Welcome back to Daily Zaps, your regularly-scheduled dose of AI news ⚡️ 

Here’s what we got for ya today:

• 🧠 Apple adds ChatGPT to iPhones

• 🖥️ Google FTC to end Microsoft's OpenAI hosting deal

• 🧱 BRICS to create AI alliance

• 👩🏻‍💻 Coding Agent Devin generally available at $500 a month

Let’s get right into it!

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BIG TECH

Apple adds ChatGPT to iPhones

Apple has released updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac software, introducing ChatGPT integration with Siri as part of its Apple Intelligence suite. When users ask Siri complex questions, it can access OpenAI’s GPT-4o model with user permission, offering enhanced responses while ensuring privacy protections. Users don't need an OpenAI account but can opt for upgraded versions of ChatGPT through Apple.

The update is available on iPhone 15, 15 Pro, and 16 models, alongside features like the Playground image generator and Image Wand for photo editing. Apple Intelligence, launched earlier this year, includes tools like text rewriting and improved Siri functionality, with plans for more app integrations in 2025.

BIG TECH

Google FTC to end Microsoft's OpenAI hosting deal

Tech giants like Google and Microsoft face regulatory scrutiny for alleged anti-competitive practices while accusing each other of similar behavior. Google is battling a court ruling that found it monopolizes search and must divest Chrome, even as it urges the FTC to investigate Microsoft’s exclusive cloud-hosting deal with OpenAI. Microsoft’s $13 billion investment in OpenAI grants it exclusive hosting rights through Azure, raising concerns about monopolistic practices.

At the same time, Google faces criticism for its deal with Apple to remain Safari's default search engine, a move that hinders smaller competitors like DuckDuckGo. This irony underscores how both companies navigate regulatory challenges while pointing fingers, as regulators under the Biden administration adopt tougher stances on anti-competitive practices.

GLOBAL NEWS

BRICS to create AI alliance

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the creation of an AI Alliance Network with BRICS countries and other partners to advance artificial intelligence development and counter U.S. dominance in the field. Speaking at Russia's flagship AI conference, Putin emphasized Russia's commitment to competing globally in AI, despite Western sanctions limiting access to key technologies like GPUs.

The network will facilitate joint research, AI regulation, and market opportunities among nations, including Brazil, China, India, and South Africa, as well as non-BRICS members like Serbia and Indonesia. Russia's AI ambitions, led by Sberbank and Yandex, include significant economic growth and widespread workforce AI training by 2030. However, Russia currently lags behind global AI leaders, ranking 31st in AI implementation and innovation, but aims to leverage partnerships to boost its standing.

STARTUPS

Coding agent Devin generally available at $500 a month

Cognition has officially launched Devin, an AI tool for engineering teams, available at $500 per month with no seat limits. Devin integrates with Slack, IDE extensions, and APIs, offering onboarding and support. It excels in tasks like fixing frontend bugs, drafting PRs for backlog tasks, and targeted code refactors.

Teams can maximize Devin's efficiency by giving it well-defined tasks, clear testing criteria, and detailed requirements while coaching it with feedback. Accessible via Slack, Devin can handle tasks like integrations, refactors, or codebase questions, notifying users when its PRs are ready for review.