Amazon Launches Alexa+ AI Assistant on the Web
Amazon has launched Alexa.com, bringing its AI-powered Alexa+ assistant to the web and mobile app, enabling family-focused tasks, smart home control, and content creation online.
A hyperparameter is a setting or configuration value that defines how a machine learning or AI model learns from data. Unlike model parameters, which are learned automatically during training, hyperparameters are manually set before training begins and control aspects such as learning rate, batch size, number of layers, or regularization strength. The correct selection of hyperparameters greatly influences a model’s performance, accuracy, and ability to generalize to new data. Finding the best combination is often achieved through techniques like grid search, random search, or Bayesian optimization. Effective hyperparameter tuning is essential for optimizing AI systems and achieving stable, efficient learning outcomes.
Amazon has launched Alexa.com, bringing its AI-powered Alexa+ assistant to the web and mobile app, enabling family-focused tasks, smart home control, and content creation online.
Google is adding new Gemini AI features to Google TV, enabling voice-driven controls, personalized recommendations, and AI-powered photo and video experiences. The updates debut on select TCL televisions before a broader rollout.
OpenAI is paying employees an average of $1.5 million in stock-based compensation, far exceeding peer startups as it races to retain top AI talent. The strategy is inflating losses and reshaping expectations ahead of a potential IPO.
European banks could eliminate more than 200,000 jobs by 2030 as artificial intelligence reshapes operations and accelerates branch closures. Back-office, risk, and compliance roles are expected to be most affected.
SoftBank has finalized its $40 billion investment in OpenAI, increasing its stake above 10%. The funding supports AI infrastructure initiatives, joint ventures, and OpenAI’s broader growth, including plans for a potential IPO.
Meta Platforms has agreed to acquire Singapore-based AI startup Manus for about $2 billion, gaining a rare revenue-generating AI agent platform. The deal strengthens Meta’s AI strategy as investor scrutiny grows around heavy infrastructure spending.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants will discontinue remote exams from March 2026, citing rising misconduct linked to AI tools. Most candidates will return to in-person test centers.
OpenAI is hiring a Head of Preparedness to study emerging risks tied to rapidly advancing AI models, including mental health impacts and cybersecurity threats. The move reflects rising concern over how frontier capabilities could be misused as models grow more powerful.
Amazon is adding four new integrations to its AI-powered Alexa+ assistant, enabling users to book hotels, schedule services, and access lifestyle apps. The update extends the assistant’s capabilities across multiple sectors starting in 2026.
OpenAI is rolling out “Your Year with ChatGPT,” an annual review feature that summarizes how users interacted with the chatbot over the past year. The tool is available to eligible users across several English-speaking markets, including the United States.