Before you buy an AI agent, make it pass an exit test

Please stop asking me when the AI bubble will pop

Pimco CEO Emmanuel Roman says he can't predict when the AI market will collapse, while Wall Street CEOs and big money managers are divided over AI risks, as reported in a Bloomberg article.

Pokémon bakeoff reveals best JavaScript frameworks for AI

Seattle-based developer Nolan Lawson tested 12 JavaScript frameworks for AI performance, finding server-centric frameworks more efficient than client-heavy ones, with convention, API stability, and concision being key factors for optimal agent use.

Editor's noteServer-centric frameworks are the clear winners in this bakeoff, but the real story is the trade-off between AI efficiency and human usability. Watch whether the industry starts to prioritize performance over developer experience, as the results suggest that the most efficient frameworks are also the most unforgiving.

First look: up close with the Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence Mirror Steel

Louis Vuitton has unveiled a new watch, the Tambour Convergence, with a distinctive aesthetic and innovative design. The watch features a scratch-resistant steel case, polished to a high-gloss finish, and a unique dial display.

Editor's noteA watch that's more about the materials than the mechanism is a luxury industry hedge. The use of scratch-resistant steel, rather than precious metals, is a cost-cutting measure that also happens to be more sustainable. Watch whether the price point reflects this shift, and whether it's a one-off or a new direction for Louis Vuitton.

Sabine Marcelis takes a moment to reflect in first museum exhibition

Sabine Marcelis's first museum exhibition, 'Light and Color', features her work at Zurich's Museum für Gestaltung, showcasing 15 years of her designs, from IKEA's best-selling light to her Candy Cube tables.

Koto: We need to talk about how all electric car brands look the same

A new report from Koto highlights the issue of electric car brands struggling to stand out from one another, with 96% of EV drivers choosing electric again but only half staying loyal to their original brand.

Salesforce buying AI customer support company Cresta

Salesforce has agreed to acquire Cresta, a company that provides AI-powered customer support. The acquisition will integrate Cresta's technology with Salesforce's existing customer history and systems, enhancing customer interactions and support.

If you don’t define your weakness, AI will

B2B companies are advised to clearly define their product's limitations to avoid AI-generated marketing that may misrepresent their offerings, as buyers increasingly use AI to find vendors and test their weaknesses.

AI traffic drives 83% more traffic per visit

Adobe research shows AI-aided traffic generates significantly higher revenue and conversion rates for retailers, with a notable improvement in performance over the past year, particularly in terms of conversion rates.

Editor's noteAI traffic being 83% more valuable per visit is a symptom of a bigger problem: retailers' content is still not AI-readable. Watch the changes in Citation Readability Score as retailers adjust their content to match the AI-driven traffic, and whether that leads to sustained revenue growth.

Cresta Fills An Important Gap In Salesforce’s Customer Service AI Story

Salesforce has acquired Cresta, a company that provides voice agents, real-time assistance, and conversation intelligence for customer service interactions. This addition fills a gap in Salesforce's customer service AI capabilities. Cresta's technology will integrate with Salesforce's existing customer service systems.

The Financial Risks of Sharing Raw Workforce Data With AI

HR analysts are sharing workforce data with AI tools, often without considering the financial risks, which can arise from exposing sensitive information such as salaries and manager notes. This can lead to data breaches and potential financial losses. Data protection systems are compromised.

SK Telecom moves to scale employee-built AI agents across the organisation

SK Telecom has implemented a new strategy, AX Innovation 2.0, to integrate AI agents across the organisation, following a year of employee-led AI development. Over 7,500 employees use AI agents monthly, with 4,000 having built their own. Data protection is a key challenge.

Editor's noteSK Telecom's AI strategy is a pivot from individual employee innovation to organisational adoption, but it's a trade-off: productivity will dip while employees retrain, and data protection remains a challenge. Watch the AX Enabler Task Force's progress in tackling these issues, as it will determine whether the organisation can successfully integrate AI agents across its operations.

FedRAMP 20x picks up steam with first full ‘Class C’ certification to AI company

Perplexity, an AI company, has become the first to achieve a FedRAMP 'Class C' certification, aligning with the 'moderate' classification, under the accelerated '20x' process for government cloud service providers.

‘Exit survey’ of former feds finds fears of civil service politicization under Trump — and many willing to return to their agencies

A survey of over 2,000 former US civil servants found that nearly half cited politicization as a reason for leaving, with similar levels reported across various political ideologies. Those laid off reported feeling coerced into leaving, contradicting OPM's claim that most departures were voluntary.

Editor's notePoliticization of the civil service is not a partisan issue, but a symptom of a system that prioritizes downsizing over retention. Watch whether the OPM's voluntary departure numbers hold up to scrutiny, as the coerced layoffs of nearly 300,000 employees suggest a more complex story.

Canada’s “Associate” EU Membership Should Be Digital

Canada and EU leaders have proposed an 'associate member' status, with a focus on digital cooperation. This includes existing digital partnerships with countries like Japan and Singapore, which have led to balanced trade and no security risks.