Apple is actively integrating AI to enhance its retail operations, with the introduction of 'Asa,' an AI chatbot designed to train retail employees on iPhone sales and product knowledge. Asa, deployed within Apple's SEED training app, prioritizes data privacy by processing information directly on devices. Meanwhile, China is strategically managing AI development by controlling investment and promoting sustainable growth, with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) guiding provinces to focus on their strengths in AI. The NDRC is also planning subsidies to encourage the use of AI-powered smart devices. In journalism, AI offers tools for data analysis and content creation, but requires vigilance to maintain truth and fairness. The rise of AI is also impacting the job market, making it harder for computer science graduates to secure entry-level positions. Data from Cloudflare indicates an imbalance in content usage, with AI platforms like Anthropic and OpenAI crawling significant amounts of data while providing limited referral traffic back to publishers. Google has introduced an AI Mode that allows users to compare products and businesses directly within search results. Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are gaining traction in the crypto space, driven by AI and self-custody solutions. SAP is investing over 20 billion euros in a 'sovereign cloud' in Europe to provide companies with AI access while adhering to data protection regulations. Startups are leveraging AI to fuel growth, improve productivity, and optimize hiring processes. The U.S. Army is ensuring AI systems comply with data, privacy, and FOIA regulations, mandating training and transparency in AI usage.
Key Takeaways
- Apple launched 'Asa,' an AI chatbot for retail employees, focusing on iPhone sales training and data privacy within the SEED app.
- China's NDRC is controlling AI investment to prevent overcapacity and promote sustainable growth, subsidizing AI device adoption.
- AI offers journalism tools for data analysis and content creation but requires vigilance against misinformation.
- Computer science graduates face increased job competition due to AI handling simpler tasks.
- Cloudflare data reveals AI platforms like Anthropic (38,000 pages per referral) and OpenAI (1,091 pages per referral) crawl significant content with limited referral traffic.
- Google's AI Mode now allows users to compare products and local businesses in search results.
- Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are growing in popularity due to AI and self-custody solutions.
- SAP is investing over 20 billion euros in a European 'sovereign cloud' for AI, ensuring data protection compliance.
- Startups are using AI to drive growth, boost productivity, and optimize hiring strategies.
- The U.S. Army mandates AI systems to comply with data, privacy, and FOIA regulations, requiring training and transparency.
Apple's Asa Chatbot Helps Employees Sell iPhones Faster
Apple has created a new AI chatbot called Asa to help its retail employees sell iPhones. Asa will be available in Apple's internal SEED app, which is used for training. The chatbot can answer employee questions about Apple products and help them improve their sales skills. This tool aims to help new employees learn faster and aligns with Apple's AI development.
Apple's Asa Chatbot Trains Retail Staff with AI
Apple launched Asa, an AI chatbot, to help retail employees sell iPhones and other products. Asa is part of Apple's SEED training app and gives employees quick access to product info and sales tips. This follows Apple's recent launch of an AI chatbot for customer support. Insiders say Apple's AI is now as good as competitors like OpenAI's ChatGPT, helping employees create custom sales pitches.
Apple's Asa AI Chatbot Focuses on Retail Employee Privacy
Apple introduced Asa, a new AI chatbot, to help retail employees with product info and sales strategies. Asa is in Apple's SEED training app and prioritizes data privacy by processing info on devices. It helps employees with sales scenarios and iPhone feature details. Apple's approach to AI is measured, focusing on privacy and practical use, unlike competitors' more open platforms.
China to Subsidize AI Devices for Wider Use
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) plans to introduce new ways to support the use of smart devices with AI. The goal is to grow the AI industry while using resources wisely. The NDRC wants to avoid problems like overproduction that have happened in other industries. These new methods will encourage both public and private investment in AI and help China compete in the global AI market.
Beijing Controls AI Investment for Sustainable Growth
Beijing is working to control AI investment to avoid wasteful competition and keep the technology important for the economy. The National Development and Reform Commission wants provinces to develop AI based on their strengths. This aims to prevent overcapacity issues, like those in the electric vehicle industry. China also plans to support private companies to become leaders in AI.
Journalism's Future AI Offers Tools, Demands Vigilance
After 60 years in journalism, a veteran reflects on AI's impact. AI can help with data analysis, content creation, and fact-checking. However, there are concerns about misinformation and job losses. A mix of AI and human work is likely, but core values like truth and fairness must remain. Journalists should use AI as a tool while protecting responsible reporting.
Computer Science Degrees Struggle to Guarantee Jobs
Computer science graduates are finding it harder to get jobs, possibly because AI is handling simpler tasks. Tech companies are hiring fewer entry-level workers and using AI for coding. Even experienced developers face competition as more students study computer science. Experts advise graduates to learn AI tools to attract employers, though computer science jobs still offer high salaries.
AI Crawling Data Shows Imbalance in Content Use
Cloudflare data shows AI platforms crawl a lot of content for training but don't send much traffic back to publishers. Anthropic crawled 38,000 pages for each referral, while OpenAI crawled 1,091. Training-related crawling makes up most AI bot activity, showing AI companies focus on data collection. News websites have seen less traffic from Google as AI Overviews expand. Content creators are looking for ways to balance AI engagement with making money.
Google AI Mode Now Compares Products and Businesses
Google's AI Mode can now compare products or local businesses. Users can select listings and have AI Mode compare them in a follow-up search. This feature is being tested and allows users to quickly compare options.
AI and Self-Custody Boost Decentralized Crypto Exchanges
Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are becoming more popular than centralized exchanges (CEXs) because of AI and self-custody. In 2025, DEXs captured 7.6% of crypto trading volume, growing faster than CEXs. DEXs offer lower fees and let users control their funds, reducing risk. AI-powered systems and new tokens like $WLFI are also helping DEXs improve and attract users. Investors are using both DEXs and CEXs to balance efficiency and risk.
SAP Invests Billions in European 'Sovereign Cloud' for AI
SAP will invest over 20 billion euros in its 'sovereign cloud' in Europe over the next 10 years. This includes an infrastructure platform for companies to access computing services. The goal is to keep customer data in the EU to follow data protection rules like GDPR. This move helps European companies access AI technology while maintaining control over their data.
Startups Use AI to Grow, Hire, and Boost Productivity
Early-stage startups are using AI to grow, increase productivity, and hire more people. A survey shows that most entrepreneurs are confident in their business's financial future because of AI. Companies using AI see a better return on investment and are shifting budgets to AI technologies. Startups are also using AI to understand customers better and hire contractors for growth-related jobs.
Army Memo: AI Must Follow Data, Privacy, and FOIA Rules
The Army issued a memo to make sure AI systems follow rules for managing records, protecting privacy, and complying with FOIA. AI system owners must keep track of user interactions and AI-generated content as official records. When responding to FOIA requests, people must say when they used AI. The Army also requires everyone to complete annual training on data and security.
Sources
- Apple just released a new AI chatbot to help retail employees sell iPhones
- Apple Launches Asa AI Chatbot for Retail Employee Training
- Apple Launches Asa AI Chatbot for Retail Employees with Privacy Focus
- China NDRC: to promote smart device adoption, innovate AI terminal consumption subsidy methods
- Beijing seeks to curb excess AI investment while sustaining growth
- Lessons from 60 Years in Journalism -- A Postscript on Artificial Intelligence
- A comp sci degree is no longer a job offer magnet
- AI crawling data reveals massive imbalance in training versus referral patterns
- Google AI Mode With Compare Checkboxes For Products & Local Business Listings
- DEXs Outpace CEXs as AI and Self-Custody Reshape Crypto Trading
- SAP to invest over 20 billion euros in 'sovereign cloud' in boost to Europe's AI ambitions
- Early-Stage startups leverage AI for productivity, growth and hiring
- Army's Garciga Issues Memo on AI Compliance With FOIA, RM