Google ($GOOGL) has found a business model for its most advanced artificial intelligence
Two years ago, Google spent over half a billion dollars for the tiny artificial intelligence startup DeepMind. Since then, the unit has walloped Atari video games and beaten an impossible board game.
Impressive stuff, that. But those AI demonstrations have yet to spell actual revenue. Until now — although the efforts are helping Google save money on its most expensive part.
DeepMind chief Demis Hassabis told Bloomberg that his unit recently began applying its advanced AI to Google’s data centers, finding ways to reduce the company’s sizable energy bill.
Google started using machine learning for its data centers two years ago, searching for ways to reduce costs for one of the company’s top expenses. A month ago, it aimed the more specialized AI tools from DeepMind at the problem of cooling these server farms. That cut the energy needed for cooling by 40 percent, the company said.
It didn’t offer a dollar figure for that, but it’s safe to assume that it means hundreds of millions in savings over the long haul.
Source: Google has found a business model for its most advanced artificial intelligence – Recode
Starbucks ($SBUX) expands health-care benefits for all eligible part-time and full-time workers
Starbucks Corp. [stckqut]SBUX[/stckqut] said Monday that it is expanding health-care benefits for all eligible part-time and full-time workers. A new online platform created with Aon PLC [stckqut]AON[/stckqut] will offer as many as six carriers and five levels of coverage. Workers could save up to $800 annually by selecting a plan that better suits their needs, Starbucks said in a statement. Starbucks staffers will also have access to Healthcare Advocates to help choose a health care plan.
The company will continue to cover about 70% of premium costs and 100% of preventive care services. Starbucks employs more than 160,000 workers and has been providing health care to eligible workers since 1988. Starbucks shares are down 0.2% in Monday trading and 4.5% for the year so far. The S&P 500 is up 6.1% for the year to date.
As the economy improves and there is more competition for workers, expect this to turn into a trend.
Source: Starbucks expands health-care benefits for all eligible part-time and full-time workers