After a short delay, OpenAI has begun rolling out ChatGPT’s built-in image generation feature to free users. Although neither OpenAI nor its CEO, Sam Altman, has officially confirmed the rollout, tests conducted using multiple free ChatGPT accounts have successfully generated Studio Ghibli-style images without any issues. This suggests that the feature is now available to free users.

Previously, OpenAI introduced the native image generation feature for all ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users worldwide on March 26. Following this release, many social media users became fascinated with Studio Ghibli’s artwork and started transforming their images into anime-style visuals inspired by the famous Japanese studio’s films. However, free users did not have access to this feature at first. As a result, they had to rely on alternatives such as xAI’s Grok chatbot or Google’s Gemini. While these alternatives provided similar functionality, the quality and level of detail in their generated images were not as refined as those produced by OpenAI’s model.

To create a Studio Ghibli-style AI image using ChatGPT, users need to visit the ChatGPT website or open the app. Once there, they can upload an image by clicking on the ‘+’ icon at the bottom left corner. After the image is uploaded, entering a command like “Ghiblify this” or “Turn this image into a Studio Ghibli theme” will prompt ChatGPT to generate the desired anime-style image. Users can then download and save the image for further use.

Although OpenAI did not specify any limitations on native image generation when the feature was first introduced, restrictions were later added due to excessive demand. CEO Sam Altman revealed that the overwhelming number of requests was putting immense pressure on the company’s GPUs. According to OpenAI’s latest update on X, formerly known as Twitter, free users can now generate up to three images per day.

This is not the first time ChatGPT has offered image generation capabilities. However, the major breakthrough lies in its newly acquired native image generation ability. Unlike previous iterations, where the chatbot relied on external tools like DALL-E 3, native image generation enables ChatGPT to create and edit images directly within its multimodal framework. This allows for smoother and more integrated image processing. While Google’s Gemini introduced native image generation earlier, ChatGPT has gained greater traction among users.

The introduction of native image generation is a significant milestone for OpenAI. By integrating this feature into GPT-4o, the chatbot can now refine images through natural conversation, giving users greater flexibility and control over their creations. It is also capable of handling multiple objects in an image, ranging from ten to twenty elements, ensuring more consistency and precision. Additionally, the ability to connect ChatGPT’s extensive text-based knowledge with image generation enhances the accuracy and contextual relevance of the generated visuals. This advancement marks a major step forward in AI-powered creativity and user interaction.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Mint.

NASA announced on Thursday that it is moving toward certifying Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner for crewed missions, with a potential launch scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026. This follows complications from the spacecraft’s first crewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS), which was significantly extended due to a system failure.

The initial Starliner mission, meant to last just eight days, was prolonged to nine months after a propulsion system malfunction. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were aboard the spacecraft, had to remain in orbit far longer than planned. They were eventually brought back to Earth earlier this month using SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.

NASA and Boeing are now focusing on fixing the Starliner’s propulsion issues. Engineers are conducting a series of test campaigns and analyses, scheduled throughout the spring and summer, to ensure the spacecraft’s readiness for its next mission. These tests will help determine the exact timeline for the next flight.

Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, indicated that the next Starliner mission is expected to take place either by the end of 2025 or early 2026, depending on the progress of testing and system improvements. Boeing has faced several challenges in Starliner’s development, including software glitches and hardware failures, leading to repeated delays. The company has already invested over $2 billion in the spacecraft’s development, making it a costly and complex project.

Despite these setbacks, NASA remains committed to working with Boeing to bring the Starliner into full operational service. Once certified, the spacecraft will serve as an alternative to SpaceX’s Dragon capsule for transporting astronauts to and from the ISS. The upcoming test campaigns will be crucial in determining whether Boeing can successfully resolve the propulsion issues and move forward with the next crewed mission. Both NASA and Boeing are aiming for a safe and reliable spacecraft that can contribute to future space exploration missions.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NASA via AP.

ICHEON, South Korea, March 27 (Reuters) – South Korea’s SK Hynix, the world’s second-largest memory chipmaker, announced on Thursday that some customers have expedited their orders ahead of potential U.S. tariffs on semiconductors. During the company’s annual shareholder meeting, Lee Sang-rak, SK Hynix's Head of Global Sales and Marketing, stated that this “pull-in” effect, along with reduced customer inventory, has recently created favorable market conditions. However, he cautioned that it remains uncertain whether this trend will continue.

In January, SK Hynix projected a 10% to 20% decline in shipments of DRAM and NAND flash memory chips in the first quarter compared to the previous quarter. Meanwhile, chipmakers Micron, SanDisk, and China's YMTC have increased memory chip prices, partly due to strong AI-driven demand, according to media reports. These companies were unavailable for comment.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced in February his intention to impose tariffs of approximately 25% on semiconductor imports and other products. A Nomura report suggested that fears of potential U.S. semiconductor tariffs in April have led to preemptive shipments to the United States. The report warned that if these tariffs materialize, they could push product prices higher and weaken demand.

As a key supplier to AI chip giant Nvidia, SK Hynix anticipates a sharp rise in demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips this year, driven by increased data center investments, CEO Kwak Noh-Jung told shareholders. The company expects HBM sales to more than double in 2024, with its 2025 sales already sold out. Additionally, it aims to finalize customer agreements for 2026 sales within the first half of this year to enhance revenue stability.

Concerns over a slowdown in AI hardware investment arose in January after Chinese startup DeepSeek claimed to have developed AI models on par with Western competitors at a lower cost. However, Nvidia recently reaffirmed steady AI chip demand. Kwak suggested that DeepSeek's presence could ultimately benefit SK Hynix by boosting long-term AI memory chip demand, adding that it would not hinder the need for high-performance accelerators or HBM chips. As of 0446 GMT, SK Hynix shares were down 2.8%, while South Korea's KOSPI index fell 1%.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

BEIJING/HONG KONG, March 25 (Reuters) – China's artificial intelligence (AI) sector has significantly reduced its gap with the United States, narrowing it to just three months in certain areas, according to Lee Kai-fu, CEO of Chinese startup 01.AI. This progress is attributed to companies like DeepSeek, which have optimized chip usage and algorithm application.

Lee, a well-known AI expert and former Google China head, told Reuters that DeepSeek’s advancements have positioned China ahead in fields such as infrastructure software engineering. The company made headlines in January when it introduced an AI reasoning model developed using less advanced chips at a lower cost compared to its Western counterparts, challenging the belief that U.S. sanctions were stalling China’s AI progress.

"In the past, China lagged behind the U.S. by six to nine months across all aspects. Now, the gap in core technologies has shrunk to around three months, and in some areas, China has taken the lead," Lee said in an interview in Hong Kong. He described Washington’s semiconductor restrictions as a "double-edged sword," presenting short-term obstacles while pushing Chinese firms to innovate. He highlighted that DeepSeek’s breakthroughs in reinforcement learning have either helped China catch up quickly or even surpass the U.S. in certain innovations. The company's AI models demonstrate reasoning processes before delivering answers, a feature pioneered by OpenAI but not yet made available to users.

Following OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, China’s tech industry quickly joined the race to develop generative AI. However, before DeepSeek’s emergence, many Chinese tech leaders acknowledged that they lagged behind their Western counterparts. Lee, who also leads a venture capital firm, founded 01.AI in March 2023. His company joins other Chinese AI startups like ZhipuAI and Moonshot, alongside tech giants such as Baidu, Alibaba, and ByteDance, in developing foundational AI models.

He noted that investing in proprietary models has become increasingly challenging for startups due to competition from large tech firms and rapidly evolving open-source alternatives. Instead, 01.AI is focusing on practical AI applications, providing software solutions to help businesses effectively implement foundational models. Earlier this month, 01.AI introduced Wanzhi, a software platform designed to assist enterprises in deploying AI technology. The company has already begun generating revenue and expects significant growth in 2025, forecasting several times the $15 million earned last year, Lee added.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.