Alibaba’s Qwen3 Models Challenge OpenAI; ChatGPT Enhances Shopping Experience and Duolingo Shifts to AI-Focused Hiring

Duolingo is reshaping its recruitment strategy to align with the growing influence of AI by prioritizing candidates with artificial intelligence expertise and halting the use of contractors for tasks that AI can efficiently perform. Co-founder Luis von Ahn stated the move is designed to enable employees to focus on more creative initiatives rather than eliminate jobs. This shift highlights a broader trend in talent acquisition, where companies increasingly seek professionals capable of integrating, managing, and innovating with AI technologies as part of their core workforce strategy.

Table of Contents

– Alibaba Challenges OpenAI and DeepSeek
– OpenAI Competes with Google Shopping
– Duolingo’s AI Plans
– Update for Mode Mobile’s EarnPhone
– Conclusion

Host Introduction
Hello and welcome to AI Tech News Today! I’m Aurora, joined by my co-host Isabelle. Today is April 29, 2025, and we’re diving into the latest buzz in the world of Artificial Intelligence.

Alibaba Challenges OpenAI and DeepSeek

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has unveiled its Qwen3 series of open-source AI reasoning models. They claim these models rival, if not surpass, the capabilities of top competitors like OpenAI’s GPT-4.

Key Features of Qwen3

• Hybrid Reasoning Modes: Supports both complex inquiries and quicker tasks
• Language Support: Available in 119 languages
• Data Points: Trained on a staggering 36 trillion data points

OpenAI Competes with Google Shopping

Next, OpenAI is taking on Google Shopping with a new shopping feature within ChatGPT.

New Feature Highlights

• Product Recommendations: Provides product cards that include:
  • Images
  • Prices
  • Star ratings
• Focus: Aims to deliver organically based results, contrasting with Google’s model that has faced criticism for promoting sponsored listings over quality recommendations.

Duolingo’s AI Plans

Duolingo, the gamified language-learning platform, is shifting its hiring strategy.

Key Changes

• Hiring Focus: Will prioritize job candidates with AI experience
• Contractor Policy: Will no longer hire contractors for tasks that AI can handle
• Co-founder Statement: Luis von Ahn emphasized that this strategy aims to free up staff for more creative challenges rather than replace them.

Update for Mode Mobile’s EarnPhone

Last but not least, there’s a significant update regarding Mode Mobile’s EarnPhone.

Important Developments

• Recent Apple iOS update supports Starlink satellite connectivity
• Business Model Success: Already generated over $325 million
• Expansion Potential: This update could greatly enhance Mode’s reach in areas previously lacking coverage, allowing them to connect with billions more users worldwide, making it an intriguing investment opportunity as they prepare for a potential initial public offering.

Conclusion

That’s a wrap for today’s episode of AI Tech News Today! We hope you found this update informative and entertaining. Stay tuned for more news and insights into the ever-evolving world of Artificial Intelligence. Until next time, keep questioning and stay curious!