OpenAI says its AI models produced new results in maths, computer science and physics

OpenAI shared results that it says its models reached on three problems: the Kakeya conjecture in maths, the Exponential Time Hypothesis in computer science, and quantum chromodynamics in physics. It also describes how researchers can check and build on the work. A preprint on OpenAI's GitHub is titled "The Exponential Time Hypothesis Is False". The post drew more than 1,100 points on Hacker News.

OpenAI releases GPT-6.1 Terra, a cheaper AI model for operating computers

OpenAI introduced GPT-6.1 Terra, which it describes as bringing fast and capable computer use to everyone. GitHub says the model is now generally available in GitHub Copilot, aimed at everyday agentic coding and terminal work at a lower cost than GPT-6.1 Sol.

AI company Anthropic files publicly to list its shares on Nasdaq

Anthropic published its S-1 filing, the document a company files before going public. It plans to list on Nasdaq under the ticker ANT. Crunchbase News says the filing runs 335 pages and comes ahead of what could be the largest IPO ever. YourStory reports that the filing shows losses that have surged to $80 billion.

Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to about a quarter of its staff

Microsoft announced a Voluntary Exit Offer for eligible employees in participating teams, in a memo from chief people officer Amy Coleman posted on its official blog. Ars Technica says about 60,000 employees could get the offer, and the Seattle Times puts it at roughly a quarter of the workforce. Staff in the US, Canada, India and the UK may receive offers.

Intel agrees to buy Classiq, a maker of quantum computing software

Intel signed a deal to acquire Classiq, which makes software that turns high-level programs into quantum circuits on any type of quantum hardware. Intel says combining it with its own silicon spin-qubit chips would give it a full quantum computing stack. The deal needs regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first half of 2027.

Apple's new iPad mini gets an OLED screen and A20 Pro chip, starting at $699

Apple announced an 8th-generation iPad mini with an 8.5-inch OLED screen, the 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip, a 5.4 mm body and IP67 water and dust resistance. Apple claims up to 4.5x faster AI and up to 2.7x faster graphics than before. Ars Technica notes only the 512GB model gets the dual 16-core Neural Engine and 6-core CPU; the 128GB and 256GB models have a single Neural Engine and five CPU cores. The price starts at $699, up $100. Pre-orders open October 28 and it ships November 6.

Instagram tests videos up to 90 minutes long to compete with YouTube

Instagram is testing "Features", videos up to 90 minutes long, plus "Clips as Reels", which turns parts of long videos into Reels that link back. The test started in Brazil and is expanding to a small group in the US. Meta says it is too early to share how creators will be paid for long videos.

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