MiniMax, a Chinese AI startup, unveiled its new M2.5 language model on February 12, 2026, promising high-end artificial intelligence at a fraction of the cost of competitors, according to VentureBeat. Simultaneously, Helion Energy, a fusion power developer chaired by Sam Altman, announced a significant milestone, achieving record plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius, as reported by Fortune. In other news, four astronauts launched to the International Space Station on the NASA Crew-12 mission, and Workday welcomed back its founder, Aneel Bhusri, as CEO.
MiniMax's M2.5 model comes in two variants and is touted as open source, although the specific license and code details are yet to be released, VentureBeat noted. The company's API and partner services will offer the model at a significantly lower price point, potentially disrupting the AI market. The focus on affordability aims to make powerful AI more accessible.
Helion Energy's achievement is a crucial step toward its goal of providing power to the grid in Washington state by 2028, Fortune reported. This milestone is considered a key advancement in fusion energy, a technology that could provide clean and limitless electricity. However, some experts have questioned the company's timeline and approach.
Workday's decision to bring back founder Aneel Bhusri reflects a common strategy in Silicon Valley to navigate challenges in the software-as-a-service (SaaS) sector, Fortune explained. Bhusri's return, coupled with his significant control and stake in the company, underscores the belief that a founder's vision is crucial during difficult times.
Meanwhile, the NASA SpaceX Crew-12 mission launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on February 13, 2026, carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station, as reported by NPR News. The crew includes astronauts from NASA, the European Space Agency, and a Russian cosmonaut.
In related developments, researchers have developed a shapeshifting robot capable of morphing into various animal forms, according to Nature News. This innovation, achieved through 3D printing, allows the robot to adapt to different terrains and environments.
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