The world of technology and artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, with breakthroughs and innovations emerging on a daily basis. In this news brief, we'll delve into the latest developments in AI, from Apple's partnership with Alibaba to integrate AI-powered features into iPhones sold in China, to the use of generative AI to improve sales teams' client discovery and the development of AI-enabled wearable sensors to curb nocturnal scratching.
Apple Taps Alibaba's AI to Revive iPhone Sales in China
Apple has finalized a deal with Alibaba to integrate AI-powered features into iPhones sold in China. This partnership follows months of speculation about how Apple would navigate China's AI restrictions while remaining competitive against domestic smartphone brands. Apple CEO Tim Cook previously highlighted that markets with AI integration saw higher iPhone upgrade rates, but China remained an exception, leading to a rare sales dip.
How Sales Teams Can Use Gen AI to Discover What Clients Need
Sales teams face an increasingly challenging landscape, with prospects not responding to cold outreach and existing customers unwilling to invest their time in deeper discovery conversations. Recent McKinsey research found that over the last five years, the percentage of B2B buyers who wanted in-person sales interactions with new suppliers has decreased. Revenue leaders leverage generative AI to improve the quality — not quantity — of their sales engagement. When sellers leverage AI for client discovery, they can begin their buyer conversations from a stronger position that's more grounded in the customer's business challenges.
AI Infrastructure Nearing 'Disequilibrium'
Basic AI assumptions are being revisited and revaluated by companies. Anjney Midha, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, says that AI infrastructure is nearing 'disequilibrium.' This shift is driven by the increasing complexity of AI systems and the need for more sophisticated infrastructure to support them.
AI Stock Hits New High After Beating Q4 Estimates; Company Sets AI Goals
Software leader and AI stock HubSpot (HUBS) hit an all-time high after delivering a strong fourth-quarter report. For the fourth quarter, the company announced sales of $703.2 million — a 21% increase from the prior year. Earnings grew 31% to $2.32 per share. Analysts had expected earnings of $2.19 per share on $673.3 million in sales.
This AI Stock Skyrocketed 900% in a Year, Including a 20% Jump Today
AppLovin just had another knockout quarter, sending its stock soaring over 20% at 2.24pm today. The AI-powered ad tech giant crushed expectations with Q4 revenue up 44% to $1.37 billion, while earnings per share skyrocketed to $1.73, blowing past Wall Street's $1.25.
Should You Buy Soundhound AI Stock or Should You Sell?
SoundHound AI's Q3 2024 revenue grew 89% year-over-year to $25.1 million, and trounced expectations of $23.02 million. However, it still had persistent losses, with the company's operating losses widening to $33.7 million. A good portion of analysts are skeptical about it becoming profitable anytime soon, even though 2025 revenue is projected at $150 million.
Former Google Boss Calls For Teen Social Media Ban, Warns Of AI Causing 'Real Harm'
Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has revamped his calls for a social media ban on children under 16 and shared his concerns about artificial intelligence falling into the hands of "evil." Schmidt's comments follow a new proposal from Google that will see AI being utilized to check the age of users — as global lawmakers place increasing pressure on tech companies to protect minors.
Loving Yourself Okayed Via Generative AI
Loving yourself is a common mantra these days — it makes abundant sense to do so. Turns out generative AI and LLMs can assist you. Turning the mantra about loving yourself into reality can be aided via the astute use of generative AI. In today’s column, I explore the popular topic of loving yourself, a catchphrase that has become commonly accepted and refers to the idea that you should provide yourself with a sense of self-acceptance and self-compassion.
AI-enabled Wearable Sensor Uses Vibration to Curb Nocturnal Scratching
Northwestern University researchers have tested a method to reduce the dreaded nocturnal itch-scratch cycle. Using an AI-trained wearable sensor with vibrating feedback, the device significantly reduced nocturnal scratching in adults with mild atopic dermatitis.
Key Takeaways
- Apple has partnered with Alibaba to integrate AI-powered features into iPhones sold in China.
- Sales teams can use generative AI to improve client discovery and begin buyer conversations from a stronger position.
- AI infrastructure is nearing 'disequilibrium' due to increasing complexity and the need for more sophisticated infrastructure.
- AI stocks, such as HubSpot and AppLovin, have seen significant growth and are expected to continue to perform well.
- SoundHound AI's stock has declined due to persistent losses, but analysts are skeptical about its ability to become profitable.
- Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has called for a social media ban on children under 16 and warned about the dangers of AI falling into the wrong hands.
- Generative AI can be used to assist in loving oneself and providing self-acceptance and self-compassion.
- An AI-enabled wearable sensor has been developed to curb nocturnal scratching in adults with mild atopic dermatitis.
Sources
- Apple Taps Alibaba's AI to Revive iPhone Sales in China
- Anthropic hired president Daniela Amodei's husband to work on the company's AI safety strategy
- AI Infrastructure Nearing 'Disequilibrium'
- How Sales Teams Can Use Gen AI to Discover What Clients Need
- AI Stock Hits New High After Beating Q4 Estimates; Company Sets AI Goals
- This AI Stock Skyrocketed 900% in a Year, Including a 20% Jump Today
- Should You Buy Soundhound AI Stock or Should You Sell?
- Former Google Boss Calls For Teen Social Media Ban, Warns Of AI Causing 'Real Harm'
- Loving Yourself Okayed Via Generative AI
- AI-enabled wearable sensor uses vibration to curb nocturnal scratching