The New AI Ecosystem: Smarter Assistants, Collaborative Spaces, and Open Alternatives



The landscape of Artificial Intelligence is evolving at a breakneck pace, shifting from solitary chatbots to sophisticated, integrated research and collaboration tools. Recent developments show a clear trend: AI is becoming deeply embedded in our professional and personal workflows.

Google's NotebookLM is transforming research with its Deep Research upgrade, allowing it to search the web and compile source-backed reports, while offering users control over the sources it utilizes. Simultaneously, OpenAI is focusing on collaboration and personalization, rolling out ChatGPT Group Chats for up to 20 users and upgrading GPT-5.1 for a "warmer" and smarter conversational experience. Not to be outdone, Microsoft's Copilot is expanding its capabilities with new AI agents that can generate complete Word, Excel, and PowerPoint projects from a simple prompt, promising to cut the workload of busy founders in half. For those prioritizing privacy and control, powerful, free open-source alternatives to tools like NotebookLM are emerging, deployable on local networks.

Whether you're looking to automate document creation, conduct comprehensive research, code your first iPhone app with a "vibe," or simply chat with your team, this new era of AI—governed by tools like Microsoft Agent 365—is making smarter workdays and greater productivity accessible to everyone, from small businesses to experienced developers.

Keywords: AI, ChatGPT, NotebookLM, Deep Research, Copilot, Group Chat, Microsoft Agent 365, Open Source AI, Productivity, Workflow Automation

NotebookLM's powerful Deep Research upgrade lets it search the web and create a full report - here's how
Deep Research finds the sources, but you can pick what to keep or even direct it to specific sites as it builds your report.
OpenAI's GPT-5.1 makes ChatGPT 'warmer' and smarter - how its upgraded modes work now
Users get more personalization options, too. Here's what's new.
OpenAI tests ChatGPT group chats. How to try it for yourself.
You can bring your group chat shenanigans to ChatGPT now.Well, some of you can.OpenAI announced in a company blog post that it's testing out group chats in ChatGPT. You can get as many as 20 people together to collaborate on projects and get ChatGPT's input. If you're trying to plan a dinner party, camping trip, or group-anything, you can now do that...
Everyone can use ChatGPT Group Chat now for free - here's to try it
OpenAI's new feature enables up to 20 users to collaborate with the chatbot in a single, shared conversation.
Webinar recording: Empower with Copilot & Agents – AI for Smarter Workdays 14.11.2025
In this webinar we dive into leveraging Copilot and AI agents in everyday work! The webinar is especially designed for those responsible for AI adoption and skilling or generally advancing modern ways of working. However, everyone interested in enhancing their workday with Copilot and AI agents is welcome to join. 🔍 Agenda: - Streamline Daily...
I found an open-source NotebookLM alternative that's powerful, private - and free
There's an open-source alternative for NotebookLM that can be deployed to your local LAN and can work with locally-installed AI for better privacy.
Microsoft's new AI agents create your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint projects now
They can generate documents, spreadsheets, and presentations from simple text prompts. Here's how to make the most of it.
How to vibe code your first iPhone app with AI - no experience necessary
You can easily create an app today, using AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude. Here's how.
Creating a Github-Based Webpage with AI
Miguel Guhlin, Another Think Coming, Dec 05, 2025 This is an article that is at once practical and that offers food for thought. The practical: describing how AI guided the author though the step-by-step process of setting up a web page with feedback form using GitHub and Google Sheets. The food for thought:...
I used Anthropic's Interviewer tool to share my AI complaints, and enjoyed it - how you can too
The Claude-based tool uses AI to ask you what you want out of AI, and it was six minutes well spent for me. Here's why.
Exploring various AI tools
Exploring various AI tools: AI tools for different purposes and links and collection of AI tools. The video is part of the Learning path on AI for National Agencies' staff 2025 by Salto digital: https://www.oph.fi/en/european-salto-digital-resource-centre Online video trainings have been published Sep-Dec 2025 on Salto Digital web site and in...
How to learn ChatGPT in under an hour using my favorite guides and videos - for free
Want to master ChatGPT fast and for free? Here's the easiest path, with my top handpicked resources.
Introducing Nano Banana Pro
The Keyword, Nov 26, 2025 People have been expressing a lot of enthusiasm for the new Nano Banana image generator AI from Google. Here's Mike Caulfield, for example, with a nifty infographic from his 52 video walkthroughs of Critical Thinking with AI Mode. Here's a bunch more. You can make professional infographics...
Microsoft Agent 365: The control plane for AI agents
Whether your agents are created with Microsoft platforms, open-source frameworks, or third-party platforms, Agent 365 helps you deploy, organize, and govern them securely. The post Microsoft Agent 365: The control plane for AI agents appeared first on Microsoft 365 Blog.
The Best Free Tech and AI Tools Every Small Business Should Be Using
Are you looking for simple, powerful tools that can help your small business run more efficiently without increasing costs? Want to discover the free tech and AI platforms that can boost productivity, improve communication, and support faster growth? You’ll find the essential tools every small business should be using in this infographic. Here’s...
How to Unlock ChatGPT’s Full Potential: A Practical Guide to Its Most Powerful Features
Are you looking for simple ways to get more out of ChatGPT without learning anything complicated? Want to understand the core features that can help you work faster, think clearer, and stay organised every day? You’ll find a practical breakdown of ChatGPT’s most powerful features in this infographic. Here’s a summary of what’s covered: Web Search...
Perplexity's Comet arrives on Android - how to try the AI browser on your phone now
Although Android is owned by Google - Perplexity's biggest and most powerful competitor - it could help to make Comet the default browser for many users.
How Busy Founders Can Use Microsoft Copilot to Cut Their Workload in Half
Are you looking for practical ways to reclaim hours in your week without sacrificing the quality of your work? Want to learn how Microsoft Copilot can help you automate, streamline, and simplify the tasks that slow you down? You’ll find smart, time-saving Copilot strategies in this guide. Here’s a summary of what’s

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