Large Language Models

Today's Stories

1. 1

   Netflix Uses AI to Recreate Gene Wilder's Voice for Wonka Show

   Netflix is making a competition reality show based on Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and it will use AI to recreate Gene Wilder's voice for the titular character. The show, Wonka's The Golden Ticket, premieres on Netflix on September 23. This decision comes after Wilder's death in 2016, and his estate has given permission for the AI-generated voice. The Hollywood Reporter reports that his wife, Karen B. Wilder, who manages his estate, has supported the move, saying it celebrates his performance and introduces it to a new generation.

   The show features 12 golden ticket winners who must navigate Wonka's games, tests, and temptations. The sets are inspired by the 1971 movie, and the trailer gives a taste of what to expect.

2. 2

   Goldman Sachs AI agents fall short of bankers

   Goldman Sachs has deployed AI agents in its banking operations, but they are proving difficult to fully replace human bankers with. The news highlights the practical limitations of AI in high-stakes financial roles, suggesting that while AI can assist, it cannot yet fully replicate the judgment and expertise of Goldman Sachs bankers.

   Whether Goldman Sachs continues to invest in AI agent development or adjusts its approach based on these initial outcomes.

3. 3

   Meta AI staff replacement plan implodes

   Mark Zuckerberg had a bold plan to replace Meta staff with AI, but the plan imploded, according to the article. The failure of this plan is significant because it was a bold initiative by Meta's CEO to use AI to replace employees, and its collapse raises questions about AI's role in the workforce.

   How Meta will proceed with AI integration in its operations following this setback remains to be seen.

4. 4

   SupaPark launches Merlin, an AI Disney concierge

   SupaPark LLC announced the public launch of SupaPark, a Walt Disney World planning app built around Merlin, an AI Disney expert and personal park concierge. The app is available now at supapark.com. Merlin is a location-aware trip planner that covers Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom down to the land you're standing in. It gives live wait times, Lightning Lane availability alerts, dining reservation alerts, and crowd predictions, so guests can make data-backed decisions during their park day.

   Every guest gets Merlin free for five questions a day. Merlin Pro unlocks unlimited questions and proactive advice. SupaPark also offers paid plans—Dining Pass, Trip Pass, and All-Access—that add unlimited alerts by push, SMS, and email, full crowd forecasts, and unlimited Merlin.

5. 5

   Vibe-coded apps seen challenging SaaS giants like Salesforce

   A Spiceworks article explores whether 'vibe-coded' applications—AI-generated software built through natural-language prompts—could replace established SaaS products such as Salesforce and ServiceNow. The question matters because these tools are staples for business operations; if AI can generate similar apps on demand, it may disrupt how companies purchase and use software.

   Whether the trend gains traction in enterprise settings, as the article does not offer a definitive verdict on adoption timelines or market impact.

6. 6

   Stability AI raises $76M in Series B round

   Stability AI announced a $76 million Series B funding round. The round includes new investors Electronic Arts, Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, AMD Ventures, and Pacific Alliance Ventures. This brings total funding since CEO Prem Akkaraju took office in June 2024 to $232 million, across two equity rounds and convertible debt. The company also launched Stable Audio 3.0, open-weights music models trained on fully licensed data, available via a new DAW plugin or StableAudio.com.

   The funds will support creative product development, applied research, and professional services expansion. Thomas Laffont, co-founder of Coatue, joins the board, which includes James Cameron, Sean Parker, Dana Settle, and Prem Akkaraju.