AI answers prayers, Ben Affleck on Hollywood’s AI fears, the Beatles' Grammy-nominated AI song, and Perplexity’s shopping tool

Welcome back to the weekend, may it feel like a week, have a good rest if time permits.

Snow in England, mad sunshine here in Barcelona, Christmas fast approaching, but some giving thanks comes before that.

I hope you all had an epic week.

A highlight of mine was meeting the TOP 10 Women Entrepreneurs of Catalunya held by EAE Business School, & the WomenInitiative.

Carla Gómez Cano from THEKER Robotics represented what’s possible when women lead the charge.

A huge congratulations to all the nominees!

On with the news...

AI UPDATES

Explosive OpenAI Emails: Musk vs. Altman

Leaked emails between Elon Musk and Sam Altman reveal a dramatic fallout over OpenAI’s direction. Think power struggles, big egos, and clashing visions for the future of AI. It’s a behind-the-scenes soap opera for tech enthusiasts.

Microsoft's AI Prototypes Boast 'Infinite Memory'

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman teases prototypes with "near-infinite memory," promising to revolutionise AI’s ability to learn and adapt. Imagine an AI that never forgets, paving the way for advanced applications by 2025.

Rabbit R1: Fully Customisable AI Interface

The Rabbit R1 now lets users reimagine its interface entirely. This bold update offers complete control over design and functionality, showcasing AI's potential for personalised tech experiences.

Google Lens Adds Shopping Smarts

Google Lens can now check in-store prices and inventory in real time, making shopping more seamless. It’s like having a savvy shopping assistant in your pocket.

Gemini Experimental 1114 Debuts on Google AI Studio

Google’s latest AI model, Gemini Experimental 1114, has launched, featuring enhanced capabilities for real-time analysis and experimentation. It’s a new playground for AI developers.

Anthropic’s AI Boosts Prompt Accuracy by 30%

Anthropic introduces tools to simplify prompt writing, making AI more intuitive for users. These updates promise a 30% improvement in output accuracy, a game-changer for creators.

Meta AI Rolls Out on Ray-Ban Meta Glasses

Meta’s AI integration expands to Ray-Ban glasses in France, Italy, Ireland, and Spain. This step brings hands-free, AI-powered assistance to everyday life in style.

Perplexity Adds Shopping Feature for Pro Users

Perplexity Pro users in the US can now shop directly through the platform. This feature integrates AI-driven shopping insights, streamlining the process for busy users.

Mistral Unveils New AI Models and Chat Tools

Mistral launches upgraded AI models and enhanced chat features, promising smoother, more intuitive conversations. These updates aim to rival the current market leaders.

ElevenLabs Enables Conversational AI Agent Creation

ElevenLabs introduces tools for building conversational AI agents, making it easier than ever to create customised AI-powered interactions tailored to specific needs.

Google org Funds AI Research with $20M Grant

Google org commits $20 million to support researchers using AI for scientific advancements. This funding aims to drive breakthroughs in medicine, climate science, and more.

Apple’s Next AirTag to Debut in 2025

Apple announces a 2025 release for the next-gen AirTag, focusing on improved privacy features. The new design addresses past concerns while enhancing tracking functionality.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Dominates Fortune 500

Nearly 70% of Fortune 500 companies now use Microsoft 365 Copilot, a testament to its widespread adoption. Copilot enhances productivity with AI-driven assistance across industries.

Microsoft Licenses HarperCollins Books for AI Training

Bloomberg reports Microsoft is the mystery company licensing HarperCollins books to train its AI models. This deal strengthens Microsoft's AI capabilities and underscores the growing role of literature in shaping machine learning tools.

Has OpenAI Finally Met Its Match?

As competition heats up, OpenAI faces new challengers in the race to dominate the AI market. This intensifying rivalry could shift the industry landscape and redefine leadership in generative AI.

Apple's New AI-Powered Siri

Apple is reportedly reimagining Siri with advanced AI capabilities. The update promises a smarter, more intuitive virtual assistant, positioning Siri as a serious contender in the evolving AI assistant space.

Rabbit R1 Learns Tasks with 'Teach Mode'

Rabbit introduces a feature allowing users to teach the R1 tasks. This marks a significant leap in AI personalisation, enabling the R1 to adapt to individual needs and simplify complex workflows.

Messenger Video Calls Get an AI Makeover

Meta updates Messenger with HD video, noise suppression, and AI-generated backgrounds. These enhancements promise sharper visuals and more engaging calls, solidifying Messenger as a top communication tool.

AI GLOBAL

USPTO Bans Generative AI for Internal Use

The US Patent and Trademark Office has barred staff from using generative AI tools like ChatGPT. The decision reflects concerns over accuracy and the potential mishandling of sensitive intellectual property data.

AI IN EDUCATION

How Students Use AI in Higher Education

AI tools are reshaping the student experience, from research assistance to personalised learning. Universities are exploring AI’s potential to complement traditional teaching methods. The growing reliance raises questions about academic integrity and AI ethics.

AI Tackles CSAM Detection—But Raises Ethical Questions

An AI tool trained on real child abuse imagery is being used to detect new CSAM. Child safety organisations argue it could improve prevention and response. The method sparks debate about ethical AI use and handling sensitive material.

Nvidia to Build AI School in Indonesia

Indonesia’s Vice President announced Nvidia’s plans to open an AI-focused school. The initiative aims to boost local tech talent and drive innovation. Nvidia’s involvement underscores the global reach of AI education initiatives.

OpenAI Launches Free AI Training for Teachers

A new OpenAI course offers educators tools to integrate AI in classrooms. The training covers AI’s educational benefits and addresses common concerns. It aims to empower teachers to use AI effectively while safeguarding learning quality.

AI & HEALTHCARE

NIH’s AI Algorithm Revolutionises Clinical Trials

A new NIH-developed AI matches volunteers with relevant clinical trials. This innovation could improve recruitment efficiency and trial success rates. It’s a step forward in streamlining medical research and patient involvement.

ChatGPT Outperforms Doctors in Diagnosis

A study found ChatGPT surpassed doctors in diagnosing conditions. Its speed and accuracy make it a promising tool for healthcare support. Experts stress it’s a complement, not a replacement, for medical professionals.

BiomedParse Simplifies Biomedical Image Analysis

Microsoft’s BiomedParse offers an all-in-one solution for analysing biomedical images. The foundation model improves precision in diagnostics and research applications. This tool highlights AI’s transformative role in medical imaging.

AI & ROBOTICS

Tesla Launches Seven-Inch Humanoid Robot

Tesla introduces a miniature humanoid robot, blending innovation with collectability. It showcases Tesla’s foray into compact robotics and mass appeal. The move hints at broader ambitions for consumer-facing robotic solutions.

Carter Pro: A Human-Friendly Robot

Robust AI’s Carter Pro robot is built to collaborate with humans. It can be moved manually, ensuring adaptability in dynamic workplaces. This innovation highlights a new focus on human-robot interaction.

AI & ENTERTAINMENT

Coca-Cola’s AI-Powered Holiday Magic

Coca-Cola's iconic “Holidays Are Coming” ad gets a tech twist. The new version blends tradition with AI creativity for a fresh take. AI shows its growing role in reinvigorating beloved brand campaigns.

ESPN Tests AI Avatar 'FACTS'

ESPN introduces a generative AI avatar to share sports trivia. Named 'FACTS,' it aims to engage audiences in innovative ways. A bold experiment merging sports coverage with conversational AI.

Ben Affleck on AI in Hollywood

Affleck reassures actors and writers not to fear AI's rise. He believes creativity and storytelling remain uniquely human. His comments echo growing debates on AI’s role in entertainment.

David Attenborough: ‘Profoundly Disturbed’ by AI Voice

The beloved naturalist objects to AI replication of his voice. Attenborough calls for greater ethical boundaries in AI tech use. This highlights tensions between legacy and emerging technology.

AI Helps Beatles Earn Grammy Nominations

AI-generated elements played a key role in The Beatles’ latest track. The song is up for two Grammys, showcasing AI's impact in music. A milestone moment blending creativity, technology, and legacy.

AI ART & LITERATURE

Nightshade: A Shield for Digital Artwork

Protect your creations with Nightshade, a tool designed to safeguard digital art from unauthorised AI use. It uses subtle changes to artwork, making it resistant to data scraping. Artists gain a new layer of control over how their work is used in AI models.

OpenAI Criticises Artist Tools like Nightshade

OpenAI labels tools like Nightshade and Glaze as “abusive.” These tools aim to protect artists’ works from AI model training. The clash underscores tensions between artistic rights and AI development.

QUIRKY NEWS

Switzerland’s AI Jesus Offers Divine Guidance

An AI-powered "Jesus" chatbot is answering questions of faith. Designed to engage with believers, it provides interpretations based on scripture. While innovative, it raises debates about the role of AI in spiritual contexts.

AI REGULATION, POLICY, GOVERNANCE & ETHICS

Musk Sues California Over Deepfake Law

Elon Musk is suing California over its deepfake law, claiming it stifles innovation and infringes on free speech. The outcome could redefine how AI-generated content is regulated.

Trump Picks Musk for Government Efficiency Role

Elon Musk has been appointed by Donald Trump to lead a new Government Efficiency Department. The initiative seeks to integrate AI and tech-driven solutions into public sector operations.

Sam Altman to Shape San Francisco’s Future

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will co-chair the transition team for San Francisco's mayor-elect, Daniel Lurie. This marks a growing trend of tech leaders stepping into civic roles.

Global AI Safety Talks Clouded by US Politics

The US-led AI Safety Summit aimed to align global standards, but Trump’s promise to reverse Biden’s AI policies overshadowed the collaborative atmosphere.

WOMEN IN AI

Women Driving Change in Open Source AI

Women are leading transformative efforts in open source AI projects, fostering collaboration and inclusivity in an industry often criticised for its lack of diversity. Their impact highlights the value of diverse perspectives in shaping AI's future.

AI Skills Gap: Women as the Solution

The shortage of AI skills is more than a technical problem—it's a leadership crisis. Women, with their unique approaches and experiences, could bridge the gap and redefine leadership in the AI sector.

Gender Bias in AI Sparks Alarm

Opinion: AI systems are increasingly reflecting and amplifying gender biases, creating a worrying divide dubbed "gender apartheid." Addressing these biases is critical to ensure equitable AI applications for all.

AI TOOL

Turn Text into Audiobooks with ElevenLabs Reader

ElevenLabs' Reader transforms written content into audiobooks using AI voices tailored to your preferences. Ideal for personalised, high-quality audio experiences, this tool is a game-changer for accessible and immersive content consumption.

Thats a wrap-wrap up warm if you are in colder climates.

See you next week!

Bye for now:)