Bubble's Brain - 2025-12-30

Daily Brief

AI News 2025-12-30

AI Daily Brief

Summary

Microsoft rolled out GPT-5.2 to the Copilot app, with performance matching human experts in many tests. OpenAI added a new "thinking duration" option to ChatGPT, currently for Plus subscribers. Ford reaffirmed support for Apple CarPlay and plans to integrate Google Gemini into its vehicles in 2026. Zhipu AI launched its Hong Kong IPO, targeting roughly HKD 4.3B in proceeds. Meta acquired AI startup Manus for billions of dollars, centered on a general AI agent.

Today’s AI News

  1. Microsoft upgraded Copilot across web, Windows 11, and mobile with GPT-5.2, branded as the “Smart+” mode. The new reasoning variant excels at complex office tasks; internal evaluations show GPT-5.2 matches or exceeds human experts in over 70% of tests and achieved a perfect score on AIME2025. The upgrade is rolling out free to all Copilot users.

  2. OpenAI updated the ChatGPT app on Android and iOS, adding a new “thinking duration” toggle between standard and extended reasoning for speed vs depth trade-offs. The feature is currently available only to ChatGPT Plus members. The app also introduced a redesigned UI and a new “formatting module” that adapts output layout by task.

  3. Ford reaffirmed support for Apple CarPlay while confirming plans to integrate Google Gemini into its in-car system in 2026. The company said the approach combines top external AI with Ford’s user insights, and noted its in-house car apps have improved engagement by around 20%.

  4. Zhipu AI kicked off its Hong Kong listing, targeting a January 8, 2026 main-board IPO. The company plans to issue 37.4195 million shares at HKD 116.20 each, aiming to raise about HKD 4.3 billion with an implied valuation above HKD 51.1 billion. The deal includes HKD 2.98 billion in cornerstone subscriptions from 11 investors.

  5. Meta acquired AI startup Manus (parent company “Butterfly Effect”) for billions of dollars, centering on its “general AI agent” product. Manus reported annual recurring revenue of USD 125 million. Meta plans to integrate the technology into its ecosystem, marking a milestone for a new generation of Chinese-founded global startups.

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