In my latest Digital Digest from April 2nd, I talk about Amazon's new AI Agent who does the shopping. Other topics: Search Award 2025 and the mega fine for Apple.
Happy reading
Yours, Verena
🛍️ Amazon's new AI agent does the shopping
Amazon has unveiled Nova Act, an AI model that can perform tasks such as online shopping directly in the browser. Currently only available to developers in “Research Preview”, it enables web searches, purchases and answers questions about screen content. Nova Act is already integrated into Alexa Plus and is part of Amazon's AGI Labs, which aims to automate complex, multi-step tasks. >>> The Verge
🔢 Study: Weak passwords threaten businesses
A recent NordPass study highlights a major cybersecurity risk: weak passwords in businesses across various industries. Despite investing in security tools, many companies neglect basic password hygiene. Employees frequently use predictable passwords like “123456,” “password,” or their own names, making them easy targets for hackers. The study analyzed passwords from 11 industries and found that weak credentials are a widespread issue, from healthcare to finance and retail. Without strict password policies and employee training, companies remain vulnerable to breaches, no matter how much they spend on cybersecurity tools. >>> NordPass
👊 After criticism from the advertising industry: Mega fine for Apple
The French antitrust authority has fined Apple €150 million for abusing its dominant market position through the implementation of the App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature. Introduced in 2021, ATT requires apps to obtain user consent before tracking activities across other companies’ apps and websites. Critics argue that ATT disproportionately affects smaller developers reliant on advertising revenue, as it limits access to user data necessary for targeted ads. Apple maintains that ATT enhances user privacy by providing clear choices regarding tracking. Similar investigations are ongoing in Germany, Italy, Poland, and Romania. >>> Reuters
🍽️ ChatGPT enables fraud in expense reports
OpenAI raised 40 billion US dollars in its latest financing round, but has also been criticized: ChatGPT virtually invites fraud the next time you entertain agency clients: OpenAI's ChatGPT 4o model introduces an advanced image generator capable of generating realistic text within images, allowing users to create convincing fake receipts. This facilitates the submission of fake expense reports. OpenAI is alarmed and now wants to embed metadata into the generated images to mark their AI origin. >>> TechCrunch
🔥 The “new” AI assistant: Alexa Plus launches for first users
Amazon has launched Alexa Plus in early access for select users, initially supporting Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 devices. Some anticipated features, such as voice-ordered groceries and browser access, are currently unavailable. Despite these omissions, Alexa Plus can perform tasks like ordering an Uber, identifying objects, drafting emails, and searching for products. Document summarization is also available, though deleting uploaded files requires contacting Customer Service. The service costs $19.99 monthly or is free for Prime members. Amazon plans to add more features in the coming months. >>> The Verge
👀 Search Award 2025: Join now!
If your SEA campaign has generated more clicks than a TikTok cat video and your SEO strategy is stronger than Wikipedia for “omniscience,” it’s time to show off your results! The Search Award 2025 is looking for the best campaigns, concepts, and tools in SEO and SEA. Submit by May 5, 2025, for a chance to win during DMEXCO. >>> BVDW
🤦♂️ AI-generated CVs: German companies struggle with irrelevance
A recent global study by Remote shows that German companies spend an average of 9.91 days sorting irrelevant applications, highlighting challenges caused by AI-generated resumes. Despite the flood of applications, 39% of companies struggle to find qualified candidates. Many turn to AI for screening and improving the hiring process. >>> Remote
🏆 Difficult, but possible: winning B2B customers with AI
NeutrumAI CEO Jan Schoenmakers explains how analytical AI uses big data to identify potential business customers: AI can help businesses find the right B2B clients by automating the tedious process of searching for relevant companies. Through analytical AI, companies can gather and evaluate vast amounts of data from various sources, such as business reports and reviews, and create a “digital twin” of their ideal client to predict customer value and streamline lead generation. >>> Absatzwirtschaft
🤗 Despite AI: 72% of employees consider themselves irreplaceable
A survey by TÜV-Verband reveals that 53 % of German employees anticipate AI will significantly impact their jobs within five years. Despite this, 72% believe their roles are irreplaceable by AI. Currently, 31% use generative AI tools like ChatGPT at work. The EU AI Act mandates companies to provide AI training to employees using such technologies. >>> Heise
💪 EU cloud association mobilizes against Trump risks
The European cloud association CISPE is urging cloud providers to make their services “Trump-proof” by reducing reliance on U.S. technologies. This initiative aims to protect European data sovereignty amid concerns over U.S. policies that could compromise data privacy and security. CISPE advocates for the development of European alternatives to ensure greater control over data and mitigate potential risks associated with foreign political influences. >>> Heise
