Word error rate, abbreviated WER, measures speech-recognition accuracy by comparing a transcript with a reference. It counts substitutions, deletions, and insertions, then divides their total by the number of words in the reference. A lower score usually indicates a closer transcription, although WER does not capture every practical difference: punctuation, speaker labels, proper names, and a single critical number may matter more than several harmless wording changes. Scores also vary with accents, noise, microphones, vocabulary, and normalization rules. Teams therefore report WER alongside subgroup testing and task-specific measures that reflect whether users can successfully understand or act on the transcript.
ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski says voice is emerging as the primary way people will interact with AI, as models combine speech with reasoning and agentic capabilities.
A new platform called Rent a Human allows AI agents to outsource tasks to real people when automation falls short, highlighting an unusual hybrid model of human-in-the-loop labor.
Artificial intelligence has become the top investment theme for global family offices, while cryptocurrencies remain largely sidelined, according to JPMorgan’s latest global survey.
SpaceX has acquired Elon Musk’s AI company xAI, combining rockets, satellites, and artificial intelligence into a vertically integrated effort aimed at scaling AI compute beyond Earth.
Language learning app Praktika is using OpenAI models to power a multi-agent tutoring system designed to improve real-world speaking fluency through adaptive, conversational lessons.
OpenAI is on track to unveil its first consumer device in the second half of 2026, signaling a major expansion beyond software as the company explores a new category of AI-native hardware.
Apple introduced Apple Creator Studio, a subscription bundle combining professional creative apps with new AI-driven features across video, music, imaging, and productivity tools. The offering expands Apple’s push into intelligent software workflows for creators.
ChatGPT now reaches more than 800 million weekly users, creating a powerful adoption flywheel that is speeding the transition from AI experimentation to full-scale enterprise deployment, according to OpenAI’s new 2025 report.
xAI has launched Grok 4.1, a major model upgrade designed to deliver more creative, emotionally aware, and coherent interactions, with new Thinking and Non-Thinking variants now live across all xAI platforms.
British-Polish startup ElevenLabs found one of its top AI researchers working in a call center – a result of its decision to abandon traditional hiring platforms like LinkedIn.