Amazon Gears Up for AI Race with Secret 'Metis' Chatbot Project

TECH BRIEF

Google's Direct Product Comparison Tests: A Blow to Affiliate Marketing Model (1 minute read)

Google's recent test implementation of direct product comparisons for search results, featuring detailed features and price breakdowns, may heavily disrupt the content and affiliate business model. Following their September 2023 Helpful Content Update, this initiative could offer an immediate benefit to Google, as traffic-reliant websites scramble to utilize Google's network to compensate for potential loss. However, concerns about deteriorating content quality due to reduced incentive to produce top-tier content linger.

Amazon Gears Up for AI Race with Secret 'Metis' Chatbot Project (7 minutes read)

Amazon is secretly developing an AI assistant, codenamed 'Metis', to compete against existing AI assistants like OpenAI's ChatGPT. The project is powered by an advanced Amazon AI model known as Olympus. Metis is designed to provide smarter and more up-to-date responses. It is also expected to function as an AI agent taking on complex tasks. Despite Amazon's late entry into the AI game and its struggles in AI technology, CEO Andy Jassy expects AI projects to bring ""tens of billions of dollars"" over the coming years. The launch of Metis is tentatively set for September.

Apple Releases Second Beta of visionOS 2 to Developers (3 minutes read)

Apple has released the second beta of visionOS 2 for developers. The updated operating system features advanced machine learning to turn 2D photos into 3D, new activation gestures for Home View and Control Center, and Travel Mode support for trains. It also introduces temporary Guest User profiles, higher resolution for larger-sized virtual displays, ‌AirPlay‌ receiver capability, and Bluetooth mouse support. The Mindfulness app also includes improved meditation experiences by tracking and responding to breathing patterns.

Shopify Introduces AI Assistant 'Sidekick' and New Features for Merchants (3 minutes read)

Shopify is beta-testing a commerce-focused AI assistant, Sidekick, positioned to aid merchants to make insightful decisions, identify tasks, and maximize Shopify features. Sidekick can generate customer segments, guide through analytics, and help with image editing in online platforms. Another update includes an AI-powered response generator for customer chats. Shopify also partnered with Target to feature selected Shopify merchants on Target Plus, the third-party digital marketplace.

Tesla Revolutionizes Labor with $10,000 AI-Enhanced Humanoid Robot (3 minutes read)

Tesla introduced Optimus Gen 2, a humanoid robot priced $10,000 - $20,000, at the 2024 stockholders meeting. Expected to revolutionize the labor market and boost Tesla's market value, this robot possesses 22 degrees of freedom for handling complex tasks and can execute up to 70 tasks. Its introduction could potentially decrease Tesla's workforce 60% by 2030 while ushering new roles in manufacturing and robot technology.

EU Prepares to Charge Microsoft over Alleged Antitrust Violations (1 minute read)

Microsoft faces antitrust charges from Brussels over allegations that it bundles its Teams video streaming app with other software, impeding competitors. Despite Microsoft not providing sufficient concessions, insiders familiar with the case believe that an amicable agreement, sidestepping a large fine, could still be achieved.

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Emergence Raises $97.2M to Develop Advanced AI Agent Systems - Emergence, a generative AI startup, recently secured $97.2 million in funding. The company, focusing on developing an agent-based system, unveiled a new "orchestrator" agent for workflow automations. Their plans include integrating with businesses like Salesforce and Zendesk, and future partnerships with Samsung and Newline Interactive.

Belgian AI-Startup TechWolf Raises $43M For Internal Recruitment Enhancement - TechWolf, a Belgian AI startup focusing on internal recruitment, has secured $43M in Series B funding round led by Felix Capital. The company's AI engine aids in personnel management and skills assessment.

Cybersecurity Unicorn Huntress Lands $150M in Series D Funding - Cybersecurity startup Huntress raised $150 million in a Series D round, reaching over $1.5 billion valuation. The round was led by Kleiner Perkins, Meritech Capital and Sapphire Ventures, and marks an excellent Q2 for cybersecurity funding.

Zepto Secures $665M Funding to Expand Instant Grocery Network Amidst Challenges - Indian grocery delivery unicorn Zepto secured $665M in funding, doubling its valuation to $3.6B within a year. The funds will expedite their warehouse network expansion and push towards EBITDA profitability.

Shopify Unleashes AI Tools to Boost Revenue and User Base - Shopify has expanded availability of its AI tools to enhance e-commerce platform appeal and boost revenue growth, despite recent market capitalization and revenue growth slowdowns.

OpenAI Reverses Share Sales Policy Amidst Skyrocketing Valuation - OpenAI has readjusted its secondary share sales policies, now allowing equal participation for both existing and former employees in annual tender offers.