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Meta Launches Muse Wonder AI Models to Play Catch-Up With Rivals
Meta has introduced its new Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full AI models, marking a significant step in its efforts to catch up with competitors like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google.
These models, described as Meta's most capable to date, can perform a variety of tasks including processing insurance claims and assisting with lease agreements.
The new models build on the previously launched Muse Spark AI and incorporate advanced features such as Active Memory, which allows the AI to remember information across conversations, and Active Focus, enabling it to navigate technical challenges more effectively.
Top in AI
Adobe study finds 57 per cent of SEA firms stuck in AI's "Frozen Middle"
An Adobe study has identified that 57% of firms in Southeast Asia are trapped in what is termed AI's 'Frozen Middle', where they have made initial investments in artificial intelligence but lack the advanced capabilities to leverage it effectively.
The study surveyed 1,000 business leaders and revealed that only 13% of these firms are classified as AI leaders, while 30% are categorized as AI beginners.
The findings highlight significant barriers such as a lack of skilled personnel and unclear strategies that prevent these companies from advancing their AI initiatives.
How Red Bull's F1 team is using AI to make split-second decisions for Max Verstappen
Red Bull Racing has integrated an AI-powered strategy agent, developed in collaboration with Oracle, to enhance critical race-day decision-making for driver Max Verstappen.
This system, which has evolved from a basic search tool to one that actively recommends actions, played a crucial role during the 2025 Italian Grand Prix by advising the team to relinquish a position to avoid potential penalties.
Although the AI's recommendations can sometimes conflict with competitive instincts, Red Bull emphasizes that human engineers and strategists remain integral to the decision-making process, leveraging AI to support rather than replace their expertise.
Gemini 'Task' redesign integrates Spark into the main chat app
Google has redesigned its Gemini app to integrate the Spark personal agent directly into the main chat experience.
The update introduces new buttons labeled 'Chat' and 'Task' above the prompt box, allowing users to start new tasks and track them seamlessly within their chats.
The Spark branding is being deemphasized, as evidenced by the removal of 'Spark' from the navigation drawer and the introduction of a 'Scheduled' page that organizes tasks by Active, Paused, Completed, and Suggested.
This redesign is rolling out via a server-side update on Android, with no current availability on iOS or the web.
GLM-Legal — Z.ai's agentic model for contracts, evidence and compliance
Z.ai has launched GLM-Legal, an advanced legal-domain agent model based on its GLM-5.3-Flash architecture, which features 320 billion parameters.
This model, currently in gated beta, is specifically designed for law firms and legal tech teams to assist in contract review, evidence analysis, and compliance research across various jurisdictions.
Utilizing reinforcement learning across tens of thousands of legal environments, GLM-Legal has demonstrated a 19.2% all-pass rate on Harvey's Legal Agent Benchmark, significantly outperforming its base model by 12.5 points.
Access is restricted to design partners, with an alternative option available through the AutoClaw desktop agent for testing the model.
'The norm will be to trade with agents': Crypto founders learn to love—and fear—AI
At the TOKEN2049 conference in Singapore, Alex Svanevik, CEO of Nansen, predicted that by 2028, trading with AI agents will become the norm, moving away from traditional user interfaces.
Robinhood has already introduced trading agents powered by OpenAI and Anthropic, attracting over 150,000 customers to agentic accounts by late September.
This shift is part of a broader trend where AI technology is not only enhancing trading capabilities but also posing significant cybersecurity risks, as evidenced by recent hacking attempts on cryptocurrency exchanges like Quidax.
Top in Markets
Visa Gains Entry to China's Bank Card Market
Visa has received approval from the People's Bank of China to establish a local bank card clearing business, marking a significant milestone after 40 years of efforts to enter the Chinese market.
This approval follows Visa's application in May 2020, which was spurred by advocacy from U.S. President Donald Trump. The move comes as U.S. and Chinese presidents prepare for their third meeting this year.
Top in Tech
Singapore's Flexibility Paradox in Work Culture
A recent LinkedIn survey has revealed that 60% of Singaporean workers feel compelled to be constantly available, highlighting a growing tension in the country's work culture.
Despite the Singapore Economic Development Board reporting that 80% of companies are adopting hybrid work models, 40% of employees struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance amid these flexible arrangements.
Top in Design
The new Citroen 2CV is reminding people of a very different (but equally iconic) car design
Citroen has introduced an electric concept of the iconic 2CV at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, aiming for full production by 2028 at an estimated price of €15,000.
The concept closely resembles the classic 2CV, featuring its signature rounded headlights, curved canvas roof, and ribbed bonnet.
With a compact length of 3.76 meters and a target weight of around one tonne, it defies the trend of oversized car revivals.
The design has sparked comparisons on social media to the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, emphasizing its nostalgic and practical charm.
Top in Startups
CarbonFarm Raises €7M for Rice Decarbonisation
CarbonFarm, a Paris-based startup, has successfully raised €7 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round aimed at reducing methane emissions from rice cultivation.
The funding, led by Colam Impact with participation from investors like Proparco and Bpifrance, will enhance the company's AI-powered monitoring technology and expand its operations across 19 countries.
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