Meta's Llama models hit 1 billion downloads

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In today’s post:

• Llama: Crossed 1 billion downloads

• Anthropic: Voice mode is coming

• Baidu: Launched 2 new versions

• xAI Grok: Uncensored AI video generator is coming

• Trending AI tools + AI News + Giveaway: Gemini Automation

What’s Trending Today

Baidu new upgrade

Baidu’s New AI Models: A Game Changer or Just Hype?

Baidu just dropped two new AI models, Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1. If you’re thinking, “Wait, didn’t they already have an Ernie?” yes, but now it’s leveled up.

Here’s what’s new:

• Ernie 4.5 is smarter, funnier, and apparently has “high EQ,” meaning it can understand memes and sarcasm. (Finally, an AI that gets your Twitter jokes.)

• Ernie X1 is a reasoning model that Baidu claims performs as well as DeepSeek R1—except at half the cost.

• Both models can handle text, images, video, and audio, making them pretty versatile.

But here’s the catch…Baidu was one of the first Chinese companies to take on OpenAI, but it hasn’t exactly dominated the market. Meanwhile, DeepSeek has been shaking things up by dropping powerful models at a bargain price.

Here’s what I think:

Baidu is pushing hard, but the AI race is brutal. They’ve got cool upgrades, but will they actually grab market share? Maybe Ernie 5, coming later this year, will be the real game changer. Until then, it’s anyone’s game.

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Anthropic

Anthropic Wants Claude to Talk…But Can It Compete?

Looks like Claude might be getting a voice. Anthropic, the AI startup behind the chatbot, is reportedly working on a voice mode.

Here’s the scoop:

• Mike Krieger, Anthropic’s chief product officer, confirmed they’re experimenting with voice to make Claude more natural to use—especially on desktop.

• They’ve got prototypes and are testing how voice could improve interactions.

• Amazon and ElevenLabs are in the mix—Anthropic has had talks with both companies about voice tech. But nothing’s set in stone yet.

This all makes sense. OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini already have voice features, so Anthropic is playing catch-up.

Here’s what I think:

Voice is the next big battleground for AI, and Anthropic doesn’t want to be left behind. The question is…can Claude’s voice be as smooth and natural as its competitors? If they get it right, it could be a game-changer. If not, it’s just more noise in an already crowded space.

Llama, the new milestone

Meta’s Llama hits 1 billion downloads…but can it stay on top?

Mark Zuckerberg just dropped some big AI news: Meta’s Llama models have hit 1 billion downloads. That’s a 53% jump since December.

Here’s why that matters:

• Llama powers Meta’s AI assistant across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

• It’s free to use (kind of). While Meta calls it “open,” the license has restrictions that some companies don’t love.

• Big names like Spotify, AT&T, and DoorDash are already using it in production.

But it’s not all smooth sailing.

• Legal trouble: Meta is caught up in a copyright lawsuit over allegedly training Llama on copyrighted books.

• Privacy concerns: Some EU countries have blocked or delayed Llama’s launch.

• Competition is fierce: Chinese AI lab DeepSeek’s models are outperforming Llama, forcing Meta into “war rooms” to catch up.

Here’s what I think:

Llama is massive, but the AI race is brutal. Meta is planning more Llama releases, including models that can reason and take actions on their own. Zuckerberg wants to make Llama the most advanced AI out there but with legal battles and strong competition, staying on top won’t be easy.

xAI Grok

Elon Musk’s xAI Just Bought a Video AI Startup…

Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, just made a big move—it acquired Hotshot, a startup specializing in AI-generated video.

Here’s what’s interesting:

• Hotshot built three AI video models—Hotshot-XL, Hotshot Act One, and Hotshot.

• It started with AI photo tools but pivoted to text-to-video tech.

• Backed by big names like Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and SV Angel.

So why did xAI buy it?

• Musk has hinted at a “Grok Video” model, suggesting xAI wants to compete with OpenAI’s Sora and Google’s Veo 2.

• Hotshot is shutting down its platform users have until March 30 to download their videos.

• It’s unclear if the whole team is joining xAI, but the company will now be working on Musk’s Colossus supercomputer.

Here’s what I think:

Musk is serious about AI video, and this move shows xAI wants to play in the big leagues. With OpenAI and Google already ahead, the real question is: Can Musk’s team catch up? Grok Video is supposedly coming soon, so we’ll find out soon enough.

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• AI Personal Finance Management: Finch

• Auto-Generate Visual Content for Social Media: Visme

• Smart Scheduling Assistant: Clockwise

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GIVEAWAY: Gemini Automation

Everyone’s talking Grok, Claude, Mistral, and ChatGPT.

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It’s a game-changer and yet, barely anyone mentions it.

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THE AI DIGEST

• Adobe Introduces AI Agents to Enhance Marketing Platform
  Adobe launched AI tools, Agent Orchestrator and Brand Concierge, to optimize marketing workflows by managing content and refining target audiences.

• Italian Newspaper Publishes World's First AI-Generated Edition
  Il Foglio released a four-page supplement entirely created by AI, showcasing its potential impact on journalism.

• Europol Warns of AI-Enhanced Organized Crime
  Europol cautions that AI is empowering organized crime, posing serious threats to European societal structures.

• Nvidia Aims to Maintain Edge as AI Moves Beyond Data Centers
  Nvidia is working to stay dominant in AI as the technology expands beyond data centers, facing competition from Qualcomm.

• Google's Gemini Introduces Conversational Coding and AI Podcast Creator
  Google’s Gemini AI launched Canvas for real-time coding and Audio Overview to convert written content into podcast-style discussions.

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