Adobe’s Firefly Video model has introduced new updates including Generate Sound Effects, in beta, and a text-to-avatar feature that lets users turn scripts into avatar-led videos “in just a few clicks.” Firefly becomes the second video model to generate audio, joining Veo 3, although unlike Google’s AI video tool Firefly does not yet generate dialogue. What it can do is output foley-like sound and sound effects, while text-to-avatar can generate speech. As with Firefly’s generative visuals, Adobe says Generate Sound Effects is “commercially safe,” which means they are trained only on licensed or publicly available material. Read more

AI is now part of every paid Slack subscription, and the platform continues building out its agentic OS with new features including enterprise search connectors, writing assistance, and contextual definitions embedded in the app. The Enterprise+ plan, which scales AI company-wide, now includes AI for drafting documents and answering questions using information stored in Slack chats and connected apps. Business+ is adding recaps, translations, workflow generation and AI-powered search, while the entry-level Pro tier offers AI summarization for conversations in channels, threads and huddles, making it easier to stay current on communications. Read more

OpenAI is adding Google Cloud to its list of global infrastructure providers for ChatGPT after relying exclusively on Microsoft Azure since the chatbot’s 2022 launch until January 2025 when Stargate was announced. Oracle and CoreWeave are also OpenAI cloud providers. Oracle is a Stargate investor, as is Nvidia, which holds a minority interest in CoreWeave. OpenAI has been active as it heads toward a December deadline for transitioning to a for-profit company. Meanwhile, ChatGPT is integrating a payment system to receive commissions on sales it initiates, and yesterday OpenAI launched a new AI agent that can perform complex tasks within a user’s browser. Read more

The Microsoft Store has an update to Microsoft Copilot that extends the capabilities of Copilot Vision. Rolling out initially to members of the Windows Insider Program, Desktop Share allows Copilot Vision to see a user’s desktop, enabling real-time conversation with the AI app, which will be able to answer questions about what it sees using text or natural language. Copilot Vision “can help analyze content, provide insights, and answer your questions, coaching you through it aloud,” according to Microsoft, offering things like “tips on making improvements to your creative project, help with improving your resume, or guidance while navigating a new game.” Read more

ABC News will debut an original weekday news show on Disney+. Anchored by James Longman and Rachel Scott, “What You Need to Know” debuts July 21, streaming Monday through Friday beginning at 6:00 a.m. ET and available for 24 hours thereafter on demand. ABC News describes the show as a “short-form series” and “a fast, fresh way to stay ahead of the conversation as viewers start their day.” Formatted for young attention spans, the anchors will deliver headline highlights in an 8-to-10-minute recap. Disney+ President Alisa Bowen says the show offers “smart, bite-sized commentary on the stories that matter most.” Read more