa follow a similar announcement from Bosch, which will reduce 13,000 jobs, or 3% of its global workforce [3] - Lufthansa is reviewing its operations to eliminate unnecessary activities, particularly due to digitalization and the adoption of artificial intelligence, aiming for greater efficiency [4] - The company has set new financial targets for 2028-2030, including an adjusted operating margin of 8 to 10% [4]

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration has proposed a deal that would reduce Chinese ownership of TikTok in the US to 20%, but uncertainties remain regarding the execution and implications for American users [3][4]. Group 1: Deal Structure and Participants - The proposed deal requires Chinese owner ByteDance to divest its US operations, which necessitates approval from the Chinese government, complicating the situation amid ongoing trade tensions [4]. - Key investors in the deal include Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, indicating potential political ties and influence in the arrangement [6][8]. - The deal is valued at $14 billion, which is considered low compared to Twitter's $44 billion valuation, raising questions about the financial terms and ByteDance's retained value through licensing [11][12]. Group 2: Political and Social Implications - Concerns have been raised about a potential conservative shift in TikTok's management and content moderation, reflecting broader trends in social media under current political dynamics [9][10]. - The deal's vague assurances regarding US national security have led to skepticism among lawmakers, with calls for oversight and scrutiny of ByteDance's past actions [14]. - The extension of the deadline to ban TikTok until mid-January adds to the confusion surrounding the deal's status and compliance with US laws [13].

Core Insights - The FAA has restored Boeing's ability to perform final safety inspections and certify 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner aircraft for flight after a thorough review of production quality [4][6] - Boeing's stock price increased by approximately 4% following the FAA announcement, coinciding with new orders from Turkish Airlines and Norwegian Group [6][7] - Critics have raised concerns about Boeing's cultural and procedural reforms to ensure the safety of its aircraft [8] Regulatory Developments - The FAA regained control over 737 Max approvals in 2019 after two fatal crashes linked to a new software system [4] - Boeing lost the right to self-certify Dreamliners in 2022 due to ongoing production quality issues [4] - A new arrangement will have Boeing and FAA inspectors alternating weekly for safety checks, allowing more rigorous quality checks on the production line [5] Market Activity - Turkish Airlines announced plans to purchase 75 Dreamliners and potentially up to 150 more 737 Max jets, which would be the largest single order for the aircraft if finalized [6] - Norwegian Group placed an order for 30 Boeing 737 Max 8 planes [7] Safety Concerns - The FAA is seeking $3.1 million in fines from Boeing for alleged safety violations, including an incident involving a blown exit door on a 737 Max during a flight [9]

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The proposed UK subscription price is lower than in the European Union. Meta announced Friday that Facebook and Instagram users in the UK will be able to buy ad-free subscriptions, extending a model already in place in Europe, to comply with regulation. Starting in the coming weeks, UK-based users can opt out of personalized a ...

Core Insights - Turkish Airlines has finalized a deal with Boeing for up to 225 aircraft, including 150 confirmed orders and options for 75 more, to be delivered between 2029 and 2034 [3][4] - The deal follows a significant meeting between Turkish President Erdogan and US President Trump, which has raised expectations for the lifting of US sanctions on Turkey [3][9] - Turkish Airlines aims to transition its fleet to next-generation aircraft by 2035, supporting an average annual growth rate of 6% [5] Company Developments - The confirmed orders include 50 Boeing 787 Dreamliners with an option for 25 more, and 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets with an option for 50 more [5] - Turkish Airlines is also negotiating with Rolls-Royce and GE Aerospace for engines and maintenance services for the Dreamliners [5] - This Boeing deal follows a previous announcement by Turkish Airlines in December 2023 regarding a 355-plane order from Airbus [6] Industry Context - The deal comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, which led to US sanctions [4][8] - Turkey is a significant trading partner for Russia, with $52 billion in exchanges last year, primarily in fossil fuels and electronics [10] - The US has been pressuring Turkey to cease its oil purchases from Russia as part of broader sanctions against Moscow [9][10]

Core Insights - Just Eat Takeaway is cutting approximately 450 jobs as part of its integration of automation and artificial intelligence into operations [1][3] - The job reductions will impact various countries and functions, particularly in customer service and sales administration [1][2] Company Operations - The company operates in 17 countries and employs tens of thousands of part-time couriers [2] - Revenue is primarily generated from commissions charged to restaurant partners based on order values made through its platform [2] Strategic Initiatives - In August, Just Eat Takeaway announced a partnership with Swiss robotics company RIVR to pilot autonomous robot deliveries [3] - The company has faced challenges due to increased competition and rising living costs in key markets following a surge in demand during the COVID pandemic [3] Investment Activity - In February, Dutch investment group Prosus announced plans to acquire Just Eat Takeaway for €4.1 million (approximately $4.8 million) to create a "European technology champion" [4]