🗞️In this edition

• •Moonvalley launches filmmaker friendly AI model

• • Workflow Wednesday #27 ‘AI Exploration’

• •Meta deepens wearables partnership with EssilorLuxottica

• • In other AI news –

  • •GenAI set to boost Prime Day shopping

  • •IBM launches power-efficient AI chips

  • •OpenAI, Microsoft fund teacher AI training

• • 7 must-try AI tools

AI video startup Moonvalley releases cinematic tool for filmmakers

♨️News –  Los Angeles-based startup Moonvalley has opened its AI video model, Marey, to the public. Unlike most text-to-video tools, Marey offers more direct control to filmmakers, from adjusting camera angles to syncing character motion, and is trained entirely on licensed data to help avoid copyright concerns. 

👨‍💻Fast facts –

• Marey is now available through a monthly credit-based plan starting at $14.99.

• Users can generate clips up to five seconds long.

• Features include free camera motion, scene editing, and object-level control.

• The team includes former DeepMind researchers and recently acquired studio Asteria.

• Upcoming features include lighting controls, character libraries, and advanced motion paths.

🤓OpenTools POV –   Marey reflects a shift in AI video tools toward creative utility. By combining technical control with accessible pricing, Moonvalley is making high-end storytelling tools more available to independent creators who often lack the budget or backing to bring their ideas to life.This

This Week in Workflow Wednesday #27: AI Exploration

Spot Market Trends Faster with Perplexity
Trying to stay ahead of the AI curve? Trend research usually means 20 tabs, scattered notes, and digging through outdated blog posts.
Here’s how to skip the rabbit holes and get real answers, fast:

Step 1:
 Start with a Trend-Driven Query
Head to Perplexity and drop in a focused research query around AI trends or emerging tools. Examples:

• “What are the fastest-growing AI startups in 2025?”

Step 2:
 Scan the Sources, Not Just the Answer
Perplexity pulls from recent news, blogs, and research papers - all linked. Use the ……
We break it down fully in this week’s issue, along with 2 other ultra-simple AI workflows

Meta invests in eyewear giant to strengthen AI hardware play

☕News – Meta has taken a small stake in EssilorLuxottica, the company behind Ray-Bans, deepening their partnership on smart glasses. The investment marks a bigger commitment from Meta to turn its wearable AI ambitions into a mainstream reality. 

👨‍💻Fast facts –

• Meta now owns just under 3% of EssilorLuxottica, valued at around €3 billion.

• The stake could grow to about 5%, though that is not confirmed.

• The two companies co-develop smart glasses like Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley models.

• Meta sees smart glasses as a way to control its own hardware and platforms.

• The deal gives Meta better access to global supply chains and retail networks.

🤓OpenTools POV –  Meta is making a long-term bet on smart glasses as the next big computing platform. With this deal, it is not just building hardware but also buying a front-row seat to how people may one day use AI in daily life.  

🙆🏻‍♀️What else is happening?

• GenAI as a shopping assistant set to explode during Prime Day sales // A new report estimates that AI will be a larger-than-ever part of the online shopping process during Amazon’s Prime Day sale

• IBM rolls out new chips and servers, aims for simplified AI // IBM announced a new line of data center chips and servers that it says will be more power-efficient than rivals and will simplify the process of rolling out artificial intelligence in business operations

• OpenAI and Microsoft Bankroll New A.I. Training for Teachers // The American Federation of Teachers said it would use the $23 million, including $500,000 from the A.I. start-up Anthropic, to create a national training center

👩🏼‍🚒Discover mind-blowing AI tools

1. Learn How to Use AI - Starting January 8, 2025, we’re launching Workflow Wednesday, a series where we teach you how to use AI effectively. Lock in early bird pricing now and secure your spot. Check it out here

2. OpenTools AI Tools Expert  - Find the perfect AI Tool to solve supercharge your workflow. This GPT is connected to our database, so you can ask in depth questions on any AI tool directly in ChatGPT (free)

3. Quino - A tool that allows users to upload any document or research paper, and generate personalized notes

4. Wisecut - Online automatic video editing software that uses AI and voice recognition to edit videos

5. Anyword - An AI copywriting tool that helps performance marketers generate and optimize their copy

6. Fathom - An AI meeting assistant that records, transcribes, highlights, and summarizes meetings

7. BigJPG - A tool to enhance images without losing quality