features

“CES Launch: Walmart Unveils Cutting-Edge AI Search and Replenishment Capabilities”

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Most notably, Walmart is launching a new generative AI search feature on iOS that will allow customers to search for products by use cases, instead of by product or brand names. These enhanced search results will span categories, rivaling Google’s SGE (Search Generative Experience), which can recommend products and show various factors to consider, along with reviews, prices, images, and more. At the time, Walmart teased that a generative AI-powered search feature was also in the works. In another area, Walmart’s generative AI tool for store associates, My Assistant, will be expanded to 11 countries outside the U.S. in 2024, where it will work in employees’ native languages. Outside of AI, Walmart is looking to other new technology for faster deliveries.

“Unlocking the Perfect Venture Investor: A Guide”

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Well, now that we’re in recovery mode, there are new rules to play by when it comes to identifying, pitching and partnering with the right investor. LPs are being more selective, and the bar for deals is higher now, writes Paul Hsu, founder and CEO of Decasonic, a venture and digital assets fund. He shares 12 tips on how to find the right venture partner in this new environment. “As organizations ramp up their shift toward AI-centric business models, it’s not just about staying competitive — it’s also about survival.”Get the TechCrunch+ Roundup newsletter in your inbox! Building a viable pricing model for generative AI features could be challengingAnd finally, as generative AI features become more ubiquitous, companies are finding that monetizing these add-ons is hard.

Big Burro Discovers Agtech Robotics Firm’s Massive Expansion

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Burro has been on our radar since early 2020, when the company (then Augean) participated in a TechCrunch Robotics pitch-off. The wonderfully named Burro Grande is — as the name suggests — a big new member of the family. “In simple terms, Burro Grande is a bigger Burro,” says Andersen. This Burro Grande is “Pallet-scale”, which means it can carry 1,500 lbs and tow 5,000 lbs. Burro Grande, includes several safety features, including 3D LIDAR, and all Burro Grandes come with Burro Operating System Software v 5.0 which includes a Lidar-based SLAM algorithm, which enables GPS denied navigation.”The Grande can be ordered starting today.

Discover the Latest in Smart Home Tech: Experience Samsung’s Interactive ‘AI Characters’ in Household Maps

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Samsung wants to make the smart home smarter — if your home’s a Samsung home, that is. Elsewhere, Samsung launched a new “map view” for SmartThings similar to Amazon’s recently launched Map View. Samsung’s take shows an interactive map of your home complete with the location of any smart home devices (e.g. In a cute (or creepy, depending on your point of view) touch, the new SmartThings maps show “AI characters” that stand in for family members and pets inside the home. But once that’s done, they’ll display on supported Samsung TVs, the screen of the Samsung Family Hub smart fridge and Samsung’s M8 monitors.

Overcoming the Challenge of Constructing a Feasible Pricing Strategy for Generative Artificial Intelligence Capabilities

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In October, Box unveiled a new pricing approach for the company’s generative AI features. Instead of a flat rate, the company designed a unique consumption-based model. Each user gets 20 credits per month, good for any number of AI tasks that add up to 20 events, with each task charged a single credit. If the customer surpasses that, it would be time to have a conversation with a salesperson about buying additional credits. Spang says, for starters, that in spite of the hype, generative AI is clearly a big leap forward, and software companies need to look for ways to incorporate it into their products.

“Discover the web3 Twist: Line and Telegram Meet DocuSign with EthSign”

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Telegram and Line, two of the world’s most popular messengers with hundreds of millions of monthly users, have both been integrating crypto features in recent months. Backed by all three divisions of Sequoia — Sequoia Capital, Sequoia Capital India and Sequoia Capital China (now called HongShan), Singapore-based EthSign aims to provide a web3 equivalent of DocuSign with the promise of an additional layer of transparency and trustworthiness. EthSign is deployed on the respective blockchain network that runs on Telegram and Line, TON and Finschia. EthSign has already rolled out on Telegram as a mini app, which can notify users of a list of pending documents to approve. Already live on Line as a web app, EthSign has signed a memorandum of understanding with Finschia for further integration in the coming months.

“Unleash the Power of Trending on Bluesky’s Rival, X, with Graysky’s ‘Pro’ Subscription”

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Meanwhile, the app’s broader update for all users brings several new features, including Trending Topics, to see what’s popular on Bluesky right now. On Bluesky, users can choose from multiple, custom feeds — a sort of algorithmic choice that other microblogging platforms like Instagram Threads and X don’t have. Of these, the “Trending Topics” section — available from the app’s search tab — is the biggest highlight as it makes the world of Bluesky feel more like Twitter/X. (It also reflects the community that has sprung up there, as tags like #furry and #nsfw are among the trending topics at this time). Graysky Pro is an optional subscription that supports the app’s continued development and includes additional features.