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Amazon Unveils Nova Act AI Agent in Research Preview, Expands Access to Frontier AI Models

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Amazon has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) agent called the Nova Act, designed to perform various browser-based tasks. Powered by the company’s Nova family of AI models, this new AI agent is a significant leap forward in Amazon’s efforts to provide “frontier intelligence” with competitive pricing. The Nova Act is currently available in a research preview and is accessible to users in the United States. It comes as a software development kit (SDK), allowing developers to explore and integrate its agentic capabilities into their applications and systems.

The Nova family of AI models was first introduced in December 2024, with three variants—Micro, Lite, and Pro—tailored to different performance needs. These large language models (LLMs) are designed to offer advanced intelligence, with Amazon emphasizing their affordability and superior performance. Initially, access to these models was restricted to invite-only businesses, but with the launch of the Nova Act, Amazon is expanding availability to developers and AI enthusiasts. Users can now explore the Nova models on a dedicated website, which also features the Nova Act AI agent.

The Nova Act AI agent is designed to automate a variety of tasks within a web browser. While Amazon has not fully detailed the range of tasks the AI agent can perform, it is expected to handle tasks such as filling out online forms, shopping, or even booking restaurant reservations. This makes it a versatile tool for users looking to streamline their digital tasks. The AI agent is built on a custom version of the Nova models, which allows it to perform these tasks autonomously, offering a glimpse into the future of agentic AI systems capable of acting on behalf of the user.

Amazon has positioned the Nova Act as part of its broader vision for AI agents—systems that can handle tasks across both digital and physical environments. By releasing it as an SDK and research preview, the company is encouraging developers to experiment with this new technology and explore its potential applications. With this move, Amazon is not only expanding the reach of its AI models but also pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve in terms of real-world, browser-based task automation.

Microsoft to Extend Snapdragon-Exclusive AI Features to Intel, AMD Copilot+ PCs

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Microsoft Expands AI Features to Intel and AMD Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft has announced an expansion of its exclusive AI features to Intel and AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs. Initially, these advanced AI tools were only available to users with Snapdragon X series chipsets. However, as of this week, the tech giant is rolling out a range of powerful AI functionalities in Windows 11, including Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator, to select Intel and AMD chipsets. Additionally, Voice Access capabilities are being updated for Copilot+ PCs running on Snapdragon X series chipsets, enhancing the accessibility of these devices.

In a blog post, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Windows Experiences, Navjot Virk, confirmed the integration of these AI features into devices powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V chipsets. These tools, which were previously exclusive to Snapdragon chipsets, will now be accessible to a wider audience with the March 2025 Windows non-security preview update. The update is being rolled out gradually via Microsoft’s controlled feature rollout (CFR) throughout the month.

Among the most anticipated features are Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator. Live Captions provides real-time translations for audio and video content, making it an invaluable tool for virtual meetings, podcasts, and video playback. Cocreator, available within the Paint app, enables users to transform simple sketches into sophisticated artwork, with adjustable levels of creativity. Restyle Image, available in the Photos app, allows users to turn their photos into various artistic styles, such as oil paintings or modern art, providing a new way to creatively interact with their images. Meanwhile, Image Creator generates artwork and illustrations based on user-input text prompts, giving users the ability to bring their ideas to life through AI.

With the integration of these features across both Intel and AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft is not only broadening the scope of its AI tools but also ensuring that these capabilities are more widely available, thus offering an enhanced user experience for a larger pool of customers. This move further solidifies Microsoft’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge AI innovations to a broader range of devices.

Smart Samsung Fridges Locate Phones, Control Air Conditioners

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Samsung Electronics is taking smart home integration to a new level with its latest Bespoke AI refrigerator lineup. Previously, customers used Galaxy Watches to locate misplaced phones—but now, Samsung’s fridges can do the job. With a built-in nine-inch display and voice-enabled assistant, users can simply say, “Hi Bixby, find my phone,” and the fridge will ring the correct device, recognizing different family members’ voices for tailored assistance.

Beyond phone-finding, these AI fridges act as a central control hub for the smart home. Users can give voice commands to adjust air conditioners or control window blinds, and the system responds based on real-time weather data to ensure optimal comfort. This was among several innovative features Samsung unveiled during its latest product showcase event in Seoul, where the company highlighted its expanding use of artificial intelligence in everyday appliances.

Samsung’s broader strategy is clear: to lead the next generation of smart living by embedding AI into a wide range of home products—from refrigerators and robot vacuums to washing machines. The aim is to create a more seamless, personalized, and connected user experience. These enhancements are part of a calculated push to maintain market leadership while redefining how consumers interact with their living spaces.

According to Moon Jeong Seung, head of the digital appliance R&D division, the increased integration of AI is expected to drive strong sales in the coming year. With expertise spanning both mobile and home electronics, Samsung is uniquely positioned to develop an expansive, interconnected ecosystem. By linking the half-billion devices it sells annually, the company envisions a future where homes are not just smart—but intelligent and intuitive.