
Curio's AI Toys, Amdocs' GenAI Shift, and Johor's Data Center Strain - Daily AI Brief #259
August 18, 2025 -
Daily AI Brief
Hi there,
Welcome to today's AI Brief.
In today's edition, Curio has introduced AI-powered stuffed animals, enhancing interactive play for children. Anthropic has added a conversation-ending feature to its Claude models, aiming to improve user experience. Meanwhile, OpenAI has enhanced GPT-5 for friendlier interactions, focusing on user engagement.
Additionally, Amdocs has launched a new GenAI division and announced plans for layoffs. Johor is experiencing resource strain due to AI data centers, and ODATA has opened its fourth data center in Mexico. Tajikistan has launched an AI center and regulatory commission, while the NHS is trialing AI for faster hospital discharges.
Welcome to today's AI Brief.
In today's edition, Curio has introduced AI-powered stuffed animals, enhancing interactive play for children. Anthropic has added a conversation-ending feature to its Claude models, aiming to improve user experience. Meanwhile, OpenAI has enhanced GPT-5 for friendlier interactions, focusing on user engagement.
Additionally, Amdocs has launched a new GenAI division and announced plans for layoffs. Johor is experiencing resource strain due to AI data centers, and ODATA has opened its fourth data center in Mexico. Tajikistan has launched an AI center and regulatory commission, while the NHS is trialing AI for faster hospital discharges.
Curio Introduces AI-Powered Stuffed Animals
The startup Curio has launched AI-powered stuffed animals designed to offer children interactive companionship as an alternative to screen time. Read more
Anthropic Adds Conversation-Ending Feature to Claude Models
On August 16, 2025, Anthropic announced a new feature for some of its Claude models, allowing them to end conversations in cases of harmful interactions. This is currently available in Claude Opus 4 and 4.1. Read more
OpenAI Enhances GPT-5 for Friendlier Interactions
On August 15, 2025, OpenAI announced updates to GPT-5, focusing on making it 'warmer and friendlier' in response to user feedback. The changes aim to improve the model's approachability while maintaining its effectiveness. Read more
Other news
Amdocs has launched a new GenAI & Data division, leading to layoffs, while Johor in Malaysia faces resource challenges from AI data center expansions. ODATA opened its fourth data center in Mexico, and Tajikistan established an AI center and regulatory commission. The NHS is trialing AI for faster hospital discharges, and AMP collaborates with UNSW Sydney on AI in finance. Mayo Clinic developed an AI tool for early blood mutation detection, and Refold AI secured $6.5 million for its platform. Accenture acquired CyberCX for $650 million, and Level AI appointed its first General Counsel. Ricoh and Microsoft launched AI Learning Week, and DayOne plans a significant investment in a Finnish data center. CourseRev.ai received investment from The Walden Golf Group, and Dallas launched an AI procurement system with Hazel. Howard University and Google released AI speech data, and Volvo uses AI for faster safety testing.
- Amdocs Launches GenAI Division, Plans Layoffs
- Johor's Resource Strain from AI Data Centers
- ODATA Opens Fourth Hyperscale Data Center in Mexico
- Tajikistan Launches AI Center and Regulatory Commission
- Duolingo CEO Clarifies AI Strategy Misunderstanding
- NHS Tests AI for Quicker Hospital Discharges
- AMP and UNSW Sydney Collaborate on AI in Finance
- Mayo Clinic AI Tool UNISOM Detects Early Cancer and Heart Disease Signs
- Refold AI Secures $6.5 Million for AI Platform
- Accenture Acquires CyberCX for $650 Million
- Level AI Appoints First General Counsel
- Ricoh and Microsoft Launch AI Learning Week
- DayOne to Invest in Finnish Data Centre
- CourseRev.ai Receives Investment from The Walden Golf Group
- Dallas Launches AI Procurement System with Hazel
- Howard University and Google Research Enhance AI for African American English
- Volvo Uses AI for Faster Safety Testing
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