PYMNTS.com·2025-12-18 00:08Core Insights - Big Tech is accelerating its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives across various sectors, including productivity tools, infrastructure, content, and consumer hardware [1] Google - Google has launched a new AI agent named CC, integrated into Gmail, Google Calendar, and Drive, aimed at enhancing user productivity by providing personalized daily briefings and assisting with tasks like drafting emails and setting appointments [3][4] - CC is designed to operate within existing productivity workflows, positioning itself as a "second brain" for users, which is a strategic move to compete with Microsoft's Copilot and OpenAI's offerings [5] OpenAI and Amazon - OpenAI is reportedly in discussions with Amazon for a potential investment exceeding $10 billion, which may lead to deeper collaboration on AI chips and infrastructure, particularly leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS) [6] - A stronger partnership with OpenAI could enhance AWS's competitive position against Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud in the AI compute market, as OpenAI seeks to diversify its computing infrastructure beyond Nvidia [7] Amazon - Amazon has introduced generative AI features in its Kindle ecosystem, including "Ask This Book," an AI assistant that allows readers to engage with text without revealing spoilers, and "Recaps," which provides summaries of book series [8][9] Meta - Meta Platforms is shifting its AI strategy from open-source development to proprietary, revenue-focused AI models, with a new project codenamed Avocado set for release next spring [10][11] - The company is also enhancing its AI-enabled smart glasses with features like Conversation Focus and Spotify integration, indicating ongoing investment in real-world AI applications and global accessibility [12]