openai, meta and google Updates

The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, with significant developments across consumer applications, enterprise solutions, and research. Shoppers are increasingly turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for gift ideas and product research, with a PayPal survey indicating 45% of consumers used AI for this purpose during the holidays. Retailers are responding by integrating AI into their platforms, such as Walmart and Sam's Club adding ChatGPT for conversational searches. This trend points towards 'agentic commerce,' where AI assists or performs shopping tasks. In the enterprise space, Kandji has rebranded as Iru, launching a unified AI-powered platform for IT and security that manages users, devices, and policies. Meanwhile, OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Atlas, an AI browser for macOS that integrates its LLM for enhanced searching and task completion, with plans for broader platform support. OpenAI is also pushing the boundaries with its 'agent' feature in ChatGPT 5.0, enabling autonomous task performance, which raises discussions about human control and ethical considerations. Beyond consumer and enterprise tools, AI-generated video is becoming more sophisticated, with platforms like OpenAI's Sora 2 and Meta's Vibes producing increasingly realistic content, though some describe it as 'AI slop.' The broader impact of AI is also being addressed globally, with Germany beginning construction on its AI Innovation Park (IPAI) focused on human-centered AI research, and the U.S. launching the American AI Exports Program to boost global sales of AI technologies. Experts from Google and WHOOP are also leveraging AI for personalization in health and services, demonstrating its application in diverse sectors. However, the rapid advancement of AI, particularly its autonomous capabilities and the creation of synthetic media, also brings concerns about misinformation, job displacement, and the need for careful regulation and a focus on responsible innovation.

Key Takeaways

• A PayPal survey found 45% of U.S. consumers used AI for holiday shopping research, highlighting its growing role in retail.
• Retailers like Walmart and Sam's Club are integrating ChatGPT into their websites for conversational searches to enhance customer experience.
• Kandji has rebranded to Iru, launching a unified AI-powered platform for IT and security that supports multiple operating systems.
• OpenAI has released ChatGPT Atlas, an AI browser for macOS, allowing users to search history and get webpage explanations.
• OpenAI's new 'agent' feature in ChatGPT 5.0 can perform tasks autonomously, sparking discussions on human control and AI ethics.
• AI-generated video quality is improving, with new tools from OpenAI and Meta, though concerns about content quality and misinformation persist.
• Google and WHOOP are using AI for personalization in health and services, demonstrating AI's application in diverse sectors.
• Germany has begun construction on the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI), a hub for human-centered AI research.
• The U.S. Commerce Department has launched the American AI Exports Program to support the global sales of U.S. AI companies.
• Developing agentic AI requires balancing autonomy with trustworthiness, focusing on fairness, transparency, and human centricity for responsible deployment.

PayPal survey: AI and BNPL key for holiday sales success

A PayPal survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers reveals how shoppers are approaching the holidays. The survey found that 45% of shoppers used AI for product research and gift ideas, highlighting the need for merchants to use AI tools. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options are also important, with 60% more likely to buy from stores offering it. Personalization is crucial, as 70% prefer retailers with tailored offers. Merchants should also focus on seamless checkout, as 55% abandon purchases due to complicated processes.

PayPal survey: AI and BNPL key for holiday sales success

A recent PayPal survey shows that AI and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) are crucial for merchants this holiday season. Forty percent of consumers have already used AI for shopping, and many plan to use it for finding deals and gift ideas. BNPL is also popular, with half of consumers planning to use it for budget control, and 52% are more likely to buy if BNPL is offered. The survey also highlights the return of omnichannel shopping, with 64% planning to shop in stores and 41% planning to shop both online and in-store. Rewards also influence shoppers, with 74% more likely to shop with businesses offering them.

AI tools help shoppers find gifts, retailers integrate them

Shoppers are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT for gift ideas, and retailers are integrating these features. Walmart and Sam's Club are adding ChatGPT to their websites for conversational searches. A KPMG survey found 41% of consumers used AI for gift research, with younger generations like Gen Z leading adoption. AI offers personalized recommendations, making shopping feel more like a conversation. This shift is moving towards 'agentic commerce,' where AI agents perform shopping tasks. Retailers are noticing this trend and exploring AI integration to improve customer experience.

Kandji rebrands to Iru, launches AI-powered IT and security platform

Kandji has rebranded as Iru and launched a new AI-powered platform for IT and security. The company aims to replace fragmented point tools with a single system. The new Iru Context Model creates a live map of users, devices, apps, and policies, with Iru AI turning this data into insights and actions. The platform includes six integrated products: Workforce Identity, Endpoint Management, Endpoint Detection and Response, Vulnerability Management, Compliance Automation, and Trust Center. This unified approach addresses the challenge of juggling multiple tools and aims to give IT and security teams more time and control.

Kandji becomes Iru, unifying IT and security with AI

Kandji has rebranded as Iru, launching a new platform that unifies identity, security, and management, powered by AI. The Iru Context Model creates a live map of users, devices, apps, and policies, using AI to provide actionable insights. The platform includes six core products: Workforce Identity, Endpoint Management, Endpoint Detection and Response, Vulnerability Management, Compliance Automation, and Trust Center. Iru builds on Kandji's Apple focus but now supports Windows and Android. Existing Kandji customers will transition to the new Iru experience with enhanced capabilities.

AI-generated video raises concerns about internet quality

Tech journalist Chris Stokel-Walker discusses the rise of AI-generated video, analyzing new apps like OpenAI's Sora 2 and Meta's Vibes. He describes the common aesthetic of this content as 'AI slop,' featuring surreal and often nonsensical scenarios. Stokel-Walker notes the significant improvement in AI-generated video quality over the past few years. The piece explores the potential impact of this technology on the internet and what it means for online content.

AI personalization drives innovation in health, transport, and services

Experts from WHOOP, Google, and Careem discussed AI's role in personalization at Expand North Star Dubai. WHOOP uses AI to turn physiological data into personalized health insights, moving beyond basic tracking. Google's Ramesh Chander noted that generative AI enables a shift to active wellness coaching. Careem uses AI for personalized services like predicting rides and enabling one-click checkouts, saving users time. They also use AI to turn handwritten grocery lists into orders. The speakers emphasized solving real problems with AI and the importance of user feedback and local market adaptation.

OpenAI launches ChatGPT Atlas AI browser for macOS

OpenAI has released ChatGPT Atlas, a new AI-powered browser for macOS that integrates the ChatGPT LLM. The browser allows users to search browsing history, get explanations of webpages, and even complete tasks like ordering groceries. ChatGPT Atlas is built on the Chromium platform and offers logged-in and logged-out modes for privacy. While currently available for macOS, support for Windows, iOS, and Android is planned soon. This development marks a significant step in AI-driven browsing experiences.

AI 'agent' feature raises concerns about human control

OpenAI's new 'agent' feature in ChatGPT 5.0 allows the AI to perform tasks autonomously, such as making purchases and generating documents. While currently limited, this advancement raises concerns about AI outpacing human control. The ability of AI to create indistinguishable fake media could exacerbate issues of misinformation. The potential impact on jobs, education, and the economy is significant, prompting calls for careful regulation and a focus on fostering a symbiotic relationship between humans and AI.

MVRDV begins construction on Germany's AI innovation park

Construction has started on the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) in Heilbronn, Germany, designed by MVRDV. This campus aims to be a global hub for human-centered AI research, focusing on wellbeing and responsible AI development. The design emphasizes pedestrian access, green spaces, and comfortable microclimates to counter the technical nature of AI work. The first phase includes a communications center, restaurant, mobility hub, start-up center, living lab, and an office building, all designed with organic surfaces and visible timber structures.

US launches American AI Exports Program to boost global sales

The Commerce Department has launched the American AI Exports Program to help U.S. AI companies reach global customers. This initiative aims to create a marketplace for AI hardware, software, models, and applications. The program seeks proposals from U.S. AI companies to identify target foreign markets and promote American AI leadership. Industry advocates have reacted positively, emphasizing the need for a flexible approach that prioritizes security and legal principles. The program also considers economic and strategic factors for market prioritization.

Balancing AI autonomy and trust is key for responsible innovation

Developing agentic AI requires balancing autonomy with trustworthiness to maintain public trust and avoid ethical issues. AI autonomy exists on a spectrum, from human-in-the-loop systems to fully autonomous ones. Engineering reliable autonomy involves six pillars: fairness, transparency, reliability, accountability, data safety, and human centricity. Organizations should adopt a trust-by-design approach, scale autonomy incrementally, continuously monitor AI systems, and form multidisciplinary ethics teams to ensure responsible AI deployment.

Trump's AI video sparks criticism of immaturity and cruelty

A recent AI-generated video featuring President Trump has drawn criticism from readers who view it as a sign of governmental immaturity and a descent into cruelty. The video, which depicts Trump dropping excrement on protesters, has been condemned as emblematic of a puerile atmosphere. Letter writers express concern about the administration's tactics and the potential for authoritarianism. The use of AI in political messaging is highlighted as a concerning development in public discourse.

Sources

• From AI to BNPL, PayPal Survey Reveals How Merchants Can Win the Holidays
• From AI to BNPL, PayPal Survey Reveals How Merchants Can Win the Holidays
• Hey, ChatGPT: What should I get my mom for Christmas?
• Kandji rebrands as Iru and launches AI-powered unified IT and security platform
• Kandji becomes Iru, unifying identity, security, and management for the AI era
• AI slop: Is the internet about to get even worse?
• Personalisation in AI: Lessons from WHOOP, Google, Careem
• OpenAI launches ChatGPT Atlas AI browser, LLM can browse the internet for you and even complete tasks — initial release for macOS, with Windows, iOS, and Android to follow soon after
• Artificial Intelligence is in Danger of Outpacing Human Control
• MVRDV breaks ground on innovation park in germany, 'the global home of human AI'
• New AI export marketplace looks to connect domestic AI firms with foreign buyers
• An Ethics Crash Course for Agentic AI: Autonomy Versus Trust
• Letters to the Editor: Trump’s crass AI-generated video only shows how immature we’ve become