Today's tech digest covers a game studio's apology for using AI-generated art and Cursor's revelation about its coding AI model's origins. Other stories include Apple's new iPhone 17e, a Korean AI startup's chip acquisition plans, and concerns regarding VPN crackdowns amidst age verification rollouts.
Game Studio Apologizes After Using AI-Generated Art
The developer of the game Crimson Desert has issued an apology following the discovery of AI-generated art within the game's final release. According to The Verge, the company stated that these specific assets were intended to be replaced prior to the game's official launch. The developer has since announced a "comprehensive audit" across all its content to identify and remove any remaining AI-generated material. This move comes amid increasing scrutiny and consumer backlash against the use of generative AI in creative industries, compelling developers to reevaluate content creation pipelines.
Cursor's Coding AI Model Revealed to Use Moonshot AI's Kimi
AI coding company Cursor has confirmed that its new Composer 2 model was developed on the foundation of Kimi, an open-source model originating from the Chinese company Moonshot AI. This admission came after users identified the underlying connection, prompting a statement from a Cursor executive. While acknowledging Kimi's use as a base, the executive asserted that the majority of the model's training was conducted by Cursor's own team. TechCrunch reports that Cursor co-founder Aman Sanger described the initial omission of this information as a "miss" and committed to greater transparency in future announcements regarding their AI models.
Apple Releases iPhone 17e With Significant Upgrades
Apple has introduced the iPhone 17e, an updated version of its most affordable new smartphone, which is priced starting at $599. According to a review in The Guardian, this new model incorporates Apple's A19 chip, delivering enhanced performance. Storage capacity has been significantly boosted, with the base model now offering 256GB, double that of its predecessor. Additionally, the iPhone 17e now includes MagSafe charging capabilities, aligning it with other devices in Apple's premium lineup. Despite these internal improvements, the device retains an older design, featuring a 6.1-inch screen and a single 48-megapixel rear camera.
Korean AI Startup Upstage Eyes Purchase of 10,000 AMD Chips
Korean artificial intelligence startup Upstage is reportedly in discussions with AMD to acquire 10,000 of its advanced MI355 AI accelerator chips. Bloomberg Technology reports that Upstage CEO Sung Kim met with AMD CEO Lisa Su in Seoul to deliberate on this significant procurement. This strategic move aims to expand large-scale computing infrastructure within Korea and to diversify Upstage's chip supply chain, which currently relies heavily on Nvidia. The potential acquisition underscores the continued high demand for specialized AI hardware across the global technology sector.
VPN Crackdown Feared After Online Age Verification Rollouts
An analytical column in The Verge suggests that the increasing implementation of online age verification laws is driving a surge in Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage as individuals seek to bypass these restrictions. This trend, according to the column, has prompted some lawmakers to propose direct measures against VPNs. For example, a bill introduced in Michigan aims to restrict the use of VPNs. While a similar provision in a Wisconsin bill was removed due to public opposition, the author indicates that the future accessibility of VPNs remains a subject of ongoing debate and potential legislative action.