📰Trace Lab Newsletter #10

🌍 Welcome back Tracers!🌟

Welcome to the 10th edition of our Trace AI newsletter! This time, we’re diving into some seriously exciting developments that are pushing the boundaries of what AI can do in media and content creation. From a groundbreaking partnership between Lionsgate and Runway that could change how Hollywood approaches AI, to ElevenLabs’ new feature for crafting custom AI voices with just a text prompt, this edition is packed with innovations that spark new creative possibilities. We’ll also look at some powerful tools for team engagement, turning training into engaging, bite-sized learning paths that keep everyone motivated.

Let’s jump in and explore these exciting advancements together!

LATEST NEWS

ChatGPT Search
🔍 OpenAI Brings Real-Time Search to ChatGPT

OpenAI has unveiled a new search feature for ChatGPT, turning it into a robust, real-time information hub that integrates web search capabilities. This upgrade sets up ChatGPT as a viable alternative to traditional search engines like Google, empowering users to access live data directly through the chatbot.

Key highlights:

• Instant Access: The feature allows ChatGPT to pull in real-time information about news, sports, stocks, and weather, complete with source attributions and clickable links.

• Seamless Activation: Searches are automatically triggered when needed, or can be manually launched by users with a simple click of a globe icon.

• Enhanced by GPT-4o: The system runs on a specialized GPT-4o model fine-tuned for retrieving web content, giving users direct access to sources.

• Partnerships with Major Publishers: OpenAI has secured content licensing with top publishers like AP, Reuters, and Axel Springer, enriching the platform's information sources.

🔗 Read the full announcement

Why It Matters for Trace: OpenAI's move towards real-time search capability not only redefines ChatGPT’s utility but also signals a shift in how people interact with AI-powered platforms for information. For Trace, this evolution in AI search technology is key as it enhances how we leverage ChatGPT for timely content, audience engagement, and data-driven insights.

Claude
🖥️ Anthropic's AI Now Navigates Computers Like a Human

Anthropic has just introduced a new feature called "computer use" within its AI models, enabling Claude to navigate computer interfaces. This upgrade allows the AI to view screens, type, move cursors, and execute commands autonomously.

Key highlights:

• Autonomous Navigation: Claude can now autonomously operate various interfaces, performing complex tasks across multiple applications and websites.

• Learning General Computer Skills: Instead of building a standalone tool, Anthropic taught the model “general computer skills,” making it behave more naturally, like a human.

• Enhanced Sonnet 3.5: The new Sonnet version outperforms other models in coding and tool usage, excelling in key benchmarks.

• Cost-Effective Haiku 3.5: The Haiku 3.5 model matches previous high-end models’ capabilities at a lower cost and with higher speed.

• Ongoing Improvement: Anthropic acknowledges that computer use is still imperfect (with some funny examples here), encouraging low-risk testing until skills improve.

🔗 Watch the introductory video

Why it matters for Trace: While many anticipated Opus 3.5, Anthropic’s Sonnet and Haiku upgrades are powerful. With "computer use" embedded in its foundational models, Anthropic is making a strong statement to automation startups—even if the full potential isn’t unlocked… yet.

Runway x Lionsgate
⭐ Lionsgate Partners with Runway for GenAI

Lionsgate, the studio behind blockbuster franchises like The Hunger Games, John Wick, and Saw, has teamed up with AI video generation company Runway to create a custom AI model tailored to its film catalogue.

Key highlights:

• Unique AI Model: The partnership will develop a specialized AI model trained on Lionsgate’s proprietary content library, enabling the generation of cinematic video that filmmakers can further customize with Runway’s tools.

• Streamlining Film Production: Lionsgate aims to use AI as an enhancement for both pre-production and post-production, making workflows faster and more flexible.

• Potential for Independent Creators: Runway plans to explore ways to offer similarly trained models as templates for individual creators, widening access to AI-driven filmmaking beyond the major studios.

🔗 Read more about the partnership

Why it matters for Trace: While industry professionals are voicing concerns over AI like ChatGPT, Lionsgate’s proactive approach to generative AI could redefine content creation in Hollywood. This pioneering collaboration with Runway is one of the first between a major studio and an AI startup — its success could reshape how studios integrate AI into filmmaking.

Training
🎙️ Create a Custom AI Voice with Just a Text Prompt

ElevenLabs’ new Voice Design feature allows you to generate unique AI voices on demand with natural accents, emotions, and speaking styles — perfect for bringing creative projects to life.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Go to Eleven Labs and select “Voices” from the left sidebar.

2. Choose “Voice Design” under the Add new voice option.

3. Write a detailed voice description, including details like age, accent, gender, and style.

4. Preview three AI-generated variations, pick your favorite, and save it for immediate use.

Pro Tip: Check out the ElevenLabs prompting guide for tips on creating the best voices and sample prompts to help you get started.

Why it matters for Trace: This tool enables Trace to produce realistic voices for short-form content, whether it’s Trace Academia courses, social shorts, or upcoming programs like Trace News.

NEW PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS

GPTs and AI Tools Spotlight

• 🎓 Inncivio: AI-Powered Engagement Infrastructure for Teams
  Keep your team motivated and engaged! Inncivio transforms your training material into fun, bite-sized knowledge modules, complete with personalized learning paths to make upskilling easy and ensure knowledge retention.

• 🗣️ Aptitude: Listen to Your Customers at Scale
  Let AI conduct and analyze conversations with hundreds of customers, delivering the depth of an interview with the reach of a survey.

• 📝 Note This Down: Transcribe Handwritten Notes with AI
  Easily convert your handwritten notes into digital text, perfect for organizing ideas and sharing content effortlessly.

• 📊 Handinger: The Easiest Way to Extract Data
  Simplify data extraction with Handinger, an AI-powered tool designed to pull relevant information quickly and accurately.

UNTIL NEXT TIME…

AI Paving the Future: Embracing Change Together

As we wrap up this edition, we hope these AI innovations have sparked your imagination! With each advancement, the media landscape transforms, and at Trace, we're excited to be at the forefront of this evolution. Let’s stay curious, keep learning, and continue pushing the limits of what’s possible together.

Thank you for being part of the journey! Keep an eye out for our next edition, where we’ll dive even deeper into the latest in AI. Together, let’s drive the future of media forward!

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