Proton makes its Lumo privacy-first ChatGPT alternative a lot more powerful (www.techradar.com)

Proton has launched Lumo 2.0, a significant update to its privacy-centric AI assistant designed to compete with popular models like ChatGPT. This release enhances its capabilities with new features including reasoning modes, image generation and recognition, live web search with citations, and persistent memory. The updated model emphasizes privacy through zero-access encryption and a no-logs policy, appealing to users seeking secure AI solutions. Lumo 2.0 Lite and Max demonstrate impressive performance, scoring 127% and 240% higher than its predecessor on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index, making it a promising alternative in the AI landscape. Notable technical improvements include a multimodal functionality that allows cross-checking across various sources without reliance on external AI engines, achieving a 76% increase in processing speed for typical queries. Users can opt for customized assistants tailored to specific needs while preserving data privacy. Despite these advances, Lumo 2.0 falls short of competing directly with top-tier models, scoring 51 on the AI index compared to 59-60 for leading systems from competitors. Nevertheless, it represents a compelling choice for privacy-conscious consumers looking for a more secure AI interaction.