All articles tagged with #ai assistant
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is on a limited-time sale for $12.97 (regularly $199), adding AI Copilot, improved multitasking with Snap Layouts, and security features like BitLocker and TPM 2.0 for eligible PCs; an extra 15% off is available with code MARCH15 through March 29.
Google announced a sweeping Maps update featuring Immersive Navigation, a new 3D driving view that renders buildings, streets, and terrain with smart zooms and lane guidance to reduce guesswork; Gemini handles the spatial understanding behind the feature, while 'Ask Maps' adds an on-map AI assistant for finding places. The update also highlights entrances and nearby parking, supports hands-free navigation, and is rolling out today to eligible Android and iOS devices in the US with CarPlay/Android Auto expansion coming later, marking Google Maps' biggest navigation upgrade in a decade.
Lenovo unveiled an attachable AI agent called Companion that mounts to a laptop display via a magnetic Magic Bay. The circular module houses an animated avatar named Tiko that can manage music, open web pages, answer questions, and even respond to emoji commands, plus it includes a Pomodoro-style timer. Lenovo plans to sell the Magic Bay later this year and also teased other concept devices, including the AI Workmate tabletop robot and the ThinkBook Modular AI PC, aimed at transforming how users interact with their workspace.
Meta Platforms is reviving its shelved smartwatch project, code-named Malibu 2, with plans for a 2026 launch that includes health-tracking features and a built-in Meta AI assistant, positioning it to compete with Apple and Google’s wearables.
An open-source AI assistant that started as Clawdbot exploded online, went through a rapid rebrand to Moltbot after trademark pressure from Anthropic, and faced crypto-scam hijacks and handle squatting during the chaos. Moltbot aims to live inside messaging apps, remembers conversations across weeks, offers proactive notifications, and can automate tasks by routing work to AI backends (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini) while leveraging local hardware. It surged to tens of thousands of GitHub stars in days but isn’t a polished enterprise product and requires careful cybersecurity. The project continues with documentation and safeguards as the community builds around a now-iconic lobster mascot.
Clawdbot is an open-source AI personal assistant that runs locally on your device (often a Mac mini), can read/write files, access your email/calendar/docs, and act autonomously on your behalf; it has sparked Silicon Valley buzz but requires technical setup and carries notable security and privacy risks, with installation and security tools available on GitHub for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Lenovo announced Qira, a cross-device AI assistant designed to operate across Lenovo laptops and Motorola phones, marking its most ambitious AI project to date and reflecting a strategic shift towards integrating AI more deeply into its hardware ecosystem.
TP-Link is launching Aireal, an AI assistant integrated into its Tapo and Deco apps, to enhance smart home control, troubleshooting, and security camera features, including facial recognition and AI-generated descriptions, with a wider rollout planned later this year.
Loona's DeskMate is a desktop charging hub that transforms your iPhone into an AI assistant by leveraging the phone's existing features, with a rotating stand, multiple ports, and integration with apps like Slack, expected to launch via crowdfunding below $300.
XGIMI, known for projectors, has launched its own line of AI-infused AR glasses called MemoMind, featuring two models: the flagship Memo One with dual displays and the lighter Memo Air. The glasses are designed to blend into daily life with various styles and prescription options, but use microLED technology, which may pose challenges for users with certain prescriptions. The Memo One is priced at $599 and will be available for pre-order soon.
Amazon's shares rose 2% after launching Alexa.com, expanding its AI assistant across more devices, which positively impacted investor confidence.
Amazon has launched Alexa.com, expanding Alexa+ to all Early Access customers, allowing users to interact with Alexa via browser for quick answers, task management, smart home control, and more, with seamless cross-device integration and persistent context for a personalized experience.
Google TV's Gemini is receiving a major update that enhances its AI capabilities with visual and interactive features like Nano Banana and Veo for creating AI-generated videos and images, along with improved voice control for adjusting settings through simple commands. The update aims to make the AI more helpful and engaging, initially rolling out to select TCL models before expanding to other devices.
Google aims to replace traditional morning news consumption with its AI assistant CC, emphasizing the importance of long-term brand engagement through consistent visibility and premium entertainment in the evolving media landscape, especially in the personal care sector where routine and early recognition are key.
Google is testing a new feature for Gemini 3 Pro that allows users to manually stop the AI from overthinking, switching to a faster, simpler response mode called Flash, which is especially useful for straightforward questions. The feature, currently in testing with select users, includes a Skip button that can improve response times by bypassing deep reasoning, though its impact on answer quality may vary. The rollout date for all users remains uncertain.