Claude evolves, DeepMind solves math & more (May 15, 2025)

Hey friends,

Today’s AI updates are heavy hitters. Claude’s getting smarter, GPT-4.1 officially replaces 4o, and DeepMind’s new agent is cracking 50-year-old math problems.

Let’s get into it.

🧬 Big Brains in Motion

🧮 DeepMind’s AlphaEvolve Solves Decades-Old Math

AlphaEvolve, Google’s new AI coding agent, used Gemini models and evolutionary strategies to improve on Strassen’s algorithm from 1969. It’s already boosting data center efficiency and chip design.

⚡ GPT-4.1 Officially Replaces GPT-4o

OpenAI has launched GPT-4.1 and 4.1 mini in ChatGPT, bringing better coding, faster response times, and improved accuracy across the board. 4o is being retired in favor of this upgrade.

Two space shuttles labeled "4.1" and "4.1 Mini" launch into outer space

🛠 Claude’s Next Models Will Fix Their Own Mistakes

Anthropic is preparing new Sonnet and Opus versions of Claude. These models combine reasoning with tool use—allowing them to test code, detect errors, and correct themselves before giving you an output.

🔬 AI’s Broader Impacts

🧠 AI Use in Education Gets a Thumbs Up

A meta-analysis of 51 studies shows ChatGPT significantly improves learning outcomes—especially in problem-based learning environments over a 4–8 week period.

💥 Klarna’s AI Strategy Bounces Back

After laying off 40% of its staff to go full-AI, Klarna is rehiring human agents due to drops in service quality. It’s a cautionary tale for the AI-or-bust approach.

A modern office where a job candidate and interviewer shake hands, with other applicants seated in a line waiting their turn

⚡ Quick Hits

• 32% of workers secretly use AI tools at work
• NVIDIA’s neural shading is changing how games render light
• Perplexity adds PayPal + Venmo for in-chat purchases
• Stability AI releases a mobile-friendly text-to-audio model
• Meta hit with privacy complaint over AI training opt-ins

🧰 Tools of the Day

• Void – Secure AI-native code editor
• Kaedim – Turn 2D sketches into textured 3D models
• Playground AI – Generate images, logos, and designs with ease

💬 Prompt of the Day

Create a Kanban System
Build a Kanban workflow for [team/project type] that includes task priorities, automation, remote support—and one engaging, playful feature.

TLDR

Claude is getting self-correcting powers, GPT-4.1 is live in ChatGPT, and DeepMind’s AI just solved a 50-year-old math problem. Education is being reshaped by AI, and even Klarna’s finding the limits of automation. The model race is accelerating—and changing everything in its wake.

Catch you tomorrow,
David