News/Retail
Park City, Utah hotels turn to AI as tourism revenues drop 21.7%
Summit County's tourism economy is poised to become increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence, as major hospitality and design companies already implement AI to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences. This shift comes as Park City faces declining hotel tax revenues, making operational efficiency through AI potentially crucial for maintaining the region's tourism-dependent economic foundation. What you should know: Marriott International and Gensler, a global architecture firm, have partnered to integrate AI throughout the hotel design and guest experience process.• AI allows designers to pitch, create and showcase ideas without spending time and money building physical mockups, according to Jordan Goldstein,...
read Sep 8, 2025Getac unveils world’s first rugged Copilot+ PC tablet with 48 TOPS AI power
Getac has unveiled the F120, which it claims to be the world's first fully rugged Copilot+ PC in a tablet form factor, designed to withstand extreme conditions while running advanced AI workloads. The device combines battlefield-grade durability with cutting-edge AI processing power, targeting professionals in industries where equipment failure isn't an option and advanced computing capabilities are increasingly essential. What you should know: The F120 meets Microsoft's strict Copilot+ PC standards while maintaining military-grade ruggedness certifications. Built around Intel's Core Ultra 200V Series processor with an Intel AI Boost NPU (neural processing unit) delivering up to 48 TOPS of AI...
read Sep 8, 2025Dyson’s new robot vacuum abandons signature design for generic look
Dyson unveiled its second robot vacuum, the Spot+Scrub Ai, at IFA 2025, promising advanced AI-powered stain detection and cleaning capabilities. However, the device's generic appearance and features closely mirror existing competitors like iRobot's Roomba models, raising questions about whether the company known for innovative design has abandoned its originality in favor of market conformity. Key features: The Spot+Scrub Ai represents a significant departure from Dyson's first robot vacuum, the 360 Vis Nav, incorporating several industry-standard elements. The robot includes LiDAR navigation (a laser-based mapping system), vacuum and mopping functions, and a self-emptying base station with three separate bins for clean...
read Sep 5, 2025Vivrelle’s red carpet welcomes “Ella” AI stylist that combines borrowing, styling and shopping
Vivrelle has launched "Ella AI," an artificial intelligence stylist for its luxury accessories membership platform, developed in partnership with fashion retailers REVOLVE and FWRD. The AI tool creates a unified shopping experience by combining borrowing, resale, and traditional retail on a single platform, allowing customers to get outfit recommendations for specific occasions and purchase items seamlessly. How it works: Ella AI provides personalized styling recommendations based on specific occasions and requirements, then enables direct purchasing. Users can request outfits for particular events, such as "outfits for a girls' night in Miami," and the AI refines suggestions based on additional details...
read Sep 5, 2025Amazon slashes AI voice recorder price 46% to all-time low
Amazon has discounted the Recolx AI Voice Recorder to $69.99, marking it down 46% from its regular price of $129.99 in what the retailer calls its "all-time lowest price ever." The productivity device combines traditional voice recording with ChatGPT 5.0-powered AI features, targeting professionals returning to office environments who need seamless voice-to-text capabilities for meetings, interviews, and content creation. Key features: The Recolx Voice Recorder integrates multiple productivity functions into a single MagSafe-compatible device that attaches magnetically to smartphones. The device works with Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S25, and other mobile devices through wireless connectivity. AI-powered features include...
read Sep 5, 2025Lenovo delivers AI-powered Android tablets starting at $270
Lenovo has unveiled two new Android tablets at IFA 2025: the premium Yoga Tab starting at $549.99 and the budget-friendly Idea Tab Plus starting at $269.99. Both devices feature AI-powered capabilities, large batteries, and Android 15, targeting different market segments with flagship-level processors and day-one artificial intelligence integration. Key specifications: The tablets showcase Lenovo's strategy of offering AI features across price points while maintaining competitive hardware. The Yoga Tab features an 11-inch 3,200 by 2,000 display with 144Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (the same chip powering Samsung's Galaxy S24 flagship phones), up to 12GB RAM, and...
read Sep 5, 2025Everyday low-skill upskilling: OpenAI and Walmart partner to train 10M people in AI by 2030
OpenAI has partnered with Walmart to launch an expanded certification program through its OpenAI Academy, aiming to train 10 million people in AI skills by 2030. The initiative comes as studies show AI-savvy workers command higher pay and productivity, positioning both companies to address the growing demand for AI literacy in the workforce. What you should know: OpenAI's Academy has already connected over 2 million people with AI learning resources and will now offer formal certifications across different skill levels. The certifications will range "from the basics of using AI at work all the way up to AI-custom jobs and...
read Sep 5, 2025Whoa, Timekettle’s $349 W4 AI earbuds translate 42 languages with “bone conduction” tech
Timekettle has launched the W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds, real-time translation earbuds priced at $349 that use bone conduction technology to improve voice recognition accuracy in noisy environments. The earbuds represent a more affordable and casual-friendly alternative to the company's $449 over-ear W4 Pro, featuring a modern wireless earbud design optimized for everyday translation needs across 42 languages and 95 accents. Key features: The W4 AI earbuds combine traditional microphones with bone conduction sensors to achieve up to 98 percent translation accuracy, even in loud environments. The bone conduction technology detects voice vibrations through head bones, allowing for more accurate speech...
read Sep 4, 2025TCL’s QM9K TVs first to feature built-in Google Gemini AI
TCL has announced the QM9K, its new flagship QD mini LED television series that will be the first TVs to feature Gemini built into Google TV. The integration represents a significant step forward in smart TV technology, combining advanced AI capabilities with hands-free operation and premium display features. What you should know: The QM9K series introduces several industry-first features that could reshape how users interact with their televisions. Users can engage with Gemini using the standard "Hey Google" voice prompt to find movies, ask questions about any topic, and control smart home devices synced through Google Home. An mmWave sensor...
read Sep 4, 2025Major miniaturization: Anker’s quarter-sized AI recorder transcribes 100+ languages for $100
Anker has unveiled the Soundcore Work, a coin-sized AI voice recorder designed to automatically transcribe and summarize meetings with a single click. At just 0.91 inches across—roughly the size of a quarter—the device represents a significant miniaturization breakthrough in AI-powered meeting technology, offering professional transcription capabilities in an ultra-portable form factor that can be worn on clothing or a lanyard. What you should know: The Soundcore Work combines advanced AI capabilities with unprecedented portability for meeting documentation. The device can transcribe over 100 languages automatically and distinguish between different speakers while removing unwanted words and filler language. It offers eight...
read Sep 4, 2025US job cuts surge 66% as DOGE and AI reshape workforce, northeast corridor most affected
U.S. job cuts surged 66% year-over-year through August, reaching 892,000 announced layoffs—already exceeding 2024's total and marking the highest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative has driven massive federal workforce reductions, while economic uncertainty and AI adoption continue reshaping employment across tech, finance, and retail sectors. The big picture: Government cost-cutting through DOGE has become the primary driver of job losses, with Washington D.C. seeing cuts triple to 294,696 positions this year. California leads states in private sector cuts with 135,241 layoffs, representing a 24% increase from last year. "After the impact...
read Sep 4, 2025Visa’s AI toolkit cuts payment integration time from weeks to hours
Visa has expanded its Intelligent Commerce platform with Model Context Protocol (MCP) support, making it easier for developers to build AI-powered shopping experiences using Visa's payment network. The update includes a new MCP Server and Visa Acceptance Agent Toolkit that should accelerate development from weeks to hours, positioning Visa to capture more of the growing AI-driven e-commerce market. What you should know: The MCP Server creates a streamlined integration layer that connects AI assistants to Visa's payment APIs while maintaining security standards. Developers can now access Visa Intelligent Commerce APIs through the MCP Server, which Visa describes as a "ready-made...
read Sep 3, 2025AI even comes for pizza as Ooni’s new Volt 2 oven perfects indoor cooking
Ooni, a UK-based pizza oven manufacturer, has unveiled the Volt 2, an indoor pizza oven featuring "Pizza Intelligence," an AI-powered adaptive heating system that uses sensors to automatically adjust temperature and minimize cooking inconsistencies. The countertop appliance represents the company's push to bring smart automation to home pizza making, targeting enthusiasts seeking restaurant-quality results without the guesswork. What you should know: The Volt 2 combines traditional pizza oven capabilities with automated temperature control for more consistent cooking results. The oven accommodates pizzas up to 13 inches in diameter while remaining compact enough for countertop use. Pizza Intelligence uses sensor data...
read Sep 2, 2025Amazon’s Lens Live turns your phone camera’s wandering eye into an AI shopping tool
Amazon has launched Lens Live, a new AI-powered shopping feature that lets users point their camera at objects in their environment to find matching products on Amazon's marketplace. The feature represents Amazon's latest push to integrate AI into the shopping experience, potentially transforming how consumers discover and purchase products by making any visible object a potential shopping trigger. What you should know: Lens Live uses real-time object detection to identify products captured by your camera and surfaces similar items from Amazon's billions of product listings. The feature is currently rolling out exclusively to the Amazon Shopping app on iOS, with...
read Sep 2, 2025AI shopping traffic surged 4,700% in July 2025, Adobe reports
Adobe's latest data reveals that AI-powered shopping traffic to U.S. retail sites surged 4,700% year-over-year in July 2025, based on analysis of over one trillion visits to retail websites. This dramatic growth signals that generative AI discovery tools—systems that help consumers research products using conversational interfaces—are rapidly becoming central to how consumers find deals and make purchasing decisions, fundamentally reshaping the retail landscape. What you should know: AI-referred shoppers demonstrate significantly more engaged behavior than traditional traffic sources. These consumers spend 32% longer on retail sites, view 10% more pages, and bounce 27% less than visitors from other channels. The...
read Sep 2, 2025Eager to tri it? Samsung’s $2.9K Galaxy Z TriFold launches September 29…in South Korea
Samsung has announced plans to launch its dual-hinged Galaxy Z TriFold smartphone on September 29 in South Korea, according to new leaks from industry sources. The device, which could be priced upwards of $2,930, represents Samsung's ambitious entry into the emerging tri-fold smartphone market and will debut alongside the company's Project Moohan XR headset and potentially new AI-powered smart glasses. What you should know: The Galaxy Z TriFold will be Samsung's first dual-hinged foldable device, offering users a triple-screen experience when fully unfolded. Previous leaks suggest the device will be priced upwards of 4 million KRW (~$2,930), reflecting the complexity...
read Aug 29, 2025Geekom’s $1.9K mini PC packs AMD’s flagship AI chip into compact design
Geekom has announced the A9 Mega, a compact mini PC powered by AMD's flagship Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, launching via Kickstarter with pricing starting around $1,899. The system represents the 20th product to feature AMD's 16-core, 32-thread Strix Halo chip and positions itself as an alternative to traditional workstations and Apple's Mac Studio for AI workloads and creative applications. What you should know: The A9 Mega packs serious computing power into a compact CNC-machined aluminum body measuring 171x171x71mm. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor includes Radeon 8060S graphics and an XDNA 2 NPU (neural processing unit) capable of 126...
read Aug 29, 2025Everyday Low Vises: Meta’s hidden Ray-Ban smart glasses store offers $76 discounts
Meta has launched a little-known refurbished Ray-Ban smart glasses store offering discounts up to $76 off retail prices, with products arriving in original packaging and pristine condition. The hidden marketplace provides access to discontinued styles and hard-to-find configurations that have been largely out of stock at traditional retailers for the past two years. What you should know: Meta's refurbished smart glasses are essentially new products sold at 20% discounts through a dedicated online store.• ZDNET Editor-in-Chief Jason Hiner purchased Skylar-style glasses with Shiny Caramel frames for $263, down from the $329 retail price, with some configurations discounted by as much...
read Aug 29, 2025Faux Crew? Top fashion retailer faces backlash for allegedly using AI-generated models in ads
J.Crew is facing criticism for allegedly using AI-generated models in recent promotional images, with fashion observers pointing out visual distortions and clothing glitches that suggest artificial generation. The controversy highlights growing concerns about AI replacing human workers in the fashion and advertising industries, as brands experiment with synthetic imagery to cut costs. What you should know: Blackbird Spyplane, a fashion newsletter, first identified suspicious elements in J.Crew's recent promotional photos that appeared to contain AI-generated artifacts. The images featured visual distortions and clothing inconsistencies typical of AI-generated content, despite resembling traditional J.Crew advertising aesthetics. J.Crew has not explicitly confirmed or...
read Aug 29, 2025Girls get hands-on with retail robots at BJ’s Wholesale Club STEM program
BJ's Wholesale Club recently hosted Girls Inc. of Worcester students for a behind-the-scenes look at how STEM powers retail operations, featuring demonstrations of autonomous robotics technology. The initiative highlights growing efforts by retailers to inspire the next generation of female STEM leaders while showcasing how advanced automation is transforming modern retail environments. What you should know: The visit was part of the Eureka program, a STEM-intensive leadership initiative for girls in grades 8-12. Caroline Krieger, Robotics & Automation Manager at BJ's Wholesale Club, shared her career journey and demonstrated how retail robotics work in practice. The students got hands-on experience...
read Aug 29, 2025Dr Pepper uses mixed reality, AI, and a little carbonation to transform college football marketing
Dr Pepper is expanding its college football marketing strategy with mixed reality experiences, AI-powered activations, and a commercial-free sponsorship of "The Pat McAfee Show" on ESPN. The beverage brand is deepening its ties with Disney and ESPN to reach college football fans through innovative technology and premium content partnerships. What you should know: Dr Pepper's enhanced college football playbook leverages cutting-edge technology to create immersive fan experiences during the sport's most popular season. The brand is incorporating mixed reality elements that blend physical and digital experiences, allowing fans to interact with virtual content overlaid on real-world environments. AI-powered marketing activations...
read Aug 28, 2025Old Town, Maine uses new AI to track residents for local business enhancement
Old Town, Maine, will begin using artificial intelligence to track residents and visitors later this year through a smartphone data collection program called Placer.ai. The initiative aims to gather demographic and behavioral insights to enhance local marketing efforts and attract new businesses to the downtown area. How it works: Placer.ai collects data from smartphones in specific geographic areas, building comprehensive profiles of user behavior and demographics. The system tracks where people were before entering an area, how long they spend there, where they go afterward, and personal information like annual income. AI aggregates the data, recognizes patterns, and creates mapping...
read Aug 28, 2025GPTWrap not so supreme: Taco Bell rethinks AI drive-thru after customer trolling exposes flaws
Taco Bell is reconsidering its AI drive-thru strategy after customers began trolling the system and sharing their frustrations on social media. The fast-food chain has deployed AI voice assistants in over 500 locations across the US, but Chief Digital and Technology Officer Dane Mathews admits the technology isn't performing as expected, particularly at busy restaurants. What they're saying: Taco Bell's tech chief is being candid about the AI system's mixed performance. "We're learning a lot, I'm going to be honest with you," Mathews told The Wall Street Journal. "I think like everybody, sometimes it lets me down, but sometimes it...
read Aug 27, 2025Richtech Robotics stock rises 4.9% on Starbucks and Domino’s partnerships
Richtech Robotics Inc. stock surged 4.89% on August 27, 2025, following strategic partnerships with major brands including Starbucks, Domino's, and Airbnb for AI-driven automation solutions. The uptick reflects growing investor confidence in the company's ability to integrate cutting-edge robotics technology into mainstream business operations, despite underlying financial challenges that continue to pressure profitability metrics. Key financial metrics: Richtech Robotics, a publicly traded automation technology company, reported revenues of $4.24 million but continues to face profitability challenges with negative EBIT and net income measures. The company maintains strong liquidity with a current ratio of 120.2, indicating solid coverage of short-term financial...
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