AI News: Updates from OpenAI, Microsoft, and More

technical SOP

Created: April 30, 2025

Introduction

This week saw several updates in the AI landscape, including enhancements to OpenAI's deep research capabilities and the introduction of a new model by OpenAI itself. Additionally, Proplexity launched a new feature in their iOS app, Microsoft updated 365 Co-Pilot with new agentic features, and XAI's Grok chatbot gained vision capabilities. Other notable developments include Adobe's updates to Firefly and Argil's introduction of AI avatars.

Executive Summary

Core Insights

OpenAI made deep research available on the free plan with limited uses, and introduced a new model planned for release around June.
Proplexity launched a new feature in their iOS app called the Proplexity Assistant with various functionalities.
Microsoft updated 365 Co-Pilot with new agentic features including AI-powered search and a new agent store.
XAI's Grok chatbot gained vision capabilities, similar to Gemini and OpenAI models.
Adobe released a new version of Firefly with the ability to choose other models.

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced research capabilities through OpenAI's deep research and new model.
Improved user experience with Proplexity Assistant's functionalities.
Increased productivity with Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot's new agentic features.
New opportunities in e-commerce with AI avatars from Argil.

Critical Considerations

Limited availability and access to new AI features on free plans.
Potential limitations and bugs in newly launched features such as the Proplexity Assistant.
Dependence on cloud-based services and APIs for some AI functionalities.

Strategic Recommendations

Evaluate the integration of new AI models and features within existing workflows.
Consider leveraging AI-powered search and agentic features in productivity tools like Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot.
Explore the potential of vision capabilities in chatbots for enhanced user interaction.

Core Insights

OpenAI made deep research available on the free plan with limited uses, and introduced a new model planned for release around June.
Proplexity launched a new feature in their iOS app called the Proplexity Assistant with various functionalities.
Microsoft updated 365 Co-Pilot with new agentic features including AI-powered search and a new agent store.
XAI's Grok chatbot gained vision capabilities, similar to Gemini and OpenAI models.
Adobe released a new version of Firefly with the ability to choose other models.

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced research capabilities through OpenAI's deep research and new model.
Improved user experience with Proplexity Assistant's functionalities.
Increased productivity with Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot's new agentic features.
New opportunities in e-commerce with AI avatars from Argil.

Critical Considerations

Limited availability and access to new AI features on free plans.
Potential limitations and bugs in newly launched features such as the Proplexity Assistant.
Dependence on cloud-based services and APIs for some AI functionalities.

Strategic Recommendations

Evaluate the integration of new AI models and features within existing workflows.
Consider leveraging AI-powered search and agentic features in productivity tools like Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot.
Explore the potential of vision capabilities in chatbots for enhanced user interaction.