Pilot

Staying current with AI developments is a passion of mine, so I’ve launched a personal project: Byte-Sized Intelligence, a weekly AI newsletter. It’s a self driven initiative to deepen my learning while building a useful resource for time constrained professionals like you.

Every Thursday, you can expect:

1. Important AI news: Key developments, decoded for you.

2. Simplified AI concepts: No jargon, just clear, useful explanations.

3. “Try this” experiments: Tools or prompts to test in under 5 minutes.

Thanks for being a part of this pilot. If something stood out (or didn’t land), hit reply and let me know or share this with someone who might enjoy it too.

AI in Action

Duolingo’s Bold AI-First Shift

In an all-hands email shared on LinkedIn on April 28, 2025, Duolingo  CEO Luis von Ahn declared the company is going “AI-first”, unveiling a bold shift toward an automation-led operations model. The company plans to phase out contractors for content creation and prioritize automation wherever possible, part of cuts that began in 2023. New hires will be approved only if a task can’t be automated, and AI proficiency will now factor into performance reviews.

On top of efficiency, Duolingo is also using AI to expand its product offerings. From launching new language courses faster, to introducing interactive features like AI powered video calls with characters like “Lily”, AI is not just replacing work, it’s unlocking new ways to teach and engage.

Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke issued a similar internal memo recently echoing the same stance: employees must now justify why AI can’t do the job before adding headcount. This signals a broader shift toward leaner teams, as well as AI-enhanced strategy and creativity.

AI can be a force multiplier, offering cost savings, faster delivery and new capabilities. However it can also bring job displacement, potential quality risks, and growing pushback( as seen in LinkedIn comments after Duolingo’s layoffs). Firms must balance automation with human creativity to avoid short-term efficiency gains at the cost of long-term innovation.

Bits of Brilliance

Which AI Is Right for You?

With so many AI tools available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The key is to find one that matches your needs, tone, and workflow. Whether you need a creative collaborator, a structured problem solver, or a friendly voice, this table offers a quick comparison of today’s leading AI tools, their model backbones, and standout user experiences. Use it to find your best fit, the one that works with you, not just for you.

Try This

Turn yourself into an AI Generated Action Figure

You may have seen those photorealistic AI generated action figures making the rounds. Now it’s your turn to create one. All you need is a photo of yourself, the customizable prompt below, and share your result with me!

How it works:

1. Upload your photo

2. Copy and paste the prompt in your favorite AI tool

3. Fill in the blanks to make it yours

Prompt Template:

Use this photo to create a photorealistic image of a cartoon-style action figure of [Your Name], packaged vertically in a premium collectible blister pack, seen from the front. The figure is on the left, [pose], [facial expression], wearing [outfit]. On the right, [#] accessories are arranged neatly in separate moulded compartments: [Accessory 1], [Accessory 2], and [Accessory 3]. The frosted cardboard holder features a [color] background and the title ”[Display Title]” in [font choice], [font color] at the [position]. The plastic blister is [shiny/matte] with light reflections, and the image is lit with [type of lighting] that enhances the [theme/mood]. Cinematic, hyper-detailed, high-resolution product photography.

Example: Use this photo to create a photorealistic image of an cartoon-style action figure [Laurel], packaged vertically in a premium collectible blister pack, seen from the front. The figure is on the left, holding a coffee mug with the word AI on it, big smile, wearing a white polo and pastel pink overall jeans. On the right, three accessories are arranged neatly in separate moulded compartments: [open laptop 1], [robot 2] and [Chocolate chip cookie with a bite3]. The frosted cardboard holder features [light blue] background and the title [“Byte-sized Intelligence”] in a [Futoro], [white font] at the top. The plastic blister is shiny with light reflections, and the image is lit with [natural] lighting that enhances the [uplifting] atmosphere. Cinematic, hyper-detailed, high-resolution product photography.

_{Byte-Sized Intelligence is a personal newsletter created for educational and informational purposes only. The content reflects the personal views of the author and does not represent the opinions of any employer or affiliated organization. This publication does not offer financial, investment, legal, or professional advice. Any references to tools, technologies, or companies are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. Readers should independently verify any information before acting on it. All AI-generated content or tool usage should be approached critically. Always apply human judgment and discretion when using or interpreting AI outputs.}