Welcome to the latest edition of our bi-weekly newsletter designed to keep you in the loop on recent developments in AI, XR & NFTs ! 

On this edition: 

• AI News: ChatGPT in Italy, Meta and Tiktok AI avatars.
• NFT News: Blur.io launches lending, Yuga Labs new CTO, Doodles Stoodio.
• XR Spotlight: AR in Dubai skyline.
• A curated list of 5 AI tools you won't want to miss!

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AI Trends and News

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1. Meta lifelike avatars

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, recently unveiled Codex Avatars, a new project that allows users to create lifelike avatars using their smartphone cameras. The avatars use advanced AI and machine learning technologies to render highly realistic facial expressions and movements, bringing a new level of immersion to virtual environments. Meta hopes that Codex Avatars will help people connect more deeply with each other in a range of settings, from business meetings to social gatherings.

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2. OpenAI's ChatGPT is now accessible in Italy

OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT, is no longer banned in Italy as they have met the requirements set by the Italian data protection authority. OpenAI has taken several actions to address privacy concerns related to ChatGPT, including publishing a new article explaining how ChatGPT collects and uses data to train its algorithm, introducing a new form for EU users to object to their personal data being used to train ChatGPT models, and implementing a new tool to verify users’ ages in Italy.

3. TikTok AI avatars

Tiktok is experimenting with a new tool that enables users to generate personalized AI avatars within the app. According to social media expert Matt Navarra, this feature is similar to Lensa, allowing users to create unique avatars from their pictures using generative AI technology. To utilize the tool, users will be required to select three to ten photographs, after which the feature generates up to 30 avatars based on the images provided. Users can then select up to five unique styles for the avatars. Finally, the avatars can be downloaded, shared on TikTok stories, or used as profile avatars.

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What’s New in NFTs? 

1. Blur introduces Blend

Blur.io introduces Blend, the Peer-to-Peer Perpetual Lending Protocol for NFTs. Blend enables higher yield opportunities and unlocks greater liquidity for NFTs.

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2. Doodles Unveils the Stoodio Experience to Holders

‍Doodles has unveiled the new Stoodio experience for Doodle holders, which serves as an entry point to the Doodles digital ecosystem. The Stoodio offers benefits for Doodle holders such as access to marketplaces, rewards programs, and the Character Builder feature. The feature allows users to create their dream Doodles using Doodles 2 collectibles. In addition, Doodles 2 is set to introduce exclusive brand and artist partnerships in the future.

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3.“The Otherside is being built by the people who built Fortnite.”

Yuga Labs appoints Mike Seavers as their new CTO, which has created excitement in the Bored Ape Yacht Club and Yugaverse communities. Seavers brings over two decades of experience in the gaming industry and was previously the Executive Vice President of Development at Epic Games, where he led the development of Fortnite and the Unreal Engine. 

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XR Spotlight

Dubai landmarks brought to life in never before seen ways with AR app by ODLabs.

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Useful AI Tools 🔨

1. DevGPT - an AI-powered developer toolkit that integrates OpenAI APIs to streamline and automate development workflows.
2. Notably - a research enablement platform that helps product teams do research faster, by surfacing relevant information from various sources.
3. Spoke.ai - a tool that saves time by summarizing Slack threads & channels, making it easier to find and reference important information.
4. Descript - a tool that combines video editing, AI voices, podcasting, transcription, and recording in one place, making it easy to create high-quality content.
5. Hoku - a smart AI health assistant that learns your preferences and supports you, helping you to stay healthy and happy.

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Stay tuned for our next issue, where we'll continue to bring you the latest updates from the worlds of AI, XR & NFTs. 

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