Good morning, AI enthusiasts. Apple is transforming Siri by integrating Google’s Gemini AI models, aiming to deliver smarter, more privacy-conscious assistant features across iPhones and Macs. This update equips Siri to better understand complex commands while maintaining user data security on the device.
The partnership marks a shift from simple voice commands to a more proactive AI collaborator that can connect multiple apps and workflows. How will this privacy-first, multiapp coordination impact professional productivity and daily device use?
In today’s AI recap:
From Larry Bruce:
"Apple’s integration of Google’s Gemini models into Siri signals a new era for AI assistants on iPhones and Macs. Professionals can expect smarter, more privacy-focused AI that helps them get more done seamlessly across apps."
Larry Bruce, BDCbox
The Recap: Apple announced that its next-generation Siri and Apple Intelligence features will run on Google’s Gemini foundational models, enhancing natural language understanding and privacy. This partnership promises smoother, more powerful AI assistance across Apple devices.
Unpacked:
Bottom line: This partnership pushes AI assistants beyond simple tasks into more proactive, integrated helpers for professionals. Expect your devices to become smarter collaborators that respect your privacy and streamline your workflow.
From Larry Bruce:
"Deepgram’s funding milestone marks a major endorsement for voice AI’s growing role in business. Professionals tracking AI tools should watch how conversational voice tech expands across industries to automate and enhance customer interactions."
The Recap: Deepgram raised $130 million in Series C funding at a $1.3 billion valuation and acquired a startup specializing in AI voice ordering for quick-service restaurants. Their platform supports over 1,300 organizations with powerful speech-to-text and conversational AI.
Unpacked:
Bottom line: Deepgram’s growth highlights how voice AI tools automate routine tasks and boost productivity across sectors. This expanded focus on practical, scalable solutions offers professionals a glimpse at next-gen automation making real-world impact.
From Larry Bruce:
"Salesforce takes a bold step forward by evolving its Slackbot into an AI super agent that spans multiple enterprise platforms. This integration unlocks new levels of efficiency, allowing professionals to automate routine tasks and keep their workflows seamless."
— Larry Bruce, BDCbox
The Recap: Salesforce released a new AI-powered Slackbot for Business+ and Enterprise+ users that completes tasks across Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, and more without leaving Slack. Read the full announcement.
Unpacked:
Bottom line: Seamless AI agents like Salesforce’s Slackbot signal a new era where professionals can complete cross-platform tasks effortlessly. Expect more AI tools to blend into enterprise ecosystems, driving smarter and faster work days.
Larry Bruce:
"Converge Bio’s recent funding milestone highlights how AI is helping professionals in biotech push science forward by automating complex research tasks. This signals exciting opportunities for early adopters to harness AI in real-world workflows that matter."
The Recap:
Converge Bio has raised $25 million in a Series A round to expand its AI-powered platform that speeds drug development by designing antibodies and optimizing proteins. The company’s integrated tools plug directly into pharma workflows, making AI a practical partner for researchers.
Unpacked:
Bottom line:
AI tools like those from Converge Bio let researchers automate complex scientific tasks, saving time and reducing costs. This funding round proves AI’s growing role in shaping faster, more efficient drug development for professionals across biotech.
Microsoft introduced a new Group Policy allowing enterprises to fully uninstall Copilot from managed Windows 11 devices, though with strict conditions restricting widespread removal.
Apple launched Creator Studio, a $12.99/month subscription bundling six pro creative apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro with AI-powered features and premium iWork content, offering huge value for content creators.
Microsoft pledged a "community-first" AI infrastructure buildout with many new data centers planned, promising no increase in local residential electricity bills amid ongoing environmental and community concerns.
Brazil’s competition watchdog ordered Meta to suspend its WhatsApp policy banning third-party AI chatbots and launched an anti-competition investigation, challenging Meta’s preferential treatment of its own AI bot.
1X robotics company released a new "world model" AI that helps its Neo humanoid robots learn new tasks autonomously by interpreting videos and prompts, marking a step forward in adaptable home robots.
ElevenLabs revealed it crossed $330 million in annual recurring revenue last year, propelled by enterprise adoption of its voice AI tech for customer support, signaling strong growth in the voice generation market.
Doctors and healthcare experts reflect on the emerging role of AI in medicine, endorsing tools like ChatGPT Health for patients while emphasizing AI’s bigger potential in streamlining administrative tasks for clinicians.
