🥊 China's AI swings again

Hey folks,

Turns out, ChatGPT might soon be crashing your workflow party in the best way possible. OpenAI is reportedly starting tests for new “connectors” that plug ChatGPT directly into services like Google Drive and Slack. Think of it like giving ChatGPT a reach into your folders, fetching files, or even responding to messages for you... minus all the back and forward copy-and-paste. If this goes well, we might never have to leave ChatGPT for those last-minute file hunts or channel updates again. Let’s dive in..

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🖥️ Ernie X1 - Giving OpenAI something to worry about

🐝 The Buzz: China’s tech heavyweight Baidu just released a shiny new AI toy called —and honestly...it looks pretty legit. It's designed to tackle tricky stuff like logic and problem-solving, which, let's face it, aren't exactly AI's strong suit (looking at you, ChatGPT...). This launch isn't just another update—it's Baidu stepping up to the plate and saying, "Hey OpenAI, hold my beer."

• Logic? Nailed It: Ernie X1 is seriously good at breaking down complicated tasks, doing step-by-step reasoning better than its predecessors.

• It Sees and Reads: This model can process images and text together, making conversations richer and less robotic—think fewer awkward pauses when chatting with AI.

• Benchmark Bragging Rights: Early tests hint Ernie X1 is already neck-and-neck with GPT models...and maybe even a smidge ahead in certain tasks.

💡 Takeaway: Ernie X1 could shake things up in the AI world by giving businesses a strong alternative to OpenAI's models. And if Ernie lives up to the hype (big if, but fingers crossed), this little AI showdown could lead to better tools all around—win-win for anyone who relies on these bots to, you know...actually get stuff done.

🌏️ YC’s latest AI batch has arrived. Here’s the standouts..

🐝 The Buzz: Y Combinator’s Winter '25 Demo Day just wrapped, showing off startups focused on solving specific headaches with clever AI tools—no flashy tricks, just practical solutions. Whether it's letting AI navigate browsers by itself or helping factories keep track of workers, this batch feels quite useful.

• Abundant: Lets humans remotely step in when AI agents hit roadblocks—no more waiting while your bot spins in circles.

• Browser Use: Gives AI the ability to click around web browsers autonomously, handling those annoying online forms and menus.

• GradeWiz: Automatically grades student assignments, freeing up teaching assistants to, you know, actually teach.

• Artificial Societies: Runs realistic AI-driven simulations to predict outcomes of decisions, saving businesses from costly trial-and-error.

• Optifye: Uses AI to streamline factory workflows and keep things running smoothly on the production floor.

• Misprint: Offers a stock market-style platform for trading collectibles and niche items like Pokémon cards—because your childhood obsession is officially an investment now.

💡 Takeaway: YC’s latest batch highlights just how practical AI is becoming, handling tasks from grading papers to navigating web forms. Less busywork means more time spent doing things you actually care about—and who doesn't love that?

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💻️ How to screen share with ChatGPT

If you’re looking for on-the-spot guidance from ChatGPT—without the constant back-and-forth typing—its screen-sharing feature is exactly what you need.

You’ll get real-time assistance on any project, straight from your phone.
Requirements: ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) and the ChatGPT mobile app.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Download the ChatGPT app for Android or iOS

2. Start a new conversation.

3. Tap the voice mode icon in the bottom right corner.

4. Tap the three dots, then choose Share Screen.

5. When prompted, grant ChatGPT permission to access your screen.

6. Finally, pick whether you want to share your entire screen or just one app, then tap Start.

That’s all there is to it. Enjoy having ChatGPT guide you in real time!

🐝 AI buzz bits

🛰️ Tern AI has launched a groundbreaking low-cost GPS alternative that relies solely on existing vehicle sensors and map data, eliminating the need for satellites and ensuring precise positioning even in challenging environments.

🎥 xAI has acquired video startup Hotshot, known for its generative AI tools, aiming to enhance video capabilities for its chatbot platform and compete with existing models like OpenAI's Sora.

👨‍💻 Anthropic's CPO Mike Krieger reveals the company's strategy to focus on improving AI models and creating specialized tools like Claude Code, rather than competing directly with mainstream AI assistants like ChatGPT.

🖼️ Generative Art

A t-shirt design of a 1993 small plane flying over a snowy mountain in the style of linocut printmaking, red plane and white mountains on a navy blue background.

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🤘 Meme