Author: admin
Travel search engine Kayak will now allow users to research trips ahead of booking using AI. The company this week launched an “AI Mode” feature that lets users ask travel-related questions as well as compare and book flights, hotels, and cars, through an AI chatbot integrated on the company’s website. The feature is currently available across both desktop and mobile web, and takes advantage of Kayak’s integration with ChatGPT to deliver contextual results. The rollout follows the company’s April launch of Kayak.ai, built as a testing ground for working with AI technology. That site also combined Kayak’s data and tools…
Digital rights group the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the Trump administration over the government’s alleged social media monitoring of people who are lawfully living in the United States. The suit contends that the government is using AI and other methods to watch the social media posts of virtually every single non-citizen in the United States legally and on a valid visa, as well as many people who have obtained permanent resident status. The U.S. government is, according to these allegations, looking for posts that express views that the current government disfavors. The lawsuit states…
New York City schools sued federal education officials Thursday over a decision to discontinue $47 million in promised grants because of the schools’ guidelines supporting transgender students.City officials said the federal agency led by Education Secretary Linda McMahon cut funding without the required notice or hearing after deciding that policies letting transgender students play sports and use bathrooms matching their gender identity violate Title IX, which forbids discrimination based on sex in education. The Education Department, in a September letter, set a deadline for New York City Public Schools to change the policies or lose current and future funding for…
Ponant Explorations Group released its Sustainability Report for 2024, which reflects the company’s Blue Horizon strategy to build a more sustainable future for expedition travel.“Our 2024 Sustainability Report provides a clear picture of the progress we have made as well as the road ahead,” said Wassim Daoud, Ponant Explorations Group’s Head of CSR and Sustainability. “We are continuing on our path towards decarbonization and are taking concrete steps to reduce our environmental impact, support scientific research, and help local communities.” Last year, the company’s CO2 emissions per cruise day were 14 percent lower than in 2018, almost half the target…
The sprawling metropolis of Phoenix continues to be a testbed for Waymo, and not just on the technical front. The Alphabet-owned company has used its first testing and commercial market to experiment with its business model, too, including delivery. Waymo is known for its robotaxis, but it has tested how its tech could be used for delivery. The company previously tapped UPS and Uber Eats for pilot programs, and it also put considerable staff and resources towards developing self-driving trucks under its Waymo Via arm, before shuttering that program in 2023 to focus on robotaxis. Now, it seems Waymo is…
CEO of United Airline Scott Kirby speaks during the Semafor 2025 World Economy Summit at Conrad Washington on April 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. Alex Wong | Getty ImagesUnited Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the federal government shutdown could hurt bookings if it continues.Despite the funding impasse, essential federal employees including Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers are required to work without pay. The shutdown started Oct. 1 as Congress failed to pass a funding bill.Speaking on an earnings call on Thursday, Kirby said the shutdown so far hasn’t impacted the carrier’s business.”I think that at least for…
Universal Destinations & Experiences has announced details on themed lands that children will experience at the upcoming Universal Kids Resort, which is specifically designed for families with young children.The resort will open in Frisco, Texas, next year, with attractions in seven lands, featuring iconic brands and characters: • DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp• DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar• Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club• Jurassic World Adventure Camp• DreamWorks’ TrollsFest• Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom• Isle of Curiosity“Universal Kids Resort embodies the spirit of igniting thrill that drives everything we create—designed to bring our youngest guests and families together through play, creativity, and beloved…
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Democrat Jackie Norris ended her campaign for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat Thursday, saying she would focus on her job leading the Des Moines public school board following the superintendent’s arrest by immigration authorities.Norris said the Sept. 26 detention of Superintendent Ian Roberts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents demanded her focus as chair of the board overseeing Iowa’s largest school district and put “our community, and me personally in the crosshairs of vicious and coordinated attacks.”“Those realities took time and oxygen away from the work I set out to do: stand up for…
One of American Airlines’ wide-body planes is getting a vintage makeover in honor of the carrier’s 100th anniversary.The Dallas-based airline has unveiled a special new retro-inspired Flagship livery that will begin flying on one of its Boeing 777-300 planes in November. The livery’s design is based on one of American’s first-ever liveries with a contemporary twist. The carrier chose to adorn a Boeing 777-300 plane with the new look because it plans to begin upgrading the interiors of all 777-300s in its fleet. The carrier will add its new Flagship Suite business class product to its 777-300 jets, with a…
Spotify on Wednesday upgraded its AI DJ feature — available to Premium subscribers — with a handful of new features, including the ability to send in your requests by typing, not just using voice commands. The feature works with both English and Spanish requests, as Spotify’s Spanish-language DJ, called DJ Livi, now accepts music requests. The AI DJ feature was updated earlier this year to accept voice requests, instead of only playing tunes Spotify thinks that you’ll like. However, that feature was only available to the English-language AI DJ until today. Texting with an AI assistant is now a common…