OpenAI unveils GPT-5 & open-weight GPT-OSS models

Theverge

The technology landscape continues its rapid evolution, highlighted this week by significant advancements in artificial intelligence and a diverse array of new consumer products. OpenAI has officially unveiled GPT-5, its latest flagship AI model, promising “state-of-the-art performance” across various tasks. The company asserts that GPT-5 is notably less prone to “hallucinations”—a common issue where AI generates false information—compared to its predecessors. This powerful new model is already accessible to all ChatGPT users, including those on the free tier. In a move poised to expand AI accessibility, OpenAI also released GPT-OSS, two new open-weight models designed to run locally on a laptop, offering the combined benefits of OpenAI’s capabilities with enhanced user privacy.

Beyond AI, the week saw interesting developments in digital entertainment and hardware. Roku has introduced “Howdy,” a new ad-free subscription streaming service priced at an affordable $2.99 per month. While its library primarily features older titles such as Dirty Dancing, Reservoir Dogs, and Weeds, its competitive pricing could position it as a strong contender against more expensive streaming options. For travelers, TP-Link unveiled its Wi-Fi 7 BE3600 Travel Router, capable of connecting up to 90 devices simultaneously, aiming to streamline wireless connectivity for families on the go. Photography enthusiasts might be drawn to the Camp Snap CS-8, a digital camera designed to resemble a classic Super 8 film camera. Despite its use of SD card storage, it notably lacks a screen for immediate photo review, a design choice that could offer a unique, retro shooting experience.

The gaming world also received updates, with Fortnite launching its “Shock ‘N Awesome” season. This latest battle royale installment introduces bug infestations to the island, alongside the unexpected ability for players to transform into Power Rangers, a nostalgic nod likely to appeal to players who grew up in the 1990s. For those seeking a more relaxed gaming experience, Is This Seat Taken? offers a delightful new puzzle game centered on arranging adorable shapes. Meanwhile, the digital community is buzzing with the 2025 Tiny Awards nominations, inviting users to vote for their favorite “Site of the Year” from a selection of eleven innovative websites, with voting open until September 1st.

The pursuit of a more focused digital life is exemplified by Siri Ramos, founder of Mechanism, a company specializing in mounts and grips for handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2. Ramos shared his unique approach to smartphone usage, transforming his iPhone 14 Pro into a “dopamine-reduced” device. His setup aims to minimize distractions, featuring a plain gray wallpaper and a matte screen protector to mimic the minimalist aesthetic of devices like the Light Phone. His lock screen displays essential widgets for Notion Calendar, Macrofactor (a nutrition tracker), and the stock iOS Weather app. His main home screen further integrates Notion Calendar and SyncTasks, which pulls Notion tasks into an interactive widget. To further declutter, a second home screen utilizes Blank Spaces Launcher, presenting apps as generic names like “Podcasts” (linking to Overcast) or “Workout” (linking to Stronglifts 5x5). His docked apps use a minimal black icon pack combined with Siri shortcuts, with the exception of the Superhuman email app.

Ramos also offered a glimpse into his current non-tech interests, highlighting his enjoyment of the Dungeon Crawler Carl novel series, which he describes as a blend of Hunger Games and video games. He’s also engaged with the classic Donkey Kong Bananza and has recently developed an addiction to chess, which he humorously justifies as a “brain exercise” to counter typical doomscrolling. An avid kiteboarder, Ramos uses the Surfr app on his Apple Watch to track jump heights in real time during his sessions.

The broader tech community also weighed in with their current fascinations. One user highlighted the accessibility of embedded programming platforms like Arduino and Pi Pico, noting that modern, sub-$10 microcontrollers now surpass the power of desktop computers from their high school era. Another expressed enthusiasm for the new CRKD guitar and open-source rhythm games Clone Hero and YARG, anticipating the return of Red Octane to the rhythm game scene. Audiobooks also garnered attention, with the Lord of the Rings rendition by Andy Serkis praised for its distinct character voices. A user shared a positive experience transitioning from Inoreader to a self-hosted Miniflux RSS reader, likening the renewed control to the “good ol’ Google Reader days.” Other recommendations included Superman: The Animated Series for its sci-fi themes and compelling visuals, and two insightful videos: one by Julian O’Shea on the increasing size of cars and pedestrian fatalities, and another by CityNerd critiquing the Vegas Loop. Custom keyboards were also a topic, with one programmer detailing their ZSA Moonlander keyboard and its benefits for touch-typing and portability. Finally, an anime recommendation, Apocalypse Hotel, was shared for its charming yet bittersweet premise about robots awaiting humanity’s return.

These community insights underscore a prevailing interest in practical tech solutions and personalized digital experiences. The discussion extended to alternative keyboard layouts like Dvorak, Colemak, and Norman, with many users finding them beneficial for improving typing habits and efficiency. Similarly, a user shared a cost-effective solution for a portable home entertainment setup: a 43-inch TCL Roku TV mounted on a $99 rolling stand, complete with a $20 cover, allowing it to be moved effortlessly between rooms and even outdoors. This diverse range of interests, from cutting-edge AI to nostalgic gaming and practical home tech, paints a vivid picture of a tech-savvy public actively shaping and adapting to the evolving digital world.