Meta demo hiccup at Connect 2025 as OpenAI tightens teen protections in AI week
Zuckerberg’s live demo of Meta’s AI glasses stalls at Connect 2025; OpenAI unveils teen-safety measures as defense and cybersecurity moves underscore AI’s broad reach.
Meta's Connect 2025 keynote in Menlo Park opened with high expectations for the company’s next wave of AI hardware and software, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The event showcased Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, intended to blend augmented reality with real-time AI features. But the live demonstration of the glasses faltered, delaying the reveal in front of a packed audience and drawing attention to the challenges of presenting complex AI tech on stage.
Video from the keynote showed the demonstration stalling as the glasses struggled to perform the scripted task, interrupting the moment and prompting audience interest. The hiccup underscored the difficulty of translating theoretical AI capabilities into reliable, user-facing hardware during a high-profile keynote.
Industry observers noted that live demos of advanced AI hardware remain susceptible to glitches when devices are pushed to demonstrate seamless, on-device processing. The episode highlighted the broader challenge of delivering real-time AI features in consumer devices and the pressure on companies to show breakthroughs in front of large audiences.
OpenAI announced new measures designed to protect teens using ChatGPT, promising a safer experience for younger users. The company said the changes include stronger safeguards and age-appropriate settings to reduce exposure to inappropriate content and to tailor interactions for younger audiences. The move comes as AI-powered tools increasingly touch everyday life, raising expectations for safety and governance in consumer AI products.
In defense and aerospace technology, the U.S. Air Force's B-21 Raider stealth bomber — nicknamed Spartan — completed another milestone, flying on Sept. 11 from its Palmdale factory to Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft, first unveiled in 2022, is designed to operate in tomorrow's high-end threat environment and will play a central role in sustaining the nation's airpower advantage.
Consumer robotics also featured in the week’s tech news, as X Square Robot promoted its Butler Bot, a home assistant capable of cleaning, serving and handling more complex tasks in work and home settings. The launch reflects ongoing efforts to blend AI with practical, day-to-day automation for homes and workplaces.
On the cybersecurity and AI-safety front, Netskope CEO Sanjay Beri discussed how the company uses AI models to protect customers and pursue profitability as the firm prepared for its IPO. Netskope’s shares jumped on debut, following a $908.2 million offering, signaling strong investor interest in AI-powered security tools.
In energy policy and grid modernization, U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright announced a “Speed to Power” initiative designed to cut red tape and accelerate major grid infrastructure projects nationwide, reflecting how AI and data-driven approaches are shaping critical infrastructure upgrades.
Taken together, the week’s developments illustrate AI’s expanding footprint across consumer devices, enterprise security, defense, and national infrastructure, as industry players test new capabilities while regulators seek safeguards to accompany rapid innovation.