This week in tech, OpenAI’s ChatGPT image generator took center stage, but it wasn’t the only major development. Google launched its Gemini 2.5 Pro model for free, WhatsApp introduced a game-changing update for iPhone users, and Instagram rolled out a fast-forward feature for reels. Here’s a breakdown of the top stories you need to know:
1) ChatGPT Crashes After Studio Ghibli AI Trend Goes Viral
OpenAI’s ChatGPT experienced downtime on Sunday after a surge in users generating Studio Ghibli-style AI images. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had earlier urged users to slow down image creation, as the chatbot’s new image-generation capabilities were unlocking highly detailed and realistic outputs.
Social media users quickly jumped on the trend, converting real-life images into classic Ghibli-style artwork. However, this led OpenAI to throttle image generation, even for ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers, due to an overwhelming demand on the company’s GPU resources.
2) Google Rolls Out Gemini 2.5 Pro for All Users
While ChatGPT’s AI image craze dominated headlines, Google quietly introduced its latest AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro. Designed to rival OpenAI’s o3 Mini and DeepSeek R1, this new language model offers enhanced reasoning capabilities and improved accuracy.
Gemini 2.5 Pro is now the highest-ranked chatbot on LMArena, an open-source benchmark developed by UC Berkeley’s SkyLab. It achieved an impressive 18.8% accuracy in Humanity’s Last Exam, outperforming OpenAI o3 Mini (14%) and DeepSeek R1 (8.6%).
With proficiency in reasoning, coding, math, and science tasks, Gemini 2.5 Pro boasts a massive context window of 1 million tokens—equivalent to approximately 750,000 words. This surpasses Claude 3.7 Sonnett’s 500,000-token capacity and o3 Mini’s 200,000-token limit.
3) Grok AI Emerges as a Top Alternative for AI Image Generation
With ChatGPT limiting AI image creation, xAI’s Grok 3 model gained popularity as a go-to alternative. Known for minimal censorship and high-quality text-to-image capabilities, Grok AI allowed users to continue generating Studio Ghibli-style visuals without restrictions.
4) Instagram Introduces Fast-Forward Feature for Reels
Instagram has officially launched a new feature enabling users to fast-forward reels by double-tapping on either side of the screen. This allows videos to be played at 2x speed, offering a more dynamic viewing experience.
This update is one of many new features Instagram has borrowed from TikTok, as Meta continues to refine its short-form video platform.
5) WhatsApp Now Supports Default Messaging and Calling on iPhones
WhatsApp’s latest update (version 25.8.74) now allows iPhone users to set the app as their default for messaging and calls. Once enabled, initiating a call or message will automatically open WhatsApp, bypassing Apple’s Messages and Phone/FaceTime apps.
This move further integrates WhatsApp into Apple’s ecosystem, offering users greater flexibility in their communication preferences.
From AI-driven image trends to major tech updates, this week’s developments highlight the growing influence of artificial intelligence and social media innovation. Stay tuned for more updates as AI continues to shape the digital landscape.
