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Dexcom Introduces AI-Powered Reports for Stelo Glucose Monitor, Offering Personalized Insights

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Dexcom has launched a new artificial intelligence feature for its Stelo continuous glucose monitor (CGM), giving users a more personalized view of how their meals, sleep, and activities affect their glucose levels. This AI-driven addition, which debuted on Tuesday, is part of Dexcom’s broader efforts to enhance user engagement and provide deeper insights into glucose management.

Stelo, an over-the-counter CGM that monitors real-time blood sugar levels by inserting a small sensor under the skin, was first introduced in August. Unlike traditional CGMs, Stelo is designed for adults who do not take insulin, opening up a new consumer market for the company. This latest feature aims to make Stelo more valuable and personalized for everyday users, with Dexcom focusing on enhancing its capabilities for a broader audience.

Jake Leach, Dexcom’s chief operating officer, emphasized that user feedback had driven the company’s decision to integrate more advanced AI features. “The No. 1 feedback we get is users want to see more,” Leach explained in an interview with CNBC. “They’re making an investment and wearing the product, and they want to be able to take the most advantage of all the data that they’re generating.” The new AI-generated reports reflect this need for deeper, actionable insights.

Dexcom is leveraging Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform and its Gemini models to build the new AI features. These tools enable developers to synthesize diverse data types, a complex task in healthcare. The company is proceeding cautiously, ensuring the AI platform adds value without compromising the reliability of its core CGM products, which are essential for managing serious health conditions.

While Stelo users have always had access to weekly insights reports, these reports were traditionally formatted in a standard template. The new AI-powered version promises to offer a more personalized experience, drawing on individual user data to provide tailored feedback. For example, if a user’s activity level is low after meals, the report will include specific recommendations to help improve glucose management.

It is important to note that while the AI feature offers personalized insights, it does not provide medical advice. Dexcom has developed the feature with guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) AI framework. The FDA approved Stelo for use in March, and the company is now looking at expanding the use of generative AI across its other CGM products.

Looking forward, Dexcom plans to evolve its AI capabilities to provide real-time feedback rather than just weekly summaries. The company also envisions using the AI platform to predict potential issues before they arise, much like a “check engine light” in a car, providing early warnings and suggestions for further consultation with healthcare providers.

Chris Sakalosky, vice president of strategic industries at Google Cloud, noted the potential for the technology to offer predictive insights. “It gives you a sense for what could be going on, and recommendations of where you might want to go to seek more advice,” Sakalosky said.

The updated AI-powered reports are already rolling out to Stelo users this week, marking an important step in Dexcom’s mission to make glucose monitoring more intuitive and informative for consumers.

 

OpenAI Pushes Back Against Musk’s Attempt to Block For-Profit Conversion

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OpenAI has asked a federal judge in California to reject Elon Musk’s attempt to block the company’s conversion to a for-profit entity. In a court filing on Friday, OpenAI argued that Musk, one of its co-founders, initially supported the move toward a for-profit structure before leaving the company due to disagreements over control and equity stake.

To bolster its case, OpenAI released a series of emails and text messages involving Musk, which it claims demonstrate that he was in favor of the company’s for-profit status. Musk, however, has since launched his own artificial intelligence firm, xAI, and filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in August, accusing the company of prioritizing profits over public benefit in its drive to advance AI.

Musk’s lawsuit also claims that OpenAI’s actions are anticompetitive, alleging that the company is working to monopolize the generative AI market and sideline rivals. He sought a preliminary injunction in November, asking U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to block the conversion to a for-profit company, arguing that it violated contract provisions.

In response, OpenAI argued that Musk’s request is based on “unsupported allegations” and that he should focus on competing in the marketplace rather than through litigation. OpenAI also denied any conspiracy to restrain competition, emphasizing that it operates independently from Microsoft, which has heavily invested in the company.

Microsoft, in a separate filing, reaffirmed that it and OpenAI are independent entities that compete with each other and other companies, fueling innovation in the AI sector.

OpenAI, originally founded as a nonprofit in 2014, has become a major player in generative AI, with substantial backing from Microsoft. In October, OpenAI raised $6.6 billion in funding, boosting its valuation to $157 billion. Musk’s xAI, launched earlier this year, raised about $6 billion in equity financing.

The planned restructuring of OpenAI will transition it into a for-profit benefit corporation, with the nonprofit holding a minority stake in the new entity. Judge Rogers is scheduled to hear arguments for Musk’s injunction on January 14.

 

Adobe Shares Plunge 14% on Weak Revenue Guidance

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Adobe experienced its steepest stock drop in over two years, falling 14% on Thursday following disappointing revenue guidance for the fiscal first quarter of 2024. The software giant forecast sales between $5.63 billion and $5.68 billion, falling short of the $5.73 billion average analyst estimate compiled by LSEG.

The unexpected forecast has rattled investors and analysts alike. TD Cowen downgraded Adobe’s stock from “buy” to “hold,” while Wells Fargo maintained its “buy” rating but acknowledged a “frustrating” outlook for 2024. Adobe’s stock is now down 20% for the year, underperforming the Nasdaq, which has surged 33% in 2024 and recently crossed the 20,000 mark.

Mixed Q4 Performance
Despite the disappointing guidance, Adobe’s fourth-quarter results exceeded expectations:

  • Adjusted earnings per share: $4.81 (vs. $4.66 expected)
  • Revenue: $5.61 billion, an 11% increase year-over-year (vs. $5.54 billion expected)

The company’s growth strategy hinges on monetizing generative artificial intelligence (AI). Adobe has integrated AI tools such as Firefly for image generation into its Creative Cloud and other standalone offerings, which have contributed to its revenue growth thus far.

Analyst Reactions
Deutsche Bank analysts maintained their “buy” rating for Adobe but reduced their target price from $650 to $600, citing cautious optimism. “These results and guidance require a bit of faith in the full year next year,” they said, while also noting that Adobe is among the few application software companies effectively capitalizing on generative AI.

As Adobe seeks to navigate challenges in revenue growth, investors are closely monitoring its ability to sustain momentum in the competitive generative AI space while meeting market expectations.