Yazılar

Alligator Near Your Ball? AI Rules Expert at U.S. Open Explains What to Do

/in /tarafından

At this year’s U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club, an innovative AI-powered avatar is helping players and fans instantly navigate complex golf rules, including what to do if they encounter an alligator near their ball.

Inside a hospitality suite overlooking the 17th green, three demo terminals feature an interactive avatar of USGA rules expert Jay Roberts. Users can ask questions in English, Spanish, or Mandarin by holding their finger on the screen and speaking, receiving answers in the same language.

When asked about an alligator in a bunker where a player’s ball lies, the avatar humorously replied, “An alligator in the bunker, now that’s a hazard.” It then explained the options: the golfer may take free relief by dropping the ball at the nearest safe spot within the bunker, no closer to the hole, or choose to take a penalty stroke and drop outside the bunker.

This AI tool was developed by Deloitte in collaboration with the United States Golf Association, using four years of expert rules inquiry data combined with advanced AI technology to provide accurate, real-time answers.

Though not yet publicly available, the USGA envisions the avatar eventually being accessible via a mobile app or possibly displayed on golf cart screens to help players better understand the rules, promote fair play, and speed up the game.

Lou DiLorenzo, Deloitte’s National AI & Data Strategy leader, highlighted the technology’s potential to make golf rules more accessible and improve interactions between the USGA, courses, and players, ultimately enhancing the overall experience.

Salesforce to Invest $500 Million in AI Ventures in Saudi Arabia

/in /tarafından

Salesforce announced on Monday that it plans to invest $500 million in artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the country’s competitive push to attract critical tech investments. The investment will be a key part of Salesforce’s efforts to introduce its Hyperforce platform architecture in the region, leveraging a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

The announcement comes amid a global surge in AI investments, as countries ramp up efforts to become leaders in the fast-growing technology. This trend follows a shift in regulatory approaches, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump overturned an executive order that sought to impose restrictions on AI advancements.

In addition to launching Hyperforce, Salesforce will collaborate with major global firms such as Capgemini, Deloitte, Globant, IBM, and PwC to expand the use of its AI product, Agentforce, which is designed for customer service agents. Another key aspect of the plan includes offering Arabic language support for Salesforce’s AI product suite, aiming to make the technology more accessible to local businesses.

Salesforce made this announcement at Saudi Arabia’s global tech event, LEAP 2025, where the country secured $14.9 billion in AI investments. Earlier in the month, Salesforce also revealed plans to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh and to upskill 30,000 Saudi citizens by 2030, further cementing its commitment to fostering AI growth in the region.

Rhode Island Faces Data Breach as Hackers Demand Ransom

/in /tarafından

Rhode Island has been struck by a significant data breach, potentially compromising the personal and financial information of hundreds of thousands of residents. The breach, attributed to an international cybercriminal group, involves stolen sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, and has led to extortion demands. The hackers have threatened to release the information unless a ransom is paid, state officials reported on Saturday.

Governor Dan McKee confirmed that the breach affects individuals enrolled in the state’s government assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and healthcare services provided through HealthSource RI. The attack targeted the state’s RIBridges portal, an online platform for accessing social services, which was breached earlier this month.

Although the breach was initially detected, it was only confirmed on Friday after the state’s vendor, Deloitte, validated the hacking incident. The governor’s office stated that Deloitte had confirmed a high probability that a cybercriminal had accessed files containing personally identifiable information.

The breach may affect anyone who has applied for or received assistance through these programs since 2016. In response to the threat, RIBridges has been temporarily shut down, and those applying for new benefits will be required to use paper applications until the system is secured and restored.

Households believed to be affected by the breach will receive official notification from the state, along with guidance on how to protect their personal and financial data.