Top Tech Headlines for August 17, 2025
It’s been a busy day in the world of tech! From friendlier AI models to a major crackdown on ransomware, here’s a quick rundown of what’s making waves. Whether you’re into AI tools or cybersecurity, there’s something here you’ll want to know — especially if staying prepped with bootable USBs is part of your digital toolkit.
OpenAI Debuts Warmer GPT-5 Personality, But There’s a Catch
OpenAI has started rolling out a more personable version of GPT-5, giving users a slightly warmer interaction experience. However, this upgrade is currently limited to the non-reasoning model, meaning it doesn’t come with the full cognitive abilities of models like GPT-4o. For now, users looking for both warmth and smart responses may want to stick with the legacy GPT-4o.
Google Gemini Adds "Projects" For Smarter Research Workflows
Google’s Gemini is doubling down on productivity with a new experimental feature called "Projects." Similar to ChatGPT’s project mode, this tool helps users organize research tasks, making the AI assistant more practical for long-term or complex inquiries. It’s another step toward making AI a go-to resource for academic, business, or personal knowledge building.
U.S. Seizes $2.8M in Crypto From Zeppelin Ransomware Operator
In a significant law enforcement victory, the U.S. Department of Justice has confiscated $2.8 million in cryptocurrency from an alleged operator of the Zeppelin ransomware. The individual, identified as Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko, reportedly used the malware to extort victims across various sectors. This move marks a growing trend in tackling cybercrime at financial choke points.
Anthropic Gives Claude the Power to Shut Down Toxic Chats
Anthropic, the company behind Claude AI, is taking a proactive step in responsible AI use. Claude now has the ability to end conversations if they veer into harmful or abusive territory — a rare but important safeguard. With increasing concerns over AI misuse, this feature aims to set a higher standard for ethical interaction design in artificial intelligence platforms.
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