TikTok is back in US!

TikTok has returned to U.S. app stores—but don’t get too comfortable just yet! The ban, triggered by national security concerns over its Chinese parent company, Byte Dance, was temporarily lifted after a legal intervention from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Today’s AI Menu

• Today in AI: TikTok’s Comeback, Spyware Exposed, & AI Evolution & More!

• Tutorial: How to Convert a Photo into an Animated Video Using AI

• Everything else you should know today

• 5 new AI tools to boost your productivity

TODAY IN WORLD OF AI

1.TikTok Resurgence Begins: After a brief removal, TikTok is back on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the U.S., following intervention from the U.S. Department of Justice. The ban, which initially took effect in January 2025, was based on national security concerns tied to TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance. However, a recent letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has provided temporary relief, leaving TikTok’s fate in America hanging in the balance.

✅Ban Enforcement & Legal Basis:

• The ban was implemented under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA).

• This law prohibits U.S. companies from hosting apps owned by companies linked to foreign adversaries, specifically China.

✅Temporary Reinstatement:

• Apple and Google removed TikTok to comply with federal law but faced pressure from users and businesses that rely on the platform.

• After receiving written assurance from the Justice Department, Apple agreed to restore the app, followed by Google.

✅Executive Order & 75-Day Reprieve:

• Former President Donald Trump issued an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension to resolve ownership issues.

• ByteDance is now exploring options, including potential divestment or restructuring, to comply with U.S. laws.

✅What’s Next for TikTok?

• The extension expires in April 2025, meaning the app’s future remains uncertain.

• The U.S. government is still weighing security concerns, and further restrictions or forced divestitures could be on the horizon.

TikTok’s return is a temporary win for users, creators, and advertisers who depend on the platform. However, this battle is far from over. Whether Byte Dance will sell its U.S. operations or reach a compromise remains the biggest question. 

2. Spyrtacus Busted: An Italian company, SIO, has been exposed for distributing Android spyware called Spyrtacus, which spoofed popular apps, targeting users globally. This revelation underscores the critical importance of vigilant cybersecurity practices.

3. Imminent AI Shift!: Anthropic is gearing up to unveil a groundbreaking AI model described as a "hybrid" capable of toggling between deep reasoning and rapid responses, promising to revolutionize AI interactions.

THE AI INSTITUTE

How to Convert a Photo into an Animated Video Using AI

▪️ Choose an AI Tool – Use platforms like Pika Labs, Deep Nostalgia, Runway ML, or Kaiber.

▪️ Upload Your Photo – Select and upload the image you want to animate.

▪️ Select Animation Style – Choose motion effects, facial expressions, or artistic transformations.

▪️ Adjust AI Settings – Customize animation speed, transitions, and effects.

▪️ Generate Animation – Let AI process the image and transform it into a video.

▪️ Preview & Edit – Review the animation and refine if needed.

▪️ Download & Share – Save the final animated video and share it on social platforms!

AI & TECH NEWS

Everything else you need to know today

🔹 Empowerment: PIN AI is revolutionizing personal AI with a new mobile app that lets users create private, customized AI models right from their smartphones. Powered by DeepSeek and Llama frameworks, this breakthrough puts AI control directly in users' hands.

🌍 Expansion: Apple is making a bold move into China’s AI market, rolling out its AI features in May. This strategic push signals Apple’s commitment to competing in one of the most AI-driven economies.

🔍 Insightful: Google’s Gemini Deep Research mode is redefining AI-powered research, generating in-depth, data-rich reports. This feature is a game-changer for professionals seeking precise and comprehensive insights.

🤖 Innovate: The V-Robo2025 virtual conference (Feb 14-15) is set to bring together the brightest minds in robotics and AI. Expect groundbreaking discussions on the future of automation, AI ethics, and next-gen robotics.

💰 Funding

Revolutionary: Phase, a startup based in Taipei and Berlin, has secured $13 million in funding and launched its no-code platform out of beta. This platform empowers UI/UX designers to create fully interactive prototypes without coding, positioning Phase as a formidable competitor to Figma in the design industry.

SPECIAL

AI Restores Voices Lost to Motor Neuron Diseases: A Breakthrough in Assistive Technology

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are offering renewed hope to individuals affected by motor neuron diseases (MND), such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), by restoring their ability to communicate using their own voices. 

✅AI-Generated Voice Cloning:

• Companies like ElevenLabs, in collaboration with organizations such as the Scott-Morgan Foundation and Bridging Voice, are developing AI-driven voice cloning technologies.

• These systems analyze existing recordings of a person's speech to create a digital replica of their voice, enabling natural and personalized communication even after speech loss.

✅Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs):

• Innovative BCIs are being developed to assist individuals who have lost the ability to speak due to conditions like ALS.

• For instance, a 45-year-old ALS patient received a brain implant that records neural activity associated with speech. This implant decodes brain signals into text, which is then vocalized using text-to-speech software mimicking the patient's original voice.

✅Emotional and Social Impact:

• Restoring a person's unique voice through AI not only facilitates communication but also preserves personal identity and emotional connection with loved ones.

• Users have reported that these technologies significantly improve their quality of life, allowing them to express themselves authentically and maintain social interactions.

These advancements underscore the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, particularly in enhancing the lives of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases by restoring their voices and, with it, a vital part of their identity.

ROBOTICS

Apptronik Secures $350M to Revolutionize Humanoid Robotics with Apollo

Apptronik, an Austin-based robotics company, has secured $350 million in a Series A funding round co-led by B Capital and Capital Factory, with participation from Google. This substantial investment aims to scale the production of Apptronik's humanoid robot, Apollo, designed to work alongside humans in various industries.

✅Funding Details:

• The $350 million Series A round reflects strong investor confidence in Apptronik's vision and technological advancements.

• The capital will be utilized to expand manufacturing capabilities and accelerate the deployment of Apollo across multiple sectors.

✅Apollo's Capabilities:

• Apollo is engineered to perform tasks in logistics, manufacturing, and other industrial settings, enhancing efficiency and safety.

• The robot's design emphasizes seamless integration into human environments, ensuring user-friendly interactions.

✅Strategic Partnerships:

• Apptronik has established collaborations with industry leaders, including NASA and Nvidia, to advance Apollo's technological capabilities.

• These partnerships aim to explore new applications for humanoid robots, potentially extending to space exploration.

✅Future Prospects:

• With the new funding, Apptronik plans to scale Apollo's production to meet growing market demand.

• The company envisions expanding Apollo's applications beyond industrial tasks to sectors like healthcare and eldercare, addressing labor challenges and improving quality of life.

This significant investment positions Apptronik to lead advancements in humanoid robotics, fostering innovation and redefining human-robot collaboration across various industries.

FOOD FOR YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

5 AI Tools AI tools of the Day

✅Lindy AI – AI-powered personal assistant that automates emails, scheduling, and reminders effortlessly.

✅ MeetElise – AI leasing assistant that helps property managers automate renter interactions and streamline workflows.

✅Flowshot – AI-powered Google Sheets add-on that automates data entry, analysis, and reporting.

✅Promptheus – Turns ChatGPT into a voice assistant, enabling real-time spoken conversations.

✅Wordcraft AI – Google’s AI writing assistant that helps generate, refine, and enhance creative content.

AI PROMPT OF THE DAY

For using AI for resume building and job search

Prompt: 
Generate a professional, ATS-friendly resume tailored to [your desired job role]. Optimize it with industry-specific keywords and a clean, structured format. Craft a compelling cover letter that aligns with the job description. Recommend the best AI-powered job search platforms to match my skills and experience with relevant opportunities. Provide strategies to track applications efficiently and prepare for interviews using AI-driven tools.

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SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS

Grok 3: Scary Smart AI!

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Until tomorrow!

Shinky & the Hanoomaan AI team