Google is integrating AI deeper into its products, from Chromebooks to robotics. New Chromebook Plus laptops now have on-device AI features, including Google's Gemini AI, screen selection, text help, and NotebookLM. Lenovo is also releasing a Chromebook Plus model powered by MediaTek's Kompanio Ultra chip, which includes a dedicated AI unit. This model uses Gemini AI to enhance search and tab management. Google DeepMind has developed an AI model, Gemini Robotics, that allows robots to operate independently without cloud reliance, enabling them to perform complex tasks and understand commands. In other AI applications, SuperDial, a voice AI company, secured $15 million to automate insurance calls using AI agents. Meanwhile, Pure Storage emphasizes that effective AI implementation requires comprehensive data engineering, not just powerful hardware. However, AI's limitations are also becoming apparent, as experts believe it won't solve the financial challenges in TV and movie production caused by the streaming wars. In retail, AI is helping small businesses personalize marketing and improve customer service. Finally, the spread of AI-generated fake images, such as the viral image of a US B2 bomber allegedly shot down by Iran, highlights the need for caution and verification.
Key Takeaways
- Google is adding on-device AI features to Chromebook Plus laptops, including screen selection and NotebookLM.
- Lenovo's new Chromebook Plus uses MediaTek’s Kompanio Ultra chip and Google's Gemini AI for enhanced search and tab management, starting at $649.
- Google DeepMind's Gemini Robotics model enables robots to perform tasks without cloud reliance.
- SuperDial raised $15 million to automate insurance calls using AI agents.
- Pure Storage highlights the importance of data engineering for effective AI implementation.
- Experts believe AI won't solve the financial challenges in TV and movie production caused by streaming wars.
- AI is helping small retail businesses personalize marketing and improve customer service.
- A viral image of a US B2 bomber allegedly shot down by Iran was confirmed to be AI-generated.
- Amazon's Alexa+ service has reached over 1 million users.
Google Chromebook Plus gets smarter with new AI features
Google is adding new AI features to Chromebook Plus laptops. These tools work directly on the device, not in the cloud. Features like screen selection, text help, and NotebookLM will help students and workers. This change shows that tech companies are putting AI in devices, not just apps. Users will need to learn how to use these new tools.
Lenovo's new Chromebook Plus packs MediaTek's Kompanio Ultra chip
Lenovo is releasing the first Chromebook Plus with MediaTek’s Kompanio Ultra chip. This chip has a special unit for AI tasks. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 has a nice screen, lots of memory, and long battery life. It uses Google's Gemini AI to search for anything on the screen. It also groups open tabs using AI. Prices start at $649.
Google releases AI robotics model that works without the cloud
Google DeepMind has created a new AI model for robots that doesn't need the cloud. This model lets robots work on their own. It can help robots be more reliable in tough situations. This version can be adjusted by developers for specific uses. The model uses Gemini's understanding of the world to do new tasks, like writing code or creating images.
Google DeepMind's AI model now runs directly on robots
Google DeepMind has created an AI model called Gemini Robotics that can run directly on robots without needing the internet. This model helps robots do many tasks, even if they haven't been trained for them. It can understand commands and perform tasks that need precise movements. The on-device model is almost as good as the main Gemini Robotics model that uses the cloud. Google is also releasing a kit for developers to improve the model.
AI won't fix high TV and movie costs, streaming wars to blame
Experts say AI won't greatly cut TV and movie production costs. Streaming wars have made content creation very expensive. AI can help with efficiency, but it can't solve the main money problems. The battle between streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney has driven up costs. These companies overpaid for content to attract customers. AI is just another tool, like CGI, for now.
Amazon's Alexa+ service reaches over 1 million users
Amazon's Alexa+ has reached over 1 million users. This article is reserved for subscribers.
The challenge of understanding how AI models truly function
This article discusses the difficulty in understanding how AI models work. Registration is required to read the full article.
SuperDial raises $15M to automate insurance calls with AI
SuperDial, a voice AI company, raised $15 million to automate insurance calls. They use AI agents to handle phone calls for healthcare groups. These AI agents can navigate phone systems and talk with insurance reps. SuperDial aims to save time and money for billing and provider groups. The company has handled over 1 million calls and expects to handle many more.
Pure Storage talks AI data challenges beyond just hardware
Pure Storage says that doing AI well is more than just having powerful computers and storage. It's important to gather, organize, and prepare data. Data must be complete and right for the AI's questions. Par Botes from Pure Storage says companies need good data engineering to make AI work. This includes getting data, cleaning it, and making it ready for AI training.
Fake image of US B2 bomber shot down by Iran goes viral
A viral image claiming to show a US B2 bomber shot down by Iran is fake. The image was created using AI. Reports show the B2 bombers involved in the attack on Iran returned to the US. AI detection platforms confirm the image is AI-generated. The US military did strike nuclear sites in Iran, but no bombers were shot down.
AI helps small retail businesses grow and improve
AI is changing retail, and small businesses can use it to save time and money. AI can help personalize marketing and improve customer service. It can also automate tasks like writing product descriptions. Small businesses can use AI to understand their customers better and offer better experiences. Being clear about using AI helps build customer trust.
Sources
- Google’s AI Push Goes Hardware-First with New Chromebook Plus Enhancements
- Lenovo debuts first Chromebook packing Kompanio Ultra SoC
- Google releases first cloud-free AI robotics model
- Google DeepMind’s optimized AI model runs directly on robots
- TV and movies are so expensive to produce not even AI will make a significant financial difference—and the streaming wars are to blame
- Amazon's Alexa+ Reaches Over 1 Million Users
- The struggle to get inside how AI models really work
- Voice AI company SuperDial picks up $15M series A to automate insurance calls
- Interview: Pure Storage on the AI data challenge beyond hardware
- Fact Check: US B2 Bomber Shot Down By Iran? No, Viral Image Is AI Generated
- AI Is Transforming Retail. Here’s How Small Businesses Can Benefit.