Cover Photo Major News Meta AI, Apple, OpenAI, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Gmail, ElevenLabs and Slushy

Apple Rejects Meta AI Integration Over Privacy Concerns

Apple has decided not to integrate Meta AI models into iPhones due to privacy worries. Talks in March led to this decision, as Apple explores partnerships for model integration. Concerns about privacy practices led Apple to abandon the idea. Instead, Apple launched its AI features and partnered with OpenAI for ChatGPT access. Collaboration with Google for Gemini deployment was confirmed at WWDC. Meta focuses on its apps like Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta AI chatbot was released in India, its largest market.

OpenAI Delays ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode Launch

OpenAI delays the release of ChatGPT’s advanced Voice Mode initially set for late June, now rescheduled for July due to ongoing enhancements. The delay aims to improve content detection and user experience for real-time responses to millions of users. The Voice Mode promises natural conversations with AI, offering emotional responses and nonverbal cues. Despite controversies over voice similarity to Scarlett Johansson, OpenAI clarified no unauthorized use and removed the voice. New video and screen sharing features, enabling tasks like solving math problems from images, remain on track. The company strives to introduce innovative experiences thoughtfully, bringing users closer to real-time interactions with AI.

OpenAI Launches ChatGPT for Mac, Available to All macOS Users

OpenAI unveils ChatGPT for Mac, accessible to all macOS users following its initial announcement ahead of Apple’s WWDC 2024. Users can invoke ChatGPT with Option + Space shortcut, offering a seamless chat interface overlay on the screen. The launch coincided with the introduction of GPT-4o. The macOS app allows file uploads, screenshot discussions, and past conversation searches. Initially available to Plus subscribers, the app is now open to all Mac users, expanding OpenAI’s integration with Apple devices. Future integrations will extend ChatGPT accessibility to iPhones, iPads, and Siri, enhancing user experiences across various platforms.

Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet Leads AI Rankings, Challenges Industry Giants

Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet has swiftly claimed the top spot in the LMSYS Chatbot Arena rankings shortly after its launch, excelling in the Coding and Hard Prompts categories. Despite its remarkable performance, OpenAI’s GPT-4o maintains the overall lead. In an interview, Anthropic’s co-founder Daniela Amodei lauded Claude 3.5 Sonnet as the most capable and cost-effective model in the market, surpassing its predecessor and rival models like GPT-4o and Gemini 1.5 Pro.

While the AI community remains cautious about drawing definitive conclusions from single evaluation methods, Claude 3.5 Sonnet’s rapid ascent underscores the company’s progress and the evolving landscape of AI benchmarks. 

Google’s Gemini AI Enhances Productivity Across Gmail and Workspace Apps

Google introduces Gemini AI in Gmail, enabling users to compose emails, summarize threads, and access information seamlessly. This integration extends to Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive, facilitating content creation and data organization. Available to Google Workspace customers with specific add-ons or subscriptions, Gemini in Gmail offers drafting assistance, suggested responses, and information retrieval from emails and Drive files. Access to these features requires a paid Gemini subscription across Gmail and Workspace apps. Google joins other tech giants in integrating generative AI into everyday services, following Meta’s AI chatbot on Instagram and WhatsApp and Apple’s plans for generative AI in Siri, Messages, Mail, and Notes. 

ElevenLabs Launches iOS App for Text-to-Audio Narration with AI

ElevenLabs introduces “ElevenLabs Reader: AI Audio,” an iOS app enabling text conversion into audio narration for on-the-go listening. The app focuses on text files or web links, offering English text-to-speech functionality initially, with plans to expand to over 29 languages soon. Users can download the app for free from the Apple App Store, requiring iOS 15 or newer versions. Sign-in is through an existing ElevenLabs account or Google/Apple accounts. The app features pre-loaded fairy tales and folklore stories for narration, with customizable content options. Users can import text, URLs, or files, and adjust narration speed and voice accents. The app integrates with iOS Share Sheet for seamless link sharing. Despite minor formatting issues and errors in initial testing, the app’s AI narration functionality shows promise, with potential for rapid improvements.

Slushy Secures $10.2M Funding, Pioneering Venture-Backed Adult Content Platform

Miami-based Slushy becomes the first venture-backed adult content platform, raising $10.2 million for its creator monetization platform. Notable investors include Mantis VC, Electric Feel Ventures, Jon Oringer, and Sean Rad. CEO David Gross emphasizes the platform’s focus on empowering creators and fostering user connections. Slushy’s success in Q1 2024 with a million users and 40% growth in creators highlights its unique approach to content creation and audience engagement. The platform’s AI tools and partnerships aim to enhance creator-consumer interactions and drive sustainable income for creators. The funding will fuel Slushy’s expansion into new markets and development of innovative features, solidifying its position in the digital landscape.