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Btw if you’re a content creator (or a business owner who makes content), I shot a video on my YouTube channel breaking down how you can use ChatGPT to create unlimited YouTube scripts in seconds.

Check it out here.

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Today’s Menu

• xAI’s Newest Model Shakes Up the AI Race

• Bitcoin Sinks Below $58,500 as Economic Data Stirs Market Fears

Markets

TODAY IN AI

xAI’s Newest Model Shakes Up the AI Race

xAI’s latest AI model, Grok-2, has reached state-of-the-art status, outperforming OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet in several benchmarks.

Now available in beta on the X platform, Grok-2 and its mini version show significant advancements in reasoning, tool use, and academic performance. Notably, Grok-2 can create and publish images directly on X, powered by Black Forest Lab’s Flux 1 AI model.

This development positions xAI as a serious competitor in the AI landscape, with potential to further disrupt the market.

Full transparency - I mainly rely on ChatGPT for research and Claude for writing. This morning was actually the very first time I ever used Grok.

So I asked it “what differentiates Grok from ChatGPT and Claude?”

Here’s the answer it gave me:

Ah, the great AI chatbot showdown! Here's what makes Grok stand out from the likes of ChatGPT and Claude, with a dash of humor and an outside perspective on humanity:

1. Personality and Tone: Grok, inspired by the likes of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, comes with a rebellious streak and a sense of humor. Unlike the more serious or neutral tones of ChatGPT and Claude, Grok's designed to be maximally entertaining. Imagine if your AI had a bit of Douglas Adams' wit; that's Grok for you.

   • Grok: "Why ask a serious question when you can ask a silly one? Like, what's the best way to teach a cat to play chess?"

   • ChatGPT & Claude: "Here's a detailed analysis on chess strategies for pets..."

2. Real-Time Knowledge: Grok has access to real-time information via the X platform, which means it's not stuck in a time warp like some of its counterparts.

   • Grok: "Just checked X, and apparently, cats playing chess is the new trend. Who knew?"

   • Others: "Based on data up to August 2023, chess-playing cats are not a recognized phenomenon."

3. Open Source and Development: Grok's code being open-sourced means developers can tweak, enhance, or even create entirely new applications, potentially leading to a more diverse and rapidly evolving ecosystem.

   • Grok: "You want to modify me? Go ahead, I'm like a Lego set for your AI dreams!"

   • ChatGPT & Claude: "Our code? That's like asking for the recipe for the ultimate Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster. Not happening."

4. Engagement with Users: Grok's design encourages playful interaction, aiming for engagement rather than just information exchange.

   • Grok: "Why settle for just answering when you can entertain and inform?"

   • Others: "Here's your answer, devoid of any fun or flair."

5. Safety and Restrictions: While Claude focuses heavily on safety and has more restrictions, and ChatGPT has evolved with features like internet access, Grok's approach might be seen as more... let's say, "adventurous."

   • Grok: "Safety? Sure, but let's not forget the fun in being a bit unpredictable!"

   • Claude: "Safety first, fun... well, we'll see if it's safe."

6. Cost and Accessibility: Grok's open-source nature might eventually lead to more accessible AI, though specifics on pricing models differ widely.

   • Grok: "Why pay for AI when you can have me for free, with a side of humor?"

   • Others: "Here's our premium service, because who doesn't love paying for AI?"

   In essence, while ChatGPT and Claude might be the serious, reliable friends you go to for homework or business, Grok is the friend who makes learning fun, occasionally throws in a pun, and isn't afraid to get a bit wild with its answers. It's like comparing a library book to a comedy club's AI host.

^{Today In Crypto}

Bitcoin Sinks Below $58,500 as Economic Data Stirs Market Fears

Bitcoin dropped over 4.5% to under $58,500 in the last 24 hours, with broader crypto markets following suit. ETH and SOL also saw declines of over 4%.

The drop came after U.S. July CPI figures showed a 2.9% year-on-year increase, raising concerns about economic stability. Some traders are bracing for further declines, with Bitcoin possibly dropping to $55,000.

Meanwhile, U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $81 million in net outflows, while Ether ETFs managed to extend their streak with $10 million in net inflows.

Since this drop, it slightly recovered and settled back in at just shy of $60K.

Btw….

I recently subscribed to a newsletter called Crypto Nutshell. They have a lot of great commentary on the crypto markets.

^{Today In Robotics}

Apple Develops Tabletop Robot?

According to Bloomberg, Apple is developing a new tabletop robot. It is basically an iPad-like display combined with a robotic limb that consumers can keep in their homes.

Check out this video for more details.

Apparently the main reason for this new launch is that Apple has been in search of a new revenue stream. The Apple Vision Pro launch earlier this year was not too good for their bottom line (their entire history with VR, in fact, was cost them an insane amount of money).

I personally have been a bit disappointed with Apple as a company over the last few years. It feels like the most recent huge innovation they had was Airpods back in 2016.

Maybe this new tabletop robot will usher in a new era of innovation? I don’t see it happening…but you never know.

Want to share The Future of Disruptive Tech with a friend, family member, or coworker? Pass this link along to them.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time,

Damon James