Revamping Siri with AI

Good morning, fellow designers! One of the most exciting developments in AI today comes from the tech giants themselves. Apple and Google have officially joined forces, with Apple confirming that Gemini will power the long-awaited revamp for Siri. This multi-year partnership (read more on Google’s blog) means that Siri’s AI will soon use one of the most advanced models available. It’s a fascinating move, especially when you consider how often we need smart assistants in our daily workflows.

For those of us involved in digital product design, this announcement is a reminder that even core functionalities—like voice assistants—are constantly evolving. The integration of Gemini paves the way for more natural and efficient interactions, spotlighting an exciting intersection of AI and user experience. Who wouldn’t love a bit more magic in their apps?

New Tools for Enhanced Workflow

Another noteworthy trend is the rise of AI tools that streamline everyday tasks. Anthropic’s new tool, Cowork, is designed to assist with non-coding tasks such as organising files, generating reports, and managing expenses. Available exclusively on macOS for now, Cowork essentially lets you delegate mundane tasks to a smart assistant, much like handing off a quick errand to a trusted colleague (read more here).

Likewise, Perplexity has launched its Comet browser—a nifty tool that integrates AI into your everyday browsing. From planning trips to shopping online, Comet is oriented towards practical, time-saving workflows. For design professionals juggling multiple projects, these tools could offer a welcome productivity boost, freeing up more time for creative challenges.

Proving AI ROI in Design Business

It’s not just about tools—measuring their impact is equally important. Recently, You.com released a guide on measuring AI ROI (check it out here). This guide offers a practical framework with four key metrics to help leaders and design entrepreneurs quantify the impact of their AI investments.

For those of us managing digital products or running design businesses, having a solid method to measure the return on AI initiatives means we can more confidently advocate for implementing these powerful tools. It transforms vague promises into clear, actionable insights.

Global AI Adoption Insights

Lastly, a recent report from Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute sheds light on global AI adoption trends (read the full report). The study revealed striking differences in AI uptake between developed and developing nations—a reminder that while technology can be a great leveller, accessibility remains a challenge.

This insight is crucial for us as designers, especially when considering how our products might perform or be received in different markets. Balancing innovation with inclusivity is key to creating digital experiences that resonate worldwide.