The world of artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, with major players like Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon making significant strides in the field. In this news brief, we'll explore the latest developments in AI, from Microsoft's investment in Veeam to enhance AI-powered data resilience to Amazon's revamped Alexa, which is now a subscription-based service that uses generative AI.
Microsoft Invests in Veeam to Enhance AI-Powered Data Resilience
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) has made an undisclosed equity investment in Veeam Software, a privately held information technology company that helps customers recover data after cybersecurity incidents, ransomware attacks, or accidental data loss. The two companies will be building artificial intelligence solutions as part of an extended partnership, helping customers protect, recover, and unlock more value from their data.
Meta Plans to Release Standalone Meta AI App
Meta Platforms plans to debut a standalone Meta AI app to join Facebook and Instagram during the second quarter, CNBC reported. The move marks a major step in Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's plans to make Meta the leader in AI by the end of the year, ahead of competitors like OpenAI and Alphabet.
Seamless Journeys: AI's Rising Role in Coordinating Consumer Travel
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making inroads into the travel industry as most consumers now expect seamless travel experiences, and the industry is taking notice. Companies like Kayak, Sabre, and Booking.com are using AI to help travelers with everything from trip searching to checkout.
Azure AI Foundry Updates
Microsoft has announced major updates to Azure AI Foundry, designed to accelerate the journey from AI experimentation to tangible business impact. The updates include groundbreaking new models like OpenAI's GPT-4.5, enhanced fine-tuning and distillation techniques, and the launch of new enterprise tools for agents.
Nvidia's Gaming GPUs an Afterthought as AI Generates Mountains of Cash
Nvidia's data center business has grown significantly, with the company hitting a record full-year revenue of $130.5 billion. However, many gamers and enthusiasts feel they're being ignored, especially as the company only mentioned the RTX 50-series shortages but did not explain why it was happening nor say how it was dealing with the problem.
Amazon's Alexa is Getting a Major Upgrade for the AI Chatbot Era
Amazon is shifting Alexa to a subscription model amid the debut of Alexa+, which uses generative AI. The new Alexa is more conversational, can incorporate a user's personal preferences into answers, and can handle certain tasks on someone's behalf, like booking concert tickets.
AI April 11th Options Begin Trading
Investors in C3.ai Inc (Symbol: AI) saw new options begin trading today, for the April 11th expiration. The put contract at the $22.00 strike price has a current bid of 67 cents, while the call contract at the $30.00 strike price has a current bid of 19 cents.
SoundHound AI Jumps after Strong Q4 Results
Shares of SoundHound AI ($SOUN) jumped in after-hours trading after the voice AI software company reported earnings for its fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2024. Earnings per share came in at -$0.05, which beat expectations, while sales increased by 101% year-over-year.
OpenAI Rolls Out GPT-4.5 for Some Paying Users
OpenAI has released a research preview of its latest GPT-4.5 model for its Pro users and developers worldwide, with plans to expand access in the coming weeks. GPT-4.5 comes with improved ability to recognize patterns, generate creative insights without reasoning, and shows greater emotional intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence Regulation
State police have made an arrest in a 2024 crash that killed a child. As online shopping becomes more and more popular, so does the risk of buying unsafe products.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft invests in Veeam to enhance AI-powered data resilience
- Meta plans to release standalone Meta AI app
- AI is making inroads into the travel industry
- Nvidia's data center business has grown significantly
- Amazon's Alexa is getting a major upgrade for the AI chatbot era
- OpenAI rolls out GPT-4.5 for some paying users
- Artificial intelligence regulation is becoming increasingly important
- SoundHound AI jumps after strong Q4 results
- AI April 11th options begin trading
Sources
- Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Invests in Veeam to Enhance AI-Powered Data Resilience
- Meta plans to release standalone Meta AI app, CNBC reports
- Seamless Journeys: AI's Rising Role in Coordinating Consumer Travel
- Announcing new models, customization tools, and enterprise agent upgrades in Azure AI Foundry
- Nvidia gaming GPUs an afterthought as AI generates mountains of cash — RTX 50-series shortages mentioned, not explained
- Amazon's Alexa is getting a major upgrade for the AI chatbot era
- AI April 11th Options Begin Trading
- SOUN Earnings: SoundHound AI Jumps after Strong Q4 Results
- OpenAI rolls out GPT-4.5 for some paying users, to expand access next week
- Dan Haar: Artificial Intelligence regulation