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By 2030, Telstra intends to transition from ‘best effort’ connectivity to personalised services.
The new initiative, ‘Connected Future 30’, seeks to customise services according to each customer’s requirements.
Customers will have the ability to prioritise network characteristics like speed and security as per their preferences.
This strategy involves revamping Telstra’s network into a virtualised, software-defined framework.
Customisation of plans will influence pricing, necessitating new financial models.
An Overview of Telstra’s ‘Connected Future 30’ Strategy
Telstra is poised to reshape its connectivity offerings in the next five years through its ‘Connected Future 30’ strategy. Shifting away from conventional ‘best effort’ services, Telstra plans to provide personalised connectivity solutions tailored to distinct customer needs. This new methodology aims to deliver more advanced and adaptable connectivity options, reflecting the shifting demands of users.
Network as a Service
Central to Telstra’s new approach is the ‘Network as a Service’ concept. This initiative focuses on transforming how value is derived from Telstra’s network by permitting users to prioritise certain network features such as security, speed, and latency. Vicki Brady, Telstra’s CEO, underscored that customer requirements are continuously evolving, which calls for a more customised connectivity strategy.
Tailored Connectivity Services
With the new strategy, customers will have the capability to tailor their connectivity plans by selecting the network features that are most vital to them. This might involve prioritising download speeds for streaming, ensuring reliable upload speeds for video conferencing, or enhancing security for critical business activities. By providing these tailored options, Telstra seeks to offer a more compelling value proposition for its premium plans.
Investment in Virtual and Software-Defined Networks
A crucial aspect of Telstra’s strategy is the investment in virtual and software-defined network capabilities. This evolution will allow Telstra to provide differentiated services and challenge traditional business models. The adaptability afforded by software-defined networks will enable Telstra to design offerings that are better aligned with customer desires and improve return-on-investment.
Effect on Pricing Strategies
Telstra’s shift towards personalised connectivity services will require modifications to its pricing strategies. Chief Financial Officer Michael Ackland pointed out the necessity for new financial models to accurately price the diverse array of network attributes that customers might request. As the network’s complexity increases, comprehending the financial implications of delivering specific services will be essential for Telstra’s financial approach.
Conclusion
Telstra’s ‘Connected Future 30’ strategy represents a major transition in how the telecom provider delivers connectivity services. By concentrating on customised options and investing in state-of-the-art network technologies, Telstra aims to cater to the diverse demands of its customers while ensuring sustainable business returns. This transformation will entail the development of new financial models and a deeper understanding of the costs and values related to network attributes.
Q: What constitutes Telstra’s ‘Connected Future 30’ strategy?
A: The ‘Connected Future 30’ strategy is Telstra’s initiative to depart from ‘best effort’ connectivity services and provide customised options that enable customers to prioritise specific network features based on their individual needs, with a focus on sophisticated and adaptable solutions by 2030.
Q: In what way will Telstra’s new strategy influence pricing?
A: The strategy will modify pricing by implementing new economic models to address the costs and values of various network features that customers may prioritise in their connectivity arrangements.
Q: What significance do virtualised and software-defined networks have in the strategy?
A: Virtualised and software-defined networking are crucial elements of the strategy, allowing Telstra to offer more flexible and unique services that meet customer needs and improve return-on-investment.
Q: How will the strategy benefit consumers and enterprises?
A: Consumers and businesses will gain from personalised connectivity choices that enable them to prioritise network features such as speed, security, and latency, guaranteeing they receive value-driven services tailored to their specific needs.
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How ANZ Utilizes Agentic AI to Foster Banking Innovation
Quick Overview
ANZ is investigating agentic AI to enhance banker efficiency and operational productivity.
The bank has realized a fivefold boost in feature delivery speed via its ANZ Plus platform.
Cost for acquisition and service has diminished by more than 30% following the adoption of digital strategies.
ANZ initiated trials with generative AI in early 2023 to improve code testing among other applications.
The AI Immersion Centre initiative has trained upwards of 2000 employees in Australia, New Zealand, and India.
ANZ collaborates with Microsoft to promote AI adoption while overseeing related risks.
The bank is concentrating on comprehensive AI integration rather than standalone experiments.
(L-R) Eran Agrios, Salesforce GM and SVP, Financial Services, and Gerard Florian, ANZ group executive for technology
Agentic AI: The Upcoming Advancement in Banker Efficiency
ANZ Banking Group is adopting a progressive stance towards artificial intelligence (AI) by exploring agentic AI—AI systems with the ability to make autonomous decisions and execute tasks—to reshape bankers’ workflows. At a recent Agentforce Financial Services Summit, Gerard Florian, Group Executive for Technology at ANZ, emphasized the objective of eradicating inefficiencies and freeing up time for both bankers and engineers.
“There’s an abundance of wasted time, whether it’s an engineer or a relationship manager. Everyone encounters these inefficiencies in their current roles,” Florian stated. Agentic AI has the potential to transform functions such as meeting preparations, follow-ups, and customer engagements—critical areas where human employees often experience productivity challenges.
ANZ Plus: A Platform-Centric Approach Catalyzing Progress
ANZ’s digital initiative, ANZ Plus, has yielded significant improvements. According to Florian, the platform has facilitated a quintuple increase in the speed of feature delivery to clients. Additionally, the costs related to customer acquisition and service have fallen by more than 30%—a clear reflection of the effectiveness of the platform-oriented methodology.
These advancements arise from the “platform mindset” of ANZ Plus, which allows for modular, scalable, and agile development methodologies. This framework is now being further developed with intelligent automation through agentic AI, aiming to streamline operations and elevate customer satisfaction.
Understanding the Comprehensive Strategy: ANZ’s AI Vision
ANZ’s venture into AI commenced in early 2023 with the sanctioned use of generative AI for software code testing. However, the bank swiftly acknowledged the broader capabilities of AI beyond mere automation.
“We aim to sidestep numerous small AI experiments that fail to scale,” Florian clarified. Instead, ANZ concentrates on grasping entirety of business processes—encompassing loan approvals, customer onboarding, and hiring. This comprehensive perspective aids in pinpointing where AI, whether traditional machine learning, generative AI, or agentic AI, can deliver optimal value.
AI Immersion Centre: Cultivating a Culture of Creativity
The rapid rise of ChatGPT in late 2022 spurred ANZ to intensify its AI adoption efforts. Rather than opposing the transition, ANZ welcomed it by establishing an AI Immersion Centre in partnership with Microsoft. The aim of this program is to enhance the AI skills of leaders and teams throughout the bank.
Now, over a year into this initiative, ANZ has equipped more than 2000 employees across its facilities in Melbourne, New Zealand, and India. These trained leaders are now disseminating their knowledge among their teams, generating a “flywheel effect” that is expediting AI integration throughout the organization.
“We’re fostering a balanced dialogue—recognizing the opportunities while remaining aware of the risks,” Florian remarked. This cultural transition is vital for what he envisions as “potentially the most significant transformation program we will all undergo in the coming years.”
Conclusion
ANZ is positioning itself as a leader in AI innovation within the Australian banking landscape by investigating agentic AI to boost productivity, lower costs, and provide quicker outcomes for customers. Through strategic efforts such as ANZ Plus, AI immersion training, and a comprehensive approach to process enhancement, the bank is setting the stage for a future driven by intelligent automation. By nurturing a culture of education and responsible innovation, ANZ is not only riding the AI wave—it’s actively contributing to its evolution.
Q: What is agentic AI and how is ANZ utilizing it?
A:
Agentic AI refers to AI systems capable of independently undertaking complex tasks and making decisions. ANZ is implementing this technology to enhance banker productivity by automating routine processes such as meeting preparation and follow-ups, enabling employees to concentrate on higher-value tasks.
Q: What advantages has ANZ Plus provided thus far?
A:
ANZ Plus has facilitated a fivefold rise in feature delivery speed and has decreased costs related to customer acquisition and service by over 30%. This has been accomplished through a modular, scalable digital platform strategy.
Q: How is ANZ ensuring its AI projects are scalable?
A:
Rather than pursuing standalone projects, ANZ concentrates on comprehensively understanding business processes to identify where AI can be most impactful. This strategy helps guarantee that AI solutions are scalable and aligned with overall business objectives.
Q: What is the AI Immersion Centre and who is involved?
A:
The AI Immersion Centre is an educational initiative created in collaboration with Microsoft to promote AI integration across ANZ. It has trained over 2000 individuals throughout Australia, New Zealand, and India, including leadership teams who are imparting their expertise to wider teams.
Q: How is ANZ addressing the risks associated with AI?
A:
ANZ is cultivating an informed discussion surrounding AI by training teams on both opportunities and risks. By incorporating responsible AI practices and emphasizing defined processes, the bank aims to mitigate unintended consequences.
Q: What is Microsoft’s role in ANZ’s AI approach?
A:
Microsoft plays an essential role in ANZ’s AI trajectory, having assisted in the establishment of the AI Immersion Centre. The partnership offers technological support and training resources to facilitate responsible AI scaling throughout the organization.
Q: What are the forthcoming plans for ANZ’s AI roadmap?
A:
ANZ intends to further broaden its application of agentic and generative AI across diverse banking functionalities. The focus will continue to be on strategic implementation, staff training, and using AI to enhance customer experience and operational effectiveness.
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AEMC Introduces New Electricity Standards for Data Centres Amid Rising AI Demand
Brief Overview
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is setting forth new electricity regulations for data centres due to the increasing demand stimulated by AI.
Concerns have arisen following a 2023 incident in the US when 60 data centres disconnected from the grid, causing instability in electricity supply.
Growth in AI is boosting the power requirements for data centres, with some demanding up to 600MW—similar to the needs of small cities.
The proposed standards are designed to avert large-scale disconnections during disturbances in Australia’s grid.
Data centres are required to enhance transparency regarding their protective measures to grid operators.
This initiative is part of a wider effort to modernize Australia’s energy infrastructure to bolster the digital economy.
AI Surge Sparks Energy Challenges for Data Centres
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is preparing new electricity regulations to tackle the rising power requirements of data centres that are expanding due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Chair Anna Collyer of the AEMC notes that new facilities may consume power equivalent to that of a small city, leading to challenges for national grid stability.
Learning from the US: Australia’s Precautionary Measures
The AEMC’s regulatory initiative is in direct response to an incident in the United States where, during a grid disturbance in 2023, 60 data centres collectively using 1,500 megawatts disconnected from the grid at once. This disconnection heightened grid instability, requiring manual reconnections and revealing weaknesses in the integration of data centres with national energy systems.
Following investigations, a prevalent design flaw was identified: a protection system that caused automatic disconnections after a set number of faults occurred in a brief timeframe. Importantly, the system operator was unaware of this feature, highlighting the need for improved communication and transparency between data centres and grid operators.
Australia’s Future: Large Data Centres on the Horizon
Projections for late 2023 indicate Australia may witness the establishment of data centres with capacities between 100MW and 600MW. These centres are crucial for powering AI applications, cloud services, and digital operations, yet their size also constitutes a substantial risk during power system disruptions.
The AEMC cautions that even a single major data centre disconnecting unexpectedly during a frequency event could jeopardize the national grid, exacerbating outages and threatening widespread disturbances in the electricity network. Consequently, the commission is seeking input on proposed regulations that will ensure data centres are grid-compatible and resilient during such incidents.
Proposed Regulations: What Is Being Considered?
The draft regulations by the AEMC seek to mandate that data centres:
Reveal their operational practices and protection systems to electricity system operators.
Adopt standards that avert automatic disconnections during minor frequency fluctuations.
Collaborate with energy providers to align protective settings with national grid stability objectives.
These initiatives aim to ascertain that data centres facilitate, rather than obstruct, Australia’s transition toward a more digital and decentralized energy landscape.
Harmonizing Infrastructure Expansion with Energy Initiatives
Australia is experiencing a surge in digital infrastructure, fueled by AI, cloud services, and big data analytics, all necessitating robust computing facilities. However, absent proactive updates to energy policy, this expansion might exceed the resilience capacity of the national grid.
The AEMC’s efforts signify a broader dedication to harmonizing innovation with reliability. As AI continues to transform sectors from healthcare to finance, ensuring that the foundation of this digital transformation—our data centres—can operate alongside a stable power supply is imperative.
Conclusion
As Australia moves towards a future energized by artificial intelligence and digital services, the AEMC is taking measures to guarantee the country’s power grid is equipped to manage the surge in energy needs from extensive data centres. With insights gained from the US, new regulations are being formulated to avoid simultaneous disconnections in times of grid disturbances, encourage transparency, and sustain energy stability. These initiatives are essential for protecting both the digital economy and the electric system supporting it.
Q: Why is the AEMC proposing new regulations for data centres?
A:
The AEMC aims to ensure that the rising number of high-capacity data centres—spurred by AI demand—does not compromise the stability of the power grid during disturbances. The regulations seek to avert widespread automatic disconnections that could exacerbate outages.
Q: What incident in the US catalyzed this initiative?
A:
In 2023, 60 data centres in Virginia were disconnected from the grid during a disturbance, consuming 1,500MW and worsening grid instability. This incident highlighted a coordination gap between data centres and electricity system operators.
Q: What is the expected power consumption of future Australian data centres?
A:
Several Australian data centres in planning are expected to use between 100MW and 600MW, comparable to the power needs of a small city.
Q: What risks do these facilities present to the grid?
A:
Large data centres could destabilize the grid if they disconnect suddenly during high-frequency events, potentially leading to cascading outages and endangering the national electricity supply.
Q: What specific standards are being suggested?
A:
The AEMC is likely to mandate data centres to disclose their protective systems, eliminate auto-disconnect features that trigger on minor faults, and collaborate with energy operators to maintain grid-friendly conditions.
Q: What will be the impact on the tech industry?
A:
These regulations may raise compliance costs but could yield long-term benefits by guaranteeing reliable electricity for digital operations, thus fostering sustainable growth in the AI and data sectors.
Q: Will currently operational data centres be impacted?
A:
While the emphasis is on newly built facilities, existing data centres may need to assess and potentially revise their systems if their operations endanger grid stability under the updated framework.
Q: How can stakeholders give their feedback?
A:
Stakeholders are invited to take part in the AEMC consultation available on the official website or through industry associations. This feedback will be instrumental in shaping the final regulations.
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Quick Read: Essential Insights
Google’s Veo 3 AI video technology is now operational in over 70 nations, including Australia.
Veo 3 produces video content along with synchronised audio from a straightforward text input.
Features include cinematic camera movements, character consistency, and editing based on prompts.
Gemini Pro and Ultra subscribers can utilize Veo 3 through the Flow web interface.
Veo 3 facilitates lip-synced speech, background sounds, and music creation in English.
Pro users are allowed 10 generations per month; Ultra users have 125 generations available monthly.
Video export capabilities go up to 1080p, although higher resolutions may require longer rendering times.
Veo 3 Expands Globally: AI Video with Audio Now Accessible in Australia
Google’s latest advancement in creative AI, Veo 3, is now accessible in 71 countries — including Australia — empowering creators with state-of-the-art AI video production capabilities. The highlight? Veo 3 not only animates visuals but also creates high-quality, synchronised audio comprising voice, music, and environmental sounds, all generated from a single text input.
Text-to-Video with Authentic, Native Audio
The era of silent AI-generated videos has come to an end. Veo 3 marks a significant advancement by embedding audio directly into the video creation process. Creators can now weave captivating narratives with dialogue that is lip-synced, background sounds such as lively urban noises, or tailor-made music that complements the scene’s atmosphere and narrative tone.
This breakthrough is particularly advantageous for content creators, educators, and filmmakers who wish to prototype or brainstorm swiftly without the need for separate voice recordings or sound effects.
Cinematic Camera Movements for a Polished Professional Look
Veo 3 features sophisticated camera simulation capabilities, enabling users to incorporate dynamic zooms, pans, dolly moves, and more. These cinematic tools empower inexperienced users to produce videos that appear professional — no film school necessary.
This paves the way for fresh creative opportunities for YouTubers, TikTok creators, indie filmmakers, and marketers seeking high production values without steep costs.
Consistency of Objects and Characters Across Frames
A prevalent issue with previous AI video generators was visual inconsistency. Characters might alter their appearance, or objects could change between frames. Veo 3 resolves this challenge by ensuring visual consistency throughout entire clips, even when reference images are employed. This leads to a more fluid and cohesive storytelling experience.
Editing and Control Based on Prompts
Veo 3 accommodates iterative editing through adjustments to prompts. Users can alter tone, visual aesthetics, or even the positioning of objects by fine-tuning their input. It also enables personalisation — allowing users to use their own voice, face, and body as references for character animation or to eliminate unwanted components.
These functionalities provide a degree of customisation typically reserved for professional post-production software, now entirely powered by AI.
Accessing Veo 3 via Gemini and Flow Platforms
Veo 3 is available for Gemini Pro and Ultra subscribers. While mobile access is still in the works, both subscription levels can engage with the tool on desktop through Flow. Pro users receive 10 generations each month, whereas Ultra subscribers benefit from an increased allowance of 125 generations per month.
Each generation consumes 100 AI credits and produces two variants by default. Additional credits are presently available only to US-based Ultra users at a considerable cost — $10 for 1,000 credits.
Exploring Veo 3: Its Actual Capabilities
In a hands-on test, a prompt depicting a futuristic cityscape with a neon-haired character strolling through a holographic street yielded a visually breathtaking 10-second video clip. The video exhibited lifelike lighting, smooth camera movement, city background sounds, and a character that distinctly stated, “This city never sleeps.”
The generation process was rapid — occurring in seconds — and allowed for 720p downloads immediately. Upscaling to 1080p took a few minutes, indicating potential for those requiring high-resolution output for professional purposes.
View the Resulting Veo 3 Video
Insights from Industry Experts
Tom Hume, Director of Product Management at Google DeepMind, referred to Veo 3 as a “game-changer,” highlighting its ability to lower the barriers to professional-grade video creation by synchronising audio and visuals in a unified generation process.
Conclusion
Veo 3 is redefining standards in AI-driven creativity. By merging realistic visuals with authentic audio — all derived from a text prompt — it empowers Australian creators to generate cinematic content with ease. Whether you are a content creator, educator, or entrepreneur, this tool provides an accessible and potent means to realise your ideas. As the technology progresses, anticipate broader language inclusion and more intuitive controls. For the time being, Veo 3 offers a fascinating preview into the future of storytelling guided by artificial intelligence.
Q: What is Veo 3, and how is it different from previous AI video models?
A:
Veo 3 is Google’s newest AI video generator that incorporates synchronised audio — including dialogue, environmental sounds, and music — into videos created from text prompts. Unlike earlier versions, it provides lip-synced speech and cinematic camera motions, enhancing realism and immersion in the content.
Q: How can I access and utilise Veo 3 in Australia?
A:
Australian users can engage with Veo 3 via the Flow interface with a Gemini Pro or Ultra subscription. After signing in, users can input prompts and directly generate videos from the platform.
Q: What type of content can I create using Veo 3?
A:
You can produce short films, promotional videos, teaching materials, social media content, and more. Veo 3 accommodates a wide variety of genres and styles, featuring tools for lip-syncing, object consistency, and cinematic narrative techniques.
Q: What are the current limitations of Veo 3?
A:
At present, Veo 3 only generates audio in English. Furthermore, AI credit purchases are restricted to US Ultra subscribers. Some users might initially find the Flow interface challenging, and 1080p exports might require several minutes.
Q: How many video generations do I receive monthly?
A:
Gemini Pro users are entitled to 10 generations each month, while Gemini Ultra subscribers receive 125. Each generation utilizes 100 AI credits and produces two video variants.
Q: Am I able to use my own voice, face, or body in the generated videos?
A:
Yes. Veo 3 allows referencing your own voice, face, or body for character animation or to personalise video content. This is ideal for crafting avatars or branded material with a unique touch.
Q: Is Veo 3 appropriate for professional applications?
A:
Definitely. With capabilities for cinematic camera controls, uniform visuals, and synchronised audio, Veo 3 is appropriate for professional uses in advertising, media production, and education. However, longer render times for higher resolution outputs and credit limitations should be considered in production plans.
Q: Where should I go to start?
A:
Head to gemini.google or flow.google and log in with a Gemini Pro or Ultra account to begin utilizing Veo 3.
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Quick Overview
Amazon is piloting AI-generated audio summaries for various product pages.
This feature evaluates product information, customer feedback, and online resources.
Currently accessible to a select group of users in the US via the Amazon app.
Users can press “Hear the highlights” to listen to the audio summaries.
This is part of Amazon’s larger AI initiative, which includes Alexa+ and Rufus.
It aligns with a growing trend of AI adoption by technology leaders like Google and Meta.
Amazon Adopts AI Audio Summaries to Improve Shopping Experience
Amazon has commenced testing an innovative feature that utilizes artificial intelligence to create concise audio summaries for products listed on its platform. This advancement is designed to deliver a more engaging and accessible shopping experience, allowing customers to listen to important product highlights prior to making a purchasing choice.
Functionality of the AI Audio Summaries
The AI-driven audio summaries aim to provide succinct overviews of products by collating information from product descriptions, authentic customer reviews, and related online materials. These summaries can be accessed through a “Hear the highlights” button in the Amazon mobile application. Presently, this feature is in trial phase with a limited group of users in the United States, with an extensive rollout anticipated in the near future.
Enhancing Accessibility and Convenience
By allowing customers to listen rather than read, Amazon seeks to accommodate users who are visually impaired or who favor audio content. It additionally offers a hands-free option for busy shoppers who might be engaged in multiple tasks. This strategy corresponds with the increasing demand for more user-friendly and accessible digital experiences.
Part of Amazon’s Comprehensive AI Strategy
The audio summaries form a segment of Amazon’s extensive AI integration strategy, which encompasses recent improvements to Alexa+, its AI-powered voice assistant. The enterprise has also rolled out Rufus, an AI shopping assistant that addresses customer inquiries, as well as Shopping Guides, which assist users in locating relevant products according to their requirements and preferences.
Alexa+ and Generative AI
Alexa+ signifies Amazon’s transition towards a more conversational and contextually aware AI experience, employing large language models for enhanced and personalized interactions. With Alexa+ and the introduction of AI audio summaries, Amazon continues to reinforce its status as a frontrunner in retail technology augmented by AI.
Tech Giants Investing Heavily in AI
Amazon’s recent initiative is part of a broader pattern among technological giants capitalizing on generative AI. OpenAI has recently advanced ChatGPT with sophisticated web browsing and shopping features, including tailored product recommendations with visuals and purchase links. Concurrently, firms like Google and Meta are deploying AI functionalities that range from virtual shopping assistants to AI-generated social media content across their platforms.
Implications for Australian Consumers
Although the trial is presently limited to US users, successful innovations typically make their way to the Australian market shortly thereafter. If successful, AI-generated audio summaries could soon become a common feature on Amazon Australia, thereby enhancing the shopping experience for consumers in the region. With increasing enthusiasm for AI-driven solutions, Australian retailers may also implement similar features to remain competitive in the e-commerce landscape.
Overview
Amazon’s experiment with AI-generated audio summaries signifies another significant advancement in e-commerce innovation. By merging convenience, accessibility, and AI-driven personalization, the feature is set to transform how customers interact with online shopping services. As Amazon and other technology giants persist in investing in generative AI, the future of retail is becoming ever more intelligent—and audible.
Q: What are AI-generated audio summaries on Amazon?
A:
These are brief audio overviews of product pages produced using artificial intelligence. They condense product descriptions, customer feedback, and pertinent online data into an easy-to-listen format accessible via the Amazon app.
Q: How can users access the audio summaries?
A:
Users can click the “Hear the highlights” button on selected product pages within the Amazon shopping application. This prompts a quick audio playback that summarizes vital product information.
Q: Is this feature available in Australia?
A:
At present, the feature is being trialed with a limited number of users in the United States. While there’s no confirmed timeline for expansion to Australia, Amazon typically extends successful features to other markets, including Australia, shortly after US evaluations.
Q: Why is Amazon incorporating audio summaries into its product pages?
A:
The intention is to enhance accessibility, improve user convenience, and create a more engaging shopping experience. It also corresponds with a broader trend toward voice-first and AI-driven engagement in e-commerce.
Q: How does this align with Amazon’s broader AI strategy?
A:
The audio feature augments Amazon’s existing AI tools like Alexa+, Rufus, and Shopping Guides. It is part of a larger initiative to leverage generative AI to foster more intelligent and personalized customer experiences.
Q: What other companies are employing AI in similar fashions?
A:
OpenAI has upgraded ChatGPT with shopping functionalities. Google and Meta are also launching AI-enhanced features such as intelligent shopping assistants, AI-generated content, and tailored ad targeting using generative AI.
Q: Can this technology aid individuals with disabilities?
A:
Indeed, AI-generated audio summaries can greatly assist users with visual impairments or learning disabilities by offering an auditory alternative to reading product information.
