Hello, AI Lovers!

Your daily AI brief is here to kickstart your day with the top stories you need to know.

In today’s AI Shorts:

• Ex-OpenAI CTO Goes Solo with AI Startup & other top stories

• Learn ChatGPT – Connect Apps and Automate Workflows with Zapier

• Learn to Turn Your Knowledge into Profits with SHIKEN

• Learn to Discover 5 new AI tools

• Other top stories in AI

• Opinions on AI across the web

Let’s dive in and get you up to speed.

TOP STORIES

1. Meta Introduces LlamaCon 2025 to Showcase AI Developments

   Meta announces a new event, LlamaCon, set for April 29th, 2025, focusing on open-source AI advancements. This conference precedes the annual Meta Connect event in September. LlamaCon will update developers on Meta’s AI model, Llama, and its applications in tech. Meta is investing billions in AI and plans to launch new smart glasses, following the success of Ray-Ban Smart Glasses with 2 million units sold since 2023.

   Read in detail here.

2. Mira Murati Launches Thinking Machines Lab to Make AI More Accessible

   Mira Murati, the former CTO of OpenAI, has launched Thinking Machines Lab, a public benefit corporation focused on making AI accessible and useful. The new venture aims to develop top-notch AI technologies and applications. Murati’s departure from OpenAI last September fueled speculation about her plans, which have now been realized with this innovative initiative.

   Read in detail here.

3. AI at a Cost – Google Users Must Pay Up!

   Google follows Microsoft’s lead by raising prices while integrating AI into its product offerings. Unlike Microsoft’s optional approach, Google’s price hike is mandatory. This decision has sparked reactions, including criticism from PC World’s Michael Crider. The move reflects a broader trend of tech companies incorporating AI capabilities to enhance their products, despite potential customer pushback due to increased costs.

   Read in detail here.

4. OpenAI Co-Founder’s Startup Fundraising at $30B-Plus Valuation

   OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever is raising over $1 billion for his startup, Safe Superintelligence, now valued at more than $30 billion. Leading the investment is Greenoaks Capital Partners, contributing $500 million. This positions the startup among the most valuable private technology companies, showcasing significant investor confidence in Sutskever’s AI advancements.

   Read in detail here.

AI MASTERY

CHATGPT MASTERY

Connect Apps and Automate Workflows with Zapier in ChatGPT

Did you know that ChatGPT can be enhanced with the “Zapier” plugin to automate tasks and connect with thousands of applications like Gmail, Slack, and Google Sheets? This integration streamlines your workflows, saves time, and reduces manual effort..

HOW TO SET IT UP:

1. Launch ChatGPT: Open ChatGPT in your browser.

2. Activate Plugin: Enable the “Zapier” plugin from the settings or plugin menu.

3. Connect Your Apps: Follow the prompts to connect your desired applications (e.g., Gmail, Google Sheets) to Zapier.

4. Create a Zap: Set up a Zap that defines the trigger and action you want to automate. For instance, you could create a Zap that adds new leads to a Google Sheet.

5. Use ChatGPT for Automation: In your conversation, specify your request, such as:

   • “Add my latest lead to Google Sheets.”

   • “Reply to my latest email with a positive reaction.”

6. Confirm and Execute: Review the action and confirm to execute it. ChatGPT will process the request through Zapier and perform the action.

Why It’s Useful: The Zapier plugin transforms ChatGPT into a powerful automation tool, allowing you to manage tasks efficiently without switching between apps.

Pro Tip: Customize your Zaps based on your specific needs – whether it’s for marketing, project management, or personal organization – to maximize productivity and streamline your daily tasks.

AI TUTORIAL

Turn Your Knowledge into Profits with SHIKEN

SHIKEN is a simple yet powerful content creation tool that allows you to build an online knowledge business effortlessly. With features like an AI writer, quiz and course creation tools, and an AI roleplay generator, you can create and sell educational content such as question banks and courses.

Step-by-step:

1. Sign Up for SHIKEN: Visit the SHIKEN website and create an account. The Creator tier is free to try out, giving you access to basic features without AI.

2. Choose Your Content Type: Decide whether you want to create quizzes, courses, or AI roleplay content.

3. Create Your Content:

   • For quizzes or courses, you can upload a document, add a link, or paste your own prompt to generate content in a single click.

   • Utilize the AI assistant and prompt library for inspiration and assistance in content creation.

4. Customize Your Offering: Set up your content with options for upsells and discounts to enhance sales potential.

5. Set Up Payment Processing: Integrate Stripe for secure payment handling, ensuring a smooth transaction experience for your customers.

6. Launch Your Store: You can either use SHIKEN’s own store or point a custom domain to your website to sell your educational products.

7. Monitor Your Sales: Use the sales and marketing dashboard to track performance and make adjustments as needed.

8. Engage Your Audience: Consider using SHIKEN’s quiz generation feature to create engaging content for new employees or customers

Pro Tip: Start with the free Creator tier to explore SHIKEN’s capabilities, and then consider upgrading to access advanced features for just $49 a month.

DISCOVER NEW AI TOOLS

1. Ebsynth – AI-assisted animation tool that transforms video frames into hand-painted sequences. Perfect for animators and digital artists looking for a unique visual style.

2. CivitAI – AI community-driven platform for generating and sharing custom AI art models. Provides artists with diverse AI-generated styles and creative tools.

3. Vizard – AI video editing tool that turns long videos into engaging short clips. Saves time by automating clip selection and formatting for social media.

4. Poly AI – AI-driven voice assistant for automating customer service calls. Enhances customer experience with natural, human-like conversations.

5. ClipDrop – AI-powered tool for background removal, image upscaling, and object manipulation. Ideal for designers and content creators looking for fast, high-quality edits.

OTHER STORIES

OTHER TOP STORIES

1. Google Testing Shortcut for Upcoming ‘AI Mode’ in Mobile Search

   Google is testing an ‘AI Mode’ shortcut in its Android app. This feature offers descriptive responses atop search results, integrating AI overviews and conversational capabilities, potentially transforming how users interact with search results on mobile devices.

   Read in detail here.

2. Dubai-Based Cloud Firm Ziwo Unveils AI Platform

   Ziwo launches Ziwo AI, an AI-driven contact center solution, at LEAP 2025. It provides real-time sentiment analysis in English and Arabic, enhancing customer service efficiency and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s AI infrastructure goals.

   Read in detail here.

3. DeepSeek’s R1: AI Super-App Revolution Begins

   DeepSeek’s R1 revolutionizes AI, integrating it into daily life like smartphone apps. This trend transforms AI utility but faces challenges in cost and accessibility for broader real-world impact. The AI super-app era is here.

   Read in detail here.

4. Google Meet’s AI Note-Taking Introduces Action Items

   Google Meet’s Gemini AI now generates action items post-meeting, assigning due dates and stakeholders. This feature aims to enhance team productivity by automating follow-ups and organizing tasks, rolling out slowly for performance and quality monitoring.

   Read in detail here.

5. Lawmakers Challenge Commission’s Decision to Drop AI Liability Rules

   Despite the European Commission’s plans to scrap AI Liability rules, lawmakers push back, emphasizing the need for these regulations alongside the AI Act to ensure accountability and protection in AI applications across the EU.

   Read in detail here.

6. South Korea Builds World’s Largest AI Data Centre

   South Korea is constructing the world’s largest AI data centre, led by Fir Hills and Stock Farm Road Inc. The $10 billion project in Jeollanam-do Province aims for a 3-gigawatt capacity, promising significant economic benefits and positioning South Korea as a global tech leader.

   Read in detail here.

7. U.S. Tech Giants’ AI Fuels Warfare in Gaza and Lebanon

   U.S. tech companies like Microsoft and OpenAI have significantly boosted Israel’s military capabilities through AI, leading to faster target identification but also increased civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon.

   Read in detail here.

8. Block Google’s Gemini AI in Gmail

   Google’s Gemini AI integrates into Gmail, aiding tasks from email drafting to thread summarization. Users can block it via admin console or settings. Detailed steps ensure control over Gemini AI, enhancing privacy and reducing distractions.

   Read in detail here.

9. AI Startup Aomni Raises $4M to Boost Sales Efficiency

   Aomni secures $4M seed funding to enhance sales research with AI, focusing on real-time data rather than replacing human roles. Led by Decibel, Aomni aims to augment sales teams’ effectiveness and build stronger customer relationships.

   Read in detail here.

10. Fiverr Empowers Gig Workers with AI Tools

    Fiverr introduces AI tools for gig workers, letting them train AI on their work to automate tasks. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and competitiveness while ensuring freelancers remain central to the creative economy.

    Read in detail here.

OPINIONS

1. Should Open Source AI Disclose All Training Data?

   The debate over Open Source AI’s transparency hinges on whether training data should be fully disclosed. Advocates argue for transparency, while opponents cite legal and privacy concerns. The Open Source Initiative’s OSAID proposes a balanced approach, recommending detailed data documentation rather than full disclosure.

   Read in detail here.

2. AI Should Anchor U.S. Foreign Aid to Enhance Global Influence

   Integrating AI into U.S. foreign aid can improve disaster preparedness, economic growth, and governance. Emphasizing AI-driven assistance strengthens the U.S. strategic position, enhances global stability, and ensures America sets the digital rules, countering China’s growing tech dominance.

   Read in detail here.

3. Modern AI Challenges the Relevance of the Turing Test

   As advanced AI models like DeepSeek and ChatGPT emerge, the Turing Test’s adequacy is questioned. These models mimic human conversation but lack true understanding. Alternative approaches focusing on reasoning, ethical considerations, and potential consciousness are necessary to evaluate AI’s genuine cognitive abilities.

   Read in detail here.

4. What’s missing from the AI debate? Patience.

   The rush to dominate AI is driven by financial, political, and intellectual bubbles, leading to impatience and speculative excess. Sustainable AI development requires patience, long-term understanding, and distinguishing genuine innovation from hype to avoid policy distortions and maintain technological progress.

   Read in detail here.

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