🗣️ Google’s New AI Tools Are Taking On Duolingo—Here’s What Language Learners Need to Know

Hey smart thinkers,

Pour yourself a fresh cup of brain tea—this week’s newsletter is brimming with stories where AI collides with business, ethics, and everyday life. Whether you’re running a startup, managing a team, or just love a good headline, there’s something here for you.

By popular demand, we’re running another round of AI Your Agency (aka AI Your Opps)! 🚀

The next course is launching this June, so if you missed out last time, now’s your chance. Seats filled up fast before, so don’t wait—secure your spot today!

Elevate Your Business with AI & Automations
Picture this: smoother operations, smarter workflows, and results you can actually measure. That’s exactly what our 4D AI Implementation series is all about. Over four weeks, you’ll learn how to design step-by-step workflows that save time, cut down on repetitive tasks, and take your business efficiency to the next level.

📅 The next 4 week series kicks off the first week of June.
🎟️ Seats are limited, so grab yours now!
📹 Busy schedule? We’ve got you covered with recordings you can watch whenever it works for you.

Why work harder when you can work smarter?

🗣️ Google’s AI Language Tools: Beyond Textbooks

Google just revealed three fresh AI experiments for language learners that could leave Duolingo sweating. 

• “Tiny Lesson” helps you learn those must-have phrases you need in real life (“Help, I lost my passport!”). Just describe a situation and get tailored words, grammar tips, and responses. 
• “Slang Hang” goes further, teaching you how real people speak—not just what’s in the textbooks. Ever wish you sounded less formal and more like a local? This one’s for you. 

Sound like your style? These tools are experimental, but keep an ear out if you’re learning a new language this year. Google has been THE go to source for translation for more than 2 decades now, they are surely going to dominate if they release their capabilities to the public.

🛡️ AI Talent Flocks to Europe’s Defense Startups 

Here’s a twist on the usual U.S.-bound AI brain-drain. Driven by shifting politics and a serious sense of mission (the war in Ukraine is a big motivator), some of Europe’s brightest tech minds are heading home to work for fast-growing defense firms like Comand AI and Alpine Eagle. 

• It’s not all about the paycheck. Many want impact and purpose, not just a six-figure offer from Google or Palantir. 
• Investment is surging. European defense companies bagged $626M so far in 2024 (up 10x since 2022). 
• The debate is fierce though—using AI for defense comes with a heavy ethical undertow. 

Would you choose a bigger salary, or a chance to build tech that shapes history?

🤖 Reddit’s AI Experiment Gets… Uncomfortable

Ever argue with a chatbot online? You may not even know it. University of Zurich researchers secretly set up bot armies on Reddit’s r/changemyview forum to test how well AI can sway opinions. The bots posted over 1,700 comments (pretending to be everything from counselors to protesters) and were up to SIX TIMES more persuasive than humans at changing minds. 

Ethical lines were most definitely crossed (Reddit is threatening to sue). But it’s a nudge to ask—for anyone using forums to crowdsource advice or debate tough topics—just who’s on the other side of the screen?

📞 SMBs & AI Voice Agents = Real Revenue Gains

A new Vida survey shows small and medium-sized businesses using AI-powered voice agents are winning big. 

• 97% report more revenue 
• 82% see improved customer engagement 
• 80% save 5+ hours a week 

The catch? Only about a fifth of SMBs have actually implemented AI voice tools. Top barriers include worries about customer preferences and complex setup—but for those who push through, the payoff is clear. 

Where’s your business on this curve? We have some AI Smart friends who can help you set up those voice agents! Email info@aismartventures.com with your biz info if you want to have an AI agent help you reach more customers or respond to the ones that you have.

🔬 MIT’s “Periodic Table” for Machine Learning

Researchers at MIT have developed a new framework—likened to a “periodic table”—that organizes machine learning methods in a unified system. This innovative structure allows scientists to mix and match existing concepts more easily, potentially accelerating the discovery of better or entirely new AI models. It’s a powerful step toward more efficient, creative AI development.

🚀 Zapier Launches AI Orchestration Platform to Supercharge Automation

Zapier has unveiled a powerful AI orchestration platform that lets you embed AI agents into workflows across nearly 8,000 apps—helping teams scale automation faster than ever. New features include smart AI agents that adapt to situations, Slack-based human-in-the-loop approvals (we use these), and AI-first templates for lead generation, IT support, and sales.

Companies are already saving millions and reclaiming thousands of work hours. Whether you’re streamlining support or enriching leads, Zapier’s AI tools now make it easier to go from idea to impact—no coding required.

🛠️ This Week’s Can’t-Miss Tools

• Leonardo.ai – FREE AI image and video generator
• OS CRM for automating your client outreach and growing without hiring an army.
• HeyGen – Produce studio-quality videos (for ads, UGC, social media, blogs, and other marketing materials) with AI-generated avatars and voices.

Want the full list of recommendations? Click here to explore tools tailored to make your work life a heck of a lot easier.

💥 What’s Next? 

TODAY! May 7, 2 PM PST 

AI Smart Labs – UGC and AI avatars on HeyGen with Nicole Donnelly & Scott Empringham

Discover innovative strategies to scale your video content with HeyGen. Expect actionable tips, powerful insights, and practical how-tos you can start using right away.

📌 [Save Your Spot]

🙋 Join the Conversation

This isn’t just about sending newsletters into the void—we’re building a lively hub here. If you’ve got insights itching for daylight, questions that stump the wise, or ideas that buzz louder than a caffeinated bee, send them flying to info@aismartventures.com. Your contributions are the fuel for our content engine, driving us to enlighten and inspire.

See you in the Lab!
– Nicole A. Donnelly, Founder

AI Smart Ventures

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