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AI agents from SAS enable customizable, transparent decision-making
SAS's newly unveiled agentic AI framework for SAS Viya aims to transform how organizations implement autonomous AI systems by embedding governance, human oversight, and explainability into the decision-making process. As businesses race toward deploying AI systems that can operate with minimal human intervention, SAS has positioned its platform as a solution that balances autonomy with accountability, transforming experimental AI agents into practical business tools that can be safely deployed even in highly regulated industries. The big picture: SAS is building its agentic AI capabilities on the SAS Viya platform through SAS Intelligent Decisioning, creating a framework that combines governance, flexible...
read May 8, 2025AI opens explosive new distribution channel for business procurement practices
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming business procurement practices as AI agents begin making vendor selections without human input. This shift represents a fundamental change in how technology products and services are discovered and adopted, creating a new distribution channel that bypasses traditional marketing approaches. As AI systems increasingly handle technical implementation decisions autonomously, companies that position their products to be AI-recommended will gain significant competitive advantages in this emerging procurement landscape. The big picture: AI agents are automating software component selection at unprecedented rates, creating a new form of distribution where machines—not humans—make vendor choices. AI agents are reportedly creating...
read May 8, 2025FCC Chair urges faster spectrum allocation for wireless growth at DC event
US wireless industry leaders are emphasizing the critical relationship between spectrum allocation, artificial intelligence, and national technological leadership. At CTIA's 5G Summit in Washington, DC, industry figures highlighted how spectrum shortages could hamper America's ability to compete globally in wireless technology—an issue with implications across sectors from economic development to national security, particularly as AI becomes increasingly mobile. The big picture: Former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, now CTIA's president and CEO, positioned wireless leadership as fundamental to broader technological dominance, declaring that "countries that lead the world in wireless will lead in every technology-enabled sector that will define the next...
read May 8, 2025Forward march: Microsoft expands AI data centers despite initial pullback reports
Microsoft's ambitious $80 billion data center investment plan remains firmly on track, dispelling recent rumors of a pullback due to AI demand concerns. The tech giant's leadership directly addressed the speculation during its recent record-breaking Q3 earnings report, reaffirming its commitment to massive infrastructure expansion. This development underscores Microsoft's conviction that cloud and AI infrastructure represent critical strategic investments despite the quarter-to-quarter volatility that naturally occurs in large-scale capital deployment. The big picture: Microsoft has maintained its historic 2025 capital expenditure plan of $80 billion, aligning with similar massive investments being made by AWS, Google, and Meta. The company spent...
read May 8, 2025IBM unveils watsonx.data’s generative AI capabilities at Think 2025
IBM's new watsonx.data platform is taking center stage at Think 2025 as the company addresses a critical challenge in enterprise AI adoption: data readiness. While organizations are rapidly embracing generative AI, IBM reveals that less than 1% of enterprise data is currently being utilized for these initiatives, despite approximately 90% of corporate data being unstructured and scattered across various systems. This data fragmentation, rather than model optimization or inference costs, represents the true bottleneck preventing companies from realizing AI's full potential. The big picture: IBM is positioning watsonx.data as the solution to the enterprise unstructured data problem by transforming it...
read May 8, 2025Is voice-driven ambient AI our future, as Zuckerberg predicts?
The convergence of voice computing and AI represents a potential paradigm shift in personal computing, with both Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Apple SVP Eddy Cue pointing toward a future where typing may no longer dominate our digital interactions. This alignment between two tech giants that often clash suggests a shared vision of how AI could fundamentally transform how humans interact with technology in the coming decade. The big picture: Mark Zuckerberg highlighted at LlamaCon that voice interaction is currently "under-indexed," with 95% of digital interaction being text-based despite voice likely playing a much larger role in the future. Why...
read May 8, 2025Amazon slashes price of AI mouse and voice recorder by 40%
Amazon's discounted AI-powered 4-in-1 device transforms the hybrid office experience by combining multiple productivity tools into a single sleek package. As workers return to office settings, this multifunctional peripheral offers versatility that bridges at-home comfort with professional efficiency, representing the growing trend of AI integration into everyday office equipment. The big picture: Amazon has slashed the price of the Cheerdots AI Mouse & Voice Recorder by over 40%, offering the multifunctional productivity tool for $99.99 instead of its regular $169.99 price. Key features: The hybrid device combines four distinct productivity tools into a single wireless accessory. It functions as a...
read May 7, 2025AI could make iPhones obsolete by 2035, Apple exec suggests
Apple executive Eddy Cue's prediction about iPhones potentially becoming obsolete by 2035 highlights how AI advancements might fundamentally reshape our device ecosystem. While testifying in Google's antitrust case, Cue made this striking claim about Apple's flagship product, suggesting that significant technological disruption could dramatically alter the consumer technology landscape over the next decade. The big picture: Apple's Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, speculated during court testimony that artificial intelligence could make iPhones unnecessary within a decade. "You may not need an iPhone 10 years from now as crazy as it sounds," Cue stated during the Google antitrust trial...
read May 7, 2025Neural Namaste: Jhana meditation insights illuminate LLM functionality
Jhana meditation practices are providing unexpected insights into the nature of consciousness that may reshape our understanding of Large Language Models and human cognition. After experiencing deep meditative states at retreats, tech writer Nadia Asparouhova discovered parallels between meditative mental states and artificial intelligence, challenging conventional distinctions between human and machine consciousness. Her journey suggests that our perception of human uniqueness may need revision as we develop a more nuanced understanding of both consciousness and AI capabilities. The big picture: Meditation practices like Jhana may offer valuable frameworks for understanding both human consciousness and artificial intelligence. Nadia Asparouhova's experiences with...
read May 7, 2025AI-powered agentic analytics restores business leaders’ data trust
Business leaders are facing a growing paradox in data-driven decision-making: as data volumes increase, confidence in using that data is plummeting. This disconnect threatens effective leadership in uncertain times, but a new approach called "agentic analytics" promises to bridge this gap by pairing business users with AI agents that can automate data tasks, proactively identify patterns, and deliver insights in accessible language within existing workflows. The big picture: Business decision-makers are drowning in data while simultaneously losing faith in their ability to use it effectively, with leader confidence in data-driven decisions dropping 18% since 2023 to less than half overall....
read May 7, 2025Afterlife AI? Arizona court presents synthetic video of murder victim forgiving killer
An AI-generated victim impact statement has made judicial history in Arizona, marking a watershed moment for artificial intelligence in the legal system. Using video footage and a script written by his sister, Christopher Pelkey's AI-generated persona addressed and forgave his killer from beyond the grave. This unprecedented use of AI in court proceedings has sparked discussions about the broader implications of synthetic media in the justice system, as courts scramble to establish guidelines for this rapidly evolving technology. The breakthrough case: An Arizona judge heard what officials believe is the nation's first AI-generated victim impact statement in a murder sentencing,...
read May 7, 2025Mistral targets enterprise AI with new Le Chat and Medium 3 models
Mistral's new Le Chat Enterprise brings an AI assistant designed specifically for enterprise needs, with privacy features and cross-application support that could help the French AI startup gain traction against larger competitors. Built on its efficient Medium 3 model, the platform offers a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to implement AI while maintaining data sovereignty and security. The big picture: French AI startup Mistral has launched Le Chat Enterprise, a unified AI assistant designed for enterprise-scale productivity that outperforms larger models while using fewer computational resources. The platform is built on Mistral's new Medium 3 model, which delivers high performance...
read May 7, 2025Leaders at a loss: Fragmented data frustrates executives’ use of AI
AI's promise of productivity faces a harsh reality check as CEOs discover their data systems are simply not ready to support advanced AI initiatives. The IBM study of 2,000 CEOs across 30 countries reveals a critical disconnect between AI ambitions and the foundational data architecture needed to realize meaningful returns, highlighting the growing urgency for companies to address their fragmented information systems before expecting AI to deliver on its potential. The big picture: While 61% of CEOs are actively deploying AI agents and planning their expansion, half admit their rush to adopt new technologies has created disconnected systems that undermine...
read May 7, 2025Google pursues nuclear power partnership as AI demand surges
Google's partnership with Elementl Power to develop three advanced nuclear energy sites represents a significant move by tech giants into nuclear energy production, addressing the massive power demands of AI development. The collaboration highlights a growing trend of tech companies investing in reliable carbon-free energy sources as states increasingly adopt legislation supporting nuclear power expansion. This investment underscores the strategic importance of securing sustainable energy infrastructure to support the computational requirements of next-generation AI technologies. The big picture: Google is investing capital in Elementl Power to develop three 600-megawatt nuclear energy project sites, aiming to support growing power demands from...
read May 7, 2025Luxury service gets enhanced by AI at private aviation charter firm
Craft Aviation is revolutionizing private air travel by blending investment opportunities with luxury flight access, creating a novel approach to aircraft ownership. Their innovative 721 exchange fund allows investors to contribute stock in exchange for partial ownership of private aircraft while deferring capital gains taxes. This model provides the benefits of private aviation without the typical maintenance and administrative burdens, while the company simultaneously implements AI to optimize fleet operations and sales processes. The big picture: Craft has launched a groundbreaking 721 exchange fund that transforms private aviation into both an investment vehicle and a luxury service. Investors can contribute...
read May 7, 2025Apple expands Safari AI search options amid Google decline
Apple's strategic AI pivot in Safari marks a significant shift in how the tech giant approaches search functionality across its ecosystem. The company's plan to integrate AI search providers like Perplexity and Anthropic into Safari on iPhones, iPads, and Macs comes at a pivotal moment when traditional search behavior is changing and regulatory pressure threatens Apple's lucrative Google partnership. This development signals Apple's recognition that AI-powered search alternatives are becoming increasingly important to users while also representing a potential hedge against regulatory and market disruptions. The big picture: Apple SVP Eddy Cue revealed in court testimony that the company will...
read May 7, 2025AI boom boosts 4 stocks – and you know them all – as market confidence grows
Big Tech companies are doubling down on AI investments, countering warnings of an AI bubble as revealed in their Q1 2025 earnings reports. Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms are maintaining or increasing their capital expenditure commitments for AI and cloud infrastructure, signaling continued confidence in the technology's growth trajectory. This sustained investment from major hyperscalers provides critical validation for the AI infrastructure sector and offers reassurance to investors concerned about potential pullbacks. The big picture: Major tech companies are resisting pressure to reduce AI spending despite economic uncertainties, demonstrating their strategic commitment to AI capabilities. Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and...
read May 7, 2025Abu Dhabi-based AI firm Presight expands to Global South markets for growth
Presight AI is leveraging its strong domestic performance to fuel ambitious global expansion plans, particularly across emerging markets. The data analytics provider's strategic pivot toward international growth comes amid impressive financial results, with first-quarter sales more than doubling year-over-year, signaling the company's growing influence in the global AI analytics landscape. The big picture: Presight AI reported first quarter sales of 563.9 million dirhams ($153.5 million), marking a substantial 115% annual increase as the company accelerates its international expansion strategy. Key details: Around 23% of Presight's current sales originate from outside the United Arab Emirates, with the company targeting an ambitious...
read May 7, 2025AI training on 57 million NHS records sparks privacy concerns
Britain's National Health Service and researchers in England have built an AI model trained on an unprecedented 57 million patient records, aiming to transform healthcare through predictive analysis. This extensive use of sensitive health data raises significant privacy concerns, even as developers envision a system that could forecast disease complications before they happen, potentially shifting healthcare toward more preventative approaches. The big picture: Researchers have developed Foresight, an AI model trained on nearly the entire population of England's medical records, representing what they claim is the world's first national-scale generative AI health model. The system was trained on eight different...
read May 7, 2025Building regional capacity for AI safety in Africa
The Africa AI Council's recent endorsement at the Global AI Summit marks a significant step toward coordinated artificial intelligence development across the continent. With AI projected to contribute $2.9 trillion to African economies by 2030, this new governance body emerges at a critical moment when regional collaboration in AI security and safety standards has become essential. The initiative represents Africa's growing determination to shape AI governance that addresses unique regional challenges while securing a seat at the global AI governance table. The big picture: The Africa AI Council, initiated by Smart Africa (an alliance of 40 African countries), aims to...
read May 7, 2025Downstream effects: AI personas shape user experiences through design decisions
The design choices behind AI personas have significant implications for user experience, as even subtle framing adjustments can dramatically transform how people interact with and perceive AI systems. Hugging Face's community has demonstrated that minimal changes to titles, descriptions, or system prompts can convert generic models into specialized assistants with distinct personalities and capabilities, creating opportunities for more personalized AI interactions while raising important questions about the ethical boundaries of simulated emotional connections. The big picture: AI assistants are evolving from simple question-answering tools into collaborative partners through surprisingly minimal design adjustments. Hugging Face's community has shown that generic models...
read May 7, 2025AI tools fuel surge in academic dishonesty at universities
The growing adoption of AI tools for academic assignments is radically transforming higher education, challenging traditional assessment methods and learning outcomes. With nearly 90% of college students leveraging ChatGPT to complete their coursework, universities face an unprecedented technological disruption that questions fundamental academic values. This shift represents a critical inflection point for educational institutions as they grapple with AI's implications for critical thinking development and the future workplace readiness of graduates. The big picture: AI-assisted academic work has become nearly ubiquitous across college campuses, with students using tools like ChatGPT for everything from essay writing to coding assignments. Students from...
read May 7, 2025TransUnion’s AI-driven platform transformation led by Venkat Achanta
TransUnion is transforming from a traditional credit bureau into a modern platform enterprise by consolidating its fragmented technology infrastructure. Under the leadership of Venkat Achanta, who joined after the $3.1 billion Neustar acquisition, the company has developed OneTru—a unified platform that standardizes operations across its global network spanning 30 countries and 13,000 associates. This technology modernization represents a strategic shift for the $4.5 billion company as it evolves beyond data provision to becoming an insight-driven organization powered by advanced analytics and emerging AI capabilities. The big picture: TransUnion's technology infrastructure had become unwieldy with over 20 different tech stacks resulting...
read May 7, 2025Most Americans aren’t that into AI. But they do like it for photo editing.
Despite tech companies' enthusiastic push to integrate AI assistants into products, new research reveals a significant gap between corporate ambition and actual consumer demand. A March 2025 ZDNET-Aberdeen survey shows a striking 71% of Americans are unwilling to pay extra for AI capabilities in their products, with resistance particularly strong among older demographics. This reluctance raises important questions about whether the tech industry's AI-centric strategy actually aligns with what users currently value and need. The big picture: Americans across all age groups show surprising resistance to AI assistant features, with only 8% willing to pay extra for such capabilities in...
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