Meta has introduced a new feature allowing users to animate their Facebook profile pictures, powered by Meta AI. This tool transforms still photos into dynamic animations in seconds.

Users can choose from preset animations such as "natural," "party hat," "confetti," "wave," and "heart" to bring their profile pictures to life according to their mood. Meta plans to add more animation options throughout the year for seasonal and special occasions.

For optimal results, photos featuring a single person facing the camera with a clear view of their face are recommended. Animated profile pictures can be shared to the Feed and displayed on profiles. Additionally, Meta AI offers a "Restyle" feature for Facebook Stories and Memories, enabling users to alter the appearance of photos using preset styles or text-based AI prompts.

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Amazon has launched Alexa+, integrating generative AI into its voice assistant, now widely available in the US. Alexa+ offers more natural conversations, handles multiple prompts simultaneously, and generates content rather than relying on canned responses.

The enhanced assistant features personalization capabilities, remembering user preferences, and contextual awareness to recall previous parts of a conversation. It can also process documents to answer questions. Alexa+ is powered by Amazon Bedrock models, including Nova and Anthropic.

While Alexa+ is available as a $20 monthly subscription, it is included at no extra cost for Prime members. The classic Alexa will remain available, though its long-term status is uncertain. Access is provided through compatible Echo devices, the Alexa app, and other Amazon services.

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According to a TechCrunch article, the economics of establishing AI infrastructure in orbit, specifically orbital data centers, are extremely challenging. A 1 GW orbital data center could cost nearly three times more than its terrestrial counterpart.

The primary drivers of this increased cost are the substantial expenses associated with satellite construction and launch. While companies like SpaceX are exploring cost-reduction strategies through initiatives like "Project Suncatcher," significant technological advancements are required to achieve cost-competitiveness. These include reducing the cost of launching payloads into orbit and manufacturing space-grade components.

Despite potential advantages such as 24/7 solar power access and unique capabilities for certain AI tasks, the current economic realities present formidable barriers. Many startups and ambitious projects face these brutal economic conditions, making the widespread adoption of orbital AI a distant prospect.

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