Amazon’s AI Reasoning Model, Apple’s New Macbook, and Much More

Mar 7

Emerging Tech Roundup — March 7, 2025

The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.

This week in tech: Amazon Is Reportedly Developing Its Own AI ‘Reasoning’ Model, Amazon Palm-Scanning Technology Comes to the Hospital, Google's Pixel Studio Can Now Generate Images and Stickers of People, Waymo and Uber's Austin Robotaxi Expansion Begins, Apple Introduces the New MacBook Air, Google’s Shopping Tab Has a New AI Tool That Takes Your Fashion Idea and Suggests Similar Clothing, and 1Password is Making it Easier to Find Passwords Based on Your Location.

Amazon Is Reportedly Developing Its Own AI ‘Reasoning’ Model

(TechCrunch, March 4)

Amazon is reportedly developing an AI model with advanced “reasoning” capabilities that could launch as soon as June. The model will likely adopt a hybrid reasoning architecture, taking a more thoughtful, step-by-step approach to providing quick answers and complex extended thinking – all within a single system. To stand out among competitors like OpenAI, DeepSeek, and more, Amazon hopes to make its reasoning model available at a more cost-effective price.

Amazon Palm-Scanning Technology Comes to the Hospital

(Axios, March 4)

NYU Langone Health is turning to Amazon’s palm recognition technology to enable patients to check in and verify their identity simply by scanning their palm. Integrated with the provider’s electronic health record system, this technology means that patients will not have to provide their ID or other traditional forms of verification. Optional to patients, this tech will not collect healthcare records from providers, and patients can request to have their data deleted at any time.

Google's Pixel Studio Can Now Generate Images and Stickers of People

(Engadget, March 4)

Google’s latest Pixel feature drop introduces new AI-powered tools, including an upgraded Pixel Studio that lets Pixel 9 users create stylized stickers and images. Additionally, live scam protection is expanding, with Pixel 9 screening English calls for scams and scam text detection rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer devices in select locations. Beyond AI, Google is updating Find My Device to enable location sharing and adding a multi-angle video streaming feature for Pixel 9 users connecting to a GoPro or another Pixel phone.

Waymo and Uber's Austin Robotaxi Expansion Begins

(Engadget, March 4)

Waymo and Uber have officially launched their robotaxi service in Austin, allowing riders to book Waymo self-driving cars directly through the Uber app under UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, and Uber Comfort Electric. The service, covering 37 square miles, functions similarly to Waymo's Phoenix operations, with no guarantee of receiving a robotaxi but an option to adjust "Ride Preferences" to increase the chances. This launch precedes Tesla's planned robotaxi service in Austin—set to debut in June—as competition in the autonomous ride-hailing space intensifies.

Apple Introduces the New MacBook Air with the Soaring Performance of the M4 Chip

(Apple Newsroom, March 5)

Apple has introduced the new MacBook Air featuring the powerful M4 chip, an all-new sky blue color, and a starting price of $999. The updated model boasts up to 18 hours of battery life, a 12MP Center Stage camera, support for up to two external displays, and Apple Intelligence capabilities with macOS Sequoia. Available in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, the new MacBook Air is now up to 2x faster than the M1 version and 23x faster than Intel-based models, with pre-orders open now and availability beginning March 12.

Google’s Shopping Tab Has a New AI Tool That Takes Your Fashion Idea and Suggests Similar Clothing

(Tech Crunch, March 5)

Google added Vision Match in its Shopping tab, allowing U.S. mobile users to describe clothing they imagine and receive AI-generated suggestions with similar product matches. Additionally, the company is expanding its AR beauty tool, enabling users to virtually try on multiple makeup products from brands like E.L.F, Fenty, and Glossier simultaneously. Google is also enhancing its virtual try-on experience, now letting shoppers see pants and skirts modeled on real-life figures in sizes XXS to XXL.

1Password is Making it Easier to Find Passwords Based on Your Location

(The Verge, March 6)

1Password has introduced a location-based feature that automatically surfaces relevant passwords based on a user’s physical location. Users can assign locations to stored items—either in real-time or via a map view—making it easier to access credentials like health cards at a doctor’s office or travel documents at an airport. The feature allows customization of location ranges, from 50 feet to 10 miles, helping declutter the app's home tab by prioritizing relevant logins.