Artificial Intelligence

Amazon’s Roomba acquisition is a data privacy nightmare: Regulators are worried that Amazon, which already has eyes and ears in consumers’ homes, will now be able to map and monitor those homes.

On today's episode, we discuss why Spotify is cautiously optimistic, the potential of video podcasts, and whether TikTok Music could be the next big podcast app. "In Other News," we talk about why people buy smart speakers and how crucial gaming is for Netflix's future. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Daniel Konstantinovic and senior account director Michael Civins.

Big Tech earnings buoyed by cloud: Microsoft and Alphabet’s quarterly earnings weren’t as bad as expected, boosting market confidence. But continued strength hinges on cloud divisions that aren’t recession-proof.

Health systems huddle up on predictive medicine: We detail why large health systems like Mayo Clinic and Mercy are collaborating to advance disease detection.

AI applications are becoming more common across functions including supply chain, product, and back office. Brands are using AI tools to generate deep customer insights, track supplier pricing, and more.

AI to help train drones: Microsoft’s Project AirSim combines its expertise in AI, flight simulators, cloud computing, and military-grade security to develop the next generation of drones.

AI startups target corporate fear: Mounting recession anxiety is infusing accounting AI startups with cash. Long-term investor interest in AI applications will remain diverse, but startups may have to pivot.

AI catches diabetes that would otherwise go undetected: Using a single retinal image from each eye, the tech can diagnose diabetes at far earlier stages than human doctors.

Here's what you missed at Cannes so far: the future of advertising, inclusivity, and sustainability are themes that keep coming up.

As of February 2022, nearly 30% US households with Wi-Fi had an Amazon Fire TV device. More than 20% owned an Echo smart speaker, Fire tablet, or both.

The slippery AI consciousness debate: More controversy in Google’s AI team exposes the foggy world of artificial sentience. Mounting concerns about AI warrants more Big Tech accountability and transparency.

Deepfake AI training blocked at Google: Some face-altering AI models are being refused but others can still run in Google’s Colaboratory, revealing a porous approach to AI self-regulation.

Retailers take multiple approaches to inventory as supply chain woes wear on: Companies like Utz and DSW are cutting down on SKUs while Walmart and Target are stocking up early.

In the US, 56% of executives believe AI technology comes with either significant or somewhat significant potential risk. Another 19% view the risk as moderate, while 26% think the threat is minimal. No executive surveyed believes AI is entirely without risk.

Brands and retailers are adopting new technologies as they pursue supply chain optimization: Kraft Heinz, UPS, and Amazon are looking to AI, the cloud, and other tools to streamline operations.

The factory has eyes: Startup Invisible AI will deploy its computer vision analytics system in all of Toyota’s factories in North America. But the unprecedented insight could have some downsides.

Close to half of US adults believe widespread use of driverless cars would be bad for society. Meanwhile, 26% think it’d be good for autonomous vehicles to rule the roads, and 29% aren’t sure.

Add robotaxis to the list of upcoming Tesla products: Struggles with fully autonomous driving, delivering on schedule, and safety are huge roadblocks to Tesla’s robotaxi flex.

Restaurants are experimenting with robots, but customers aren’t enthused: Labor crunches and high costs are pushing fast-food chains like Chipotle and Panera Bread to adopt automation front and back of house.