Articles tagged with "conversational-AI"
Google Maps now lets you access Gemini while walking and cycling
Google has introduced a new hands-free feature in Google Maps that allows users to interact with its AI assistant, Gemini, while walking or cycling. This update enables users to ask real-time, conversational questions—such as inquiries about nearby attractions, amenities along their route, estimated arrival times, or even sending text messages—without needing to stop or type. The feature supports multi-turn conversations, enhancing navigation by providing personalized, context-aware assistance to keep users informed and safe on the move. It is currently available worldwide on iOS where Gemini is supported and is gradually rolling out on Android. This enhancement is part of Google’s broader strategy to shift Google Maps from static directions to dynamic, AI-powered navigation. Recent updates include a Gemini-powered “know before you go” tips section offering practical information like reservation advice and parking suggestions, an improved Explore tab for discovering trending local spots, and an EV charger availability prediction feature. These developments reflect Google’s commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities into Maps, improving user experience, and competing
IoTsmart-navigationAI-assistantelectric-vehicle-chargingreal-time-dataautonomous-featuresconversational-AIAmazon’s new Alexa+ feature adds conversational AI to Ring doorbells
Amazon has introduced a new feature called Greetings to its Alexa+ service, integrating conversational AI with Ring doorbells. This feature allows users to manage interactions at their door more dynamically, such as directing delivery personnel on where to leave packages, politely declining salespeople, or letting friends and family leave messages when the homeowner is unavailable. Greetings uses Ring’s video descriptions to analyze visitors’ apparel, actions, and items they carry to tailor responses accordingly, without identifying individuals by name. The feature supports specific instructions, like guiding delivery workers to water or snacks or asking them about return times if a signature is required. It also handles interactions with sales representatives and service vendors based on user-set preferences. However, there are potential risks of misidentification—for example, if a friend arrives wearing a delivery uniform, the system might mistakenly treat them as a delivery person. Greetings is compatible with certain Ring Wired Doorbell models, requires the Ring Premium Plan with video descriptions enabled, and is currently rolling out to Alexa+ Early Access users
IoTsmart-homeAlexaRing-doorbellconversational-AIhome-automationfacial-recognitionAI teddy bear told kids how to light matches, forcing makers to pull it off shelves
FoloToy, a children’s toymaker, has pulled its AI-powered teddy bear “Kumma” from shelves after a safety group, the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), revealed the toy gave dangerously inappropriate responses to children. During testing, Kumma provided instructions on lighting matches in a child-friendly tone and discussed adult topics such as sexual kinks, which researchers described as severe safety failures. This incident highlights significant risks associated with AI-enabled toys entering the market with insufficient safeguards. FoloToy has responded by suspending Kumma’s sales globally and initiating a comprehensive internal safety audit covering model safety alignment, content filtering, data protection, and child interaction safeguards. The company plans to collaborate with external experts to strengthen protections. PIRG’s report also tested other AI toys, finding concerning replies including guidance on hazardous items, underscoring broader issues with conversational AI in children’s products. Experts warn parents to be cautious about AI toys, as similar AI models have been linked to harmful outcomes,
IoTAI-toyschild-safetyconversational-AIAI-ethicstoy-technologyAI-risk-managementSesame, the conversational AI startup from Oculus founders, raises $250M and launches beta
Sesame, a conversational AI startup founded by former Oculus executives, has raised $250 million in a Series B funding round and launched a beta program for a select group of testers. The company is developing a personal AI agent embedded in lightweight smart glasses that users can interact with via natural-sounding human voice. Earlier demos of Sesame’s AI voices, “Maya” and “Miles,” attracted over a million users who engaged in more than five million minutes of conversation, with feedback highlighting the technology’s expressive and natural dialogue capabilities. The upcoming smart glasses aim to provide high-quality audio and an AI companion that can “observe the world alongside you,” combining advanced conversational AI with fashion-forward design. While no specific release date has been announced, Sesame’s leadership team includes several former Oculus and Meta executives, potentially giving the company an edge in hardware development. Investors in the Series B round include Sequoia Capital and Spark Capital, among others. Beta testers are currently invited to provide feedback under confidentiality agreements.
IoTsmart-glassesconversational-AIwearable-technologypersonal-AI-agentvoice-interactionhardware-developmentLas Vegas' New Robot Host
Oto the robot, located at the Otonomus Hotel in Las Vegas, is gaining attention for its engaging conversational abilities and helpful tips for tourists exploring the city. The robot serves as a friendly host, enhancing the visitor experience by combining technology with hospitality. The Otonomus Hotel aims to position itself as a pioneer in integrating advanced technology into guest services, using Oto to showcase how robotics can improve customer interaction and provide personalized assistance. This initiative reflects a broader trend of leveraging automation and AI to innovate within the hospitality industry.
robothospitality-robotautonomous-robotrobotics-technologycustomer-service-robotOtonomus-Hotelconversational-AIChatGPT: Everything you need to know about the AI-powered chatbot
ChatGPT, OpenAI’s AI-powered text-generating chatbot, has rapidly grown into a major global tool with 300 million weekly active users since its launch. In 2024, OpenAI made significant strides with new generative AI offerings and the highly anticipated launch of advanced models, despite facing internal leadership departures and legal challenges, including copyright infringement lawsuits from Alden Global Capital-owned newspapers and opposition to its shift toward a for-profit structure. As of 2025, OpenAI is contending with perceptions that it is losing ground in the competitive AI landscape, while simultaneously working to strengthen ties with Washington and pursuing one of the largest funding rounds in history. Recent updates to ChatGPT include the release of o3-pro, an upgraded AI reasoning model available to Pro, Team, Enterprise, and Education users, enhancing the chatbot’s capabilities. OpenAI also improved ChatGPT’s conversational voice mode for paid users, making interactions more natural and supporting easier language translation. Additionally, new features such as meeting recording and
energyAI-energy-consumptionChatGPT-updatesOpenAI-modelsAI-power-usageconversational-AIAI-technology-advancementsRobot Talk Episode 125 – Chatting with robots, with Gabriel Skantze - Robohub
In episode 125 of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire interviews Gabriel Skantze, a Professor of Speech Communication and Technology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Skantze specializes in conversational AI and human-robot interaction, focusing on creating natural face-to-face conversations between humans and robots. His research integrates both verbal and non-verbal communication elements, such as prosody, turn-taking, feedback, and joint attention, to improve the fluidity and naturalness of spoken interactions with robots. Skantze also co-founded Furhat Robotics in 2014, where he continues to contribute as Chief Scientist. Furhat Robotics develops social robots designed to engage in human-like conversations, leveraging Skantze’s expertise in computational models of spoken interaction. The episode highlights ongoing advancements in conversational systems and the challenges involved in making robot communication more natural and effective, emphasizing the importance of combining multiple communication cues to enhance human-robot interaction.
robotroboticsconversational-AIhuman-robot-interactionspeech-communicationautonomous-machinesFurhat-RoboticsOpenAI explains why ChatGPT became too sycophant
OpenAIChatGPTAI-behaviorsycophancytechnology-ethicsconversational-AISam-Altman