All posts tagged: customized

How simplifying the production of customized merchandise led this Lisbon startup to raise M

How simplifying the production of customized merchandise led this Lisbon startup to raise $19M

Published by skeptic

The advent of the Internet combined with the ability to customise items such as clothing long ago created a revolution in marketing, especially for merchandise purposes. I think we’re all familiar with the ‘merch’ phenomena by now, no? Benefitting from that long-term trend is SME-focused, customized merchandise startupBizay, which has been able to raise a significant funding round, even in this relatively flat market of 2023. Following a Series C of $38.6 million (€32 million), which I reported on in 2020, the Lisbon, Portugal-based startup has now raised a Series “C2” (not yet a full series D) of €18 million ($19.78 million) in order to push into the US market. The round was led by previous lead investor Indico Capital Partners which was once again joined by fellow Portugal investors Iberis Capital and Lince Capital. That takes Bizay’s total funding to €72 million ($79 million), though, when asked what they think the company’s valuation is now, a spokesperson demurred. However, outside observers may well surmise a valuation of anywhere between $180-$220 million at this point. …

Spotify introduces new podcaster tools, including customized pages, analytics, and other controls

Spotify introduces new podcaster tools, including customized pages, analytics, and other controls

Published by skeptic

Following Apple’s announcement of podcast creator tools for subscriptions on Monday, Spotify today also introduced its own latest developments in terms of features aimed at podcasters. Included among the changes are customization tools for podcast show pages, new impression analytics, tools to edit podcast previews, an expansion of automated ads, and a new Spotify Audience Network Performance Dashboard for Megaphone enterprise publishers. Plus, Spotify is making some small changes to its app to improve podcast discovery by consumers using its streaming app. This includes the addition of auto-generated tags that let listeners jump to the search results for any given creator. By clicking these tags, it will be easier for a listener to find all the content from a creator or a show guest across all of Spotify. The updates were presented by Spotify’s Director of Podcast Product, Austin Lamon, at the Podcast Movement conference on Wednesday. Starting with show page customization, podcasters will now be able to personalize parts of their podcast show page for the first time, the company says. Here, they can …

Creepily customized dishes and facial recognition: how might AI change fine dining? | Artificial intelligence (AI)

Published by Sam

In the world of ultra-fine dining, service must run like clockwork. A team of specialists work together to create a seamless experience for customers from the point of booking reservations to the time the check is paid. Host, server, food runner, sommelier and dining room manager attend to – and even anticipate – guests’ needs with unflinching poise. When it works well, customers feel cared for and pampered. It’s time-consuming work to pay such attention to detail, and early advocates of artificial intelligence (AI) say that software could automize the most tedious parts of the job. Let workers focus on the food and service, they say. Others wonder if it will erode time-honed traditions in kitchens and dining rooms. So when considering the question of how AI might affect haute cuisine, it depends on who you ask. “Restaurants, especially in fine dining, are typically resistant to technology,” said the chef Jenny Dorsey, head of Studio ATAO, a research and advocacy organization at the intersection of hospitality and social justice. “It’s a human-driven industry, so the …

OpenAI launches customized instructions for ChatGPT

OpenAI launches customized instructions for ChatGPT

Published by skeptic

OpenAI just launched custom instructions for ChatGPT users, so they don’t have to write the same instruction prompts to the chatbot every time they interact with it — inputs like “Write the answer under 1,000 words” or “Keep the tone of response formal.” The company said this feature lets you “share anything you’d like ChatGPT to consider in its response.” For example, a teacher can say they are teaching fourth-grade maths or a developer can specify the code language they prefer when asking for suggestions. A person can also specify their family size, so ChatGPT can give responses about meals, grocery, and vacation planning accordingly. While users can already specify these things while chatting with the bot, custom instructions are helpful if users need to set the same context frequently. The instructions also work with plugins, making it easier for them to suggest restaurants or flights based on your location. OpenAI noted that the feature is available for Plus plan users, but it won’t be available for people based out of the EU and the …