**Perplexity AI's Valuation Soars to $14 Billion Amid New Funding:** Perplexity AI has secured a $500 million funding round led by Accel, boosting its valuation from $9 billion to $14 billion. The San Francisco startup, which offers an AI-driven search tool, plans to launch its own web browser, Comet, intensifying competition with traditional search engines. Despite strong investor interest, including from Nvidia and Jeff Bezos, it faces legal issues over content usage. **Stargate's $100B AI Ambition Hits Tariff Roadblocks:** OpenAI and SoftBank's $100 billion Stargate project is stalled due to funding delays and new U.S. tariffs raising data center construction costs. While Oracle's development in Texas progresses, the overall project faces uncertainty amid economic challenges. **Hackers Spread Malware by Mimicking Popular AI Tools:** Cybercriminals are using fake AI tools to distribute malware that harvests sensitive data. Victims are tricked into downloading the malware disguised as legitimate software, highlighting the need for vigilance against sophisticated online threats. **AI Assistants Are Quietly Reshaping the Doctor-Patient Experience:** Healthcare providers are increasingly using AI phone assistants to automate appointment scheduling, managing over 70% of calls. This improves efficiency and patient care while allowing staff to focus on complex tasks. **Zuckerberg’s AI Friends Push Confuses Technology With Human Relationships:** Mark Zuckerberg suggests AI chatbots could help combat social isolation, but critics argue they can't replace genuine human relationships. The debate raises ethical concerns about substituting human companionship with AI, stressing the importance of authentic social connections.
