Intuit has projected stronger-than-expected third-quarter revenue, driven by growing demand for its AI-powered financial services and a busy US tax season.
The company’s optimistic forecast sent its shares up nearly 5% in extended trading. Chief Financial Officer Sandeep Aujla expressed confidence in the firm’s performance, highlighting a strong start to the tax season.
The company, known for TurboTax, QuickBooks, and Credit Karma, has been expanding its use of AI to enhance financial management and automation.
Intuit Assist, its AI-powered assistant, is integrated across its products to provide personalised financial recommendations and streamline tasks like bookkeeping. The firm recently launched an AI tool for QuickBooks to help small businesses manage tax and financial operations more efficiently.
Revenue for the second quarter reached $3.96 billion, surpassing Wall Street estimates, while adjusted earnings per share also exceeded expectations.
For the third quarter, Intuit expects revenue between $7.55 billion and $7.60 billion, above analysts’ projections. However, its forecasted adjusted profit per share of $10.89 to $10.95 fell short of estimates. Despite this, the company reiterated its confidence in its full-year outlook.
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Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet, the latest in AI development, is being put to the test by playing Pokémon Red on Twitch. The livestream has drawn attention as viewers watch the AI slowly navigate through the game, reasoning its way through each step. While Pokémon is a game designed for children, it serves as a useful benchmark for evaluating the AI’s problem-solving skills, demonstrating how far AI models have come in reasoning through complex puzzles.
Despite its progress, Claude 3.7 Sonnet’s gameplay is far from perfect. Early on, the AI struggled with basic tasks, like leaving the starting town, but later managed to win several gym leader badges. Yet, its performance is often slow, with moments of confusion that highlight the challenges AI faces in navigating human-designed games. For example, Claude became fixated on a rock wall, unable to move past it until it reasoned a way around.
This experiment draws comparisons to the earlier phenomenon “Twitch Plays Pokémon,” where thousands of people worked together to guide a character through the game. Now, AI plays solo, and while it’s a fascinating display of technological progress, some viewers lament the shift from collaborative human gameplay to watching a machine take on the same challenges. Still, the experiment highlights the growing sophistication of AI in handling tasks once thought too complex for machines.
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Quora has unveiled a new feature on its Poe platform that allows users to create custom AI-powered applications. Named Poe Apps, the tool enables users to describe the app they want to build, and it generates the necessary code, powered by Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet. The apps can integrate various AI models, such as OpenAI’s o3-mini or Google’s Veo 2, allowing for personalised functionality.
Once created, these apps can be run alongside Poe’s chatbot window or function as standalone web apps, with the option to adjust the underlying code manually. Poe Apps can currently be shared with other users on the web, with iOS and Android versions expected soon. While free users get a daily points allotment to use the models, premium subscribers have access to more flexible packages.
Quora has also hinted at future monetisation options for app creators, expanding the potential of Poe Apps. With this new feature, Quora is not only enabling the creation of unique apps but also setting the stage for users to earn from their AI-driven innovations.
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European AI-related stocks declined for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, as concerns over Microsoft‘s data centre expansion dampened investor sentiment.
A recent analyst note suggested Microsoft had cancelled major US data centre leases, raising questions about its AI and cloud investment strategy. The uncertainty comes ahead of Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report, which is expected to provide insight into the strength of AI demand.
Companies exposed to data centres and infrastructure saw significant losses, with Germany‘s Siemens Energy and France‘s Schneider Electric continuing their declines from Monday.
Italian cable manufacturer Prysmian and Swiss engineering firm ABB also suffered losses as analysts debated whether Microsoft’s actions signalled a broader trend or a temporary reassessment. Microsoft has maintained that its AI and cloud expansion plans remain unchanged.
Market analysts remain divided, with some viewing the selloff as an overreaction and a potential buying opportunity. The volatility follows last month’s global tech downturn triggered by China‘s low-cost AI model, DeepSeek.
Nvidia’s earnings on Wednesday will be closely watched as investors assess whether AI-related stocks can sustain their high valuations in the face of shifting market dynamics.
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Alibaba has made its AI model Wan 2.1 publicly available, enhancing competition in video and image generation. The move aligns with growing interest in open-source AI, following the recent rise of cost-effective models from firms such as DeepSeek.
The company introduced four variants of Wan 2.1, capable of generating images and videos from text and image input. Each model supports varying levels of complexity, with the most advanced handling 14 billion parameters for improved accuracy.
In January, the company unveiled an upgraded version of its AI model, later rebranded as Wan, with a focus on generating highly realistic visuals. The model has achieved top rankings on VBench, a leaderboard assessing video generative AI capabilities.
A preview of Alibaba’s reasoning model, QwQ-Max, was also released, with plans for an open-source launch.
The firm announced a $52 billion investment in cloud computing and AI infrastructure over the next three years. The commitment highlights its long-term focus on advancing AI and maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving sector.
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For over a century, the Rorschach inkblot test has been used to explore human psychology by revealing the hidden facets of the mind through personal interpretations of ambiguous shapes. The test leverages a phenomenon known as pareidolia, where individuals perceive patterns, such as animals or faces, in random inkblots. Now, thanks to the advances in artificial intelligence, this test has been used to explore how AI interprets these same images.
In an intriguing experiment, ChatGPT was shown five common inkblots to see how it would respond. Unlike humans, who often project their emotions or personal experiences onto the images, the AI offered more literal interpretations, identifying symmetrical shapes or common visual features. However, these responses were based purely on patterns it has been trained to recognise, rather than any true emotional connection to the inkblots.
The AI’s responses were consistent with what it had learned from vast datasets of human interpretations. But while humans might see a butterfly or a skull, the AI merely recognised a shape, demonstrating a key difference between human cognition and machine processing. This experiment highlights the unique human ability to attach emotional or symbolic meaning to abstract visuals, something AI is not equipped to replicate.
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Apple has unveiled plans to invest $500 billion in the United States over the next four years. The investment will include the construction of a large facility in Texas for the production of AI servers, as well as the creation of 20,000 research and development jobs nationwide. This pledge highlights Apple’s continued commitment to strengthening its presence in the US, despite many of its products being assembled overseas.
Part of the investment will also go towards enhancing Apple’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund, which will grow from $5 billion to $10 billion. This fund will support the production of advanced silicon chips at a facility in Arizona, alongside a collaboration with Foxconn to build a 250,000-square-foot server assembly plant in Houston.
Additionally, Apple will open a new manufacturing academy in Michigan to help local businesses improve their processes and skills. These initiatives follow a similar commitment made in 2018, further cementing Apple’s role in the US economy and its ongoing expansion in research and manufacturing.
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Microsoft has reportedly scrapped leases for significant data centre capacity in the United States, raising concerns about a potential slowdown in its AI infrastructure expansion.
TD Cowen analysts revealed that the company cancelled leases amounting to “a couple of hundred megawatts” with at least two private data-centre operators. The move has added weight to investor worries that the AI-driven market surge may be losing momentum.
Despite the lease cancellations, Microsoft maintains its commitment to invest over $80 billion in AI and cloud capacity this fiscal year.
A company spokesperson confirmed the investment plan remains intact, noting that adjustments to infrastructure are part of strategic planning rather than a broader scale-back.
Analysts suggest the lease cancellations might reflect a shift in Microsoft’s data centre strategy following years of aggressive expansion to meet AI demand.
Supply chain constraints had previously forced the company to secure excess capacity, sometimes at premium rates.
However, with growing investor scepticism around the costs of AI infrastructure and emerging competition from low-cost Chinese firms like DeepSeek, Microsoft’s recalibration has intensified concerns about the long-term sustainability of the AI boom.
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On Valentine’s Day in San Francisco, the NBA Tech Summit took place ahead of the NBA All-Star weekend, showcasing the latest trends in sports, media, and technology. With the help of NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and legendary Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, the audience was introduced to the evolution of event broadcasting, companies set to make significant investments in the coming years, and the future of basketball as a sport.
The panels also included renowned basketball experts, media figures, and former NBA players. A common consensus emerged: robotics and AI will reshape the sport as we know and significantly help athletes achieve far better results than ever before.
However, this is not exactly a novelty, as many innovations were presented ahead of the Paris Olympics, where certain programmes helped analysts and audiences follow their favourite events in greater detail.
The future of the NBA and the role of fans during matches
The same idea applies to the NBA, particularly with the integration of augmented reality (AR) and a feature called ‘Tabletop’, which allows the display of a virtual court with digital avatars tracking player movements in real time.
A feature like this one generated the most interest from the audience, as it enables viewers to watch matches from various angles, analyse performances in real-time, access interactive player data, and simulate alternative outcomes—essentially exploring how the game would have unfolded if different decisions had been made on the court.
An important aspect of these innovations is that fans have the opportunity to vote for competition participants, ask real-time questions, and take part in virtual events designed to keep them engaged during and after match broadcasts.
AI plays a crucial role in these systems, primarily by analysing strategies and performances, allowing coaches and players to make better-informed decisions in key moments of the game.
Player health as a priority
With a packed schedule of matches, additional tournaments, and extensive travel, professional basketball players face daily physical challenges. To help preserve their health, new technologies aim to minimise potential injuries.
Wearable health-tracking sensors embedded in equipment to collect data on physical parameters were introduced at the NBA Summit. This technology provides medical teams with real-time insights into players’ conditions, helping prevent potential injuries.
Basketball spirit through cutting-edge technology: What did the NBA Tech Summit deliver? 11
Biometric sensors, motion-analysis accelerometers, injury-prevention algorithms, dehydration and fatigue tracking, and shoe sensors for load analysis are just some of the innovations in this field.
Ultra cameras, ultra broadcasts, ultra experience
For fans of high-resolution and interactive matches, the latest technological advancements offer new viewing experiences. While still in the final development stages, fans can already enjoy Ultra HD 8K and 360-degree cameras, along with the highly anticipated ‘player cam’ perspective, which allows for close-up tracking of individual players.
It is also possible to independently control the camera during matches, offering a complete view of the court and arena from every possible angle. Additionally, matches can be broadcast as holograms, providing a new dimension in 3D space on specialised platforms.
The integration of 5G technology ensures faster and more stable transmissions, enabling high-resolution streaming without delays.
Fewer mistakes, less stress
Refereeing mistakes have always been part of the sport, influencing match outcomes and shaping the history of one of the world’s most popular games. In response, the NBA has sought to minimise errors through Hawk-Eye technology for ball and boundary tracking.
A multi-camera system monitors the ball to determine whether it has crossed the line, touched the boundary, or shot on time. AI also analyses player contact in real time, suggesting potential fouls for referees to review.
Beyond these features, the NBA now operates a centralised Replay Centre, offering detailed analysis of controversial situations where AI plays a crucial role in providing recommendations for quicker decision-making. Additional innovations include hoop sensors, audio analysis for simulating unsportsmanlike fouls, and more.
Environmental sustainability and awareness
As an organisation reliant on cutting-edge technology, the NBA is also focused on environmental awareness, which is increasingly becoming a key aspect of the league. Modern arenas utilise solar energy, energy-efficient lighting, and water recycling systems, reducing electricity consumption and waste.
Digital tickets and contactless payments contribute to sustainability efforts, particularly through apps that enable quicker and more eco-friendly entry to arenas and access to various services.
Partnerships with environmental organisations are a crucial part of the NBA’s sustainability initiatives, with collaborations including the Green Sports Alliance and the NRDC. These efforts aim to reduce the environmental impact of events while enhancing the fan experience.
For basketball fans (and followers of other sports adopting similar advancements), the most important takeaway is that the fundamental rules and essence of the game will remain unchanged. Despite the inevitable technological progress, the core spirit of basketball, established in Springfield in 1891, will continue to be preserved.
More than 1,000 musicians have joined forces to release a silent album as part of a protest against the UK government’s proposed changes to copyright laws. The changes would allow AI companies to use artists’ work to train models without needing permission, a move critics argue would undermine creators’ rights. The silent album, titled ‘Is This What We Want?’, features empty studios and performance spaces, symbolising the potential loss of control over their work.
The changes have sparked outrage from high-profile artists such as Kate Bush, who warned that this could lead to the exploitation of musicians by tech companies. The protest album, which includes contributions from other major artists like Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa, aims to highlight the negative impact of such reforms on the livelihoods of creators.
The UK government argues that these changes will help boost the AI and creative industries, allowing them to reach their full potential. However, the controversy over copyright law is growing, with many in the music industry urging a rethink before any new regulations are finalised.
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