Development Archives | Page 352 of 541 | Digital Watch Observatory

Agentic AI gains traction with Amazon’s Nova Act and OpenAI’s open-weight model

The competition to define the next era of agentic AI—systems capable of planning, reasoning, and executing tasks—continues to intensify as major tech firms introduce new AI models with varying levels of autonomy and openness.

Amazon has launched Nova Act, an AI-powered browser agent that operates much like a human user, handling low-risk, automated tasks. Meanwhile, OpenAI is preparing to release an open-weight language model, providing developers with access to its trained parameters for custom AI applications.

At the same time, China’s Zhipu AI has unveiled a free AI assistant aimed at strengthening its domestic market presence and competing with Western firms.

The launches signal a major shift in AI adoption strategies. While agentic AI holds vast potential, experts caution that its deployment in high-stakes enterprise environments requires further refinement.

‘The launch of Amazon Nova Act seems well suited for public-facing use cases with minimal risks, but enterprise adoption will take longer due to workflow complexity and operational concerns,’ said Sharath Srinivasamurthy, Associate VP of Research at IDC.

OpenAI’s move toward an open-weight model could accelerate AI customization efforts, aligning with growing enterprise demands for greater control.

Unlike fully open-source models that release training data and code, open-weight models provide access to trained parameters, enabling businesses to adapt AI to their specific needs.

‘The world is shifting towards open models,’ Srinivasamurthy added. ‘With Meta and DeepSeek gaining traction for their open approach, OpenAI’s move was only a matter of time. This will make the market even more competitive.’

Zhipu AI’s rise also introduces geopolitical factors, as China seeks to expand its AI leadership. The growing presence of Chinese AI firms may push multinational companies to reassess partnerships and compliance strategies in different markets.

‘The ascent of Zhipu AI highlights China’s increasing role in AI innovation, urging global businesses to carefully evaluate AI governance, security, and competitive strategy,’ said Abhivyakti Sengar, Practice Director at Everest Group.

As AI adoption accelerates, the evolving balance between control, performance, and openness is set to shape enterprise strategies in an increasingly competitive landscape.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Windows 11 update brings AI-powered Live Captions and image editing

Microsoft is making its AI-powered features more widely available across Copilot Plus PCs, extending support to Intel and AMD devices.

Among the most notable additions is Live Captions, which translates audio into English subtitles in real time from dozens of languages. Initially tested on these devices last December, Live Captions is now accessible through the latest Windows 11 update.

The update also introduces Cocreator, an AI-powered tool in Paint that generates images based on a user’s text description and drawings.

Additionally, Microsoft is expanding access to its AI image editor and generator in the Photos app, offering more creative possibilities to users.

Previously, these AI features were exclusive to Copilot Plus PCs with Qualcomm chips. While Microsoft has been testing Recall, an AI-driven screenshot search feature, on Intel and AMD devices, there’s no confirmed timeline for its full rollout.

Microsoft is also enhancing Voice Access, an accessibility feature that enables users to control their PC through voice commands. The update improves natural language understanding on Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs, with plans to bring this functionality to Intel and AMD devices in the future.

Additionally, Microsoft is expanding language translation, allowing users to translate 27 languages into Simplified Chinese.

As Microsoft continues integrating AI across Windows 11, these updates bring greater accessibility, creativity, and multilingual support to more users, solidifying AI’s role in everyday computing.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

MetaAI launches in Europe amid data concerns

Meta has resumed the roll-out of its MetaAI across Europe after halting the launch last year due to regulatory uncertainty.

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) still has questions regarding Meta’s AI tool, particularly in relation to its use of personal data from Facebook and Instagram users to train large language models.

The company has been in discussions with the DPC, but instead of an agreement, it remains under review as the tool continues to roll out.

MetaAI was first introduced in the US in September 2023, followed by India in June 2024, and the UK in October. It enables users to interact with a chat function across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

However, its expansion in Europe faced delays last summer due to concerns raised by the Irish privacy watchdog.

The company has expressed confidence in its compliance with the EU’s data protection laws and has been transparent with the DPC about its launch. However, failure to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) could lead to significant fines.

Additionally, certain aspects of MetaAI fall under the scope of Europe’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires the company to meet specific standards on user safety and transparency.

The European Commission has indicated it is waiting for a risk assessment from Meta to ensure that the tool complies with DSA obligations. While initial elements may not be directly relevant to the DSA, the Commission will continue to monitor the deployment closely.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

European Commission charges €58.2 million in fees for DSA enforcement

The European Commission has charged the largest online platforms in the EU a total of €58.2 million in supervisory fees for their enforcement under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

These fees, which apply to platforms with over 45 million users per month, aim to fund the Commission’s activities for DSA enforcement, including administrative and human resource costs.

Meta, TikTok, and Google have filed five pending court cases against the fees, challenging the charges.

The DSA, designed to increase platform accountability, became fully applicable in February 2024, and the Commission has designated 25 Very Large Online Platforms, including major players like Amazon and LinkedIn.

During the 2024 period, the Commission launched formal proceedings against several platforms and sent over 100 requests for information.

However, instead of these fees fully covering the Commission’s expenses, they led to a deficit of €514,061. Investigations into platforms like X are ongoing, with transparency issues being a key concern.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Amazon unveils Nova Act to enhance AI capabilities

Amazon has launched Nova Act, a general-purpose AI agent capable of controlling web browsers to perform simple tasks. Along with the new agent, Amazon is releasing the Nova Act SDK, enabling developers to create agent prototypes.

The tool will also power key features of the upcoming Alexa+ upgrade, a generative AI-enhanced version of Amazon’s voice assistant.

Developed by Amazon’s AGI lab, Nova Act is designed to automate tasks such as ordering food or making reservations. Although the model is currently a research preview, Amazon claims Nova Act outperforms competitors like OpenAI’s Operator and Anthropic’s Computer Use in internal tests.

The toolkit, available on nova.amazon.com, allows developers to integrate AI agents into applications that can navigate websites, fill forms, and interact with digital content.

Despite its early stage, Nova Act is seen as a significant step in the development of superintelligent AI, with Amazon’s AGI lab aiming to make AI agents reliable and effective across various tasks.

Instead of AI agents from other companies that have faced challenges like slow response times and error-prone performance, Amazon hopes that Nova Act will address these issues, potentially providing a competitive edge in the AI market.

The success of Nova Act could also play a crucial role in the success of Alexa+ and Amazon’s broader AI strategy.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Runway expands AI video capabilities with Gen-4

Runway has unveiled Gen-4, its most advanced AI-powered video generator yet, promising superior character consistency, realistic motion, and world understanding.

The model is now available to individual and enterprise users, allowing them to generate dynamic videos using visual references and text-based instructions.

Backed by investors such as Google and Nvidia, Runway faces fierce competition from OpenAI and Google in the AI video space. The company has differentiated itself by securing Hollywood partnerships and investing heavily in AI-generated filmmaking.

However, it remains tight-lipped about its training data, raising concerns over copyright issues.

Runway is currently embroiled in a lawsuit from artists accusing the company of training its models on copyrighted works instead of getting permission. The company claims fair use as a defence.

Meanwhile, it is reportedly seeking new funding at a $4 billion valuation, with hopes of reaching $300 million in annual revenue. As AI video tools advance, concerns grow over their impact on jobs in the entertainment industry, with thousands of positions at risk.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Apple expands AI features with new update

Apple Intelligence is expanding with new features, including Priority Notifications, which highlight time-sensitive alerts for users. This update is part of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, rolling out globally.

The AI suite is now available in more languages and has launched in the EU for iPhone and iPad users.

Additional improvements include a new Sketch style in Image Playground and the ability to generate ‘memory movies’ on Mac using simple text descriptions. Vision Pro users in the US can now access Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Genmoji.

Apple’s AI rollout has been gradual since its introduction at WWDC last year, with features arriving in stages.

The update also brings fresh emojis, child safety enhancements, and the debut of Apple News+ Food, further expanding Apple’s digital ecosystem.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

OpenAI expands image generator access to all users

OpenAI has made its image generator, powered by the GPT-4o model, accessible to all users, CEO Sam Altman announced on X. Previously, this feature was available only to paying ChatGPT subscribers.

While there is no clear indication of how many images free-tier users can create, Altman previously mentioned a possible limit of three per day.

The tool has seen massive demand since its launch, with Altman joking that OpenAI’s GPUs were ‘melting’ under the pressure. However, it has also sparked controversy, particularly after users began generating images in the style of Studio Ghibli, raising copyright concerns.

Others have used the generator to create fake receipts, such as restaurant bills. OpenAI has responded by stating that all AI-generated images contain metadata identifying them and that the company takes action when violations occur.

In a major financial development, OpenAI has secured $40 billion in funding from SoftBank, valuing the company at $300 billion. The company also revealed that ChatGPT now boasts 500 million weekly active users and 700 million monthly active users, marking a significant milestone in its growth.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Nonprofits receive $10 million boost from Google for AI training

Google.org has announced a $10 million grant initiative aimed at helping nonprofits integrate AI into their operations.

Community foundations in Atlanta, Austin, Columbia, New York City, and San Francisco will distribute the grants, providing nonprofits with tailored AI support to enhance their work.

However, this funding forms part of a broader commitment by Google to improve AI adoption across various sectors.

The initiative includes a generative AI accelerator programme and an AI Opportunity Fund that aims to invest nearly $100 million in AI training and integration programmes for nonprofits.

Over the last year, 20 organisations have benefited from these funds, developing and piloting AI curricula to build practical skills within their communities.

According to Maggie Johnson, Vice President and Global Head of Google.org, recipients report that AI helps them achieve goals in a third of the time and at nearly half the cost.

A six-month-long AI accelerator programme has already provided training to 21 nonprofits, impacting more than 30 million people through AI-powered solutions.

The funding aims to enhance operational efficiency across sectors such as education, health, and workforce readiness.

Organisations like the Tech:NYC Foundation’s Decoded Futures project and Project Evident are leading efforts to promote equitable and responsible AI use, encouraging collaboration between tech leaders and nonprofits.

Nonprofits supported by Google’s funding include global organisations like the World Bank and local initiatives such as Climate Ride and Erika’s Lighthouse.

The funding is expected to drive AI literacy, streamline operations, and enhance the impact of organisations working with limited resources.

Project Evident’s managing director, Sarah Di Troia, emphasised the importance of nonprofits engaging with AI to remain relevant and influential in the evolving technological landscape.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

US robotics firms seek federal support amid China’s rapid growth

Following the US’s first-ever Enterprise Artificial Intelligence Strategy in October 2024, leading robotics companies are urging the government to develop a national robotics strategy and establish a federal office to support the industry.

The push comes as China accelerates its robotics investments, raising concerns about US competitiveness in the global market.

Executives from Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Agility Robotics showcased their latest innovations on Capitol Hill this week, advocating for policies that bolster domestic production and adoption of robots.

Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik, highlighted how the United States once led the field but lost ground to Japan and Europe. Tesla’s Jonathan Chen added that manufacturing at scale remains a key challenge.

The Association for Advanced Automation warned that without strong federal leadership, the US risks falling behind in both robotics and AI. Meanwhile, China continues expanding its robotics sector, with a state-backed fund aiming to attract $138 billion over two decades.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, China now leads in industrial robot usage, with 1.8 million in operation as of 2023.

With global investment in robotics projected to exceed $13 billion by 2025, US industry leaders stress that a national strategy is essential to maintaining a competitive edge.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.