News/AI Implementation
American Express AI tool helps 5,000 travel agents handle complex requests
American Express has deployed generative AI and machine learning across its customer support operations, with its Travel Counselor Assist tool now serving all 5,000 travel counselors across 19 markets. The credit card company credits these AI implementations with improving customer experiences, reducing call times, and increasing travel bookings while boosting its Net Promoter Score. What you should know: American Express has rolled out two major AI-driven customer service initiatives that leverage both traditional machine learning and generative AI. The first project, launched in 2022, uses machine learning to measure customer sentiment on telephone calls with about 12,900 support agents across...
read Sep 26, 2025Window(s) shopping: Microsoft launches unified marketplace with 3,000+ AI apps
Microsoft has launched Microsoft Marketplace, a unified platform that offers more than 3,000 AI apps and agents built atop Microsoft Cloud. The marketplace merges Azure Marketplace and Microsoft AppSource, allowing businesses to quickly deploy AI tools without security concerns while positioning Microsoft to compete directly with Amazon Web Services in the enterprise AI distribution space. What you should know: Microsoft Marketplace streamlines AI tool procurement for enterprise customers by providing pre-vetted, cloud-compatible solutions. The platform combines Microsoft's existing Azure Marketplace (launched 2014) and AppSource (launched 2016) into a single destination for cloud services and AI applications. All offerings are compatible...
read Sep 26, 2025Accenture lays off workers who can’t adapt to AI. (Or, be the change you may not wish to see in the world.)
Accenture, a global consulting firm, plans to lay off employees who cannot be reskilled on artificial intelligence as part of a broader restructuring strategy that prioritizes AI capabilities. The company's CEO Julie Sweet announced the "compression timeline" approach during a Thursday earnings call, emphasizing that advanced AI is becoming "a part of everything we do" and requiring workers to "retrain and retool" at scale. What you should know: Accenture has already reskilled 550,000 workers on generative AI fundamentals while simultaneously cutting staff who cannot adapt to AI-focused roles. The company outlined an $865 million business optimization program covering severance costs...
read Sep 26, 2025Nurse Ratchet: Diligent Robotics’ wheeled hospital bots save 500K human hours
Vivian Chu, co-founder and CTO of Diligent Robotics, argues that wheeled robots will handle most commercial applications, challenging the current industry focus on bipedal humanoid robots from companies like Tesla and Figure.AI. Her Austin-based startup has deployed over 90 wheeled robots across 25+ hospitals, completing 1.2 million supply deliveries and saving an estimated half a million hours of human labor. What you should know: Diligent Robotics' wheeled robot Moxi represents what Chu calls the "minimum viable humanoid" — a practical approach to workplace automation. Moxi features two arms, a head, and wheels instead of legs, designed specifically for hospital environments...
read Sep 26, 2025Samsung’s AI in One UI 8.5 fixes Android’s Wi-Fi switching problem
Samsung is developing AI-powered connectivity features for One UI 8.5 that will automatically switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data based on signal quality and user behavior patterns. The update represents Samsung's push to integrate machine learning into core smartphone functions, potentially solving common connectivity frustrations that plague Android users. What you should know: One UI 8.5 introduces two AI-driven connectivity features designed to optimize network switching without manual intervention. "Intelligent Link Assessment" learns from Wi-Fi link data to automatically disconnect from weak networks and switch to cellular data when needed. "Intelligent Network Switch" uses handover history along the user's movement...
read Sep 25, 2025iOS 18 uses Apple Intelligence to fix Wallet’s broken order tracking
iOS 18 has transformed Apple Wallet's long-struggling order tracking feature by leveraging Apple Intelligence to automatically extract purchase details from confirmation emails. This AI-powered enhancement finally delivers on the original promise of creating a centralized hub for all online purchases, addressing years of limited merchant adoption that had rendered the feature largely useless for most users. What you should know: Apple Wallet's order tracking feature, introduced in iOS 16, has been significantly underutilized due to poor merchant support until now. The feature required individual merchants to integrate with Apple's system, which few bothered to do despite being available for years....
read Sep 25, 2025“Ready to (give me an) order?” Georgia startup deploys service robots at Mexican restaurant
Alpharetta-based To Do Robotics is deploying service robots at El Porton Mexican Restaurant in Roswell, where the machines guide diners to tables and deliver meals directly from the kitchen. The technology represents founder Marianela Naninga's effort to bring automated hospitality solutions she first encountered in Seoul to American restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities. What you should know: The robots handle specific restaurant tasks while working alongside human servers rather than replacing them.• Servers load food into compartments on the robots, which are programmed to navigate directly to designated tables.• The machines can store table locations in their memory and operate...
read Sep 25, 2025What do you have for me today? ChatGPT delivers personalized morning briefings to Pro users
OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Pulse, a new mobile feature that delivers personalized daily updates to Pro subscribers based on their chat history and connected apps. The preview feature represents OpenAI's latest push toward proactive AI assistance, with the AI model conducting overnight research to surface relevant information each morning rather than waiting for users to initiate conversations. How it works: ChatGPT Pulse analyzes user chat history, preferences, and optional Gmail and Google Calendar connections each night to generate morning updates. Users receive visual "cards" containing topic summaries that can be expanded for detail, covering areas like project follow-ups, dinner suggestions,...
read Sep 24, 2025Kansas launches AI platform connecting small businesses to state resources 24/7
Kansas has launched ConnectKS, an AI-powered platform designed to connect small businesses with state resources, funding opportunities, and support organizations. The initiative addresses a critical need in a state where over 99% of businesses are small enterprises, offering 24/7 access to information that was previously only available through direct government contact during business hours. What you should know: The Kansas Small Business Office partnered with EcoMap Technologies to create a centralized digital ecosystem that helps entrepreneurs navigate state resources and build connections. ConnectKS launched this summer as one of the first offerings from the Kansas Small Business Office, which was...
read Sep 24, 2025Google Sheets gets smarter with Gemini’s formula assistance
Google has enhanced Gemini's capabilities within Google Sheets, adding formula explanation, error correction, and multi-formula generation features. These updates aim to reduce spreadsheet-related busywork for professionals while building user trust through improved transparency in AI-generated formulas. What you should know: Gemini can now explain how formulas work, diagnose why they fail, and provide multiple formula options for complex tasks. When Gemini creates a formula, users can ask for explanations that break down each component with bulleted descriptions of what each part does. If a formula fails, users can request error analysis and corrections from the AI assistant. The system can...
read Sep 24, 2025AI models now pass toughest Chartered Financial Analyst exam in minutes
Advanced AI models can now pass the most challenging level of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam in just minutes, according to new research from New York University and AI wealth-management platform GoodFin. This breakthrough represents a significant leap in AI's financial reasoning capabilities, as Level III of the CFA—focused on portfolio management and wealth planning—previously stumped AI systems due to its complex essay questions. What you should know: Researchers tested 23 large language models on mock CFA Level III exams, finding that frontier reasoning models successfully passed using advanced prompting techniques. The study evaluated models including o4-mini, Gemini 2.5...
read Sep 24, 2025Qualcomm CEO plans to bring AI everywhere with next-gen chips
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon appeared on CNBC's "Closing Bell Overtime" to discuss the company's next generation of mobile and PC processors designed to integrate AI capabilities across devices. The interview focused on Qualcomm's strategy to embed artificial intelligence into its semiconductor offerings and the broader outlook for the chip industry as AI becomes increasingly central to consumer and enterprise technology. What you should know: The discussion centered on Qualcomm's vision to democratize AI access through its chip technology. Amon emphasized the company's commitment to "bring AI everywhere" through its latest processor developments. The conversation covered both mobile and PC processors,...
read Sep 24, 2025Women Applying AI launches in Boston to bridge gender gap through hands-on learning
Women Applying AI (WAAI), a new Boston-based nonprofit, officially launched during Boston AI Week with an inaugural event at Microsoft's New England Research and Development (NERD) Center on September 26. The organization aims to empower women across industries to actively use and lead with artificial intelligence in their careers and communities, addressing the gender gap in AI adoption and leadership through hands-on application rather than theoretical learning. What you should know: WAAI welcomes women from all industries and career stages, from AI-curious beginners to C-suite executives who want to integrate AI innovation into their daily work. Members gain access to...
read Sep 24, 2025TELUS launches Canada’s first sovereign AI factory in $1.5B push
Canada has positioned itself as a leader in sovereign AI development, with NVIDIA joining government officials and industry leaders at the All In Canada AI Ecosystem event in Montreal this week. The gathering highlights Canada's commitment to building domestic AI capabilities while TELUS launches the country's first fully sovereign AI factory and RBC Capital Markets develops AI agents for financial services, underscoring the nation's push for digital independence in the age of artificial intelligence. What you should know: Canada's AI Minister Evan Solomon emphasized digital sovereignty as the most pressing policy issue of our time, declaring that nations must develop...
read Sep 23, 202530 US hospitals deploy “Robin the Robot” for pediatric care amid AI attachment concerns
Hospitals across the United States are deploying Robin the Robot, a therapeutic AI companion designed to behave like a seven-year-old girl to comfort pediatric patients. The cartoon-faced robot has been implemented in 30 healthcare facilities across California, New York, Massachusetts, and Indiana, offering emotional support to children during medical treatment while raising questions about AI's role in human care. What you should know: Robin combines AI technology with human remote operation to create personalized interactions with young patients. The robot is only 30% autonomous, with the remaining functionality handled by remote teleoperators from Expper Technologies, the company that built Robin...
read Sep 23, 2025Boeing taps Palantir for AI-powered defense manufacturing upgrade
Boeing's defense and space division has partnered with Palantir Technologies to integrate the software company's AI platform across its military production operations. The collaboration will standardize data analytics across Boeing's defense manufacturing lines and provide AI tools for classified military projects, positioning both companies to capitalize on the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and defense contracting. What you should know: Boeing Defense Systems will use Palantir's AI solutions to enhance operations across its diverse military manufacturing portfolio. The unit produces military aircraft, helicopters, satellites, spacecraft, missiles, and weapons systems. Palantir will supply AI tools specifically designed for classified projects supporting...
read Sep 23, 2025Meet “Meet Cute”: Facebook Dating adds AI chatbot to cure swipe fatigue
Facebook Dating is introducing AI-powered features designed to combat "swipe fatigue," including a dating assistant chatbot and an automated matching system called Meet Cute. The new tools represent Meta's latest effort to make its social platforms more culturally relevant and engaging as the company pushes to differentiate Facebook Dating in the competitive online dating market. What you should know: The dating assistant functions as an AI chatbot that helps users find specific types of matches through natural language prompts. Users can type requests like "find me a Brooklyn girl in tech" to get personalized recommendations. The assistant can also help...
read Sep 23, 2025UCLA leads $16M trial testing AI mammogram accuracy nationwide
UCLA will lead a $16 million national clinical trial to evaluate whether artificial intelligence can improve mammogram interpretation accuracy and reduce unnecessary patient callbacks. The PRISM trial represents the first large-scale randomized study of AI in breast cancer screening in the United States, involving hundreds of thousands of mammograms across medical centers in six states. What you should know: The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), a nonprofit healthcare research organization, is funding this comprehensive study to objectively assess AI's real-world impact on breast cancer screening. UCLA and UC Davis will co-lead the multi-institutional trial, with participation from academic medical centers...
read Sep 23, 2025AI subtitles for the hard of hearing increase workload for humans while driving down wages
Human subtitlers who create captions for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers are facing an existential threat as artificial intelligence increasingly automates their specialized craft. Despite industry assumptions that AI will streamline subtitle production, professional subtitlers report that current AI tools actually increase their workload while driving down wages to unsustainable levels. What you should know: Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH) require far more nuanced decision-making than simple transcription, involving creative interpretation of sounds, emotions, and narrative context. Max Deryagin, chair of Subtle, a non-profit association of freelance subtitlers, emphasizes that "SDH is an art, and people in...
read Sep 23, 2025AI usage among tech workers jumps from 14% to 90%, Google study reveals
Google's research arm has found that 90% of technology workers are now using artificial intelligence in their daily work, representing a dramatic surge from just 14% last year. The findings underscore how rapidly AI tools have become integral to software development, even as questions persist about their reliability and impact on entry-level employment in the tech sector. What you should know: The study surveyed 5,000 technology professionals globally and reveals the scale of AI adoption in coding and development work. Google's DORA research division conducted the survey, showing AI usage jumped from 14% to 90% year-over-year among tech workers. Workers...
read Sep 23, 2025Google launches Gemini AI gaming assistant with real-time overlay
Google is rolling out a new Gemini AI integration that will help users with mobile gaming by providing real-time assistance through an overlay on Google Play Store games. The feature mirrors Microsoft's Gaming Copilot and represents Google's push to make AI assistance more contextually aware and accessible during gameplay. How it works: The Gemini Live integration appears as a sidebar overlay that can "see" what's happening on your screen while you play. Players can ask questions aloud during gameplay and receive audible responses from Gemini AI. The AI assistant tailors its suggestions based on what's currently displayed in your game....
read Sep 22, 2025Trump deploys AI to automate immigration enforcement with $30M platform
The Trump administration is deploying artificial intelligence at an unprecedented scale to accelerate immigration enforcement, using algorithms to identify deportation targets and streamline operations from raids to detention. The centerpiece is ImmigrationOS, a new Palantir-developed platform launching Thursday that consolidates enforcement tools into a single interface, allowing agents to approve raids, process arrests, and route individuals to deportation—what acting ICE Director Todd Lyons described as "like Prime, but with human beings." What you should know: ImmigrationOS represents a fundamental shift from AI as a support tool to AI as a decision-making guide for immigration enforcement. The $30 million Palantir-built system...
read Sep 22, 2025Back to tool: ChatGPT usage surges to 78B tokens as students return to class
OpenRouter data reveals that ChatGPT usage surged to a record 78.3 billion tokens on September 18, 2025, as schools reopened across the West following summer holidays. The dramatic seasonal pattern confirms that students drive a substantial portion of daily ChatGPT traffic, with usage dropping to just 36.7 billion tokens during June's summer break compared to nearly 80 billion tokens per day during May's exam period. The big picture: Academic calendars are directly shaping AI adoption patterns, with OpenRouter's 2.5 million user dataset showing consistent drops during school breaks and sharp recoveries when classes resume. Key usage patterns: The seasonal fluctuations...
read Sep 22, 2025Virginia Tech swaps human readers with AI for college admissions amid 10% surge
Virginia Tech has begun using artificial intelligence to help evaluate admissions applications for the fall 2026 cycle, replacing one of the two human readers in its review process. The change comes after the university experienced a 10.2% surge in applications from fall 2024 to fall 2025, prompting administrators to seek ways to accelerate decision-making while maintaining evaluation quality. What you should know: The AI system now handles essay reviews that were previously conducted entirely by human admissions officers. Previously, two human readers evaluated applications on a 12-point scale, requiring a third reviewer only if scores differed by four points or...
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