News reporting focused on AI and machine learning, covering the companies behind these technologies, their real-world applications, and the ethical concerns they raise. This includes areas like generative AI (large language models, text-to-image and video), speech tech, and predictive analytics.
John Deere has launched an Early Access Program for its new AI assistant, JD, which answers farmers' questions using their own field, machine, and operational data. The tool is currently available to select US customers in the Operations Center, with plans to expand to web, mobile, and in-cab displays, as well as turf, construction, and forestry sectors.
Microsoft has delayed the general availability of its Teams Facilitator question detection and answering feature to November, with worldwide availability in mid-December. The AI assistant, part of Microsoft 365 Copilot, will detect knowledge gaps in meetings and offer answers. The delay extends the timeline by about two months from the September estimate, with no official reason provided.
SwitchBot has launched Kata, an LLM-powered AI assistant integrated into its app, enabling natural language control of smart home devices, automation creation, product setup, and troubleshooting. The assistant maintains context, handles ambiguous commands, and offers privacy safeguards, with a daily limit of 100 AI processes. This move aligns with industry trends as competitors like Amazon, Google, and Apple also advance AI-driven smart home interactions.
Ford is rolling out an AI-powered assistant in its mobile app, answering vehicle-related questions for Ford and Lincoln owners. The app-first strategy reaches existing customers instantly, with a voice-powered in-vehicle version planned for 2027. The assistant offers live telemetry updates and photo-based payload checks, positioning Ford competitively in the AI race.
OpenAI's ChatGPT performance lead Martin Spier explains how the company keeps the AI assistant fast amid explosive user growth and AI-accelerated code development. With 900 million weekly users and Codex boosting PR volume by 70%, performance engineering now relies on automated agents to keep pace with rapid shipping.
Google announced new agentic features for Ask Maps, its AI assistant in Google Maps, allowing users to order food, book hotels, and find event tickets directly through the app. The update also introduces Personal Intelligence, which uses data from Gmail and Google Calendar to provide personalized recommendations. The features are rolling out in the U.S., with Personal Intelligence and a live transit widget expanding to all markets where Ask Maps is available.
Cognition, the startup behind AI coding assistant Devin, has acquired Poke, an AI assistant known for its friendly, conversational style. The deal, valued in the low nine figures, aims to bring Poke's personality-driven interaction model to Devin, making the coding agent feel more like a colleague than a tool. Poke will also benefit from Cognition's models and infrastructure to become faster and more reliable.
Google announced during its Q2 2026 earnings call that its AI assistant Gemini now has over 950 million monthly active users, tripling from last year. The milestone puts Gemini in closer competition with OpenAI's ChatGPT, which reached 1 billion users in June. Google also highlighted growth in its AI-powered search mode, which crossed 1 billion users this quarter.
The European Union has ordered Google to give rival AI assistants and search engines greater access to Android and Google Search data under the Digital Markets Act. The two decisions, announced Thursday, require Google to provide comparable system features and data access to competitors, potentially reshaping how users interact with Android devices and search services in Europe.
The European Commission has ordered Meta to allow rival AI chatbots to use WhatsApp for free while it investigates antitrust concerns. Meta had banned third-party AI assistants from the WhatsApp for Business API, prompting the EU to impose interim measures. Meta has five working days to comply or face fines of up to 10% of turnover.
Sources say Anthropic, creator of the Claude AI assistant, has multiple offers for a $50 billion funding round at valuations between $850 billion and $900 billion. The company faces strong pressure to accept before a possible IPO, with a board decision expected in May. Revenue has jumped to a $40 billion run rate, driven by coding tools like Claude Code and Cowork.
Yelp has rolled out a major update to its AI Assistant chatbot, positioning it as a central feature for handling recommendations, questions, and bookings. The tool now integrates with services like DoorDash and Zocdoc to enable actions such as ordering food and scheduling appointments. Company leaders call this the most significant AI evolution for the platform so far.