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ChatGPT in WhatsApp now has the power of voice, image recognition and account linking
OpenAI has enhanced ChatGPT's WhatsApp integration with voice message support, image recognition capabilities, and account linking features, making the AI assistant more accessible through the popular messaging platform. Key Updates and Features: The upgraded WhatsApp integration allows users to interact with ChatGPT through voice messages and images, expanding beyond text-only communications. Users can now send photos for tasks like translating foreign language signs Voice memo functionality enables audio-based interactions and transcription requests The traditional phone number (1-800-CHATGPT) remains operational but is limited to audio inputs Technical Integration: The new features bring the WhatsApp version closer to parity with ChatGPT's dedicated...
read Feb 6, 2025The UK is deploying AI-powered sensors to prevent traffic fatalities
The West Midlands region in the UK is deploying AI-powered sensors at key road locations to prevent accidents and reduce fatalities through proactive safety measures. Project overview: Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is installing AI sensors at 40 locations to monitor and analyze near-miss incidents, enabling data-driven safety improvements. The technology will cost £100,000 over a two-year period Sensors will be rotated among high-risk road junctions throughout the region over 18 months The system specifically tracks incidents where vehicles come within inches of pedestrians or cyclists Current safety context: The West Midlands region faces significant road safety challenges despite recent...
read Feb 6, 2025Researchers find embedded code in DeepSeek linking it to Chinese state telco
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, has embedded code in its website that could potentially transmit user login data to China Mobile, a state-owned telecom company banned from US operations. Key findings: Security researchers discovered concerning code within DeepSeek's web login interface that creates a possible data pipeline to China Mobile. The code, first identified by Feroot Security and later verified by independent experts, appears integrated into the account creation and authentication system While testing in North America showed no active data transfers, researchers cannot definitively rule out data transmission for users in other regions The investigation focused solely on DeepSeek's...
read Feb 6, 2025Lyft opens the door to AI chatbot Claude to enhance customer service
Lyft has partnered with Anthropic to integrate the Claude AI assistant into its customer service operations, specifically to handle driver support requests. Key implementation details: Lyft's integration of Claude AI has already shown significant results in customer service efficiency. The AI system has reduced service request resolution times by 87% Claude currently handles basic support inquiries, such as providing information about driver requirements The system is designed to transfer more complex cases to human specialists Technology integration: Lyft is expanding its use of AI technology beyond customer service. The company reports that up to 25% of its code is now...
read Feb 6, 2025AI decodes ancient Vesuvius scrolls charred by volcano
The use of artificial intelligence coupled with advanced scanning technology has produced the first visible text from ancient papyrus scrolls carbonized by Mount Vesuvius's eruption in 79 A.D. Key breakthrough: Researchers have successfully generated the first internal images of a Herculaneum scroll held at Oxford's Bodleian Library using a combination of AI and advanced X-ray technology. The scroll was scanned using a particle accelerator at Diamond Light Source laboratory near Oxford AI technology helped piece together images, detect ink, and enhance text clarity A 3D image allowed for virtual unrolling of the scroll through a process called segmentation One of...
read Feb 6, 2025ARK Invest Big Ideas 2025: AI agents will significantly boost employee productivity
ARK Invest has released its Big Ideas 2025 report, highlighting 11 transformative technology trends with artificial intelligence as a central driving force. Key findings overview: ARK's research predicts AI compute performance will improve more than 1,000x by 2030, unlocking new opportunities across multiple sectors. AI advances will enable autonomous vehicles, accelerate drug development, and allow AI agents to handle complex software engineering tasks The report identifies five key innovation platforms: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Energy Storage, Public Blockchains, and Multiomic Sequencing These platforms are expected to converge and create significant technological and economic transformation AI agents defined: AI agents represent a...
read Feb 6, 2025Firefox just made your favorite AI chatbots available in its browser sidebar
Firefox has integrated direct access to multiple AI chatbots through its browser sidebar, making popular AI services like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude readily available to all users with version 135. Key Features and Implementation: The new AI sidebar integration represents a significant expansion of Firefox's experimental feature first introduced in version 130 last September. Users can access five different AI chatbots: Anthropic's Claude, OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google Gemini, HuggingChat, and Le Chat Mistral The feature supports both free and paid subscription versions of these AI services Users maintain access to core AI features, including different language models, image generation, and voice...
read Feb 6, 2025OpenAI to debut first-ever Super Bowl commercial
The artificial intelligence company OpenAI plans to broadcast its first-ever Super Bowl commercial during Super Bowl 59, marking a significant milestone in the company's marketing strategy. Key developments: OpenAI's decision to purchase Super Bowl advertising space, which costs approximately $8 million for a 30-second spot, represents the company's largest advertising investment since its 2015 founding. The company recently appointed Kate Rouch as its first chief marketing officer, bringing experience from Coinbase and Meta Rouch is known for creating Coinbase's attention-grabbing 2022 Super Bowl ad featuring a bouncing QR code OpenAI unveiled a new brand identity this week, including an updated...
read Feb 6, 2025OpenAI kicks off first Super Bowl ad amid AI marketing surge
OpenAI plans to air its first television commercial during the 2025 Super Bowl, marking a significant shift in the company's marketing strategy and following Google's similar AI-focused advertisement from the previous year. Major development: OpenAI's entry into mainstream advertising represents a strategic move to reach a massive global audience through America's most-watched sporting event. The commercial will air during Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025 The company will pay approximately $8 million for a 30-second advertising slot, up from $7 million in 2024 The 2024 Super Bowl reached an estimated 210 million viewers,...
read Feb 6, 2025OpenAI files trademark application for humanoid robots
OpenAI has filed a trademark application for humanoid robots and is expanding its product portfolio while actively building a robotics team. Key development: OpenAI submitted a trademark application on January 31 that includes user-programmable humanoid robots designed to assist and entertain people. The application specifically mentions humanoid robots with communication and learning capabilities The company is currently hiring for mechanical product engineers and senior research engineers to join its robotics team The robotics initiative aims to combine high-level AI capabilities with physical robotic platforms in real-world settings Strategic expansion: OpenAI's trademark filing reveals ambitious plans beyond its current AI offerings....
read Feb 6, 2025Google is internally testing a new ‘AI Mode’ for Search
AI Mode will provide Google Search users with a new interface for asking open-ended questions and receiving AI-generated responses powered by Gemini 2.0. Core functionality: Google is internally testing a new AI Mode in Search that intelligently researches and organizes information into digestible breakdowns with web links. The feature targets complex, exploratory questions that traditional search results don't effectively address Users can ask follow-up questions and receive comparative analyses AI Mode leverages a custom version of Gemini 2.0 for advanced reasoning capabilities User interface details: The new interface integrates AI functionality alongside traditional search filters while maintaining familiar search mechanics....
read Feb 6, 2025What is AI’s impact on Trump’s economic and energy agenda?
AI infrastructure and energy demands take center stage as Trump unveils ambitious plans to power America's artificial intelligence future. The big picture: President Trump has announced sweeping initiatives to expand U.S. AI infrastructure, including fast-tracking power plant approvals and backing a massive private sector investment project. A proposed joint venture called the Stargate Project between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle aims to invest $500 billion over four years to dramatically expand U.S. AI capabilities Trump's EPA administrator has designated AI infrastructure as a top priority, with plans to expedite approvals for new power stations specifically serving data centers The emergence of Chinese...
read Feb 6, 2025MIT launches Generative AI Impact Consortium with OpenAI, Coca-Cola
MIT has established the Generative AI Impact Consortium, partnering with six major companies including OpenAI, Coca-Cola, and Analog Devices to study and advance AI's positive societal impact while addressing potential challenges. Consortium structure and leadership: The initiative brings together academic researchers and industry leaders under the guidance of MIT's chief innovation and strategy officer, Anantha Chandrakasan. The six founding members include Analog Devices, Coca-Cola, OpenAI, Tata Group, SK Telecom, and TWG Global The consortium focuses on developing AI applications across various domains while studying human-AI collaboration Interactive workshops and discussions will be key components of the initiative's activities Core research...
read Feb 6, 2025Russia’s Sberbank plans AI collaboration with China after DeepSeek advance
Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, announced plans to collaborate with Chinese researchers on artificial intelligence projects, following DeepSeek's development of a cost-effective AI model that challenges U.S. competitors. Key development: Sberbank's First Deputy CEO Alexander Vedyakhin revealed the bank's intention to leverage its scientific talent pool for joint AI research initiatives with Chinese partners. The announcement comes in the wake of DeepSeek's breakthrough in creating a powerful AI model at significantly lower costs compared to U.S. alternatives Sberbank's strategic move indicates a growing trend of international AI collaboration outside of traditional Western technology hubs The bank aims to utilize its existing...
read Feb 5, 2025Google’s AI Overviews now compares phones — why some think that’s a bad idea
Google has launched AI-generated phone comparisons in its search results, raising concerns about the sustainability of tech journalism and the accuracy of AI-compiled information. The new feature explained: Google's AI Overviews system now generates direct phone comparison tables in search results when users query device matchups. The system creates comparison lists that show core specifications and differences between smartphone models Information is currently sourced from 21 different technology publications and websites The feature aims to provide quick, accessible device comparisons directly in search results Key industry concerns: This development poses significant challenges for technology media outlets that rely on comparison...
read Feb 5, 2025Ivo raises $16M Series A to automate contract review for lawyers
Legaltech startup Ivo has secured $16 million in Series A funding to advance its AI-powered contract review technology for corporate legal teams. Core technology and value proposition: Ivo's AI platform scans and analyzes legal contracts to identify problematic clauses and suggest revisions, streamlining the contract review process for in-house legal teams. The technology leverages generative AI to automatically identify clauses that deviate from standard terms or present unacceptable risks The system provides suggested revisions that human lawyers can review before returning to counterparties Ivo aims to balance protecting organizational interests while avoiding unnecessary changes that could delay negotiations Market traction...
read Feb 5, 2025AI tool CodeSignal simulates difficult conversations to train better leaders
CodeSignal has launched an AI-powered conversation simulation tool that makes leadership training accessible at a fraction of traditional costs, expanding beyond its core technical assessment business. Core innovation: CodeSignal's new platform uses voice-enabled AI to create realistic workplace scenario simulations, featuring an AI mentor named Cosmo that provides real-time coaching. The system allows users to practice challenging workplace conversations like delivering feedback and resolving conflicts Traditional leadership training programs typically cost $20,000-$40,000 per person for a one-month program The new platform is priced at $25 monthly for individuals and $39 per user monthly for enterprise licenses Market impact and adoption:...
read Feb 5, 2025Google admits AI mistake in Super Bowl cheese ad
Google has corrected an inaccurate statistic about Gouda cheese that appeared in its Super Bowl advertisement featuring the Gemini AI system. Key details: The original commercial showed Gemini generating website content that incorrectly claimed Gouda accounts for 50-60% of global cheese consumption. Google modified the YouTube version of the ad to remove the specific percentage, replacing it with a more general statement about Gouda being "one of the most popular cheeses in the world" The business owner featured in the commercial had already implemented the AI-generated content, including the incorrect statistic, on their website Despite Google's correction to the advertisement,...
read Feb 5, 2025Geneva non-profit IAIGA launches to establish global coordination for AI safety
The International AI Governance Alliance (IAIGA) has launched as a new Geneva-based non-profit organization aimed at establishing global coordination for AI development and safety standards. Core mission and structure: IAIGA emerges from the Center for Existential Safety with two primary objectives focused on global AI coordination and regulation. The organization seeks to create an independent global intelligence network to coordinate AI research and ensure fair distribution of AI-derived economic benefits A key initiative involves developing an enforceable international treaty establishing AI safety standards and benefit-sharing mechanisms The organization is currently recruiting AI safety experts and global governance specialists Current progress...
read Feb 5, 2025Microsoft, Google cloud performance disappoints — what’s in store for Amazon?
Microsoft and Google's underwhelming cloud performance has placed heightened scrutiny on Amazon's upcoming fourth-quarter results, particularly regarding its cloud computing division and AI investments. Market context: The technology sector has recently experienced volatility due to concerns about AI investment returns and emerging competition from lower-cost alternatives. Tech stocks surged over the past two years based on expectations of sustained AI-driven datacenter investments Chinese startup DeepSeek's announcement of cost-effective AI breakthroughs triggered a selloff in technology stocks Microsoft and Meta faced pressure to defend their AI spending plans, while Google's increased capital expenditure plans led to an 8% stock decline Amazon's...
read Feb 5, 2025Google’s Gemini 2.0 release include free access and enhanced capabilities
Gemini 2.0, Google's latest AI model lineup, features new versions with expanded capabilities and free access options. Key Updates; Google DeepMind has released multiple versions of Gemini 2.0, including a free tier, targeting different user needs and use cases. Gemini 2.0 Flash-Lite offers improved quality over the 1.5 Flash model while maintaining speed and cost-efficiency The model supports a 1 million token context window and multimodal input capabilities Users can process approximately 40,000 unique photo captions for less than one dollar using the paid tier Technical Capabilities; The new Gemini lineup introduces significant improvements in processing power and functionality. Gemini...
read Feb 5, 2025Lessons from Georgias, the company that deployed AI agents to 16,000 SMBs
Ecommerce customer service platform Gorgias has deployed AI agents to over 16,000 small and medium-sized businesses, achieving automation rates of up to 30% while revealing key insights about effective AI implementation. Key implementation insights: The deployment process highlighted that smaller, specialized AI models often outperform larger, more general ones in customer service applications. Customer trust proved fragile, with users rarely giving AI systems a second chance after experiencing significant errors Non-technical staff with customer service backgrounds demonstrated superior prompt engineering capabilities compared to technical experts Automated quality assurance systems using AI to evaluate other AI systems showed unexpected effectiveness in...
read Feb 5, 2025Amazon prepares to unveil AI-powered Alexa upgrade
Amazon's upcoming AI-powered revamp of Alexa represents the voice assistant's most significant upgrade since its launch, with plans for a February 26 preview event in New York. The major upgrade: Amazon aims to transform Alexa into a more sophisticated conversational AI assistant capable of handling complex, multi-step interactions. The new version will enable more natural conversations and sequential prompts, potentially allowing Alexa to act as an autonomous agent for users Internal development teams have dubbed the project "Banyan" and "Remarkable Alexa" Amazon will maintain the existing "Classic Alexa" as a free service while introducing the enhanced version Launch timeline and...
read Feb 5, 2025How a small Philadelphia consulting firm went from open-source data tool to unicorn
The startup story: Dbt Labs transformed from a small Philadelphia consulting firm into a billion-dollar enterprise software company by developing an innovative data analytics tool. Founded by Tristan Handy nearly a decade ago, the company originated as Fishtown Analytics, a consultancy helping businesses maximize cloud-based data tools The company's core product, Dbt Core (data built tool), began as an internal tool to streamline data cleaning and conversion processes After open-sourcing Dbt Core in 2020, the company rebranded as Dbt Labs and pivoted to a software-focused business model Current business performance: Dbt Labs has achieved significant growth milestones, demonstrating strong market...
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