Good morning,
In a few minutes, here’s what you’ll learn today. We’ll explore Lucidchart, a simple tool that helps you draw flowcharts and diagrams without any design skills. Plus, OpenAI just struck a massive deal with AMD that could shake up the chip market, they rolled out Sora 2 with synced audio, IBM launched new business AI tools, and Google launches CodeMender to enhance AI code security.
In Today's Edition
Today’s AI Tool Breakdown: Lucidchart
Quick overview
Lucidchart lets you create flowcharts, diagrams, and process maps using drag-and-drop shapes. You don't need design skills—just pick shapes, connect them with lines, and add text.
How to use it
Sign up at lucidchart.com with your email or Google account
Click Create and choose a template or start blank
Drag shapes from the left panel onto your canvas
Double-click any shape to add text inside it
Hover over shapes and drag the red dots to create connecting lines
Use the style panel to change colors and fonts
Copy/paste starter script
Start with a simple flowchart: drag a rectangle for "Start," connect it to a diamond for "Decision?", then add two rectangles for "Yes" and "No" outcomes.
Real-world use cases
Map out your team's hiring process step-by-step
Create org charts showing who reports to whom
Design website wireframes before building
Plan project workflows with decision points
Pro tips
Use templates to save time, they have hundreds ready to go
Press Tab while typing to quickly jump between shapes
Link diagrams to Google Sheets for auto-updating data
Free vs paid
Free: 3 editable docs, basic shapes, standard templates.
Paid: $7.95/month for unlimited docs, advanced shapes, data linking.
Alternatives
Draw.io - completely free but less polished interface
Figma - better for design work, steeper learning curve
Miro - great for team brainstorming, pricier plans
Quick demo video
Getting Started in Lucidchart in Under 5 Minutes
Today In AI News, The Top 4 Stories (And Why They Matter)
This matters because: OpenAI is breaking Nvidia's near-monopoly on AI chips by betting big on AMD, potentially lowering costs for everyone.
Quick summary: OpenAI will buy 6 gigawatts worth of AMD's new AI chips starting in 2026, with the option to own 10% of AMD if they hit certain milestones. AMD's stock jumped 24% on the news. Think of it like switching from one power company to two different ones.
This matters because: This is the first AI video tool that creates both visuals and matching audio in one go, saving creators hours of editing work.
Quick summary: OpenAI's new video model makes 10-second clips with realistic physics, dialogue that matches lip movements, and background sounds. It can handle complex scenes like gymnastics routines and basketball shots that follow real-world physics. Like having a mini film studio in your pocket.
This matters because: IBM is making it easier for regular businesses to actually use AI agents instead of just experimenting with chatbots.
Quick summary: IBM launched watsonx Orchestrate with 500+ business tools and a visual workflow builder that lets non-technical people create AI agents. They're also testing "Project Bob," an AI-powered code editor. Think of it like LEGO blocks for building business automation.
This matters because: AI can now fix security bugs faster than humans can create them, potentially ending the cat-and-mouse game between hackers and developers.
Quick summary: Google's CodeMender has already submitted 72 security patches to open-source projects in six months, using Gemini models to find root causes and validate fixes automatically. It even rewrote parts of a library to prevent the type of exploit that hit iOS users in 2023. Think of it like having a security guard who never sleeps and fixes broken locks instantly.
Thats All For Today!
For all questions, comments, concerns, or if you want us include anything specific - feel free to reply to this email! We will answer 😄