Visa's $100m bet on Generative AI for commerce

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1. Visa's $100m bet on Generative AI for commerce

Visa has announced a groundbreaking $100 million initiative focused on generative AI, aiming to reshape the future of commerce and payments. This form of AI, harnessing the power of large language models, has the potential to produce a wide array of content, from text to images.

Jack Forestell, a key figure at Visa, believes that generative AI will play a pivotal role in transforming commerce. Leading this ambitious initiative is Visa Ventures, the company's investment arm, which has a rich history of backing innovative ventures. Their focus on generative AI underscores the transformative potential of this technology.

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2. AI's fragrant revolution

The age-old art of perfume-making is undergoing a technological renaissance with the integration of AI. Perfumers are now using AI tools to craft scents that can influence emotions, marking a significant shift in the fragrance industry. Neuroscents, developed using biometric tests, are at the forefront of this change, revealing how different odors impact the brain.

Major players in the beauty industry, like L’Oréal, are diving deep into this AI-driven trend. Collaborating with Emotiv, L’Oréal offers a unique scent selection experience based on brain activity. However, as AI continues to permeate the world of perfumery, critics voice concerns about the potential loss of human artistry in scent creation.

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3. AI celebrity chatbots are gaining in popularity

The realm of artificial intelligence is witnessing a captivating evolution with the emergence of chatbots boasting distinct personalities. Meta, during its annual Connect conference, unveiled AI-powered chatbots that mimic celebrities, aiming to re-engage younger users and tap into the allure of "character-driven" AI.

This trend extends beyond Meta. Platforms like Character.AI offer customizable AI companions with distinct personalities, garnering significant user engagement. While these AI characters offer a more enlivened conversation, making them more captivating to users, the longevity and impact of such AI personalities in the long run remain subjects of debate.

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4. Vincent van Gogh and AI meet

Paris' renowned Musée d’Orsay is offering art enthusiasts a unique experience: an AI representation of the iconic artist Vincent van Gogh. As part of an exhibition showcasing the artist's final works, this AI version of Van Gogh allows visitors to interact and delve into various aspects of his life.

The technology behind this AI feature was developed by the startup Jumbo Mana, which specializes in reviving historical figures through AI. Drawing from extensive research on Van Gogh's letters, the AI's responses offer a glimpse into the artist's thoughts and emotions, providing a fresh perspective on his life and works.

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5. AI Pin launched at Paris fashion show

Humane, a startup founded by ex-Apple executives, has unveiled a revolutionary wearable AI assistant called the "Ai Pin." Showcased at a Paris fashion show, this screenless device, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform, promises a range of futuristic capabilities, from projecting details to translating languages in real-time.

The Ai Pin's debut at Paris Fashion Week positions it as a stylish wearable, merging the worlds of fashion and technology. As the tech community eagerly awaits the full unveiling of the Ai Pin on November 9, the device stands as a testament to the endless possibilities of combining style with cutting-edge technology.

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