What Chat GPT competitor Google’s Bard Can Do
Google’s announcement of its new operating system for its in-house chatbot, Bard, at its recent developer conference. The new operating system, PaLM 2, has the ability to understand over 100 languages, and plans to add a further 40 languages soon. This expansion is essential for the company’s growth in the financially strong East Asian region, where Japanese and Korean are already integrated into the chatbot.
Google is not only equipping Bard with the new operating system but also up to 25 other applications, including Google Maps and Gmail. The AI in the new system can make recommendations based on search results from Google Maps, and Gmail will soon have support from artificial intelligence, which can take over standardized answer. Moreover, PaLM 2 also has the ability to edit images. It can complete the background of a recording using AI, making it look more pleasing. However, the company places great emphasis on security and ensures transparency in AI-generated images through watermarks and hints in the metadata.
The new operating system’s efficiency and language capabilities are expected to positively impact the supply chain, especially in international business and communication. The integration of PaLM 2 in various Google applications will provide more precise, faster, and accurate translations and communication, making it easier for businesses and individuals to work with international partners, clients, and suppliers.
Interested? Click here to read more
Nestlé closes Pennsylvania plants
Nestlé is set to close two manufacturing plants in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania next month, resulting in the loss of 312 jobs. The move is part of a wider supply chain consolidation effort by the company, aimed at increasing efficiency. The HVL LLC and Pure Encapsulations plants, which were acquired by Nestlé in 2017, will close permanently, with job terminations effective from 30 June 2023.
Despite the closures, Nestlé has been investing in other locations to keep pace with changing consumer trends. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to add two production lines to its factory in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to meet demand for its Boost and Carnation Breakfast Essentials products.
Meanwhile, Nestlé is discussing options for its instant coffee plant in northern New Jersey, which is considered to be less efficient due to its age. The company recently closed its California Sweet Earth Foods facility, with plans to shift production to its factory in Solon, Ohio. The consolidation of Nestle’s supply chain network is part of an effort to streamline operations and cut costs, while ensuring that it can meet the demands of consumers.
Click here to read more
Apple Sees Great Opportunity for Growth in India
Apple CEO Tim Cook is optimistic about the growth potential in emerging markets such as India, as the company’s iPhone sales jumped 1.5% to $51.3 billion for the fiscal second quarter. Although global smartphone shipments fell 13% in January to March, Apple gained market share from Android phones, according to research firm Canalys. The company reported sales records in several countries across South Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, and enjoyed double-digit percentage growth in India year-over-year.
Cook noted that India’s low market share and demographics create a great opportunity for Apple in these markets. The company recently opened its first two retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi and set a quarterly record in India. Research firm Counterpoint reported that Apple was the second biggest revenue generating brand in India in 2022, second only to Samsung, as it gained 18% of the total value of smartphone shipments.
Apple’s success in these markets presents new opportunities for the company’s supply chain as it expands production to meet rising demand.
Read more here
