Exclusive: Amazon loses AWS generative AI boss as tech talent shuffle heats up
SAN FRANCISCO, June 25 (Reuters) - Amazon's (AMZN.O), opens new tab AWS recently lost its vice president overseeing generative artificial intelligence development, as the competition for talent heats up.
Vasi Philomin told Reuters in an email that he left Amazon for another company, without providing specifics. A company spokesperson confirmed that Philomin had recently left after eight years with Amazon. Philomin helped lead generative AI efforts and product strategy, and oversaw foundation models known as Amazon Titan.
The spokesperson said Rajesh Sheth, a vice president previously overseeing Amazon Elastic Block Store, had assumed some of Philomin's responsibilities.
In his biography, Philomin said he also helped create and lead Amazon Bedrock, a hub for using multiple AI models and one of AWS's premier products in its battle for AI supremacy. He was a frequent speaker at AWS events, including Amazon's annual cloud computing conference in Las Vegas.
Amazon is working to bolster its reputation in AI development, after rivals like OpenAI, and Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab have taken an early lead, particularly with consumer-focused models.
The Seattle-based online retailer and technology powerhouse has invested $8 billion in AI startup Anthropic and integrated its Claude software into its own products including a new revamped version of voice assistant Alexa that it's rolling out to customers this year.
In December, Amazon introduced its Nova AI models which provide for text, video and image generation. Earlier this year, it added to the lineup with a version called Sonic that can more readily produce natural-sounding speech.
Companies are employing creative techniques to hire top AI talent, including using sports industry data analysis to help identify undiscovered talent, Reuters reported last month. As a result, compensation has skyrocketed for some.
However, as Amazon races to produce more advanced AI, it said it expects its own success will lead to fewer corporate jobs, according to a memo from CEO Andy Jassy last week. Job growth limits will be driven in particular by so-called agentic AI, which can perform tasks with minimal or even no additional input from people.
"As we roll out more Generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done. We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today and more people doing other types of jobs," Jassy wrote.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
17 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Trump FINALLY gets a question he respects as president grins from ear-to-ear after big week on Wall Street
Donald Trump gushed over a reporter's question about whether he 'outsmarted' the financial markets with his industry-shaking tariffs. The president grinned from ear-to-ear as a reporter asked him for his reaction to Apollo Global Management chief economist Torsten Sløk saying Trump may have 'outsmarted everyone' with his tariffs. 'Mr. President, a leading global economist just did a one-eighty and says your tariff plan, you may have outsmarted everybody with it. What is your message?' the reporter asked. Trump smiled as he responded: 'I love this. I love this question. This is the favorite. This is the best question I've ever been asked because I've been going through abuse for years on this. 'Because, as you know, we're taking in hundreds of billions of dollars, no inflation whatsoever.' The reporter added in a follow-up question for Trump's 'message to critics who think your tariff plan caused a recession?' 'I think they should go back to business school,' Trump responded. 'It's so obvious. It's so obvious. I mean, we're taking in billions and billions of dollars from China and a lot of other countries.' It came as Wall Street continued its recent rally this week, with the S&P500 and Nasdaq hitting all-time closing highs on Friday. In Sløk's report that Trump appeared to enjoy, the economist speculated that Trump would keep tariffs below his most aggressive rates to ease market uncertainty while using them as leverage to get better trade deals. 'Maybe the strategy is to maintain 30% tariffs on China and 10% tariffs on all other countries and then give all countries 12 months to lower nontariff barriers and open up their economies to trade,' he wrote. The report came as Trump's 90-day pause on 'reciprocal tariffs' is set to come to an end early next month. Sløk said that Trump should consider extending the deadline to a whole year, which he said would give the global markets time to adjust to a 'new world with permanently higher tariffs.' 'This would seem like a victory for the world and yet would produce $400 billion of annual revenue for US taxpayers,' he said. 'Trade partners will be happy with only 10% tariffs and U.S. tax revenue will go up. 'Maybe the administration has outsmarted all of us.' Trump shocked the global markets in April as he introduced a raft of 'Liberation Day' tariffs, but the gamble may have paid off as markets soared in recent weeks and the US signed a number of trade deals with foreign nations The soaring stock market numbers came as trade deal hopes fueled investor risk appetite and economic data helped solidify expectations for rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve. The rise came even after Trump terminated trade negotiations with Canada in response to its digital tax on technology companies. 'This market's been pretty resilient,' said Chuck Carlson, chief executive officer at Horizon Investment Services in Hammond, Indiana. 'Investors are riding momentum and looking for breakouts.' 'They don't want to get caught on the wrong side of this thing,' Carlson added. 'Many investors already have missed out. And now you have the S&P flirting with an all-time high.' While tariffs have yet to affect price growth, inflation continues to hover above the Fed's 2% annual inflation target. A separate report from the University of Michigan confirmed consumer sentiment has improved this month, but remains well below December's post-election bounce. Financial markets have priced in a 72% likelihood that the Fed will implement its first rate cut of the year in September, with a smaller, 21% probability of a rate cut coming as soon as July, according to CME's FedWatch tool. Washington and Beijing reached an agreement to expedite rare-earth shipments to the U.S., a White House official said, well ahead of the July 9 expiration of the 90-day postponement of U.S. President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs. Additionally, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration's trade deals with 18 of the main U.S. trading partners could be done by the September 1 Labor Day holiday.
Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
Nvidia insiders sold over $1 billion in stock amid market surge, FT reports
June 29 (Reuters) - Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab insiders sold over $1 billion worth of company stock in the past year, with a notable uptick in recent trading activity as executives capitalize on surging investor interest in artificial intelligence, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. More than $500 million of the share sales took place this month as the California-based chips designer's share price climbed to an all-time high, the report said. Jensen Huang, Nvidia's chief executive, started selling shares this week for the first time since September, the SEC filing showed, opens new tab. Nvidia's stock hit a record on Wednesday, and the chipmaker reclaimed the crown as the world's most valuable company after an analyst said the chipmaker was set to ride a "Golden Wave" of artificial intelligence. Its latest gains reflect the U.S. stock market's return to the "AI trade" that fueled massive gains in chip stocks and related technology companies in recent years on optimism about the emerging technology. Nvidia did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Nvidia's shares have rebounded over 60% from their closing low on April 4, when Wall Street was reeling from President Donald Trump's global tariff announcements. U.S. stocks, including Nvidia, have recovered on expectations the White House will reach trade deals to soften the tariffs.
Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
The Big iOS 26 Update & MORE: Your Apple News Breakdown!
Apple's iOS 26 beta 2 introduces a range of enhancements, new features, and some challenges that remain unresolved. This update brings improvements to the user interface, app functionality, and overall system performance, while also highlighting areas requiring further refinement, such as battery life and stability. If you're wondering how these changes might impact your Apple devices, here's a comprehensive breakdown of what iOS 26 beta 2 has to offer in a new video from Brandon Butch. Watch this video on YouTube. Key Updates in iOS 26 Beta 2 The second beta of iOS 26 builds on its predecessor with several notable refinements designed to improve usability and aesthetics. These updates aim to enhance the overall user experience while addressing some of the feedback from earlier versions. Here are the standout features: Liquid Glass Interface: The updated user interface introduces a sleeker, more modern design, offering smoother navigation and a visually appealing experience. The updated user interface introduces a sleeker, more modern design, offering smoother navigation and a visually appealing experience. Control Center Enhancements: The revamped layout makes accessing essential functions more intuitive, streamlining everyday interactions. The revamped layout makes accessing essential functions more intuitive, streamlining everyday interactions. Battery Optimization: While there are slight improvements in power efficiency, heavy users may still find the battery performance less than ideal. In addition to these system-wide changes, app-specific updates bring new functionality and customization options: Podcasts: Custom playback settings now allow you to tailor your listening experience to your preferences. Custom playback settings now allow you to tailor your listening experience to your preferences. Messages: Personalize conversations with wallpapers and enjoy RCS messaging support , making communication more versatile. Personalize conversations with wallpapers and enjoy , making communication more versatile. Home App: Device usage-based suggestions simplify the management of smart home devices, enhancing convenience. Device usage-based suggestions simplify the management of smart home devices, enhancing convenience. Wallet: Expanded order-tracking capabilities now include scanning email receipts for purchases made outside of Apple Pay. Expanded order-tracking capabilities now include scanning email receipts for purchases made outside of Apple Pay. Music Widgets: Pin your favorite playlists, albums, or live radio stations directly to your home screen for quick and easy access. AirPods and AirTags: What's New? Apple's wireless audio and tracking devices also receive noteworthy updates, further integrating them into the broader ecosystem: AirPods: A new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 enhances audio quality and improves connectivity, making sure a more seamless listening experience. A new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 enhances audio quality and improves connectivity, making sure a more seamless listening experience. AirTags: Integration with JetBlue's baggage tracking system now allows real-time luggage monitoring, offering peace of mind for frequent travelers. However, the next-generation AirTag 2 has been delayed until fall 2025, aligning with the anticipated iPhone launch. These updates demonstrate Apple's commitment to refining its accessories, making sure they remain relevant and functional for users. CarPlay Ultra Faces Resistance CarPlay Ultra, Apple's advanced infotainment system, is encountering mixed reactions from automakers. While brands such as Hyundai, Genesis, and Porsche have embraced the platform, others, including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volvo, remain hesitant to relinquish control over their proprietary in-car systems. This divide highlights the ongoing tension between technology companies and automakers over the future of in-car experiences. The outcome of this debate could shape how users interact with their vehicles in the years to come. Apple's AI Ambitions Speculation continues to grow around Apple's potential acquisition of Perplexity AI, a move that could significantly bolster its position in the artificial intelligence space. With its reliance on Google's search engine under increasing scrutiny, Apple appears to be exploring ways to develop its own AI-powered search capabilities. While details remain uncertain, this rumored acquisition underscores Apple's intent to expand its AI footprint and reduce dependency on external platforms. If successful, this could mark a pivotal shift in how Apple integrates AI into its ecosystem. OLED Displays and the M5 iPad Pro The upcoming M5 iPad Pro is set to feature OLED display technology, representing a significant upgrade for Apple's tablet lineup. With panels already in mass production through partnerships with Samsung and LG, the device promises thinner bezels, enhanced visual quality, and improved durability. Expected to launch in October 2025, the M5 iPad Pro offers a glimpse into the future of Apple's hardware design, catering to users who demand both performance and aesthetics. Additional Updates Across Apple's Ecosystem Beyond iOS 26, Apple is rolling out updates across its broader ecosystem, making sure a cohesive experience for users across all devices. Here are some of the highlights: Apple Watch: The Hermes edition of the Apple Watch is experiencing stability issues with watchOS 26 beta 2, leading to frequent crashes that Apple is likely to address in future updates. The Hermes edition of the Apple Watch is experiencing stability issues with watchOS 26 beta 2, leading to frequent crashes that Apple is likely to address in future updates. Subscription Perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders now enjoy complimentary access to Apple TV+ and Apple Music, adding value to their subscriptions. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders now enjoy complimentary access to Apple TV+ and Apple Music, adding value to their subscriptions. Apple Sports App: New features include expanded tennis coverage and detailed MLB pitcher-batter matchups, catering to sports enthusiasts. New features include expanded tennis coverage and detailed MLB pitcher-batter matchups, catering to sports enthusiasts. Apple Invites App: Customizable event backgrounds enhance the app's utility for both personal and professional scheduling, making it more versatile. These updates reflect Apple's ongoing efforts to refine its ecosystem, making sure that each device and service works seamlessly together. Performance and Future Expectations While iOS 26 beta 2 introduces incremental improvements, there is still room for growth. Developer beta 3 is expected to arrive in early July, with a public beta likely following mid-month. These updates are anticipated to address current shortcomings, such as battery life and performance issues, while introducing additional features to enhance the overall user experience. As Apple continues to refine iOS 26, users can look forward to a more polished and reliable operating system by the time of its official release. Stay informed about the latest in iOS 26 Updates by exploring our other resources and articles. Source & Image Credit: Brandon Butch Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
