Major AI, Apple Vision Pro and Security Announcements Turbocharge Cisco Live
Cisco launched a Webex app for the Apple Vision Pro at this week’s Cisco Live event in Amsterdam.
The Webex app is now available on the App Store for visionOS, with Jeetu Patel, Cisco’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Security and Collaboration, describing the device as “one of the most consequential devices of our times” during Cisco Live’s keynote.
It allows users to engage in immersive meetings through Apple’s spatial computing device. Webex joined Microsoft Teams and Zoom as part of the Vision Pro’s app library upon its launch last Friday, February 2.
Also, at Cisco Live, the vendor unveiled a “first-of-its-kind” Identity Intelligence solution which resides within the Cisco Security Cloud and is complemented by several new AI-powered security capabilities.
Cisco Identity Intelligence enhances customers’ existing identity infrastructure by offering unified visibility and AI-driven analytics. It enables users to gain insights into their entire identity population, secure vulnerable accounts, revoke unused and risky privileges, identify behavioural anomalies, and prevent high-risk access attempts. Importantly, this is achieved without the need to overhaul existing solutions, ensuring a seamless integration process.
Patel said:
The question should be, ‘Should that person have access, and can we assess based on context and behaviour if that person should be continually granted access?’ It should be a continuous process. We need to reimagine identity-based trust.”
Lastly, on the Cisco Live front, the business announced a swathe of AI Assistant features had become generally available for Webex Suite and Contact Center customers. The features include automatic meeting and vidcast summaries and automatic translation. These capabilities were previously exclusive to Cisco employees or selected organisations but are now available to all Webex Suite and Contact Center customers.
Cisco also revealed an intriguing sustainability tool for organisations — Low Carbon Mode. Control Hub’s Low Carbon Mode provides location-based insights to manage energy consumption when low-carbon energy is unavailable.
- Read more about the Webex Vision Pro app
- Read more about Cisco’s Identity Intelligence solution
- Read more about Cisco’s new AI assistant features
Google’s Bard AI To Be Rebranded as Google Gemini
Google’s Bard AI is apparently set to be rebranded as Google Gemini.
The name Gemini might sound familiar. Google’s generative AI search app, Bard Pro, is currently powered by the tech giant’s flagship large language model (LLM), Gemini. Google launched Gemini, its chief GPT-4 competitor, in December, and Bard Pro leverages a specifically tuned version of Gemini’s mid-tier service, Gemini Pro, in English for advanced reasoning, planning, and understanding.
There is also apparently a dedicated Bard (soon to be Gemini) Android app on the way. Gemini for Android will be able to integrate with Google services. most notably Gmail, but also Google Maps and YouTube. For iOS users, Gemini will be capable of being leveraged through the current Google app for iOS.
Additionally, a paid subscription tier for Bard/Gemini is set to be unveiled, similar to what OpenAI currently has with ChatGPT’s three-tier offerings. Gemini Advanced will offer users first access to Google’s most advanced models and feature sets, beginning with its Gemini Ultra super LLM.
GoTo Announces Debt Exchange Offer After Raising $100 Million
GoTo Group has announced the launch of a debt exchange offer after raising $100 million in new capital.
Certain lenders collectively invested $100 million with the closing of the debt exchange, with GoTo stating this demonstrates their confidence in the company.
As well as the debt exchange closing with significant funds, all revolving lenders unanimously agreed to extend the timeframe on GoTo’s $250 million revolving credit facility for over two years, bolstering the Company’s liquidity position.
Rich Veldran, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer at GoTo, commented:
This transaction solidifies our financial foundation, and we are encouraged by the strong support of our financial partners. As we drive into the future, we are well-positioned to enhance our competitive position in our markets and look forward to executing our strategic plan.”
As a consequence of the transaction, GoTo anticipates a substantial reduction in its debt balance and interest expenses. However, there will be no impact on GoTo’s equity ownership as a result.
Evolve IP Announces New CEO
Evolve IP has appointed Jeff Coursen as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Coursen will oversee a “new phase of leadership” for the remote solutions provider and succeed Pete Stevenson effective immediately, with Stevenson stepping down from the CEO role.
Coursen joined Evolve IP in 2017 and became a critical figure, assuming the roles of Chief Financial Officer and Strategic Adviser. With a robust CV spanning over two decades, Coursen brings extensive expertise in operations, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning within the technology sector.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to lead Evolve IP in this next chapter,” Coursen said. “We are focused on executing our go-to-market strategy, driving innovation, and leveraging the deep technical expertise within the Company to continue delivering valuable solutions to our customers. I am also thrilled to recognize the promotions across our team and acknowledge the vital roles these leaders are playing in our organization.”
Coursen’s appointment is only the first of significant C-Suite change at Evolve IP, with a new Chief Product Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer named Peter Eisengrein, Martin Call and Bryan VanderGast, respectively.
