Google’s Project Jarvis & AI news updates

Google’s developing an AI task manager, Starmer calls for AI compensation for news, and Meta partners with Reuters for real-time updates.

October 28, 2024

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Latest headlines 👇

Google is working on "Project Jarvis," an AI tool that can autonomously complete web-based tasks for users, such as gathering research, purchasing products, or booking flights. Jarvis, powered by an upcoming version of Google’s Gemini and optimized for Chrome, uses screenshots and automated clicks to navigate and perform actions in a web browser. Currently, the tool is in testing, with a potential preview for select users as early as December. Competitors like Microsoft and Apple are also developing similar tools to streamline user tasks through AI. Read more

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that news organizations should be compensated when AI uses their content for training, emphasizing journalism as "the lifeblood of democracy." Starmer pledged to balance AI innovation with protecting press freedoms, recognizing both as crucial for economic growth. While tech companies advocate for an opt-out model allowing automatic access to content unless creators decline, Starmer’s stance aligns with creatives and publishers who warn against unlicensed use by AI, which threatens industry livelihoods. Starmer’s statement follows similar battles in the US and underscores the importance of supporting a free press. Read more

An AI version of legendary TV host Michael Parkinson is set to lead Virtually Parkinson, a groundbreaking, unscripted podcast featuring interviews with various guests. Developed by Deep Fusion Films and commissioned by Night Train Digital, the AI-hosted series draws on Parkinson’s extensive archive of over 2,000 interviews. Supported by Parkinson’s family, the podcast aims to introduce him to new audiences and will launch later this year. Parkinson, who passed away last year, was celebrated for his interviews with icons like Muhammad Ali and Madonna. Read more

Apple’s market cap hit a record $3.6 trillion despite weak Vision Pro sales and slow iPhone growth. Investors seem to favor Apple’s low-cost AI approach, which relies on partners like OpenAI rather than heavy AI spending. However, this strategy could limit Apple’s ability to offer unique features, and long-term risks include regulatory challenges and potential losses from Google’s search payments. With competitors like Meta advancing in AR/VR tech, Apple’s foray into wearables may impact iPhone revenue, raising questions about growth potential. Some analysts suggest that other tech stocks, like Meta, may offer better returns. Read more

Microsoft’s quarterly earnings on Wednesday are expected to show the slowest revenue growth in a year, with investors concerned about the return on AI investments, including its $30 Copilot assistant. Reports suggest slower-than-expected adoption of AI products, creating a “wall of worry,” according to Morgan Stanley analysts, citing high capital expenditures and unclear AI returns.

While Microsoft’s Azure unit grew by 33%—in line with expectations—its overall cloud business has slowed. Analysts expect total revenue to have risen 14.1% to $64.51 billion for the quarter ending in September. As with other AI leaders, Microsoft warns that heavy spending on AI will persist. Read more

Anthropic has launched a “Computer Use” feature in its Claude AI model, enabling it to perform computer actions like browsing the web, clicking buttons, and scheduling calendar events, aiming to help users automate repetitive tasks. The model can, for example, find a scenic spot, check sunrise times, and book travel plans.

Backed by Amazon and Google, Anthropic joins other tech giants like OpenAI and Microsoft in creating agent-like AI that acts more autonomously. The model’s control is currently limited and comes with user consent, similar to early self-driving car trust levels. Anthropic plans to expand these capabilities to mobile devices and sees this as an evolution towards AI-driven, human-centric assistance. Read more

Meta has signed a deal with Reuters to provide real-time news responses in its Meta AI chatbot across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. Starting Friday, U.S. users can access Reuters updates on current events through Meta’s platforms. This marks Meta’s first major news partnership for AI content, offering users direct links to Reuters’ articles. Read more