The world of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with significant developments in various sectors. In this news brief, we'll explore the latest advancements in AI, from the Pentagon's plans to integrate AI into military operations to the growing use of AI in the workplace and beyond.
BigBear.ai Reports Q4 2024 Financial Results
BigBear.ai, a leading provider of artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions, reported its Q4 2024 financial results, with revenue of $43.8 million, up 8% year-over-year from $40.6 million in Q4 2023. The company's gross margin improved to 37.4% from 32.1% in Q4 2023. Despite a net loss of $108.0 million in Q4 2024, BigBear.ai's ending backlog of $418 million, a 2.5x increase from 2023, provides a promising outlook for the company's future growth.
Pentagon to Integrate AI into Military Operations
The Department of Defense has awarded Scale AI a prototype contract for its flagship artificial intelligence program, "Thunderforge," which aims to integrate AI into military planning and operations. The program will use large language models, dubbed AI agents, to aid in decision-making across the military. While some experts have raised concerns about the potential risks of AI in the military, the Pentagon believes that AI will enhance the speed and precision of military operations.
Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt Warns Against AI "Manhattan Project"
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has warned against the development of an AI "Manhattan Project," which he believes could have a destabilizing effect on the US. Instead, Schmidt and his co-authors suggest a more defensive approach, including sabotaging "destabilizing" AI projects via methods like cyberattacks. This approach aims to balance the need for AI development with the risks of losing control.
Apple's $500B U.S. Investment Plan Includes AI
Apple's $500B U.S. investment plan includes a significant focus on artificial intelligence (AI). While the exact details of the plan are not yet clear, it is expected to include investments in AI research and development, as well as the creation of new AI-powered products and services.
Using FinOps to Optimize AI and Maximize ROI
As AI continues to grow in importance, companies are looking for ways to optimize their AI investments and maximize their return on investment (ROI). One approach is to use financial operations (FinOps) principles to guide AI adoption. FinOps can help eliminate errors, tighten processes, and produce a roadmap for AI integration, best use cases, and tools to use.
U.S. Chip Darlings Struggle, Software Takes Center Stage
U.S. chip stocks have struggled this year, with investors shifting their focus to software companies in search of the next big AI play. Several analysts see software's rise as a longer-term evolution, as attention shifts from the components of AI infrastructure to the software that powers it.
Shield AI Closes $240M Investment Round
Shield AI, a defense tech unicorn, has fetched $240 million in F-1 capital from investors to further iterate its software offerings. A bulk of that new investment will go toward Shield AI's work on Hivemind Enterprise, its flagship software tool for helping organizations develop and deploy autonomous capabilities for intelligent machines.
California Lawmaker Introduces "No Robo Bosses Act"
A Northern California lawmaker has introduced a proposal seeking to regulate artificial intelligence used to manage employees in the workplace, including a ban on using software to hire and fire employees without human oversight. The measure aims to protect workers from unjust or illegal impacts on their livelihoods and working conditions.
Kroger Reports 11% Growth in Digital Sales in Q4
Kroger saw growth in digital sales, employees' use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and the benefits of personalization during its fourth quarter. The company's digital sales accounted for $13 billion of its total company sales of $147.1 billion for the full year of its fiscal 2024.
Booming AI Virtual Sales Assistant Software Market Forecasted to Expand Rapidly
A new report from Prudent Markets offers an in-depth examination of the AI Virtual Sales Assistant Software market, including valuable insights into its performance. The report highlights key elements of the market, including its size, emerging trends, growth drivers, challenges, competitive landscape, and future growth potential.
Key Takeaways
- The Pentagon is integrating AI into military operations, with a focus on decision-making and speed.
- Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt warns against an AI "Manhattan Project," suggesting a more defensive approach.
- Apple's $500B U.S. investment plan includes a significant focus on AI.
- FinOps can help optimize AI investments and maximize ROI.
- Software is taking center stage in the AI market, with investors shifting their focus away from chip stocks.
- Shield AI has closed a $240M investment round to further iterate its software offerings.
- A California lawmaker has introduced a proposal to regulate AI used to manage employees in the workplace.
- Kroger has reported 11% growth in digital sales in Q4.
- The AI Virtual Sales Assistant Software market is forecasted to expand rapidly, driven by increasing product demand and technological advancements.
Sources
- Can BigBear.ai's 2.5x Backlog Growth Offset Its $108M Q4 Loss?
- The Pentagon is upping its bet on AI. Here's what it means for the military
- Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt says an AI 'Manhattan Project' is a bad idea
- Explaining How AI is a Key Part of Apple’s $500B U.S. Investment Plan
- Using FinOps to optimize AI and maximize ROI
- As US chip darlings struggle, some bet on software as next big AI play
- Shield AI closes $240M investment round
- California lawmaker introduces "No Robo Bosses Act" to regulate AI in the workplace
- Kroger Reports 11% Growth in Digital Sales in Q4
- Booming AI Virtual Sales Assistant Software Market Forecasted to Expand Rapidly (2025-2033)