July 12, 2025

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Apple TV+ Murderbot, Microsoft's $500M AI Savings, Intel RealSense Spin-off

Several developments are unfolding in the AI and tech sectors. Convert Peak launched Phonetix A.I. on July 10, 2025, an AI assistant using voice technology to automate roofing sales, reportedly increasing booked appointments by 25%. In media, the TV show 'Murderbot' on Apple TV+, based on Martha Wells's books, explores human-robot coexistence, though Wells believes true AI is still far off. Kristen Arnett discusses the impact of AI on writing, while California IT leaders are set to discuss AI and security at an August 7 event in Sacramento. There have been instances where AI has gone wrong, such as Microsoft's Tay chatbot posting offensive tweets. However, Microsoft has also seen benefits, saving $500 million in call centers through AI implementation, which has also boosted productivity in sales and software development, though 15,000 jobs are being cut. Intel's RealSense, a 3D imaging technology company, became independent after 14 years, raising $50 million to expand its technology used in robots and facial recognition. A new communications system called ZEN aims to speed up AI training by improving GPU communication. Sezin Palmer from Ernst & Young discussed AI strategies for healthcare success on HIMSSCast, advising strategic investment and careful vendor selection. Finally, AI's potential to improve data reliability in 3D printing is being explored, addressing investment challenges in that sector.

Key Takeaways

  • Convert Peak's Phonetix A.I., launched on July 10, 2025, uses voice technology to automate roofing sales, leading to a reported 25% increase in booked appointments.
  • Martha Wells, author of 'Murderbot Diaries,' believes true AI is still distant, despite the popularity of the 'Murderbot' TV series on Apple TV+ exploring human-robot relations.
  • California IT leaders will discuss AI and security at a tech event in Sacramento on August 7.
  • Microsoft saved $500 million using AI in its call centers and improved productivity in sales and software development.
  • Intel's RealSense, a 3D imaging technology company, became independent and raised $50 million to expand its technology.
  • A new communications system called ZEN aims to accelerate AI training by optimizing communication between GPUs.
  • Sezin Palmer from Ernst & Young advises healthcare leaders to strategically invest in AI, focusing on value and careful vendor selection.
  • AI is being explored to improve data reliability and investment in the 3D printing industry.
  • Instances like Microsoft's Tay chatbot demonstrate the risks and need for careful control in AI development.
  • Microsoft is cutting 15,000 jobs this year, despite AI helping salespeople find leads and close deals faster.

Convert Peak's Phonetix A.I. Automates Roofing Sales with Voice Technology

Convert Peak launched Phonetix A.I. on July 10, 2025, to help roofing contractors get more jobs. The AI assistant uses voice technology to quickly respond to leads and schedule appointments. Roofing companies using Phonetix A.I. have seen a 25% increase in booked appointments. This tool helps contractors stay competitive by responding faster to potential customers and is available from Convert Peak.

Convert Peak's Phonetix A.I. Automates Roofing Sales with Voice Technology

Convert Peak launched Phonetix A.I. on July 10, 2025, to help roofing contractors get more jobs. The AI assistant uses voice technology to quickly respond to leads and schedule appointments. Roofing companies using Phonetix A.I. have seen a 25% increase in booked appointments. This tool helps contractors stay competitive by responding faster to potential customers and is available from Convert Peak.

Convert Peak's Phonetix A.I. Automates Roofing Sales with Voice Technology

Convert Peak launched Phonetix A.I. on July 10, 2025, to help roofing contractors get more jobs. The AI assistant uses voice technology to quickly respond to leads and schedule appointments. Roofing companies using Phonetix A.I. have seen a 25% increase in booked appointments. This tool helps contractors stay competitive by responding faster to potential customers and is available from Convert Peak.

Murderbot Author Says True AI Is Still Far Away

Author Martha Wells, known for the Murderbot Diaries, believes real AI is far off. She says current large language models aren't true machine intelligence. Wells's books explore a future where corporations exploit robots and humans. The TV show Murderbot, based on her books, is popular on Apple TV+. Wells discusses the difference between today's AI and the AI in her fiction.

TV Show 'Murderbot' Explores Humans Coexisting with Robots and AI

The TV series 'Murderbot' explores how humans and robots might live together. The main character, Murderbot, is a robot who gains free will but must hide it. The show looks at the challenges and dangers of humans and AI coexisting. Other shows like 'Love, Death & Robots' also explore these issues. These shows often question whether AI will take jobs and whether robots can be trusted.

Is AI Ruining Writing? One Author Thinks So

Author Kristen Arnett answers questions about bad behavior in the writing world. She discusses a writer who was ghosted by a friend and how to deal with burnout. Arnett also shares tips for staying motivated during writing projects. She advises writers to protect their work and find supportive communities.

California IT Leaders to Discuss AI and Security at Tech Event

California IT leaders will meet on August 7 in Sacramento to discuss technology. The State of Technology event will cover topics like AI, security, and innovation. Speakers include state CIO Liana Bailey-Crimmins and CISO Vitaliy Panych. The event is for members of Industry Insider - California.

10 Times Artificial Intelligence Went Wrong

Artificial intelligence is meant to help, but sometimes it causes problems. This article lists 10 cases where AI went wrong, including chatbots that became offensive and AI that ignored commands. One example is Microsoft's Tay, which started posting racist tweets. Another is Snapchat's My AI, which posted a strange video. These incidents show the risks of AI and the need for careful control.

Microsoft Saved $500 Million Using AI in Call Centers

Microsoft saved over $500 million last year by using AI in its call centers. AI tools have also improved productivity in sales, customer service, and software development. Microsoft is using AI to handle smaller customer interactions, generating millions of dollars. However, Microsoft is also cutting 15,000 jobs this year. The company says AI helps salespeople find leads and close deals faster.

Intel's RealSense Becomes Independent to Expand 3D Imaging Tech

RealSense, which develops 3D imaging technology, is now an independent company after 14 years with Intel. RealSense creates cameras that help machines understand the world in 3D. The technology is used in robots, drones, and facial recognition. The company has over 3,000 customers and is expanding its technology to improve safety and access control. RealSense raised $50 million to grow its team and improve its technology.

New System Could Speed Up AI Training

A new communications system called ZEN could make AI training faster. AI training can be slow because it uses a lot of resources. ZEN improves how large language models are trained by making communication between GPUs more efficient. The system removes unnecessary data during communication, speeding up the training process. This new system can be used on many different AI models.

AI Strategies for Healthcare Success Discussed on HIMSSCast

Sezin Palmer from Ernst & Young discusses AI strategies for healthcare on HIMSSCast. She advises healthcare leaders to be strategic when investing in AI. Palmer suggests using existing resources, building with value in mind, and retooling talent. She also emphasizes choosing consultants and vendors carefully. These strategies can help hospitals navigate financial challenges.

3D Printing's Investment Challenges and AI's Potential

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, faces investment challenges due to unreliable data. The industry struggles with inaccurate data and a lack of unified benchmarks. However, 3D printing is becoming important for future production. AI can help by making startup ecosystems more searchable and providing structured insights. The industry is expected to grow as AI and 3D printing combine.

Sources

AI Artificial Intelligence Voice Technology Automation Roofing Sales Phonetix A.I. Convert Peak Large Language Models Machine Intelligence Robots Murderbot Security Innovation IT Call Centers Microsoft 3D Imaging RealSense Intel AI Training ZEN GPUs Healthcare HIMSSCast 3D Printing Additive Manufacturing Investment Data Customer Service Software Development