OpenAI takes Excel, longer AI videos & more

Good morning!

We’re here with another day of big AI headlines. Let’s dive in👇

🎬 AI Gets Longer, Louder, Smarter

🎥 LTXV Breaks the 60-Second Barrier

Lightricks' open-weight model LTXV now generates 60-second AI videos in real time, with live scene edits, user control, and full production suite integration. It runs on consumer GPUs and streams as it builds, ending the five-second clip ceiling and redefining what AI video can be.

📊 ChatGPT Agents Take on Excel & PowerPoint

OpenAI is testing agents to create spreadsheets and slides directly inside ChatGPT. Users can generate reports with natural language, and the results are compatible with Office formats. But early feedback? Slow and buggy. Still, this is a clear shot across Microsoft’s bow.

💰 Anthropic Eyes a $100B Valuation

Weeks after losing two top Claude Code developers, Anthropic has hired them back, and now it’s reportedly in talks for a $100 billion valuation. With renewed momentum and investor interest, Anthropic is solidifying its place as OpenAI’s fiercest competitor.

💼 From Replit Wins to Chip Giants & Layoffs

🚀 Replit Hits $100M ARR

AI app builder Replit has surged from $10M to $100M ARR in just six months. Founder Amjad Masad credits this to creators building real businesses, like replacing $150K tools with $400 apps. With Replit Agent on the horizon, app building is about to become radically simpler.

🖥️ TSMC Profit Soars on AI Chip Demand

TSMC posted a 61% jump in Q2 profit, driven by skyrocketing demand for AI chips from Nvidia, Apple, and others. Nearly half of its revenue now comes from AI. As the AI arms race heats up, TSMC is cementing its position as the industry's backbone.

🔁 Scale AI Lays Off 14% After Meta Investment

Following a multibillion-dollar investment from Meta, Scale AI laid off 14% of staff. CEO Alexandr Wang also departed, signaling a major transition for the AI data-labeling powerhouse. The restructuring comes as Scale refocuses amid heightened pressure from Big Tech.

🛠️ Tools of the Day

• WorkPPT – Generate pitch decks in seconds
• Keepmind – Turn notes into mind maps and quizzes
• Naptha – Modular platform for agentic AI
• Depositphotos AI – Convert text prompts to custom images

💬 Prompt of the Day

"Generate a list of thought-provoking, open-ended questions about [topic] that stimulate deeper critical thinking and exploration. Focus on questions that challenge assumptions, reveal nuances, and encourage further inquiry."

⚡ Quick Hits

• Meta poached two AI researchers from OpenAI: Jason Wei & Hyung Won Chung
• Microsoft’s Copilot adds Desktop Share to analyze your screen in real time
• AWS launches Bedrock AgentCore for enterprise-scale AI deployments
• Grok 4 lets you build financial dashboards with live economic forecasts
• LTXV now offers a mobile-friendly 2B parameter model, free on GitHub

📌 TLDR

Lightricks shattered the five-second barrier with live, 60-second AI video. Replit hit $100M ARR, OpenAI is targeting Excel and PowerPoint, and Anthropic may hit $100B while pulling its talent back. Meanwhile, TSMC’s chips are red-hot, and Scale AI is restructuring after Meta’s megadeal.

Until next time,
David