The Chinese AI model, DeepSeek, has skyrocketed to global prominence, becoming the most downloaded app on Apple’s App Store since its release on January 20. Initially captivating AI enthusiasts, it soon grabbed the world’s attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling it a “wake-up call” for American companies to focus on innovation. What sets DeepSeek apart is its cost-effective design—built at a fraction of the cost of leading models like OpenAI’s, thanks to fewer advanced chips. This development sent shockwaves through the market, causing Nvidia to lose nearly $600 billion in market value, marking the largest single-day loss in U.S. history. Tech stocks slide as Chinese rival threatens AI industry; Nvidia falls 17%  Strategic Implications DeepSeek raises questions about the efficacy of Washington’s tech sanctions on China, particularly its export ban on advanced chips. Undeterred, China has doubled down on AI, with President Xi Jinping emphasizing its strategic importance as the country pivots from traditional manufacturing to advanced tech industries. What Is DeepSeek? At its core, DeepSeek is an AI chatbot similar to ChatGPT, powered by the R1 model with 670 billion parameters, making it the largest open-source language model to date. It rivals OpenAI’s models in mathematics, coding, and reasoning while adhering to Chinese government censorship. Despite its capabilities, DeepSeek operates on a modest budget of $6 million, significantly less than the billions spent by competitors. This was reportedly achieved by combining a stockpile of Nvidia A100 chips with cheaper alternatives. The Visionary Behind DeepSeek DeepSeek’s founder, Liang Wenfeng, a Zhejiang University alumnus with expertise in electronic engineering and finance, launched the company in December 2023. Known for his innovative approach, Liang previously led China’s first quant hedge fund, High-Flyer, and has long advocated for China to close the innovation gap with the U.S. Global Repercussions DeepSeek’s rise challenges the notion that massive budgets and cutting-edge chips are essential for AI advancement. Analysts suggest this could disrupt the business models of U.S. tech giants like OpenAI. The uncertainty triggered a tech sell-off on January 27, with the Nasdaq falling over 3% and Nvidia losing its top valuation spot to Apple and Microsoft. Trump says Microsoft is one of the companies eyeing TikTok China’s Reaction While the Chinese government has remained silent, state media is hailing DeepSeek as a symbol of the nation’s growing technological prowess. Experts warn, however, that such developments could fuel “tech isolationism,” as China emphasizes self-reliance. DeepSeek’s emergence signals a transformative moment for the AI industry, reshaping global tech dynamics and challenging the U.S.’s dominance. With input from agencies

Meta Platforms, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is planning a substantial investment of up to $65 billion (£559,051 crore) in artificial intelligence initiatives for 2025. The funds will primarily be directed towards building a massive new data centre and expanding the company’s AI workforce, Zuckerberg revealed in a Facebook post on Friday. The proposed data centre is set to be so expansive that it could occupy a significant portion of Manhattan. Meta aims to bring online approximately one gigawatt of computing power by 2025 and anticipates concluding the year with over 1.3 million graphics processing units (GPUs). TikTok-loaded phones listed online for thousands amid app ban “This is a massive effort, and over the coming years it will drive our core products and business, unlock historic innovation, and extend American technology leadership,” Zuckerberg stated. Significant AI Investment Meta has been heavily investing in AI over recent years, recently committing $10 billion (£86,440 crore) to a new data centre in Louisiana. Additionally, the company has acquired advanced computer chips to support products such as its AI assistant and Ray-Ban smartglasses. Zuckerberg also highlighted plans to significantly expand Meta’s AI teams in 2025. The announcement arrives shortly after OpenAI, SoftBank Group, and Oracle Corp. unveiled a $100 billion (£864,404 crore) joint venture, named Stargate, aimed at developing data centres and AI infrastructure across the US. Musk clashes with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman over Trump-supported Stargate AI data center project Increased Capital Expenditure Meta’s planned 2025 capital expenditure marks a 50% rise compared to its estimated spending for 2024, and more than double the amount allocated in 2023. The company is expected to release finalised 2024 capital expenditure figures when it announces its fourth-quarter earnings on 29 January. Wall Street analysts had anticipated Meta would allocate $51.3 billion (£443,444 crore) for 2025, according to Bloomberg-compiled estimates. While Meta shares initially dipped during pre-market trading following the announcement, they later rose by as much as 1.7% after markets opened in New York. Broadcom Inc., a key provider of chip design services to Meta, also saw its stock climb by up to 3.9%. Trump, a populist president, is flanked by tech billionaires at his inauguration Balancing Overspending and Strategic Positioning Zuckerberg acknowledged concerns about potential overspending in AI, reiterating comments he made in July. “There’s a meaningful chance that a lot of the companies are over-building now,” he noted, “but the downside of being behind is that you’re out of position for the most important technology for the next 10 to 15 years.” Unconventional Disclosure The decision to share Meta’s spending plans on Facebook, five days ahead of the company’s quarterly earnings announcement, deviates from typical corporate practice. Such projections are usually issued alongside financial results or via formal regulatory filings. However, federal regulators have ruled that social media platforms are suitable for companies to disclose material information to investors. Robert Schiffman, Senior Credit Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, commented positively on the announcement. “Meta’s sharp increase in 2025 capital spending … may be its best use of capital, driving future growth and positioning itself as a leader in AI capabilities,” he remarked. Source: With inputs from news wirers   

Paul McCartney has urged the British government to avoid altering copyright laws in a way that he believes could allow artificial intelligence companies to exploit artists, reports AP. The government is seeking feedback on whether tech firms should be allowed to use copyrighted material to train AI models unless the creators explicitly opt out. AI has enabled a 'final' Beatles song, Paul McCartney says McCartney expressed his concern in an interview with the BBC, warning that such a change could make it more difficult for artists to maintain control over their creations and harm the UK’s creative industries. “Young people come up with beautiful songs, but they don’t own them, and they have no say in how they’re used. Anyone can take them and use them,” the 82-year-old former Beatle said, in an interview set to air on Sunday. An excerpt was shared by the BBC on Saturday. Paul McCartney: John Lennon responsible for Beatle breakup “The reality is, the money is going somewhere. When music hits streaming platforms, someone is profiting, and that someone should be the person who created it, not a tech corporation,” he added. The UK’s Labour Party government aims to position the country as a global leader in AI. In December, it launched a consultation on how copyright laws could balance giving creators control over their works and ensuring AI developers can access diverse, high-quality content. A coalition of publishers, artists’ groups, and media companies, including The Associated Press, have joined forces to oppose any dilution of copyright protections. Paul McCartney writing 'It's a Wonderful Life' stage musical “We’re the people, and you’re the government. Protect us, that’s your role,” McCartney said. “If you’re passing a bill, make sure it shields the creative artists, or you risk losing them.”

Prompt engineering has become a critical skill in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), empowering users to create clear and effective instructions for generating accurate outputs. To meet growing demand, several online platforms are offering free online prompt engineering courses that teach you how to unlock the full potential of AI tools. Best Free Online Prompt Engineering Courses  . ChatGPT for Everyone by OpenAI and Learn Prompting This 1-hour beginner-level course, led by Sander Schulhoff and Shyamal Anadkat, introduces the fundamentals of ChatGPT and generative AI. It explains how ChatGPT works, its diverse applications, and techniques for crafting effective prompts. The syllabus covers using ChatGPT as a personal assistant, enhancing productivity, and creating content.  Participants will learn prompt-writing strategies, including role assignment while understanding ethical considerations and ChatGPT's limitations. Real-world case studies further enhance the learning experience. The course is free, self-paced, and offers a certificate of completion through Learn Prompting Plus to showcase your skills. Read more: 10 Best Free AI Image Generators in 2025 Course Link: https://learnprompting.org/courses/chatgpt-for-everyone Free Prompt Engineering Course by Simplilearn This 1-hour beginner-level course offers a free and comprehensive introduction to AI, NLP, and prompt engineering. It covers the fundamentals of AI and NLP, the concept and applications of prompt engineering, types of prompts, and techniques for creating effective and engaging prompts.  Taught by industry experts, the course combines theory with practical examples, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises to enhance learning. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate, which can be shared on LinkedIn. Perfect for AIML engineers, chatbot developers, and data scientists, this course equips learners to design and optimize prompts for conversational AI systems. Read more: 12 Most In-Demand Tech Skills for 2025: Stay Ahead in the Job Market Course Link: https://www.simplilearn.com/prompt-engineering-free-course-skillup Prompt Engineering for Everyone by IBM Led by Antonio Cangiano, IBM’s AI specialist, this 5-hour beginner-level course offers a comprehensive introduction to prompt engineering. It uses notes, audio recordings, and hands-on labs to teach the art of crafting compelling prompts. The course covers foundational techniques, such as Persona and Interview Patterns, and advanced approaches like Chain-of-Thought and Tree-of-Thought prompting.  Learners will also explore bias mitigation, verbosity control, and IBM's Watsonx Prompt Lab. An optional final project allows participants to apply their knowledge. This free course, offering a certificate, is perfect for professionals aiming to revolutionize their interactions with AI systems. Course Link: https://community.ibm.com/community/user/watsonx/blogs/nickolus-plowden/2023/10/15/learn-to-build-with-ai-series Read more: 10 Best Free AI Infographic Generators for 2025: Transform Ideas into Stunning Visuals Essentials of Prompt Engineering by Coursera This 1-hour beginner-level course by Amazon Web Services introduces the foundational concepts of prompt engineering. It covers crafting, refining, and optimizing prompts, with techniques such as zero-shot, few-shot, and chain-of-thought prompting. Participants will also learn to identify and mitigate potential risks in prompt engineering.  A hands-on assignment allows learners to apply the skills acquired. Offered via a free trial with an optional $49/month subscription, the course includes a certificate upon completion. Updated in July 2024, this course is ideal for those interested in AI/ML and generative AI, providing in-demand skills for a competitive edge. Course Link: https://www.coursera.org/learn/essentials-of-prompt-engineering Advanced Prompt Engineering by Learn Prompting Designed for intermediate to advanced learners, this 1-week course led by Sander Schulhoff provides in-depth training on advanced prompt engineering techniques. It explores concepts like in-context learning, chain-of-thought (CoT) prompting, problem decomposition, and self-criticism methods to craft effective prompts for complex AI applications.  Read more: How to Detect an AI-generated Image Learners will enhance their understanding of AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E 3, GPT 3.5, and GPT 4. Taught by a renowned AI expert, the course combines theory with practical strategies, offering a certificate upon completion. Available with a free trial, access to all paid courses is $39/month via Learn Prompting Plus. Course Link: https://learnprompting.org/courses/advanced-prompt-engineering Prompt Engineering Specialization by Vanderbilt University on Coursera Led by Dr. Jules White, this beginner to intermediate-level specialization spans 1 month (10 hours/week) and teaches participants to use generative AI for automation, productivity, and intelligence augmentation. The course includes three modules: composing queries for ChatGPT, advanced data analysis, and trusted generative AI.  Participants will gain hands-on experience in crafting prompts, automating tasks, and applying AI tools to real-world scenarios like social media content creation, data visualization from Excel, and PDF information extraction. The course is free with a trial and offers a certificate from Vanderbilt University upon completion. Read more: Best Text-to-Speech Software  Course Link: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/prompt-engineering Prompt Engineering and Advanced ChatGPT on edX The Advanced ChatGPT course is an intermediate-level program designed to teach advanced techniques for using ChatGPT effectively. Spanning one week with 1-2 hours of learning per week, the course covers critical areas such as advanced prompting methods to generate accurate and engaging responses.  Learners explore how ChatGPT can be applied across various industries like healthcare, finance, education, and customer service. The course also addresses the integration of ChatGPT with tools like NLP and ML for developing sophisticated chatbot applications. Additionally, it discusses ChatGPT's limitations and how to mitigate them to build more robust applications. This self-paced course is free with limited access, but a certificate can be earned for $40. Course Link: https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-programming/edx-advanced-chatgpt Read more: Free Online AI Courses by Harvard University from Basic to Advanced Levels Takeaways These free online prompt engineering courses offer excellent opportunities to master AI tools like ChatGPT and enhance your skills in crafting effective prompts. With courses catering to different levels, from beginners to advanced learners, they provide valuable insights, hands-on exercises, and certification options to help you excel in AI applications and improve productivity in various industries.

AI has revolutionized digital image processing, providing users with limitless creative freedom. With generative AI understanding and following text and visual prompts, a simple text description can turn any idea into an image and modify an existing one. Here is a list of top AI image generators to create visual magic on screen and give life to your idea without spending money. Top 10 Free AI Image Generators to Visualize Your Idea Most free AI tools come with a limited trial period or offer basic features as a freebie to entice premium sales. However, with properly articulated instructions, free AI tools can render visual elements at an expected quality. Stable Deffusion Stable Deffusion, developed by stability.io, has redefined the experience of AI image generation with its completely free and downloadable software. Stability.io has made stable deffusion an open-source project and provided an easy-to-integrate API. Several AI service providers offer modified versions of Stable Deffusion with extra functionalities on top of the core software’s features.  Read more: 10 Best Free AI Infographic Generators for 2025: Transform Ideas into Stunning Visuals The installation process of the downloadable version requires users to have a little technical knowledge. Once installed, the completely free software opens up an intriguing, hard-to-master interface. But investing a few minutes in learning it will let users have unlimited AI image creation ability at no cost. PicLumen PicLumen, developed by CHENGDU Yiwo Tech Development Co. Ltd, is a completely free text-to-image AI generator that uses advanced AI models. It offers versatile generative and editing features, such as a prompt-to-image generator, image upscaler, background remover, image colorizer, and image reference.  With the right prompt, PicLumen can achieve nuanced detailing in its images, capturing impressive aesthetics and compositions. However, it might still come short of delivering hyper-realistic textures and complex scene integration. Read more: How to Detect an AI-generated Image Meta AI Meta AI comes packed with diverse AI-powered virtual accessories to streamline the creative journey of designers, artists, and developers. Its free AI image generator enables users to customize their images with the power of generative image manipulation technology.  Meta developed Meta AI to let users access generative AI through different meta applications like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. It is easy and fun to use, and its simple integration and usability help it quickly sip into users’ habits. Leonardo Leonardo is a cross-platform AI-empowered service that unpacks a spectrum of functionalities to automate the design and development process. Leonardo offers free AI solutions to photographers, architects, designers, and marketers. AWS Startups, Blackbird Ventures, Gaorong Capital, Goodwater Capital, and Piton Capital are the top companies behind the development of Leonardo.ai. Read mmore: Best Text-to-Speech Software The AI image generator on the Leonardo platform gives access to all the features essential to achieve creative freedom. A simple traversable layout and effortless manipulation system make Leonardo a great choice for less tech-savvy users. ChatGPT ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, pioneers the age of artificial intelligence, providing the most used generative AI chatbox to date. After its recent integration with its sibling image generator, DALL.E, ChatGPT can create images based on given text instructions. The free version of the ChatGPT generates 15 free images daily, requiring a premium subscription for further trial. At the current stage, the photo-generative feature doesn’t include modification functionalities, so users can’t use it for editing purposes. Read more: Craft a Job-Winning Resume with AI: Step-by-Step Guide to Stand Out Microsoft Copilot Microsoft Copilot, developed by Microsoft Corporation, offers versatile AI assistance for tasks like research and data analysis. Its recent integration with DALL.E has made Microsoft Copilot capable of generating free images. Embodying ChatGPT-like functionalities, Microsoft Copilot adds the power of large language models (LLMs) to Microsoft 365 apps like MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Users can now generate context-based free AI images on their Word files and PowerPoint presentations. Blue Willow Blue Willow was first developed by Blue Willow Developments Ltd. and later sold out to LimeWire, a renowned AI service provider. Blue Willow follows the pioneering AI image generator Midjourney.ai’s path in creating AI-powered images from a given text prompt.  Read more: Free Online AI Courses by Harvard University from Basic to Advanced Levels Blue Willow offers 25 free daily image prompts, including prompts for revising a generated image. To facilitate the image processing service, it uses Discord’s chat interface, requiring users to sign in to their Discord accounts.  Adobe Firefly Adobe, the acclaimed creative software developer company, introduces Adobe Firefly, a cross-platform AI image processing. Adobe Firefly supports easy integration with Adobe Suit applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. The free version of Adobe Firefly unpacks diverse features to create, modify, and play with images. Boasting straightforward accessibility and simple workspaces, Adobe Firefly upholds Adobe’s reputation. Read more: Humane’s Ai Pin: Incredible Features of the ‘Smartphone Killer’ Ideogram Ideogram, developed by Ideogram.io, features the most simplistic user interface of this list. After an easy sign-in process, users can enter a text field to describe their needs. Ideogram gives away 10 free points daily, and users need to subscribe to access premium features and extended uses. Flux Flux, developed by Flux Development Ltd, is popular for its unique take on the AI image generation process. The platform has a generative model that users can access through their API.  Several renowned web services like freepik, together.ai, fal.ai, and Replicate have integrated Flux into their systems. Users can have a taste of Flux by accessing it through these platforms.  Conclusion AI image-generative technology is still in its natal phase. The above-mentioned free AI image generators can efficiently give life to any concept. With the rapid advancements in technology and immense support from industry leaders, generative image technology will bring more exciting advancements soon. Read more: GPT-4o: What’s OpenAI’s latest version really capable of?

Automakers are showcasing cutting-edge in-vehicle experiences at CES, the Consumer Technology Association’s annual tech trade show in Las Vegas, reports AP. Innovations on display include interior lighting designed to reduce motion sickness, holographic dashboards projected onto windshields, and AI-powered voice assistants integrated with infotainment systems for enhanced driving experiences. Trump's electric vehicle policies create uncertainty for automakers Hyundai Mobis demonstrated full-windshield holographic technology, BMW unveiled its new “iDrive” panoramic display, and Honda, along with Sony Honda Mobility, previewed features in their forthcoming electric vehicles. These advancements aim to make the car interior a more comfortable and engaging space, according to Axel Maschka, Hyundai Mobis’ executive vice president and head of business. Hyundai Mobis’ holographic windshield display, which remains years away from commercial availability, projects critical driving information, safety alerts, and entertainment options across the windshield. This technology provides varied views based on seating position: for instance, the front-row passenger can watch a movie or play a game, while the driver’s view remains distraction-free. Maschka highlighted that this setup ensures drivers focus on the road by minimising unnecessary distractions. Automakers Renault, Nissan make cross-shareholdings equal Car safety experts stress the importance of keeping drivers’ eyes on the road and avoiding overly complex displays. Ian Reagan, senior research scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, warned that too many visual elements could overwhelm drivers. While he acknowledges recent progress in panoramic displays designed to simplify information presentation, he cautions that not all innovations prioritise safety over consumer appeal. BMW echoed this focus on streamlined information with its Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X, debuting in select models later this year. Stephan Durach, BMW’s Head of UI/UX Development, emphasised the importance of presenting only essential details in the driver’s line of sight, aiming to reduce distractions. He rejected the idea of cars as “smartphones on wheels,” underscoring the need for clarity and minimalism in design. Sony Honda Mobility introduced “Afeela 1,” featuring an AI-driven voice assistant that engages in interactive conversations to enhance the driving experience. CEO Yasuhide Mizuno described the assistant as proactive, providing drivers with useful information while entertaining them. Scheduled for release later this year, with deliveries starting in mid-2026, Afeela 1 also offers a panoramic infotainment system with various entertainment apps. Automakers face a threat to EV sales: Slow charging times Meanwhile, Honda previewed its upcoming 0 series of electric vehicles, set to launch in North America next year. Its “AISMO OS” operating system supports automated driving, advanced driver assistance, and customisable in-car infotainment. Honda promises continuous updates to its software, allowing vehicles to become more personalised over time. Katsushi Inoue, Honda’s global head of electrification, explained that increased usage would enhance the system’s adaptability to individual preferences. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding these advancements, safety and usability concerns persist. Reagan noted that partially automated driving systems often lead to higher driver distraction, as users must remain ready to intervene. Similarly, AI voice assistants, while potentially reducing visual distractions, can become counterproductive if they require overly complicated interactions. In addition to enhancing in-cabin experiences, automakers at CES highlighted the importance of sustainable energy. Honda, in collaboration with seven other automakers, is working on the “IONNA” charging network, aiming to provide over 100,000 charging stations in North America by 2030. The company is also exploring AI-driven solutions to personalise charging, such as locating nearby stations or simplifying payment processes, with potential integration of Amazon Web Services technology. CES 2025 offers a glimpse into the future of driving, where comfort, connectivity, and sustainability converge — though ensuring safety remains a critical challenge as these innovations evolve.

The technology sector is poised for substantial growth in 2025, with specific skills set to dominate the job market. From cutting-edge advancements in AI to cybersecurity expertise, here’s a look at the tech skills expected to be the most sought-after in 2025 and beyond. 12 Top In-Demand Tech Careers in 2025 Learning the following high-demand tech and IT skills, one can ensure a stable income through full-time jobs and freelancing. Full-Stack Development Following the process of digitalization, diverse sectors like business, healthcare, education, administration, etc require apps and software to carry out their operations.  Proficiency in front-end and back-end software development enables the creation of comprehensive web applications. Not to mention, like the previous and passing years, full-stack developers will be highly sought after in the coming years too. Read more: How to Submit Zero Income Tax Return Online in Bangladesh Cloud Computing Proficiency in cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud can boost your career as businesses continue to migrate to cloud infrastructures. Roles such as cloud engineers and architects will be in high demand in 2025 and afterward. UI/UX Design A software or app might lose its potential if its UI/UX design is not user-friendly. Creating user-centered designs that enhance user experience is critical. By learning User Interface and User Experience design, one can earn money from full-time jobs or freelancing in the outsourcing platforms. Cybersecurity Many small to large financial organizations, banks, and even government organizations are falling prey to hackers. Individual users are also not safe in this digital world. Read more: Best Free Blockchain Development Courses With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, people and organizations require experts to protect their digital assets. It can be anticipated that skills in network security, ethical hacking, and risk assessment will be valuable in the job markets in 2025.  Data Analysis and Big Data The ability to analyze large datasets to extract actionable insights is invaluable. Skills in SQL, Python, and data visualization tools are particularly important. The business, marketing, banking, finance, academic research, and diverse sectors are employing data analysts and data scientists nowadays. This wave will flourish in the new year. Besides computer engineering professionals, statisticians, and mathematicians, many people from other sectors are learning these skills to shift their careers to more potential dimensions. DevOps and Automation Ranging from food shops to large factories, automation is in high demand to increase production in less time. Experience with DevOps practices and automation tools facilitates efficient software development and deployment, making these skills highly desirable. Read more: Best Free Data Science, Machine Learning Courses Online Extended Reality (AR/VR) Besides gaming, e-sports, and entertainment sectors, augmented and virtual reality technologies are expanding into diverse sectors like healthcare and retail. Therefore, expertise in VR technology in creating immersive experiences will become increasingly valuable in the coming days. Internet of Things (IoT) With the proliferation of connected devices, skills in IoT development and sensor technology are in demand to support smart infrastructure and products. In the coming years, IoT-skilled professionals will be required in diverse sectors like smart cities, connected factories, health care, agriculture, autonomous driving, smart homes, smart grids, wearables, etc. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) The integration of AI and ML across various industries is driving a surge in demand for professionals skilled in these areas. This trend is expected to continue in 2025. Expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will be applied in diverse research and development sectors. The job markets around the world will require more professionals to develop and implement AI solutions in business, technology, management, finance, and other sectors. Read more: Read Free Online Basic Programming Courses for Beginners Robotics and Automation Engineering In the coming year, the application of robotic technologies will flourish in diverse sectors like healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, transportation, etc. As industries and service-providing sectors are adopting automation, job opportunities in robotics and automation engineering will be created for designing, controlling, and maintaining automated systems. Digital Marketing and SEO With the digital transformation of businesses, news portals, etc. skills in SEO, and digital marketing are vital. Digital marketing experts can lead content development teams, monitor the web readers’ priorities, and develop user engagement plans for social media platforms. The job scope of digital marketing professionals will increase more in 2025.  Low-Code and No-Code Development Gone are the days, when only IT experts could develop or use web applications. Nowadays, diverse digital platforms allow application development with minimal coding skills. This trend has increased the demand for professionals who can leverage these tools to quickly deliver solutions.  Conclusion By investing in these highly demanding tech skills, you can enhance your employability and career prospects in the evolving digital landscape of 2025 and beyond. Read more How to Get a Job in Google from Bangladesh?

Creating professional infographics has now become quite easy with AI-powered tools. The free AI infographic generators save time and money while streamlining the design process effectively. Utilizing digital infographic tools, you can simplify a complex concept, plan, or idea through a graphic presentation. Here are the top-rated infographic tools for Android, iOS, and web platforms to simplify your infographic creation journey.  Top 10 Free AI Infographic Generators in 2025 . Canva Canva is a versatile and user-friendly design platform celebrated for its drag-and-drop simplicity. It offers various templates tailored to multiple purposes, including education and marketing.  However, the free templates might lack the premium quality found in paid options. Notable features include team collaboration tools, an extensive library of visual assets, and the Magic Switch tool for resizing designs to fit social media platforms. Canva’s free plan is robust, but advanced features like branding tools require a Pro subscription starting at $15/month. Read more: Apple iOS 18.2 Release: Key Features, Updates, Pros, and Cons You Need to Know Visme Visme is a dynamic design tool ideal for creating infographics, presentations, and more. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and customizable content blocks simplify the design process for beginners. Visme excels in data visualization with animated graphs, interactive maps, and flowcharts.  Additional features include an AI Image Generator and text writer to assist with content creation. While the free version is comprehensive, premium plans with advanced options begin at $12.25/month. Visme is perfect for educators, businesses, and designers seeking polished, professional visuals. Venngage Venngage focuses on crafting infographics, offering a wide range of templates tailored to different industries. Its Accessibility tool ensures inclusive designs with real-time feedback on color contrast and font size. Data visualization is supported through over 35 widget types, though customization options are less advanced than some competitors.  Read more: Best Free Bangladeshi Online Doctor Apps for Android, iOS  Collaboration tools allow teams to work efficiently on shared projects. Free users can explore the platform’s basic features, while Premium subscriptions start at $10/month. Venngage is best suited for small business owners, marketers, and bloggers. Piktochart Piktochart offers a polished approach to infographic design with professional features like alignment tools and a unique “Download as blocks” option for micro-graphics. Its templates are spacious and resemble websites, making them excellent for embedding.  Data visualization tools include radial and hierarchy charts, although the platform lacks a dedicated mobile or desktop app. Free plans are suitable for basic use, while Pro subscriptions with advanced capabilities start at $14/month. Piktochart is ideal for educators, team leaders, and marketers needing detailed, data-driven visuals. Read more: How to Detect an AI-generated Image Snappa Snappa is a vibrant design platform geared toward creating social media graphics and informational infographics. Its simple interface makes it easy to create colorful, uncluttered visuals. While it lacks features like advanced data visualization or interactivity, Snappa’s resizing tool helps adapt designs to different formats seamlessly.  Integration with Buffer allows for efficient social media sharing. The free plan offers limited downloads, while Pro subscriptions with unlimited access start at $10/month. Snappa is a solid option for educators, bloggers, and social media managers seeking attractive and simple designs. Easel.ly Easel.ly is a straightforward infographic design tool catering to students and educators. It features a minimalist interface with simple templates and basic editing tools. While its library is smaller than competitors, it includes essential data visualization options like static charts.  Read more: 10 Best eBook Reader Apps for Android, iOS Easel.ly lacks interactivity and real-time collaboration, making it ideal for solo projects. Pricing starts at just $2/month for students and $5/month for businesses, offering affordability alongside functionality. Its casual design style is best suited for educational purposes and small-scale projects, providing a solid starting point for beginners. Infogram Infogram excels in data visualization, offering diverse charts, graphs, and interactive elements. Its AI-driven generator simplifies creating visuals based on user data, while “Callouts” enhance interactivity. Infogram supports importing data from SQL databases and CSV files, making it perfect for professional reports.  Export options include high-quality PNGs, PDFs, and interactive HTML embeds. The free plan offers basic functionality, while Pro plans start at $19/month. Infogram is a top choice for data analysts, marketers, and educators seeking dynamic, data-driven infographics. Read more: Best Video Editing Apps for Android, IOS Whimsical Whimsical simplifies visual storytelling with tools for flowcharts, mind maps, and diagrams. Integrated with ChatGPT, it enables users to generate infographics using AI-driven prompts. Its interface prioritizes clarity, making it easy to create basic, process-focused visuals.  Even though it lacks advanced design elements, Whimsical supports team collaboration for streamlined workflows. Pricing starts at $10/month for Pro features, making it accessible for professionals seeking quick, clean designs. Whimsical is best for users prioritizing simplicity and efficiency in visualizing data or processes. PicMonkey PicMonkey blends infographic creation with robust photo editing, making it a versatile tool for visual design. Users can customize text layouts, access cloud storage, and collaborate using Shared Spaces.  Read more: How to Activate Earthquake Alerts on Android, iOS Phones While it excels in photo enhancement, it lacks interactivity and advanced data visualization tools. The platform’s pricing begins at $7.99/month, making it accessible to bloggers, small business owners, and social media enthusiasts. PicMonkey’s intuitive interface and stylish templates make it ideal for creating eye-catching visuals with a personal touch. VistaCreate VistaCreate is an intuitive tool designed for beginners seeking vibrant, professional-grade infographics. Its user-friendly interface provides access to a rich library of icons, animations, and illustrations. Though it lacks interactive charts and advanced data tools, its animation effects and resizing options enhance visual appeal.  Pro plans start at $13/month, catering to freelancers, educators, and marketing teams. VistaCreate is a great choice for those seeking simplicity and versatility for basic infographic needs, making creative projects quick and easy. Read more: Best Free Personal Safety Android, iOS Apps for Women Final Words These most popular AI-powered infographic generators can offer an ideal blend of simplicity and efficiency in 2025 and beyond. These tools simplify creating infographics, catering to diverse needs like social media posts, educational designs, and data-rich reports. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, these tools make crafting visually appealing infographics seamless and affordable.

The endangered Geoffrey’s spider monkeys that dangle high in the rainforest canopy are elusive and hard for scientists to track. So biologist Jenna Lawson hid 350 audio monitors in trees across Costa Rica's lush Osa Peninsula to spy on them. The devices recorded the sounds of the forest and surrounding countryside for a week, collecting so much data that Lawson could have spent years listening to it all. Instead, she fed it into artificial intelligence systems trained to instantly recognize spider monkey calls and detect where the animals traveled. One of the world’s largest acoustic wildlife studies when Lawson began the project in 2021, it revealed troubling findings about the health of a treasured wildlife refuge. More of this AI-assisted wildlife surveillance is “urgently needed” as some 28% of all plant and animal species are now at risk of extinction, according to a paper published in the academic journal Science this summer. Researchers from Dutch and Danish universities showed that machine-learning techniques can “handle huge amounts of data and uncover sound patterns, allowing for faster, cheaper, and better ecological studies” that can aid in biodiversity conservation. But many technical challenges remain. Tech giant Microsoft's philanthropic AI for Good Lab announced this month it is hoping to answer some of those technical challenges with a new kind of hardware and computing system for eavesdropping on the planet's wildest places. “Those remote places are also the most important places on the Earth from a biodiversity perspective,” said Microsoft's chief data scientist, Juan Lavista Ferres, in an interview last week by video call from Colombia, where a research team was preparing to test the new approach. Powered by the sun and energy-efficient AI computer chips, the devices can run for years rather than weeks without human intervention. And they can regularly transmit their data online via low-Earth orbit satellites. It's called Sparrow, short for Solar-Powered Acoustic and Remote Recording Observation Watch. Pablo Arbelaez, director of an AI-focused research center at the University of the Andes, said a first Sparrow test will happen in a jungle preserve along Colombia's largest river, the Magdalena. Eventually, the researchers hope to get a better idea of how deforestation — and efforts to reverse it — is affecting the population behavior of jaguars, blue-beaked paujil birds, spider monkeys and other endangered species. Another project closer to Microsoft headquarters will monitor forests in Washington state's Cascade Mountains. By late 2025, Lavista Ferres plans to have devices on all continents, from remote corners of the Amazon rainforest to gorilla habitats of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That will then be “open-sourced” to make it accessible to a wide body of researchers in real time, but with measures to obscure sensitive location data. “What we don’t want is these devices to ever be used for poachers to understand where the animals are,” Lavista Ferres said. It was a concern about encroachments on Costa Rican spider monkey habitat that led Lawson, then at Imperial College London, to undertake her ambitious bio-acoustic study three years ago. She persuaded landowners to let her place recording devices on their properties outside Corcovado National Park, a jewel of Costa Rica's decades-long efforts to preserve biodiversity by encouraging wildlife tourism. “She basically realized the spider monkey is in a really critical situation,” said local environmentalist and bug scientist Jim Córdoba-Alfaro. On a follow-up visit last year, he and Lawson trekked across a private reserve with an Associated Press reporter to observe the monkeys and check on the audio monitors. Italy fines OpenAI for ChatGPT data privacy violations Compared to the charismatic capuchin monkey and the notoriously loud howler monkey -- both commonly seen or heard throughout Costa Rica — spider monkeys are far more wary of humans and the changes they bring. “They’re the most sensitive of the primates that we have here,” said Lawson. “The spider monkey would be the first animal to leave when there’s signs of trouble. They would be the last animal to come back once forests are restored because they need mature secondary and primary forest to be able to survive.” The Royal Society of London in March 2023 published Lawson's findings of what the audio monitors revealed: the spider monkeys weren't going anywhere near paved roads or the plantations harvesting palm oil and teak wood that bisect the region's protected national parks. That meant government-designated wildlife corridors meant to extend their range through and beyond the Osa Peninsula were not working as well as designed. She came back to present those conclusions to local officials. After hours of searching, a troop of spider monkeys appeared — peering down at the humans who found them. Within moments, they were on their way again — extending their lanky arms and prehensile tails to grasp at trees and propel themselves across the canopy with spidery acrobatics. Unattended acoustic detection of animal sounds is valuable not just in rainforests but in a wide variety of ecosystems, according to the Science paper published earlier this year. For example, it could help sailors avoid colliding their ships with large baleen whales heard to be passing through a shipping channel. Lavista Ferres said there are still numerous challenges to overcome, from humidity that can fray jungle monitors to elephants in African savannas unintentionally knocking them off a tree. Lawson said using the audio monitors to capture the spider monkey's distinctive whinny enables biologists to study a larger area at lower cost, but also provides a truer account of how the monkeys behave without scientists following them around. “We’re reducing our influence on their behavior,” she said. ”And also — they don’t want us here."

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called on Apple to remove a generative AI feature after it created a misleading headline about a high-profile murder case in the United States, according to a report by the BBC. The BBC filed a formal complaint with the US tech giant after Apple Intelligence, an AI-powered tool designed to summarize and group notifications, falsely generated a headline about Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of healthcare insurance CEO Brian Thompson in New York. The AI-generated headline inaccurately suggested that BBC News had reported Mangione shot himself—a claim that is untrue. Niger junta suspends BBC for alleged false attack coverage In response to the incident, RSF has demanded Apple discontinue the feature, emphasizing the risks it poses to media credibility. "Generative AI services are still too immature to produce reliable information for the public," RSF said, citing the BBC case as a clear example. Vincent Berthier, head of RSF's technology and journalism desk, warned of the dangers of such technology in journalism: "AIs are probability machines, and facts can't be decided by a roll of the dice. RSF calls on Apple to act responsibly by removing this feature. The automated production of false information attributed to a media outlet is a blow to the outlet's credibility and a danger to the public's right to reliable information on current affairs." Apple has not yet responded to the BBC's complaint or RSF's demand.