Stores
Retailers are turning to artificial intelligence to help better connect with customers. Gallery Furniture in Houston is one example.
Fast Company
Airbus, the European aeronautics company, is working on developing a pilotless air taxi. It’s still years away, but the several companies are pursing the flying idea.
The Verge
Qualcomm will be shipping a new headset that includes full inside-out motion tracking. IT also will support the HTC Vive Wave platform.
TechCrunch
Amazon is introducing a new feature called ‘brief mode’ for its Echo devices. The feature allows Echo users to set their device to answer with sounds and chimes rather than words.
Variety
Disney Research is attempting to tap into virtual reality another way, by using natural language scripts. The longer-term plan is potentially to use the tool for filmmaking.
GeekWire
Another use has been found for augmented reality. Online marketplace eBay said it is using AR to help consumers select the correct box size.
Chain Store Age
Facial recognition is coming to 7-Eleven, or at least to its 11,000 stores in Thailand. The intent is to capture and analyze data points on traffic in stores along with emotions of those who pass through.
Reuters
General Motors has decided to invest upwards of $100 million for move its elf-driving cars forward. The Cruise vehicles are expected to be assembled in the Irion township plant.
Cnet
Amazon’s Alexa is getting a bit smarter. The digital assistant has received an update called ‘follow-up mode,’ so that a person doesn’t have to keep saying “Alexa” to get the attention of the device.
TechCrunch
Ridesharing company Lyft is teaming with automotive industry supplier Magna to help advance its efforts in autonomous driving. The companies plan to co-develop an autonomous driving system.