Microsoft's latest AI product, Copilot Pro, is compared to other AI assistants. A deep dive into Zulily reveals a conspiracy theory about the motives behind its shutdown. The podcast also examines the differing approaches of Costco and Amazon in customer authentication.
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Quick takeaways
Costco is implementing a scanning process at store entrances to prevent unauthorized entry and enhance security by verifying membership cardholders' identity through facial recognition.
Microsoft's new AI offering, Co-pilot Pro, competes with OpenAI's Chat GPT Plus and other AI tools, leading to increased costs for users who subscribe to multiple AI services and tools.
Deep dives
Costco's new scanning process to prevent unauthorized entry
Costco is testing a new scanning process at some of its stores to prevent unauthorized entry. Customers are required to scan their membership card at the front entrance, where their picture is verified to ensure it matches the cardholder. The move comes as self-checkout options in Costco stores have made it possible for non-members to use someone else's card for entry. The pilot program, being tested at select locations, aims to enhance security and prevent membership sharing.
Microsoft introduces AI offering competition to OpenAI
Microsoft has launched a new AI offering called Co-pilot Pro, which offers advanced features previously found in Microsoft 365. For a monthly subscription fee of $20, users can utilize features such as automatic presentation creation in PowerPoint based on user input. Co-pilot Pro competes with OpenAI's Chat GPT Plus. The increasing number of AI subscriptions, including Co-pilot Pro, Chat GPT Plus, and Otter AI, has led to growing costs for users who are subscribing to multiple AI tools and services.
Analyzing the downfall of Zulily, e-commerce company
Zulily, an e-commerce company once known for its flash sales targeting moms with young kids, has faced a series of challenges leading to its shutdown by private equity firm Regent. The company attempted to expand its market beyond moms and kids, resulting in losing its focus and direct competition with Amazon. The story of Zulily's rise and fall serves as a cautionary tale in the e-commerce industry, highlighting how private equity acquisition and attempts to outcompete Amazon can lead to failure. The closure of Zulily also raises questions about the future of acquired tech companies and the increasing influence of private equity firms on the industry.
This week on the GeekWire Podcast, we consider Microsoft's latest AI product, the $20/month Copilot Pro, compare it to the likes of ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro and Otter.ai — and realize in the process that one of us is already paying way too much for AI assistants on a monthly basis.
Plus, a deep dive on Zulily bolsters a hypothesis about the motives of the private equity firm that acquired and later shut down the online retailer.
And finally, we compare, contrast, and appreciate the very different approaches taken by Costco and Amazon for authenticating the identity of customers at store entrances and check-out.
With GeekWire co-founders John Cook and Todd Bishop.