OpenAI Denies Orion Launch Plans

In a move that left the rumor mill scrambling, OpenAI put the brakes on recent buzz about a mysterious new AI model named Orion. A company spokesperson told TechCrunch via email, "We don’t have plans to release a model code-named Orion this year," subtly adding that they're still cooking up some "great technology." This statement arrives on the heels of The Verge’s claim that Orion, supposedly the next big thing in AI, would land in the hands of OpenAI's trusted partners by November, with a broader ChatGPT rollout set for December. But OpenAI’s non-committal stance suggests there’s more to this story than meets the eye.

What’s intriguing about Orion is that it’s rumored to be an upgrade from OpenAI’s current powerhouse, GPT-4, with training partially based on synthetic data from a reasoning-focused model called o1. Essentially, while the GPT models are known for their conversational smarts, o1 aims to be more of a logical mastermind, designed for different problem-solving scenarios. With this dual-track approach, OpenAI seems to be working toward a future where its AI doesn’t just talk the talk, but can think through complex situations like a digital detective.

So what’s next for OpenAI’s product roadmap? The company’s vague response leaves plenty of room for speculation, and it wouldn't be a surprise if something new still drops by December—just not Orion. Whether OpenAI is playing a clever game of misdirection or simply managing expectations, the tech world will be keeping an eye on Microsoft’s upcoming November preview to see what cards OpenAI has up its sleeve. Either way, brace yourself for a plot twist, because this story is far from over.

Meta’s AI Chatbot is Getting a News Upgrade 

Meta is shaking up its AI chatbot by partnering with Reuters in a multi-year deal to bring reliable news to its responses. Starting Friday, U.S. users on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger will see Reuters links when asking news-related questions. Meta spokesperson Jamie Radice described it as a way to offer a “more useful experience” to those looking for credible current events.

While Meta’s paying Reuters, its relationship with news outlets isn’t all smooth sailing. In countries like Canada, where laws require platforms to compensate publishers, Meta has chosen to block news links instead. It’s a strategic move that shows Meta is carefully picking and choosing how it engages with news content based on the region.

Meanwhile, OpenAI is also teaming up with publishers like The Atlantic and The Wall Street Journal to stay ahead of the AI wave. The Atlantic’s CEO, Nicholas Thompson, stressed that embracing AI is key to future-proofing journalism. On the flip side, The New York Times is taking the legal route, suing OpenAI and Microsoft over copyright issues. As AI and news intersect, the stakes are only getting higher.

Key Takeaways:

• Meta-Reuters Deal: Multi-year partnership to integrate Reuters content into Meta’s AI chatbot.

• News Links Rollout: Reuters links start appearing Friday on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger.

• Mixed News Strategy: Meta pays for some news content but blocks links in Canada to avoid legal obligations.

• Competitor Moves: OpenAI and publishers like The Atlantic and WSJ are signing similar deals.

Perplexity’s Search Engine is Blowing Up 

Perplexity, the AI-powered search engine, is having a major moment. According to CEO Aravind Srinivas, the platform is now handling 100 million search queries per week — that’s around 400 million per month, a huge jump from 250 million in July. But it’s not just about more people searching; Perplexity is hinting at new e-commerce features, giving Pro subscribers the ability to make one-click purchases.

It’s not stopping there. Perplexity is reportedly planning a new ad model and is in talks with big brands like Nike and Marriott for sponsored search results. Clearly, the company wants to expand beyond just being a search engine and tap into the shopping and advertising worlds as well.

However, the company’s rapid rise hasn’t gone unnoticed by some major publishers. News Corp’s Dow Jones and the NY Post have filed lawsuits against Perplexity, accusing it of running a “content kleptocracy” by allegedly lifting their content. Just last week, The New York Times added more heat by sending Perplexity a cease and desist letter.

Despite the legal friction, investors seem eager to back the company. Rumor has it Perplexity is in talks to raise $500 million at an $8 billion valuation. With ambitious growth plans and rising tensions with publishers, the road ahead for Perplexity looks anything but boring. Stay tuned!

Perplexity Claps Back at News Corp Lawsuit

Perplexity isn’t staying silent about News Corp’s lawsuit. In a pointed blog post on Thursday, the AI search engine fired back, accusing publishers of wanting to control public information and being resistant to new technology. News Corp filed the lawsuit earlier this week, claiming Perplexity engaged in large-scale copyright violations against Dow Jones and the NY Post, with other publishers like Forbes, The New York Times, and Wired raising similar concerns.

Perplexity’s response was heavy on accusations but light on evidence, calling the lawsuits “shortsighted” and dismissing specific claims without directly addressing the core issue: whether the AI tool is copying and monetizing content. The post also implied that News Corp’s examples were exaggerated and might not hold up in court.

Interestingly, while Perplexity framed the media as anti-AI, it didn’t acknowledge that News Corp has partnered with OpenAI to display its journalists’ work in ChatGPT. And despite the lawsuit, Perplexity itself has revenue-sharing deals with outlets like Time and Fortune, complicating its portrayal of the conflict.

The startup also denied claims that it regurgitates full articles and insisted it responded to outreach, contradicting News Corp’s assertions. But the legal battle seems to be more about control and compensation in a rapidly changing media landscape.

As both sides prepare for court, it’s clear the fight over AI’s role in media — and who profits from it — is just getting started.