AI Daily Briefing — 2026-06-18

A new collection of reports from MIT Technology Review AI reveals how armed forces are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence to guide critical choices. The exclusive eBook, available only to subscribers, compiles six articles originally published between April 2025 and April 2026. These stories, written by James O'Donnell, have been updated to reflect the latest developments in military AI applications.

The reports cover a range of topics, from generative AI systems being used for espionage to the Pentagon's plans for training AI on classified data. One piece details how defense officials are exploring AI chatbots for targeting decisions, while another examines the role of AI in shaping modern conflicts, including the Iran situation. The collection also highlights a new phase of military AI that moves beyond simple automation toward more autonomous decision-making.

MIT Technology Review AI notes that these technologies are transforming how militaries operate, with AI now acting as a virtual advisor in war rooms. The eBook includes related popular stories, such as a defense official's revelation about AI's role in targeting and the Pentagon's push for AI companies to work with sensitive data. This compilation offers a comprehensive look at how AI is becoming an indispensable tool for military strategy.

Odyssey, an AI startup specializing in world models, has secured a $310 million Series B funding round, pushing its valuation to $1.45 billion. The round was led by Natural Capital, with participation from Amazon, AMD Ventures, and GV. The company, founded in 2023 by former self-driving vehicle pioneers Oliver Cameron and Jeff Hawke, focuses on simulating the physical world with accurate physics, moving beyond traditional text-based AI.

Odyssey’s approach involves collecting data by sending people with cameras strapped to their backs, similar to how Google Earth gathers imagery. The startup now offers world models for applications ranging from video-game creation to robotics, and is known for generating rich, interactive video from text prompts. Amazon’s involvement makes AWS its preferred cloud provider, with models optimized for AWS’s Trainium chips.

The company has raised $337 million to date, with an impressive list of angel investors including Jeff Dean, Elad Gil, and Cruise founder Kyle Vogt. Odyssey’s world models are seen as the next big evolution in AI, offering simulations that could revolutionize industries from entertainment to autonomous systems.

A new study from Pew Research indicates that only 16% of Americans believe artificial intelligence will positively affect society over the next two decades. In contrast, about 40% expect negative outcomes, and a majority of 67% doubt the U.S. government will implement meaningful AI regulations. Additionally, 59% lack trust in companies to develop the technology safely.

Young adults under 30 are the most pessimistic, with just 14% anticipating a beneficial impact. Nearly two-thirds of all respondents feel AI is advancing too quickly. Despite this skepticism, AI usage is rising: roughly a quarter of Americans use chatbots daily, primarily for research or work. ChatGPT leads adoption at 44%, followed by Gemini (24%), Copilot (17%), and others.

Men are more frequent users and more enthusiastic than women, with 27% of men using chatbots daily versus 20% of women. The technology is also reshaping information consumption, as 60% of respondents regularly read AI-generated summaries. However, about half of Americans, especially those over 65, avoid AI entirely, citing lack of interest and no plans to adopt it in the future.

Google is taking a bold step forward in the smart home market by launching its first speaker built specifically around its Gemini AI. The new Google Home Speaker, priced at $99.99, marks the company's first standalone audio device since the Nest Audio launched in 2020. Unlike its predecessor, which required precise commands, this model understands natural language and handles complex, multi-step requests. Users can say things like "dim the kitchen lights, play relaxing music, and set a timer for 20 minutes" or correct themselves mid-sentence, and Gemini will adapt accordingly.

The device also introduces 10 new voices capable of two-way conversations on diverse topics, moving beyond simple smart home controls. A "Continued Conversation" feature keeps the microphone active briefly, allowing follow-up questions without repeating the wake word. The design remains familiar with a 3D-knit textile wrap and rounded shape, available in colors like Jade and Berry in the U.S. A new ring light at the bottom indicates whether the speaker is listening, thinking, or responding.

While many Gemini features are free, Google is offering a $10 monthly or $100 yearly Home Premium subscription for advanced capabilities. These include free-flowing chats with Gemini Live, summaries from Nest cameras, and activity reports while users are away. To encourage adoption, Google provides a six-month free trial before requiring payment. The speaker is available for preorder now and ships later this month, potentially revitalizing the smart speaker market with generative AI.

Tony Fadell, the inventor of the iPod, was stunned to see an advertisement for the iPod Shuffle in a New York City subway station, touting “Zero screen time.” The ad, placed by refurbished tech marketplace Back Market, highlights a growing backlash against constant digital connectivity. Fadell noted that while modern smartphones offer limitless capabilities, they have also created a sense of exhaustion and overstimulation among users. The iPod Shuffle, with its limited controls and lack of internet access, represents a simpler era that many now crave.

Back Market’s CMO Joy Howard calls this trend “slowtech,” where consumers deliberately seek out older, less intrusive devices. These products, from wired headphones to retro gaming consoles, offer experiences that don’t demand constant attention or algorithm-driven engagement. Howard explains that people are now viewing friction as a feature, not a flaw, using it to create boundaries against the relentless optimization of modern life. The demand for such devices is strong enough to justify premium advertising in busy transit hubs.

Austin Murray, a pioneer in mobile gaming who co-founded JAMDAT, is now building MOQA, a screen-time reduction app. He recalls how investors once laughed at the idea of mobile games, but now they are skeptical of his efforts to curb phone addiction. The slowtech revolution reflects a broader desire for control over time and attention, as users reject the always-on culture they helped create. This shift signals a new era where mindful tech use is becoming a priority for consumers seeking balance.