Google Meet for Android is introducing AI-generated meeting backgrounds using Google Gemini technology. Users can create custom backgrounds in various styles, including a new Christmas theme. The feature requires a Gemini for Google Workspace add-on or Google One AI Premium subscription and is expected to be widely available soon.
Salesforce plans to hire over 1,000 employees to sell its new generative AI product, Agentforce. The company aims to capitalise on the momentum of this new AI offering, with the CEO reporting positive customer feedback.
Microsoft's recent update to the Copilot sidebar in Edge has faced user backlash due to lost features and perceived quality decline. The company has acknowledged the feedback and is working on improvements, including restoring chat history and PDF analysis, enhancing response quality, and expanding document analysis. Microsoft aims for consistency across platforms and promises future updates, highlighting the challenges of rapidly developing AI tools while maintaining user satisfaction.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, experienced rapid growth after the chatbot's launch, transitioning from research to a large-scale, customer-facing organisation. The CEO discussed challenges of this rapid scaling, noting the lack of a playbook and need for quick adaptation. OpenAI's success has prompted responses from competitors like Google and Meta.
Apple's iOS 18.2 public beta introduces new AI features for select iPhones and iPads: 1. Image Playground: Text-to-image tool 2. Genmoji: Custom emoji creator 3. Visual intelligence tool: Image analysis feature 4. Siri with ChatGPT integration The beta is available for recent high-end devices, with full release expected in December.
Google accidentally revealed Jarvis, an AI program designed to perform web-based tasks by taking over a user's computer. It was briefly available as a Chrome extension before being removed. Jarvis is similar to Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet in its ability to operate computers like a human. Such AI agents could potentially handle tasks like purchasing tickets or making reservations.
Microsoft is adding an AI-powered 'Rewrite' feature to Notepad, using their GPT model to help users refine their writing. It can rephrase, adjust tone, and modify text length. Currently available to some Windows Insiders, it requires a Microsoft account and credits, with wider rollout expected later.
Microsoft has integrated Copilot Pro AI features into Microsoft 365 subscriptions, replacing the previous $20 monthly add-on. This brings AI capabilities to core Office applications. The decision came after user feedback on standalone pricing. Microsoft 365 subscription prices have slightly increased to accommodate this change. The new pricing is available in select Asia-Pacific countries, with plans for global expansion.
Microsoft has introduced AI-powered themes called 'Themes by Copilot' for Outlook, available to Copilot Pro or business licence holders. The themes work across all Outlook platforms and can be based on weather or locations with dynamic updates. Non-AI themes are also available for users without Copilot licences.
Generative AI is being integrated into business workflows using a 'just-in-time' approach to maximise effectiveness and minimise costs. Some companies are implementing AI systems for specific tasks like report generation and enhancing employee workflows. Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) services are being used to improve AI output quality without custom training. Whilst some leaders support this approach, others question its universal applicability. The cost-benefit ratio varies depending on the use case.
AI has rapidly advanced since 2017, surpassing expectations in tasks like defeating humans at Go. Bill Gates considers it the most significant technological progress since the 1980s GUI. Despite potential concerns, Gates believes AI is a promising field for new businesses, though competition and funding have intensified.
Anthropic has added a Visual PDFs feature in beta to its Claude 3.5 Sonnet AI model, allowing it to analyse PDF files including text, images, and charts. It's available through paid subscriptions or API access, with some file limitations. Users can query Claude about PDF contents for tasks like analysing reports or translating text. Pro plan subscribers can enable this feature in their account settings.
AI and data experts at a tech conference stressed the importance of unstructured data for AI development. They advised companies to focus on product-market fit and start with small, targeted AI applications to solve current problems. The experts likened the current generative AI stage to the 'Angry Birds era', with transformative applications expected soon.
Google Drive integration with ChatGPT allows Plus, Team, and Enterprise subscribers to analyse Drive files directly in the chatbot. It supports various file types and enables easy retrieval for analysis, summarisation, proofreading, and translation. Users should review files for sensitive information before uploading, as ChatGPT may use content for model training.
Google's ChromeOS M130 update for Chromebooks introduces AI-powered features and productivity enhancements. Key additions include a Focus panel for task management, improved file access and offline capabilities, AI-powered transcription and summarisation in the Recorder app, and video call enhancements. Chromebook Plus devices receive an additional AI-powered 'Help me read' feature for easier information retrieval from text.
Microsoft has postponed the preview of its AI-powered Recall tool for Copilot+ PCs until December, citing the need for refinement and security. Recall aims to enhance PC search with 'photographic memory' capabilities. Due to privacy concerns, it will be an opt-in feature requiring explicit user permission.
