The world of artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, with new breakthroughs and innovations emerging every day. In this news brief, we'll take a closer look at the latest developments in AI, from Amazon's new AI-powered Alexa+ to the growing demand for AI chips and the increasing importance of AI in business and education.
Amazon Debuts Gen AI-Powered Alexa+
Amazon has unveiled its new AI-powered Alexa+, a version of its popular voice assistant that runs on Amazon's own large language models, as well as those from Anthropic. Available for $19 per month, and free for Prime users, Alexa+ is designed to perform different tasks across multiple apps, and can even remember personal preferences about people in your household. During a stage demo, Amazon's head of devices and services Panos Panay showed off the assistant's capabilities, including controlling products across your home with quick, natural voice requests.
Nvidia Sales Surge on Demand for AI Chips
Nvidia has reported a surge in fourth-quarter profit and sales, driven by strong demand for its specialized Blackwell chips, which power artificial intelligence systems. The company's revenue rose 12% from the previous quarter and 78% from one year ago, with adjusted earnings of 89 cents a share. Nvidia's founder, Jensen Huang, attributed the demand to the growing use of AI in various industries.
AI Hardware Trade Will Last Longer Than Expected
Gene Munster, a managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, has predicted that the AI hardware trade will last longer than most investors expect. This is good news for companies like Nvidia, which is expected to benefit from the growing demand for AI chips.
Anthropic Launches Advanced AI Model
Anthropic has launched its advanced AI model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, which is designed to be its most intelligent version yet. The model combines multiple reasoning approaches to solve complex problems more effectively, and will be available on all Claude plans, including Free, Pro, Team, and Enterprise.
YC Startup Gets Flamed for Dystopian Surveillance Software
A Y Combinator startup, Optifye.ai, has been slammed online for its dystopian surveillance software, which uses computer vision to tell supervisors who's working and who's not in real-time. The software is designed to boost line efficiency by up to 30%, but has been criticized for its potential to be used in sweatshops.
N/VISNIUM AI Urges Businesses to Integrate AI for Long-Term Competitiveness
N/VISNIUM AI, a leader in custom AI-driven business solutions, is urging businesses to integrate AI for long-term competitiveness. The company's Sales Power AI software is designed to help businesses attract customers and optimize operations for improved efficiency.
Alibaba to Invest $53 Billion in Cloud and AI Infrastructure
Alibaba Group has announced that it will invest more than $53 billion in building cloud and AI hardware infrastructure in the next three years. This move is aimed at capitalizing on the rapid growth of the AI industry.
Forcepoint Unveils AI-Powered DDR for Continuous Data Risk Intelligence and Remediation
Forcepoint has unveiled its AI-powered DDR (Data Risk Detection and Remediation) solution, which is designed to provide continuous data risk intelligence and remediation. The solution uses AI Mesh technology to classify sensitive data quickly and accurately, and can automatically apply security controls to sensitive data.
California Considers Bill to Expand Online Child Protection Rules to AI
California is considering a bill to expand online child protection rules to AI, which would create a board to oversee and regulate AI systems used by children, require developers to carry out risk assessments, and establish a registry and incident reporting requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon has unveiled its new AI-powered Alexa+, which is designed to perform different tasks across multiple apps.
- Nvidia has reported a surge in fourth-quarter profit and sales, driven by strong demand for its specialized Blackwell chips.
- The AI hardware trade is expected to last longer than most investors expect.
- Anthropic has launched its advanced AI model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, which is designed to be its most intelligent version yet.
- N/VISNIUM AI is urging businesses to integrate AI for long-term competitiveness.
- Alibaba is investing $53 billion in building cloud and AI hardware infrastructure in the next three years.
- Forcepoint has unveiled its AI-powered DDR solution, which is designed to provide continuous data risk intelligence and remediation.
- California is considering a bill to expand online child protection rules to AI.
Sources
- Amazon debuts gen AI-powered Alexa+, as it seeks to breath life into its aging assistant
- Nvidia sales surge in the fourth quarter on demand for AI chips
- AI hardware trade will last longer than most investors expect, says DeepWater's Gene Munster
- Nvidia (NVDA) Gains Analyst Confidence Ahead of Earnings on Strong AI Chip Demand
- AI for sweatshops? YC startup gets flamed for now-deleted product demo
- N/VISNIUM AI CEO Milton Arch Urges Businesses to Integrate AI for Long-Term Competitiveness
- Alibaba to invest $53 billion in cloud, AI infrastructure in next 3 years
- Forcepoint unveils AI-powered DDR for continuous data risk intelligence and remediation
- California considers bill to expand online child protection rules to AI