Welcome back, AI Enthusiasts!
In today’s AI summary rundown:
Starting December 21, 2025, Prime members with eligible older Echo devices can trigger the new AI assistant, Alexa Plus, simply by saying “Alexa, upgrade.”
Alexa Plus is already available on newly launched Echo devices and has begun appearing in web browsers for some users, easing access beyond just voice-enabled devices.
A browser-accessible version of Alexa Plus (via Alexa.com) has launched for select early-access users, offering desktop-based productivity tools such as a text-chatbot, file uploads, calendar and list management, smart home controls, and more.
The assistant continues to roll out in stages. Early access initially targeted Echo Show models (Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21), with additional support for new Echo devices and platform expansion expected throughout 2026.
While Amazon positions Alexa Plus as a significant evolution, The Verge raises the question of whether it truly feels like an upgrade, highlighting mixed user experiences and prompting deeper evaluation.
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AI Insights
UPS Deploys AI and Robots to Combat Return Fraud
Robotic Swarm Enhances Efficiency
A fleet of robots navigates the return centers, streamlining package movement and sorting to improve operational efficiency.
AI-Powered Fraud Detection
AI systems analyze returned items for inconsistencies, flagging potential fraudulent activity with precision beyond human capabilities.
Return Vision System in Action
The "Return Vision" system flags suspicious returns for further inspection, combining AI insights with human oversight to confirm fraud.
Impact on Retail Fraud
The integration of AI aims to significantly reduce the financial losses from fraudulent returns, providing retailers with an effective deterrent.
Expansion Plans
Currently tested with select retailers, UPS plans to expand the system following evaluation, paving the way for broader deployment.
AI Training: AI Tutorial of the Day
Turn a Viral App Trend into an AI Analysis
Discover what AI can do when you experiment with different models on thareja.ai! Running the same idea across different AI models reveals each model’s unique creative edge.
Start a New Chat
Open thareja.ai and start a fresh conversation to focus on one idea.
Switch Your AI Model
Click the ( + ) icon next to Automatic and choose your model.
For this tutorial, I selected Claude.
Why Claude?
Claude tends to excel at:
Conceptual thinking
Narrative flow
Smooth, reflective writing
Try This Prompt & Observe the Difference
Prompt used:
“Write a short reflective piece imagining how TikTok’s algorithm influences creativity in 2025. Keep it thoughtful, slightly critical, and insightful. Avoid fear-mongering, focus on ideas.”
Model Used
Claude
AI Response (Excerpt)
“TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t dictate creativity; it channels it. Trends emerge from a delicate dance between user innovation and machine amplification. In 2025, creators may learn not only to adapt to the algorithm but to use it as a mirror, reflecting the evolving tastes of a global audience.”
Why This Experiment Works
Testing the same prompt on GPT-4o gives a more analytical, data-driven perspective.
Claude leans into storytelling and nuance, while GPT-4o emphasizes clarity and action.
This simple switch demonstrates why thareja.ai is invaluable for creative and analytical experimentation.
Happy Prompting!
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AI-Generated Image of the Day
Prompt: Ultra-realistic cinematic image of Winston Churchill standing at a grand podium in a dimly lit hall, sunlight streaming dramatically through tall windows, creating contrast and shadows. Realistic textures on suit, podium, and floor, subtle audience silhouettes, cinematic low-angle perspective, soft lens flare, photorealistic facial expressions of determination and resolve, ultra-HD detail, mood of leadership, courage, and history.
Tip: the more specific the better
Using thareja.ai makes it easy to see how creativity changes from model to model. While each one has its own style, Nano Banana stands out when the goal is impactful, energetic visuals.
Meme of the Day
Question of the Day
What is the primary function of a chatbot?
That’s it for today’s news in the world of AI!
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