Holiday Smartphone Sales Could Boost Sagging Mobile Phone Growth

1994’s Simon was the first rough draft of a device that would change the world. But it was also a dead end. In October 1994, I reviewed a new gizmo for InfoWorld, a prominent tech newsweekly. The device in question—the result of a collaboration between IBM and wireless carrier BellSouth—was a mobile phone known as Simon.

From AI that changes customer voices to sound less angry to software that detects employee stress, new tech aims to improve the customer service industry. Working at a call center can be a stressful job. For eight hours (or more!) a day, you talk with customers who have problems—and oftentimes those frustrations boil over.

An enduring problem with today’s generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like ChatGPT, is that they often confidently assert false information. Computer scientists call this behavior “hallucination,” and it’s a key barrier to AI’s usefulness. Hallucinations have led to some embarrassing public slip-ups. In February, AirCanada was forced by a tribunal to honor a discount that its customer-support chatbot had mistakenly offered to a passenger.

Enlarge (credit: koiguo via Getty) Clint and Rachel Wells had reasons to consider buying an electric vehicle when it came to replacing one of their cars. But they had even more reasons to stick with petrol. The couple live in Normal, Illinois, which has enjoyed an economic boost from the electric vehicle assembly plant opened there by upstart electric-car maker Rivian.

Brunch lovers in Northern Colorado will soon have another egg-cellent restaurant choice. Casual dining chain Another Broken Egg Cafe is planning to crack the Colorado market for the first time this fall. Franchisees Marc Rogers, Zach Rogers and Brian Jones of Rogers Restaurant Group aim to open their first location at 2909 East Harmony Road in Fort Collins before eventually expanding. Their goal is eventually to operate five eateries, according to a statement. Related Articles Restaurants, Food and Drink | East Colfax pizza legend will close if a buyer doesn’t appear Restaurants, Food and Drink | At Vine Street Pub, nothing is different — but everything has changed Restaurants, Food and Drink | Detroit-style pizza joint closes temporarily, blames city construction project Restaurants, Food and Drink | New downtown Denver hotel announces two restaurants, one with a rooftop bar Restaurants, Food and Drink | Carboy Winery owners opening Mexican spot next door in Denver Another Broken Egg Cafe is known for serving Southern breakfast and brunch staples, including shrimp and grits, French toast and several variations of eggs Benedict, alongside cocktails. The brunch chain adds to Roger Restaurant Group’s already large portfolio of dining establishments.

Enlarge / Michigan's State Maritime Archaeologist Wayne R. Lusardi takes notes underwater at the Lake Huron WWII wreckage of 2nd Lt. Frank Moody's P-39 Airacobra. Moody, one of the famed Tuskagee Airmen, fatally crashed in 1944. (credit: National Geographic) In April 1944, a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen, Second Lieutenant Frank Moody, was on a routine training mission when his plane malfunctioned.