AI expansion: Meta’s standalone app, Baidu’s Ernie upgrade, Alexa+, and AI in healthcare & MRI
Published on March 5, 2025
- Meta plans to release a standalone Meta AI app – Meta Platforms is set to launch a standalone AI application in the second quarter of 2025, expanding beyond its integration of Meta AI into platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. This move positions Meta to compete with AI offerings from companies such as OpenAI and Google. CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims for Meta AI to reach 1 billion users within the year, building on its current 700 million monthly active users. The company is also exploring a subscription model for the new AI app.
- China's Baidu to launch upgraded AI Ernie model in mid-March, source says – Baidu plans to release an enhanced version of its AI model, Ernie 4.5, in mid-March. The upgrade will improve reasoning and multimodal capabilities, allowing the model to process and integrate various data formats such as text, video, images, and audio. This development comes as Baidu faces competition from emerging AI startups like DeepSeek, prompting a shift towards open-source strategies to maintain its position in the AI industry.
- Introducing Alexa+, the next generation of Alexa – Amazon has unveiled Alexa+, an advanced version of its virtual assistant powered by generative AI. Alexa+ offers more natural and conversational interactions, enhanced personalization, and the ability to perform complex tasks across various services and devices. New features include orchestrating smart home devices, making reservations, managing schedules, and providing personalized recommendations, all designed to make users' lives easier and more efficient.
- Philips accelerates precise imaging with unique AI technologies in MRI to improve patient outcomes – Philips has integrated advanced AI technologies into its MRI systems, introducing Dual AI-driven engines in SmartSpeed Precise to enable faster scanning. These innovations aim to enhance patient throughput, reduce scan times, and improve image quality, leading to more accurate diagnoses and shorter wait times. The technology is available across Philips' 1.5T and 3.0T MRI scanners, supporting healthcare providers worldwide in delivering better patient outcomes.
- Salesforce launches AgentForce with Agentic AI for healthcare – Salesforce has introduced AgentForce, a new platform powered by Agentic AI, specifically designed for the healthcare sector. AgentForce aims to streamline administrative tasks, enhance patient engagement, and improve care coordination by leveraging AI-driven insights. The platform integrates seamlessly with existing healthcare systems, offering personalized experiences for patients and enabling healthcare providers to deliver more efficient and effective care.