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OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Sora Services Resume Operations Following Major Outage

OpenAI faced a significant service disruption on Thursday, affecting its widely-used ChatGPT chatbot, API services, and its text-to-image generation platform, Sora. The outage, which began around 1:30 PM ET on December 26 (12:00 AM IST, December 27), left thousands of users in the US and other regions unable to access these services. According to online outage monitoring platforms, the disruption persisted for nearly five hours before OpenAI confirmed that all systems were back to full functionality.

Reports from Down Detector, an outage monitoring platform, indicated a sharp spike in user complaints about ChatGPT access starting at 1:30 PM ET. Over 50,000 users reported issues within the first hour of the outage. At 2:00 PM ET, OpenAI acknowledged the problem through an update on its official status page, stating that they were dealing with high error rates across ChatGPT, the API, and Sora. This communication reassured users that the issue was being actively investigated.

The cause of the outage was later attributed to an “upstream provider,” although OpenAI did not elaborate further. Around the same time, Microsoft reported a power issue at one of its data centers. This problem disrupted several Microsoft services, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and Xbox cloud gaming, sparking speculation about a potential link between the two events. However, neither OpenAI nor Microsoft confirmed a direct connection between their respective outages.

By evening, OpenAI updated users that the affected platforms were fully operational once again. The outage underscored the growing reliance on AI-powered tools for both personal and professional use, as well as the challenges companies face in ensuring uninterrupted service. While OpenAI has not provided further details about the incident, the quick resolution highlights its commitment to maintaining service reliability and addressing issues promptly.

Nothing OS 3.0 Introduces AI-Powered Circle Search Feature for Nothing Phone 2a Plus and Other Devices

Nothing has unveiled its latest update, introducing the Circle to Search feature powered by artificial intelligence (AI), which is now available for several of its smartphones. The feature, developed in collaboration with Google, is part of the Nothing OS 3.0 update and can be accessed on the Nothing Phone 2a Plus, Nothing Phone 2a, and Phone 2. With this update, the devices will also be running Android 15, marking a significant upgrade. However, the full public rollout of Android 15 for some models in Nothing’s lineup is still pending.

The Circle to Search feature is a visual lookup tool that uses AI to enhance the smartphone’s search capabilities. It allows users to search for information by simply pointing their camera at an object. Once the camera identifies the object, the system provides relevant details and context, offering a new level of convenience for users. This feature has been well-received by users on the supported devices, as it offers a seamless and intuitive way to gather information.

Nothing’s decision to integrate Google’s Circle to Search is a step toward enhancing the utility of its smartphones, as it simplifies searching for objects, places, and other visual cues. The tool is designed to work flawlessly on the Nothing Phone 2a Plus, Nothing Phone 2a, and Phone 2, which have already undergone additional testing to ensure compatibility with the new feature.

Despite the anticipation around Android 15, users of other Nothing models will have to wait a bit longer for the update. The company has been gradually rolling out the new OS version, and while the feature is currently available on the selected models, a broader distribution plan is still underway. This update shows Nothing’s commitment to enhancing user experience through AI-powered innovations and expanding the functionality of its smartphones.

xAI, Led by Elon Musk, Trials Standalone Grok AI App for iOS

xAI, the artificial intelligence company owned by Elon Musk, is currently testing a standalone app for its proprietary chatbot, Grok. The app, which is still in its beta phase, is exclusively available on iOS and can only be accessed in select regions. This marks the first time Grok is being offered as a standalone product, separate from the X platform (formerly Twitter), which has been the chatbot’s previous home. Additionally, the app integrates with the recently launched AI-powered image generator, Aurora, allowing users to generate images as part of their interactions with Grok.

The release of the Grok app follows a report from last month that xAI was planning to offer Grok as an independent product. Prior to this, Grok was only accessible through the X platform, making this move a significant step toward broadening its availability. By offering a standalone app, xAI aims to make Grok more widely accessible and usable for individuals who may not have a need for the social media platform itself but are interested in interacting with the AI.

As of now, the Grok beta app is only listed on the App Store in the Australian region, though it is unclear whether it is available in other regions. Staff members from Gadgets 360 were unable to find the app in India, indicating that its availability is still limited. The beta phase suggests that xAI is testing the waters to refine the app and gather user feedback before potentially expanding its global reach.

With this new development, xAI seems to be positioning Grok as a more versatile tool, accessible directly to users who prefer not to engage with the X platform. The integration of AI features like Aurora also signals that xAI is exploring creative and multimedia capabilities, which could enhance the overall user experience. As the beta progresses, it will be interesting to see how Grok evolves and whether it gains traction among users beyond the X ecosystem.