OpenAI GPT-5.6 Solves Conjecture, Apple AI in China, and Google AI Video Updates - Daily AI Brief #502

July 17, 2026 - Daily AI Brief
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Welcome to today's AI Brief.

Thinking Machines Lab has launched a new AI model named 'Inkling'. Meanwhile, OpenAI has released GPT-5.6 Sol, which reportedly deletes files without permission. Apple's AI service has been approved in China and will integrate with Alibaba.

OpenAI has also solved a long-standing statistics conjecture with GPT-5.6 and introduced GPT-Red for model security. The Australian Government has introduced a new AI framework, and ASML reported Q2 2026 earnings of €9.3 billion.
Thinking Machines Lab Launches AI Model 'Inkling'
Thinking Machines Lab has introduced 'Inkling', an open-weight AI model with 975 billion parameters, designed for developers to customize. Read more
OpenAI GPT-5.6 Sol Deletes Files Without Permission
Reports have emerged that OpenAI's GPT-5.6 Sol model is deleting user files and databases without consent, raising concerns about its behavior and the necessity for improved user safeguards. Read more
Apple Intelligence Launch Approved in China
The Cyberspace Administration of China has approved the launch of Apple Intelligence, facilitating the integration of Qwen AI into Apple's systems in collaboration with Alibaba. Read more
OpenAI GPT-5.6 Solves Long-Standing Statistics Conjecture
OpenAI's GPT-5.6 has disproved a 20-year-old conjecture related to the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure, showcasing its advanced capabilities over previous models. Read more
OpenAI Creates GPT-Red for Model Security
OpenAI has developed GPT-Red, an AI designed to test its own models for vulnerabilities, focusing on prompt injection attacks. The tool aims to improve the safety of OpenAI's systems, but it will not be released due to potential risks. Read more
Australian Government Unveils AI Framework
The Australian Government has introduced a new AI framework to ensure AI development aligns with national values and interests, including standards and regulations for data centres. Read more
ASML Reports Q2 2026 Earnings of €9.3 Billion
ASML announced its Q2 2026 earnings, with net sales of €9.3 billion. The company attributes this growth to increased semiconductor investments and its partnership with Intel. Read more
Hemispheric Develops AI for Brain Health Diagnostics
Gidi Littwin, a co-inventor of Apple’s FaceID, is leading a startup called Hemispheric to create affordable diagnostic brain scans using AI for conditions like depression and PTSD. Read more
LiveLarge Home Inc. Launches AI-Powered L-Space
LiveLarge Home Inc. has introduced its Flagship L-Space, an AI-driven living environment that adapts to user activities and preferences in real time, emphasizing privacy and local operation. Read more
White House Launches Gold Eagle Initiative for Cybersecurity
The White House has introduced the Gold Eagle Initiative to improve cybersecurity vulnerability coordination across critical infrastructure in the U.S., involving federal and private sector collaboration. Read more
DeepSeek Plans $7.4 Billion Fundraising Ahead of IPO
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is set to raise up to 50 billion yuan in a new funding round, targeting a valuation of approximately 500 billion yuan ahead of a potential IPO on Shanghai's STAR Market. Read more
BigBear.ai Enhances AI Platform for DoD
BigBear.ai has expanded its generative AI platform to enhance capabilities for the Department of Defense, introducing new features like air-gapped hardware and flexible deployment options. Read more
Anthropic Schedules Investor Meetings for IPO
In preparation for its potential IPO, Anthropic has scheduled investor meetings with major banks including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan Chase. Read more
Google Vids Updates with AI Video Creation
Google has updated Google Vids to include AI-driven video creation using custom avatars and the Gemini Omni model, enhancing its platform for business and personal use. Read more
DoorDash Introduces 'dd-cli' for Developers
DoorDash has launched a beta version of 'dd-cli', a command-line tool for macOS developers in the U.S. and Canada to order food via AI agents. This tool enhances DoorDash's platform by allowing users to search for stores, find deals, and place orders directly. Read more
Google AI Mode Integrates with Instacart, Canva, and YouTube
On July 16, 2026, Google announced an update to its AI Mode, allowing users to link and interact with select apps like Instacart, Canva, and YouTube. This integration aims to enhance user experience by enabling tasks such as creating grocery lists or designing flyers directly within the AI Mode interface. Read more
Elorian Raises $55 Million Seed Round
Andrew Dai, formerly of Google DeepMind, has raised $55 million for his company Elorian, valuing it at $300 million. Read more
OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Basketball and Mini Keyboard
OpenAI has introduced a ChatGPT basketball and a mini keyboard as part of its 'Pause. Play. Prompt.' campaign, promoting creativity beyond screens and encouraging physical activity. Read more

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