Meta Launches Muse Spark 1.1, An Upgraded AI Model for Coding and Perception - DTH

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stronger. These are the Daily Tech Headlines for Thursday, July 9th, 2026. I'm Rob Dunwood. Muda has launched MuseSpark 1.1, an upgraded AI model featuring advanced coding, bug fixing,

and multimodal perception capabilities. This release, which follows the controversial introduction of the Muse image model, is now available through the Muda AI app and a new public Muda model API for US developers. Muda says that MuseSpark 1.1 is a step change from the first generation with improvements

based on feedback from developers. SpaceX AI has launched GROC 4.5, a highly capable model trained in partnership with Cursor that is optimized for coding, agentic tasks, and knowledge work. Built for speed and cost efficiency to outperform competitors like OpenAI's GPT 5.6, GROC 4.5 now powers

the GROC Build agent for various professional tasks. This release highlights the ongoing collaboration between SpaceX AI and Cursor, which may culminate in a major investment or acquisition, though the model is not yet available in the European Union. NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison has directed autonomous vehicle developers to

urgently resolve the issue of driverless vehicles interfering with first responders. Citing a pattering of AEVs obstructing emergency scenes and failing to recognize safety signals, the agency classified this as a functional insufficiency. Although no specific company was named, the director of pressures operators like

Waymo to improve detection capabilities signaling potential future accountability. Block has reached a $45 million settlement with 46 U.S. states to resolve allegations that its cash app failed to adequately protect users from fraud, misled consumers about security features and lack sufficient customer support.

As part of this agreement, the company will overhaul its fraud protections and introduce 24-hour support with live agents. Separately, Block agreed to a $20 million settlement with Washington state, regarding fraudulent unemployment benefits processed during the COVID-19 pandemic, though the

company denied Ron doing in both matters. Meta has indefinitely paused its model capability initiative, a controversial internal project that used tracking software to record employees' keystrokes and mouse movements for AI training. CTO Andrew Bosworth attributed it to shut down to an internal data misplacement mishap

and the need for greater data variance alongside intense employee pushback regarding privacy and morale. While investigations into the data handling continue, the program remains dormant, a significant setback for the company's efforts to leverage internal workforce data for AI development.

The IPSA have approved a proposal that reinstates temporary rules allowing online platforms to identify and remove child sexual abuse material. This measure is intended to bolster child safety protections online. However, the proposal explicitly exempts into any encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal. This exemption was included to address privacy concerns

and avoid the implementation of mass surveillance measures. META is developing prototype super-sensing smart glasses designed to continuously record audio and capture photos to function as an always-on AI assistant. While META aims for these glasses to serve as personal agents, the project faces significant privacy scrutiny regarding potential

data handling, the use of recorded information for AI training, and plans to keep the LED recording indicator off during super-sensing mode. Despite concerns over-past issues with facial recognition and privacy, Meta remains committed to evolving this wearable technology into continuous helpful presence in users' daily lives. Starting July 20, if New York will become the first state

to ban all smart glasses across its 1,240 unified court system facilities to prevent unauthorized recording, this conference of policy applies to all eyewear and headwear a court with cameras and microphones requiring individuals to surrender the devices to court officers before entry. Prompted by privacy concerns regarding the filming of sensitive

proceedings, the measure reflects a broader trend of increasing restrictions on smart glasses and public and private venues. Micron technology has announced plans to invest over $250 billion in the U.S. through 2035. This expansion, which includes a new semiconductor campus in New York and

increased operations in Idaho and Virginia is expected to create over 90,000 jobs. Additionally, the company is committing $3 billion to bolster the domestic semiconductor supply chain, including a strategic 10-year supply agreement with global wafers as Micron continues to serve as a critical supplier for companies like Nvidia.

And finally, Google Photos has introduced Video Remix, a new AI-powered feature currently rolling out to AI Plus Pro and Ultra Subscribers in select regions, located in the app's Create tab empowered by the Gemini Omni model, it enables users to apply cinematic relighting, swap backgrounds, and add artistic effects to their

videos. This functionality extends across YouTube Shorts, YouTube Create, Google Flow, and the Gemini app to further expand the suite of AI editing tools available in Google Photos. For more analysis of the tech news of the day, subscribe to the Daily Tech News Show.com and if you enjoy the show, remember to tell a friend to check us out.

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