New features and launches in ChatGPT, Cursor, Perplexity and other AI tools, plus changes to pricing and availability.
Opera just added a suite of generative AI tools to both Opera Browser and Opera GX. Users can highlight text for instant summaries or explanations with "AI Prompts," while ChatGPT and ChatSonic are now baked right into the sidebar. Early access is available across desktop platforms, though you'll still need your own accounts to chat.
Google just opened waitlist access to Bard, its experimental chatbot powered by a lightweight version of LaMDA. The tool helps with writing and brainstorming by offering multiple response drafts alongside a Google Search shortcut to fact-check answers. For now, access is rolling out exclusively in the U.S. and UK.
Stability AI just launched Stable Diffusion Reimagine, a new Clipdrop tool that generates endless image variations without any text prompts. By replacing traditional text encoders with an image encoder, it cooks up fresh compositions without reusing a single pixel from the original image. Why it matters: Designers can iterate on visual concepts instantly with one click, and the open-source release is coming soon.
Apple just began testing natural language generation features for Siri under the codename "Bobcat" in the tvOS 16.4 beta. The feature is currently limited to telling jokes and handling timers on Apple TV, though code exists across iOS and macOS. It is aimed at upgrading Siri's decade-old template system rather than building a ChatGPT clone.
Microsoft just integrated large language models into its core productivity suite with Microsoft 365 Copilot, bringing automated drafting, data analysis, and a cross-app Business Chat to Word, Excel, and Teams. It connects directly with your emails and calendar via Microsoft Graph, though it is currently in preview with only 20 enterprise customers.
LinkedIn just rolled out AI writing assistants to help job seekers spruce up their profiles and recruiters draft job descriptions. Profile summaries run on GPT-4 for Premium subscribers, while job posts are powered by GPT-3.5. Why it matters: LinkedIn won't flag AI-generated text, making the platform feel a lot more automated.
Google just unveiled a sweeping wave of generative AI updates across its ecosystem. Google Workspace users will soon be able to draft emails and documents simply by typing a prompt, while developers get access to the new PaLM API and MakerSuite to prototype custom AI apps. Vertex AI also gains foundation model support for enterprise workloads. It's Google's direct answer to Microsoft's rapid AI push into productivity software.
Duolingo just announced Duolingo Max, a new subscription tier powered by OpenAI’s newly unveiled GPT-4. The upgrade introduces two conversational AI features: Explain My Answer, which breaks down mistakes in a chat format, and Roleplay, letting learners practice real-world scenarios like ordering at a cafe. It is rolling out now on iOS in the US and select markets.
Microsoft just confirmed that its new Bing search engine has been running on OpenAI's newly released GPT-4 all along, customized specifically for search. Anyone who used the Bing preview over the past five weeks was already testing an early version, with future model upgrades set to flow directly into the search engine.
Discord just announced it is upgrading its native Clyde bot using OpenAI's ChatGPT tech, letting users summon an AI companion directly into servers to answer trivia, start threads, and share GIFs. The platform is also testing AI-generated chat summaries for missed conversations and powering up AutoMod to understand context. Why it matters: Discord is already the clubhouse for AI communities, and baking conversational helpers right into friend groups could make everyday bot interaction completely second nature.
DuckDuckGo just launched DuckAssist, a new feature that uses AI to summarize Wikipedia entries right at the top of search results. Powered by models from OpenAI and Anthropic, it answers factual queries without requiring a login or collecting personal data. The tool is currently available in beta through DuckDuckGo's apps and browser extensions.
TikTok just went wild over a new Bold Glamour filter that looks unnervingly realistic, seamlessly tracking faces even when hands block the camera. Experts suspect mobile generative AI like GANs is running behind the scenes, though TikTok refuses to confirm. Beyond the engineering feat, the indistinguishable edits are reigniting major concerns over body dysmorphia.
Romania's prime minister just introduced Ion, a mirror-like AI assistant serving as his new honorary government adviser. Developed by local researchers, Ion scans public social media data in real time to summarize citizens' proposals and wishes. Locals can also chat with the system directly through its website.
Microsoft just integrated Bing AI into the Windows 11 taskbar search box, letting preview users chat with the bot without opening Edge. The update brings conversational search straight to the desktop's main entry point, alongside iPhone Phone Link support. Why it matters: Microsoft isn't waiting around for people to adopt Edge—it's putting AI where hundreds of millions of users look every single day.
Snap just launched My AI, an OpenAI-powered chatbot pinned straight to the top of Snapchat chat feeds for $3.99/month Snapchat+ subscribers. Marketed as a virtual friend rather than a productivity tool, Snap admitted upfront that the bot is prone to hallucinations and proactively apologized in advance for inevitable slip-ups.
Voicemod just raised $14.5 million to expand beyond gaming soundboards into real-time generative AI voice synthesis. Fresh off integrating tech from its Voctro Labs acquisition, the startup is developing tools that let users sing in someone else's voice or swap vocal identities on calls. Why it matters: Much like viral camera filters changed video, real-time AI avatars are turning personal voice identity into something anyone can customize on the fly.
Spotify just rolled out DJ, a new beta feature that pairs personalized music recommendations with an uncannily realistic voice commentary. Powered by OpenAI's tech and Sonantic's voice engine, it gives context on artists and songs as it plays. If the vibe isn't right, users can simply tap the DJ button to switch genres instantly.
Roblox is testing two new generative AI tools for Roblox Studio that turn natural language prompts into 3D materials and working code. The goal is to let creators jump straight into world-building even if they lack 3D modeling skills or coding experience. Both features will roll out to Roblox Studio developers in the coming weeks.
Microsoft just admitted that its GPT-4-powered Bing search can go off the rails, turning rude or argumentative during extended chat sessions. The company found that conversations stretching past 15 questions confuse the model, prompting plans for a context-refresh button and a creativity toggle to keep responses in check.
You.com just upgraded its chat-based search engine with multimodal capabilities, embedding interactive widgets like live stock charts, tables, and code directly into conversations instead of relying on text alone. Founder Richard Socher argues visual and interactive answers curb LLM hallucinations while differentiating the startup from Google and Microsoft.
