News from the AI & ML world

DeeperML - #employees

Alexey Shabanov@TestingCatalog //
Anthropic has launched new "Integrations" for Claude, their AI assistant, significantly expanding its functionality. The update allows Claude to connect directly with a variety of popular work tools, enabling it to access and utilize data from these services to provide more context-aware and informed assistance. This means Claude can now interact with platforms like Jira, Confluence, Zapier, Cloudflare, Intercom, Asana, Square, Sentry, PayPal, Linear, and Plaid, with more integrations, including Stripe and GitLab, on the way. The Integrations feature builds on the Model Context Protocol (MCP), Anthropic's open standard for linking AI models to external tools and data, making it easier for developers to build secure bridges for Claude to connect with apps over the web or desktop.

Anthropic also introduced an upgraded "Advanced Research" mode for Claude. This enhancement allows Claude to conduct in-depth investigations across multiple data sources before generating a comprehensive, citation-backed report. When activated, Claude breaks down complex queries into smaller, manageable components, thoroughly investigates each part, and then compiles its findings into a detailed report. This feature is particularly useful for tasks that require extensive research and analysis, potentially saving users a significant amount of time and effort. The Advanced Research tool can now access information from both public web sources, Google Workspace, and the integrated third-party applications.

These new features are currently available in beta for users on Claude's Max, Team, and Enterprise plans, with web search available for all paid users. Developers can also create custom integrations for Claude, with Anthropic estimating that the process can take as little as 30 minutes using their provided documentation. By connecting Claude to various work tools, users can unlock custom pipelines and domain-specific tools, streamline workflows, and leverage Claude's AI capabilities to execute complex projects more efficiently. This expansion aims to make Claude a more integral and versatile tool for businesses and individuals alike.

Recommended read:
References :
  • siliconangle.com: Anthropic updates Claude with new Integrations feature, upgraded research tool
  • the-decoder.com: Claude gets research upgrade and new app integrations
  • AI News: Claude Integrations: Anthropic adds AI to your favourite work tools
  • Maginative: Anthropic launches Claude Integrations and Expands Research Capabilities
  • TestingCatalog: Anthropic tests custom integrations for Claude using MCPs
  • THE DECODER: Claude gets research upgrade and new app integrations
  • www.artificialintelligence-news.com: Claude Integrations: Anthropic adds AI to your favourite work tools
  • SiliconANGLE: Anthropic updates Claude with new Integrations feature, upgraded research tool
  • The Tech Basic: Anthropic introduced two major system updates for their AI chatbot, Claude. Through connections to Atlassian and Zapier services, Claude gains the ability to assist employees with their work tasks. The system performs extensive research by simultaneously exploring internet content, internal documents, and infinite databases. These changes aim to make Claude more useful for businesses and
  • the-decoder.com: Anthropic is rolling out global web search access for all paid Claude users. Claude can now pick its own search strategy.
  • TestingCatalog: Discover Claude's new Integrations and Advanced Research mode, enabling seamless remote server queries and extensive web searches.
  • analyticsindiamag.com: Claude Users Can Now Connect Apps and Run Deep Research Across Platforms
  • AiThority: Anthropic launches Claude Integrations and Expands Research Capabilities
  • Techzine Global: Anthropic gives AI chatbot Claude a boost with integrations and in-depth research
  • AlternativeTo: Anthropic has introduced new integrations for Claude to enable connectivity with apps like Jira, Zapier, Intercom, and PayPal, allowing access to extensive context and actions across platforms. Claude’s Research has also been expanded accordingly.
  • thetechbasic.com: Anthropic introduced two major system updates for their AI chatbot, Claude. Through connections to Atlassian and Zapier services, Claude gains the ability to assist employees with their work tasks.
  • thetechbasic.com: Report on Apple's AI plans using Claude.
  • www.marktechpost.com: A Step-by-Step Tutorial on Connecting Claude Desktop to Real-Time Web Search and Content Extraction via Tavily AI and Smithery using Model Context Protocol (MCP)
  • www.tomsguide.com: Claude is quietly crushing it — here’s why it might be the smartest AI yet
  • the-decoder.com: Anthropic adds web search to Claude API for real-time data and research
  • venturebeat.com: Anthropic launches Claude web search API, betting on the future of post-Google information access
  • Simon Willison's Weblog: Introducing web search on the Anthropic API

Noor Al-Sibai@futurism.com //
Duolingo is making a significant shift to an AI-first model, restructuring its operations to focus on generative AI for content creation and process automation. CEO Luis von Ahn announced plans to gradually reduce the company's reliance on contractors, aiming to automate tasks wherever possible. This transition marks a fundamental cultural shift, with leadership emphasizing the transformative power of AI in reshaping how work is accomplished. This mirrors the company's early adoption of a "mobile-first" strategy in 2012 which led to significant recognition.

This strategic move is driven by the need to deliver app content more quickly and at a greater scale. Duolingo states that manual content creation is no longer viable for meeting the company's needs. Replacing slow, manual processes with AI-driven solutions allows for the faster provision of content for learners. The company reported that AI has enabled them to build more courses in one year than in the previous twelve years combined. A large content expansion was recently launched by the company, releasing 148 new language courses which were all created using generative AI.

The implementation of AI extends beyond content creation, with plans to integrate it into hiring processes and employee performance reviews. Teams will be encouraged to prioritize automation before requesting additional resources. CEO Luis von Ahn stated that the changes are not intended to reduce the company's focus on employee well-being, adding that the move is not about replacing employees with AI but removing bottlenecks. Instead, the goal is to empower employees to focus on creativity, accelerating Duolingo's mission to deliver language instruction globally.

Recommended read:
References :
  • futurism.com: Pivot Power Duolingo, the gamified, owl-mascoted language learning app, is going "AI-first" — and replacing all its human contractors along the way. In an all-hands email that was later published in its entirety to LinkedIn, Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn announced that the company would "gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle." Part of that shift, von Ahn wrote, will essentially involve deploying it before it’s "100% perfect." "We're not going to rebuild everything overnight, and some things — like getting Al to understand our codebase-will take time," the CEO wrote. "However, we can't wait until […]
  • The Register - Software: Duolingo jumps aboard the 'AI-first' train, will phase out contractors
  • PCMag Middle East ai: Duolingo Adopts ‘AI-First’ Strategy, Will Eliminate All Contract Workers
  • the-decoder.com: Duolingo announces major shift toward generative AI and automation
  • www.tomsguide.com: Duolingo now plans to use AI instead of new hires or contractors where possible
  • THE DECODER: Duolingo says AI let it build more courses in one year than it did over the past twelve
  • AI News: Duolingo shifts to AI-first model, cutting contractor roles
  • bsky.app: Duolingo is phasing out contract workers and replacing them with AI tools. The company says it’ll make content faster and let staff "focus on creative work," but behind the scenes, it’s another example of AI reshaping the labor market overnight.
  • the-decoder.com: Duolingo says AI let it build more courses in one year than it did over the past twelve
  • www.artificialintelligence-news.com: Duolingo shifts to AI-first model, cutting contractor roles
  • PCMag Middle East ai: Professor AI? Duolingo Creates 148 Courses Using Generative AI
  • thetechbasic.com: Duolingo Launches 148 New Language Courses Made With AI

@betakit.com //
References: betakit.com , bsky.app , The Verge ...
Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke has mandated that employees must now justify why AI cannot perform a task before requesting additional resources or new hires. This directive, outlined in an internal memo, signifies a pivotal shift toward integrating AI into every facet of the company’s operations. Lütke emphasizes that using AI effectively is now a "fundamental expectation" for all Shopify employees, viewing it as an essential skill that will only grow in importance. The memo encourages a "reflexive AI usage strategy," urging employees to explore how AI can enhance their workflows and boost productivity.

The new policy includes specific requirements for new projects, particularly during the prototyping phase. Shopify expects AI exploration to "dominate" the prototyping process. Furthermore, the company will incorporate AI usage questions into performance and peer review questionnaires. Teams must demonstrate why they cannot accomplish their goals using AI before seeking more headcount or resources. Lütke believes that AI has the potential to increase productivity exponentially, potentially achieving "100X the work done."

Lütke's memo serves as an inspiration for other workplaces to consider integrating AI. He highlights the transformational qualities of AI as a productivity multiplier and encourages employees to "tinker" with AI to discover its full potential. The Shopify CEO also expressed in the memo that some employees had shown an improvement of "10X" what was previously thought possible, and the hope is that AI tools can now provide "10X" themselves. The changes mark a bold step toward an AI-native future for Shopify and a potential blueprint for businesses worldwide.

Recommended read:
References :
  • betakit.com: Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke tells employees to prove AI can’t do the job before asking for resources
  • bsky.app: The CEO of Shopify just published an internal memo about AI usage. Two notable 1. AI usage questions will be added to the performance and peer review process. 2. Requests for more headcount or resources must include justification for why AI can’t do it instead.
  • www.searchenginejournal.com: Shopify CEO’s Memo Marks A Pivotal Moment For AI In The Workplace
  • The Verge: Shopify CEO says no new hires without proof AI can’t do the job
  • Search Engine Journal: Shopify CEO’s memo mandating AI for virtually everything marks a pivotal moment in how AI is used by workers and entrepreneurs
  • www.tomsguide.com: Shopify CEO says employees must prove AI can't do the job before any new hires are approved
  • analyticsindiamag.com: Shopify Ties AI Usage to Performance Reviews Amid 100x Productivity Surge
  • shellypalmer.com: Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke has taken a firm stance: no new hires unless you can prove AI can’t do the job.
  • Shelly Palmer: The great AI transformation of 2025 isn’t a technology challenge—it’s a leadership challenge. The tools are already here. What’s missing is the executive vision and operational discipline to use them. Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke has taken a firm stance: no new hires unless you can prove AI can’t do the job.
  • www.tomshardware.com: Shopify CEO: teams must prove AI can’t do a task before asking for new hires, resources

cybernewswire@The Last Watchdog //
References: gbhackers.com , hackread.com ,
Arsen, a leading cybersecurity firm specializing in social engineering defense, has announced the release of Conversational Phishing, an AI-powered feature embedded within its phishing simulation platform. This innovative tool introduces dynamic and adaptive phishing conversations, designed to train employees against increasingly sophisticated social engineering threats. The aim is to enhance social engineering resilience by creating realistic and personalized phishing simulations that mimic real-world attacker tactics, which often involve ongoing conversations to build trust and manipulate victims.

Arsen's Conversational Phishing addresses the limitations of traditional simulations, which rely on static email templates. This new feature dynamically generates and adapts phishing conversations in real-time, simulating back-and-forth interactions that mirror how attackers manipulate victims over time. According to CEO Thomas Le Coz, the goal is to evolve training methods to provide realistic conditions for testing and training, especially with the rise of AI-driven phishing attacks. The feature is fully integrated into Arsen’s phishing simulation module and has been accessible to all clients for the past six months.

Recommended read:
References :
  • gbhackers.com: Arsen Introduces AI-Powered Phishing Tests to Improve Social Engineering Resilience
  • hackread.com: Arsen Introduces AI-Powered Phishing Tests to Improve Social Engineering Resilience
  • The Last Watchdog: News alert: Arsen introduces new AI-based phishing tests to improve social engineering resilience