Need to Know News - May 2nd, 2025
In this week's Need to Know News edition:
🤖 OpenAI forced to roll back ChatGPT update after AI became "excessively flattering"...
🤖 97% of small businesses using AI voice agents report HIGHER REVENUE — yet only 22% have implemented this game-changing technology...
🤖 Visa unveils AI that shops FOR YOU based on your preferences — potentially changing how billions of people make purchases forever...
And whole lot more!
Duolingo Uses AI to Launch 148 Language Courses in Record Time
Duolingo has launched 148 new language courses, doubling its offerings in under a year. This rapid expansion was made possible by generative AI and automation. CEO Luis von Ahn explained that AI tools now allow course creation at unprecedented speed and quality.
The “shared content” system uses AI to build base courses, which are then customized for different languages. Previously, building a single course took years. These beginner-level courses include immersive features like Stories and DuoRadio.
HeyGen Unveils 'Voice Mirroring' Upgrade to AI Avatars
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OpenAI Rolls Back ChatGPT Update that Made the Bot Excessively Flattering
OpenAI rolled back a GPT-4o update after it caused overly agreeable, fake-sounding replies. The problem came from focusing too much on short-term feedback during training. To fix this, OpenAI is improving training methods and adding rules to make the AI more honest. They’re also letting users shape how ChatGPT acts with tools like custom instructions and real-time feedback
You Can Now Use Google's ChatGPT Competitor AI Mode
Google’s AI Mode is now open to all U.S. Labs users, making search more interactive and intuitive. Users can ask complex, detailed questions and get tailored answers, like finding the best camping gear under $100 or top-rated local businesses.
New features include visual product and place cards with real-time details like prices, reviews, and store hours. AI Mode also helps users revisit past searches with a desktop panel for follow-ups. Powered by Google’s Shopping Graph, which updates 2 billion product listings hourly, AI Mode ensures accurate and fresh information.
Meet Your New Investment Banker: AI Chatbot Rogo
AI start-up Rogo, founded by ex-Lazard analyst Gabriel Stengel, raised $50 million in Series B funding, boosting its valuation to $350 million. Rogo uses AI to automate tasks traditionally done by junior investment bankers, like market analysis and valuation comparisons.
It’s already deployed at firms like Moelis, Nomura, and Tiger Global. The tool aims to augment senior bankers while automating routine work. Backed by Thrive Capital and JPMorgan, Rogo competes with in-house AI models like JPMorgan's and rivals like Mosaic.
97% of SMBs Using AI-Powered Voice Agents See Revenue Boost
A recent survey by Vida shows 97% of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) using AI-powered voice agents report higher revenue. These tools help manage sales inquiries and FAQs, reducing missed calls and saving time. Yet, only 22% of SMBs currently use them, with 31% planning to adopt within two years.
Barriers include fears about customer preference for human interaction and setup complexity. Still, businesses using AI voice agents save over five hours weekly and improve customer engagement.
Visa Introduces AI-Powered Shopping with Intelligent Commerce
Visa unveiled Visa Intelligent Commerce, a platform that uses AI to transform shopping. It allows AI agents to browse, select, and buy items for users based on their preferences. Security is a top priority, with features like AI-ready cards that use tokenized credentials for safe payments.
Users can set spending limits and share purchase insights to personalize recommendations. Visa is partnering with companies like OpenAI and Microsoft to scale this globally.
Claude Can Now Connect to Your World
Claude now connects to your favorite tools with its new Integrations feature. This allows it to work with apps like Jira, Zapier, Intercom, and PayPal, making collaboration and task management easier. For example, Claude can pull sales data, summarize tasks, or manage workflows—all in one place. Developers can also create custom integrations in just 30 minutes.
Claude’s Research feature has also improved. It can now search across the web, Google Workspace, and connected apps to deliver detailed reports in 5 to 45 minutes. Each report includes clear citations, so you know where the information comes from.
Meta Launches New AI App for Personalized Assistance
Meta has introduced the Meta AI app, designed to provide a more personal and seamless AI experience. Built with Llama 4, the app learns user preferences, remembers context, and integrates across Meta platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
It also connects with Meta’s AI glasses, allowing users to switch between devices and pick up conversations where they left off. The app goes beyond basic tasks, offering features like advanced voice interactions and creative tools for image generation.
Google Tests Ads in AI Chatbot Conversations
Google is now placing ads in conversations with third-party AI chatbots like iAsk and Liner. This move brings targeted advertising to a new space as users shift from traditional search to conversational AI. Ads appear within chatbot interactions, such as below AI-generated answers or tailored to longer queries.
Google’s AdSense network powers this feature, offering brands a way to stay visible in this growing channel. However, challenges like lower click rates on AI platforms remain. The big question is whether users will find these ads helpful or intrusive as AI search evolves.
Thanks for reading.
Until next time!
The AI Marketers
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