Yann LeCun’s New Venture: A Contrarian Bet Against Large Language Models

Yann LeCun, a distinguished Turing Award recipient and leading AI researcher, has long been a figure of contrarian thought within the tech industry. He posits that the current industry-wide fixation on large language models (LLMs) is fundamentally misguided and will ultimately fall short of addressing critical global challenges. Instead, LeCun champions the development of "world models"—a distinct paradigm of AI designed to accurately capture and represent the intricate dynamics of the real world. This conviction likely played a role in his recent departure from Meta, where he served as the chief scientist for FAIR (Fundamental AI Research), the influential research lab he himself founded. In an exclusive online interview from his Paris residence, LeCun shared his insights with MIT Technology Review regarding his new venture, his transition post-Meta, the future trajectory of artificial intelligence, and his critique of prevailing industry strategies. The full interview offers a deep dive into his perspectives.

Why 2026 is a Hot Year for Lithium

Casey Crownhart points to 2026 as a pivotal year for observing the price fluctuations of lithium. While not everyone may be in the habit of obsessively monitoring commodity markets, the news increasingly underscores the profound influence that minerals can wield on global politics and economic landscapes. Lithium, in particular, warrants close attention. As a critical component in lithium-ion batteries powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and large-scale grid energy storage, its market dynamics are of significant consequence. The past few years have seen considerable volatility in lithium prices, with a notable upward trend emerging once again. The subsequent developments could have substantial repercussions for both mining operations and advancements in battery technology. This particular story first appeared in The Spark, a newsletter dedicated to technologies that can combat the climate crisis, and readers are encouraged to subscribe for regular updates.

The Must-Reads: A Curated Selection of Tech News

This section offers a comprehensive sweep of the internet’s most compelling, important, and sometimes alarming technology stories.

1. Trump’s Greenland Pivot and Rare Earths: Donald Trump has reportedly scaled back his initial plan for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, a move met with relief across Europe. However, a subsequent agreement for U.S. access to Greenland’s rare earth minerals has drawn skepticism, with experts deeming the strategy "bonkers." European leaders have expressed bewilderment regarding the unfolding situation.

2. Apple’s Wearable AI Ambitions and Siri Overhaul: Reports suggest Apple is in the nascent stages of developing a wearable AI pin, a project that could represent a significant leap if successfully launched. Concurrently, the company is reportedly planning a substantial revamp of Siri, aiming to transform it into an AI chatbot to better compete with emerging AI technologies. This raises pertinent questions about humanity’s readiness to entrust AI with personal health and well-being.

3. The AI Productivity Paradox: CEO Hype vs. Employee Reality: While CEOs frequently tout AI’s ability to enhance efficiency, many employees report a different experience, with some even suggesting that AI is currently hindering their productivity. This disconnect highlights a potential chasm between perceived and actual AI integration benefits. Furthermore, the AI boom is projected to increase U.S. carbon emissions, though this impact is not necessarily inevitable. The persistent security vulnerabilities of large language models also remain a critical concern.

4. Explosion of Measles Cases in America: Measles cases in the United States have surged to a 30-year high, placing the nation at risk of losing its "elimination status." Projections indicate that the situation is likely to worsen in the coming year.

   

5. China’s Dominance in Humanoid Robotics: The first humanoid robot coworker encountered by many is expected to be of Chinese origin, raising questions about their practical utility. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has also commented on Europe’s potential to increase its competitiveness in the robotics and AI sectors.

6. Blue Origin Enters the Satellite Internet Arena: Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin is poised to challenge SpaceX’s Starlink with its planned deployment of "TeraWave" satellites, with the first launches anticipated next year. The context of this development is further illuminated by a look at the operations of Ukraine’s largest Starlink repair shop.

7. Trump Family’s Crypto Windfall: The Trump family reportedly amassed $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency ventures last year, a development that raises questions about potential conflicts of interest.

8. Comic-Con Bans AI Art Amidst Artist Backlash: Following significant pushback from artists, Comic-Con has implemented a ban on AI-generated art. This decision reflects a growing concern among creatives who warn against an AI future built on what they describe as "theft on a grand scale."

9. The Smartphone Detox Experience: An exploration into living without a smartphone for a month reveals potential for personal bliss, though it might present inconveniences for others. The article also touches upon the heightened vulnerability of teenagers with ADHD to the adverse effects of social media.

10. Elon Musk’s Feud with a Budget Airline: Elon Musk is engaged in a public dispute with a budget airline, a conflict where the airline appears to be gaining the upper hand.

Quote of the Day

"I wouldn’t edit anything about Donald Trump, because the man makes me insane." – Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales explains to Wired his decision to avoid editing the U.S. President’s page.

One More Thing: Electricity’s Role in Tackling Cement’s Climate Impact

Cement, an ubiquitous material essential for construction, is also a significant climate threat, accounting for over 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Sublime Systems is pioneering an innovative approach to cement production, utilizing electricity to zap rocks in water, initiating chemical reactions that form cement ingredients, thereby circumventing the energy-intensive kilns traditionally used. However, the startup faces considerable hurdles, including competition from established industry players and the challenge of convincing builders to adopt its novel materials.