Google, Microsoft Employees Launch AI OS; Salesforce Powers Retail AI

The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, with significant developments across various sectors. In Saudi Arabia, startup Humain is making ambitious plans, including the development of a new AI operating system called Humain 1, designed for voice command interaction, and the construction of 6 gigawatts of data center capacity, positioning the nation as a potential AI hub. This initiative is supported by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and founded by former Google and Microsoft employees. Meanwhile, Europe is navigating the complexities of AI regulation with its finalized AI Act, aiming to balance innovation with democratic principles and digital sovereignty, resisting pressures that might favor large tech companies. In the retail sector, Williams-Sonoma has demonstrated swift AI integration, launching an AI customer service agent named 'Olive' in under 30 days using Salesforce's Agentforce 360 tool to handle inquiries and provide content-based guidance. The broader impact of AI on commerce is also evident with the rise of agent-to-agent (A2A) interactions, prompting retailers to rethink customer engagement. Bipul Sinha, CEO of Rubrik, views the current AI wave as a catalyst for 'maximalist thinking,' disrupting industries and transforming knowledge into a commodity that could free human intuition and imagination. Financial institutions like the Royal Bank of Canada are deeply embedding AI, using federated machine learning for fraud detection and deep reinforcement learning for pricing strategies. In education, concerns are being raised in Baltimore regarding the use of AI in school security, with a councilman calling for public hearings due to potential system failures and disproportionate impacts on certain student groups. On a personal level, professionals like accountant Wei Khjan Chan are adapting by learning 'vibe coding' to leverage AI tools for tasks like automating expense claims. Socially, AI is being employed in California to combat loneliness by connecting seniors with young people through an interest-based matching program. Finally, AI apps are emerging for personal use, offering users the ability to create fabricated vacation photos for escapism.

Key Takeaways

• Saudi AI startup Humain is planning to build 6 gigawatts of data center capacity and launch Humain 1, a new AI operating system for voice commands.
• Humain was founded by former Google and Microsoft employees and is backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.
• Europe has finalized its AI Act, establishing a regulatory framework intended to foster innovation and digital sovereignty.
• Williams-Sonoma deployed an AI customer service agent, 'Olive,' in under 30 days using Salesforce's Agentforce 360 tool.
• The rise of AI agents is leading to agent-to-agent (A2A) commerce, changing how retailers interact with customers.
• Bipul Sinha, CEO of Rubrik, believes the current AI wave encourages 'maximalist thinking' and will disrupt industries.
• Royal Bank of Canada utilizes AI for fraud detection through federated machine learning and for optimized pricing with deep reinforcement learning.
• A councilman in Baltimore is seeking public hearings on the use of AI in school security systems due to concerns about system failures and equity.
• An accountant, Wei Khjan Chan, learned 'vibe coding' to use AI tools for tasks like automating expense claims.
• A social-health program in California uses AI to connect seniors with young people to reduce loneliness.

Saudi firm Humain plans 6GW data centers and new AI OS

Saudi AI company Humain is planning to build 6 gigawatts of data center capacity across Saudi Arabia. They are also launching Humain 1, a new AI operating system. This system allows users to speak commands to their computers, aiming to be an alternative to current systems like Windows. Saudi Arabia is working to become a major hub for artificial intelligence.

Saudi startup Humain launches AI operating system and data center plans

Saudi AI startup Humain plans to launch Humain 1, a new operating system that lets users speak commands to their computers. This system aims to be a future alternative to icon-based operating systems. Humain also announced plans to build approximately 6 gigawatts of data center capacity. The company was established by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.

Humain OS: Saudi startup unveils new AI operating system

Saudi AI startup Humain is launching Humane OS, a new operating system that allows users to interact with computers using natural language. This system aims to make computing more accessible by bypassing traditional interfaces. Humain was founded by former Google and Microsoft employees and is supported by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The launch supports Saudi Arabia's goal to become a global AI hub.

Williams-Sonoma launches AI customer service in under 30 days

Williams-Sonoma successfully launched its AI customer service agent, 'Olive,' in less than 30 days by focusing on existing data and rapid testing. The 'Olive' agent handles customer inquiries like order status and returns, and also offers cooking guidance using the company's own content. This rapid deployment was achieved by leveraging Salesforce's Agentforce 360 tool. The company prioritized speed by using existing data and focused outcomes over a lengthy custom development process.

AI connects seniors and youth to fight loneliness in California

A new social-health program in California uses artificial intelligence to connect older adults with young people to reduce loneliness. The California Commission on Aging is partnering with Eldera, an online platform, for this initiative. An AI algorithm matches participants aged 6 to 17 with adults 60 and older based on interests and personalities. The program aims to improve social connection and support California's Master Plan for Aging goals.

Europe's AI Act: Can regulation drive innovation and sovereignty?

Europe has finalized its AI Act, creating a regulatory framework to foster innovation, digital sovereignty, and democracy. The authors argue that smart regulation, not bureaucracy, is key to the success of Europe's 'Apply AI Strategy.' This framework builds trust, reduces legal risks for investors, and addresses consumer concerns. They emphasize resisting pressure to deregulate and prioritizing democratic resilience over mere data storage or favoring 'Big Tech made in Europe.'

Retailers face AI shoppers: The rise of agent-to-agent commerce

Artificial intelligence agents are rapidly changing how consumers discover, evaluate, and buy products. In the future, some buying conversations may occur solely between a consumer's shopping agent and a vendor's systems. This shift towards agent-to-agent (A2A) commerce requires retailers to adapt to new ways of interacting with customers. The article explores what retailers should do in response to these evolving AI-driven shopping behaviors.

AI wave fuels maximalist thinking and innovation

The current AI wave is driving massive transformation and the creation of global computing systems. The author, Bipul Sinha, CEO of Rubrik, believes this era encourages 'maximalist thinking,' pushing new ideas to their fullest potential. Unlike past infrastructure projects that scaled existing powers, AI is designed to disrupt and change things, sparking new industries. Generative AI is turning knowledge into a commodity, which Sinha believes will free humans to use their unique qualities like intuition and imagination.

Royal Bank of Canada uses AI for fraud detection and pricing

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) heavily integrates AI into its strategy, operating an AI research institute since 2016. They use federated machine learning to combat fraud by sharing model parameters across institutions, improving detection without sharing sensitive data. RBC also employs deep reinforcement learning for optimized pricing strategies, giving traders more control. These applications show AI's central role in managing risk and enhancing financial services at RBC.

Baltimore councilman seeks hearings on AI in school security

Councilman Mark Conway is calling for public hearings on the use of AI in school security systems in Baltimore. This follows approvals of multi-million dollar AI weapon-detection contracts by Baltimore City and County Public Schools without public discussion. Conway cited concerns about AI system failures, like the Omnilert system in Nashville, and the FTC's findings against Evolv Technologies for deceptive marketing. He also highlighted studies showing surveillance disproportionately harms Black students.

Accountant learns 'vibe coding' to adapt to AI

Wei Khjan Chan, a 39-year-old accountant, learned 'vibe coding' to stay ahead of AI's potential impact on his profession. Vibe coding involves using AI tools to generate code without traditional programming knowledge. Chan built a web app to automate expense claims using AI, demonstrating how accountants can leverage AI to enhance their work. He believes AI know-how is becoming a fundamental skill for office professions and advocates for broader AI training.

AI apps create fake vacation photos for escapism

New AI apps are allowing users to create personalized fake vacation photos for escapism or to manifest a desired lifestyle. Apps like Endless Summer generate images of users in luxurious settings, while others offer AI-generated affirmations and 'vision backgrounds.' While some apps provide basic AI images, Endless Summer delivers on creating fictional vacation pictures. Users can purchase more images after exhausting free trials, though the cost might approach that of a real trip.

Sources

• Saudi AI firm Humain unveils 6 gigawatt data centre plan and new AI operating system
• Saudi AI firm Humain unveils 6 gigawatt data centre plan and new AI operating system
• Saudi startup Humain to launch new AI-based operating system
• How Williams-Sonoma Went From AI Concept To Serving Customers In 30 Days
• Social-health program uses AI to pair older adults with youths to combat loneliness
• Europe Wrote the AI Rulebook. Can it Deliver on its Ambitions?
• What Should Retailers Do About AI Shoppers?
• The AI wave: For a maximalist, things couldn’t be better
• Artificial Intelligence at Royal Bank of Canada - Emerj Artificial Intelligence Research
• Councilman Conway calls for public hearings on use of AI in school security systems
• A 39-year-old accountant knew AI was coming for his job — so he started vibe coding
• If you can’t afford a vacation, an AI app will sell you pictures of one