Jul 18, 2025
Retter Reboot #29
OpenAI Launches General-Purpose Agent in ChatGPT
OpenAI has introduced a new agent feature in ChatGPT that can take real actions on behalf of users, like searching the web, booking appointments, or managing files. It combines tools like code interpreter, browser, and memory. The rollout begins with Pro users this week.
Slack Adds AI Search, Transcriptions, and Summaries for Huddles
Slack is upgrading its platform with AI-powered search, plus automatic transcriptions and summaries for Huddles. These features aim to help teams find information faster and catch up on missed conversations. The updates are rolling out to paid users first.
Amazon Challenges Microsoft with Kiro, Its New AI-Powered IDE
Amazon has unveiled Kiro, an AI-powered integrated development environment (IDE) built to compete with Microsoft’s Visual Studio and GitHub Copilot. Kiro offers smart code suggestions, debugging, and project management tools. It’s designed to streamline enterprise software development.
Google Adds AI-Powered Calling to Local Business Search
Google is rolling out AI-powered calling in local search, allowing its assistant to call businesses on your behalf to check hours, make reservations, or ask questions. The feature aims to streamline real-world tasks. It builds on Google Duplex and expands AI utility in Search.
Google Discover Adds AI Summaries, Raising Publisher Concerns
Google has added AI-generated summaries to Discover, letting users preview content without clicking through. Publishers warn it could deepen traffic losses already caused by AI overviews in search. The feature is rolling out gradually.
OpenAI Prepares AI Office Suite to Challenge Microsoft and Google
OpenAI is developing an AI-powered office suite with tools for writing, spreadsheets, and presentations. The suite aims to rival Microsoft Office and Google Workspace by offering deeply integrated AI features. A launch is expected later this year.
OpenAI Seeks Share of ChatGPT-Driven eCommerce Sales
OpenAI is exploring ways to earn revenue from purchases made through ChatGPT, aiming to take a cut of eCommerce sales it helps generate. The move could turn ChatGPT into a transactional platform, not just a search tool. Partnerships with retailers may follow.
AWS to Launch AI Agent Marketplace with Anthropic as Partner
AWS is set to launch a new AI agent marketplace next week, allowing developers to build, share, and monetize autonomous agents. Anthropic will be an early partner, offering Claude-powered agents on the platform. The marketplace will integrate with Bedrock and SageMaker.
Prime Day Drove $24B in U.S. Sales as GenAI Traffic Spiked 3300%
Amazon’s 2025 Prime Day generated over $24 billion in U.S. eCommerce sales. Traffic from generative AI tools surged 3300% as shoppers used AI to find deals, compare products, and speed up decisions. AI is becoming a key driver of online retail.
Meta Follows YouTube with Crackdown on Unoriginal Facebook Content
Meta is rolling out new policies to reduce unoriginal and repetitive content on Facebook, aiming to protect content quality. The move follows YouTube’s similar efforts against mass-produced AI material. Enforcement will begin with monetized posts.
Elon Musk’s Grok Is Building AI Companions, Starting with a Goth Anime Girl
xAI is developing AI companions for Grok, starting with customizable personas like a goth anime girl. The feature aims to offer more personal and engaging AI interactions for users on X. More companion types are in development.
Goldman Sachs Is Testing AI Agent Devin as a New Employee
Goldman Sachs is piloting Cognition’s viral AI coding agent Devin to assess its ability to automate software tasks. The bank is exploring how AI agents like Devin could supplement or replace developer roles. Early tests are underway across tech teams.
