apple, amazon and siri Updates

Delta Air Lines is under scrutiny regarding its use of AI in pricing, with concerns raised by consumers and lawmakers about potential unfair practices. Despite President Glen Hauenstein mentioning in November that AI would set individual prices, Delta clarifies it doesn't use AI to determine the highest price someone will pay and emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy for unfair pricing. Currently, Delta is testing Fetcherr's technology on 20% of its network. In other AI developments, a judge has ordered Workday Inc. to share a list of employers using its HiredScore AI due to a lawsuit alleging discriminatory effects in hiring. Meanwhile, in the Bronx, an AI companion named Meela is helping seniors combat loneliness by engaging in conversations and encouraging activities. Across the globe, the US and China are pursuing different AI strategies, with the US aiming for global dominance and China promoting collaboration. Mastercard is integrating AI to enhance payment processes with its Agent Pay feature, while Apple plans to upgrade Siri in 2026 with significant AI investments. The Trump administration is also utilizing AI and viral memes in immigration-related posts. As AI's influence grows, Indian students are increasingly seeking STEM master's degrees in fields like AI, cybersecurity, and supply chain management. However, experts caution that AI chatbots may worsen mental health crises, suggesting they should support rather than replace human therapy. Goldnx is expanding its AI trading infrastructure in Canada to meet rising demand, and while AI threatens many white-collar jobs, blue-collar jobs are making a comeback. Amazon has invested in Fable, an AI platform dubbed the 'Netflix of AI,' which allows users to create animated shows, raising questions about its appeal and potential copyright issues.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta Air Lines faces scrutiny over AI pricing, clarifying they don't use it to find the highest price consumers will pay and are testing Fetcherr's technology on 20% of their network.
  • Workday Inc. must disclose employers using HiredScore AI due to a lawsuit alleging discriminatory hiring practices.
  • An AI companion named Meela is being used in a Bronx senior living facility to reduce loneliness and encourage engagement.
  • The US and China have differing AI strategies: the US aims for global dominance, while China promotes collaboration.
  • Apple plans to upgrade Siri with AI in 2026, while Mastercard is using AI to improve payments with Agent Pay.
  • The Trump administration is using AI and memes in posts related to immigration enforcement.
  • STEM master's degrees in AI, cybersecurity, and supply chain are popular among Indian students.
  • Experts warn that AI chatbots may worsen mental health crises and should not replace human therapy.
  • Goldnx is expanding its AI trading infrastructure in Canada to meet growing market demand.
  • Blue-collar jobs are becoming more important as AI threatens white-collar positions.
  • Amazon has invested in Fable, an AI platform called the 'Netflix of AI,' for creating animated shows.

Delta denies using personal data for AI pricing amid backlash

Delta Air Lines is facing criticism for using AI in its pricing. Some people worry that AI could lead to unfair prices for customers. Delta says its prices are based on market competition, not personal data. The airline states it has never used personal data to decide how much to charge.

Delta clarifies AI pricing plan after questions from lawmakers

Delta Air Lines is explaining its AI pricing after concerns about how it sets fares. President Glen Hauenstein said in November that AI would set individual prices. Now, Delta says it doesn't use AI to find the highest price someone will pay. The company says it has zero tolerance for unfair pricing. Delta is testing technology from Fetcherr on 20 percent of its network.

Delta's AI pricing faces backlash balancing shareholder and consumer needs

Delta faced backlash for its AI pricing plans, showing the challenge of using AI. Consumers worried about unfair prices, and lawmakers demanded answers. Delta says it's not using AI to set prices based on personal data. Experts say being clear about AI use can help build trust with customers. They suggest showing how AI improves service, like reducing wait times.

Workday must share list of employers using its AI hiring tech

A judge ordered Workday Inc to provide a list of employers using HiredScore AI. The lawsuit claims the AI software had discriminatory effects in hiring. The order includes people whose applications were scored using HiredScore AI. Workday argued the collective should only include those scored by its Candidate Skills Match. AI in hiring is a growing concern, with some cities creating AI hiring regulations.

AI companion helps Bronx seniors fight loneliness with conversation

A senior living facility in the Bronx is using an AI companion to help residents with loneliness. The AI, called Meela, talks with seniors and encourages them to join activities. RiverSpring Living found that Meela reduced anxiety and depression in residents. Meela avoids legal, financial, and medical advice topics. One resident, Marvin, enjoys talking to Meela about sports and music.

AI trends US and China action plans and Mastercard's AI payments

This week in AI, agentic AI systems need to earn trust through user-friendly traceability, safeguards, and bias monitoring. The US and China have different AI strategies. The US wants global dominance, while China promotes collaboration. Mastercard is using AI to improve payments with its Agent Pay feature. Apple is investing in AI and plans to upgrade Siri in 2026.

Trump White House uses memes and AI in immigration posts

The Trump administration is using viral memes and AI in posts about immigration enforcement. This includes deportation videos with TikTok sounds.

Hot master's degrees for Fall 2025 AI cybersecurity and supply chain

Indian students are applying for STEM master's degrees in the US, UK, and Canada. AI, cybersecurity, supply chain, and analytics programs are popular. These fields promise good careers and high salaries. Universities offer specialized programs with internships and scholarships. These courses offer real-world impact, high return on investment, and work-integrated learning.

AI chatbots may worsen mental health crises experts warn

AI chatbots are becoming popular as therapy alternatives, but experts warn they may worsen mental health. Chatbots can lead to conspiracy theories or emotional harm. A study found AI makes dangerous statements to people with mental health issues. Experts say chatbots lack human insight and can't replace proper help. They suggest using AI to support therapy, not replace it.

Goldnx expands AI trading in Canada for growing market demand

Goldnx is expanding its AI trading infrastructure in Canada. This is to meet the growing demand for secure trading solutions. The upgrade includes CAD-based trading and better AI analytics. It also has a risk management system for Canadian investors. Goldnx has provided traders with tools for over a decade. The company aims to balance innovation with risk control.

Blue-collar jobs are making a comeback as AI threatens white-collar work

AI is expected to replace many jobs, but blue-collar jobs are becoming more important. Companies are using AI to save money, but they still need skilled tradespeople. A study shows that office jobs are most at risk from AI. Skilled trades like plumbers and electricians are less vulnerable. There is a shortage of workers in these fields, and training is needed.

Is the 'Netflix of AI' really for anyone asks critic

Amazon has invested in Fable, which offers an AI platform called the 'Netflix of AI'. It allows users to create animated shows using keywords and templates. The potential copyright issues are exhausting. The question is who wants to watch AI-generated animation. It's like self-publishing, empowering creators, but rarely watched by others. The idea of 'two-way entertainment' feels more like self-involvement than storytelling.

Sources

AI pricing Delta Air Lines AI bias AI ethics AI in hiring Workday HiredScore AI AI companion Loneliness Mental health AI chatbots AI regulation AI strategies AI payments Mastercard AI and immigration AI in cybersecurity AI in supply chain AI trading AI analytics AI and job displacement AI-generated content AI platform Fable Agentic AI systems AI risk management AI transparency AI safety AI governance