News/New Launches
Qualtric Control: Company launches AI Experience Agents to solve customer problems autonomously
Qualtrics is revolutionizing customer experience management with AI agents that can autonomously resolve issues across multiple touchpoints. Unveiled ahead of the company's X4 2025 Experience Management Summit, these "Experience Agents" represent a significant evolution in AI capabilities by directly interacting with customers rather than merely streamlining internal processes. This development signals a shift in how businesses might handle customer service, combining speed with empathetic engagement that traditional chatbots often fail to deliver. The big picture: Qualtrics has developed AI agents that go beyond answering questions to actively resolve customer issues by interacting directly with consumers across various touchpoints including surveys,...
read Mar 14, 2025Microsoft brings AI-powered text summarization to Notepad and shape refinement to Snipping Tool
Microsoft is expanding its AI capabilities across Windows applications, introducing new features that streamline text processing and image editing workflows. The latest updates focus on enhancing productivity by automating routine tasks and improving user interface interactions, demonstrating Microsoft's continued investment in integrating AI throughout its ecosystem. The big picture: Microsoft is testing AI-powered text summarization in Notepad, allowing Windows Insiders to condense information with a simple right-click or keyboard shortcut. Users can generate summaries by highlighting text and selecting "Summarize" from the right-click menu, using the Ctrl + M shortcut, or choosing the option from the Copilot menu. The feature...
read Mar 14, 2025WeWillWrite tool turns student writing into competitive games to boost literacy skills
The word of the day is "Gamification." Artificial intelligence is reshaping classroom literacy instruction with WeWillWrite, a new EdTech tool that transforms writing practice into engaging, anonymous competitions. Amid concerning literacy statistics showing 70% of U.S. students lack reading proficiency, this Norwegian-developed platform offers a novel approach to improving student writing through real-time feedback, AI-powered analysis, and gamification. Following successful pilot programs and extensive beta testing with over 1 million students, WeWillWrite represents a significant innovation in addressing the persistent challenge of student literacy in American education. How it works: WeWillWrite creates fast-paced writing competitions where students respond to AI-generated...
read Mar 14, 2025Ericsson showcases AI-powered telecom networks that cut energy use by 33% at MWC 2025
Ericsson's Mobile World Congress 2025 showcase demonstrates the rapid acceleration of AI integration within telecommunications networks, revealing how major carriers are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and deploy more flexible network architectures. These developments signal a fundamental shift in how telecom infrastructure is being reimagined, with particular emphasis on sustainability and autonomous network management. The big picture: Ericsson unveiled 22 major technological innovations and partnerships at MWC 2025, spanning advancements in 5G, AI, network APIs, and cloud technologies that are reshaping the telecommunications landscape. Key details: Vodafone UK's AI energy efficiency trial with Ericsson produced remarkable...
read Mar 14, 2025Acelab’s new AI platform for materials helps architects find the right fit
Acelab's new Materials Hub platform leverages artificial intelligence to revolutionize how architects and designers discover and specify building materials. Launched in early March 2025 with backing from $13 million in funding, the platform addresses longstanding challenges in architectural material selection by combining AI-powered search capabilities with a firm's institutional knowledge. This innovation represents a significant advancement in architectural technology, potentially transforming how the industry approaches material specification while promoting sustainability in the built environment. The big picture: Materials Hub contains an extensive database of over 10,000 building materials from more than 1,000 manufacturers, with 50,000 specific products across 25 categories...
read Mar 13, 2025Patronus AI launches Gemini-powered tool to detect handcrafted hallucinations for Etsy
Patronus AI is revolutionizing AI evaluation with the launch of its multimodal large language model-as-a-judge technology, specifically designed to assess AI systems that process images and generate text. This innovation addresses critical challenges in detecting hallucinations and reliability issues in multimodal AI applications, with Etsy already implementing the technology to verify caption accuracy across its vast marketplace of handmade and vintage products. The big picture: Patronus AI has created Judge-Image, an industry-first evaluation tool built on Google's Gemini model to help developers ensure accuracy in AI-generated image captions and descriptions. The technology enables automatic evaluation of image captions based on...
read Mar 13, 2025NVIDIA’s RTX Remix launches with AI tools that transform classic PC games
NVIDIA's RTX Remix exits beta with a full launch, bringing advanced AI-powered modding capabilities to classic PC games. This platform leverages the latest neural rendering technology from the GeForce RTX 50 Series to transform aging titles with ray tracing and AI-enhanced textures. The technology addresses the massive modding community—which downloads over 5 billion mods annually—by providing tools that both simplify and dramatically improve the modding process through artificial intelligence. The big picture: RTX Remix has evolved from experimental beta to full release with significant adoption across the modding ecosystem. Over 30,000 modders have already experimented with the platform, creating ray-traced...
read Mar 13, 2025Meeting of the DeepMinds: “Habermas Machine” uses AI to build consensus across divided opinions
Google DeepMind's Habermas Machine represents a significant advance in using AI to bridge divides and build consensus among people with differing opinions. The system—named after philosopher Jürgen Habermas whose work focused on communication and consensus—demonstrates how AI can potentially serve as an effective mediator in human disagreements, potentially offering solutions to polarization that increasingly characterizes public discourse. How it works: The Habermas Machine uses paired language models to synthesize diverse opinions into unified group statements that participants can endorse. The system begins by collecting individual opinions on binary questions (such as "Should voting be compulsory?"), along with participants' level of...
read Mar 13, 2025Google DeepMind’s new AI models enable robots to understand, adapt to complex tasks on the fly
Google DeepMind is pushing the boundaries of robotics with new AI models designed to transform how robots interact with the physical world. These advances mark a crucial step toward bridging the gap between today's specialized industrial robots and future general-purpose robot assistants capable of understanding and adapting to complex environments autonomously. This development addresses one of the most challenging aspects of robotics: creating AI systems sophisticated enough to control robots safely through novel situations. The big picture: Google DeepMind has introduced two specialized AI models—Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER—built on its Gemini 2.0 foundation to serve as sophisticated "brains" for...
read Mar 13, 2025ServiceNow expands AI agent capabilities with Moveworks acquisition and new enterprise tools
Move it or lose it! Moveworks, that is... ServiceNow is aggressively expanding its AI agent capabilities through strategic acquisitions and platform enhancements to deliver more value across enterprise operations. By acquiring Moveworks and introducing specialized agents for security, change management, and network operations, the company aims to streamline workflows and automate repetitive tasks. This expansion reflects ServiceNow's vision that AI agents are becoming essential infrastructure components for modern businesses rather than just optional tools. The big picture: ServiceNow announced the acquisition of Moveworks alongside new agent capabilities and the general availability of its orchestration platform, signaling deeper investment in its...
read Mar 13, 2025Snapchat launches AI-generated AR Lenses exclusively for premium subscribers
Are you a Snapchat preferred customer? If so, this news is for you. Snapchat is elevating augmented reality experiences with new AI-generated Lenses exclusively for its premium subscribers. The platform's latest feature leverages generative AI to create more realistic and interactive AR filters, marking another advancement in how social media platforms are integrating AI capabilities into creative tools. This development represents a growing trend of platforms using AI to enhance user-generated content while creating premium features to drive subscription revenue. The big picture: Snapchat has launched AI-generated Lenses exclusively for Snapchat Platinum subscribers, using an in-house built generative video model...
read Mar 12, 2025Yo Quiero Taco Bell AI: Fast food icon embraces agentic automation
Agentic AI is moving from theoretical applications to real-world implementation in the fast food industry as YUM Brands unveils virtual management technology for Taco Bell restaurants. This significant development represents the next evolution of AI beyond generative chatbots, creating systems capable of handling complex, multi-step tasks with minimal human intervention. As a trillion-dollar industry driven by technological innovation, fast food is becoming a proving ground for AI that can make decisions, manage operations, and potentially reshape how restaurants function. The big picture: YUM Brands is deploying agentic AI restaurant managers across its Taco Bell franchise through its Byte By Yum...
read Mar 12, 2025Manus AI agent put to the test, outperforms single-system chatbots
Manus, Butterfly Effect's new AI agent, marks a significant evolution in autonomous AI capabilities by coordinating multiple AI models to handle complex tasks. Unlike single-model chatbots, this general AI agent distributes work across independently operating systems, creating what early users describe as a highly capable digital assistant. Despite minimal access—fewer than 1% of waitlisted users have received invites—Manus has already generated substantial buzz in both Chinese and Western tech communities, with influential figures like Jack Dorsey praising its performance. The big picture: Manus represents a different approach to AI by functioning as a multi-model agent system rather than relying on...
read Mar 12, 2025Google’s AI Mode intensifies search wars as publisher traffic plummets
Let's talk...about how tech giants are intensifying their competition to dominate the AI-powered search landscape with Google's latest experimental features signaling a shift to conversational search experiences. This battle comes amid Google's ongoing antitrust case and growing concerns about how AI search tools are fundamentally changing publisher traffic patterns and user engagement with traditional search results. The big picture: Google is expanding its generative AI search capabilities with a new "AI Mode" that allows for follow-up questions, just as the company faces potential forced divestiture of Chrome in its antitrust battle with the DOJ. The experimental feature, powered by Google's...
read Mar 12, 2025Zoho launches AI-powered Projects Plus as users flee Microsoft and JIRA
Zoho's new Projects Plus platform unifies project management capabilities by integrating four of its existing applications under a single AI-powered umbrella. This consolidation represents a strategic response to growing customer demand, evidenced by Zoho Projects' 20% revenue growth in 2024 and a threefold increase in users migrating from competitors like Microsoft Projects and JIRA. The platform aims to give mid-sized and enterprise organizations a comprehensive solution that leverages AI for improved efficiency and data-driven decision-making. The big picture: Zoho has created an integrated project management ecosystem that combines Projects, WorkDrive, Analytics, and Sprints applications into a unified platform enhanced by...
read Mar 11, 2025Long shot or slam dunk? FanDuel launches AceAI, first generative AI assistant for sports betting
FanDuel's introduction of AceAI marks a significant milestone in sports betting technology, bringing the power of generative AI to the wagering experience for the first time in the industry. As sports betting continues to grow in popularity and complexity, this innovation represents a strategic move by the market leader to leverage its vast data resources to enhance user experience while simultaneously addressing responsible gambling concerns. The big picture: FanDuel has launched AceAI, the first generative AI sports betting chat experience in the gambling industry, integrated directly into their Sportsbook app. The platform serves as both an educational resource and betting...
read Mar 11, 2025Newsweek launches AI series to bridge hype and complexity for everyday readers
Newsweek is addressing the polarized landscape of AI coverage with a new editorial series designed to provide balanced, accessible insights beyond sensationalism and technical complexity. The initiative pairs editorial expertise with leading AI thinkers to create substantive yet understandable content for general audiences seeking clarity on AI's real-world implications. The big picture: Newsweek has launched a dedicated editorial series to cut through both the hype and complexity surrounding artificial intelligence, featuring conversations between editorial leadership and prominent AI experts. Key details: The magazine has appointed Gabriel Snyder, editorial director of Newsweek Nexus, to collaborate with Marcus Weldon, former CTO of...
read Mar 11, 2025Google adds Gemini AI to Gmail for one-click calendar scheduling
Google is bringing its Gemini AI assistant directly into Gmail to simplify calendar management through automated event detection. This integration represents another step in Google's strategy to weave AI capabilities throughout its productivity suite, potentially saving users time on routine scheduling tasks. The feature uses AI to analyze email content and offers one-click calendar additions, though the implementation comes with both convenience benefits and potential accuracy challenges. The big picture: Google has added Gemini AI to Gmail with a feature that can automatically detect events in emails and add them directly to Google Calendar. The integration aims to boost productivity...
read Mar 11, 2025Team of Rivals: China’s Manus employs multiple AI models for autonomous task completion
Chinese startup Butterfly Effect has thrust itself into the global AI spotlight with Manus, a multipurpose AI agent system that autonomously executes complex tasks rather than merely generating ideas. Unlike traditional AI chatbots, Manus combines multiple AI models to independently research, analyze data, generate reports, and even write and deploy code without human intervention. This development represents China's second major AI breakthrough following DeepSeek earlier this year, potentially signaling a significant advancement in autonomous AI agent capabilities. The big picture: Manus AI emerged suddenly on March 5, 2025, when the company described it as "the first general AI agent" capable...
read Mar 10, 2025Vurvey Labs launches “Vurbs” AI agents that evolve through continuous human interaction
Not to be confused with "Verbs," though the AI action is hot. Vurvey Labs is pioneering a significant shift in artificial intelligence by combining LLMs with continuous human insights. Their newly launched "Vurbs" represent AI agents that evolve through ongoing interaction with real people, addressing a fundamental limitation of traditional LLMs which remain static after training. This approach potentially solves a critical challenge in AI development by creating more dynamic, authentic AI personalities that can better model human behavior and provide enterprises with continuously refreshed consumer insights. The big picture: Vurvey Labs has launched "Vurbs," AI agents that evolve through...
read Mar 10, 2025IBM’s Granite 3.2 delivers enterprise AI with smaller models and lower costs
International Budget Machines? IBM's introduction of Granite 3.2 represents a significant step in making AI more accessible and practical for businesses. This smaller language model delivers enhanced reasoning capabilities and multi-modal features while maintaining performance comparable to much larger models. By focusing on efficiency and cost-effectiveness rather than simply scaling up model size, IBM is addressing key enterprise concerns about AI adoption barriers while making advanced AI capabilities available through both commercial platforms and open source channels. The big picture: IBM has launched Granite 3.2, a new generation of smaller language models designed to deliver enterprise-grade AI that's more cost-effective...
read Mar 10, 2025ZTE and China Mobile unveil 5G-A and AI integration that turns networks into intelligent hubs
ZTE and China Mobile's recent partnership has unveiled significant advancements combining 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology with artificial intelligence at Mobile World Congress 2025. This collaboration represents a pivotal shift in how telecommunications networks function, transforming them from passive data transmission channels into intelligent systems capable of sensing, computing, and making decisions. These innovations aim to revolutionize industrial applications, consumer experiences, and emerging services by embedding intelligence directly into network infrastructure, potentially reshaping how businesses and consumers interact with connected technologies. The big picture: ZTE and China Mobile have introduced two major 5G-A innovations at MWC Barcelona 2025 that merge advanced connectivity...
read Mar 7, 2025Huawei unveils AI-powered campus network solution for smarter enterprise connectivity
Huawei's latest campus network solution integrates AI to transform enterprise connectivity at a pivotal moment when AI-powered infrastructure is becoming essential for business operations. The Xinghe Intelligent Campus Solution represents a comprehensive upgrade focused on enhancing wireless capabilities, application performance, operational efficiency, and security measures – all designed to provide superior user experiences as organizations transition to AI-centric environments. The big picture: Huawei has unveiled its fully-upgraded Xinghe Intelligent Campus Solution at MWC 2025, focusing on four critical experience enhancements powered by AI integration. The solution aims to create future-proof campus networks optimized for the AI era with improvements to...
read Mar 7, 2025Google deploys AI to fight scams on Android with real-time detection
Google is deploying AI to fight AI-powered scams on Android devices, introducing sophisticated real-time detection systems for both text messages and phone calls. These new features represent a significant advancement in mobile security, using on-device artificial intelligence to identify conversations that start innocuously but later develop suspicious patterns—a common tactic used by modern scammers. By implementing contextual analysis rather than simple filtering, Google aims to counter increasingly sophisticated social engineering attacks that traditional security measures often miss. The big picture: Google has announced two AI-powered scam detection features for Android that analyze communications in real-time to protect users from sophisticated...
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