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AI NEWS

Amazon’s Alexa+ Reaches 1 Million Users in Early Access

Amazon’s upgraded digital assistant Alexa+, powered by generative AI, has quietly expanded to over one million users during its invite-only early access. Alexa+ offers more natural conversations and personalized help across smart home tasks by leveraging advanced AI. Since February’s announcement of Alexa+, Amazon has been steadily sending invites to customers on the waitlist. The AI-enhanced Alexa can understand more casual speech and even perform complex tasks like summarizing emails or creating custom bedtime stories. During early access it’s free (and will remain free for Prime members), with a planned $19.99/month fee for others once it fully launches. Amazon’s goal is to reinvigorate Alexa’s appeal using AI, as the original Alexa had started to feel limited compared to newer AI chatbots. With Alexa+, users can give more nuanced commands (e.g. “it’s too cold in here” to adjust a thermostat) and have the assistant remember preferences. The strong early response shows consumers are eager for voice assistants that feel more human and capable – and Amazon is betting Alexa+’s AI boost will keep it competitive in the smart assistant space.

Apple Exploring AI to Design Its Next Chips

Apple is looking to generative AI to help design the custom chips that power iPhones, Macs, and its new Vision Pro headset. Apple’s hardware chief Johny Srouji revealed that using AI tools could significantly speed up chip design and boost productivity in Apple’s silicon engineering teams. Speaking at a tech forum in Belgium, Srouji said Apple learned to always adopt the most cutting-edge design tools – and today, that means AI. Major chip software firms like Cadence and Synopsys have already been adding AI capabilities to their design products. By leveraging AI’s ability to evaluate designs and suggest optimizations, Apple hopes to get more complex chip work done in less time. This could be key as chips keep growing in complexity. Apple isn’t new to AI in chip design; it has used algorithmic tools for years. But generative AI could take it to the next level, potentially automating some tedious aspects of chip layout. Ultimately, Apple believes AI-assisted design might help it maintain its edge in creating powerful, efficient chips – like the M-series processors that gave Macs a big leap in performance. It’s another example of AI transforming how cutting-edge tech is developed behind the scenes.

Microsoft Tests an On-Device AI Assistant in Windows

Microsoft has introduced a new small AI language model called “Mu” that runs directly on Windows PCs as a built-in assistant. Currently being tested with Windows Insiders (beta users), the Mu model powers an AI agent in the Windows Settings app. Users can type natural language requests in Settings (for example, “turn on night light when it gets dark”), and the Mu AI will figure out the specific settings changes needed and execute them. This tiny AI was designed to work efficiently on local hardware, so it doesn’t require cloud computing. Microsoft says Mu infers complex input-output relationships quickly while running on-device. Essentially, it’s a mini ChatGPT-style model specialized for PC commands. This marks one of the first times Microsoft has embedded an AI model within Windows itself. The feature is currently in preview on “Copilot+” enabled PCs, with Microsoft gathering feedback. If successful, it could make adjusting settings or finding system features as easy as chatting with your computer. Microsoft’s broader Copilot initiative aims to weave AI assistants throughout Windows and Office, and Mu is a step in that direction – bringing a bit of AI smarts to everyday OS tasks without needing an internet connection.

Tech Lobby Calls for a Pause on New EU AI Rules

A major tech industry group is urging European leaders to delay implementation of the EU’s sweeping new AI regulation, the AI Act. The lobbying group, CCIA Europe – whose members include Google, Meta and Apple – warned that rushing out these strict rules could stall AI innovation on the continent. Key parts of the AI Act are set to take effect in August, including requirements for “general purpose AI” systems like chatbots. However, some detailed guidelines for these provisions are still unfinished and were recently delayed. With that uncertainty, CCIA Europe’s senior VP said it’s better to hit pause and “get the Act right” rather than roll out confusing regulations that might choke off AI development. Even some politicians, such as Sweden’s Prime Minister, have called the AI rules overly confusing and suggested a pause. The AI Act is the world’s first comprehensive AI law, aiming to address risks from AI while still encouraging innovation. But European businesses say they’re struggling to understand what they must do to comply. The tech lobby’s plea to delay indicates serious concern that Europe’s bold regulatory move might backfire if it’s not implemented carefully – a debate likely to continue as the deadline approaches.

Adobe Adds Generative AI Tools for Marketers

Adobe is expanding its AI capabilities for marketing teams by rolling out new features in its GenStudio content platform. Announced this week, the upgrades will let marketers use generative AI to quickly produce and customize campaign content. For example, the AI can automatically generate variations of an ad or social media post tailored to different audiences, saving creative teams time. Adobe’s GenStudio already helps big brands manage content creation; now the integrated AI can suggest copy changes, image tweaks, or even fully new content drafts based on simple prompts. Adobe hinted that these tools can ensure a brand’s messaging stays consistent across the countless ads and posts modern campaigns require. The AI can also analyze which types of content perform best and then help marketers optimize accordingly. This move by Adobe reflects the broader trend of AI being embedded into creative software. Just as Photoshop got AI-powered features (like smart object selection), marketing suites are getting AI assistants too. Adobe says the goal isn’t to replace human marketers, but to handle grunt work and spark ideas – so teams can spend more time on strategy and less on churning out assets. With digital campaigns needing more content than ever, Adobe’s new AI features aim to be a timely assist for overworked marketing departments.

SENIOR LIVING NEWS

Brookdale Proxy Battle Heats Up with Dueling Claims

A boardroom showdown is underway at Brookdale Senior Living, one of the nation’s largest senior living providers. Activist investor Ortelius Advisors has been pushing to shake up Brookdale’s board, and both sides are now claiming a key proxy advisory firm backs them. Last week, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) – an influential advisor to investors – weighed in on the proxy contest. Ortelius announced that ISS supports voting for change on the board, urging shareholders to use Ortelius’ proxy card in the upcoming vote. Brookdale quickly responded, saying ISS actually backed the majority of Brookdale’s own nominees and questioned Ortelius’ plans for the company. Each camp is essentially declaring victory from the ISS report. The proxy fight centers on how to improve Brookdale’s performance: Ortelius argues new directors will spur better strategy, while Brookdale’s current leadership says they have the right long-term plan. Shareholders will decide who to believe at the company’s annual meeting. It’s a high-stakes drama, as Brookdale operates over 670 senior living communities. The outcome could influence Brookdale’s direction during a crucial period of post-pandemic recovery. With ISS’s mixed recommendations in hand, both Brookdale and Ortelius are in a final sprint to win over investors before votes are cast.

Bill Aims to Boost Dementia Care Workforce

A rare show of bipartisanship in Washington is targeting the growing need for trained dementia care workers. Lawmakers from both parties introduced a bill in Congress that would support workforce training for Alzheimer’s and dementia care. The proposed legislation – backed by a bipartisan group of senators – seeks to fund new programs to recruit, train, and retain healthcare professionals and caregivers who specialize in dementia. This could include grants for universities and community colleges to expand geriatric and dementia care curriculum, scholarships or loan forgiveness to encourage students to enter the field, and support for continuing education in best practices for caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Legislators note that as America’s senior population expands, more families will need skilled memory care services – but the industry faces a shortage of nurses, aides, and specialists. The bill also emphasizes training existing senior living staff in dementia communication techniques and behavioral interventions, so that people living with dementia receive better care across settings. Providers have welcomed the idea, saying a federal push to build the dementia-capable workforce is overdue. While it’s early in the process, the bipartisan support gives hope that the Dementia Workforce Preparedness Act (as it may be titled) could move forward and help strengthen the pipeline of memory care workers in coming years.

Senior Care Center Sued for Age Bias

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed suit against a California senior care facility, accusing it of age discrimination. The EEOC’s lawsuit claims that South Valley Care Center – a nursing and rehabilitation facility – engaged in discriminatory practices against older employees. According to the complaint, the care center’s management allegedly harassed and pushed out several long-time staff members because of their age, replacing them with younger hires. In one instance, an experienced nurse in her 60s was reportedly subjected to comments about being “too old to keep up” before being terminated, despite a history of good performance. The EEOC also said the facility retaliated against an employee who objected to the age-biased remarks, by cutting her hours and eventually firing her. Such actions would violate the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which protects workers over 40. The EEOC is seeking back pay and damages for the affected employees, as well as changes in the company’s practices. A spokesperson for South Valley Care Center did not comment on the specific allegations but stated the organization “values employees of all ages.” The case serves as a reminder that senior care companies must uphold the same anti-discrimination laws as any other employer – including not marginalizing the very demographic (seniors) that their business serves.

Charter Senior Living Partners with Tech Firm to Enhance Engagement

Charter Senior Living, a national senior housing operator, announced a new partnership aimed at keeping residents more connected and engaged. Charter is teaming up with LifeLoop, a technology platform that helps senior living staff coordinate resident activities, communications, and family engagement. Through the partnership, Charter will roll out LifeLoop’s system across its communities, which span independent living, assisted living, and memory care locations. LifeLoop’s app-based platform offers features like activity calendars, photo and video sharing with families, real-time updates on resident wellness, and even a digital log of resident participation in events or wellness programs. By adopting this tech, Charter hopes to streamline staff workflows (like eliminating paper sign-up sheets and manual reports) and also keep families more informed and involved in their loved one’s daily life. For example, a family member could receive a notification when Mom attends her art class or view pictures from yesterday’s social outing. The CEO of Charter Senior Living said this collaboration is part of their commitment to innovation and quality of life – using modern tools to fight isolation and boredom often experienced by seniors. LifeLoop’s team expressed excitement to partner with Charter, noting that engaged residents and transparent communication lead to higher satisfaction for residents, families, and staff alike.

New Podcast Educates Families on Alzheimer’s

Assisted Living Locators, a senior placement and referral service, is launching a monthly podcast series focused on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The company – which helps families find assisted living and memory care for loved ones – says the podcast will feature expert interviews and practical tips for caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Each episode will dive into topics like early warning signs and diagnosis, managing challenging behaviors, caregiver self-care, and how to evaluate memory care facilities. By hosting this series, Assisted Living Locators aims to be a resource not just when families are ready to move a loved one, but throughout the dementia journey. The podcast is part of the company’s broader community outreach: they want to raise awareness about dementia and reduce the stigma through education. It’s also a way to highlight their expertise in memory care placements. The episodes will be available for free on popular podcast platforms. The first installment, debuting this week, features a geriatric doctor and an Alzheimer’s Association representative discussing communication strategies for families – especially how to connect with someone as memory fades. With Alzheimer’s cases rising, Assisted Living Locators hopes these conversations will help listeners feel less alone and more empowered in facing the disease.

Senior Living Stocks