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OpenAI Coding Model: The Secret Showdown Against Humanity’s Best

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OpenAI Coding Model

In a dramatic, nail-biting finish that felt like a scene from a sci-fi movie, humanity has prevailed against a top-tier AI… for now. The recent AtCoder World Finals programming contest became an unexpected battleground, pitting a new OpenAI coding model against the world’s finest human programmers. The result was a stunning display of AI’s rapid advancement and a glimpse into the future of software engineering.

The showdown was so close that it captured the attention of OpenAI’s leadership, with CEO Sam Altman himself tweeting a simple but powerful message to the human victor: “good job psyho.” So, what exactly happened in this man-versus-machine clash, and what does it signal for the future of coding?

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, congratulates the human winner, Psyho.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, congratulates the human winner, Psyho.

The AtCoder World Finals: An AI Enters the Arena

The story began when OpenAI President Greg Brockman announced they were competing in the @atcoder World Finals, a prestigious 10-hour programming contest in Japan. They entered an internal model under the username “OpenAIAHC” (AtCoder Heuristic Contest).

For over nine hours, the AI didn’t just compete; it dominated. The OpenAI coding model held the #1 spot on the leaderboard, systematically outperforming elite human competitors. It looked like a decisive victory for the machine was inevitable.

However, in the final stretch of the grueling 10-hour marathon, a human programmer known as Psyho (@FakePsyho on X) made a heroic comeback. In a stunning turn of events, Psyho, who ironically is a former OpenAI employee who worked on the famous Dota AI, pulled ahead to claim first place. In his victory post, he declared, “Humanity has prevailed (for now!) I’m completely exhausted. I figured, I had 10h of sleep in the last 3 days and I’m barely alive.”

Ahead of Schedule: OpenAI’s Astonishing Progress

This near-victory for the AI is even more significant when placed in the context of OpenAI’s own development timeline. Earlier in the year, Sam Altman had outlined the breathtaking progress of their coding models:

  • Their 1st reasoning model was ranked around the 1,000,000th best coder in the world.
  • By September 2024, a model was ranked 9,800th.
  • By January 2025, their o3 model was ranked 175th.
  • At that time, an internal model was already the 50th best in the world.

Altman’s projection was that OpenAI would have a “superhuman coder” by the end of 2025. Yet, here we are in mid-2025, and their model came within a hair’s breadth of winning a world championship. This suggests the progress toward a superhuman OpenAI coding model is happening even faster than anticipated.

For most of the 10-hour contest, OpenAI's model held a commanding lead.
For most of the 10-hour contest, OpenAI’s model held a commanding lead.

More Than Algorithms: The Significance of a Heuristic Contest

It’s crucial to understand that this wasn’t just a test of raw computation. The AtCoder contest was a Heuristic competition. This involves solving NP-hard optimization problems—complex challenges where there isn’t a simple, perfect algorithmic solution.

Success requires creativity, intuition, and finding “good enough” solutions under tight constraints, much like real-world engineering. This is far more impressive than solving a standard, clear-cut problem.

This event is reminiscent of the 2016 match where Google DeepMind’s AlphaGo defeated Go champion Lee Sedol. A pivotal moment was “Move 37,” an unconventional play by the AI that experts initially dismissed as a mistake. It turned out to be a brilliant, creative move that was key to its victory. Similarly, the OpenAI coding model demonstrated an ability to develop novel strategies that challenged its human counterparts.

Will AI Replace Coders? The Real Takeaway is Enablement

While this news might seem alarming for software engineers, the consensus from experts, including the narrator and even the winner Psyho, points to a different future: enablement, not replacement. This event doesn’t mean human coders are obsolete. Instead, it highlights how AI will become an incredibly powerful tool.

Where AI Wins vs. Where Humans Win

Psyho himself broke down the dynamic:

  • AI Excels: In standard or “noisy” problems where it can leverage a huge computational budget to explore solutions.
  • Humans Excel: In “creative” problems that require devising a complex “base” solution from scratch, where human ingenuity and intuition provide the crucial starting point.

The future of software development will likely be a partnership. Great engineers will be enabled by these AI systems to achieve more, faster. They will orchestrate AI agents, guide their problem-solving, and provide the creative spark, while the AI handles the complex, brute-force optimization and exploration.

The market is already voting for this future. The rush to build and acquire AI-assisted IDEs and coding agents—from Cursor to Winsurf to Amazon’s new CodeGlow—shows that the industry is betting on human-in-the-loop collaboration. For more on this trend, check out our latest Future of AI & Trends analysis.

So, while humanity won this round, the race is far from over. This incredible showdown has given us a clear picture of a future where AI and human programmers work together to build the next generation of technology.

 OpenAI’s Secret INTERNAL Model Almost Wins World Coding Competition…

 official AtCoder website for readers who want to learn more about the competition.

AI News & Updates

AI Investment Hype Explodes: Ultimate Guide to Paul, Unitree & OpenAI’s Big Moves

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Have we just reached the peak of the AI investment hype? From celebrity investors like Jake Paul backing groundbreaking software to Chinese robotics firms eyeing multi-billion dollar IPOs, the money flowing into artificial intelligence is staggering. This wave of capital isn’t just funding abstract research; it’s powering tangible products, from autonomous coding agents to Hollywood’s next animated feature. Let’s dive into the recent announcements that signal a major acceleration in the AI gold rush.

The Celebrity Frenzy: When Mainstream Money Meets AI

A clear sign that a tech trend has gone mainstream is when celebrity money follows. Recently, YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul announced he is an investor in Cognition Labs, the company behind the AI software engineer, Devin. In a tweet, Paul declared the company will “unlock monumental human achievement” and become one of the most important AI labs in the world.

He’s not alone. Rapper Meek Mill also threw his hat in the ring, tweeting he’s “working on an AI tool that can change the world lol.” While details are scarce, whispers suggest that major venture capital firms like a16z are showing interest, a firm known for reaching out to influencers and streamers to secure deals in emerging spaces. This signals that the current AI investment hype is attracting capital from every corner, far beyond traditional Silicon Valley circles.

Unitree’s Robotics Revolution: A $7 Billion IPO on the Horizon

Moving from software to hardware, the robotics sector is experiencing its own explosive growth. Chinese robotics firm Unitree is reportedly eyeing a massive $7 billion IPO valuation. The company has become a dominant force, particularly with its robot dogs, which account for 65% of its revenue and hold an astonishing 70% share of the global market—a market arguably pioneered by Boston Dynamics.

Unitree's humanoid robots showcase their advanced capabilities, fueling investor interest ahead of their planned IPO.
Unitree’s humanoid robots showcase their advanced capabilities, fueling investor interest ahead of their planned IPO.

Unitree’s impressive humanoid robots, capable of performing roundhouse kicks and giving high-fives, are also turning heads. With China investing billions into robotics, semiconductors, and AI, Unitree is positioned to become a world leader. The firm plans to list in Q4, potentially on both Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges, making it one of the most high-profile robotics IPOs in years.  

For more breaking stories like this, check out our AI News & Updates.

OpenAI Takes on Hollywood with “Critterz”

The AI disruption isn’t stopping at code and robots; it’s coming for Hollywood. OpenAI is reportedly backing an AI-powered animated film called “Critterz” with a bold mission: to convince wary film executives to embrace AI.

The strategy is simple: demonstrate overwhelming value. “Critterz” is being produced on a budget of less than $30 million and in just nine months—a fraction of the time and cost typically required for an animated feature. By showcasing an accelerated, low-budget production pipeline powered by its AI tools (likely including Sora and GPT-5), OpenAI hopes to prove that AI is the future of filmmaking.

The main characters from "Critterz," an animated film designed to showcase the power of AI in movie production.
The main characters from “Critterz,” an animated film designed to showcase the power of AI in movie production.

Elon Musk’s Take: The True Cost and Future of AI Entertainment

Commenting on the “Critterz” news, Elon Musk called the $30 million budget and nine-month timeline “achievable.” However, he added a crucial insight, joking that the “actual budget is more like $30 billion in compute.” This highlights the immense, often hidden, computational cost behind training and running the large-scale models that make such projects possible.

Looking further ahead, Musk revealed an even more intriguing possibility. After a conversation with the makers of the legendary space MMO EVE Online, he discussed the potential of collaborating on “an AI game. Something that only AI could do.” This hints at a future where AI isn’t just a tool for creating assets but the core engine for generating dynamic, impossibly complex game worlds and narratives.

For example: “According to a report from Reuters, Unitree is actively advancing its IPO preparations.”

Is This a Bubble or the New Reality?

Whether the current AI investment hype represents a bubble waiting to pop or the foundational stages of a technological revolution remains to be seen. What is certain is that the progress is real and accelerating. As celebrities, global corporations, and tech visionaries continue to pour resources into the field, one thing is clear: the AI train is not slowing down.  

“We’ll be watching closely to see how AI continues to transform the future of entertainment.”

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AI How-To's & Tricks

Google Translate Hidden Features: Discover This Powerful Workflow

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Google Translate Hidden Features

If you’re a language teacher or a dedicated student, you probably use Google Translate regularly. But are you using it to its full potential? Many users are unaware of several Google Translate hidden features that, when combined, create an incredibly efficient and powerful workflow for language acquisition. This guide will reveal a three-step process that transforms how you find, save, and practice new vocabulary, turning passive translation into active learning.

Combine Google's tools for a powerful language learning workflow.
Combine Google’s tools for a powerful language learning workflow.

Step 1: Save Translations to Create Your Custom Phrasebook

The first hidden feature is simple yet foundational: the ability to save your translations. Every time you translate a word or phrase that you want to remember, don’t just copy it and move on. Instead, look for the star icon next to the translated text.

Clicking this “Save translation” star adds the entry to a personal, saved list within Google Translate. You can access this growing collection of vocabulary and phrases anytime by clicking on the “Saved” button at the bottom of the translation box. This allows you to build a curated phrasebook of the exact terms you’re focused on learning, all in one place.

Step 2: Find Authentic Language with YouTube Transcripts

To make your learning effective, you need authentic content. YouTube is a goldmine for this, and another trick makes it easy to integrate with Google Translate. You can find real-world conversations, podcasts, and lessons on any topic in your target language.

Here’s how to leverage it:

  1. In the YouTube search bar, type your topic and add the language (e.g., “shopping in English” or “cooking in Polish”).
  2. Click the “Filters” button and select “Subtitles/CC”. This ensures all search results are videos that have a transcript available.
  3. Once you find a video, play it. Under the video description, click the “…more” button and scroll down until you see the “Show transcript” option.
  4. The full, time-stamped transcript will appear. Now you can easily highlight, copy, and paste any sentence or phrase directly into Google Translate to understand its meaning and save it to your phrasebook from Step 1!

 This method is one of many powerful techniques you can explore in our AI How-To’s & Tricks section.

Step 3: The Magic Button – Export to Google Sheets

This is one of the most powerful Google Translate hidden features that connects everything. Once you’ve built up your “Saved” list of vocabulary, how do you get it out of Google Translate to use elsewhere? With the magic “Export” button!

In your “Saved” translations panel, look for the three vertical dots (More options) in the top right corner. Clicking this reveals an option: “Export to Google Sheets.”

Effortlessly export your entire vocabulary list with just one click.
Effortlessly export your entire vocabulary list with just one click.

With a single click, Google will automatically create a new Google Sheet in your Drive, perfectly formatted with your source language in one column and the translated language in another. This simple export function is the key that unlocks endless possibilities for practice.

Bonus Tip: Turn Your Vocabulary List into Interactive Games

Now that your custom vocabulary list is neatly organized in a Google Sheet, you can easily import it into popular language learning tools to create interactive games and flashcards.

Two fantastic platforms for this are:

  • Quizlet: Visit the Quizlet website to learn more. Quizlet has a direct import function. Simply copy the two columns from your Google Sheet, paste them into Quizlet’s import box, and it will instantly generate a full set of flashcards. From there, you can use Quizlet’s various modes like Learn, Test, and Match to practice your new words.
  • Wordwall: [External Link Suggestion: Check out the activities on the Wordwall website.] Similarly, Wordwall allows you to paste data from a spreadsheet to create engaging classroom games like Match up, Anagrams, and Quizzes in seconds.

By following this workflow, you can go from watching an authentic YouTube video to playing a custom-made vocabulary game in just a few minutes. This is a game-changer for making language learning more efficient, personalized, and fun.

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AI How-To's & Tricks

AI Job Displacement: Unveiling the Ultimate Threat to Your Career

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AI Job Displacement

The debate around AI job displacement is heating up, with conflicting headlines leaving many confused. On one hand, some reports promise a net increase in jobs; on the other, top industry insiders are sounding the alarm. An ex-Google executive calls the idea that AI will create new jobs “100% crap,” while the CEO of Anthropic reaffirms his warning that AI will gut half of all entry-level positions by 2030. So, what’s the real story? The data reveals a complex and disruptive picture that isn’t about the total number of jobs, but rather a massive shift in which jobs will exist—and who will be left behind.

Conflicting reports paint a confusing picture of AI's impact on the job market.
Conflicting reports paint a confusing picture of AI’s impact on the job market.

The “100% Crap” Verdict from an Ex-Googler

Mo Gawdat, a former chief business officer at Google X, doesn’t mince words. He states that the widely circulated idea of AI creating a plethora of new jobs to replace the old ones is simply “100% crap.” His argument is grounded in the sheer efficiency of AI. He provides a stark example from his own startup, where an application that would have once required 350 developers was built by just three people using modern AI tools.

This isn’t a case of one job being replaced by another; it’s a case of hundreds of potential jobs being eliminated by a massive leap in productivity. According to Gawdat, even high-level executive roles, including CEOs, are at risk as AI-powered toolchains begin to automate complex decision-making and management tasks.

Anthropic CEO’s Dire Warning for Entry-Level Jobs

Adding to this concern is Dario Amodei, the CEO of AI safety and research company Anthropic. He has consistently warned that the most immediate and severe impact of AI will be felt at the bottom of the corporate ladder. He reaffirms his prediction that AI could wipe out half of all entry-level, white-collar jobs within the next five years.

Amodei points to specific roles that are highly susceptible to automation:

  • Law Firms: Tasks like document review, typically handled by first-year associates, are repetitive and perfect for AI.
  • Consulting & Finance: Repetitive-but-variable tasks in administration, data analysis, and financial modeling are quickly being taken over by AI to cut costs.

He argues that governments are dangerously downplaying this threat, which could lead to a significant and sudden spike in unemployment numbers, catching society unprepared.

Deceptive Data? What the World Economic Forum Really Says

At first glance, a recent report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) seems to offer a comforting counter-narrative. The headline projection is a net employment increase of 7% by 2030. Good news, right? Not exactly.

When you dig into the actual data, the picture becomes much more turbulent. The report projects that while 170 million new jobs will be created, a staggering 92 million jobs will be displaced. This represents a massive structural labor market churn of 22%.

The WEF report shows massive job churn, with millions of roles destroyed even as new ones are created.
The WEF report shows massive job churn, with millions of roles destroyed even as new ones are created.

This means that while the total number of jobs might grow, tens of millions of people will see their current roles vanish. The crucial question is whether the people losing their jobs will be qualified for the new ones being created.

The Great Divide: Growing vs. Declining Jobs

The WEF data highlights a clear and worrying trend. The jobs that are growing are not the same as the ones that are disappearing.

Top Fastest-Growing Jobs:

The roles with the highest projected growth are almost exclusively in high-tech, data-driven fields:

  • Big Data Specialists
  • FinTech Engineers
  • AI and Machine Learning Specialists
  • Software and Applications Developers
  • Data Analysts and Scientists

Top Fastest-Declining Jobs:

Conversely, the jobs facing the steepest decline are the very entry-level, white-collar roles that have traditionally been a gateway to a stable career:

  • Postal Service Clerks
  • Bank Tellers and Related Clerks
  • Data Entry Clerks
  • Administrative and Executive Secretaries
  • Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Clerks

This data directly supports the warnings from Amodei and Gawdat. The new jobs require advanced, specialized skills in AI and data science, while the jobs being eliminated are those that rely on codified, repetitive tasks that AI excels at automating.

The Productivity Paradox and the “Canary in the Coal Mine”

Economists and experts like Ethan Mollick are observing a pattern in macro data: unexpected decreases in employment are occurring alongside increases in productivity. While it’s too early to draw firm conclusions, Mollick notes this is exactly the pattern one would expect if AI were the cause. Companies can produce more with fewer people, leading to a productivity boom that doesn’t translate into broad job growth.

A recent Stanford study titled “Canaries in the Coal Mine” reinforces this, finding that early-career workers (ages 22-25) in the most AI-exposed jobs have already seen a 13% relative drop in employment compared to their less-exposed peers. This is happening even while overall employment is rising. The “canaries”—the youngest and most vulnerable in the workforce—are already feeling the effects.

Conclusion: The Future of Work is a Skill, Not a Job

The evidence strongly suggests that while AI may not lead to mass unemployment across the board, it will cause severe AI job displacement in specific, crucial sectors. The idea of a simple one-for-one replacement of old jobs with new ones is a dangerous oversimplification. The real challenge is a massive skills gap, where entry-level roles are automated away, while new high-skill roles are created that the displaced workers are not equipped to fill.

This hurts new graduates and young professionals the most, removing the very rungs on the career ladder they need to climb. The future of work won’t be about finding a job that’s “AI-proof,” but about continuously learning the AI skills needed to stay relevant, productive, and valuable in an increasingly automated world. The disruption is no longer a future prediction; it’s already here.

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