
Gym weights have 362x more bacteria than toilet seats. We interrupt your program to tell you that, that dumbbell you’re lifting is a germ fest. So next time you’re pumping iron, maybe grab some extra hand sanitiser—your workout is definitely more "hands-on" than you thought...
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What’s in store:
Perplexity’s ads are here – for better or worse.
YouTube's new tools give your music a whole new sound.
Around the web: Starting January 2025, Spotify will pay video creators based on engagement from paid subscribers.
Read Time: 5 minutes
PERPLEXITY
Perplexity, the AI search engine, has started testing ads on its platform in the U.S. this week.
These ads appear as “sponsored follow-up questions” (e.g., “How can I use LinkedIn to improve my job search?”) next to search answers, labelled clearly as sponsored.
Brands like Indeed and Whole Foods, along with agencies such as Universal McCann, are part of this ad program.
Perplexity says ads are necessary to support revenue-sharing with publishing partners, as subscriptions alone haven’t been enough to sustain growth.
They assure users that these ads won’t affect the AI’s accuracy or objectivity and that advertisers will not access any personal user data.
Here’s what you should know:
Perplexity is testing “sponsored follow-up questions” ads in the U.S.
The company says ads will not impact answer accuracy, and user privacy remains secure.
Perplexity is facing legal claims over content copying, with publishers alleging plagiarism.
Trust us, ads won’t bite
Unlike OpenAI, which kept ads out of ChatGPT Search, Perplexity has chosen to include ads, joining competitors like Google who have tested ads in AI search results.
Microsoft also tried ads in its Bing chatbot responses, though it removed them shortly after.
Perplexity has been accused of copying content without permission, which led to lawsuits from publishers like Dow Jones.
In response, the company says it has improved its citation methods and expanded revenue-sharing options for publishers.
Currently handling 100 million searches per week, Perplexity is under pressure to increase its revenue sources.
The company is reportedly finalising a $500 million funding round, aiming for a $9 billion valuation.
At present, its only revenue source is its premium subscription, costing $20 per month or $200 per year.
Subscription and ads? Netflix, I blame you.
Do you think Perplexity will keep their promise of objectivity?
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On This Day
November 14th 1922 - The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) begins radio service in the United Kingdom.
Tool of the Week
Fusion OS
Fusion OS is an AI-driven platform that simplifies marketing by generating tailored copy and adaptable creatives across channels, with easy-to-read Photoshop files. Featuring 1-click integrations and real-time collaboration, it includes tools like FusionCopy, FusionImage, and FusionInsights, making it ideal for marketing teams and brands to streamline campaigns and boost productivity.
YOUTUBE
YouTube is expanding its AI music tools to give creators new ways to remix songs.
Originally, some U.S. creators could make songs with AI using vocals from artists like Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, and John Legend.
Now, YouTube’s “Dream Track” toolset includes a feature called “Restyle a Track,” which lets creators describe how they want to change a song’s style.
With this feature, creators in the test group can make 30-second remixes for YouTube Shorts, keeping the song’s original vocals and lyrics but giving it a new genre or mood.
Each remix is clearly labelled as AI-modified and credits the original artist.
Here are some key points:
“Restyle a Track” lets creators remix songs for 30-second Shorts clips with custom styles.
Each remix credits the original artist and is labelled as AI-modified.
YouTube has teamed up with Universal Music Group to make sure rights holders are fairly paid.
From humming to hits
YouTube’s Dream Track tool, launched last year with DeepMind’s Lyria model, also allows users to create a track by humming a tune.
To avoid copyright issues, YouTube partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) to ensure that artists are compensated when their work is used in AI-powered remixes.
Other companies, like Hook (a new app by former JioSaavn executive Gaurav Sharma), are also developing ways for users to remix music for short videos.
Remixing just went from the DJ booth to the YouTube app.
Mindstream Picks
Space: NASA and Roscosmos remain at odds over the cause and seriousness of an air leak in the Russian segment of the ISS, with NASA expressing concerns about a potential "catastrophic failure" in a Russian module.
Crypto: Bitcoin rose 1.8% to $54,440 Monday after a weekend dip, with analysts cautious due to ETF outflows and upcoming economic data.
Games: Disney is reportedly eyeing EA CEO Andrew Wilson as a potential successor to Bob Iger, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Don’t Miss: Spotify will start paying video creators based on engagement from paid subscribers and will remove ad breaks for these users, aligning more closely with YouTube’s approach. Starting January 2025, creators in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada can track earnings and analytics via Spotify for Creators.
AI Art
Our Image of the Day

Artwork submitted by Mindstream reader Simone: “Digital Mount Everest”
Daily Image Prompt
Idyllic beach on a private island
Yesterday’s Poll
“Do high-profile exits signal a healthy change for OpenAI?”
Absolutely, fresh perspectives lead to growth. - 15%
Not sure—seems like a red flag. - 85% ✅
Your Views:
“The timing with more funding, the departure of folks specifically on the superalignment teams, and the comments about AGI by 2025 - it's possible its just folks leaving to pursue other options, but also equally possible it's legitimate concerns over accelerationism and wanting to stop it.” - zazzrazma
“Now that easy LLM gains are slowing, it’s like rats on a sinking ship?” - rgray_9
Submit your opinions in our daily poll to be featured!
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