Google recently unveiled Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite, its newest AI model designed for high-volume tasks. This model is significantly faster and more cost-effective than its predecessor, Gemini 2.5 Flash, boasting a 45 percent speed increase and 2.5x faster Time to First Token. Developers can access it in preview on Google AI Studio and Vertex AI, with pricing set at $0.25 per million input tokens and $1.50 per million output tokens. Key features include 'thinking levels' that allow users to adjust reasoning depth, and companies like Latitude, Cartwheel, and Whering are already leveraging it for various applications, from translation to UI generation.
In other AI developments, the digital world of AI actress Tilly Norwood is expanding with the launch of the 'Tillyverse' by AI talent studio Xicoia. This new digital universe will feature Tilly and other AI characters, with former Amazon Prime Video executive Mark Whelan joining to lead the expansion. The Tillyverse, expected to launch this year, aims to build new intellectual property and reshape how AI talent is created and experienced. Meanwhile, major tech companies Google, Microsoft, and Amazon experienced significant AI service outages on the same weekend Iranian strikes hit Gulf infrastructure, raising concerns about the cause and timing.
On the regulatory front, over 50 Republican state lawmakers have urged the White House to support state-led AI legislation, including a Utah measure focused on public safety and child protection plans. This comes as the US government considers limiting sales of powerful AI chips, specifically Nvidia's H200 and similar AMD chips, to Chinese companies. The proposed cap of 75,000 units per customer aims to balance AI development with national security concerns, potentially impacting major firms like Alibaba and ByteDance. Separately, national experts are set to discuss research ethics in light of AI's growing influence, and Hungary has launched a major AI program at Eötvös Loránd University to boost its position as a top AI user.
Educational initiatives are also underway, with Valley City State University offering a free lecture series on AI's impact on the workplace. Interestingly, a more unusual concern has emerged, with exorcists being warned about the potential use of AI by devil worshippers to create disturbing images. Priests, imams, and rabbis will attend a course in Rome to address these fears, highlighting the diverse and sometimes unexpected societal implications of artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- Google launched Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite, a faster and more cost-effective AI model, priced at $0.25 per million input tokens and $1.50 per million output tokens.
- Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite offers a 45% speed increase and 2.5x faster Time to First Token compared to Gemini 2.5 Flash, featuring 'thinking levels' for adjustable reasoning.
- AI talent studio Xicoia is creating the 'Tillyverse' for AI actress Tilly Norwood and other AI characters, led by former Amazon Prime Video executive Mark Whelan.
- Google, Microsoft, and Amazon experienced significant AI service outages, coinciding suspiciously with Iranian strikes on Gulf infrastructure.
- US officials are considering capping Nvidia H200 and similar AMD AI chip sales to Chinese companies at 75,000 units per customer due to national security concerns.
- Over 50 Republican state lawmakers are advocating for state-led AI laws, pushing back against White House opposition to measures like Utah's child protection bill.
- Hungary's Eötvös Loránd University launched a flagship AI program to enhance research and education, positioning Hungary as a top AI user globally.
- Experts will convene to discuss research ethics in scientific research, addressing the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
- Valley City State University is providing a free three-part lecture series on how AI is transforming the workplace and required skills.
- Exorcists have been warned about devil worshippers potentially using AI to generate images of children in satanic rituals, prompting an exorcism course in Rome.
Google's new AI Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite is faster and cheaper
Google has released Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite, a new AI model that is faster and more affordable than its predecessor, Gemini 2.5 Flash. It offers a 45 percent speed increase and lower costs for developers. The model also features 'thinking levels' allowing users to adjust reasoning depth for different tasks. Companies like Latitude and Cartwheel are already using it. Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite is now available in preview on Google AI Studio and Vertex AI.
Google's Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite AI is here for high-volume tasks
Google introduced Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite, its fastest and most cost-effective AI model yet, available in preview. It costs $0.25 per million input tokens and $1.50 per million output tokens, making it cheaper than Gemini 2.5 Flash. The model is 45% faster and includes 'thinking levels' for adjustable reasoning. Companies like Latitude, Cartwheel, and Whering are already testing it for tasks like translation and UI generation.
Google's Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite AI offers speed and savings
Google launched Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite, a new AI model designed for large-scale use. It is more cost-efficient, priced at $0.25 per 1M input tokens and $1.50 per 1M output tokens. The model boasts a 2.5x faster Time to First Token and 45% increased output speed compared to Gemini 2.5 Flash. A key feature is 'Thinking Levels,' allowing developers to control the model's reasoning depth for tasks ranging from simple classification to complex simulations and UI generation.
AI actress Tilly Norwood expands into a 'Tillyverse'
The AI talent studio Xicoia, which created the AI actress Tilly Norwood, is launching a 'Tillyverse.' This digital universe will feature Tilly and other AI characters who will collaborate and build careers. Xicoia has hired Mark Whelan from Amazon Prime Video to lead this expansion. The company aims to build intellectual property and redefine how talent is created and experienced in the AI era. The Tillyverse is expected to launch this year.
AI actress Tilly Norwood's world grows with 'Tillyverse'
The digital world of AI actress Tilly Norwood is expanding with the creation of the 'Tillyverse.' AI talent studio Xicoia announced plans for this digital universe where Tilly and new AI characters will live and build careers. Xicoia hired former Amazon Prime Video executive Mark Whelan to lead the expansion and develop new AI characters. The company aims to build its own intellectual property and change how AI talent is created and experienced. The Tillyverse is expected to launch this year.
Major AI companies face outages amid suspicious timing
On the same weekend that Iranian strikes hit Gulf infrastructure, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon experienced significant AI service outages. The cause of these outages is currently unknown, but the timing is considered highly suspicious. The outages affected many users, and the potential consequences could be severe. This story is still developing.
GOP lawmakers ask White House to support state AI laws
Over 50 Republican state lawmakers urged the White House to stop blocking state AI laws, including a Utah measure. They believe state-led AI efforts align with conservative principles and innovation goals. The White House had previously opposed the Utah bill, which requires AI developers to create public safety and child protection plans. The lawmakers stated they are willing to work with federal officials for consistency but warned against efforts to prevent states from holding the tech industry accountable.
Experts discuss AI's impact on scientific research ethics
National experts will gather to discuss research ethics in light of changing funding and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. The discussion will address how AI is reshaping scientific research. The University of Minnesota's research labs were mentioned in relation to the topic.
Hungary launches major AI program at ELTE University
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Hungary has launched a new flagship artificial intelligence program. This initiative aims to boost AI research, education, and innovation, supporting Hungary's position as a top AI user. Government officials highlighted that Hungary is among the world's top 20 countries in AI usage and leads in Central and Eastern Europe. The program will integrate technology with social sciences and humanities, focusing on AI's application in areas like culture, energy, and healthcare.
VCSU offers free AI lectures on workplace transformation
Valley City State University (VCSU) is hosting a free three-part lecture series on artificial intelligence, available both online and in person. The series, presented by VCSU's AI Institute for Teaching and Learning, will explore how AI is changing the workplace and the skills employers value. Topics include an introduction to AI, its use in education, and its impact on the workforce. The lectures aim to provide practical insights for students, parents, and professionals.
US may limit Nvidia AI chip sales to China
US officials are considering limiting Nvidia's H200 AI chip sales to Chinese companies, potentially capping each customer at 75,000 units. Shipments of similar AMD chips would also count towards this cap. These powerful chips are crucial for developing AI models. While total shipments to China could still be high, per-customer limits could significantly affect major tech firms like Alibaba and ByteDance. The US government aims to balance AI development with national security concerns.
Exorcists warned about devil worshippers using AI
Exorcists are being warned that devil worshippers may be using artificial intelligence. The concern is that AI could be used to create images of children involved in satanic rituals. Priests, imams, and rabbis will attend an exorcism course in Rome to address these fears.
Sources
- Google Releases Gemini 3.1-Flash-Lite, Is Faster And Cheaper Than Gemini 2.5 Flash
- Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite: Built for intelligence at scale
- Google Drops Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite: A Cost-efficient Powerhouse with Adjustable Thinking Levels Designed for High-Scale Production AI
- The AI 'Actress' Tilly Norwood Is Getting a Whole 'Tillyverse'
- AI actor Tilly Norwood's world is expanding with the 'Tillyverse'
- Lights Out for Arab AI
- GOP state lawmakers urge White House to halt efforts to block state AI laws
- Experts discuss ethics as funding cuts and A.I. reshape scientific research
- ELTE Launches Flagship Artificial Intelligence Programme
- VCSU Hosting Public Lecture Series on Artificial Intelligence
- US Mulls Capping Nvidia H200 Sales at 75,000 per Chinese Customer
- Devil worshippers are using AI, exorcists are warned
Comments
Please log in to post a comment.