Google and Cisco made major announcements at the recent Cisco Live event in Amsterdam. Cisco launched a new Webex app for Apple Vision Pro, which allows users to engage in immersive meetings using Apple’s spatial computing device. The app is now available on the App Store for visionOS. Cisco’s Executive Vice President, Jeetu Patel, described the device as one of the most consequential devices of our times. The Webex app joins Microsoft Teams and Zoom as part of the Vision Pro’s app library.
In addition to the Webex app, Cisco unveiled a first-of-its-kind Identity Intelligence solution that resides within the Cisco Security Cloud. This solution offers unified visibility and AI-driven analytics to enhance customers’ existing identity infrastructure. It allows users to gain insights into their entire identity population, secure vulnerable accounts, revoke unused and risky privileges, identify behavioral anomalies, and prevent high-risk access attempts.
During the Cisco Live event, Cisco also announced the availability of new AI Assistant features for Webex Suite and Contact Center customers. These features include automatic meeting and vidcast summaries, as well as automatic translation. Previously exclusive to Cisco employees or selected organizations, these capabilities are now available to all Webex Suite and Contact Center customers.
Moving on to Google, there are reports that the company plans to rebrand its Bard AI as Google Gemini. Bard Pro, Google’s generative AI search app, currently utilizes Gemini, the company’s flagship large language model (LLM). Bard Pro leverages a specifically tuned version of Gemini’s mid-tier service, Gemini Pro, in English for advanced reasoning, planning, and understanding. Google is also developing a dedicated Bard (soon to be Gemini) Android app that can integrate with Google services such as Gmail, Google Maps, and YouTube. For iOS users, Gemini will be accessible through the existing Google app.
Furthermore, GoTo Group has announced a debt exchange offer after raising $100 million in new capital. Certain lenders invested $100 million in the debt exchange, demonstrating their confidence in the company. Additionally, all revolving lenders unanimously agreed to extend the timeframe on GoTo’s $250 million revolving credit facility for over two years, strengthening the company’s liquidity position. This transaction is expected to substantially reduce GoTo’s debt balance and interest expenses.
Lastly, Evolve IP has appointed Jeff Coursen as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Pete Stevenson. Coursen, who previously held the roles of Chief Financial Officer and Strategic Adviser at Evolve IP, brings over two decades of expertise in operations, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning within the technology sector.
With these developments from Cisco, Google, GoTo, and Evolve IP, the technology landscape continues to evolve with exciting new offerings and leadership changes.
