Aethir, a provider of decentralized GPU cloud compute, announced the launch of AI Unbundled, an industry-wide alliance for the development of artificial intelligence in Web3. The company said AI Unbundled is the next step in Aethir’s mission to deliver end-to-end infrastructure, foster industry-wide collaboration, and accelerate AI adoption. Through AI Unbundled, Aethir establishes a collaborative framework that connects AI builders to decentralized computing, funding, and go-to-market support, creating an all-in-one solution to support projects from inception to market deployment. The alliance will support AI startups through various programs, including joint grant funding between $10,000 and $100,000, subsidized access to decentralised GPU infrastructure from Aethir, 0G’s inference and verification tools, and other alliance partners’ grants and support. Additional benefits include co-branded industry events, workshops, and dedicated hackathons to spotlight emerging projects, along with early access to decentralized tools like ERC-7857—the iNFT standard developed by 0G Labs to enable secure, composable AI agents. Startups will also be connected through a shared resource hub that streamlines onboarding, facilitates ecosystem introductions, and provides co-marketing, technical mentorship, and event opportunities.
Fujitsu and RIKEN develop world-leading 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer for more complex challenges like implementing error correction algorithms and seamless collaboration between quantum and classical computers
Fujitsu Limited and RIKEN have developed a 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer, which will be integrated into their hybrid quantum computing platform starting in Q1 2025. The computer builds on the 64-qubit version, launched with the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s support in October 2023. The 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer will enable users to tackle complex challenges like analyzing larger molecules and implementing error correction algorithms. The platform will also enable seamless collaboration between quantum and classical computers, enabling efficient execution of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms. The computer overcomes technical challenges, including appropriate cooling within the dilution refrigerator. Scalable 3D connection structure: Enables efficient scaling of qubit count without requiring complex redesigns by arranging 4-qubit unit cells in a 3D configuration; The 256-qubit machine utilizes the same unit cell design established in its 64-qubit predecessor, effectively demonstrating the scalability of this architectural approach. Quadrupled implementation density within dilution refrigerator: Quadrupled implementation density achieved within the dilution refrigerator, allowing the 256-qubit machine to operate within the same cooling unit as the 64-qubit system; Highly optimized design that carefully balances heat generation from control circuits with the cooling capacity of the refrigerator, while maintaining the necessary ultra-high vacuum and extremely low temperatures
VantageScore expands new open-banking credit score 4plus for lending to underserved borrowers enabling improved predictive lift, clearer risk segmentation and expanded decisioning opportunities
VantageScore announced the expansion of their groundbreaking VantageScore 4plus pilot program for lenders launched in partnership with Credit Builders Alliance. The pilot leverages the industry leading VantageScore 4.0 credit score with open banking data to deliver the new VantageScore4Plus credit score model. Initial data from the pilot show meaningful improvements in the ways nonprofit lenders can assess and serve potential borrowers. Key insights include: 1) Improved Predictive Lift: Applicants with new to credit, thin or inactive credit files, who make up 15% of participants in the pilot program, benefitted significantly from the addition of open banking data. 2) Clearer Risk Segmentation: Credit scores moved in both directions both up and down. There were nearly equal numbers of consumers seeing increases and decreases. The result signals better separation between higher- and lower-risk applicants. 3) Expanded Decisioning Opportunities: 44% of previously declined applicants could be reconsidered under a “second look” strategy using VantageScore 4plus, potentially unlocking credit while preserving underwriting rigor reducing risk.
Installment payments option will allow users to pay using the Samsung wallet in the conventional tap-to-pay method but made after the fact, at Splitit’s discretion
Two new Samsung Wallet features in the pipeline including a new installment payment function and a money-sending tool, are likely to change how users interact with the app on a daily basis. The installment payments option will allow users to pay using the Samsung wallet in the conventional tap-to-pay method. In action, nothing feels different about using the tool. The main difference here is that installment payments will need to be made after the fact, at Splitit’s discretion. The disclosure notes that the option will be available for all Visa and Mastercard purchases, which should cover most storefront requirements. Send Money also appears in the leaked screenshots. According to the instructions in Samsung’s app, the function will work with a simple tap on another phone or a debit card. It’s likely that users will first need to enter some information prior to tapping, like the money amount. After that, an NFC tap will activate the transfer. The neat detail here is that one can tap someone else’s debit card to send them money. Samsung Wallet’s installment payments and money-sending features will likely be available soon for users in the US through a beta phase. It seems the beta is still open for enrollment, which would give you access to the two new features.
Qualtrics’ AI “Experience Agents” allow brands to adapt survey questions in real time based on customer’s incomplete or partial responses and use that insight to empathetically resolve customer’s problem
Qualtrics’ announced their new Experience Agents™, a series of highly specialized AI agents that utilize agentic AI. With the launch of their Experience Agents, brands will be able to go further and autonomously take action on those insights in real time. One of the most interesting ways that they are applying their new agentic capabilities, particularly when it comes to building connections with customers and acting in the moments that matter, is what they have done within their core surveying product. Their new conversational feedback capability allows them to adapt survey questions in real time based on customer responses, particularly if the responses are incomplete or partial, and then, based on that insight, take action to help resolve the customer’s problem. According to Brad Anderson, President of Products, UX, and Engineering at Qualtrics, this allows their customers to not only add 7% points to their survey completion rate but also enrich the quality of data that they collect by around 40% as a result of their adaptive approach. That is not insignificant, especially when you consider that the average response rate to a customer feedback request is sub 10%, with some organisations operating with a completion rate in the 3-4% range. The ability to act on that feedback empathetically and in real time is a capability that will help brands build better connections with their customers. That, as CEO Zig Serafin points out, is where the big opportunity lies for those wanting to deliver great customer experiences.
Survey shows 35% of shoppers plan to buy products now before tariffs go up and 28% plan to wait and potentially switch to cheaper alternatives
More than eight-in-10 (83%) respondents said they are planning to pull back on spending in the coming weeks, according to a survey by OnePulse for e-commerce platform Klaviyo. Six-in-10 (61%) respondents say they plan to cut back their spending at restaurants, followed by clothing/accessories (47%) and travel/hotels (41%). Meanwhile, 35% of respondents plan to buy products now before tariffs go up, 25% are waiting to see if prices increase and 28% plan to wait and potentially switch to cheaper alternatives. Close to three-in-10 (28%) respondents plan to remain loyal to their preferred brands. However, when asked the best ways to keep them brand-loyal, respondents were most likely to cite frequent discounts or promotional offers (54%), consistent product quality (37%) and better prices (33%). While 37% of respondents said cite product quality is key to building brand loyalty, only 8% prioritize quality in their purchasing decisions. The survey also found that the two biggest communication asks for brands right now are transparent pricing updates and clear info about delays or supply chain issues.
Brandlight’s tech measures and optimizes how brands are interpreted across reputation management, partnerships, content strategy and SEO to enhance their visibility in AI-generated search results
Brandlight, the first-of-its-kind AI Insights and Influence System, has emerged from stealth with $5.75 million in funding to help brands measure and shape their visibility in AI-generated search results. Brandlight provides businesses with the intelligence and tools they need to thrive in a digital landscape reshaped by AI-driven search. Brandlight’s system enables businesses to track, optimize, refine, and improve their AI-driven presence, ensuring they remain competitive in this new frontier. Brandlight’s system goes beyond traditional SEO. It is a strategic AI influence platform that enables brands to proactively shape AI-generated answers, ensuring their messaging accurately reflects and aligns with business objectives. The platform transforms AI search from a passive experience into a high-impact marketing channel, offering predictive insights that help businesses maintain a competitive edge. Imri Marcus, CEO of Brandlight says “Our system creates a baseline of how AI perceives a specific entity, giving you visibility into the AI black box, and actively improves on it.” In other words, it goes beyond surfacing AI-driven search results; it measures and optimizes how brands are interpreted across reputation management, partnerships, content strategy, SEO, and more. Underpinning this capability is a team of repeat entrepreneurs, marketing leaders, and top AI experts from the Israeli IDF’s elite tech units. Brandlight’s technology identifies the strategic data sources AI engines rely on, uncovering opportunities for optimization. It then refines this data for optimal AI processing, empowering brands to cut through the noise, gain visibility, and consistently deliver impactful outcomes.
Delta’s ecosystem approach to loyalty engine integrates partner-driven experiences that deliver emotional resonance
Delta is moving beyond the traditional “earn and burn” model to architect a lifestyle ecosystem. One that delivers emotional resonance, not just rewards. And they’re doing it through powerful partnerships, personal technology, and a loyalty experience designed to meet people where they live—not just where they fly. Delta’s partnerships with Starbucks and Uber are examples of what Josh Kaehler, Managing Director of Loyalty Partnerships at Delta, calls “frequency amplifiers.” “People engage with Uber and Starbucks more often than they fly,” he said. “Those brands already have deep emotional connections with customers. If we can piggyback on that frequency and that brand love, it’s a halo for Delta.” Camille Irving, GM of U.S. & Canada Mobility at Uber, described the partnership similarly: “No one brand owns the entire travel journey. Our work with Delta is about creating a ‘double delight’—seamless experiences, with rewards that resonate.” While aspirational moments—like flying Delta One to Europe—are core to the loyalty engine, Delta is increasingly focused on broadening its appeal to travelers who may only fly a few times a year. Delta’s SkyMiles Experiences platform, recently relaunched, offers everything from once-in-a-lifetime events to more attainable everyday cultural perks and live events. That’s why Delta has integrated partner-driven experiences, like a private tasting at Starbucks’ original Pike Place store and has hinted at more curated events to come through collaborations with brands like Uber and the PGA Tour. Delta’s tech roadmap includes the Concierge feature previewed at CES, aimed at giving travelers customized itinerary guidance, travel updates, and curated offers. Delta’s ecosystem strategy isn’t about transactional perks. It’s about touchpoints that make people feel seen, known, and valued. And in a category where airlines compete on price and routes, Delta’s secret weapon may just be something harder to quantify—but far more powerful: emotional equity.
Walgreens adapts in-store kiosks for safe disposal of unwanted, unused or expired medications
Walgreens is making its stores part of a major national initiative to help fight prescription drug abuse. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Walgreens is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This annual event is dedicated to the safe disposal of unwanted, unused or expired medications. During the event, participating consumers can dispose of medications they no longer need at any of more than 1,500 in-store kiosks Walgreens offers in its stores across 46 states and Washington, D.C. These kiosks are intended to help ensure medications are not accidentally or intentionally misused. Walgreens provides the kiosks at no cost, year-round, during regular pharmacy hours. Customers can find kiosk locations on Walgreens.com via the store locator tool by using the search filter for “medication disposal kiosk” under the pharmacy section. Walgreens pharmacies that do not have safe medication disposal kiosks offer other drug disposal options free of charge that are also available year-round upon request at the pharmacy counter.
Walmart to open ‘Beauty Bars’ in select stores to explore new products, talk to beauty experts and test samples; spotlights trend-forward brands online with elevated shopping experiences and editorial storytelling
In a pilot program, Walmart is introducing “Beauty Bars” in 40 stores. At the Beauty Bars, customers can explore new products, talk to beauty experts and test samples. Walmart said it is also spotlighting trend-forward brands online with elevated shopping experiences and editorial storytelling. The company noted it has added more than 40 premium brands in the past year, expanded assortment in its core business, and launched new pathways for emerging brands through programs such as its beauty accelerator program. In addition, Walmart is hosting its annual spring omnichannel extravaganza known as “The Beauty Event” through Saturday, May 31. As part of the promotion, Walmart is offering more than 1,800 rollbacks and in the past year, savings on a range of beauty products at varied price points. In addition, for the third straight year, Walmart will soon host Walmart+ Week, a sale exclusively for members of its Walmart+ paid subscription service. This year’s Walmart+ Week also provides a number of exclusive rewards and offers that build upon existing Walmart+ benefits from Walmart and several partner brands.