Anthropic pledges 30 billion dollars for Microsoft Azure computing services

OpenAI has upgraded ChatGPT with significant improvements including a memory function that retains user preferences, faster response times, and expanded language support. The company also introduced new AI tools for document analysis, image generation, and collaborative work. These enhancements position OpenAI at the forefront of AI development amid increasing competition from Google and Microsoft, with experts noting the updates will transform how people and businesses interact with AI technology.

Anthropic has committed $30 billion to Microsoft Azure for cloud computing resources to support AI development. This partnership will help Anthropic accelerate training of its Claude AI models while accessing Azure's advanced hardware and software. The significant investment signals growing collaboration between AI developers and cloud providers, and aims to enhance AI capabilities for wider accessibility.

Intuit has invested over $100 million in a multi-year partnership with OpenAI to integrate AI models into their financial products including TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp. The collaboration will make Intuit's financial tools accessible directly through ChatGPT, allowing users to receive personalized financial recommendations, estimate tax refunds, and access business insights using natural language. Consumers will get tailored financial advice while businesses can automate tasks like payroll and cash flow forecasting. The partnership combines Intuit's financial data and proprietary credit models with OpenAI's technology to deliver more actionable guidance to Intuit's 100 million customers and reach new audiences by offering real-time financial solutions at their point of need.

San Francisco-based AI accounting startup Maxima has raised $41 million in Series B funding led by Kleiner Perkins. Their cloud platform uses AI to automate bookkeeping, expense management, and financial reporting for small and midsize businesses. Currently supporting over 10,000 businesses, Maxima will use the funding to expand hiring, increase platform integrations, and develop AI-powered forecasting and compliance tools.