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Tag: Artificial inteligence

  • IBM Swaps 200 HR Jobs for AI in Bold Automation Move

    In an effort to automate internal procedures and reduce repetitive work, IBM has started substituting AI agents for some of its HR (human resource) employees. As the internet giant increasingly relies on AI-powered solutions, Arvind Krishna, the company’s CEO, recently claimed that “a couple hundred” HR personnel’ jobs have been replaced by AI.

    This type of action also represents a trend in which businesses are increasingly depending on AI to optimise internal procedures, hence decreasing their reliance on physical labour. Although IBM has not provided a timeframe, rumours indicate that some 200 positions have already been phased out.

    Other Departments Witnessing Hiring Spree

    It’s interesting to note that the corporation is not shrinking in general just because HR positions are being reduced. The overall number of employees at IBM has increased, with more people being hired in divisions like software engineering, marketing, and sales—areas where interpersonal, problem-solving, and human interaction are still essential.

     Arvind Krishna clarified in an interview with a well-known media outlet that automating some processes has allowed funds to be allocated to other projects.

    He added that although IBM has made significant efforts to apply AI and automation in some enterprise processes, he said that overall employment has increased since it allows for greater investment to be made in other areas.

    AI Gaining Traction in the Tech Sector

    In the tech industry, the usage of AI agents—software tools that can do tasks like data sorting, emailing, or processing internal requests—is rapidly gaining traction. Although there hasn’t yet been a significant wave of AI-related job losses, some businesses are halting hiring until they determine the best way to apply the technology.

    These AI agents are already being deployed at IBM to manage staff transfers and perform employment verification. HR employees used to complete them by hand. The change doesn’t necessarily mean that jobs will disappear completely, according to Nickle LaMoreaux, chief human resources officer at IBM.

    She stated, “Very few roles will be completely replaced.” AI will probably replace repetitive tasks instead, freeing up workers to concentrate on tasks requiring judgement and decision-making. IBM is now providing new AI services to its clients in addition to reorganising its internal teams.

    The company revealed tools this week at its annual Think conference that enable companies to create and manage their own AI agents. These tools are intended to complement current platforms from companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and OpenAI.

    IBM predicts that within five years, about 7,800 positions, or over 30% of non-customer-facing roles, might be automated. This does not, however, mean that everyone will lose their jobs. Employees are expected to learn how to deal with AI tools as most roles change.

  • Hexaware Breaks Silence, Clarifies Stance on Layoff Rumors

    In response to recent worries about layoffs in its business process outsourcing (BPO) segment, Hexaware Technologies clarified that the cuts were not related to artificial intelligence (AI), as some media reports had claimed.

    The corporation clarified that the seasonality of its business activities was the main cause of the workforce adjustments. After a story by a renowned media outlet prompted the clarification, Hexaware responded in greater detail to another media house.

    Hexaware underlined in its statement that although AI may have long-term effects on the BPO sector, AI technology had nothing to do with the Q1CY’25 staff cutbacks. Rather, they were propelled by consistent business oscillations linked to seasonal demand in the BPO industry.

    BPO Business Witnessing Decline

    According to Hexaware’s description of the workforce changes in Q1CY’25, the BPO segment had a 500-person decline, while the IT division saw an increase of about 100 personnel. Variations in client needs and market conditions that affect demand at different times of the year were cited as the cause of this seasonal variability, which is typical in the BPO sector.

    The business recognised the increasing significance of AI and continued to invest in the technology with the goal of improving service delivery and operational efficiency. It emphasised, however, that the present layoffs were a reaction to the cyclical nature of the BPO industry and were not the result of these AI-driven initiatives.

    According to a Hexaware statement, its CEO provided an update on the overall workforce changes during Q1CY’25 in an interview with a media outlet on April 30, 2025. He brought up the possible long-term effects of AI on the BPO industry, but it’s important to make clear that the seasonality of the business—not AI—was the reason for the BPO workforce’s decline.

     This clarification was made in the midst of Hexaware’s impressive financial success. According to the company’s most recent Q1CY’25 earnings report, net profit increased 17.02% to INR 327.20 crore from INR 279.60 crore in the same quarter of 2024. Additionally, sales increased 16.7%, from INR 2748.80 crore in Q1 2024 to INR 3207.90 crore.

    Hexaware’s Overall Performance Remains Robust

    Hexaware’s overall performance is strong even with the BPO division’s employment cutbacks. In order to enhance its service offerings and operational efficiency, the company has made significant strides in its IT operations and is still investing in AI and other cutting-edge technology.

    A crucial component of Hexaware’s operations, the BPO industry is frequently impacted by shifts in customer needs and seasonal demand. The corporation clarified that these layoffs were consistent with industry norms, which dictate that companies adjust their workforces in response to market demands.

    Hexaware emphasised that the company’s strategic usage of AI was focused on increasing business process efficiency over time, even though the long-term role of AI in changing the BPO landscape is still possible.

    The company’s current workforce adjustments were unconnected to AI. Hexaware is still optimistic about its chances for future expansion. The business is well-positioned for future success because of its IT division’s impressive performance and its unwavering focus on creating AI solutions.

    Hexaware wants to remain at the forefront of industry trends as the BPO sector develops and new technical innovations are implemented, guaranteeing its capacity to adjust to the shifting needs of the market.

  • Government Launches Copyright Review Panel as AI Sparks Legal Storm

    A group has apparently been established by the Centre to examine current copyright legislation in light of the growing number of issues pertaining to artificial intelligence (AI). According to a media report, the Union trade ministry last month formed a group consisting of eight specialists to investigate AI-related issues and their consequences for India’s copyright law.

     According to the source, the team, which consists of government representatives, industry executives, and intellectual property attorneys, will determine if the Copyright Act of 1957 is sufficient to address issues pertaining to AI.

    In light of copyright concerns, the panel members have been instructed to identify and evaluate legal and policy concerns resulting from the application of AI. As a result, the government will get the committee’s report.

    Never Ending Trouble for Open AI

    The main issue raised by news platforms is that AI companies are using their copyrighted content to train their core models without obtaining a licence, permission, or payment. Last year, ANI brought a case against OpenAI in India before the Delhi High Court (HC).

     Media organisations such as NDTV, Network18, the Indian Express, and the Hindustan Times joined the case against the inventor of ChatGPT in January of this year. The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) and 20 companies filed a 135-page complaint in court, arguing that OpenAI’s “conduct” poses “a clear and present danger to the valuable copyrights” of DNPA members and other sources.

    On behalf of all of its members, including Rupa Publications, S Chand and Co., Bloomsbury, Penguin Random House, Cambridge University Press, and others, the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) also filed a complaint against OpenAI in the Delhi High Court earlier this year.

    Music Companies too Raising Concerns

    Major record companies including T-Series, Saregarama, and Sony also indicated in February that they would be interested to join the Delhi High Court’s ongoing copyright case against the ChatGPT creator.

    The HC at the time requested that OpenAI respond to the Indian Music Industry’s (IMI) motion to join the lawsuit. According to ANI’s plea, ChatGPT “reproduced verbatim or substantially similar extracts” of the news agency’s publications at the request of users.

    The lawsuit also alleges that by using ANI’s content to train its large language models (LLMs), OpenAI took advantage of the new agency’s content for its own financial benefit. ANI told the Delhi High Court at a hearing in March of this year that the ChatGPT maker’s use of its content dilutes its market, which results in unfair competition.

    Notably, the AI giant managed by Sam Altman previously urged the HC to reject infringement charges against it and informed the court that it is not required to form alliances with major media sites in order to use their content.

  • Chhattisgarh Leads the Way with India’s First AI-Driven Data Centre Park

    Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai laid the cornerstone for the nation’s first artificial intelligence-based data centre park in Sector-22 of Nava Raipur on 3 May.

    The state-of-the-art complex, which spans 13.5 acres, is expected to put Chhattisgarh in the forefront of India’s technical advancement. Five megawatts of capacity will be available at first in the data centre park, with the ambitious goal of scaling to 150 megawatts.

     In a first for the nation, a 2.7-hectare section of the park is being transformed into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) dedicated solely to AI-based services. As the project grows, an additional investment of Rs 2,000 crore is anticipated.

    This development is revolutionary not only because of its scope but also because of its ambition. The centre will function as a centre for high-performance computing, providing services in AI, FinTech, HealthTech, Defence, and data analytics, with a particular emphasis on green, energy-efficient technologies.

    CM Sai described the project as “transformational” for the state’s youth, farmers, and tribal groups, saying it is more than simply a data centre and serves as the digital foundation for a new era of empowerment and growth.

    State-of-the-Art Facility

    The facility will be firmly among the world’s best thanks to its GPU-based architecture for real-time data processing, live streaming, and AI-powered analytics.

    With a focus on local youth, the programme aims to generate 2,000 jobs, with 500 direct and 1,500 indirect employment opportunities anticipated. The park makes Chhattisgarh a new hub for high-tech companies by bringing together AI computing, data processing, storage, and analytics under one roof.

    Connecting Agriculture Sector with Technology

    AI tools, weather forecasting, real-time crop monitoring, and intelligent supply chain solutions will all help smart farming and directly benefit regional agriculture. Remote tribal territories will be connected by digital infrastructure, enabling previously underserved areas to access online government, telemedicine, and e-education.

    By managing both internal and international data traffic, the centre will lessen Chhattisgarh’s reliance on outside infrastructure and move the state closer to becoming digitally independent.

    CM Sai declared, “Chhattisgarh is ready to become the heartbeat of Digital India,” as the state confidently stepped towards a more intelligent, quicker, and inclusive digital future.

    The opening of India’s first AI-based data centre park in Raipur represents a wise step towards more sophisticated technology for the whole country. It’s anticipated that Chhattisgarh’s use of AI to advance sustainable development goals and build a stronger community would serve as an example for other states aiming to create a more technologically advanced India.

    By highlighting AI technologies, the state hopes to raise economic activity, improve the administration of public resources, and improve the quality of services offered.

  • FinX Acquires BSE Institute in Bold AI Skilling Push

    For INR 16.9 Cr (about $2 Mn), the skilling startup FinX, which focuses on financial services, has purchased a 100% share in the Bombay Stock Exchange’s training division, BSE Institute.

    According to a statement from FinX, the acquisition would allow the company to increase the number of training programmes it offers in cutting-edge technological fields like IT, data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. FinX will be able to significantly grow its clientele, training facilities, and product line thanks to the agreement.

     Himanshu Vyapak, cofounder and CEO of FinX, commented on the acquisition, saying that with this expanded product line, FinX will offer a full range of programmes to meet the changing demands of the technology and financial services industries, providing state-of-the-art training options for the workforce of the future.

    To increase its scale, FinX intends to use the physical training facilities of the BSE Institute in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, he told a media outlet.

    FinX Carving Future of India’s Financial Sector

    FinX, which Vyapak founded in 2019, offers workshops and certification programmes to prepare students for careers in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector. Additionally, the startup asserts that it places the trained pupils.

     So far, the Mumbai-based business has collaborated with over 400 Indian institutions and universities to deliver its courses. Interestingly, this is not the first acquisition of the upskilling platform. The Centre for Investment Education and Learning (CIEL), which has been providing corporate training in the BFSI industry for more than 17 years, was purchased by FinX in 2019.

    The most recent acquisition was made just months after FinX raised $6 million from impact investment firm Elevar Equity in December 2024 as part of its seed funding round. The business stated at the time that it will use the recently obtained capital to pursue strategic acquisitions in the technology training and BFSI sectors.

    Young Indian Honing Tech Skills to be the Prime Workforce of Country’s Tech Sector

    More and more Indian programmers are looking to the cutting-edge technology as AI takes the world by storm in an effort to further their careers, get well-paying positions, and differentiate themselves from their colleagues.

     Aware of this, the Centre has started a number of programmes to close the knowledge gap between school and work and equip the nation’s young people for the jobs of the future.

    In her Budget 2024–25 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a new plan to renovate 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and teach 20 lakh youth over five years. With an investment of INR 8,800 Cr, the Union Cabinet earlier this year approved the continuation and reorganisation of the “Skill India Programme” through 2026.

    As part of this, the Centre said that the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), and the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) will all be incorporated into the Skill India Programme.

    According to government data, PMKVY 4.0 has so far trained 19,774 people in a variety of artificial intelligence (AI) courses. In addition, there are a number of businesses that are attracting a lot of interest from investors and aiming to upskill working people and students.

    For example, Emversity, an edtech business founded by former Unacademy COO Vivek Sinha, recently secured $5 million in its pre-Series A investment to provide healthcare students with skill-based certificate and degree programmes.

  • On iOS, Perplexity AI Launches an AI Voice Assistant

    Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas revealed on 24 April that AI’s voice assistant would be available on its iOS app. Perplexity presents a competitive alternative to Apple’s redesigned Siri assistant, which is powered by Apple Intelligence.

    Previously, the update was only available to Android users. While announcing the news, Srinivas stated on X that anyone may ask it to play anything, including favourite music, podcasts, and difficult-to-find videos.

    For example, playing the video of Katy Perry kissing the ground after falling from the rocket, the Donald Trump version of Baby Shark, or the podcast in which Andreessen talks with Lex about browsers.

    Additionally, it can send emails using Apple Mail or set up meetings using Apple Calendar, though Srinivas notes that the functionality is still a little “janky”. Furthermore, the AI assistant can arrange a cab trip from Uber and search for a restaurant you want to visit.

    How to Operate the New Feature?

    Users can click the microphone button to begin speaking as soon as the program opens. Even when they are not using the app, users can still communicate with the voice assistant. Furthermore, unlike Apple Intelligence, which is limited to iPhone 15 Pro models and later, the software is compatible with slightly older iPhone models, such as the iPhone 13.

     The assistant still lacks ChatGPT’s ability to access the phone camera and provide context for a photo. Additionally, it lacks the ability to set alarms, silence notifications, or access iPhone settings.

    Additionally, Srinivas told users that after turning on voice mode, it takes three to four seconds to connect with the assistant; however, they are aiming to reduce this time. He pointed out that, similar to how people use Siri, he can set his iPhone’s action button to Perplexity Voice Mode so he can utilise this without opening the programme.

    According to recent sources, as Apple reorganises its leadership, the new Siri has been further postponed until 2026.

    More and More big Companies Opting for AI

    Big businesses are setting the example as organisations begin to implement administrative reforms intended to create future value from emerging AI. Organisations are starting to take actions that have a direct impact on their bottom line, such as reworking procedures as they use gen AI and assigning senior leaders to crucial positions like managing AI governance, according to the most recent McKinsey Global Survey on AI.

    The results also demonstrate that companies are hiring for new AI-related positions and retraining staff to take part in AI deployment as they attempt to reduce an increasing number of gen-AI-related hazards. Businesses with yearly sales of at least $500 million are evolving faster than smaller ones.

  • Adobe Updates its Firefly App Using AI Models from Google and OpenAI

    On April 24, Adobe announced that it is bringing its Firefly app to mobile devices and integrating image-generation artificial intelligence models from OpenAI and Alphabet’s Google. Adobe is the proprietor of several software applications that are often used by visual arts professionals, including Photoshop and Premiere.

    In its Firefly service, the San Jose, California-based company has been creating its own AI models since 2023 to produce photographs and video clips. The company guarantees its users that they won’t be held legally responsible for utilising the images and videos produced by these models.

    However, Adobe stated last year that it was open to providing its user base with third-party models from OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT, and others.

    What Adobe is Offering to Users?

    Firefly users will have the ability to generate images using OpenAI’s GPT image generation, Google Imagen 3, Google Veo 2, and Flux 1.1 Pro, in addition to a new version of Adobe’s proprietary Firefly image model, according to Adobe.

    In the upcoming months, the business intends to offer models from partners like Runway, Luma, and fal.ai. Adobe’s chief technical officer for digital media, Ely Greenfield, told a media outlet that the company still has a large number of customers that will only utilise Firefly when they are bringing items to production because they value commercial safety.

    However, they are also interested in trying out different models for other aspects of the process, such as brainstorming. Thus, Adobe is giving them that option. With just a few taps or clicks, users of Adobe’s Firefly app will be able to create content using third-party models and import it into the company’s other applications, like Photoshop.

    Adobe declined to reveal how the revenue will be divided between itself and third-party model providers. However, they will be able to pay for third-party models using the same system of credits that they use to pay for Adobe’s AI models.

    More and More big Companies Opting for AI

    Big businesses are setting the example as organisations begin to implement administrative reforms intended to create future value from emerging AI. Organisations are starting to take actions that have a direct impact on their bottom line, such as reworking procedures as they use gen AI and assigning senior leaders to crucial positions like managing AI governance, according to the most recent McKinsey Global Survey on AI.

    The results also demonstrate that companies are hiring for new AI-related positions and retraining staff to take part in AI deployment as they attempt to reduce an increasing number of gen-AI-related hazards. Businesses with yearly sales of at least $500 million are evolving faster than smaller ones.

    In general, the application of AI—both generative and analytical AI—keeps gaining traction: Currently, over 75% of those surveyed claim that AI is used in at least one business function at their companies. Particularly, the application of Gen AI is growing quickly.

  • Ray-Ban Meta Glasses with AI will Soon be Available in India

    The Ray-Ban Meta, one of Meta’s newest smart glasses, will soon be available in India, the company has revealed. These glasses, which are powered by Meta AI and provide a distinctive fusion of fashion and technology, were created in collaboration with the international eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica.

    The glasses were first released in a few regions last year, but they are now being released in more nations, such as Mexico and the United Arab Emirates, with India likely to follow. The glasses, which are made for hands-free interaction, allow users to send messages, control music, translate languages, and ask enquiries by simply saying, “Hey Meta.”

     They can take pictures, record videos, and make calls via apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger in addition to having built-in cameras and speakers.

    The Ray-Ban Meta spectacles were initially introduced in September 2023 as the successor to the original Ray-Ban Stories, which were released in 2021.

    Features of Ray-Ban Meta Glasses

    With this new iteration, Meta has expanded app support, enhanced design, enhanced sound quality, and added more potent AI functions. The glasses are made to feel and look like standard Ray-Bans. However, they are now packed with smart technology that allows users to keep their phone in their pocket and stay connected.

    One can use his glasses to take brief videos, listen to their favourite playlist, and communicate with Meta AI without using his hands. Live translation is one of its most notable characteristics. Real-time speech translation between English, French, Italian, and Spanish is supported via this tool, which is currently being made available worldwide.

    It can even function offline if the language packs are downloaded. This makes it particularly useful for travellers or anyone conversing with multilingual individuals. With a transcript shown on your phone and the translation appearing as audio through the glasses, communication becomes easier and more accessible.

    Bringing Online World in Front of Users’ Eyes

    Major music streaming services including Shazam, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify are also compatible with the glasses. Users may control playback, identify music, and play songs using a single voice command.

    In addition to their support for WhatsApp and Messenger, the glasses now enable direct messaging and calling over Instagram for users who use the app often. Meta is testing a cutting-edge function in a few countries that will allow the glasses to “see” user’s environment and react appropriately.

    Conversations can flow more naturally with this AI vision mode, eliminating the need to constantly say “Hey Meta”. Even though the functionality hasn’t been verified for India yet, it might be available when the glasses are formally released.

  • ChatGPT May Eventually Allow Users to Shop Straight Within the Chat Window

    The San Francisco-based company OpenAI may soon turn its ChatGPT into a direct purchasing platform, enabling customers to make purchases straight from the chat window. This would be a huge advancement for the IT industry and AI-driven commerce platforms.

    In order to enable goods, pricing, reviews, and a “Buy Now” option to display naturally within the chat interface, Shopify is testing a direct integration with the well-known AI chatbot. If implemented, the capability would represent a significant advancement over ChatGPT’s current functionalities, going beyond its current function of recommending products and rerouting customers to other websites.

    Shopify Looking for Complete AI Transformation

    Currently, customers who use ChatGPT on Shopify to ask for purchasing guidance are given a thorough rundown of the products that are available. Also, they are offered connections to other websites where they may make purchases. But this procedure might soon be simplified.

     Without having to leave the discussion, the suggested integration would allow purchases to be made straight from the chatbot. The change might make ChatGPT a fully functional AI-powered shopping assistant, providing users with a more seamless and convenient experience.

    Online shoppers’ interactions with AI systems may change as a result of this advancement, even though no formal implementation date has been confirmed.

    An Advantage for Shopify Sellers

    The project may help Shopify retailers by providing them with direct access to ChatGPT’s large user base, according to a media report. In order to get clients, internet retailers now frequently rely significantly on search engine optimisation and paid advertising.

    These expenses might be decreased by integrating with ChatGPT, which would also give retailers a new way to increase sales and visibility. Microsoft’s Copilot and AI search engine Perplexity may be thinking about implementing comparable features, indicating a larger trend of AI platforms shifting towards integrated e-commerce solutions.

    AI Exploring the E-Commerce Sector

    One of the biggest users of artificial intelligence (AI) is e-commerce. This sector has applications ranging from improved customer service and tailored product recommendations to efficient workflows, intelligent logistics, and sales/demand forecasting.

    Businesses that use AI business tactics often see an increase in revenue of 10–12%. AI adoption is more crucial than ever for e-commerce firms if they want to meet consumer expectations as more and more consumers turn to online shopping (21% of retail purchases will be made online in 2025).

    AI uses data-filtering technologies, which employ algorithms to suggest the most pertinent products. These products are suggested to a specific client to extract insights from historical customer behaviour data, including searches, clicks, and transactions. It is most frequently observed on websites where merchants highlight regions that are “inspired by your shopping trends”.

     These areas recommend related add-on items for a customer’s cart or provide content that is relevant to the customer’s location.

  • Google Docs’ Gemini AI Integration Makes Podcast Creation a Breeze

    Google has revealed plans to further integrate Gemini AI into Docs. One of the two new features added to the Google Workspace app is the ability to produce audio versions of documents in the format of podcasts. Additionally, Docs now has a new “Help me refine” tool that Google claims functions similarly to a writing coach. With the help of this forthcoming feature, Google Docs will soon have the ability to generate audio. Users will soon be able to produce complete audio versions of their documents, according to Google. Users will also be able to select podcast-style summaries for the most important highlights. The audio overview function in Google’s NotebookLM platform, an AI-powered research and note-taking tool, served as the model for this feature. This includes an audio summary function that transforms papers into captivating audio conversations that can be downloaded or listened to, summarising important topics through a dialogue between two AI hosts. It is anticipated that Docs’ podcast-style overview feature would function similarly.

    Revival of Google Meet

    Google Meet has also undergone a number of modifications. Meetings may now automatically create summaries, record action items, and assign follow-ups thanks to Gemini. These features allow participants to remain in the room rather than hurriedly transcribing notes. According to Google, it’s a more intelligent approach to maintain productive meetings with transparent results. Google is using artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in identify and stopping any attacks before they become more serious. Without more manual control, these improvements help firms maintain compliance and security by adding a proactive layer of protection. According to Google, the rollout has started, and in the upcoming months, wider availability will follow. According to Google, as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the modern world, the company is now concentrating on making cutting-edge technology really accessible and helpful while integrating it into consumers’ daily tasks.

    Google Infused AI in its Cloud System as Well

    Google Cloud’s generative AI capabilities are still expanding rapidly. Google introduced new Vertex AI tools and services, including an agent building kit and the Agent2Agent protocol that facilitate a multi-agent ecosystem, at Google Cloud Next 2025 on April 9. Additionally, Google’s cloud division revealed improvements to Agentspace, a platform that was introduced in December and offers enterprise clients agents and search capabilities powered by artificial intelligence. Multi-agent systems depend on models with improved reasoning capabilities, such as those found in Gemini 2.5, according to Aashima Gupta, global director of healthcare strategy and solutions at Google Cloud. They also rely on connecting to an organisation’s corporate data and integrating with its workflows.