AI This Week

Meta Platforms has introduced a new stand-alone artificial intelligence application, directly competing with OpenAI's ChatGPT. The app, based on Meta's Llama AI model, features a Discover feed showcasing user interactions and offering prompts. This launch aligns with Meta's ongoing AI initiatives, including the integration of AI assistants across its existing platforms. The company aims to reach over 1 billion users with its AI technology in 2025. Meta's move follows similar efforts by Google and Elon Musk's xAI.

Nari Labs has developed Dia-1.6B, a compact open-source AI model designed to revolutionize emotional speech synthesis. Despite its small size — with just 1.6 billion parameters — the model claims to outperform industry leaders like ElevenLabs and Sesame. Dia’s ability to mimic emotional nuances, including laughter, coughing, and even a convincing scream, sets it apart from competitors that often falter in natural emotional delivery. Running efficiently in real-time on a single GPU, it tackles persistent challenges such as emotional granularity and the “uncanny valley” effect, where synthetic voices sound lifelike but lack authentic emotion. The model’s release sparks intrigue within AI communities, highlighting advancements in human-machine communication.

Motorola's Razr 2025 series incorporates AI-focused features into its foldable smartphones, aiming to enhance functionality and usability. The Razr Ultra leads the lineup with its 7-inch display and AI-powered tools for notifications, memory aids, and transcription. The phones integrate systems like Google's Gemini, Microsoft's Copilot, and Perplexity AI to improve adaptability and user interaction. All models include stronger builds, featuring titanium-reinforced hinges and Gorilla Glass Ceramic. Motorola is also introducing AI-enabled accessories, including Moto Buds Loop earbuds designed with Bose and the Moto Watch Fit fitness tracker. The Razr series reflects the company’s increasing focus on merging artificial intelligence with device design.

Adobe announced plans to release a mobile version of its Firefly AI image generation tool for iOS and Android. The company also introduced new AI models, including Firefly Image Model 4 and Firefly Video Model. This move intensifies competition with OpenAI, which recently launched a popular image generation feature. Adobe aims to provide creatives with on-the-go AI assistance for tasks like brainstorming ad campaigns. The company emphasizes its commitment to generating commercially safe, hyper-realistic images and videos while blocking intellectual property infringement. Adobe is also partnering with competitors like OpenAI and Google

TD Bank Group is set to bolster its AI capabilities by opening a new office for its Layer 6 research and development center in New York City later this year. The expansion aims to deepen support for the bank’s U.S. operations while tapping into the city's rich talent pool. Currently based in Toronto, Layer 6 will bring on 20 specialists, including data scientists, machine learning experts, and generative AI implementation professionals. This move enhances the bank’s ability to personalize customer experiences and optimize internal processes using advanced AI tools. TD Bank acquired Layer 6 in 2018 to drive innovation within the financial sector.

Huawei Technologies plans to begin mass shipments of its new 910C artificial intelligence chip to Chinese customers as early as next month. This comes as Chinese AI companies seek alternatives to Nvidia's H20 chip, which now requires a US export license. The 910C chip is said to offer performance comparable to Nvidia's H100 by combining two 910B processors. Industry experts suggest this move could make Huawei's chip the preferred choice for Chinese AI developers.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled new rules for the 98th Academy Awards, steering clear of favoring or penalizing the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and digital tools in filmmaking. This marks the Academy’s first official rule addressing AI’s role in film production. While past films such as The Brutalist and Emilia Perez drew criticism for incorporating GenAI, the new guidelines stress that AI usage will not influence nomination chances. Instead, the focus remains on human-driven creative authorship. The decision highlights Hollywood’s ongoing debate about balancing technological advancements with artistic expression. The 98th Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026.

The European Union recently announced its "AI Continent Action Plan," aimed at establishing the EU as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Key initiatives include building advanced AI infrastructure, enhancing access to high-quality datasets, fostering AI adoption across industries, and addressing AI talent shortages. The plan juxtaposes ambitious growth goals with debates about the regulatory complexities posed by the AI Act. Public consultations have been launched to guide the strategy.

Anthropic has introduced powerful updates to its AI assistant, Claude, including Research capabilities and a Google Workspace integration. The Research feature elevates information gathering, allowing Claude to independently navigate multiple searches, explore angles systematically, and deliver detailed answers with reliable citations. The addition of Google Workspace supports email, calendar, and document-based searches, bringing work context directly into Claude to simplify tasks like meeting preparation and technical analysis. Designed for professionals, students, and parents alike, Claude accelerates workflows without compromising quality. Enterprise users gain access to advanced cataloging features that enhance document retrieval within organizations, all while maintaining data security. Currently available in beta, these features mark the beginning of Claude's expansion into deeper content sources.

OpenAI has introduced two new AI models, o3 and o4-mini, capable of "thinking with images." These models can analyze and discuss uploaded sketches, diagrams, and whiteboards, even if low quality. The o3 model excels at math, coding, science, and image understanding, while o4-mini offers faster, lower-cost operation. Both models integrate visual information into reasoning chains and can use various ChatGPT tools independently. OpenAI aims to maintain its lead in generative AI amid fierce competition. The models are available to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team customers.