OpenAI just launched plugins for ChatGPT, allowing the AI to browse the web, run Python code, and connect with third-party services like Expedia and Zapier. Acting as "eyes and ears" for the model, plugins solve knowledge cutoff and hallucination limits. Access is currently rolling out to waitlisted developers and ChatGPT Plus subscribers.
Microsoft just launched the public preview of Loop, a dynamic workspace app featuring modular components that sync live across Teams, Outlook, and other 365 apps. The platform also integrates Microsoft 365 Copilot for AI-assisted brainstorming, drafting, and page summarization. The main app is now open to everyone, though Loop's Copilot features remain in private preview.
GitHub just unveiled Copilot X, a major vision powered by OpenAI's GPT-4 that moves AI far beyond basic code completion. It integrates a ChatGPT-style chat directly into IDEs, automatically drafts pull request descriptions, answers questions on documentation, and assists in the CLI. Basically, your AI pair programmer is stepping up to cover the full software development lifecycle.
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.
Microsoft just integrated Bing Image Creator into the new Bing preview and Edge browser, powered by an advanced DALL∙E model from OpenAI. Users in Creative mode can now generate custom pictures right inside search chat simply by describing what they want. It basically transforms web search from tracking down existing images into conjuring new ones from scratch.
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.
Baidu just unveiled its ChatGPT rival Ernie Bot in Beijing, but reliance on pre-recorded video demos instead of a live test triggered an investor selloff. Shares dropped 6.4% in Hong Kong, wiping out $3 billion. Why it matters: China's biggest AI launch stumbled right out of the gate, with CEO Robin Li admitting the tool is not yet ready.
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.
Stripe just teamed up with OpenAI to power global checkout, recurring billing, and tax compliance for ChatGPT Plus and DALL·E. In return, Stripe is integrating OpenAI’s newly launched GPT-4 into its own platform, kicking off with an AI-powered documentation search that lets developers query technical guides in plain English.
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.
Anthropic just made its next-gen AI assistant Claude available across chat and API. Designed to be helpful, honest, and harmless, it arrives in two versions: the flagship Claude and a faster, cheaper Claude Instant. Early partners like Notion and Quora highlight its steerability and natural conversational style.
OpenAI just launched GPT-4, a multimodal model that accepts text and image inputs while showing human-level benchmark performance. It scored in the top 10% of a simulated bar exam—trouncing GPT-3.5's bottom 10% showing—and cuts disallowed responses by 82%. Text capabilities are live for ChatGPT Plus and API waitlists, while image features remain in research preview.
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.
General Motors is developing a virtual in-car assistant powered by OpenAI tech via Microsoft's Azure cloud. Moving beyond basic voice controls, the assistant is designed to diagnose dashboard warning lights, play step-by-step videos for changing a flat tire, and schedule repair appointments directly from your vehicle.
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.
Microsoft Germany CTO Andreas Braun just let slip at an AI event that GPT-4 is coming next week, confirming it will feature multimodal capabilities. The upgrade is expected to handle modalities beyond text, including possibilities like video. Why it matters: Adding multimodal powers directly to OpenAI's flagship model marks a major leap toward making AI understand the world in more formats than just text.
Microsoft just announced that its Bing search engine has crossed 100 million active users, driven largely by the launch of Bing Chat. Notably, a third of active preview users are completely new to Bing, suggesting the AI assistant is drawing searchers away from rivals like Google. While still dwarfed by Google's 1 billion users, AI is finally making the search war interesting.
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.
