Meta's 'Avocado' AI model to challenge Gemini, ChatGPT; 2026 launch eyed.

• Meta is developing a new AI model, codenamed 'Avocado', to compete with Gemini and ChatGPT.
• The 'Avocado' model is now expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026, a delay from previous internal expectations.
• Meta established Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL) to accelerate its push towards advanced AI, hiring top researchers.
• Reports suggest 'Avocado' might be a closed-source model, marking a potential shift from Meta's open-source AI philosophy.
• The model is reportedly facing training and performance-testing challenges, though Meta states development is on track.

Why It Matters: Meta's 'Avocado' AI model could alter the AI race and its open-source approach.