The UK government plans to roll out a digital ID system for age verification in pubs, clubs, and shops by 2025, marking a major milestone in modernizing identity verification processes. This initiative is part of the government’s broader ‘Plan for Change’ programme, which aims to enhance digital identity infrastructure and drive economic growth.
Key Features of the Digital ID System Smartphone-based: Users will be able to prove their age using certified digital identities stored on their phones.
Microsoft has recently integrated its AI-powered assistant, Copilot, into Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions for consumers. This integration introduces several new functionalities across various applications, accompanied by a subscription price increase of $3 per month in the U.S.
Enhanced Features with Copilot Integration Subscribers now have access to Copilot’s AI capabilities within applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Designer. These features include:
Content Generation: In Word and PowerPoint, Copilot assists in drafting text and creating presentations based on user prompts, streamlining the content creation process.
Google Signs Deal with AP to Deliver Up-to-Date News through its Gemini AI Chatbot
Google has signed a deal with The Associated Press (AP) to enhance its AI chatbot, Gemini, by providing real-time news updates from AP. This initiative marks Google’s first agreement with a news publisher. AP’s Chief Revenue Officer Kristin Heitmann expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing the mutual benefit of accurate and timely news distribution. Financial details of the partnership remain undisclosed, and it’s uncertain how Google will present the news content.
Meta’s Generative AI Push Could Bring Big ‘Windfall’ For WhatsApp, Analyst Says
Meta Platforms is testing generative AI-powered chatbots within WhatsApp, aiming to enhance customer service and drive e-commerce sales. Analysts project this could generate incremental revenue of $16.6 billion by 2025 and up to $45 billion by 2030. Businesses are charged 2.5 cents per conversation every 24 hours, with potential for price increases. Meta’s stock has responded positively, reflecting investor confidence in this AI initiative.