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- đ¨OpenAI Vs Microsoft Gets Tense
đ¨OpenAI Vs Microsoft Gets Tense
PLUS: AI Powers Metaâs New Ads

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Today we will discuss:
Power struggle in AI's top duoâOpenAI weighs antitrust complaints as Microsoft pushes for more control over its AI and IP
Donât miss this weekâs Workflow WednesdayâBuild ethical AI workflows using ChatGPT to draft a real ethics policy, SEMrush to automate content responsibly, and GitHub to build a transparent workflow; now available at only $20/month!
Metaâs AI turns product photos into video adsâThe company is leaning on generative AI to make ad creation faster and cheaper for small businesses
In other AI news âAlta raises $11M to launch an AI fashion stylist inspired by Clueless, TikTok introduces AI-generated influencer ads, Huawei and ByteDance plan major tech investments in Brazil, and Alibaba debuts new Qwen3 models compatible with Appleâs MLX architecture
Saved the best for lastâ10 must-try AI tools
Key Points
OpenAI needs Microsoftâs approval to convert into a for-profit company and avoid losing $20 billion in funding.
The companies are locked in disputes over Windsurfâs IP, cloud access, and Microsoftâs potential stake in a new structure.
â Context of the news - OpenAI and Microsoft are in a tough spot. What was once one of techâs most successful partnerships is now facing serious friction.
OpenAI wants more freedom from Microsoftâs control over its cloud infrastructure and product distribution and is also pushing to complete its conversion into a for-profit public-benefit corporation. But for that to happen, it needs Microsoftâs approval.
đď¸News - So far, getting that green light hasnât been easy. The two companies are stuck in drawn-out negotiations, according to people familiar with the talks.
Reportedly, OpenAI executives have even floated the idea of accusing Microsoft of anticompetitive behavior. That could lead to federal scrutiny and put even more strain on the relationship.
đŻWhat's more? Thereâs also growing tension around OpenAIâs $3 billion acquisition of Windsurf, a coding startup. Microsoft wants access to Windsurfâs intellectual property, while OpenAI is pushing back.
The companies are also at odds over how much Microsoft would own after the conversion. Microsoft is asking for a bigger stake than OpenAI is willing to offer. If OpenAI doesnât complete the conversion by the end of the year, it could lose $20 billion in funding.
Meanwhile, Microsoft wants continued access to OpenAIâs technology, even after the startup reaches artificial general intelligence. Thatâs a level of capability some in the tech world believe is close, while others still see it as far off. Either way, time is running out and both sides have a lot to lose.
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This weekâs topic: AI Ethics
Key Points
Metaâs new tool lets advertisers turn up to 20 product images into video ads with music and text.
The feature is aimed at small businesses, making it easier and cheaper to produce high-quality ad content.
đĽNews - Meta just launched a new AI-powered image-to-video tool for advertisers, allowing brands to turn up to 20 product images into multi-scene video ads complete with music and text overlays.
The feature is designed to help marketers, especially small businesses, create content that stands out on platforms like Facebook and Instagram without needing a full production crew.
đžAI is the main character now - The update isnât a one-off. Metaâs CEO Mark Zuckerberg has gone all-in on AI this year personally recruiting a new âsuperintelligenceâ team and backing companies like Scale AI with a $14.3 billion investment.
AI now sits at the heart of Metaâs ad strategy, which makes sense given that advertising still brings in about 98% of the companyâs revenue.
đ¨âđťMore AI, less effort - The new video tool joins a growing lineup of generative AI features Meta has been quietly rolling out: text-to-image ad creation, AI-generated GIFs, and a still-in-the-works text-to-video tool called Movie Gen.
The announcement coincided with the Cannes Lions ad festival, where TikTok also dropped its own set of AI ad tools. Looks like the battle for AI-driven creativity in marketing is just heating up.
đđťââď¸What else is happening?
Alta raises $11M to bring âCluelessâ fashion tech to life with all-star investors // The product, which feels straight out of the movie Clueless is indeed an AI stylist and personal shopper that makes outfit recommendations and lets users try on those looks with their personalized virtual avatar; the product is backed by some heavy names, including Michelle Obamaâs stylist Meredith Koop, who helped train Altaâs AI
Here comes the AI sponcon // TikTok will let brands generate AI influencer content that mimics what human creators might share
Huawei and ByteDance plan major investments in tech sectors in Brazil // The moves in AI and cloud infrastructure may deepen US concerns about Chinaâs growing digital presence in Latin America
Alibaba launches new Qwen3 AI models for Apple's MLX architecture // The new models would be able to run on a range of Apple devices including iPhone iPad MacBook and Mac Alibaba said in a post on Wechat
đŠđźâđDiscover mind-blowing AI tools
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