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Human Touch is the Future of Online Shopping

Emerson Blake
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Human Touch is the Future of Online Shopping

The Future of Online Shopping: How to Stay Ahead of the Game

I’m not anti-AI, and I believe it’s amazing. But I’m also a believer that the future of online shopping is not just about AI, but about creating meaningful connections with our audience. As someone who has been in the e-commerce space for over 10 years, I’ve seen many trends come and go. Here, I’ll share my insights on what I believe the future of online shopping looks like, how we got to this point, and some tips and tricks to help you stay ahead of the game.

The Biggest Opportunity for Online Shopping in 2025

I’m excited to share with you the biggest opportunity for online shopping in 2025: live commerce. Live commerce is a blend of livestreaming and e-commerce, where creators showcase their products live, explaining the features and benefits to their audience. If the audience likes what they see, they can instantly add it to their cart and purchase it. This format has generated $20 billion in revenue in 2022 and is projected to hit $55 billion by 2026.

The Psychology of Why it Works

Understanding why live commerce works is crucial to future-proofing your business. Live commerce is at the root of what makes us human – it’s not just about the product. It’s about creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and making people feel like they’re part of something exclusive. When you see others getting excited and making purchases, it’s hard not to think, "I need one too." This format taps into our desire for social proof and our need for instant gratification.

Who Are the Players?

TikTok is leading the charge, and creators have seen significant success using this format. But it’s not just about making money with products; TikTok’s gifting feature allows users to send virtual items to creators to show appreciation, adding another layer of engagement. Whatnot is another platform I’m watching, as it specializes in collectibles, fashion, and other niche products. What I love about Whatnot is how it connects passionate collectors with the products they love most, creating a sense of community.

3 Tips to Get Started with Live Commerce

If you’re new to live commerce, here are three tips to get you started:

  1. Promote Your Livestream in Advance: Treat your livestream like an event and promote it in advance. Share sneak peeks or teasers, and create a sense of urgency by offering exclusive deals or promotions.
  2. Leverage Live Q&A: Encourage your audience to ask questions and answer them genuinely and in detail. This is your chance to handle objections and clarify any concerns.
  3. Have a Clear Call to Action: Have a clear call to action (CTA) that tells your audience exactly what you want them to do, whether it’s buying a product, signing up, or staying connected.

My Two Cents

Live commerce is a fantastic opportunity to grow any business, but it’s not a magic formula. It’s essential to have a good product that people want, understand your audience, and know how to connect with them. Live commerce should be viewed as another tool in your tool belt, not the belt itself. Consistently engaging with your audience is key, and AI can’t replicate the human connection.

Conclusion

The future of online shopping is not just about AI; it’s about creating meaningful connections with our audience. Live commerce is a fantastic opportunity to grow any business, but it’s not a magic formula. It’s essential to have a good product, understand your audience, and know how to connect with them. By following the tips and tricks outlined above, you can stay ahead of the game and take advantage of this shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is live commerce?
A: Live commerce is a blend of livestreaming and e-commerce, where creators showcase their products live, explaining the features and benefits to their audience.

Q: How does live commerce work?
A: Creators showcase their products live, and if the audience likes what they see, they can instantly add it to their cart and purchase it.

Q: What are some popular platforms for live commerce?
A: TikTok and Whatnot are two popular platforms for live commerce, with many others emerging.

Q: Why is live commerce so effective?
A: Live commerce taps into our desire for social proof and our need for instant gratification, creating a sense of FOMO and making people feel like they’re part of something exclusive.

Apollo Hospitals to Leverage AI Copilots and Enhanced AI Capabilities

Taylor Marlowe
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Apollo Hospitals to Leverage AI Copilots and Enhanced AI Capabilities

Microsoft Partners with Apollo Hospitals to Adopt AI Copilots

Partnership to Enhance Remote Healthcare Platform and Develop New Technology Solutions

Apollo Hospitals, a leading hospital group, has announced a new collaboration with Microsoft to adopt four AI copilots as part of its AI roadmap. The technology giant will help Apollo develop and implement its AI roadmap, focusing on expanding the hospital group’s remote healthcare platform worldwide and building new technology solutions.

Microsoft’s Investment in India’s AI Ecosystem

This partnership is part of a string of strategic partnerships Microsoft has entered in India this year. The company has pledged a $3 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure in the country over the next two years. Microsoft has also partnered with major industry players, including RailTel, Mahindra Group, Bajaj Finance Ltd., and upGrad, to build a thriving AI ecosystem in India.

National Taiwan University Hospital’s Telehealth System Incorporates AI

Intelligent Voice System on NTUH’s Fourth-Generation Telehealth Platform

National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) has integrated speech-to-text AI into its telehealth platform. The Intelligent Voice System on NTUH’s Fourth-Generation Telehealth Platform is based on a voice recognition technology provided by Chunghwa Telecom. The technology was trained on voice data collected by the NTUH Telehealth Center.

Features of the AI-based Voice Recognition System

The AI-based voice recognition feature can convert a speaker’s mixed use of languages, such as Mandarin, English, Taiwanese, and accented Chinese, as well as medical terms, and bilingual drug names. The system also integrates NTUH’s emergency event prediction technology to predict possible emergency events within two weeks with nearly 90% accuracy.

NEC Announces New Pathology AI Partnership

Enhancing Digital Pathology Analytical Platform

Japan-based NEC Corporation has partnered with Biomy, a local AI company developing digital pathology solutions. The partnership aims to enhance Biomy’s cloud-based automated digital pathology analytical platform, DeepPathFinder, to discover new pathological biomarkers. The enhanced platform will be offered to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and academic institutions.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Apollo Hospitals and Microsoft highlights the growing importance of AI in healthcare. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the adoption of AI-powered solutions will play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and enhancing healthcare services. The partnership between NEC and Biomy demonstrates the potential of AI in the field of pathology, enabling the discovery of new biomarkers and improving diagnostic accuracy.

FAQs

Q: What is the scope of the partnership between Apollo Hospitals and Microsoft?
A: The partnership aims to enhance Apollo’s remote healthcare platform worldwide and develop new technology solutions.

Q: What is the investment commitment by Microsoft in India’s AI ecosystem?
A: Microsoft has pledged a $3 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure in India over the next two years.

Q: What is the objective of the AI-based voice recognition system on NTUH’s telehealth platform?
A: The system aims to convert a speaker’s mixed use of languages and predict possible emergency events with nearly 90% accuracy.

Apple Disables AI Summaries of News Notifications

Avery Winslow
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Apple Disables AI Summaries of News Notifications

Apple Disables AI-Powered News Summary Feature After Backlash

Apple has disabled one of its artificial intelligence (AI) features, which aggregated and summarized news notifications, following an outcry from British media outlets over accuracy issues. The company made the change in a software update for developers.

Accuracy Issues Lead to Feature Disabling

The feature was criticized after it incorrectly summarized a BBC news story about Luigi Mangione, an individual arrested in connection with the murder of Brian Thompson, an executive at a health insurance company in New York City. The summary stated that Mangione "shoots himself," which is not accurate. The BBC and other media outlets called for the feature to be changed.

Additional Measures Implemented

In addition to disabling the news summary feature, Apple is adding a warning for users who opt-in to receive notification summaries for other apps. The warning will inform users that the feature is still in development and that errors may occur.

Industry-Wide Challenges with AI Products

This latest issue is part of a string of problems plaguing AI-powered products. Google’s chatbot recommended eating rocks and using glue to make pizza, while Microsoft postponed features in its AI computer due to security vulnerabilities. Additionally, a startup called Humane faced criticism for its AI system’s inaccuracies.

A.I. Near-Term Potential Raises Questions

The struggles with AI products have led to concerns about the technology’s near-term potential. A.I. has been touted as a game-changer, but some experts doubt its ability to produce significant benefits quickly.

"It’s hard, and it’s early, and there’s not a clear value proposition yet for mainstream consumers," said Ben Bajarin, chief executive of Creative Strategies, a tech research firm. "It is going to take time, and it’s going to be a real slow roll. No one knows yet what someone is going to look at and say, ‘That’s really valuable.’"

Apple’s Progress with AI Features

Apple entered the AI arms race relatively late, introducing an AI software system called Apple Intelligence on its latest iPhones. While some features, such as improving email and gaining access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have been released, others remain unavailable.

Conclusion

The disabling of Apple’s AI-powered news summary feature is a sign that the technology still has its limitations. As AI continues to evolve, it is essential for companies to address accuracy and user trust concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Apple’s AI-powered news summary feature?
A: Apple disabled the feature after receiving criticism from British media outlets over accuracy issues.

Q: What was the error in the summary feature?
A: The feature incorrectly summarized a BBC news story, stating that Luigi Mangione "shoots himself," when in fact, he did not.

Q: Will Apple restore the news summary feature?
A: Apple plans to make the feature available again in a future software update.

Unlocking the Secrets of Aldi’s Successful Marketing

Phil
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Unlocking the Secrets of Aldi’s Successful Marketing

When Marketing Meets Unconventional Creativity: 4 Brilliant Campaigns by German Supermarket Aldi

Brands like Coca-Cola, Nike, and Apple often come to mind when we think of brilliant marketing strategies, but what about German supermarket, Aldi? Mark Baldwin, CEO of Baldwin Digital, highlights Aldi’s innovative campaigns as a perfect example of how social media advertising can break out of screens and have real-world implications.

01. #FreeCuthbert

In 2021, Aldi found itself in a public feud with UK brand Marks & Spencer over their rival chocolate sponge caterpillar cakes, Cuthbert (Aldi) and Colin (M&S). Marks & Spencer filed an intellectual property lawsuit, accusing Aldi of copying its iconic Colin the Caterpillar cake. In response, Aldi took to social media platforms, protesting with the hashtag #FreeCuthbert and a series of amusing tweets. The campaign culminated in a protest outside of an M&S store to show solidarity with Cuthbert.

02. Kevin the Carrot

Since 2016, Aldi’s Christmas adverts featuring a talking carrot, Kevin, have become a holiday tradition. Kevin has single-handedly increased Aldi’s market share, upped both brand loyalty and sales during the festive season, spreading goodwill and Christmas cheer to all.

03. Can’t Match This

Launched in May 2024, Aldi’s Can’t Match This campaign cleverly highlighted its unbeatable prices by taking playful jabs at competitors, showcasing the brand’s confidence in its value proposition. This campaign won viewers over with its relentless honesty, humorous characters, and upbeat music.

04. Aldidas

Aldi made headlines when it launched an affordable collection of activewear that not-so-subtly mimicked the branding of Adidas, right down to the iconic three-stripe logo. The campaign demonstrated Aldi’s ability to disrupt the fashion industry by offering trendy, budget-friendly products that appealed to savvy shoppers.

Conclusion

Aldi has shattered the typical mould, creating marketing campaigns that break away from what other brands are putting out, and staying on top of and ahead of current trends. As Mark Baldwin puts it, "The future of advertising belongs to those who dare to be different, to speak to audiences with a distinct personality and an authentic voice. Companies like Aldi know that it’s not just about the products – it’s about the stories that come with them."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Aldi’s marketing campaigns so unique?
A: Aldi’s campaigns stand out due to their unapologetic humor, willingness to take risks, and confidence in their products and values.

Q: What is the purpose of Aldi’s #FreeCuthbert campaign?
A: The #FreeCuthbert campaign aimed to defend Aldi’s rival chocolate sponge cake, Cuthbert, from an intellectual property lawsuit filed by Marks & Spencer.

Q: What is Aldi’s goal with its Christmas adverts featuring Kevin the Carrot?
A: Aldi’s goal is to spread goodwill and Christmas cheer to all, increasing brand loyalty and sales during the festive season.

Q: Why did Aldi launch an activewear collection resembling Adidas?
A: Aldi aimed to disrupt the fashion industry by offering trendy, budget-friendly products that appeal to savvy shoppers, highlighting its commitment to providing high-quality products at unbeatable prices.

GitHub’s Deepfake Porn Crackdown

Avery Winslow
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GitHub’s Deepfake Porn Crackdown

When Open-Source Deepfake Tools Fall into the Wrong Hands

When we look at intimate image abuse, the vast majority of tools and weaponized use have come from the open source space,” says Ajder. But they often start with well-meaning developers, he says. “Someone creates something they think is interesting or cool and someone with bad intentions recognizes its malicious potential and weaponizes it.”

Malicious Potential

Some, like the repository disabled in August, have purpose-built communities around them for explicit uses. The model positioned itself as a tool for deepfake porn, claims Ajder, becoming a “funnel” for abuse, which predominantly targets women.

Deepfake Porn and Abuse

Other videos uploaded to the porn-streaming site by an account crediting AI models downloaded from GitHub featured the faces of popular deepfake targets, celebrities Emma Watson, Taylor Swift, and Anya Taylor-Joy, as well as other less famous but very much real women, superimposed into sexual situations.

The creators freely described the tools they used, including two scrubbed by GitHub but whose code survives in other existing repositories.

The Difficulty in Policing Open-Source Deepfake Software

Perpetrators on the prowl for deepfakes congregate in many places online, including in covert community forums on Discord and in plain sight on Reddit, compounding deepfake prevention attempts. One Redditor offered their services using the archived repository’s software on September 29. “Could someone do my cousin,” another asked.

Torrents of the main repository banned by GitHub in August are also available in other corners of the web, showing how difficult it is to police open-source deepfake software across the board. Other deepfake porn tools, such as the app DeepNude, have been similarly taken down before new versions popped up.

The Challenges in Tracking Down Deepfake Models

“There’s so many models, so many different forks in the models, so many different versions, it can be difficult to track down all of them,” says Elizabeth Seger, director of digital policy at cross-party UK think tank Demos. “Once a model is made open source publicly available for download, there’s no way to do a public rollback of that,” she adds.

Criminalizing Deepfake Porn

At least 30 US states also have some legislation addressing deepfake porn, including bans, according to nonprofit Public Citizen’s legislation tracker, though definitions and policies are disparate, and some laws cover only minors. Deepfake creators in the UK will also soon feel the force of the law after the government announced criminalizing the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes, as well as the sharing of them, on January 7.

Conclusion

Reining in deepfake porn made with open source models also relies on policymakers, tech companies, developers, and, of course, creators of abusive content themselves. While it may be difficult to track down all existing deepfake models, it is not too late to get the problem under control, and platforms like GitHub have options, such as intervening at the point of upload.

FAQs

Q: What is the main source of deepfake tools?

A: The main source of deepfake tools is the open-source space.

Q: How do open-source deepfake tools get weaponized?

A: Open-source deepfake tools often start with well-meaning developers who create something they think is interesting or cool, and someone with bad intentions recognizes its malicious potential and weaponizes it.

Q: What is the impact of deepfake porn?

A: The potential for harm of deepfake “porn” is not just psychological. Its knock-on effects include intimidation and manipulation of women, minorities, and politicians, as has been seen with political deepfakes affecting female politicians globally.

Q: How can deepfake porn be controlled?

A: Deepfake porn can be controlled by policymakers, tech companies, developers, and creators of abusive content themselves. Platforms like GitHub can also intervene at the point of upload, and lawmakers can pass legislation to criminalize the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfakes.

All Your Office Apps Are Getting AI and a Price Increase

Emerson Blake
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All Your Office Apps Are Getting AI and a Price Increase

Microsoft 365 Subscribers to Get AI-Powered Features, But at a Cost

Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers are in for a treat, as the company is introducing AI-powered features in its Office apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. The new features will be available as part of the latest Microsoft 365 update and come with a significant price increase.

New Features and AI-Powered Microsoft Designer

The new features include a Copilot button that opens a prompt pane where users can get help writing documents, analyzing spreadsheets, summarizing email messages, and building presentations. Additionally, subscribers will get access to the AI-powered Microsoft Designer app, which can build images from prompts and edit unwanted objects from existing photos.

Price Increase and AI Credits

The new features will come with a significant price increase. Microsoft 365 Family subscribers will see a 30% price increase, from $10 to $13 per month, while the cost of an annual subscription will go up to $130 from the current $100. Microsoft 365 Personal subscribers will see an increase of nearly 43%, from $7 to $10 per month, with the annual rate going from $70 to $100. Subscribers will receive a monthly allotment of 60 AI credits that can be used with Copilot and Microsoft Designer across various apps. The credits reset on the first of each month, regardless of when the subscription renews.

Disabling Copilot

For those who are not comfortable with AI assistance, Microsoft has added settings in apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that allow users to disable or enable Copilot as needed. Users can also hide the Copilot button from the ribbon on those apps, but it does not appear there will be a simple checkbox to enable or disable Copilot.

Classic Plans and Downgrades

Customers with current Microsoft 365 subscriptions can opt out of the AI-enhanced versions and keep the current pricing by switching to a Personal Classic or Family Classic plan. However, new subscribers will not be able to choose a Classic plan, and Microsoft cautions that those downgraded products are "limited offers and may not always be offered as a plan option." Even after switching to a Classic plan, users may still have access to the AI-enhanced version; the plan change will take effect at renewal.

Conclusion

The introduction of AI-powered features in Microsoft 365 is a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to integrate AI into its products. While the price increase may be a deterrent for some, the new features will likely benefit many users who rely on Microsoft’s Office apps for their daily work. As the company continues to roll out the new features, it will be interesting to see how users adapt to the changes and whether the price increase is justified.

FAQs

Q: What are the new features in Microsoft 365?
A: The new features include a Copilot button that opens a prompt pane for help with writing documents, analyzing spreadsheets, summarizing email messages, and building presentations, as well as the AI-powered Microsoft Designer app, which can build images from prompts and edit unwanted objects from existing photos.

Q: What is the price increase for Microsoft 365 Family and Personal subscribers?
A: Microsoft 365 Family subscribers will see a 30% price increase, from $10 to $13 per month, while the cost of an annual subscription will go up to $130 from the current $100. Microsoft 365 Personal subscribers will see an increase of nearly 43%, from $7 to $10 per month, with the annual rate going from $70 to $100.

Q: Can I disable Copilot?
A: Yes, users can disable or enable Copilot as needed in apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Users can also hide the Copilot button from the ribbon on those apps, but there will not be a simple checkbox to enable or disable Copilot.

Q: What is the deal with Classic plans?
A: Customers with current Microsoft 365 subscriptions can opt out of the AI-enhanced versions and keep the current pricing by switching to a Personal Classic or Family Classic plan. However, new subscribers will not be able to choose a Classic plan, and Microsoft cautions that those downgraded products are "limited offers and may not always be offered as a plan option."

CSS3 Animations: The Complete Guide with Examples

Parker Lennox
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CSS3 Animations: The Complete Guide with Examples

CSS3 Animations: Revolutionizing Web Page Design

CSS3 animations have revolutionized web page design by permitting developers to produce dynamic, engaging, and even interactive end user encounters without relying seriously on JavaScript or even third-party libraries. Through smooth transitions to eye-catching effects, CSS3 animations have grown to be an essential tool for modern web enhancement.

What Are CSS3 Animations?

CSS3 animated graphics allow elements on a webpage to transition from one type to another over a specified duration. They’re achieved using keyframes, which define the intermediate steps between starting and closing styles of an element.

CSS3 Animated Graphics Provide:

Smooth Interactivity: Engage users with visually pleasing results. Performance Benefits: Useful animations that leverage the browser’s rendering engine. Simplicity of use: No JavaScript required for basic animations.

Types of CSS3 Animations

  1. Transitions: Changes allow you to change CSS properties smoothly over a particular duration. They’re usually triggered by user interactions like hovering or clicking.
  2. Keyframe Animations: Keyframe animations provide even more control, allowing multiple stages and variations throughout the animation sequence. These are defined using the @keyframes rule.

How CSS3 Animations Function

CSS3 animations rely on two key elements:

  1. The @keyframes Rule: The @keyframes rule defines the intermediate steps of your animation. You can specify styles for specific points in the animation sequence using percentages or keywords like from and to.
  2. Animation Properties: Web page provides several properties to regulate animations, such as their duration, timing, iteration count, and more.

Major Properties of CSS3 Animations

  1. animation-name: Defines the label of the @keyframes animation to use.
  2. animation-timing-function: Sets the pacing of the animation. Common values include:
  3. animation-delay: Adds a delay before the animation begins.
  4. animation-direction: Specifies whether the animation should play in reverse or alternate directions. Values include:
  5. animation-fill-mode: Specifies the styles used before and after the animation.

Developing CSS3 Animations with Examples

  1. Simple Fade-In Animation: This animation gradually makes the text visible over two seconds.
  2. Bounce Animation: This creates a bouncing effect by shifting the element vertically.
  3. Rotate Animation: This movement rotates the element continuously.
  4. Color Changing Background: This provides an impressive seamless color transition effect.
  5. Slide-In from the Left: This animation slides the element into view from the left.

Methods for Effective CSS3 Animations

Keep It Simple: Overloading your website with animations will overwhelm users. Use them sparingly for impact.

Optimize Efficiency: Use transform and opacity properties for smoother animations as they are GPU-accelerated.

Test Across Devices: Ensure animated graphics work well in mobile, tablets, and desktops.

Consider Availability: Provide alternatives or allow users to disable animations if needed.

Browser Support for CSS3 Animations

CSS3 animations are supported by all current browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. For older browsers, consider fallbacks or gracefully degrading the animation experience.

Advanced Techniques with CSS3 Animations

  1. Combining Multiple Animations: You can apply multiple animations to a single element using a comma-separated list.
  2. Animation Shorthand: Instead of writing individual properties, use the shorthand animation property.
  3. Triggering Animations with Web Page Classes: Use JavaScript to add or remove CSS classes dynamically, triggering animation only when necessary.

CSS3 Animations vs. JavaScript Animation

Use CSS3 animations for:

Simple transitions or effects (e.g., hover animations). Scenarios where efficiency and simplicity are priorities.

Use JavaScript animation for:

Organic animations with user interactions. Animations that require runtime management or logic.

Conclusion

CSS3 animations are a game-changer in web page design, offering endless choices to enhance end-user experiences. By learning properties like @keyframes, animation-duration, and animation-timing-function, you can create visually stunning effects without relying heavily on external libraries.

Now, it’s time to experiment and bring your web projects to life with the power of CSS3 animations!

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of using CSS3 animations?
A: CSS3 animations provide smooth interactivity, performance benefits, and simplicity of use.

Q: How do I get started with CSS3 animations?
A: Start by learning the basic properties like @keyframes, animation-duration, and animation-timing-function.

Q: Can I combine multiple animations?
A: Yes, you can combine multiple animations using a comma-separated list.

Q: Do I need JavaScript to use CSS3 animations?
A: No, you don’t need JavaScript for basic animations, but you may need it for more complex animations.

Q: What browsers support CSS3 animations?
A: All current browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, support CSS3 animations.

Apple Pauses AI Notification Summaries for News After Generating False Alerts

Avery Winslow
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Apple Pauses AI Notification Summaries for News After Generating False Alerts

Apple Disables AI-Generated News Alerts and Introduces Transparency Measures

Background

Apple has announced that it is pausing AI-generated notification summaries for news and entertainment apps after facing backlash for generating inaccurate news alerts. The company is also introducing changes to notification summaries to allow for greater transparency.

Disabling Notification Summaries for News and Entertainment Apps

With the latest round of developer previews for iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3, Apple is disabling notification summaries entirely for all news and entertainment apps. The feature will be re-enabled in a future update after refinement.

Changes to Notification Summaries

In addition to disabling notification summaries for select apps, Apple is making the following changes:

  • Notification summaries will now be shown in italics to make it easier for users to tell them apart from regular notifications.
  • Users will be able to disable notification summaries for a specific app directly from their Lock Screen.
  • Apple will start notifying users that the notification summaries feature is a beta feature when they enable the feature. This notification, found in the Settings app, will inform users that the feature may contain errors.

Background to the Change

The change comes after the BBC complained to Apple after one of its articles was misrepresented in a notification summary. The article incorrectly stated that Luigi Mangione, the man charged in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had shot himself.

Conclusion

Apple’s decision to pause AI-generated notification summaries and introduce transparency measures is a response to the backlash it has faced for generating inaccurate news alerts. The changes aim to increase user trust and understanding of the feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Apple disabling notification summaries for news and entertainment apps?
A: Apple is disabling notification summaries for news and entertainment apps after facing backlash for generating inaccurate news alerts.

Q: What changes is Apple making to notification summaries?
A: Apple is making notification summaries more transparent by showing them in italics, allowing users to disable them for a specific app from their Lock Screen, and notifying users that the feature is a beta feature.

Q: When will iOS 18.3 be available to the general public?
A: The exact release date is unknown, but a public beta is expected to land next week.

Data Governance Market Insights

Parker Lennox
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Data Governance Market Insights

Data Governance: The 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data and Analytics Governance Platforms

If acquiring a data governance solution is on your list of things to do in 2025, you might want to take a gander at Gartner’s latest Magic Quadrant for Data and Analytics Governance Platforms, which the IT analyst group published last week. Leaders in the field include Informatica, IBM, and Collibra, but a host of up-and-coming data governance vendors are making competition in this growing and evolving field quite interesting.

The Need for Data Governance

The need for data governance has never been greater, particularly as companies seek to invest and grow their analytics and AI initiatives. While few companies would invest in data governance for its own sake, having one’s data in a well-governed state opens up innumerable downstream use cases, and also reduces the odds that one will run afoul of a host of new rules and regulations concerning the use of consumer data.

Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Data and Analytics Governance Platforms

After deploying various point products to address their data and analytics (D&A) governance requirements over the years – such as for data security, privacy management, data quality, master data management (MDM), and data and records retention – enterprises have begun looking for unified D&A governance offerings that can address a range of concerns in a holistic manner and cut down on redundancies and the need to build and maintain integrations, according to the new Magic Quadrant report, which was authored by Gartner analysts Guido De Simoni, Anurag Raj, Melody Chien, and Stephen Kennedy.

Gartner’s Definition of D&A Governance

Gartner defines the D&A governance market as solutions that help automate the work of setting and enforcing data policy enforcement, and it actively excludes the execution of data governance, which it leaves to data management (data management itself is also evolving thanks to the rise of data fabrics and data meshes, the Gartner analysts write).

Gartner’s 2025 Magic Quadrant for Data and Analytics Governance Platforms

For its September 2024 Magic Quadrant for D&A Governance solutions, Gartner looked at the offerings of 16 vendors that offer some of the core capabilities that fall under the D&A governance rubric, including: access management; active metadata; business glossary; data catalog; data classification; data dictionary; data lineage; impact analysis; information policy retention; matching, linking, and merging; model management; orchestration/automation; organization and role models; profiling; rule management; security; tag management; and workflow management (among a few others).

D&A Governance Leaders

Informatica took the top spot in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant. The analyst firm lauded Informatica and its Cloud Data Governance and Catalog offering for having "a good understanding of the D&A government platform market and an ability to adapt to market changes and disruptions." Gartner dinged Informatica for the cloud-only approach of its flagship Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IMDC) offering.

IBM also landed in the Leaders quadrant on the strength of its IBM Cloud Pak for Data (CP4D) and Watson offerings. Gartner liked that IBM added "key emerging technologies" to its D&A governance offerings, including a knowledge graph, ontology mappings, and a real-time data quality rules engine. IBM’s D&A governance capabilities are spread across multiple products, each with its own separate licensing, pricing, and integration needs, Gartner noted.

Rounding out the Leaders quadrant is Collibra, which demonstrated strong 15% year-over-year growth in revenue and 37% YoY growth in customer count (currently more than 700). Collibra has a "strong vision" when it comes to delivering end-to-end governance, Gartner says, which also noted its strong capabilities for technical and non-technical users. However, Collibra’s Data Intelligence Platform lacks data quality and observability, the analyst group says.

D&A Governance Visionaries

Alation, a Visionary, scored high for its data catalog and governance capabilities, including features like guided idea exploration, text-to-SQL conversion, query summarization, and AI-based search. Alation has 80 customers, per Gartner, which says customers had concerns about cloud and on-prem integration and entity resolution.

Data.world, another Visionary, lauded for its data catalog and governance capabilities, including features like guided idea exploration, text-to-SQL conversion, query summarization, and AI-based search. Data.world has 80 customers, per Gartner, which says customers had concerns about cloud and on-prem integration and entity resolution.

D&A Governance Niche Players

With 10 vendors, the Niche Players quadrant is quite crowded.

Precisely scored the highest on the "ability to execute" axis with its Precisely Data Integrity Suite, which has 115 active customers, Gartner says. Gartner liked how the Precisely solution connects to other products, including Precisely’s own data integration, data observability, data quality, and data enrichment products. It dinged the suite for lack of use of machine learning for tracking active metadata, a semantic knowledge graph, and GenAI use cases.

Alex Solutions scored the highest on the "completeness of vision" axis with its D&A Governance solution, which includes a data hub, intelligent scanners, enterprise reporting and analytics, and data lineage service, Gartner says. With just 55 customers, Australia-based Alex Solutions is still scaling operations, particularly in North America and Europe, Gartner notes.

Conclusion

The 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data and Analytics Governance Platforms provides a comprehensive overview of the market. While no single vendor checked all of Gartner’s D&A Governance boxes, the capabilities offered by vendors are expanding as customers look for converged solutions. And in some cases, the D&A Governance solutions are blending with broader data management suites, particularly when it comes to data fabric solutions, where data governance is a definite prerequisite.

FAQs

Q: What is the need for data governance?

A: The need for data governance has never been greater, particularly as companies seek to invest and grow their analytics and AI initiatives.

Q: What are the key features of a D&A governance solution?

A: Gartner defines the D&A governance market as solutions that help automate the work of setting and enforcing data policy enforcement, and it actively excludes the execution of data governance, which it leaves to data management.

Q: What are the key players in the D&A governance market?

A: Informatica, IBM, and Collibra are leaders in the field, but a host of up-and-coming data governance vendors are making competition in this growing and evolving field quite interesting.

Q: What is the significance of the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data and Analytics Governance Platforms?

A: The 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data and Analytics Governance Platforms provides a comprehensive overview of the market, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of various vendors and helping organizations make informed decisions about their D&A governance needs.

Microsoft 365 Plans Hike Prices Amid AI-Powered Copilot Rollout

Emerson Blake
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Microsoft 365 Plans Hike Prices Amid AI-Powered Copilot Rollout

Microsoft Introduces Copilot Office with Limited-Time Offer

Microsoft has announced the introduction of Copilot Office, a new AI-powered feature that integrates with Office apps. To ease the transition to the new pricing, Microsoft is offering a limited-time deal for existing subscribers.

Limited-Time Offer

Microsoft hasn’t specified how long this offer will last, but it’s likely to be a year or two to help subscribers adjust to the new pricing structure. New subscribers will not have the option to pay for the Classic plans.

Copilot Usage for Personal and Family Plans

Subscribers on the Personal and Family plans can use Copilot, but they will be limited to 60 AI credits per month, which can be used across all Office apps. These credits can also be used to generate images or text in Windows apps like Designer, Paint, and Notepad. It’s unclear how these credits will stack with the 15 credits offered for free for apps like Designer, or the 50 credits per month for Image Cocreator in Paint.

Copilot Pro Subscription

For unlimited usage and access to the newest AI models, subscribers will need to pay $20 per month for a Copilot Pro subscription.

Pricing History

As Microsoft notes, this is the first price increase for the personal Microsoft 365 subscriptions in the US, which have remained the same since their introduction as Office 365 over a decade ago. Pricing for business plans and other countries has increased before. Pricing for Office Home 2024 ($150) and Office Home & Business 2024 ($250), which do not have access to Copilot or other Microsoft 365 features, remains the same.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s introduction of Copilot Office marks a significant change in the company’s pricing strategy. While the limited-time offer may provide some relief for existing subscribers, the new pricing structure is likely to impact those who rely heavily on Office apps. As the company continues to integrate AI-powered features into its products, it will be interesting to see how this change affects the market and user behavior.

FAQs

Q: How long will the limited-time offer last?

A: Microsoft hasn’t specified how long the limited-time offer will last, but it’s likely to be a year or two to help subscribers adjust to the new pricing structure.

Q: Can new subscribers pay for the Classic plans?

A: No, new subscribers will not have the option to pay for the Classic plans.

Q: How do AI credits work for Personal and Family plans?

A: Subscribers on the Personal and Family plans get 60 AI credits per month, which can be used across all Office apps. It’s unclear how these credits will stack with the 15 credits offered for free for apps like Designer, or the 50 credits per month for Image Cocreator in Paint.

Q: What is the cost of a Copilot Pro subscription?

A: The cost of a Copilot Pro subscription is $20 per month for unlimited usage and access to the newest AI models.

Q: Have prices for Office Home and Office Home & Business increased?

A: No, prices for Office Home 2024 ($150) and Office Home & Business 2024 ($250) remain the same and do not have access to Copilot or other Microsoft 365 features.

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