Your weekly briefing on all things AI
Presented by Clark Valberg

While generative AI steals the spotlight, a quieter yet transformative revolution is reshaping global connectivity. AI isn't just generating content; it's optimizing networks, managing massive streams of data from billions of connected devices, and fortifying cybersecurity. These advancements are fueling an industry poised to explode from $11.53 billion in 2024 to an eye-popping $192.42 billion by 2034.

One great example is Meta is pouring $10 billion into a groundbreaking undersea cable project linking the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Boasting an astonishing 320 terabits per second of capacity, this high-speed network will give Meta unprecedented control over its infrastructure. For businesses using Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, this means sharper service quality, lower latency, and rock-solid data transmission.

For companies and consumers alike, this move could usher in a new era of more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective digital communication across global markets. But with the rapid pace of AI-driven interconnectivity, the next decade could bring even more mind-bending possibilities. 

 Let’s dive in… 

> Researchers Get a Glimpse of  the Future Internet 

> AWS Key Updates from Recent ReInvent 2024

> Centralize Work Communications with LoopHQ

> Pony.ai Raises $260M for Self-Driving Vehicle Innovation

> How to Use Claude’s New Writing Style Feature

Quantum Connectivity: A Glimpse into the Future of the Internet

This week, scientists achieved a breakthrough in quantum entanglement, enabling instant data transmission without wires or Wi-Fi. Dubbed the "quantum internet," this technology connects particles over vast distances for ultra-secure, unhackable communication. Industries like finance, healthcare, and logistics could benefit from faster, safer data sharing, while global research stands to gain from unprecedented speed and efficiency. (popularmechanics)

More Stories

• Elon Musk’s xAI may launch a ChatGPT rival app soon. (techcrunch)

• Anthropic introduces a new approach to linking data with AI chatbots. (techcrunch)

• PlayAI allows voice cloning on demand. (techcrunch)

• South Korea becomes the first nation to replace 10% of its workforce with robots. (tbsnews)

• Canada’s top news outlets unite to take legal action against OpenAI. (toronto)

• How a digital version of yourself could endure your most tedious conference calls. (techcrunch)

Real Estate | AI-Driven “Dream Home” Searches

REAI is slowly replicating the “human touch” through advanced AI tools like AiMatch® and REbot. These technologies analyze preferences to deliver highly personalized property searches, creating an experience that feels intuitive and tailored—like working with a trusted agent. (ibtimes)

Healthcare & Biotech | Microsoft & Viz.ai Improve Speed to Diagnosis

Microsoft and Viz.ai are collaborating to tackle one of healthcare’s biggest challenges: reducing the time between diagnosis and treatment. Using over 48 advanced AI models, their technology empowers doctors to identify life-threatening conditions faster. By streamlining workflows and enabling real-time decision-making, the partnership could reshape how hospitals manage critical care, offering a scalable solution for healthcare systems worldwide. (yahoo!finance)

Finance & Banking | CBA Cuts Scam Losses in Half

Commonwealth Bank of Australia has cut customer scam losses by 50% using AI tools (developed in-house) like NameCheck and CallerCheck. The bank now flags suspicious transactions and sends proactive alerts, reducing customer-reported fraud by 30%. AI is also accelerating loan applications and enhancing customer service. CBA plans to expand these AI capabilities for an enhanced customer experience. (yahoo!finance)

Technology | AWS Improves Customer Engagement Tools

At re:Invent 2024, AWS introduced powerful updates to Amazon Connect, including instant call summaries with generative AI, WhatsApp integration for global communication, and secure data collection for privacy compliance. These tools offer businesses faster, smarter customer engagement while addressing regulatory demands—an essential step for leaders aiming to enhance operations and maintain trust. (amazon)

Retail & E-commerce | Smart Carts & AI Bots in Stores

Retailers are using AI to make shopping quicker and more personalized in their physical locations. In Walmart Chile, smart carts speed up checkout, while in Thailand, an AI bot helps you plan meals while you shop. Studies show many U.S. shoppers already interact with AI without realizing it, with experts predicting it will reshape retail through smarter, faster, and more tailored experiences. (pymnts)

Media & Entertainment | OpenAI’s Video Model Leaked

OpenAI’s Sora video model was leaked online, showing it can quickly create 10-second, high-quality video clips. The group behind the leak accused OpenAI of “exploiting creators” as unpaid test users, but the stunt was shut down quickly. This incident may accelerate conversations about transparency and fair treatment in the AI creative space. (steve-nouri)

LoopHQ: Streamlined Work Communications

LoopHQ  is a centralized workspace that integrates tools like email, Slack, Google Drive, and task management platforms into a single, organized feed, streamlining workflows for business owners. One standout feature is its ability to automatically gather relevant files, emails, and notes for upcoming meetings, saving time and ensuring you’re always prepared. With its real-time prioritization, LoopHQ identifies and highlights your most critical tasks across platforms, acting as a virtual assistant to help you stay focused and productive.

More Tools:

• Webdraw: lets you sketch your idea and transforms it into a functional website.

• Let Me Check Your Site: offers useful SEO tips to improve your site's performance.

• WotNot: automates customer interactions using AI chatbots for support, lead generation and feedback collection.

• GenFM: turns your written content into personalized podcasts with AI co-hosts, in multiple languages.

• Foundry AI: helps businesses create customized AI solutions to improve operations and decision-making.

• Berries: automates note-taking for mental health professionals, making documentation faster and more efficient.

• Yooz AI: helps you easily generate engaging LinkedIn posts and manage content interactions.

• Gamma: simplifies creating presentations, documents and websites with no design or coding expertise required.

• Pony.ai Secures $260M for Autonomous Vehicle Development. (techcrunch)

• Cresta Raises $125M to Create Unified Platform for Human and Virtual Agents. (cresta)

• Cradle Secures $73M in New Capital to Expand Protein-Design AI and Wet Lab. (techcrunch)

• Dev Agents Raises $56M to Develop Smarter AI Agents and Expand Globally. (techcrunch)

• Ex-Meta and Google Executives Launch AirOps with $50M to Build AI-Powered Sales System. (yahoo!finance)

• Allink Biotherapeutics Secures $42M in Series A to Propel Bispecific Antibody and ADC Pipeline. (yahoo!finance)

• Sirona Medical Clinches $42M in Series C to Boost Customer Success with Its Cloud-Based Unify Platform. (sironamedical)

• Cardless Raises $30M to Revolutionize Co-Branded Credit Cards. (techcrunch)

_. Prompting Tip _.

How to Use Claude’s New Writing Style Feature

Claude AI's new writing style feature lets you customize how it responds, offering a more personal touch to your prompts. Whether you're looking for a professional tone or a creative flair,  you can now teach Claude to mimic your preferred tone and voice, making the interactions feel more tailored and consistent.

Here’s how you can use it:

1. Open the Styles Menu
   Log into Claude AI and click the "Choose style" dropdown menu located at the top near the model selector.

2. Create a Custom Style
   Scroll down and click "Create & Edit Styles," then select "Create Custom Style" to start the process.

3. Upload Your Writing Sample
   Click "Add Writing Example" to either upload or paste text that showcases the tone and style you want.

4. Let Claude Analyze
   Claude will analyze the text and create a style profile based on your input.

Activate Your Custom Style
Once the style is ready, choose it from the dropdown menu, and Claude will respond in the style you selected.