It’s time for Bits & Bytes…
… where we bring you news, innovations, and thought-provoking insights from AI, IT, and beyond. In this week’s newsletter we’re looking at:
- Grove AI Slashes Clinical Trial Enrollment from Weeks to Minutes.
- Delta Introduces AI Concierge for Personalized Travel Guidance.
- Microsoft Rolls Back Bing Image Creator After User Complaints.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
🤖 Panasonic Launches Umi: AI Family Wellness Coach
Panasonic unveils Umi, an AI-powered digital assistant developed with Anthropic’s Claude, designed to help families set goals, coordinate activities, and improve wellness through an interactive mobile app. The platform aims to strengthen family connections by providing personalized guidance and collaborative tools.
Partnerships with wellness brands like Blue Apron and Calm will enhance the app’s ability to support healthy family lifestyles. Launching in the U.S. in 2025, Umi represents Panasonic’s strategic move into AI-driven family wellness solutions.
TL;DR
- Feature to be launched in U.S. in 2025.
- Integrates with wellness partners like Blue Apron, Calm
- Extends Anthropic partnership to Panasonic’s workforce.
TECH HEADLINES FROM ACROSS THE WEB
🚗 Amazon-BMW AI Voice Assistant Inches Forward
Amazon’s LLM-powered Alexa for BMW vehicles, first announced in 2022, will begin rolling out this year with conversational trip planning and navigation capabilities. The delayed launch reflects Amazon’s efforts to develop a more advanced voice assistant using large language models. This next-generation Alexa aims to provide more intuitive and context-aware interactions for drivers.
🛫 AI to Provide Passport and Travel Notifications
Delta introduced an AI-powered app assistant and upgraded in-flight entertainment system at CES 2025. The Delta Concierge AI will provide travel guidance, while new seatback displays offer 4K HDR and Bluetooth connectivity.
🖼️ Microsoft Rolls Back Bing Image Creator
Microsoft temporarily reverted its Bing Image Creator to an earlier DALL-E 3 model (PR13) after users complained about image quality degradation in the new PR16 version. The company’s internal benchmarks conflicted with user feedback, showing a disconnect between technical metrics and user experience.
TECH FOR GOOD
🔬 Grove AI Slashes Clinical Trial Enrollment from Weeks to Minutes
Grove AI’s voice-based AI agent, Grace, automates patient pre-screening and scheduling for clinical trials. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the startup helps patients connect with medical studies faster, scheduling 7,000 appointments in just eight months.
