Business & Tech News: New AI Features From Google, OpenAI, and Amazon

In our latest news digest, we’ll delve into AI and Apps. Highlights include Amazon’s cutting-edge generative AI tech, tools for image accuracy verification, Amazon’s new feature “Explore with Alexa,” and ChatGPT’s latest web search capability. We’ll also touch on topics like layoffs and the new Apple Pay feature. Keep reading for the full scoop, and stay tuned for more updates.

AI

Google introduces tools to help users in verifying the accuracy of images.

Today, with so many AI tools creating all sorts of pictures, it’s getting really tough to tell what’s real. That’s why Google started to combat the spread of misinformation through images and videos on social media. Google introduced new tools that provide context about images, including their history, metadata, and descriptions on various sites. These “About this image” features are now available globally for English language users.

Users can determine when an image was first indexed by Google Search and see how others have described it on different sites, helping to debunk false claims. Google also marks images generated by its AI and offers metadata insights. Approved journalists and fact-checkers can upload image URLs for verification through the FaceCheck Claim Search API. Google is also experimenting with generative AI to provide information about unfamiliar sources. Tech companies are increasingly working on tools to verify the authenticity of images, given the ease of creating images with generative AI. By the way, Adobe and X, among others, have also launched initiatives in this area.

Amazon’s latest generative AI technology allows advertisers to improve the quality of product photos.

Amazon introduces a new AI image generation tool to revolutionize product image creation. Now it is going to be easy and fast for Amazon sellers. This tool allows the generation of background settings based on product descriptions and themes, eliminating the need for time-consuming and costly photoshoots.

To use the tool, advertisers simply upload an image, describe the desired background in text, select a theme, and click “Generate.” They can further refine the image by entering additional text prompts and testing multiple versions to optimize performance. While the tool is in beta testing, it’s not flawless, as demonstrated by an example featuring a toaster on a kitchen table decorated for autumn, complete with fall leaves and a pumpkin. However, the potential for realistic backdrops is evident. Thus, companies can place products in engaging lifestyle contexts, potentially boosting click-through rates by up to 40%.

Amazon introduces “Explore with Alexa,” offering conversational AI experiences for children.

All kids love to ask the questions! And isn’t it great? They’re curious to explore the world and discover as much as possible. But now they can not only ask about everything but have an interactive conversation, as Amazon presents a new “Explore with Alexa” feature for its Echo devices, allowing kids to have kid-friendly conversations with an AI-powered Alexa. This feature is designed to provide safe and appropriate interactions for children under 13 years old. To ensure safety, Amazon’s Alexa Kids science team is narrowing down the content to include only kid-friendly facts and trivia questions, initially sourced from partners like the World Wildlife Fund and A-Z animals. The key point is that the generative AI experience is not real-time; the content is pre-reviewed and generated offline. Amazon is also using AI to assist in reviewing materials to maintain safety.

ChatGPT now has web search as it welcomes DALL-E 3 integration in beta

OpenAI has officially launched its web-browsing feature for ChatGPT following a brief beta period. This feature enables ChatGPT to browse the internet, adding real-time search capabilities to the chatbot. Now, this Browse with Bing feature is available to all Plus and Enterprise subscribers without activating it in settings.

OpenAI has also introduced DALL-E 3 in beta, improving the text-to-image generator’s integration with ChatGPT, making it easier for users to create images from text prompts. OpenAI’s broader vision for ChatGPT includes expanding its capabilities beyond text-based interactions and integrating audio and visuals. Users can have verbal conversations with ChatGPT, and the chatbot can respond to image-based queries, making it a more comprehensive and real-time multimedia generative search engine.

Apps

Stack Overflow implements a 28% staff layoff

Again layoff? Developer community site Stack Overflow has laid off 28% of its workforce as it focuses on achieving profitability. The move comes as a response to customers reallocating their budgets due to economic pressures. While the exact number of employees affected is not disclosed, it’s expected to impact over 100 people. Stack Overflow’s traffic has seen a decline, possibly due to the growing popularity of generative AI tools for coders. The company has also made efforts to improve its AI capabilities, including the launch of OverflowAI in July. Other tech giants are also investing in AI-powered tools for developers, such as GitHub’s Copilot and Google’s AI-centric coding tools.

Apple Pay Later opens to all US users now

Can’t pay now? Well, Apple Pay Later. Apple is extending Apple Pay Later to all users in the United States following an initial limited release in March. This service lets users split payments for Apple Pay purchases into 4 equal installments over six weeks without interest or late fees. To use Apple Pay Later, users apply for a loan within the Wallet app and can borrow between $75 and $1,000. Eligibility criteria include:

• Being at least 18 years old.
• A U.S. citizen or lawful resident.
• Having an eligible debit card set up with Apple Pay.

Users will receive reminders and alerts about payment due dates. The credit assessment and lending are managed by Apple Financing, with Goldman Sachs serving as the issuer of the Mastercard payment credential.

Insurance

Nirvana secures $57 million to pave the way for AI in the commercial trucking insurance industry

Nirvana Insurance is a startup that uses artificial intelligence and telematics data for commercial trucking insurance. The company recently secured $57 million in an all-equity Series B funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from General Catalyst and Valor Equity Partners. This funding increases Nirvana’s valuation to over $350 million post-investment. 

The company aims to address the challenges faced by small trucking fleets struggling with thin profit margins and rising insurance costs. With the new funding, they can improve their tech-driven solution that leverages IoT data from sensors in trucks to streamline the insurance process. This includes providing faster quotes tailored to individual customers, improving tools for claims processing, and incentivizing safe driving practices by offering discounts of up to 20% based on sensor data. Their innovative approach modernizes the trucking insurance industry and takes advantage of the growing IoT adoption in the sector, ultimately changing how risk is assessed and managed.