Hey friend,

It’s been another busy week in the AI space, so let’s dive straight into it.

Today, we’ll explore

• How to use AI to create perfect video and podcast audio.

• How to use Perplexity with N8N to build an AI research assistant.

• OpenAI’s new GPT-4.5 release

AI Tool Spotlight: Auphonic - AI Audio Enhancer

I’ve been spending more time creating video content this week and discovered this great AI tool that enhances audio for video or podcasts. Upload your raw audio and watch as it transforms into professional, perfectly levelled audio. The results are honestly mind-blowing and save hours of work for anyone who frequently creates video content. You get 2 hours free per month.

Check it out here.

How To Use Perplexity In N8N (And Build An AI Research Automation)

Perplexity and N8N are two of my favourite tools for improving productivity. Perplexity is a powerful AI search engine that I love and N8N is a powerful workflow automation tool. However, N8N doesn’t have a built-in integration for N8N.

On my YouTube channel this week I show you how to use Perplexity in N8N and how to build your AI research assistant.

Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVutlm-avuI

AI Highlights

Here’s my pick of AI news this week:

1. OpenAI Unveils GPT-4.5

OpenAI announced GPT-4.5, the latest iteration of its ChatGPT model, marking a significant advancement in conversational AI technology. GPT-4.5 introduces improvements in emotional intelligence, natural conversation, and overall capabilities.

Key features of GPT-4.5:

• Emotional intelligence: The model engages in more intuitive and emotionally nuanced conversations

• Improved pattern recognition: GPT-4.5 demonstrates better ability to draw connections and generate creative insights

• Reduced hallucinations: The system is less prone to generating false or misleading information

• Interactions reportedly feel more like talking to a thoughtful person

Here's the catch, though – it's expensive. The API pricing is $75 per million input tokens and $150 per million output tokens for the API. That's a massive jump from previous models.

While GPT-4.5 represents a notable step forward, it's important to note that OpenAI is already working on GPT-5, which is expected to be released later this year.

2. Alibaba Open-Sources Advanced AI Video Generation Model Wan 2.1

Chinese tech giant Alibaba has open-sourced its AI video generation model, Wan 2.1, making sophisticated video creation technology freely available to researchers, developers, and businesses worldwide.

Key features:

• Capabilities: The models can generate high-quality images and videos from text and image inputs, utilising 14 billion parameters

• Accessibility: Now available on Alibaba Cloud and Hugging Face platforms for academic, research, and commercial use

• Performance: Currently ranks as the top video-generation model on VBench

Alibaba's decision to open-source Wan 2.1 follows a growing trend: companies are making advanced models freely available.

The release of Wan 2.1 also positions Alibaba as a key player in the global AI infrastructure, potentially challenging Western AI giants.

3. Amazon Unveils AI-Powered Alexa Upgrade for More Natural Smart Home Interactions

Amazon has introduced a significant AI upgrade to its Alexa voice assistant, integrating generative AI capabilities to create a more conversational and intuitive user experience. This new version of Alexa, powered by a custom-built large language model (LLM) optimised for voice interactions, represents a significant advancement in smart home technology.

Key points:

• Enhanced conversational abilities: Alexa can now engage in more fluid, context-aware dialogues without repetition

• Improved task completion: Users can perform multiple actions in a single conversation, such as ordering and modifying food deliveries

4. OpenAI Sora Now Available In EU

OpenAI Sora, it’s AI video generation model, is now available for people in the EU. ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers in these regions will be able to create videos using the model.

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Owain