News from the AI & ML world

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Allison Siu@NVIDIA Blog //
Amazon has recently introduced two significant advancements in the realm of artificial intelligence: Nova Act, an AI model designed for browser-based task automation, and a testing phase for the ‘Buy for Me’ feature in its mobile shopping application. Nova Act, currently available as a research preview, prioritizes the reliable execution of simple commands over complex workflows. Amazon aims to unlock the potential of truly autonomous and capable AI agents. The Nova Act SDK allows developers to experiment with the model's capabilities, enabling agents to complete tasks such as submitting out-of-office requests and configuring automatic replies.

The company stresses that genuine AI agents should not primarily focus on conversation or knowledge retrieval, differentiating them from current AI-powered assistants. According to Amazon, Nova Act is designed to complete tasks and act in digital and physical environments on behalf of the user. The potential applications extend to complex, multi-step workflows, such as organizing a wedding or handling complex IT tasks. The company has designed Nova Act to prioritize reliability by accurately completing simpler, low-level actions that, according to the company, trip rival models more often, such as date picking or navigating drop-downs and pop-ups.

Simultaneously, Amazon is testing the ‘Buy for Me’ feature, which integrates AI agents into the mobile shopping app to facilitate purchases from third-party brand websites, even for products not directly sold by Amazon. This feature, in limited beta for select iOS and Android users in the U.S., allows users to authorize Amazon to complete transactions on external brand sites, utilizing Amazon’s Nova AI, along with Anthropic’s Claude via Bedrock, to securely handle payment and shipping details. While the brand handles fulfillment, customer service, and returns, customers can track their purchases within the Amazon app, representing a narrowly scoped, highly-specialized AI agent doing something useful.

Recommended read:
References :
  • Data Phoenix: Amazon unveiled Nova Act, an AI model for browser-based task completion. Available as a research preview, Nova Act prioritizes reliability in executing simple commands rather than higher-level workflows as the key to unlock genuine AI agents that are both capable and autonomous.
  • www.producthunt.com: AI Agent that shops in other sites
  • shellypalmer.com: Amazon is testing a new feature in its mobile shopping app that lets users buy products Amazon doesn’t sell—without leaving the app.

@Latest from Laptop Mag //
Apple is reportedly developing a new AI-powered health app, codenamed "Project Mulberry," aimed at revolutionizing health tracking on iPhones. Expected to launch alongside iOS 19, the app will use AI algorithms to analyze health metrics from Apple devices and third-party sources. This comprehensive approach will enable the app to provide personalized insights and actionable recommendations to improve overall wellness, potentially transforming how users manage their health.

The app's AI coach will look at data from devices such as Apple Watch and potentially AirPods, which may gain future health-tracking features like heart-rate monitoring and temperature sensing. Apple is collaborating with health experts, including doctors, nutritionists, and therapists, to train the AI agents and create educational videos for the service, which may be called "Health+". The goal is to create an AI coach that can give personalized advice on sleep, exercise, mental well-being and other health issues.

Recommended read:
References :
  • iThinkDifferent: Apple’s ‘Project Mulberry’ may bring AI-powered health tracking to iOS 19 and watchOS
  • www.laptopmag.com: Apple’s plan to use AI for personalized health coaching might change everything
  • TechCrunch: Apple is developing a new version of its Health app that includes an AI coach that can advise users on how to get healthier, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
  • Apple Must: Apple's Health+ service will optimise workouts and nutrition and help you protect your health. Years in the making, insiders call it a doctor in your iPhone.
  • jonnyevans: Apple's Health+ service will optimise workouts and nutrition and help you protect your health. Years in the making, insiders call it a doctor in your iPhone.
  • gHacks Technology News: Apple is working on an AI Doctor for iPhone's Health App
  • The Tech Portal: Apple doubles down on AI-powered healthcare, aims to roll out AI health coach, more
  • www.zdnet.com: Apple's AI doctor will be ready to see you next spring
  • eWEEK: Will Your iPhone Offer AI-Powered Health Advice Soon? Apple’s Reportedly on the Case
  • Analytics India Magazine: Apple is Building an AI Agent-Powered Health App: Reports
  • bsky.app: Would you use an AI doctor service from Apple? Next year, you might be able to. Apple is reportedly working on a major Health app revamp and an AI doctor service, planned for H1 2026.

@laptopmag.com //
Apple is reportedly developing future Apple Watch models with integrated cameras to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities. According to reports, Apple aims to add small cameras to both the standard Apple Watch and the Ultra version, potentially positioning them on the front screen or where the side button is located. The goal is to provide the watch with visual perception of its environment, making it smarter and more useful for users.

Adding cameras to the Apple Watch would enable new features, similar to object and text scanning currently available on iPhones. For example, the watch could identify objects, translate foreign text, or provide information about food packaging for allergy-conscious individuals. The camera system could also have applications in health monitoring, such as examining skin tone to determine sleep quality or measuring heart rate through wrist readings.

Apple has been exploring various camera designs for the Apple Watch for years, with patents showcasing different approaches. These include hiding a camera in the watch band for health tracking, a pop-up camera for occasional use, and even integrating a camera into the Digital Crown or using a flip-up screen. Despite these advancements, Apple is shuffling its executive team, replacing the head of AI with the VP of Vision Pro, suggesting a strategic shift in its AI efforts, with internal sources labeling delays with new AI rollouts as "ugly."

Recommended read:
References :
  • The Tech Basic: Apple Is Working on Adding Cameras to the Apple Watch
  • www.techrepublic.com: Apple’s Next Big Thing is AI on Smart Watches
  • www.laptopmag.com: Apple Watch's next big AI enhancement might be a built-in camera
  • Analytics India Magazine: Apple is also working on adding cameras to the AirPods.
  • THE DECODER: Apple is working on bringing visual AI capabilities to its wearable devices, according to Bloomberg. The article appeared first on .
  • PCMag Middle East ai: After missteps with Apple Intelligence, a new plan is starting to take shape and it's all about visuals—not chatbots. has had a , but Cupertino's AI plans are more ambitious than a revamped Siri.
  • gHacks Technology News: Apple is reportedly developing future Apple Watch models equipped with integrated cameras to enable advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features, aiming for a release by 2027.
  • www.laptopmag.com: Future Apple AirPods may detect health issues using AI

mpesce@Windows Copilot News //
Microsoft is expanding the reach of its AI capabilities by integrating them into everyday applications. Notepad, the classic text editor, is now receiving AI-powered text editing features. The "Rewrite" feature, currently rolling out in preview to Windows Insiders, will enable users to rephrase sentences, adjust tone, and modify the length of their content directly within Notepad. This marks a significant update for an application known for its simplicity since its introduction in 1983, bringing advanced AI tools to a wider audience.

Furthermore, Microsoft's Copilot, the AI assistant, is receiving updates and expanding its availability. It is now accessible within the Viber app, allowing users to leverage its capabilities for various tasks like answering questions, generating images, and providing advice. The Copilot app is also available on MacOS, with sign-in options expanded to include Apple ID for iOS users. File upload support has been added for tabular data formats like XLSX, CSV, and JSON, and Copilot will now offer follow-up suggestions to enhance conversation flow.

Recommended read:
References :

ChinaTechNews.com Staff@ChinaTechNews.com //
Clone Robotics, a Polish startup, has unveiled Protoclone, a human-like robot designed with synthetic muscles and a skeletal structure mimicking human anatomy. The Protoclone is described as a faceless android with over 200 degrees of freedom, more than 1,000 artificial muscle fibers (Myofibers), and 500 sensors. According to the company, Protoclone operates with systems that closely replicate human muscular, skeletal, vascular, and nervous systems, even featuring 206 bones made from polymers.

Reactions to the Protoclone have been mixed, with some social media users expressing unease over its lifelike movements and appearance. Clone Robotics plans to make the android available for preorder later this year. The company envisions the robot could perform household chores in the future. Protoclone uses a pneumatic system to control its artificial muscles but the final product will use hydraulics. The robot uses a system of sensors linked to four cameras to navigate.

Recommended read:
References :
  • arstechnica.com: Dangling, twitching human robot with synthetic muscles makes its debut
  • readwrite.com: World’s first bipedal musculoskeletal android, Protoclone, unveiled by Clone Robotics
  • www.rdworldonline.com: Protoclone V1: 1000 artificial muscles power this sweating robot’s human-like moves
  • End Time Headlines: World-first humanoid robot ‘Protoclone’ with ‘muscles & bones’ twitches & spasms into life
  • www.computerworld.com: The ‘Protoclone’ robot has synthetic muscles — and moves like a human
  • Future Leap: World’s Most Human-Like Robot Is Here—And It’s Creeping Everyone Out
  • NextBigFuture.com: Poland Clone Robotics Make Liquid Muscled Synthetic Copy of the Human Body
  • poliverso.org: Poland Clone Robotics Make Liquid Muscled Synthetic Copy of the Human Body

kevinokemwa@outlook.com (Kevin Okemwa)@windowscentral.com //
Apple is planning to integrate Apple Intelligence into the Vision Pro to revitalize sales of the $3,500 device. According to reports, a new update, visionOS 2.4, slated for release as early as April, will include AI-powered features and a spatial content app. Developers may gain access even earlier. The integration aims to address concerns over the headset's high price and limited app support, leveraging features like Writing Tools, Genmojis, and the Image Playground app. Apple Intelligence, still rolling out to iPhone 15 users and newer Macs, could potentially boost user interest in the Vision Pro.

Apple has also unveiled its first custom-designed C1 modem, debuting in the $599 iPhone 16e. This new modem promises improved battery life and network performance, reducing the company's reliance on Qualcomm. The C1 modem subsystem combines a 4-nanometer baseband modem with a 7-nanometer transceiver, and has undergone extensive testing with carriers globally. The iPhone 16e, which replaces older models like the iPhone SE and iPhone 14, features the A18 chip and Apple Intelligence, aiming to offer a budget-friendly option with premium AI capabilities.

Recommended read:
References :
  • techhq.com: Adieu Qualcomm: Apple C1 modem debuts in iPhone 16e
  • www.windowscentral.com: Apple Intelligence will reportedly ship to the Vision Pro to boost its $3,500 value — as HoloLens marinates in the Microsoft Graveyard before its prime-time
  • eWEEK: This article discusses the launch of Apple's budget iPhone 16e.
  • TechHQ: Overview of Apple's iPhone 16e, including specs and features.

@the-decoder.com //
Google's Gemini AI now possesses the ability to remember past conversations, allowing for more personalized and context-aware interactions. This feature is currently available to paying subscribers and enables Gemini to recall user preferences and past discussions, enhancing its capacity to provide relevant and coherent responses. Users can now ask Gemini to provide a summary of past discussions, eliminating the need to start from scratch or search for previous threads.

The new memory feature, which extends beyond simply remembering preferences to recalling entire conversations, is currently available in English for Gemini Advanced subscribers on the web and mobile. Google says that users must “check responses for accuracy.” Users have the option to review, delete, or adjust how long Gemini retains their chats, and can also disable all Gemini app activities through the MyActivity tab. In the coming weeks, it will be expanded to more languages and Google Workspace Business and Enterprise customers.

Recommended read:
References :
  • PCMag Middle East ai: Now, Gemini recalls not just your preferences but entire conversations. Google's Gemini AI can now recall past conversations, meaning you can ask Gemini to provide a summary of your past discussions on a topic.
  • techstrong.ai: Google to Spend $75 Billion on AI, Cloud Investment
  • the-decoder.com: Google's Gemini chatbot can now recall previous conversations, but only for paying subscribers. The feature aims to make interactions more personal by remembering user preferences and context over time.
  • shellypalmer.com: It’s Valentine’s Day—did you forget the chocolates? Fear not, because if you’re a Google Gemini Advanced user, forgetting is yesterday's problem.
  • THE DECODER: Google's Gemini chatbot can now recall previous conversations, but only for paying subscribers. The feature aims to make interactions more personal by remembering user preferences and context over time.
  • www.ghacks.net: Gemini Advanced Introduces Chat Recall Feature — Here's What It Means for You
  • Google Workspace Updates: Gemini Deep Research and experimental models now available to Google Workspace users in Gemini Advanced

@Techmeme //
References: Techmeme , TechCrunch , oodaloop.com ...
Neko Health, a startup co-founded by Daniel Ek, the founder of Spotify, has successfully raised $260 million in Series B funding. This round of investment values the body-scanning company at $1.8 billion. The company specializes in AI-driven full-body scans, aimed at providing consumers with detailed insights into their health. The funding round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with additional participation from General Catalyst, O.G. Venture Partners, Rosello, Lakestar, and Atomico. Neko Health intends to utilize this capital to expand its operations into new markets, including the United States, continue the development of its diagnostic technology, and open more clinics to meet increasing demand.

The company has already scanned and evaluated 10,000 patients in Stockholm and London clinics. Neko’s CEO and co-founder, Hjalmar Nilsonne, stated that there is an “incredible demand for a different way of thinking about healthcare,” speaking from New York, where he is working on the launch of US based clinics. This is further demonstrated by a substantial waitlist which has grown to over 100,000 people. In addition to market expansion, Neko also acquired a startup focused on sensor technology to enhance its data collection. This recent funding round follows a previous Series A of $65 million in 2023 and underscores strong investor confidence in Neko’s approach to preventative healthcare.

Recommended read:
References :
  • Techmeme: Neko Health, a startup co-founded by Daniel Ek that offers AI-based full-body scans, has raised $260M led by Lightspeed, sources say at a $1.7B valuation
  • TechCrunch: Neko, the body-scanning startup co-founded by Spotify’s Daniel Ek, snaps up $260M at a $1.8B valuation
  • TechCrunch: Neko, the body-scanning startup co-founded by Spotify’s Daniel Ek, snaps up $260M at a $1.8B valuation
  • oodaloop.com: Daniel Ek’s Neko raises $260mn in push to be ‘Apple’ of healthcare
  • www.techmeme.com: Spotify founder's body-scanning start-up valued at $1.7bn in new funding round  —  Daniel Ek's body-scanning start-up Neko Health …
  • tcrn.ch: Neko, the body-scanning startup co-founded by Spotify’s Daniel Ek, snaps up $260M at a $1.8B valuation
  • OODAloop: Daniel Ek’s Neko raises $260mn in push to be ‘Apple’ of healthcare
  • hitconsultant.net: Neko Health, a pioneering preventative healthcare technology company co-founded by Hjalmar Nilsonne and Daniel Ek (founder of Spotify) raises $260M in a Series B funding round by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from General Catalyst, O.G. Venture Partners, Rosello, Lakestar, and Atomico.
  • Techmeme: Neko Health, a startup co-founded by Daniel Ek that offers AI-based full-body scans, has raised $260M led by Lightspeed, sources say at a $1.7B valuation (Tim Bradshaw/Financial Times)

Sherri Wang@digitimes.com //
Samsung has officially unveiled its Galaxy S25 series, marking a significant shift in smartphone design. The new lineup emphasizes the integration of generative AI, aiming to provide a more intuitive and streamlined user experience. Key features include human-like AI agents and a unified AI platform, designed to simplify user tasks across various applications. The S25 Ultra, leading the series, features advanced camera technology, including a 200MP sensor, and AI-powered video capabilities. The S25 series also aims to seamlessly integrate across applications, allowing users to effortlessly move between tasks with AI-driven support, such as automatically integrating search results with calendars and reminders.

The Galaxy S25 series includes a focus on transparency and user safety, with the implementation of Content Credentials. This feature allows for easy identification of AI-generated images and content. This standard will be extended to video, audio, and documents to help users better understand the digital content they encounter. This move comes at a time where concerns about misinformation are a growing issue, and it sets a new standard for digital content authenticity. The S25 series is currently available for preorder with shipments scheduled to begin on February 7.

Recommended read:
References :
  • www.digitimes.com: GenAI smartphones 2.0: How Samsung integrates AI agents into mobile experience
  • www.digitimes.com: Samsung Galaxy S25 series debuts with new AI features and exclusive Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset
  • TechCrunch: Samsung Unpacked: Samsung’s Galaxy S25 will support Content Credentials to identify AI-generated images
  • TweakTown News: Samsung teases new Galaxy S25 Edge, new ultra-slim smartphone to compete with iPhone 17 Air
  • Dataconomy: What Samsung’s Galaxy S25 AI platform means for you
  • TechCrunch: Samsung Unpacked 2025: Samsung’s AI-focused Galaxy S25 Ultra ships February 7 for $1,300
  • www.engadget.com: Samsung unveils the $1.3K Galaxy S25 Ultra with a 6.9" QHD+ AMOLED screen, up from 6.8", 50MP sensor for the ultra-wide camera, a small S Pen downgrade, more
  • TechCrunch: Samsung Unpacked: Samsung’s Galaxy S25 arrives with a better Google Gemini
  • SiliconANGLE: Samsung debuts new Galaxy S25 smartphone series with Google’s Gemini AI assistant
  • www.androidpolice.com: Google says Galaxy S25 supports the Gemini Nano AI model and Samsung's TalkBack accessibility app is the first non-Google app to use the model
  • Techmeme: Samsung unveils the $1.3K Galaxy S25 Ultra with a 6.9" QHD+ AMOLED screen, up from 6.8", 50MP sensor for the ultra-wide camera, a small S Pen downgrade, more
  • IT-Online: Galaxy S25 puts AI centre stage
  • siliconangle.com: Samsung debuts new Galaxy S25 smartphone series with Google’s Gemini AI assistant
  • TweakTown News: Samsung unveils new Galaxy S25 series powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, 12GB RAM, and AI
  • Techstrong.ai: Samsung’s New Smartphones Signal a Shift to AI Assistant Software Wars
  • it-online.co.za: Galaxy S25 puts AI centre stage
  • techstrong.ai: Samsung Aims for the Top Spot with Its Latest Lineup of AI Smartphones
  • Techstrong.ai: Samsung Electronics this week announced the Galaxy S25 – a faster, fancier line of AI smartphones – powered by the expanded Galaxy AI software, the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite and Google's Gemini.
  • www.cityam.com: Smartphone dominance: Samsung races Apple with new AI launch
  • City AM: Smartphone dominance: Samsung races Apple with new AI launch