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  • OpenAI Is Taking On Apple’s App Store. It’s Got a Long Way to Go.

OpenAI Is Taking On Apple’s App Store. It’s Got a Long Way to Go.

Plus: AI teachers and cybernetics - what could the world look like in 2050?

Author

Hafizur Rahman
January 03, 2026

In partnership with

Today's Newsletter Highlights:

  • OpenAI Is Taking On Apple’s App Store. It’s Got a Long Way to Go.

  • AI teachers and cybernetics - what could the world look like in 2050?

  • India orders Musk’s X to fix Grok over ‘obscene’ AI content

  • Best AI Tools

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OpenAI Is Taking On Apple’s App Store. It’s Got a Long Way to Go.

OpenAI, under CEO Sam Altman, is promoting ChatGPT. They aim to compete with traditional app ecosystems, like Apple’s App Store. Users can access mini-apps and workflows right in the ChatGPT interface. This means they don’t need to download many apps. This lets people order groceries, find hikes, or access media without leaving the chatbot.

Key Points:

  • In-chat service integrations: More than 800 million users can shop on Instacart or plan trips with AllTrails right in ChatGPT. This often means they can skip using native apps.

  • Early results show a mixed bag. Some integrations, like Instacart, work well. However, others, such as ride or restaurant bookings, can feel clunky. Often, they send users back to traditional apps or websites.

  • Altman’s view: He sees Apple as a key rival. Its controlled app ecosystem influences how users engage with services on their devices.

  • Device ambitions: OpenAI is said to be working with ex-Apple designer Jony Ive on new hardware ideas. This hints at plans for devices or interfaces that could broaden this platform vision beyond screens. T

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AI teachers and cybernetics - what could the world look like in 2050?

A **leaked phone call, confirmed by BBC Eye and experts, seems to show former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina allowing security forces to use lethal weapons on student protesters during the July 2024 unrest.

Key Points:

  • The audio reveals that on 18 July 2024, a voice believed to be Hasina’s tells forces to “use lethal weapons” and shoot protesters “wherever they find [them].””

  • Verification: Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department and independent audio experts verified the recording. They found no signs of tampering or synthetic generation.

  • Context of the unrest: The protests started because of a disputed public-sector job quota system. They grew into a larger movement that led to Hasina’s ouster after 15 years in power. UN investigators estimate the crackdown left up to 1,400 people dead.

  • This audio is crucial evidence in Hasina’s trial. It’s happening in absentia at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for crimes against humanity related to the 2024 crackdown.

  • Hasina’s response: Hasina and the Awami League deny any unlawful intent. They also say the audio doesn’t show an unfair response and question how the tape is understood.

India orders Musk’s X to fix Grok over ‘obscene’ AI content

The Indian government has told Elon Musk’s platform X (formerly Twitter) to fix its AI chatbot, Grok. This follows complaints about Grok creating obscene, sexualised, and illegal content. This includes altered images of women and minors.

Key points:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) asked X to modify Grok's technology and processes. These changes aim to stop the generation of nudity, sexually explicit material, and other unlawful content.

Users and lawmakers were worried when Grok created AI-modified images of women in bikinis and sexualised images of minors. X admitted these issues stemmed from failures in its safety measures.

India has given X 72 hours to submit an “action-taken report.” This report must detail steps taken to prevent such content and improve Grok’s safeguards.

The government warned that ignoring the rules might put X's "safe harbour" legal protections at risk under Indian law. This puts the platform and its officers at risk.

This action follows growing worries from the public and parliament about AI-generated obscenity and the misuse of synthetic content online.

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