AI News Navigator

Plus: Robocall reforms & recipe rescue

Our newsletter has been running for 9 months now, and the flood of generative AI tools hitting the market has been astonishing. Despite the hype, a leading global research and advisory firm predicts that by 2025, at least 30% of these AI projects will be abandoned after proof of concept.

We're keeping a close watch on the winners and losers for you.

In this week’s edition, we’ve got an AI-powered way to get reliable news reporting, relief from robocalls, how mammogram screenings can detect heart disease risk with AI, and a new kitchen companion. 

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Credit: Pixabay

AI-powered News

In an age flooded with misinformation, finding balanced news is more challenging than ever. AskNews is an AI-driven news assistant that offers readers a clearer, unbiased view of global events.

AskNews pulls from over 50,000 sources in 13 languages, providing users with diverse perspectives and a fuller picture of the news. It could be just what you need if you're trying to find reliable information in a complex media landscape.

Developed by Colorado-based research lab Emergent Methods, AskNews is built by a team of open-source enthusiasts. The tool prioritizes transparency, curating high-quality news content with an AI-first approach.

How it works: The Explore page showcases globally featured stories, with filters for geography, topic, or coverage. Each article cites multiple sources, ensuring a well-rounded narrative.

The Chat feature allows users to ask follow-up questions or explore stories beyond the main page.

AskNews indexes between 300,000-500,000 news articles daily, covering 200+ countries. The index updates every five minutes, so you're always in the know.

While AskNews is free for casual readers, developers can integrate its content into their platforms for a fee. It’s not likely to replace established news outlets, but it offers a fresh, AI-powered approach worth checking out.

Credit: Pixabay

AI Robocalls

Relief from those annoying robocalls may be coming soon. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is moving to crack down on AI-powered robocalls, with new rules that could reshape how businesses interact with consumers.

As AI-generated voices become more sophisticated, they present a double-edged sword. While they can make customer interactions more seamless, they also open the door to more convincing scams.  According to YouMail, in 2022, Americans received more than 50 billion robocalls.

The proposal would require companies to clearly disclose when using AI to generate robocalls or texts, aiming to bring more transparency to automated communications. The FCC's proposal includes consumer protections to ensure that AI-driven communications comply with consumer consent laws.

Key provisions include:

  • Mandatory upfront disclosure of AI use in robocalls and texts.

  • Special protections for AI applications assisting people with disabilities.

  • Penalties for failing to comply with these new rules.

If passed, these rules could have significant implications for industries that rely heavily on automated communications, from marketing to customer service to political campaigns.

The FCC is inviting public comments on these proposed rules. Businesses and consumers alike will want to keep an eye on how this develops, as it could change the landscape of automated communications.

While compliance with the new rules may pose challenges, it could also pave the way for more trustworthy AI-powered interactions.

Credit: Pixabay

AI Health & Wellness

Mammograms, traditionally used to detect breast cancer, may now offer a surprising new benefit: identifying hidden risks of heart disease and strokes in women. Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, routine mammograms can now detect Breast Arterial Calcifications (BAC), a potential predictor of cardiovascular issues.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved CureMetrix’s AI-powered software, cmAngio, which detects BAC during standard mammograms. BAC, previously considered a harmless calcium deposit, is now recognized as a significant indicator of cardiovascular risk.

A decade-long study found that women with BAC were twice as likely to suffer a major cardiovascular event within 10 years compared to those without BAC. BAC was detected in 1 in 5 women, suggesting a broad potential impact for this AI-driven tool.

By leveraging AI to analyze mammograms, radiologists can now identify women at higher risk for heart disease and strokes, paving the way for earlier interventions that could save lives.

While the findings are promising, larger trials are needed to establish BAC as a definitive predictor of cardiovascular events.

BAC screening has already expanded to major cities like Washington, DC, as ongoing research aims to integrate AI into routine cardiovascular risk assessments. Look for BAC screenings to roll out in your area soon.

Credit: Pixabay

AI Home Cooking

Ever scroll through Instagram recipes without saving them, or toss out forgotten fridge ingredients? The wonderfully named OH, a potato  app is here to change that. The AI-powered tool streamlines meal planning, helps reduce food waste, and makes grocery shopping a breeze — all while keeping things fun and user-friendly.

The app’s creators say its name comes from discovering an old, forgotten potato hidden at the back of their pantry. With a playful, cartoony design, OH, a potato blends seamlessly with your social media recipe habits while helping you make the most of what’s in your kitchen.

Here’s what OH, a potato brings to the table:

· Recipe Rescue: All your favorite recipes—from Instagram to TikTok to your grandma’s cookbook—live in one easy-to-find spot on the app. Meal planning just got a whole lot simpler.

· Fridge to Fork: Say goodbye to food waste. Input what’s lurking in your fridge, and OH, a potato will whip up recipes that use what you already have. No more sad, wilted veggies—just delicious meals.

· Shopping Sanity: Ever hit the store and forget half your list? This app auto-generates grocery lists based on your meal plans, so you buy only what you need—no more, no less.

· Team Cook: Meal planning is better together. Invite your partner, friends, or housemates to collaborate on meal plans via iCloud.

After a two-week free trial, the app costs $6/month or $40/year. With the subscription, you get 100 recipes generated using Potato GPT a month. 

Use code HERENOWAI for an extended three-month trial, courtesy of co-founder Delma Szabo.

AI in the News (in case you missed it)
  • Older Americans prepare themselves for a world altered by AI. Read here.

  • Researchers say AI could help identify toddlers who may be autistic. Read here.

  • “The AI Scientist” promises to completely transform scientific discovery. Read here.

  • Wyoming mayoral candidate wants AI to run his administration. Read here.

  • Meet Chubby, the bizarre AI-generated cat that could be the future of the internet. Read here.

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Here.Now.AI Editorial team: Lori, Justin, and Lisa