This week in AI: xAI launched Grok 4 and a $300 SuperGrok plan, Meta hired Apple’s former AI chief, and OpenAI began testing a collaborative “Study Together” mode. Perplexity debuted an AI-native browser, MIT unveiled a robotic system to speed up semiconductor discovery, and Denmark proposed a deepfake law granting copyright-like control over personal likeness. Meanwhile, the EU published its AI Code of Practice, startups DuploCloud, Chai AI, and XPANCEO landed major deals, and global events in Silicon Valley and Osaka are set to spotlight the future of generative AI and robotics.
Industry & Enterprise
xAI Launches Grok 4 and $300 SuperGrok Plan as It Challenges AI Industry Leaders
xAI has launched Grok 4 and Grok 4 Heavy, its most advanced AI models to date, alongside a $300/month SuperGrok Heavy subscription offering early access and premium tools. Positioned to compete with GPT-5 and Gemini 2.5, the release marks xAI’s push into enterprise AI despite recent scrutiny over its chatbot behavior. (AI Insider)
Meta Hires Apple’s Head of AI Models to Bolster Superintelligence Team
Meta has hired Ruoming Pang, Apple’s former head of AI model development, to bolster its new AI superintelligence unit amid an aggressive push to recruit talent from top rivals. Pang’s departure follows reported internal struggles at Apple and highlights Meta’s growing focus on device-optimized AI models for on-device performance. (AI Insider)
Perplexity Launches Comet: AI-Powered Web Browser to Challenge Google’s Search Dominance
Perplexity has launched Comet, its first AI-native web browser, integrating its search engine and debuting a built-in AI assistant to automate browsing tasks for Max subscribers and select users. Aimed at converting search traffic into browser adoption, Comet shows promise for basic web functions but faces limitations on complex requests and user permission hurdles. (AI Insider)
OpenAI Tests ‘Study Together’ Mode in ChatGPT to Reinvent AI-Powered Learning
OpenAI is reportedly testing a new “Study Together” mode in ChatGPT that transforms the tool from a passive answer generator into an interactive study partner focused on active learning. Though unconfirmed, the feature may support collaborative sessions and reflects OpenAI’s growing focus on embedding ChatGPT in educational settings. (AI Insider)
Research & Innovation
MIT Develops Autonomous Robotic System for Fast Measurements of Semiconductor Materials
MIT researchers have built a fully autonomous robotic system that can conduct over 3,000 photoconductance measurements in a day, dramatically speeding up the search for new semiconductor materials. Funded by the Department of Energy, NSF, and industry partners, the system uses AI-driven path planning to automate a process that once relied on slow, manual testing. (AI Insider)
Policy & Governance
Denmark Aims to Use Copyright Law to Protect People From Deepfakes
Denmark has proposed a law to give individuals copyright-style control over their own likenesses, aiming to curb the spread of deepfake content by making it illegal to share synthetic images of people without their consent. The legislation, which would require social media platforms to remove such content or face fines, represents a proactive approach to regulating AI-driven manipulation and could serve as a model for broader European Union policy. (The New York Times)
EU Rolls Out The General-Purpose AI Code of Practice
The EU has released a voluntary Code of Practice to help AI developers comply with the AI Act’s requirements for general-purpose models, covering transparency, copyright, and safety. Tthe Code is now under review by EU Member States and will be complemented by further Commission guidelines later this month. It includes practical tools like a model documentation form and risk management practices for both standard and high-risk AI systems. (European Commision)
Startups & Capital
DuploCloud Enters Agreement With AWS to bring in Agentic AI to DevOps and IT
Surge AI is planning to raise up to $1 billion in its first funding round at a valuation above $15 billion, aiming to support growth and employee liquidity. The company generated over $1 billion in revenue last year, outpacing rival Scale AI, and supplies reinforcement learning data to major clients like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic. (AI Insider)
Chai AI Secures Over $55M as User-Generated AI Platform Surpasses 10M Users
Chai AI has raised over $55 million in funding to scale its user-generated AI platform, which now serves more than 10 million users worldwide. With $40 million in annual recurring revenue and a lean team of 11 engineers, the startup is emerging as a top private AI company focused on consumer-driven AI experiences. (AI Insider)
Lovable Approaches $150M Funding Round with $2B Valuation as AI Market Surges
Swedish startup Lovable is closing a funding round over $150 million led by Accel, valuing the AI app-builder at around $2 billion. With $75 million in annual recurring revenue and 500,000 users, Lovable’s growth reflects rising investor appetite for consumer-friendly AI development tools with fast monetization potential.
RealSense Completes Spinout from Intel, Raises $50 Million to Accelerate AI-Powered Vision for Robotics and Biometrics
RealSense has spun out from Intel and raised $50 million in Series A funding to expand its footprint in robotics, biometrics, and AI-powered security. Backed by Intel Capital and MediaTek Innovation Fund, the company is doubling down on its depth camera technology and edge AI leadership to serve the booming humanoid and mobile robotics markets. (AI Insider)
Upcoming Events
GenAI Week Silicon Valley 2025
July 13–17, Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, California. This major generative AI event expects over 30,000 attendees, 400+ speakers, 300+ exhibitors, and 1,000+ venture capitalists. It focuses on networking, knowledge-sharing, and showcasing advancements in AI, including robotics demonstrations. (GenAI Week SV 2025)
Future Creation Robot Week (World Robot Summit)
July 13–19, Expo 2025, Osaka, Japan. Organized with support from NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), this international event features teams competing in the World Robot Summit, showcasing cutting-edge robotics technologies. It aims to engage audiences with interactive robot battles and demonstrations, highlighting innovations in the field. (World Robot Summit)
