Google's AI video model, Veo 2 is out

👋 Good morning/evening (wherever you are). It’s Friday.

Veo 2 is available in Google AI Studio for some U.S. users. It’s still rolling out and may not show up for everyone. If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll need to use a VPN to see the toggle. Keep in mind that early beta users have been accessing it through VideoFX.

Also, remember Meta’s Llama 4 controversy? Check this out:

In terms of overall rankings, it’s worth noting that Gemini 2.5 Pro is still the “best”:

OK let’s keep going ↓

Here’s what you should know:

• ChatGPT became the most downloaded app globally in March

  Instagram was second, TikTok was third.

• OpenAI will soon phase out GPT-4 from ChatGPT

  According to their release notes: Effective  April  30,  2025, GPT‑4 will be retired from ChatGPT and fully replaced by GPT‑4o.

• The most interesting startups showcased at Google Cloud Next

  TechCrunch curated a quick list of interesting AI startups. Good to browse.

• Harmony Korine’s EDGLRD Inks First-Look Development Deal With Runway

  EDGLRD previously worked with Runway on campaigns for Marc Jacobs and Balenciaga.

• New AI fund in China to pour $8.2 billion into early-stage projects

  The AI fund will be managed by Guozhi Investment (Shanghai) Private Equity Fund Management, a state-backed company.

• 6 highlights from Google Cloud Next 25

  Here’s a recap of some of the top announcements from the event.

The numbers:

• Jobandtalent, an AI-based marketplace connecting people with companies looking for hourly workers, has raised $103 million in a Series F funding round, now valued at $1.5 billion, down from a previous $2.35 billion valuation

• Bliss Aesthetics, a platform that uses AI to match patients with providers and visualize surgical outcomes, has raised $17.5 million in seed funding

Thought starters:

• James Cameron talks with Meta CTO and Head of Reality Labs Andrew “Boz” Bosworth

  This 1 hour YouTube video is worth watching (or listening to while you’re doing something else). Jim shares more thoughts about AI.

Meme of the day:

Thanks for reading,

Eddie

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