Alexey Shabanov@TestingCatalog
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References:
TestingCatalog
, www.artificialintelligence-new
Anthropic's Claude is set to receive significant enhancements, primarily benefiting Claude Max subscribers. A key development is the merging of the "research" mode with Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations. This combination aims to provide deeper answers and more sources by connecting Claude to various external tools and data sources. The introduction of remote MCPs allows users to connect Claude to almost any service, potentially unlocking workflows such as posting to Discord or reading from a Notion database, thereby transforming how businesses leverage AI.
This integration allows users to plug in platforms like Zapier, unlocking a broad range of workflows, including automated research, task execution, and access to internal company systems. The upgraded Claude Max subscription promises to deliver more value by enabling more extensive reasoning and providing access to an array of integrated tools. This strategic move by Anthropic points towards a push towards enterprise AI assistants capable of handling extensive context and automating complex tasks. In addition to these enhancements, Anthropic is also focusing on improving Claude's coding capabilities. Claude Code, now generally available, integrates directly into a programmer's workspace, helping them "code faster through natural language commands". It works with Amazon Bedrock and Google Vertex AI, two popular enterprise coding tools. Anthropic says the new version of Claude Code on the Pro Plan is "great for shorter coding stints (1-2 hours) in smaller codebases." Recommended read:
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@aigptjournal.com
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References:
AI GPT Journal
, www.marktechpost.com
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OpenAI has unveiled significant enhancements to its AI agent framework, signaling a push towards greater platform compatibility, improved voice interface support, and enhanced observability. These updates demonstrate OpenAI's dedication to building practical, controllable, and auditable AI agents that seamlessly integrate into real-world applications across diverse environments. Key among these advancements is the introduction of TypeScript support for the Agents SDK, expanding its reach to developers working with JavaScript and Node.js, and providing parity with the existing Python version.
OpenAI is also enhancing its integration capabilities through custom ChatGPT connectors via the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This allows users to define custom endpoints and icons, integrating them directly into ChatGPT's workflow. MCP enables the creation of custom connectors, letting users define an endpoint (RemoteMCP URL), set a custom icon, and integrate it directly into ChatGPT’s workflow. The new ChatGPT web app version includes an option to add custom connectors based on the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This approach closely resembles the RemoteMCP system recently adopted by Claude, allowing for even more flexible connections to external services or proprietary tools. In addition to these technical upgrades, OpenAI is challenging tech giants in the authentication arena with its new "Sign in with ChatGPT" system. Leveraging its massive user base of 600 million monthly active users, OpenAI aims to streamline app access while integrating AI-driven personalization. This feature could share contextual data (with consent) to personalize app experiences For instance, a travel OpenAI is upgrading ChatGPT's memory even if you don't pay The "Sign in with ChatGPT" feature mirrors the strategies employed by dominant tech firms, positioning OpenAI to compete with established players like Google, Apple, and Microsoft. Also, OpenAI has added a memory feature for free ChatGPT users. That means the AI will be able to reference recent conversations to make its answers feel a little more tailored to you. Recommended read:
References :
Alexey Shabanov@TestingCatalog
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Perplexity has launched Perplexity Labs, a new AI-powered tool designed to assist Pro subscribers in creating a range of work deliverables. The startup, known for its AI-powered search engine that competes with Google, is expanding beyond simple search to provide users with the ability to generate reports, dashboards, spreadsheets, and even simple web applications. Labs is intended for complex projects requiring sustained effort, differentiating itself from Perplexity's core search engine and Deep Research mode, which provide quick answers and in-depth analysis, respectively.
Labs offers key capabilities such as generating and executing code for data structuring, creating interactive web apps within the platform, and producing various file types like charts, images, and spreadsheets. All generated assets are organized in a dedicated tab for easy access and download, streamlining project management. The tool aims to function as a "team" for its users, handling diverse projects like marketing campaigns, business analysis, and meal planning. Perplexity Labs is available for Pro subscribers at $20 per month across web, iOS, and Android platforms, with Mac and Windows apps planned for future release. The launch aligns with Perplexity's broader expansion efforts, including the web browser Comet (in preview) and the acquisition of professional network Read.vc. Perplexity is also reportedly seeking to raise up to $1 billion at an $18 billion valuation. Chris McKay, founder of Maginative, highlights that Labs can create reports, spreadsheets, dashboards, and interactive mini web apps using code execution and real-time research, automating tasks that would normally take much longer to complete. Recommended read:
References :
James Peckham@PCMag Middle East ai
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References:
Data Phoenix
, Mark Gurman
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Samsung is reportedly in the final stages of negotiating a wide-ranging deal with Perplexity to deeply integrate the AI company's technology into its devices. This move could potentially see Perplexity AI becoming the default AI chatbot on the Galaxy S26 series, possibly replacing Google Gemini. The integration may also extend to Samsung's Bixby assistant and its web browser, aiming to enhance these features with more powerful AI-driven capabilities. This strategic shift indicates Samsung's interest in exploring alternatives to Google's AI offerings and potentially supercharging its own services with Perplexity's search functionality.
Perplexity has recently launched Labs, a new AI tool designed to help users create reports, dashboards, and web applications. This innovative tool is available for Pro subscribers and automates time-consuming tasks using AI research and code execution. Labs is equipped with capabilities such as web browsing, code execution, and chart and image creation, enabling it to handle diverse projects and transform ideas into finished deliverables. The new Labs feature includes a suite of tools specifically designed to turn ideas and to-dos into completed work, with the ability to perform sustained automated research for 10 minutes or more, accomplishing tasks that previously took days. Perplexity Labs stands out for its ability to execute code to structure datasets, apply formulas, and create various file types, including charts, images, and spreadsheets. It can also build and deploy simple interactive websites directly within the interface. The mini web apps feature is particularly ambitious, offering users the ability to create basic dashboards, slideshows, or data visualization tools without needing coding skills. The tool is designed to be self-supervised, working in the background to perform tasks ranging from marketing campaigns to business analysis. Recommended read:
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@www.eweek.com
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References:
www.eweek.com
, www.techradar.com
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Apple is reportedly speeding up development of its first pair of AI-powered smart glasses, with a targeted release in late 2026. These glasses, internally codenamed "N401" and previously "N50," are designed to compete with Meta’s popular Ray-Ban smart glasses. Insiders describe Apple's glasses as "similar to Meta’s product but better made," and they will feature built-in cameras, microphones, and speakers.
The glasses are expected to "analyze the external world and take requests via the Siri voice assistant," enabling tasks such as making phone calls, playing music, live translations, and GPS navigation. While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the product, sources indicate that the company plans to produce large quantities of prototypes by the end of this year, collaborating with overseas suppliers. Apple is focusing on simplicity in its initial smart glasses design, foregoing full augmented reality (AR) capabilities for now, with the ultimate goal of releasing AR-capable spectacles in the future. Google is also actively developing smart glasses using its Android XR system and has partnered with brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to enhance the design and appeal of its devices. The inclusion of AI, particularly assistants like Gemini, is seen as a crucial feature for smart glasses, providing users with real-time information and assistance. Google's focus on fashion and user-friendly design aims to avoid the mistakes of the past, learning from the negative perception associated with the earlier Google Glass. Recommended read:
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@www.microsoft.com
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Microsoft is aggressively expanding its AI integration across its product ecosystem. Recent announcements highlight the company's efforts to embed AI into core applications like Windows Notepad and Dynamics 365, as well as leverage AI for advanced solutions like weather forecasting with its Aurora model. A key component of this strategy is the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which is being implemented in Windows 11 to facilitate secure and standardized interactions between AI agents, applications, and system tools. These initiatives demonstrate Microsoft's commitment to reshaping how users interact with technology, aiming to enhance productivity and automate complex processes across both enterprise and consumer environments.
Microsoft's AI push includes the integration of Copilot into the Windows Notepad application, enabling AI-driven text generation and refinement directly within the text editor. This update, while raising questions about its necessity for such a basic tool, reflects Microsoft's broader ambition to infuse AI capabilities into even its most established and simple software. Additionally, the introduction of Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers for Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP and CRM business applications signals a major step towards creating "agent-ready" business applications. MCP will remove the need to manually connect systems together to build agents and accelerate the ability for customers and partners to build AI-powered agents. The goal is to allow AI agents to operate seamlessly across various business processes, industries, and segments, making businesses more efficient. Microsoft's Aurora AI model showcases the potential of AI to revolutionize specialized domains like weather forecasting. Aurora is designed to provide detailed and accurate 10-day forecasts in seconds, a task that traditionally takes hours using conventional models. This breakthrough not only promises faster and more precise weather predictions but also demonstrates the model's versatility, as it can be trained to forecast other environmental elements like air pollution and cyclones. Furthermore, the implementation of MCP in Windows 11 focuses on enabling AI agents to interact with applications and system tools, with security measures in place. This move aims to transform Windows 11 into an "agentic" platform, where AI agents can carry out tasks across apps, files, and services without needing manual inputs. Recommended read:
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@www.eweek.com
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Microsoft is embracing the Model Context Protocol (MCP) as a core component of Windows 11, aiming to transform the operating system into an "agentic" platform. This integration will enable AI agents to interact seamlessly with applications, files, and services, streamlining tasks for users without requiring manual inputs. Announced at the Build 2025 developer conference, this move will allow AI agents to carry out tasks across apps and services.
MCP functions as a lightweight, open-source protocol that allows AI agents, apps, and services to share information and access tools securely. It standardizes communication, making it easier for different applications and agents to interact, whether they are local tools or online services. Windows 11 will enforce multiple security layers, including proxy-mediated communication and tool-level authorization. Microsoft's commitment to AI agents also includes the NLWeb project, designed to transform websites into conversational interfaces. NLWeb enables users to interact directly with website content through natural language, without needing apps or plugins. Furthermore, the NLWeb project turns supported websites into MCP servers, allowing agents to discover and utilize the site’s content. GenAIScript has also been updated to enhance security of Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools, addressing vulnerabilities. Options for tools signature hashing and prompt injection detection via content scanners provide safeguards across tool definitions and outputs. Recommended read:
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@aithority.com
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References:
AiThority
, AI News | VentureBeat
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Agentic AI is rapidly transforming workflow orchestration across various industries. The rise of autonomous AI agents capable of strategic decision-making, interacting with external applications, and executing complex tasks with minimal human intervention is reshaping how enterprises operate. These intelligent agents are being deployed to handle labor-intensive tasks, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and to provide real-time insights, effectively acting as competent virtual assistants that can sift through data, work across platforms, and learn from processes. This shift represents a move away from fragmented automation tools towards dynamically coordinated systems that adapt to real-time signals and pursue outcomes with minimal human oversight.
Despite the potential benefits, integrating agentic AI into existing workflows requires careful consideration and planning. Companies need to build AI fluency within their workforce through training and education, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of AI agents and focusing on successful human-AI collaborations. It is also crucial to redesign workflows to leverage the capabilities of AI agents effectively, ensuring that they are integrated into the right processes and roles. Furthermore, organizations must not neglect supervision, establishing a central governance framework, maintaining ethical and security standards, fostering proactive risk response, and aligning decisions with wider company strategic goals. American business executives are showing significant enthusiasm for AI agents, with many planning substantial increases in AI-related budgets. A recent PwC survey indicates that 88% of companies plan to increase AI-related budgets in the next 12 months due to agentic AI. The survey also reveals that a majority of senior executives are adopting AI agents into their companies, reporting benefits such as increased productivity, cost savings, faster decision-making, and improved customer experiences. However, less than half of the surveyed companies are rethinking operating models, suggesting that there is still untapped potential for leveraging AI agents to fundamentally reshape how work gets done. Recommended read:
References :
Rowan Cheung@The Rundown AI
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AI is rapidly transforming how businesses operate, particularly in streamlining data processing and automation. Mid-sized enterprises are leveraging AI data processing capabilities to automate repetitive tasks, extract valuable insights from extensive datasets, and minimize errors associated with manual processes. UiPath has launched Agentic Automation, a platform that expands the role of digital workers beyond routine tasks to intelligent AI agents capable of reasoning, adapting, and collaborating more like humans. This shift enables intelligent collaboration between AI, robots, and people, accelerating decision-making and boosting productivity gains across various enterprise environments.
UiPath's platform, featuring Maestro, coordinates AI agents, robots, and humans across business processes, transforming static workflows into dynamic streams of events that adapt to changing conditions in real-time. According to UiPath CEO Daniel Dines, agentic automation combines Robotic Process Automation (RPA), AI models, and human expertise into cohesive workflows. This integration allows for understanding, improving, and automating diverse workflows, thereby driving significant enterprise efficiency. The goal is to empower people to focus on meaningful work by freeing them from mundane tasks. FutureHouse has also entered the scene with a new platform featuring four "superintelligent" AI agents—Crow, Falcon, Owl, and Phoenix—designed to assist scientists in navigating the vast amount of research literature. These agents are reportedly more accurate and precise than major frontier search models and even PhD-level researchers in literature search tasks. The AI agents can identify unexplored mechanisms, find contradictions in literature, analyze experimental methods, customize research pipelines, and reason about chemical compounds. This innovation promises to accelerate scientific discovery by automating and enhancing the research process. Recommended read:
References :
Alexey Shabanov@TestingCatalog
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Microsoft is aggressively expanding the AI capabilities within its Copilot ecosystem, incorporating task automation and enhanced content creation tools. The company is currently testing "Agent Actions" in Microsoft Copilot, a feature designed to automate daily computing tasks. This capability, initially limited to select testers or Copilot Pro subscribers, is intended to allow users to delegate tasks during brief sessions. Furthermore, Copilot now includes native image generation powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o model, replacing DALL-E 3. This upgrade allows users across various platforms to generate higher-quality visuals directly within the app, negating the need for third-party integrations.
Microsoft is also refining the visual identity of Copilot, evolving the appearances of its AI personas. The fourth character, resembling a bubblegum or cloud, is undergoing further design changes. These characters, which serve as a branding layer, are expected to be further refined before their full release. These changes align with Microsoft's focus on seamlessly integrating productivity, assistance, and personality within the Copilot AI environment. Copilot for Sales is receiving significant updates aimed at streamlining sales workflows and improving CRM integration. These improvements include improved extensibility for third-party insights in email summaries within Outlook, providing partners the ability to surface richer sales insights. Additionally, sellers can now directly save AI-generated meeting summaries to CRM systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Salesforce from Teams, eliminating the need for manual logging. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has stated that the company's AI model performance is doubling every six months due to improvements in pre-training, inference, and system design. Recommended read:
References :
Krishna Chytanya@AI & Machine Learning
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Google is significantly enhancing its AI capabilities across its Gemini platform and various products, focusing on multilingual support and AI-assisted features. To address the needs of global users, Google has introduced the Model Context Protocol (MCP) which enables the creation of chatbots capable of supporting multiple languages. This system uses Gemini, Gemma, and Translation LLM to provide quick and accurate answers in different languages. MCP acts as a standardized way for AI systems to interact with external data sources and tools, allowing AI agents to access information and execute actions outside their own models.
Google Gemini is also receiving AI-powered image editing features within its chat interface. Users can now tweak backgrounds, swap out objects, and make other adjustments to both AI-generated and personal photos, with support for over 45 languages in most countries. The editing tools are being rolled out gradually for users on web and mobile devices. Additionally, Google is expanding access to its AI tools by releasing a standalone app for NotebookLM, one of its best AI tools. This will make it easier for users to delve into notes on complex topics directly from their smartphones. In a move toward monetization within the AI space, Google is testing AdSense ads inside AI chatbot conversations. The company has expanded its AdSense for Search platform to support chatbots from startups and its own Gemini tools. This reflects a shift in how people find information online as AI services increasingly provide direct answers, potentially reducing the need to visit traditional websites. Furthermore, Google is extending Gemini's reach to younger users by rolling out a version for children under 13 with parent-managed Google accounts through Family Link, ensuring safety and privacy measures are in place. Recommended read:
References :
Alexey Shabanov@TestingCatalog
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Anthropic has launched new "Integrations" for Claude, their AI assistant, significantly expanding its functionality. The update allows Claude to connect directly with a variety of popular work tools, enabling it to access and utilize data from these services to provide more context-aware and informed assistance. This means Claude can now interact with platforms like Jira, Confluence, Zapier, Cloudflare, Intercom, Asana, Square, Sentry, PayPal, Linear, and Plaid, with more integrations, including Stripe and GitLab, on the way. The Integrations feature builds on the Model Context Protocol (MCP), Anthropic's open standard for linking AI models to external tools and data, making it easier for developers to build secure bridges for Claude to connect with apps over the web or desktop.
Anthropic also introduced an upgraded "Advanced Research" mode for Claude. This enhancement allows Claude to conduct in-depth investigations across multiple data sources before generating a comprehensive, citation-backed report. When activated, Claude breaks down complex queries into smaller, manageable components, thoroughly investigates each part, and then compiles its findings into a detailed report. This feature is particularly useful for tasks that require extensive research and analysis, potentially saving users a significant amount of time and effort. The Advanced Research tool can now access information from both public web sources, Google Workspace, and the integrated third-party applications. These new features are currently available in beta for users on Claude's Max, Team, and Enterprise plans, with web search available for all paid users. Developers can also create custom integrations for Claude, with Anthropic estimating that the process can take as little as 30 minutes using their provided documentation. By connecting Claude to various work tools, users can unlock custom pipelines and domain-specific tools, streamline workflows, and leverage Claude's AI capabilities to execute complex projects more efficiently. This expansion aims to make Claude a more integral and versatile tool for businesses and individuals alike. Recommended read:
References :
Facebook@Meta Newsroom
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Meta has launched its first dedicated AI application, directly challenging ChatGPT in the burgeoning AI assistant market. The Meta AI app, built on the Llama 4 large language model (LLM), aims to offer users a more personalized AI experience. The application is designed to learn user preferences, remember context from previous interactions, and provide seamless voice-based conversations, setting it apart from competitors. This move is a significant step in Meta's strategy to establish itself as a major player in the AI landscape, offering a direct path to its generative AI models.
The new Meta AI app features a 'Discover' feed, a social component allowing users to explore how others are utilizing AI and share their own AI-generated creations. The app also replaces Meta View as the companion application for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, enabling a fluid experience across glasses, mobile, and desktop platforms. Users will be able to initiate conversations on one device and continue them seamlessly on another. To use the application, a Meta products account is required, though users can sign in with their existing Facebook or Instagram profiles. CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized that the app is designed to be a user’s personal AI, highlighting the ability to engage in voice conversations. The app begins with basic information about a user's interests, evolving over time to incorporate more detailed knowledge about the user and their network. The launch of the Meta AI app comes as other companies are also developing their AI models, seeking to demonstrate the power and flexibility of its in-house Llama 4 models to both consumers and third-party software developers. Recommended read:
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@www.microsoft.com
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References:
Tony Bradley
, www.microsoft.com
Microsoft is at the forefront of a workplace revolution, driven by the rapid advancement of AI. According to their 2025 Work Trend Index, AI agents are transforming how businesses operate, particularly in customer service and security operations. These agents, powered by sophisticated AI, are designed to augment human capabilities, enabling companies to scale rapidly, operate with agility, and generate value faster. The report highlights the emergence of "Frontier Firms," organizations built around on-demand AI and human-agent teams, where employees act as "agent bosses."
Microsoft envisions a future where every employee will have an AI assistant, and AI agents will join teams as "digital colleagues," taking on specific tasks. Eventually, humans will set directions for these agents, who will then execute business processes and workflows independently, with their human supervisors checking in as needed. This shift represents a move from simple coding assistance to AI agents capable of handling complex tasks, such as end-to-end logistics in a supply chain, while humans guide the system and manage relationships with suppliers. This transformation is expected to impact various knowledge work professions, including scientists, academics, and lawyers. The company also introduced AI service agents for Dynamics 365 Customer Service and Contact Center. These agents are available in public preview and include Case Management, Customer Intent, and Customer Knowledge Management agents. These AI agents learn to address emerging issues, uncover new knowledge, and automate manual processes to boost business efficiency and reduce costs. The Case Management Agent simplifies case management, reduces handling time, and improves customer satisfaction, while the Customer Intent Agent uses generative AI to analyze past interactions and provide tailored solutions. Microsoft is also emphasizing the importance of securing, managing, and measuring agent workstreams with the Copilot Control System, ensuring that businesses can effectively mitigate risks and track the ROI of their AI agent deployments. Recommended read:
References :
Alexey Shabanov@TestingCatalog
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Google is aggressively integrating AI into its various products, aiming to enhance user experiences and capabilities. A significant development is the imminent launch of native image generation within Gemini, Google's AI assistant. Internal testing and backend updates suggest the feature is nearing public release, possibly timed with the upcoming Google I/O event. New disclosures indicate Google plans to incorporate rights-management guidance directly into the image generation workflow, ensuring users only upload or edit images for which they hold the rights. Gemini is available as a free AI assistant across multiple platforms, supporting over 40 languages and assisting with various tasks, with an optional Gemini Advanced subscription unlocking deeper conversational capabilities and early access to new features.
Google is also leveraging AI to streamline data analysis within its BigQuery data canvas. A new AI-assistive chat experience, powered by Gemini, allows users to explore data, generate queries, and visualize insights using natural language prompts. This feature aims to democratize data analysis, bridging the gap between technical and non-technical users by simplifying complex SQL queries and iterative analyses. The Gemini integration helps in data discovery, suggesting relevant datasets and generating natural language questions based on selected tables. This enhanced capability provides a more intuitive and efficient way for users to extract meaningful insights from their data. Beyond these applications, Google is also exploring AI's potential in understanding and interpreting animal communication, specifically with dolphins. Google DeepMind, in collaboration with researchers at Georgia Tech and the Wild Dolphin Project, has developed an AI model called DolphinGemma. DolphinGemma is designed to decipher dolphin vocalizations by creating synthetic dolphin voices and listening for matching "replies." This initiative aims to deepen our understanding of dolphin social behavior and cognitive abilities, as well as contributing to dolphin conservation efforts. Simultaneously, Google is expanding the reach of AI-generated answers in search, with Sundar Pichai emphasizing the company's heavy investment in expanding this feature to more countries, users, and search queries. Recommended read:
References :
Michael Nuñez@AI News | VentureBeat
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Anthropic has unveiled significant upgrades to its AI assistant, Claude, introducing an autonomous research capability and seamless Google Workspace integration. These enhancements transform Claude into what the company terms a "true virtual collaborator" aimed at enterprise users. The updates directly challenge OpenAI and Microsoft in the fiercely competitive market for AI productivity tools by promising comprehensive answers and streamlined workflows for knowledge workers. This move signals Anthropic's commitment to sharpen its edge in the AI assistant domain.
The new Research capability empowers Claude to autonomously conduct multiple searches that build upon each other, independently determining what to investigate next. Simultaneously, the Google Workspace integration connects Claude to users’ emails, calendars, and documents. This eliminates the need for manual uploads and repeated context-setting. Claude can now access Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Docs, providing deeper insights into a user's work context. Users can ask Claude to compile meeting notes, identify action items from email threads, and search relevant documents, with inline citations for verification. These upgrades, including Google Docs cataloging for Enterprise plan administrators utilizing retrieval augmented generation (RAG) techniques, emphasize data security. Anthropic underscores its security-first approach, highlighting that they do not train models on user data by default and have implemented strict authentication and access control mechanisms. The Research feature is available as an early beta for Max, Team, and Enterprise plans in the US, Japan, and Brazil, while the Google Workspace integration is available to all paying users as a beta version. These features are aimed at making daily workflows considerably more efficient. Recommended read:
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