AI
AI could make the smartphone passe. What comes next?
Tech giants are envisioning a future beyond smartphones, where AI assistants become central to personal computing. Predictions include smart glasses providing real-time information, ambient computers seamlessly integrated into homes, reimagined smartwatches automating tasks, and wearable recorders enhancing memory. These devices aim to augment human capabilities and offer hands-free assistance throughout the day.
Cognition AI cinches $10 billion valuation with new funding
The latest round was led by Founders Fund, the venture capital firm backed by Peter Thiel, and included existing investors such as Lux Capital, Joe Lonsdale’s 8VC, Elad Gil, Definition Capital and Swish Ventures, the company said Monday.
AI era demands dynamic skills over job titles: LinkedIn’s Kumaresh Pattabiraman
LinkedIn India head Kumaresh Pattabiraman says professionals must view jobs as evolving skills, not fixed titles, to thrive in the AI era. Instead, AI is reshaping what jobs look like, and doing so very quickly, according to him.
Databricks projects $4 billion in annual revenue on surging AI demand
In the second quarter, the company serving around 15,000 customers including energy major Shell and electric-vehicle maker Rivian, surpassed a $4 billion revenue run rate, with AI products reaching $1 billion.
China unveils plan to accelerate integration of AI with energy sector
The plan was announced even as the new data shows the numbers of AI firms in the country surged to 5000 from 1400 in the past five years. The plan emphasises breakthroughs in key technologies such as data, computing power and algorithms, outlining measures to optimise data-sharing mechanisms.
AI data centers to drive 11-fold rise in water consumption by 2028: Morgan Stanley
The report noted that while water use for cooling data centres is widely acknowledged, the indirect water use through electricity generation remains underappreciated. AI's broader water footprint also includes semiconductor manufacturing.
ASML becomes Mistral AI's top shareholder after leading latest funding round
ASML is set to become the largest shareholder in French AI startup Mistral AI by investing €1.3 billion in its €1.7 billion fundraising round. This move aims to boost European tech independence, with Mistral valued at €10 billion, competing against US giants like OpenAI and Google.
AI shakes up the call centre industry, but some tasks are still better left to the humans
AI is transforming call centres by reducing monotonous tasks, improving customer service and easing agent workloads. While some jobs are lost, humans remain essential for complex issues. Companies like Tesla, Klarna, and Bank of America are blending AI with human support, aiming to phase out outdated IVR systems for smoother experiences.
Meta’s backstop is linchpin for $26 billion AI data-center deal
Meta secured $26 billion in off-balance-sheet financing for its massive Louisiana Hyperion data center, using a joint venture and a rare residual value guarantee to protect investors from losses if AI-driven obsolescence lowers asset value. Led by Pimco and Morgan Stanley, the deal sets a precedent for future AI infrastructure funding.
AI-powered meet-up apps fight loneliness
AI-driven social apps like 222 and Kndrd aim to combat loneliness by fostering real-world connections through curated dinners, events, and activity meetups. Unlike swipe-based dating platforms, they emphasise shared values and long-term relationships.
