Welcome, AI Enthusiasts!

Today’s AI Insights:

• Baidu unveils ERNIE 4.5 & ERNIE X1

• Google replaces Assistant with Gemini

• OpenAI targets DeepSeek in policy push

• SoftBank buys $676M Sharp factory to build AI data center

• Google adds Chirp 3 to Vertex AI

• How to design text-rich images with AI

• AI tool of the day

• Latest AI and tech news

• Top AI tools

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LATEST AI NEWS

BAIDU

🔍 Baidu Unveils ERNIE 4.5 & ERNIE X1

Smarter, faster, and now free to explore.

Baidu has launched two powerful AI models — ERNIE 4.5, a next-gen multimodal model, and ERNIE X1, a deep-thinking reasoning model. Both are now freely available to individual users via ERNIE Bot’s website, well ahead of schedule.

The Details:

• ERNIE 4.5 combines advanced text, image, audio, and video understanding — offering strong reasoning, coding, and memory skills. It reportedly outperforms GPT-4.5 in multiple benchmarks at just 1% of the cost.

• ERNIE X1 is Baidu’s first deep-thinking multimodal reasoning model — with tool use, complex calculations, dialogue generation, and advanced Chinese Q&A abilities.

• Enterprise access is live via Baidu’s Qianfan Cloud platform, with input/output token prices starting at RMB 0.004 / 0.016 for ERNIE 4.5 and RMB 0.002 / 0.008 for ERNIE X1.

• Key features include FlashMask dynamic attention, mixture-of-experts tech, and self-feedback enhanced training — enabling smarter and faster outputs.

Why it matters:

Baidu’s move puts cutting-edge AI tools in more hands — rivaling global models like GPT-4.5 at a fraction of the cost. With free public access and aggressive pricing, Baidu is doubling down on its AI ambitions in 2025.

✨ Go ahead, explore what ERNIE 4.5 and X1 can do — it might just surprise you.

🤝 TOGETHER WITH FELLOW

GOOGLE

 🔄 Google Replaces Assistant with Gemini

A major shift in your phone’s AI companion is coming.

Google has announced that it will retire Google Assistant later this year and fully replace it with Gemini, its more advanced AI assistant, across Android phones and connected devices.

The Details:

• Assistant Phase-Out: Assistant will be gradually removed from most mobile devices and app stores in the coming months.

• Gemini Expansion: Tablets, cars, headphones, watches, and even home devices like speakers and TVs will get Gemini integration.

• New Features Added: Gemini now supports music playback, timers, and actions from your lock screen — features users heavily relied on in Assistant.

• Default AI Going Forward: Google’s new Pixel 9 smartphones already come with Gemini preloaded, highlighting the company’s long-term shift.

Why it matters:

This marks a big leap toward more intelligent, generative AI experiences on Android. Gemini aims to offer smarter help, deeper research tools, and more natural conversations — but whether it’ll meet expectations remains to be seen.

AI TOOL OF THE DAY

💻 CodeLLM: Code Faster with AI

CodeLLM by Abacus AI is a smart code editor that makes coding easy and quick! It uses top AI like Sonnet 3.5, Gemini, and Qwen to guess your next lines, fix bugs, and even turn ideas into code.

Perfect for beginners or pros who want to save time.

👉 Code smarter—try CodeLLM today!

AI & TECH NEWS

Google is integrating Chirp 3, its advanced speech-to-text and HD text-to-speech model, into Vertex AI next week. With 8 new voices in 31 languages, Chirp 3 powers voice assistants, audiobooks, support agents, and video voiceovers. Safety restrictions will apply to prevent misuse.

Amazon is ending its “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” feature on Echo devices. From March 28, all Alexa voice requests will be processed in the cloud, citing the need for generative AI support. Privacy concerns are resurfacing as Alexa+ rolls out.

SoftBank is investing $676M to convert a former Sharp LCD factory in Osaka into a major AI data center, supporting its collaboration with OpenAI in Japan. The facility, set to start operations in 2026, will power advanced AI tools and customized enterprise agents under their joint venture.

OpenAI calls DeepSeek “state-subsidized” and urges a U.S. ban on PRC-backed AI models, citing security and IP risks. It claims DeepSeek must comply with China’s data laws, posing threats. Later, OpenAI softened its stance, saying it supports fair access—not full bans.

AI TUTORIAL

🎨 How to Design Text-Rich Images with Ideogram

Ideogram is an AI-driven tool that generates stunning images from text prompts, excelling at blending readable text into visuals—think logos, posters, or social media graphics—fast and effortlessly.

Steps to follow:

1. Sign up at ideogram.ai with your email for free access.

2. Type a prompt like “vintage poster with ‘Coffee Time’ in bold” into the generator.

3. Choose a style (e.g., retro, modern) from the preset options.

4. Hit generate and tweak text placement or colors if needed in the editor.

5. Download your image as a PNG or JPG, ready to use anywhere.

👉 Try it here: ideogram.ai

TOP AI TOOLS

📸 Airshot – Create personal brand videos quickly with AI-generated templates.

🎥 WUI.AI – Turn long videos into short, engaging clips effortlessly using AI.

⚖️ Harvey – AI platform built for legal and professional services to streamline workflows and boost efficiency.

💬 Overchat – All-in-one AI platform for writing, chatting, and enhancing productivity.

🎬 Vidu AI – Generate high-quality videos from text in just a few clicks.

🧠 MindLumen - AI therapy platform for mental health support and personal growth.

AI MEME OF THE DAY

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