ChatGPT replaces Google Assistant 🤖, Grok 3.5 gets SiriKit boost 📱, Perplexity takes on Google 🚀

Product Updates

Coding

LG CNS and Cohere launch speedy, secure Korean AI model for finance

LG CNS has unveiled a lightweight Korean-specific LLM co-developed with AI startup Cohere. The 7-billion-parameter model offers faster processing and lower costs than bulkier alternatives, specifically designed for on-premise deployment in security-conscious financial and public sectors. In benchmark tests, it outperformed five similar-sized open-source Korean LLMs. This release marks Cohere's first Korean language collaboration and bolsters LG CNS's expanding AI portfolio alongside offerings from OpenAI, Meta, and Alibaba. The model positions LG in the growing agentic AI market while addressing Korean enterprises' need for cost-effective, secure AI solutions.

Text

xAI fast-tracks grok 3.5 with SiriKit and screen-sharing features

xAI is accelerating the timeline for Grok 3.5, with references to "grok-3-5-api-2k-p2" spotted on X suggesting imminent release rather than the initially planned May 2025 launch. The update aims to address Grok 3's coding limitations while building on its strengths in image generation and research capabilities. Elon Musk's AI venture appears to be enhancing iOS integration with potential SiriKit support, native widgets, and an innovative screen-sharing feature for voice mode that enables contextual assistance. This strategic move positions xAI to challenge established competitors like OpenAI's GPT and Anthropic's Claude in the rapidly evolving multimodal AI assistant market.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT now lets Android users ditch Google Assistant

OpenAI's ChatGPT can now be set as the default voice assistant on Android devices through beta version 1.2025.070, offering users an alternative to Google's Gemini or Assistant. After joining the beta program via the Play Store, users can designate ChatGPT as their primary assistant through device settings. While ChatGPT lacks hotword activation and device control capabilities, this integration marks a significant step in OpenAI's mobile strategy, positioning its conversational AI directly within Android's ecosystem. The move reflects OpenAI's broader push to embed its technology across platforms while challenging Google's dominance in the mobile assistant space.

Microsoft injects AI magic into Windows 11 Paint, Snipping, and Notepad

Microsoft is rolling out a trio of AI features to Windows 11 Insiders, transforming everyday tools into creative powerhouses. Paint gains a sticker generator that turns text prompts into custom graphics, while Snipping Tool's new "Perfect Screenshot" automatically resizes captures based on content. Notepad now offers AI-powered text generation via keyboard shortcuts or right-click options. These updates require either Copilot+ PCs or Microsoft 365 subscriptions and represent CEO Satya Nadella's vision of an "AI platform shift" that seamlessly integrates generative capabilities into familiar applications, positioning Windows ahead of competitors in making system utilities smarter.

How captv8 and perplexity’s AI is shaking up influencer marketing

Captiv8 and Perplexity have joined forces to embed AI-powered campaign intelligence throughout the influencer marketing workflow. The integration leverages Perplexity's Sonar AI models to deliver four key features: AI-driven creator vetting, a natural language campaign assistant, real-time brand safety scoring, and automated performance reports. Early adopters report faster planning cycles and more targeted campaigns. "This provides an intelligent co-pilot for our clients," notes Captiv8 CEO Krishna Subramanian. The partnership represents a significant leap in marketing AI integration, offering brands and agencies a comprehensive solution that promises to enhance efficiency and ROI.

Image

Midjourney crowdsources fans to revive “old magic” in new V7 release

Midjourney is preparing to make its V7 model the default while acknowledging users' nostalgia for previous versions' distinctive qualities. The company has launched a "ranking party" inviting the community to rate images from all past models based on beauty. This crowdsourced aesthetic evaluation aims to inform how Midjourney might infuse "old MJ magic" into new capabilities or create specialized V7 style modes that capture beloved characteristics from earlier versions. Users can participate in shaping the future direction of the platform by visiting midjourney.com/rank-old.

Use Cases

ElevenLabs powers AI voices for top publishers amid ethical debates

ElevenLabs continues to cement its position as the premier AI voice generation platform, now serving major publishers like The Washington Post and Time. The $3.3 billion-valued company offers comprehensive voice tools—from text-to-speech conversion to voice cloning and dubbing—all accessible through an intuitive interface in VoiceLabs. While controversy surrounds AI voice technology, ElevenLabs addresses ethical concerns with content moderation, voice verification protocols, and law enforcement partnerships. With flexible pricing starting at just $5 monthly, the platform makes sophisticated voice technology accessible to content creators while powering high-profile projects like Melania Trump's AI-narrated audiobook.

Insights

Perplexity AI challenges Google with smarter, source-backed answers

Perplexity AI is gaining traction as a Google alternative, combining AI models with internet sources to provide comprehensive answers with cited sources. After a month-long test, users find its strengths in detailed buying advice, how-to guides, and complex research queries through features like "Deep Research" and personalized "Spaces." The platform lets users toggle between AI models (OpenAI, Claude, Grok), but unlike Google, Perplexity can't complete transactions or provide navigation—it excels at information retrieval while falling short on actionable tasks that still require traditional search engines.