Good morning, In a few minutes, here's what you'll learn today.
Today's standout tool is Poke — a simple networking app that makes meeting new people as easy as sending a text. Meanwhile, big AI moves are happening: Apple's lost a key AI exec as Siri keeps struggling, OpenAI's cutting Microsoft's revenue share to save $50 billion, and Musk just axed 500 workers at xAI. Plus, Google's Gemini app hit #1 on the App Store thanks to a viral image editing tool.
In Today's Edition
Today’s AI Tool Breakdown: Poke
Tool of the Day — Poke
Quick overview
Poke simplifies networking by letting you "poke" people nearby to start conversations. Think of it like a friendly tap on the shoulder but for your phone.
How to use it
Download the app and create your profile
Set your location preferences and interests
Browse people nearby who share your vibe
Send a "poke" to someone interesting
Start chatting if they poke you back
Meet up in person or keep it digital
Copy/paste starter script
"Hey! Saw we both like [shared interest]. Want to grab coffee and chat about it?"
Real-world use cases
Find study buddies at your university
Connect with other entrepreneurs in your city
Meet workout partners at your gym
Discover people who share your hobbies
Pro tips
Fill out your profile completely, it helps match you better
Be specific about what you're looking for (friends, business connections, etc.)
Reply quickly to pokes to keep momentum going
Free vs paid
Free: Basic pokes and messaging with limited daily connections
Paid: Unlimited pokes, premium filters, and advanced matching ($9.99/month)
Alternatives
Bumble BFF — focuses specifically on friendships
Meetup — better for group events and activities
LinkedIn — more professional networking focused
Quick demo video
Poke App Tutorial - How to Network Like a Pro
Today In AI News, The Top 4 Stories (And Why They Matter)
This matters because: Apple's already behind in AI and just lost the guy who ran Siri, plus he was working on their secret search engine to compete with ChatGPT.
Quick summary: Robby Walker, one of Apple's top AI leaders, is leaving in October after being demoted from Siri earlier this year. He was shifted to work on Apple's AI search project after Siri improvements got delayed. Think of it like losing your head chef right before dinner rush.
This matters because: This move could save OpenAI over $50 billion and shows they're ready to break free from Microsoft's tight grip as they go for-profit.
Quick summary: OpenAI told investors it plans to slash what it pays Microsoft and other partners from 20% to 8% of revenue by 2030. The change comes as OpenAI restructures to attract more investors and potentially go public. Like cutting your landlord's rent while keeping the apartment.
This matters because: These workers trained Grok to understand language cutting them means xAI is betting on quality over quantity for AI development.
Quick summary: xAI axed about 500 data annotators (one-third of the team) via late-night emails, saying it wants "specialist AI tutors" instead of generalists. Workers lost system access immediately but get paid through November. Think of it like firing a big tutoring center to hire PhD experts instead.
This matters because: This proves Google can still win users from OpenAI when they nail viral features, and shows how fast AI app rankings can flip.
Quick summary: Gemini hit #1 on Apple's free app chart thanks to its "Nano Banana" image editor that turns photos into 3D figurines. The tool's been used on 500+ million images since August, beating ChatGPT and other rivals. Like going viral on TikTok but for AI apps.
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 😄