In previous months we mostly saw new model releases. July points to a different trend: AI systems are profiling themselves more as tools for specific tasks. Agents, study modes, more autonomy.
This month, along with the already confirmed news, we've gathered a few rumors currently going around the AI world. Whether they actually happen is still an open question.
OpenAI Agent
A new tool from ChatGPT that can autonomously perform actions across connectors.
- The agent has its own workspace that you open directly in the chat.
- For Pro subscribers and above, it has access to all the connectors you've connected, for example Google Drive, Calendar, or GitHub.
- It can handle specific actions: create a calendar event, order goods, analyze documents, and so on.
- It is semi-autonomous.
- The agent's structure was inspired by a model that placed well in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
- It's actually an iteration of OpenAI Operator, which worked similarly but with a much worse UX.
Useful links: Introducing ChatGPT Agent, Connector list, List of possible actions
ChatGPT Study Mode
Alongside the agent, OpenAI also introduced a new Study Mode, which you can turn on right in GPT chat.
- ChatGPT takes on the role of a teacher or tutor.
- You go through the material step by step, at a pace that suits you.
- The GPT doesn't hand you the answer right away. It tries to guide you and pull you into thinking, and it can also test you on the material.
Useful links: ChatGPT Study Mode
Grok 4 and Grok 4 Heavy
Elon Musk's xAI released new versions of its model in July, Grok 4 and Grok 4 Heavy.
- Both versions are available only in the paid plan.
- According to published data, they reach the highest scores in the so-called Intelligence Benchmark Index (Artificial Analysis).
Useful links: News Grok 4
Gemini 2.5 Deep Think
Google extended its Gemini model line.
- The version aims at better reasoning and multi-step planning.
- Deep Think should enable agents to run in parallel, that is, scenarios where several separate processes run at once.
- Available only to Ultra subscribers.
Useful links: GoogleAI Status
Extremely fast models from Cerebras
Cerebras hosts extremely fast language models that are well ahead of the competition in processing speed.
- The platform can host very large models.
- But it's also one of the most expensive options.
- In generation speed and response, it's at the very top.
- Despite the high cost, it can be an interesting choice for companies that tackle demanding tasks.
Useful links: Artificial Analysis Status
And what's no longer confirmed news, but still worth mentioning:
Open-source model from OpenAI
From several hints and leaks, it looks like OpenAI is working on an open-source release. The details aren't confirmed yet, but:
- There's talk of a smaller language model that could be an alternative to open-source models like LLaMA or Mistral.
- The release could be a response to pressure from the community and competitors. Meta, Mistral, and Cohere already offer open models.
ChatGPT 5 during autumn
- OpenAI hasn't officially announced anything yet, but has hinted several times that a "major update is near".
- Improvements in reliability, reasoning abilities, and long-term memory are expected.
Meta offers astronomical sums to AI engineers
- You can reportedly get up to $1.25 million for a four-year contract. That works out to some $312,000 a year.
- Even so, many candidates turn it down. These are mainly employees of competing companies such as OpenAI.
Useful links: Tom's Hardware Article
July showed a shift from new models to their real use.
AI is becoming more practical, more autonomous, and closer to everyday scenarios.
Related articles:
- August AI News - August belonged mainly to OpenAI releases, but much more happened.
- September AI news - September brought a wave of releases across Anthropic, Google, xAI, and OpenAI.
- AI: Assistant or threat to juniors? - AI in development through a junior's eyes: a useful helper, or an invisible crutch?
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