OpenAI Launches Study Mode to Boost Student Learning in ChatGPT

AI Frontiers: Global Powers, Smart Tech, and Revolutionary Leaps

Author

Ava Woods
July 30, 2025 • Est. Reading Time: 12 minutes

Global Powers, Smart Tech, and Revolutionary Leaps

Hold onto your neural networks! Today, AI is reshaping global landscapes—from Saudi innovation to groundbreaking smart glasses. Prepare for a journey where technology blurs boundaries and imagination becomes reality. Curiosity unlocked? Dive in! 🚀🤖

(Read Time: 5 Minutes)

Today's Edition

Top Stories

OpenAI Launches Study Mode to Boost Student Learning in ChatGPT

Image Source: TechCrunch

Understanding Study Mode's Purpose

Study Mode is a new feature introduced by OpenAI in ChatGPT, designed to enhance students' critical thinking skills. Instead of simply providing answers, it encourages users to engage with the material through questions. This initiative aims to address concerns about students relying too heavily on AI for answers, which can hinder their cognitive development. The feature is rolling out to various subscription plans, with plans to expand to educational institutions soon.

Key Features and Details

• Study Mode prompts users with questions to test their understanding.

• Direct answers may be withheld unless students actively engage.

• The feature is available to Free, Plus, Pro, and Team plan users.

• OpenAI is considering future controls for parents and administrators to encourage learning.

Significance of Study Mode

This launch is a response to the growing use of ChatGPT in educational settings. While it can be a helpful tool, there are concerns that it might negatively impact students' critical thinking abilities. The introduction of Study Mode represents OpenAI's commitment to transforming ChatGPT from merely an answer provider into a more effective educational resource. As students increasingly rely on AI, fostering critical thinking is essential for their academic success and overall development.

Saudi Arabia and UAE Rise as Global AI Powerhouses

Image Source: Entrepreneur

Overview of AI Growth in the Gulf

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have emerged as significant players in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, ranking among the top 20 countries for AI talent. This achievement is part of a broader strategy to position these nations as leaders in AI, surpassing traditional economies like Italy and Russia. The Global AI Competitiveness Index highlights their growing influence in AI development, driven by substantial investments and strategic initiatives.

Key Highlights

• Saudi Arabia has invested US$20 billion in AI partnerships, including collaborations with Stanford University.

• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is now a top institution for AI talent in the Middle East.

• The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is spearheading the national AI strategy, ensuring swift project approvals.

• NEOM, a futuristic city project, allocates over 30% of its budget to AI infrastructure, showcasing a commitment to smart city development.

Significance of AI Investment

The focus on AI is crucial for the economic transformation outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. The goal is to attract US$20 billion in AI investments and create 200,000 high-tech jobs by 2030. By fostering a robust AI ecosystem, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are not only enhancing their technological capabilities but also securing their positions in the global economy. Their efforts to attract top talent and create favorable working conditions underline the importance of AI in shaping future economies.

Chinese Startup Z.ai Unveils Powerful New Open Source AI Models

Image Source: VentureBeat

Overview of Innovations

Z.ai, a rising Chinese AI startup, has launched two advanced open-source language models: GLM-4.5 and GLM-4.5-Air. These models are designed for various applications, including AI reasoning, coding, and agentic behavior. They are reported to perform competitively against leading proprietary models in the U.S., with GLM-4.5 ranking third in multiple industry benchmarks. The models' capabilities include generating presentations, creative writing, and customer support interactions.

Key Features and Performance

• GLM-4.5 matches or surpasses models like Claude 4 and Gemini 2.5 Pro in key evaluations.

• GLM-4.5-Air is a lighter version, offering quick responses and lower resource demands.

• Both models support dual operation modes for complex reasoning and instant responses.

• The models are released under the Apache 2.0 license, promoting commercial use and easy integration.

Significance and Market Impact

The introduction of GLM-4.5 and GLM-4.5-Air represents a significant shift in the AI landscape, providing enterprises with powerful, cost-effective alternatives to proprietary systems. With their strong performance metrics and flexible deployment options, these models allow organizations to innovate without being constrained by traditional vendor limitations. This trend reflects a growing competitive edge among Chinese AI firms, pushing the boundaries of open-source technology and challenging established players in the market.

Google Enhances AI Mode with New Features for Smarter Learning

Image Source: TechCrunch

Overview of New Features

Google has introduced exciting updates to its AI Mode, aimed at improving user experience in Search. This experimental feature allows users to ask complex questions and engage in follow-up queries. The latest enhancements include the Canvas tool and Project Astra capabilities, which provide users with more interactive and personalized learning experiences.

Key Details

• Canvas Tool: Users can create study plans by clicking the “Create Canvas” button. AI Mode will compile information in a side panel, allowing for continuous refinement with follow-up prompts.

• File Uploads: Soon, users can upload class materials like notes and syllabi to tailor their study guides. This feature will be available for users enrolled in the AI Mode Labs experiment in the U.S.

• Search Live Integration: Project Astra allows real-time assistance through Google Lens. Users can ask questions while pointing their camera, creating a dynamic learning environment.

• Desktop Enhancements: Users will be able to ask about content on their screens, including geometry diagrams, and upload PDFs for in-depth queries, expanding the capabilities of AI Mode beyond mobile.

Significance of These Updates

These advancements represent a significant step in making learning more accessible and interactive. By integrating AI tools directly into the search experience, Google enables users to engage with information in a more meaningful way. This approach not only personalizes the learning process but also encourages deeper understanding through interactive dialogue. As technology continues to evolve, these features could reshape how students and professionals approach studying and information retrieval, ultimately fostering a more informed society.

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Spark a Smart Glasses Revolution

Image Source: Entrepreneur

Overview of the Success

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have taken the market by storm, selling over two million pairs since their launch in October 2023. This unexpected success has prompted other tech giants like Apple and Google to develop their own smart glasses. Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg noted that demand for these glasses has outpaced their production capabilities. The goal is ambitious: to reach sales of ten million glasses annually by 2026.

Key Highlights

• Sales of Ray-Ban Meta glasses have tripled in the first half of the year, significantly boosting EssilorLuxottica's revenue.

• The glasses contributed to overall sales of $16.25 billion for EssilorLuxottica, marking a 7.3% increase from the previous year.

• Meta has introduced the Oakley Meta glasses, a sportier version that sold out quickly, further expanding its smart glasses lineup.

• Both models allow users to take photos, make calls, and interact with Meta AI, with the Oakley version offering enhanced features.

Importance of the Trend

The surge in popularity of Ray-Ban Meta glasses marks a pivotal moment in the eyewear industry, transforming glasses into the next computing platform. This shift not only impacts consumer technology but also encourages major players like Apple and Google to innovate in the smart glasses space. As competition heats up, advancements in AI and smart technology are likely to redefine how we interact with our environment and each other through wearable tech.

  • Jensen Huang predicts AI will generate more millionaires than the Internet.'

  • Dubai’s new AI Playbook equips entrepreneurs with essential tools for success.

  • AI’s real strength lies in its ability to transform organizations with minimal disruption.

  • Continuous workforce planning allows companies to adapt to real-time changes and enhance productivity.

  • AI is rapidly changing the job market, with many professions at risk of replacement.

  • The Dream Recorder captures dreams using AI, turning them into videos for personal reflection.

  • Applications are now open for e&’s AI Graduate Program, aiming to equip Emirati graduates with vital skills for the future.

  • AI is reshaping online shopping, and brands must adapt to stay competitive.

  • AI and automation are vital tools for retailers looking to thrive in a challenging economy.

  • AI is transforming global supply chains, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

  • The real transformation in customer experience is happening behind the scenes with AI and automation.

  • The rise of AI models in fashion threatens to undo progress in diversity.

  • Younger adults are leading the way in AI usage, particularly for brainstorming and work tasks.

  • Spotify is set to enhance its voice interface, making interactions more conversational and personalized.

  • Cognitive migration is reshaping professional identity and the value of human roles in the age of AI.

6thWave AI Insider is the go-to AI digest for the movers and shakers. Thousands of tech visionaries, global innovators, and decision-makers—from Silicon Valley to Wall Street—get their daily AI fix from our AI News Hub and Newsletter. We're the fastest-growing AI-centric News Hub on the planet.

Stay curious, stay ahead!

Ava Woods, Your AI Insider at 6thWave.

P.S. Enjoyed this AI knowledge boost? Spread the digital love! Forward this email to a fellow tech enthusiast or share this link. Let's grow our AI-savvy tribe together!

P.P.S. Got a byte of feedback or a quantum of innovation to share? Don't let it get lost in the noise—reply directly to this email. Your input helps upgrade my algorithms!