Stay connected in the world of tech and media! This week we’re breaking it all down from The Range Rover EV to H&R Block AI and more. Read on for the latest digital bites from across the web.
YouTube to Reduce Ad Break Frequency on TV, but with Longer Ad Durations
YouTube is updating its advertising approach on TV by reducing the frequency of ad breaks during videos, but making each commercial longer. This change, initially tested in September, is now being implemented on all TVs. Viewers will see a revised countdown timer indicating the total duration of the ad break, instead of the previous system which showed the number of ads and a timer for each. Additionally, YouTube is introducing ads in between Shorts on TVs, similar to the mobile and web experience, which can be skipped using a remote. The update aims to minimize interruptions during longer videos, reflecting YouTube’s increased focus on ad viewership and restrictions on ad blockers.
AT&T Becomes Rivian’s Newest Electric Vehicle Client After Amazon Agreement
AT&T has become Rivian’s second major commercial electric vehicle customer, initiating a pilot program to electrify its fleet with Rivian’s vans and trucks, following Rivian’s previous exclusive deal with Amazon. This partnership, marking AT&T’s move towards carbon neutrality by 2035, also includes Rivian adopting AT&T as its exclusive in-car connectivity provider in the US and Canada. AT&T expects to start integrating Rivian EVs into its fleet in early 2024, although specific details on the number of vehicles in the pilot and future orders remain undisclosed. Additionally, Rivian has chosen AT&T as the exclusive provider of in-car connectivity in the US and Canada for all its vehicles.
Google’s Nest Renew Merges with Alphabet Offshoot to Create Renew Home
Google’s Nest Renew service is merging with OhmConnect, an energy management platform, to form a new entity called Renew Home. This move was facilitated by a $100 million investment from Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners (SIP). Likewise, it will aim to establish the largest energy transition resource in the U.S. Both Nest Renew and OhmConnect focus on enabling smart home users to utilize connected devices for accessing more affordable and cleaner energy. Nest Renew, launched in 2021, optimizes energy usage for HVAC systems through Google Nest Thermostats, while OhmConnect rewards users for reducing energy consumption during peak times, operating significantly in California, Texas, and New York City. Google confirmed that Nest Renew customers would continue to receive uninterrupted service with improved offerings under Renew Home. TSIP, with Google’s parent company Alphabet as a principal investor, is injecting substantial funding into Renew Home, with Google retaining minority equity in the new company.
H&R Block Introduces Artificial Intelligence-Powered Tax Filing Assistant
H&R Block has introduced a new conversational AI chatbot, AI Tax Assist. The paid service is designed to answer various tax-related questions and provide guidance. This AI assistant, was developed using models from OpenAI and Microsoft and trained exclusively on H&R Block’s tax law library. The AI can guide users through their tax filings. In addition, it offers specifics like deductible business expenses for gig workers. The aim is to eventually support AI-driven personalized guidance. H&R Block assures that a team monitors the model’s accuracy and users can always verify information with a human expert.
Axel Springer, Parent Company of Politico and Business Insider, Secures Agreement with OpenAI
OpenAI has entered into a partnership with Axel Springer, the parent company of Business Insider and Politico. The partnership integrates content from its publications into ChatGPT responses. This agreement allows ChatGPT to use information from articles in Axel Springer’s publications. However, access will be limited to Business Insider’s premium paywalled articles, excluding Politico Pro’s paid subscription content. This collaboration opens new financial avenues for Axel Springer and aligns with the media industry’s exploration of generative AI’s potential.
Range Rover Initiates a Waiting List for Its Forthcoming Electric Vehicle
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has opened a waiting list for its first fully electric Range Rover EV. Slated for debut in 2024, the electric SUV is currently in the physical prototype phase. The company aims for the Range Rover EV to match the performance of its V8 models. This move is part of JLR’s plan to invest around $19B over five years in EV and autonomous vehicle technology. Likewise, it aligns with their goal to be electric-first by 2030. The choice of starting with a large SUV like the Range Rover aligns with the market trend towards bigger vehicles.