The world of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with major players like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft pushing the boundaries of what's possible. In this news brief, we'll explore the latest developments in AI, from Amazon's upgraded Alexa+ to Google's AI-powered experiences on smartphone lock screens.
Amazon Unveils AI-Powered Alexa+
Amazon has released an AI-powered upgrade to its popular voice assistant, Alexa+. The new feature uses generative AI to better compete with products offered by Google and Microsoft. Alexa+ will run on Amazon's own large language models and those from Anthropic, an AI company that Amazon has invested heavily in. The new feature is set to launch in the U.S. in the coming weeks and will be available for $19 per month or free for Prime users.
One of the key benefits of Alexa+ is its ability to perform a wide range of tasks across multiple apps. During a demo, Amazon's head of devices and services, Panos Panay, showed off features like remembering personal preferences, controlling smart home devices, and answering in-depth questions. The goal is to make conversations with Alexa+ feel more natural and intuitive.
Whether or not Alexa+ becomes a hit still remains to be seen, but Amazon will continue to invest heavily into generative AI, with plans to spend over $100 billion on the technology in 2025. CEO Andy Jassy also revealed that Amazon has developed or is currently developing 1,000 generative AI apps.
Glance to Develop GenAI-Powered Experiences on Smartphone Lock Screens
Consumer technology company Glance said it will use Google's artificial intelligence (AI) models to develop generative AI-powered experiences on smartphone lock screens and ambient TV screens. Glance currently delivers AI-powered lock screen experiences to more than 450 million Android-based smartphones and 300 million active users across India, Indonesia, Japan, the United States, and other countries.
By leveraging Google's AI models, the company is building the next generation of Glance, which will bring both content and shopping to the user's lock screen. For example, the company plans to use Google's intelligence capabilities and image generation capabilities to enable users to upload a selfie, have it analyzed to infer their interests and preferences, and then generate personalized images that include relevant contexts and products for their lock screen wallpapers.
How AI Can Transform Small Retail Businesses
AI can feel like a tech buzzword that's only meant for big companies with endless budgets and teams of engineers. But what if AI could work for small businesses, too—making their day-to-day easier, faster, and more efficient? That's exactly what UK-based Evermile is doing. Evermile is a platform specifically built for local retailers that automates most of their daily administrative tasks.
Omer Goldschmidt, co-founder and CEO, is on a mission to show how AI can be a game-changer for local retailers. Small businesses face one tremendous challenge: time. Owners are juggling everything—orders, deliveries, marketing, and customer support—often without the resources of larger companies. This leaves little time for strategy or growth. AI steps in to automate repetitive tasks, like coordinating deliveries or answering customer inquiries.
Nesh Unveils AI Workflows to Accelerate Sales in Chemicals, Materials, and Advanced Manufacturing
Nesh, the Sales AI platform for chemicals, materials, and advanced manufacturing, today launched new generative AI workflows to help sales teams quickly match products to customer requirements, ensure regional regulatory compliance, and differentiate products in competitive markets. This release furthers Nesh's mission to equip commercial teams with generative AI — enhancing customer conversations, increasing sales velocity, and accelerating revenue.
Richard Bird Hired as Chief Security Officer at Singulr AI
Richard Bird has been appointed Chief Security Officer at Singulr AI. As the use of AI accelerates, enterprise leaders need help developing adoption strategies and programs for managing the new business risks. Bird will play a critical role in helping customers develop operational practices that keep pace with emerging threats.
AI Anticipation as Amazon Announces Alexa + and Investors Prepare for Nvidia Earnings
Bloomberg's Caroline Hyde and Jackie Davalos discuss Amazon's plans to add generative AI to Alexa. And Kim Forrest of Bokeh Capital Partners joins to break down the expectations for Nvidia's earnings. Plus, startup Quantum Machines raise $170 million series C off the back of recent breakthroughs in quantum computing.
Online Education Company Chegg Sues Google, Saying Its AI is Killing the Business
Online education company Chegg sues Google, saying its AI is killing the business. Chegg claims Google's AI search results are unfairly scraping material from its site, harming its business. The company's stock has lost one-third of its value since the suit was filed.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon has released an AI-powered upgrade to its popular voice assistant, Alexa+, which uses generative AI to better compete with products offered by Google and Microsoft.
- Glance will use Google's AI models to develop generative AI-powered experiences on smartphone lock screens and ambient TV screens.
- AI can transform small retail businesses by automating repetitive tasks and freeing up time for strategy and growth.
- Nesh has launched new generative AI workflows to help sales teams in chemicals, materials, and advanced manufacturing.
- Richard Bird has been appointed Chief Security Officer at Singulr AI to help customers develop operational practices that keep pace with emerging threats.
- Amazon's plans to add generative AI to Alexa have sparked anticipation in the tech industry.
- Investors are preparing for Nvidia's earnings, which are expected to be impacted by the company's recent breakthroughs in quantum computing.
- Online education company Chegg has sued Google, claiming its AI search results are unfairly scraping material from its site and harming its business.
Sources
- Amazon (AMZN) Releases an AI-Powered Alexa+ Upgrade
- Glance to Develop GenAI-Powered Experiences on Smartphone Lock Screens
- How AI Can Transform Small Retail Businesses
- Nesh Unveils AI Workflows to Accelerate Sales in Chemicals, Materials, and Advanced Manufacturing
- Richard Bird hired as Chief Security Officer at Singulr AI
- Hey, Alexa, Do You Finally Have a Real Business Model?
- Disney Worker Downloads Free AI Tool—Loses Job And $200,000 Bonuses
- Bloomberg Technology: AI Anticipation as Amazon Announces Alexa + and Investors Prepare for Nvidia Earnings
- Online education company Chegg sues Google, saying its AI is killing the business