meta launches google while openai expands its platform

Key Takeaways

• Meta launched Muse Spark, its new AI model from the Superintelligence Lab, aiming to compete with Google and OpenAI.
• Meta invested billions in its AI division and is under pressure to show returns on these investments.
• Grand Valley Local Schools partnered with MagicSchool for K-12 AI tools, and Iowa State University offers an AI literacy course for teachers.
• Dexter Community Schools developed DeeDee, a secure, private AI tool for staff and students.
• Disneyland plans to introduce AI-powered robot Olaf in parks worldwide, confirmed by Walt Disney Imagineering's senior vice president for R&D.
• Bolt CEO Ryan Breslow is laying off one-third of the workforce, the fourth round since 2022, as the company shifts its core focus to AI.
• Google Finance expanded globally to over 100 countries, integrating new AI features for market analysis and real-time insights.
• Financial regulators in Australia and New Zealand warn of a surge in AI-powered investment scams, with Australia removing nearly 12,000 scam websites in 2025.
• The open-source AI platform Flowise version 3.0.5 has a critical security vulnerability allowing arbitrary code execution, with up to 15,000 instances potentially exposed.
• Xora Innovation appointed Eric Rosenblum as General Partner to expand its U.S. presence and deepen AI investments.

Grand Valley Schools partner with MagicSchool for AI tools

Grand Valley Local Schools is teaming up with MagicSchool, a popular AI platform for K-12 education. This partnership will bring AI tools to classrooms to help teachers save time and improve student learning. The tools will support safe, standards-aligned instruction and help students become more familiar with AI. MagicSchool's platform offers privacy protections and aligns with school curriculum, unlike general AI tools. This collaboration aims to boost teacher capacity and student success.

Iowa State offers course on AI literacy for K-12 teachers

Iowa State University has developed a new online course called Critical AI in Education Pathways. This self-paced micro-credential course teaches K-12 educators essential AI literacy skills. It aims to help teachers understand and use AI tools responsibly in the classroom. The course covers AI foundations, ethics, and practical integration. It is designed for beginners and prepares educators for an AI-integrated future.

Dexter Schools create secure AI tool DeeDee

Dexter Community Schools (DCS) has developed its own secure AI tool named DeeDee, built by district staff. This custom system operates on the district's private server, ensuring student data privacy and protection from inappropriate content. Led by Lead Web Technician Matt Bell, the tool allows staff and students to explore AI safely. Instructional Support Coach Beau Kimmey guides its use in classrooms to support learning and responsible AI practices. DCS presented their approach at the Eastern Michigan University AI Conference.

Meta launches new AI model Muse Spark

Meta has introduced Muse Spark, its latest artificial intelligence model, developed by its new Superintelligence Lab. This model shows improved performance in writing and reasoning tests, nearing the capabilities of top AI models from competitors like Google and OpenAI. Meta invested billions to build this AI division, aiming to catch up with industry leaders. Muse Spark is a key test of the new leadership under chief AI officer Alexandr Wang.

Meta's first AI model from new team is Muse Spark

Meta Platforms has unveiled Muse Spark, its first artificial intelligence model from a newly formed team. This team was assembled through significant investment and restructuring to compete in the AI race. The company is under pressure to show returns on its large AI investments. Muse Spark represents a major step in Meta's efforts to advance its AI capabilities and compete with rivals.

Disneyland plans AI robot Olaf after Paris tumble

Disneyland is planning to introduce an AI-powered robot version of Olaf, the beloved snowman from Frozen, to its parks worldwide. This follows a recent incident where an animatronic Olaf took a tumble in Disneyland Paris, which went viral online. Walt Disney Imagineering's senior vice president for research and development confirmed Olaf will appear in parks globally. The free-roaming robot can walk, talk, and interact with guests, enhancing park experiences.

Australia, NZ warn of rising AI investment scams

Financial regulators in Australia and New Zealand are warning about a surge in AI-powered investment scams. These scams use artificial intelligence to create fake endorsements from politicians and business leaders, leading to billions in losses. Australian authorities removed nearly 12,000 scam websites in 2025, a 90% increase. New Zealand's Financial Markets Authority (FMA) also reported an increase in fake news articles and deepfake videos. Scammers use AI to make ads look more convincing and harder to detect.

Bolt CEO cuts staff due to AI investment

Bolt CEO Ryan Breslow is laying off one-third of the company's workforce as the fintech firm shifts its focus to AI. This is the fourth round of layoffs since 2022 for the company, which offers one-click checkout solutions. Breslow stated the move is unavoidable and that Bolt will operate as a leaner organization leveraging AI at its core. The company has undergone several workforce reductions and leadership changes in recent years.

Moya robot uses biomimetic AI for human-like movement

Researchers in Shanghai have unveiled Moya, a humanoid robot designed with artificial muscles and a spine-like structure to mimic human movement. Unlike traditional robots, Moya uses pneumatic artificial muscles and a flexible spine for more natural motion. Its skeletal frame is built from lightweight materials resembling human bone geometry. This biomimetic approach allows Moya to absorb shocks, adapt to uneven surfaces, and handle fragile objects gently. The robot's embodied intelligence framework helps control its complex movements.

Flowise AI platform has critical security flaw

The open-source AI platform Flowise, used for building AI workflows and applications, has a critical security vulnerability. Version 3.0.5 contained a flaw in its CustomMCP node that allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server. Security researchers have detected this vulnerability being exploited in the wild. With up to 15,000 Flowise instances potentially exposed online, users are urged to update to the latest version immediately. It is recommended to remove instances from the public internet if not essential.

Google Finance expands with AI features globally

Google Finance has been updated with new AI-powered features and is now available in over 100 countries. Users can now ask complex questions about the market and stocks, receiving comprehensive AI-generated responses with links for further learning. The platform also includes advanced charting tools with technical indicators and real-time news updates. Additionally, it offers live earnings calls with synchronized transcripts and AI insights, providing a more robust financial information experience.

CISOs can evaluate AI security vendors better

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) need better ways to evaluate AI security vendors beyond technical features. The article suggests three key evaluation lenses: understanding who the company was built for, assessing their communication style before and after a sale, and examining their structural decisions. By looking at executive composition and customer success focus, CISOs can gauge a vendor's long-term commitment. Evaluating how vendors share information can also reveal their approach to customer relationships.

Xora hires Eric Rosenblum to boost AI investments

Xora Innovation, an AI and deep tech venture firm, has appointed Eric Rosenblum as General Partner to expand its U.S. presence and deepen AI investments. Rosenblum brings experience from building software at top tech companies, founding startups, and investing in deep tech. He previously served as Managing Partner at Foothill Ventures. His expertise in AI software and hardware, along with his strong relationships with founders, will support Xora's portfolio companies.

Sources

• Grand Valley & MagicSchool partner to empower educators with responsible artificial intelligence (AI)
• Micro-credential course teaches K-12 educators critical AI literacy skills
• Dexter Community Schools take on Artificial Intelligence - The Sun Times News
• Meta Unveils New A.I. Model, Its First From the Superintelligence Lab
• Meta unveils first AI model from superintelligence team
• Disneyland to add Olaf AI robot to parks following viral Paris nose fall
• Australia and New Zealand Sound Alarm on AI-Powered Investment Scams as Takedowns Hit Record Pace
• Bolt CEO: AI investment drives one-third staff cut
• Meet Moya: World's First 'Biomimetic AI Robot' That Can Bend, Smile and Wink with Unsettling Human-like Accuracy
• Top open source AI platform Flowise hit by maximum-level security issue
• The new, AI-powered Google Finance is expanding to more than 100 countries.
• 3 ways CISOs can better evaluate AI security vendors
• Xora Appoints Eric Rosenblum as General Partner to Expand U.S. Presence and Deepen AI Investments