MIT Technology Review is reporting that OpenAI has developed an artificial intelligence super-hacker named GPT-Red. It said the tool acts as a sparring partner to enhance the defenses of OpenAI's other models against cyberattacks by automating red-teaming safety evaluations. The publication also reported that heat pump sales in the United States have doubled over the past 15 years, outpacing natural-gas furnaces by 32% in the first quarter of 2026, even after a key tax credit ended.
The outlet highlighted that Electrek is reporting Elon Musk discreetly acquired the gas turbine firm APR Energy for $1 billion in May. Engadget and Gizmodo added that the acquisition is likely intended to power AI data centers for Grok. MIT Technology Review also noted that 404 Media said a hack revealed the Suno AI music generator scraped YouTube, Deezer and Genius to train its models. CNET reported this hack offers a unique look into generative AI's inner workings.
Reuters is reporting that Thinking Machines, a startup founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, launched Inkling, an open-weight AI model, as a U.S. alternative to Chinese open-source models. The Wall Street Journal and Axios also covered the launch. The New York Times is reporting that Europe is narrowing its ambitions for tech independence, with Reuters adding that while earnings are strong, an AI gap persists. The Economist said Earth is absorbing energy at an alarming rate, exceeding climate model predictions.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that tech executives are fearing for their lives due to violent threats against AI firms. The Guardian said a Moroccan intelligence insider exposed widespread use of Pegasus hacking software to target journalists, activists and foreign politicians. Rest of World is reporting that AI is powering citizen-led disaster relief in Venezuela, assisting in locating missing people and coordinating aid. Quanta said thermodynamic computers could offer a cooler, more efficient way to process information by turning noise into useful calculations. Ars Technica reported an engineer has identified and explained every 1990s computer seen in "Jurassic Park."
Finally, MIT Technology Review is exploring the challenge of building trust in humanoid robots, citing robotics firm Prosper's development of Alfie. It said trustworthiness is a top design priority, but the robot's reliance on remote human operators raises questions about privacy and labor.
Full Article: The Download: OpenAI unveils GPT-Red and heat pumps rise in the US