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Google is expanding its AI virtual try-on feature to Australia, Canada, and Japan, now including shoes.
Users can upload a photo to see how clothes and shoes look on them virtually.
The feature is accessible via the "Try It On" button on Google product listings.
Google also launched Doppl, an experimental app for deeper virtual try-on experiences.
Amazon and Walmart have also introduced similar virtual try-on technologies.
British fintech Revolut is launching in India to tackle the underserved cross-border payments market. Revolut aims to compete with traditional banks and fintech players by offering a prepaid wallet with UPI support, domestic and international Visa cards, and dedicated kids and teens accounts. The company has invested $45 million in India and plans to onboard 20 million users by 2030, processing $7 billion in transactions. Revolut has already secured regulatory approvals, including a PPI license, and acquired Arvog Forex to offer remittance and multi-currency account services. They will focus on full-KYC wallets to attract high-intent customers, measuring success through user engagement and profitability.
Zelda Williams, the daughter of Robin Williams, has publicly denounced the creation and sharing of AI-generated deepfake videos of her father. Her statement comes after the release of OpenAI's Sora 2 video model, which allows users to create realistic deepfakes. Williams expressed her distress and disapproval, emphasizing that such content is disrespectful and not what her father would have wanted. OpenAI's Sora 2 model has faced criticism for enabling the creation of deepfakes of deceased individuals without consent, raising ethical concerns about the use of AI technology to manipulate and exploit the likeness of the dead.
Google is expanding access to Opal, its AI-powered vibe-coding app, to 15 additional countries, including Canada, India, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil. The app enables users to create mini web apps using text prompts.
Early adopters in the U.S. surprised Google with sophisticated and practical apps, prompting the global expansion.
Opal allows users to describe their desired app, and Google's models generate it. Users can customize the app's visual workflow, edit prompts, and add new steps. Apps can be published and shared for others to test.
Google has improved Opal's debugging program, keeping it no-code. Users can run workflows step-by-step, tweak steps in the console, and see errors in context.
Performance improvements have significantly reduced app creation time. Steps can now run in parallel for complex workflows.
Tesla has introduced more affordable 'Standard' versions of its Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV, priced at $36,990 and $39,990, respectively. These models offer an estimated 321 miles of range but come with fewer features, including the omission of Autopilot and a more minimalist interior. The release aims to boost Tesla's sales after a decline in 2024, though the pricing is higher than initial expectations, particularly the unrealized $25,000 Tesla.
The new 'Standard' models have differences inside and outside, such as manually adjusted steering wheels and side mirrors, fewer speakers, and no second-row touchscreen. External changes include removing the light bar and glass roof found on pricier Model Y variants. This move is part of Tesla's effort to cut costs, but it also strategically positions Tesla against competitors, including Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Lucid Motors, and Slate Auto, amid changing market dynamics and EV tax credit expiration.
Otter.ai is expanding beyond meeting transcription with a new suite of enterprise tools designed to integrate meeting data into company workflows, creating a centralized knowledge base.
The new product suite includes an API for custom integrations with platforms like Jira and HubSpot, an MCP server for connecting Otter data to external AI models, and an AI agent that can search meeting notes and presentations.
CEO Sam Liang aims to transform Otter.ai into a comprehensive system of record for conversations, facilitating information sharing and driving business value.
Despite privacy concerns and a class-action lawsuit regarding unauthorized recording of conversations, Otter.ai believes increased access to information through AI-powered meeting tools is beneficial for companies.
Meta has updated the Facebook algorithm to give users greater control over the Reels they see. The update includes features like 'Not Interested' to flag undesirable content, enhanced 'Save' options, and AI-powered search suggestions to discover more relevant videos. Friend bubbles will also appear on Reels and the main feed, allowing users to see posts liked by friends and open private messages.
The algorithm will prioritize newer content, aiming to show users 50% more Reels uploaded on the same day they're scrolling. These changes address user complaints about scammy or low-quality AI-generated videos.
Mastodon is planning to introduce a new feature called 'Packs,' inspired by Bluesky's Starter Packs, to help new users discover curated collections of accounts to follow.
The feature aims to address the 'cold start' problem of joining new social networks by suggesting relevant accounts to follow.
Mastodon emphasizes user control, allowing users to opt out of appearing in Packs and providing notifications when they are included.
The development is a collaboration with fediverse developers on a Fediverse Enhancement Proposal (FEP), with the initial version expected in the Mastodon 4.6 release.