News/New Launches
Mistral’s new Codestral AI model tops third-party code completion rankings
Mistral's latest code completion model, Codestral 25.01, has quickly gained popularity among developers while demonstrating superior performance in benchmark tests. Key updates and improvements: The new version of Codestral features an enhanced architecture that doubles the speed of its predecessor while maintaining specialization in code-related tasks. The model supports code correction, test generation, and fill-in-the-middle tasks It's specifically optimized for low-latency, high-frequency operations Enterprise users can benefit from improved data handling and model residency capabilities Performance metrics: Codestral 25.01 has demonstrated significant improvements in benchmark testing, particularly outperforming competing models. Achieved an 86.6% score in the HumanEval test for Python...
read Jan 14, 2025Leaked email outlines Nothing’s AI-driven vision for Phone (3) and future platform
A leaked email suggests Nothing's upcoming Phone (3) will prioritize AI features as part of the company's broader strategy to develop an AI-powered platform. The context: Nothing, a consumer technology company, is preparing to launch its next flagship device in 2025 after focusing on budget devices throughout 2024. Nothing spent 2024 developing its Phone (2a) series, releasing four variants The company previously confirmed plans for a Nothing Phone (3) in 2025 The information comes from an internal email allegedly written by Nothing's founder Carl Pei, shared by tech leaker Evan Blass Key details from the leak: The email describes ambitious...
read Jan 14, 2025Vertical Compute raises $20.5M to advance memory chip tech
Imec has spun out a new memory chip company called Vertical Compute with $20.5 million in seed funding to develop innovative vertical integrated memory technology for AI applications. Key funding details: The seed round was led by Imec.xpand with participation from Eurazeo, XAnge, Vector Gestion, and imec. The company, founded by former Google executive Sylvain Dubois (CEO) and ex-imec executive Sebastien Couet (CTO), will be headquartered in Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium R&D operations will be spread across Leuven, Grenoble, and Nice The funding will support development of vertical integrated memory and compute technology aimed at enabling more efficient AI applications Technical innovation:...
read Jan 14, 2025Ericsson debuts AI chatbot to streamline 5G network management
Ericsson has launched NetCloud Assistant (ANA), a generative AI chatbot designed to streamline 5G network administration for enterprise customers. Core functionality: ANA serves as the first generative AI 'virtual expert' specifically built for enterprise Wireless WAN networks, operating within Ericsson's environment to ensure data privacy and security. The system leverages large language models to process network data and technical documentation By avoiding third-party consumer AI applications, ANA maintains strict control over sensitive network information The chatbot integrates with Ericsson's NetCloud AIOps dashboard, which monitors network performance and detects anomalies Key capabilities: The platform transforms complex network management tasks that typically...
read Jan 13, 2025Adobe Firefly transforms image editing with new AI-powered bulk editing tool
Adobe has unveiled Firefly Bulk Create, a web-based application that enables simultaneous AI-powered editing of multiple images, targeting enterprise creative teams seeking to streamline their content production workflow. Key Features and Functionality: Firefly Bulk Create operates as a web application within Adobe's Firefly Services API suite, focusing on two primary editing capabilities. The platform allows users to simultaneously remove or replace backgrounds across multiple images using Adobe's Firefly model Users can resize multiple images at once using preset dimensions optimized for various social media platforms The application learns brand preferences to maintain consistency across edited images Accessibility and Availability: The platform...
read Jan 13, 2025You can now build custom chatbots on WhatsApp with AI character creation
Meta plans to introduce AI character creation capabilities directly within WhatsApp, allowing users to build custom chatbots through the messaging platform. Key development: Meta is developing features that will enable WhatsApp users to create personalized AI characters directly within the Android app, based on findings in beta version 2.25.1.26. The feature will allow users to build custom AI chatbots by describing their desired personality traits, expertise, and unique qualities The implementation appears similar to the existing Meta AI Studio tool currently available on Instagram's website WhatsApp plans to provide trait suggestions to help users during the character creation process A refresh...
read Jan 13, 2025GitHub Copilot Workspace is now available to all Microsoft users
Microsoft has removed the waitlist for GitHub Copilot Workspace, making its AI coding assistance tool widely available to developers. Key development: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced via LinkedIn on Sunday that the company is expanding access to GitHub Copilot Workspace, which had been waitlist-restricted since its launch in April 2023. The announcement marks a significant expansion in the availability of Microsoft's AI-powered development environment Developers can now access GitHub Copilot Workspace directly through GitHub's platform The tool had previously been operating under a limited access model for approximately nine months Broader implications: The removal of the waitlist barrier signals Microsoft's...
read Jan 13, 2025Mercedes-Benz to add AI assistant powered by Google’s automotive AI agent platform into next-gen vehicles
Mercedes-Benz is integrating Google's conversational AI system into its next-generation vehicle assistant, marking a significant upgrade to its in-car interface technology. Core announcement: Mercedes-Benz has revealed that its new MBUX Virtual Assistant, debuting in the new CLA model, will be powered by Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent platform. The system promises to maintain ongoing conversations and reference information throughout drives This integration represents a significant upgrade from the current "Hey Mercedes" system, which is limited to about 20 commands The new assistant will include four key personality traits: natural, predictive, personal, and empathetic Technical capabilities: Google's automotive-specific AI agent leverages...
read Jan 12, 2025Lenovo debuts AI and robotics solutions at NRF 2025 to transform retail operations
Lenovo unveiled three new retail-focused solutions combining AI and robotics at NRF 2025 in New York City, aiming to help retailers optimize operations and enhance customer experiences. Key innovations: The technology company introduced three distinct solutions targeting different aspects of retail operations, from content management to robotic automation and AI implementation. The Retail Content Management Services platform enables stores to manage multimedia content across multiple locations in real-time A major food and beverage chain has already reported substantial cost reductions after implementing the system across more than 100 locations The solution includes both hardware and software components designed specifically for retail...
read Jan 11, 2025OpenAI launches dedicated robotics team
OpenAI is expanding beyond software development by building its first dedicated robotics team and hiring hardware specialists. Key Development: OpenAI's technical staff member Caitlin Kalinowski announced on X that the company is recruiting for its first hardware robotics positions. The company is seeking an EE sensing engineer to design sensor suites for robots A robotics mechanical design engineer position is open to work on components like gears, actuators, motors, and linkages Kalinowski, who joined OpenAI two months ago after leading AR glasses development at Meta, will head the robotics and consumer hardware initiatives Strategic Focus: The robotics team aims to...
read Jan 10, 2025AnyVoice’s AI generates realistic voices from 3-second audio samples
AnyVoice is a new AI voice cloning platform that creates synthetic voices from just 3 seconds of audio input, marking a significant reduction in the sample length traditionally required for voice cloning. Core capabilities: The service enables rapid voice cloning across four major Asian and Western languages while requiring minimal input audio. The platform currently supports English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages Users can generate synthetic voices from extremely short 3-10 second audio samples The technology claims to produce highly natural-sounding voice replications Technical requirements and guidelines: AnyVoice emphasizes specific recording conditions to ensure optimal voice cloning results. Recordings must...
read Jan 10, 2025Qualcomm showcases AI breakthroughs across PCs, automotive, and enterprise at CES 2025
CES 2025 serves as the platform for Qualcomm's latest AI innovations across computing, automotive, smart home, and enterprise sectors, featuring new Snapdragon technologies and strategic partnerships. Key product launches: Qualcomm introduced several major innovations aimed at advancing AI capabilities across multiple sectors. The new Snapdragon X Platform for mainstream PCs promises 163% faster performance and enhanced AI capabilities at the $600 price point An AI On-Prem Appliance Solution enables businesses to run generative AI locally, reducing dependency on cloud services The next iteration of the Qualcomm Aware Platform supports advanced IoT solutions for various industries Automotive sector developments: Qualcomm has...
read Jan 10, 2025Leaked updates hint at customizable ChatGPT personas
OpenAI appears to be developing new personality customization features for ChatGPT, expanding the AI chatbot's ability to adapt its communication style to user preferences. Key Features Revealed: Screenshots leaked on social media platform X reveal an enhanced "Customize ChatGPT" interface that introduces new personality options. Three new personality traits have been spotted: "Chatty," "Skeptical," and "Forward thinking" The implementation timeline and official release status remain unconfirmed These features appear to build upon existing customization capabilities Current Customization Capabilities: ChatGPT already offers basic personalization options through the user account settings. Users can access customization through their account icon on chatgpt.com Two...
read Jan 10, 2025AI-powered PCs shine at CES 2025 as EV innovations take a backseat
CES 2025 showcases significant AI integration across consumer electronics, with major manufacturers embedding artificial intelligence capabilities into everyday devices from televisions to refrigerators. Core Technology Trends: The integration of AI capabilities into consumer electronics represents the dominant theme at CES 2025, marking a shift from standalone AI services to embedded intelligence in hardware. Major manufacturers like LG and Samsung are incorporating Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant into their television lineups, enabling enhanced user interaction and content management Samsung's Vision AI technology is being deployed across their product ecosystem, from smart TVs to refrigerators, enabling more intuitive device interactions Qualcomm is emphasizing edge...
read Jan 10, 2025What to expect with FT’s upcoming AI and tech podcast ‘Tech Tonic’
Upcoming podcast preview: The Financial Times' technology podcast Tech Tonic is launching a new season focused on examining key technological developments and their potential impact on the world in 2025. Core topics to be covered: The podcast series will explore four major themes that are expected to shape the technology landscape in the near future. The evolution of generative AI tools and their industry applications will be a central focus The influence of Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Silicon Valley's direction and culture European Union's regulatory approach to major technology companies from Brussels China's emerging position as a global...
read Jan 10, 2025Google’s Daily Listen creates personalized podcasts from your search history
Google has begun testing Daily Listen, a new AI feature that creates personalized short podcasts based on users' search history and preferred news topics in the Discover feed. Key Details: The experimental feature appears below the search bar in the Google app for both Android and iOS platforms, currently limited to US users enrolled in Search Labs experiments. Users receive a daily 5-minute podcast overview of their favorite topics Each podcast is labeled "Made for you" and includes the date A full-screen player provides audio playback and transcription Standard playback controls and speed adjustment options are available Users can provide...
read Jan 10, 2025HP’s new OmniBook Ultra Flip is impressive — once you remove the bloatware
The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip represents HP's latest entry into the premium convertible laptop market, combining high-end specifications with versatile functionality. Core specifications and design: The laptop features a sophisticated blend of performance hardware and convertible functionality, centered around Intel's latest mobile processing technology. Built around the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI-focused tasks Available with up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM and storage options ranging from 512GB to 2TB Sports a 14-inch touchscreen OLED display with 2880 x 1800 resolution that can fold into a tablet configuration Features a distinctive...
read Jan 10, 2025Speediance showcases AI-powered home fitness tech at CES 2025
Speediance introduced two new smart home fitness products at CES 2025, combining AI technology with versatile exercise equipment to create comprehensive workout solutions. Product Innovation: Speediance unveiled the Gym Monster 2 and VeloNix Stationary Bike at CES 2025, marking significant advancements in home fitness technology. The Gym Monster 2 builds upon its predecessor with enhanced functionality, featuring multiple workout stations including a squat rack, cable machine, ski trainer, and rowing station AI-powered personalization adapts to individual fitness goals and progresss The system transforms between different exercise modes, allowing users to combine strength training with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) Technical Specifications:...
read Jan 9, 2025Naqi unveils neural earbuds at CES to control devices with your mind
A new neural earbud technology from Naqi, demonstrated at CES 2025, enables users to control electronic devices through brain waves and subtle facial movements, offering a non-invasive alternative to brain-computer interfaces. Core technology and functionality: Naqi Neural Earbuds translate brain activity and micro-gestures into device commands without requiring surgical implants. The earbuds detect and interpret signals from subtle actions like teeth clenching and quick sideways glances to control connected devices During demonstrations, users successfully controlled smart lamps and moved on-screen cursors using these micro-gestures The technology reads both brain wave patterns and facial muscle movements to enable precise device control...
read Jan 9, 2025Microsoft unveils rStar-Math enabling small AI models to match larger models in math
Microsoft has developed rStar-Math, a new reasoning technique that enhances small language models' mathematical problem-solving abilities, achieving performance levels comparable to larger, more resource-intensive models. The breakthrough explained: rStar-Math represents a significant advancement in making smaller AI models more capable at complex mathematical reasoning. The technique employs Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS), a method that helps AI systems methodically explore different solution paths, similar to how humans think through complex problems step by step rStar-Math generates both natural language explanations and Python code to solve mathematical problems The system underwent four rounds of self-improvement using 747,000 math word problems as...
read Jan 9, 2025Gates Foundation funds national initiative to improve schools’ AI readiness
Program Overview: The Consortium for School Networking will implement a nationwide training initiative, funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to help school districts assess and improve their AI readiness. The program will utilize a "train-the-trainer" model to teach district teams how to evaluate their AI preparedness using the K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool Training will begin with 10-20 people at the national level, followed by four regional training sessions Regional trainers will then provide ongoing support to local districts, with particular focus on under-resourced and rural areas Assessment Framework: The K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool, launched jointly by...
read Jan 9, 2025This AI wellness platform announced at CES combines personal avatars and real-time diagnostics
AI Wellness announced Mission 2025, a comprehensive health technology initiative that combines AI-powered digital avatars with personalized wellness solutions, during their presentation at CES 2025. Core initiative overview; Mission 2025 integrates artificial intelligence with holistic health solutions through the Hey Abby Protocol, an AI system designed to streamline health education and business operations. The platform aims to connect wellness brands with new technological opportunities while making health solutions more accessible to individuals The Hey Abby Protocol serves as the technological foundation, providing interactive AI tools for business optimization and user engagement The initiative emphasizes personalized learning and real-time health diagnostics...
read Jan 9, 2025Google’s new AI feature turns your Discover feed into personalized podcasts
What's new: Google is testing a feature called Daily Listen that transforms users' search interests and Discover feed activity into personalized five-minute audio summaries. The experimental feature is currently rolling out to Android and iOS users in the United States through Google's Search Labs Daily Listen analyzes users' search history and Discover feed interactions to identify and summarize relevant news stories The feature provides both audio content and text transcripts for accessibility Key features and functionality: The AI-powered system offers a comprehensive suite of audio controls and user interaction options. Users can access playback controls including play, pause, mute, rewind,...
read Jan 9, 2025AI-powered hotel to open in Las Vegas in 2025
Las Vegas is set to welcome its first AI-powered hotel in May 2025, featuring 300 rooms and an advanced system that creates personalized experiences for guests through data analysis and virtual assistance. Project overview: Growth Holdings is developing a hybrid property near Allegiant Stadium that will combine hotel accommodations and residential living spaces. The property will feature a 60-40 split between hotel rooms and apartments The location is strategically positioned within walking distance of the Las Vegas Raiders' home stadium This development serves as a prototype for potential national and global expansion, with Dubai mentioned as a future location AI...
read