We’re back with another Week in Review, and this time we’re diving into the latest developments. OpenAI has launched its newest and biggest model, GPT-4.5, Microsoft is discontinuing Skype, and Anthropic has used Pokémon Red to train its Claude 3.7 Sonnet model. We’re also taking a look at the unexpected return of Fyre Festival and more. So, let’s get started.

OpenAI Unveils GPT-4.5: OpenAI has announced the launch of GPT-4.5, also known as Orion, its largest AI model to date. Trained with more computing power and data than any previous releases, GPT-4.5 is available as part of a research preview for subscribers to the $200-a-month ChatGPT Pro plan. Other users can expect to access the model next week. Read more about GPT-4.5.

Backlash Against Optifye.ai: A demo by Y Combinator cohort member Optifye.ai sparked intense backlash, resulting in the deletion of the post from YC’s social media. Optifye.ai aims to help factory owners monitor worker attendance using AI-powered security cameras, but the concept was widely criticized as “sweatshops-as-a-service” and “computer vision sweatshop software” on X.

Amazon Introduces New Alexa Experience: Amazon has launched Alexa+, a new and improved experience starting at $19.99 per month, competitive with other generative AI chatbots. However, it will be free for Amazon Prime subscribers. Alexa+ will roll out in the U.S. in early access beginning next month, along with a new web experience, Alexa.com, and a refreshed Alexa mobile app.

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News

Skype Discontinued: Microsoft is pulling the plug on Skype, marking the end of an internet era. Users have until May 5 to migrate their contacts and chat data to Microsoft Teams or export their Skype data before it shuts down. Learn more.

Anthropic’s Pokémon Red Test: Anthropic used the classic Game Boy game Pokémon Red to benchmark its latest model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet. The model successfully battled three Pokémon gym leaders and won their badges. Read more about the test.

Perplexity’s AI Web Browser: Perplexity is launching sign-ups for Comet, an AI-powered web browser. The company aims to reinvent the browser experience, just as it did with search. Learn more about Comet.

Elon Musk’s Slip-Up: Elon Musk accidentally referred to his social media platform as Twitter instead of X, a habit that seems hard to break for many. Read more.

Meta Fires Employees Over Leaks: Meta has fired around 20 employees for leaking confidential information, following a surge of news stories with leaked details about internal meetings and product plans. Learn more.

Perplexity Raises $50M Fund: Perplexity is raising a $50 million seed and pre-seed investment fund, using some of the capital it raised for company growth. Read more about the fund.

Meta Phases Out Fact-Checking: As Meta gets rid of its third-party fact-checking programs in the U.S., the company is reintroducing a program that pays creators for viral content, which could intensify misinformation. Learn more.

Google’s AI Code Assist: Google introduced a free consumer version of Gemini Code Assist, its AI code completion and assistance tool. The tool allows developers to use a chat window to talk in natural language with an AI model that can access and edit their codebase. Read more.

Lucid Motors’ CEO Steps Down: Peter Rawlinson is stepping down from his roles as CEO and CTO of Lucid Motors, a position he’s held since before the company went public. Learn more.

Sam Bankman-Fried’s Prison Post: Disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried made his first public post on X in over two years, referring to himself as “unemployed” while serving his 25-year prison sentence. Read more.

Fyre Festival 2: Billy McFarland is back with Fyre Festival 2, which will allegedly take place in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, from May 30 to June 2. Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $1,400 to $1.1 million. Learn more about Fyre Festival 2.

Analysis

DEI Programs Under Threat: Companies across the U.S. have started cutting DEI programs and scrubbing public DEI commitments in response to threats from the Trump administration. We’ve put together a guide to where DEI stands among tech companies, from Amazon to Zoom. Read the guide.