Google Chrome is getting a new AI writing generator today.
At its core, this Gemin-powered tool is essentially the existing “Help me write” feature from Gmail, but extended to the entire web and powered by one of Google’s latest Gemini AI models.
To get started, head to the Chrome settings menu and look for the ‘Experimental AI’ page.
From there, you can easily enable the new writing feature, as well as Google’s new automatic tab organizer (which I haven’t found particularly useful or smart so far) and the new Chrome theme manager).
If you’re subscribed to Gemini Advanced, this new tool will not give you access to an enhanced writing model, a Google spokesperson told us.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is pumping $3.5 million into C16 Biosciences, the Y Combinator-backed company fermenting alternatives to the environmentally destructive palm oil business.
While the industry’s given itself something of a makeover lately, deforestation linked to palm oil production is once again on the rise.
Using yeast and agriculturally derived feedstocks, C16 already brews an alternative to the seed oil for use in beauty products, under the name Palmless.
A 2020 study found that climate pollution from palm oil plantations alone equate to about half that of the whole aviation industry.
In addition to the Gates Foundation and Elemental, C16’s previous investors include Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy and DCVC.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is pumping $3.5 million into C16 Biosciences, the Y Combinator-backed company fermenting alternatives to the environmentally destructive palm oil business.
While the industry’s given itself something of a makeover lately, deforestation linked to palm oil production is once again on the rise.
Using yeast and agriculturally derived feedstocks, C16 already brews an alternative to the seed oil for use in beauty products, under the name Palmless.
A 2020 study found that climate pollution from palm oil plantations alone equate to about half that of the whole aviation industry.
In addition to the Gates Foundation and Elemental, C16’s previous investors include Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy and DCVC.
Journal app Day One is introducing Shared Journals, a new social feature that lets you share stories and memories with your friends and family.
As the creator of a shared journal, you can remove members, and as a member, you have the option to leave Shared Journals.
To get started with Shared Journals, you need to tap the app’s upper left menu where you will see a new “Shared” section.
Then, you will need to click “New Shared Journal” and customize and name your new Shared Journal.
Once you publish the first entry in the Shared Journal, it will appear in the “Timeline” view for the Shared Journal.
In some parts of the world (read: Japan, primarily), eldercare has been an important robotics focus for decades.
In Tel Aviv, meanwhile, Intuition Robotics has been promoting a “companion” robot since 2016 or so.
The latest version of the robot features design tweaks, more powerful hardware and — of course — generative AI integration.
The company is exploring other avenues with generative AI, as well here.
“One example is the ability to paint or write poems together, activities that contribute to cognitive wellness and creativity,” Intuition notes.
In September 2023, Amazon announced to developers that it would be launching new tools to build LLM-powered experiences.
Today, the company revealed three developers delivering new generative AI-powered Alexa experiences, including AI chatbot platform Character.AI, AI music company Splash and Voice AI game developer Volley.
All three experiences are available in the Amazon Alexa Skill Store.
Volley introduced its generative AI-powered “20 Questions” game, giving Alexa users a modern version of the well-known game.
The game uses generative AI to interact with users by asking them questions, providing hints and explaining “yes or no questions” if the human opponent gets stuck.
In September 2023, Amazon announced to developers that it would be launching new tools to build LLM-powered experiences.
Today, the company revealed three developers delivering new generative AI-powered Alexa experiences, including AI chatbot platform Character.AI, AI music company Splash and Voice AI game developer Volley.
All three experiences are available in the Amazon Alexa Skill Store.
Volley introduced its generative AI-powered “20 Questions” game, giving Alexa users a modern version of the well-known game.
The game uses generative AI to interact with users by asking them questions, providing hints and explaining “yes or no questions” if the human opponent gets stuck.
Parallel Learning is solving that problem with a teletherapy platform that partners with school districts to create individualized plans for each student.
Parallel’s providers work with a school’s special education program (SPED) to develop a Individualized Education Program (IEP), a legal document in the United States that outlines the personalized education plan for a student with special needs.
Then when the pandemic hit and schools began struggling to serve their students, Heldfond knew it was time to bring her idea to fruition.
One of the main problems Parallel addresses is the shortage of behavioral and special education providers that work with children.
The company partners with K-12 public school districts, reaching out to special education directors, superintendents and others.
This edition of WiR spotlights Brian’s review of the new Amazon Echo Frames, MrBeast’s bizarre TV-like game show, the Apple Watch U.S. ban and the expected release date of the Apple Vision Pro.
Most readNew Echo Frames: Brian test drove Amazon’s new and improved Echo Frames, which feature upgraded sound and a 14-hour battery.
Apple Watch banned — then not: A recent U.S. ban on Apple Watch imports — centering on a pair of pulse oximetry sensor trademarks held by health tech company Masimo — nearly remained in place after the Biden administration declined to veto an earlier ruling by the International Trade Commission.
But then, an appeals court instituted a pause, allowing Apple to resume sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 — at least temporarily.
Hyperloop One crashes and burns: One of the longest-running hyperloop startups is reportedly shutting its doors.
The global re-commerce market is poised for growth as consumers increasingly settle for pre-owned goods to save on cost, and as some observe conscious consumption.
With the global re-commerce market expected to continue its growth spurt, C2C marketplaces like Saudi Arabia’s Soum are looking to capture users in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Soum was founded in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2021, and is now eyeing growth expansion to other MENA countries, beginning with the United Arabs Emirates.
Beyond expansion, the startup, whose top listings are electronics, is also increasing the categories it covers by including products like automobiles and collectibles.
This is the preposition that Soum brings to the table.”Soum manages the entire process from listing to delivery.
