AI News — August 24, 2026

Models

Who's behind the new 'stealth model' Ox Alpha?
A mysterious new AI model called Ox Alpha has driven certain corners of the internet into a frenzy of speculation. The model's origins and creators remain unknown, fueling intense online debate about who might be responsible for its development.

Policy

Is it legal to train AI models on copyrighted books? It's complicated
Most published authors have, without their knowledge or consent, contributed to the development of AI tools that now threaten their livelihoods. The legal landscape around using copyrighted books for AI training remains murky and highly contested.
Flock CEO calls for 'compromise' as surveillance company faces growing backlash
Flock Safety is facing a growing public outcry over concerns that its surveillance technology could be misused. The company's CEO has called for compromise amid mounting criticism about the implications of its AI-powered surveillance tools.

Tooling

Linkdaze's smart calendar is built to run a household, not just track a schedule
Linkdaze has launched a smart digital calendar designed to manage an entire household, featuring an AI meal planner among other tools. Notably, the product does not lock its features behind a paywall, setting it apart from many competitors in the space.