AI First: The Radical Shift That’s Replacing Jobs with Algorithms and Reshaping the Future of Work
In a groundbreaking move, Duolingo has announced it will transition to an "AI first" approach, using artificial intelligence to handle tasks that were once carried out by human contractors. This marks a significant shift in the relationship between technology and work. The company revealed that it would only expand its workforce when automation has been maximized, with AI accelerating content creation in ways that were previously unimaginable. This shift is part of a larger trend where tech giants like IBM, Shopify, and Workday are implementing similar strategies, prioritizing AI for everything from customer service to internal operations. The move highlights how AI can be seamlessly integrated into all aspects of business, making it the central hub of operations and decision-making processes.
This "AI first" strategy is not just about replacing workers—it's about optimizing efficiency. While some fear that AI will displace a large portion of the workforce, the truth is more nuanced. The trend seems to lean more toward enhancing human capabilities than replacing them entirely. At Duolingo, for instance, while reducing its external workforce by 10%, the company has hired more engineers and researchers specializing in AI. Other companies, like IBM, are making similar adjustments, where automation takes over repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on higher-value work. According to the World Economic Forum, 77% of companies are planning to upskill their employees to work alongside AI, signaling a gradual adaptation rather than an outright replacement.
The "AI first" model presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to create businesses that help bridge the gap between automation and human work. Entrepreneurs can focus on developing AI tools and platforms that enhance human decision-making, boost productivity, and provide essential training to help the workforce adapt. This shift is also a chance for startups to explore innovative AI applications in industries such as education, healthcare, and customer service, where human oversight and AI integration can complement each other. As businesses embrace AI, those who position themselves as facilitators of this transformation will be at the forefront of the next wave of innovation.
Source: Piccolo, R. (2025, May 4). AI First: How the Focus on Artificial Intelligence is Changing Companies... and Work. WIRED Italy. https://es.wired.com/articulos/ai-first-como-el-enfoque-que-pone-la-inteligencia-artificial-en-el-centro-esta-cambiando-las-empresas-y-el-trabajo
Musical AI Mixer: The Revolutionary Device That Lets You Adjust AI's Personality Like a DJ
In a groundbreaking development, an Australian research team has introduced the Memetic Mixer, a device designed to shape the personality and tone of large language models (LLMs). Inspired by the world of analog synthesizers used in music production, the device allows users to manually tweak AI responses by adjusting sliders that modify attributes such as optimism vs. pessimism or impulsiveness vs. submission. Unlike traditional chat-based AI interactions, this device offers a more hands-on approach, providing a unique tool for enhancing creativity by making AI responses more dynamic and personalized. Users can even control the vocabulary, emotional intensity, and political leanings of the output, offering unprecedented flexibility in AI conversations.
The research team tested the Memetic Mixer with six graduate students, who found it far more stimulating than simpler word-replacement tools like the Memetic Poet. One participant described the experience as "interesting" because it felt like adjusting the AI's personality with their own hands, suggesting that physical interaction with AI could spark creative ideas. This feedback highlights how manipulating AI through familiar, tactile interfaces can deepen engagement and extend the creative potential of generative AI models.
The Memetic Mixer offers a new frontier for entrepreneurs in the AI and creative industries. By integrating intuitive, physical interfaces that mimic established tools from other fields, like music production, startups have an opportunity to develop innovative AI applications that expand user interaction. Entrepreneurs can explore new business models by designing customizable, user-driven AI solutions for industries such as education, entertainment, and therapy, where personalized AI responses could lead to more effective and engaging experiences.
Source: Kawai, R. (2025, May 3). Scientists test a device that molds AI to be more creative. WIRED Japan. https://es.wired.com/articulos/cientificos-prueban-un-dispositivo-que-moldea-la-ia-para-hacerla-mas-creativa
AI is the New Professional Standard: Shopify CEO Declares It’s Essential for Success!
In a groundbreaking memo, Tobi Lütke, CEO of Shopify, made a bold statement about the future of work: artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just an optional tool, but a new professional standard. Lütke emphasized that AI acts as a "multiplier," amplifying human talent rather than replacing it. This shift is about using AI as a "thought partner," working hand in hand with intelligent algorithms to perform tasks that once seemed impossible. The result? Employees who are now 100X more productive, leveraging AI not only to enhance efficiency but to transform how they think and solve problems.
Shopify is already integrating AI into performance evaluations and peer reviews, asking teams to collaborate with AI in their work processes. This approach aligns with practices at companies like Wizeline, where technical interviews focused on understanding candidates' thinking and decision-making processes through pair programming. The core idea is that learning with AI, sharing insights, and refining collaboration with AI is becoming a core competency. It’s no longer about simply using AI; it’s about thinking, exploring, and learning together with AI. As Lütke states, "Learning is self-directed, but you must share what you’ve learned."
This shift in professional standards presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to rethink team dynamics and productivity. By integrating AI into everyday tasks and workflows, startups can amplify their teams' abilities, reducing the need for additional hires while boosting efficiency. As AI becomes a core competency for businesses, those who adapt and foster a culture of continuous learning with AI will have a competitive edge, driving innovation, growth, and collaboration in ways never seen before.
Source: Manzanera Garcí, J., & Abarca, I. A. (2025, May 2). The new professional standard: Learn, think, and build with AI. WIRED. https://es.wired.com/articulos/el-nuevo-estandar-profesional-aprender-pensar-y-construir-con-ai
Meta AI Breaks Free: Your New AI Assistant App with Voice-Powered Magic!
Meta’s artificial intelligence assistant, initially embedded in WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, is now officially launching as a standalone app. The move is designed to make AI tools more accessible to users worldwide, allowing them to download Meta AI directly on Android or iOS devices. Powered by Meta’s generative model, Llama 4, the app promises a highly interactive, voice-driven experience, with capabilities like conversational chat, content creation, and data analysis. The first version of the app focuses on voice-driven interactions, providing users with real-time responses that sound like they’re talking to a human assistant.
In addition to the voice features, Meta AI will introduce a “Discover” section, a feed of recommended content tailored to user interests. This will include creative suggestions and thought-provoking conversations. However, for now, the app is only available in select countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with more regions to follow. For users in these initial markets, linking Facebook or Meta profiles will enhance the AI’s ability to remember personalized data, making it a more efficient assistant over time. As Meta continues to integrate AI into its ecosystem, including its Ray-Ban Meta glasses, users will be able to access a seamless experience across platforms.
Meta’s move to launch an independent AI app marks an important shift in the AI landscape. Entrepreneurs in the tech space have an opportunity to capitalize on this new wave of AI-driven voice technology. By integrating advanced AI like Meta’s Llama 4 into apps, businesses can create more personalized, engaging customer experiences, from customer service to creative brainstorming. The growing reliance on AI assistants opens up numerous avenues for innovation, including opportunities for startups to offer complementary services like AI training, custom voice solutions, or integrations for smart devices, all powered by the same generative models.
Source: Barbera, D. (2025, April 30). Meta AI lands as an independent app with advanced voice capabilities. WIRED Italia. https://es.wired.com/articulos/meta-ai-aterriza-como-una-aplicacion-independiente-con-capacidades-avanzadas-de-voz
OpenAI Takes Shopping to a New Level: Buy Directly Through ChatGPT!
OpenAI has just introduced a game-changing feature for ChatGPT, allowing users to make purchases directly through the platform. This new shopping experience lets users search for products, receive personalized recommendations, and then be redirected to external sites to complete their purchases. Unlike other shopping platforms, ChatGPT offers personalized suggestions based on user preferences, remembering past interactions to refine its recommendations. Whether you're looking for the best espresso machine or office chair, ChatGPT's product suggestions are now tailored to your individual taste, making shopping more intuitive and conversational.
This new feature, which is set to roll out globally, operates by analyzing a combination of online reviews, including those from major editorial sites like WIRED and user-generated content from platforms like Reddit. However, OpenAI’s move into the e-commerce space also raises questions about affiliate revenue. Unlike traditional platforms where paid advertisements play a significant role, ChatGPT provides organic product recommendations without sponsored content. OpenAI is still exploring how affiliate revenue will work, but the main focus is to enhance user experience and provide valuable, unbiased suggestions for consumers.
This new feature marks a significant shift in how businesses and entrepreneurs can engage with consumers. By integrating shopping directly into conversational AI tools, OpenAI has created a new, frictionless e-commerce experience. Entrepreneurs looking to break into the AI or e-commerce industries should consider developing AI-driven shopping solutions that offer personalized experiences, which could be integrated into existing platforms or developed as standalone apps. The potential for affiliate marketing and direct product recommendations will likely grow, offering entrepreneurs fresh avenues for monetization and customer engagement.
Source: Rogers, R. (2025, April 29). OpenAI adds shopping to ChatGPT. WIRED. https://es.wired.com/articulos/openai-anade-compras-a-chatgpt