News

OpenAI just signed a huge deal with the US government - and it could change the future of AI as we know it - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 06:28
  • OpenAI is moving its government AI models under a new umbrella
  • OpenAI for Government will provide AI at the federal, state, and local level
  • The AI developer has already signed a pioneering deal with the DoD

OpenAI is consolidating its US government AI tools, such as ChatGPT Gov, under a single umbrella - OpenAI for Government.

OpenAI, alongside the likes of Anthropic and Meta, has partnered multiple times with the US government to develop new AI tools specialised for government workloads.

The new initiative will provide federal, state, and local governments with access to OpenAI’s most secure and compliant models, models specialized for national security, insight into upcoming models and tools, and support.

More AI models for government

Kicking off the new project, OpenAI has signed a $200 million with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO).

The project will focus on improving administrative work such as service member healthcare access, to boosting cyber defenses and data acquisition.

“Across these efforts, we’re aiming to improve both the day-to-day experience of public service and to help government employees feel more empowered, more efficient, and more supported in their critical missions,” OpenAI said.

“We are already seeing how OpenAI can help public servants at the state level spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on high-impact work,” the announcement continued, with Open AI referencing the effectiveness of ChatGPT use for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which saved employees around 105 minutes per day.

OpenAI is also deploying AI models at Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, and Sandia National Labs to improve scientific research, innovation, and national security.

“We are just getting started, and we look forward to helping U.S. government leaders harness AI to better serve the public. We are committed to working in close partnership with agencies, advancing their missions with powerful tools that are safe, and secure,” the company added.

You might also like
Best Internet Providers in Tucson, Arizona - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 07:04
Tucson offers a plethora of broadband options. Be it speed or affordability, there's an internet service provider for every one.
Revert Back to iOS 18 From iOS 26 Beta: The No-Stress, Step-by-Step Guide - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 07:30
Having second thoughts about the iOS 26 beta? Here's how to safely go back to iOS 18.
AI Obituary Pirates Are Exploiting Our Grief. I Tracked One Down to Find Out Why - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 08:00
After the death of my sister, I was pulled into the troubling world of AI-written obituaries. This is what I learned about grief, scams and the people behind the words.
The DMV Isn't Texting You To Ask for Money. That's a Scam - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 08:00
The DMV won't text you telling you to pay up or else.
I Tracked Down an AI Obituary Pirate to Find Out Why They're Exploiting Our Grief video - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 08:00
After a CNET writer's sister died, he went looking for answers about digital grave-robbing and the global economy of grief.
Trump Mobile and the T1 Phone Don't Make Any Sense, Even for Trump Fans - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 08:00
Commentary: If you make a splashy announcement and expect to be taken seriously, at least hire a proofreader and get your specs correct.
Hands-On: Crisol video - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 08:00
Senior Writer David Lumb previews the upcoming Crisol at this year's Summer Game Fest.
Getty Images Has One of the Best AI Image Generator Set-Ups I've Tested - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 08:00
Getty Images doesn't have the perfect AI image generator, but it nails important stuff like privacy and prompting.
What Exercise Burns the Most Calories? We Ranked Them - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 08:22
We considered exercises like strength training and cardio to determine which burns the most calories, so you can get the most out of your workout.
Paper Social Security Checks Are Going Away Soon: What to Know - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 09:00
An executive order from President Trump will eliminate paper checks for all federal payments. Here's when it will start.
Adobe's New AI Mobile App Lets You Use 6 New AI Models, Including Google's Veo 3 - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 09:00
You can give the new Firefly AI app a whirl for free, but you'll need to pay up to use the latest models from Google, Ideogram, Pika, Luma and Runway.
King-Size Bed Dimensions: How to Sleep Like a King in Your Own Bedroom - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 09:00
Are you considering a new king-sized mattress? Here's everything to consider before upgrading to a larger bed.
CDs Are Still Paying Big Interest on Your Savings This Summer -- Before Fed Cuts Rates - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 09:00
Now's a good time to lock up your cash.
Best Air Mattresses of 2025, Tested by CNET Experts - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 09:05
An air mattress is great for guests or unexpected needs. Here are the best inflatable beds we've tested that hold up over time.
OpenAI and Microsoft Reportedly May Be Calling It Quits - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 09:36
Microsoft's AI assistant depends on Open AI, so a breakup could affect Microsoft users who depend on the AI integration.
FIFA Club World Cup Soccer: Stream Fluminense vs. Borussia Dortmund Live From Anywhere - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 10:00
Jobe Bellingham could make his debut for the German side in Group F clash.
Hide my wallet – this Apple Watch charger looks like the best iMac ever and has one neat design touch - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 07:02
  • Spigen has just launched a retro-themed Apple Watch charger
  • The device is inspired by the iMac G3 from 1998
  • It joins Spigen’s other accessories themed on classic devices

In the annals of great Apple products, the iMac G3 is generally seen as one of the company’s best Macs. Not only was it incredibly innovative when it launched in 1998, but it helped usher in the second Steve Jobs era and almost single-handedly saved Apple from bankruptcy. Not a bad resumé, that.

These days, it’s not easy to get your hands on a working iMac G3, given it’s approaching 30 years old. But you can now get the next best thing, as accessory maker Spigen has just released an Apple Watch charger shaped like the famous iMac G3 – and it’s giving me all sorts of nostalgic vibes.

Dubbed the Apple Watch Classic C1 Charger Stand, Spigen’s device comprises an Apple Watch charger housing designed to look like a miniature mockup of an iMac G3 (unfortunately, you need to supply your own Apple Watch charging cable).

To power up your smartwatch, you simply place it on the puck – positioned over the iMac’s display – and it’ll start juicing up in StandBy mode.

Where do I sign?

(Image credit: Spigen)

But the real delight is the range of colors at your disposal. The iMac G3 was famous for the vibrant shades it offered up, marking a striking departure from the contemporaneous world of bland beige PC boxes.

Mirroring that, Spigen’s charger is available in Tangerine, Graphite, and Ruby tones, as well as the renowned Bondi Blue that helped establish the iMac’s signature look.

And like the G3, the colorful elements of Spigen’s charger are translucent, letting you see into its (mostly empty) guts. With the iMac, this was intended to demystify the internal workings of the device at a time when most people were wary of computers. Apple’s designers even went to a jellybean factory to learn how to create the appropriate effect.

The iMac-inspired charger is not the only retro-flavored gadget Spigen is making. The company has a whole line of C1 products that are inspired by classic Apple creations. You’ll find iPhone cases, MagSafe wallets, AirPods cases, and more. If you’re a fan of the aesthetic, it might be worth a look.

You might also like
Android 16 is finally giving the Pixel Camera app the makeover it needs – and I’m fully on board with the refresh - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 07:04
  • The Pixel Camera app is in line for a redesign
  • We're still waiting for the revamp to go live
  • More Material 3 Expressive updates are coming

Android 16 is out now for Pixel phones (and coming soon for Galaxy phones), and while the Material 3 Expressive redesign we've been promised is lagging behind, it looks as though it's going to arrive for the Pixel Camera app in the not-too-distant future.

As spotted by Android Authority, the latest version of the Camera app for Pixel devices features a settings menu revamp that fits in with the Material 3 Expressive redesign – a redesign intended to add more feeling and appeal to the visuals of Android.

The interface changes haven't actually been enabled yet, but the Android Authority team has been able to get them working: we've got subtle changes to backgrounds and spacing that really show off the potential of Material 3 Expressive.

While the difference in the visuals isn't huge, little touches – such as the checks and crosses on the toggle switches – make a real difference to how easy on the eye and intuitive the camera settings page is.

A taste of what's to come

A before and after view of the Pixel Camera app settings (Image credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority)

It's frustrating that the Material 3 Expressive redesign is taking a while to roll out, but I'd rather Google took its time and got the new look right, rather than rushing it and leaving us with apps and interface elements that don't look their best.

While the settings page in the camera app might not be the most exciting screen you're ever going to come across, I'm really looking forward to the revamp: the look of Android has grown a little stale in recent years, especially on Pixel phones.

I'm a fan of simplicity and minimalism when it comes to interface design, but the Pixel version of Android could definitely use a bit more flair and emotion, without changing too much – and that's exactly what the Material 3 Expressive design is bringing here.

Of course, this is all happening while Apple beta tests its own Liquid Glass visual revamp for the iPhone and its other devices. That goes way beyond the changes in Android 16, with a host of tweaks inspired by glass and transparency.

You might also like
Major police operation takes down notorious dark web marketplace Archetyp Market - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 07:13
  • Europol takes down Archetyp Market after five years of investigation
  • One person was arrested, and "measures" taken against others
  • Millions in different assets were seized

A massive international law enforcement operation has seen one of the longest-standing dark web marketplaces finally taken offline.

Europol said a large-scale operation saw it dismantle Archetyp Market, described as a “drug marketplace” that allowed, among other things, the sale of fentanyl, one of the most dangerous synthetic opioids out there.

Archetyp Market operated for more than five years, numbering more than 600,000 users, and amassing a total transaction volume of more than $280 million. By the time it was dismantled, it had more than 17,000 listings, Europol claims.

Farewell Archetyp Market

The infrastructure was found in the Netherlands, and was subsequently dismantled.

A 30-year-old German national was found in Barcelona, Spain, and arrested. “Measures” were taken against one alleged moderator, and six people described as “the marketplace’s highest vendors”.

The agency did not detail what these “measures” were, but added that it seized $9 million in assets.

“With this takedown, law enforcement has taken out one of the dark web’s longest-running drug markets, cutting off a major supply line for some of the world’s most dangerous substances,” commented Europol’s Deputy Executive Director of Operations Jean-Philippe Lecouffe.

“By dismantling its infrastructure and arresting its key players, we are sending a clear message: there is no safe haven for those who profit from harm.”

Europol said the action was the result of “years of intensive investigative work”, during which detectives mapped out the platform’s technical architecture and identified the individuals behind it. They were following the money trail, and analyzed digital forensic evidence, allowing them to determine key players and important locations.

The operation was conducted between June 11 and 13 in five European countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden.

Besides national police forces and Europol, other agencies were involved as well: Eurojust, and the US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Department of Justice (USDOJ).

You might also like

Pages