Apple Eyes Perplexity AI, Tesla's Robotaxi Debut, and Yum China's Q-Smart Breakthrough

In this episode, Bob explores Apple's growing AI ambitions and discusses the potential acquisition of Perplexity AI, examining its implications for the tech giant's future. The episode then shifts to Yum China's innovative AI assistant, Q-Smart, and its potential impact on the fast-food industry. Bob also delves into recent political movements in the US regarding state-level AI regulations, highlighting key developments and their possible effects. The discussion continues with Tesla's launch of its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, marking a significant step in autonomous transportation. The episode concludes with a wrap-up of the key topics and closing remarks.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Could Apple be gearing up to challenge Google'sdominance in search?

(00:03):
Welcome to The Artificial Intelligence NewsDaily Brief, your go-to for the latest
artificial intelligence updates.
Today is Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Here’s what you need to know about Apple’sintriguing move in the artificial intelligence
space.
Let’s dive in.

(00:24):
In a surprising turn of events, Apple isreportedly considering purchasing Perplexity
AI, a startup known for its innovative searchengine that delivers real-time answers using
the freshest web data.
This potential acquisition, reported byBloomberg News, signifies Apple's strategic
pivot towards bolstering its artificialintelligence capabilities.

(00:45):
Imagine the possibilities—Apple could soon haveits own AI-driven search engine, potentially
disrupting the longstanding agreement it haswith Google to be the default search provider
on Apple devices.
The discussions are reportedly in the earlystages, with Adrian Perica, Apple's head of
mergers and acquisitions, talking it over withservices chief Eddy Cue and other key

(01:08):
artificial intelligence decision-makers.
Although these talks might not lead to anofficial offer, they highlight Apple's growing
interest in expanding its artificialintelligence prowess.
Perplexity AI, which handles an impressive 780million queries each month and is experiencing
a growth rate of over 20% month over month,could be a game-changer for Apple.

(01:32):
With the potential loss of its Google deallooming, acquiring Perplexity would allow Apple
to maintain control over its searchfunctionalities.
This move comes as Apple faces criticism forits "restrained" approach to artificial
intelligence compared to rivals like Google,Amazon, and Microsoft, who are aggressively
advancing with large language models andenterprise-scale artificial intelligence

(01:56):
solutions.
While Apple has focused on features likereal-time voicemail transcripts and enhanced
Spotlight search, observers are questioning ifApple is simply playing a longer game or if it
risks falling behind in the rapidly evolvingartificial intelligence landscape.
Yum China has just introduced a fascinating newartificial intelligence assistant named

(02:19):
Q-Smart.
This AI agent is designed not to replace storemanagers, but to help them with their daily
tasks, like scheduling, inventory management,and even quality and safety inspections.
It’s part of a broader trend in the restaurantindustry to adopt AI for enhancing efficiency.

Imagine this (02:38):
you’re a manager at a busy KFC or Pizza Hut, juggling a million tasks at once.
Now, with Q-Smart, you can interact with thisAI assistant through wireless earphones or a
smartwatch.
It’s like having a digital sidekick that canmonitor sales data, adjust preparation plans,
and even send reminders to staff to confirmorders.

(03:01):
Sounds like a dream, right?
Yum China’s Chief Technology Officer, LeilaZhang, shared that Q-Smart is currently in the
pilot testing phase at select KFC locations.
It’s already completed its initial developmentand testing phases and is now undergoing
continuous upgrades.
Zhang also highlighted the company’s strongdigital infrastructure and their plan to

(03:25):
integrate more wearable devices as they deployQ-Smart in more stores.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, JoeyWat, emphasized that no matter how advanced AI
technology becomes, it’s meant to empoweremployees, not replace them.
This is a refreshing perspective, especially inan era where many fear that AI could lead to

(03:45):
job losses.
Wat reassures everyone that from the start,Q-Smart is positioned as a tool to enhance
human capabilities, not to take over theirroles.
This development is really intriguing becauseit not only highlights Yum China’s commitment
to innovation but also sets a precedent for howAI can be used to transform the catering

(04:06):
industry.
It’s a great example of digital transformation,showing how AI can be a powerful ally in making
operations smoother and more efficient.
It’s going to be interesting to see how othercompanies follow suit.
A significant development has unfolded in therealm of artificial intelligence regulation.
A Republican-led initiative to preventindividual states from enforcing their own

(04:30):
artificial intelligence regulations has justcleared a crucial procedural hurdle in the
Senate.
This effort, spearheaded by Senate CommerceChair Ted Cruz, involves a strategic rewrite of
the rule to align with budgetary stipulations.
Essentially, the proposal would withholdfederal broadband funding from states that
attempt to enforce artificial intelligenceregulations over the next decade.

(04:54):
Quite the strategic maneuver, right?
Now, you might wonder, why does this matter?
Well, the Senate Parliamentarian has ruled thatthis provision is not subject to the Byrd
rule—this means it can be included in theRepublicans' "One Big, Beautiful Bill" and
passed with a simple majority.
No filibuster drama, no need for Democraticsupport.

(05:18):
However, there's still uncertainty about howmany Republicans will actually back this
moratorium.
Take Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, forinstance.
She believes states should have the autonomy toprotect their citizens and doesn't support the
moratorium.
Interestingly, there's a bit of a split withinthe Republican ranks over this.

(05:39):
While the House of Representatives has alreadypassed a version of the bill with the
moratorium, far-right Representative MarjorieTaylor Greene has vocally opposed it, claiming
it's a violation of state rights.
She wants it removed in the Senate.
On the flip side, House Speaker Mike Johnson isin favor, arguing that inconsistent state
regulations could jeopardize national security.

(06:02):
There's also concern from advocacy groups likeAmericans for Responsible Innovation, who argue
that the broad language of the proposal couldeliminate a range of state-level regulations on
artificial intelligence and relatedtechnologies, potentially creating a regulatory
void without federal rules to replace them.
It's a complicated web, and it raises thequestion: what happens if states can't

(06:25):
regulate, and there's no federal framework tofill the gap?
Some states aren't waiting around for thefederal government to act.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has beennavigating the waters by vetoing high-profile
artificial intelligence safety bills whilesigning less controversial regulations on
privacy and deepfakes.

(06:46):
New York is on the brink of action too, with anartificial intelligence safety bill awaiting
Governor Kathy Hochul's signature.
And Utah has already passed its regulationsfocusing on artificial intelligence
transparency.
So, as you can see, there's a lot at stakehere.
The future of artificial intelligenceregulation in the United States hangs in the

(07:09):
balance, and the outcome could havelong-lasting implications for how artificial
intelligence technologies are governed acrossthe nation.
It's a fascinating saga to watch unfold, andwe'll be keeping a close eye on how it all
plays out.
Hold onto your seats, folks!
Tesla's much-anticipated robotaxi service hasofficially hit the streets of Austin, Texas,

(07:31):
and it's making waves with its eye-catchingflat fee of four dollars and twenty cents.
That's right—Elon Musk has launched Tesla'sfirst fleet of robotaxis, marking a significant
milestone in the self-driving car industry.
The service kicked off this Sunday, and it'salready generating buzz among tech enthusiasts
and investors alike.

(07:52):
Imagine cruising through Austin in a TeslaModel Y, knowing there's no driver at the
wheel.
While the rides are currently invite-only andrestricted to a geofenced area, it's a
thrilling glimpse into the future of urbantransportation.
Safety monitors will accompany the vehiclesduring this initial phase to ensure everything
runs smoothly, as reported by Electrek.

(08:15):
But that is just the beginning.
Tesla's not stopping with just a few Model Ys.
The company has ambitious plans in thepipeline, including a CyberCab sedan with no
steering wheel or pedals, expected to go intovolume production in 2026.
Elon Musk envisions expanding the robotaxiservice to Los Angeles and San Francisco next,

(08:36):
potentially shaking up the ride-hailingindustry in those bustling cities.
This move is more than just a tech showcase;it's poised to make a significant financial
impact on Tesla.
Musk hinted in previous earnings calls that therobotaxi service could "move the financial
needle in a significant way" by the middle ofnext year.

(08:58):
Investors and fans have been eagerly awaitingthis rollout, and it seems like Tesla is ready
to deliver.
And with that, we wrap up today's episode ofthe Artificial Intelligence News Daily Brief.
From Apple's potential game-changingacquisition to Tesla's bold leap into the
robotaxi market, it's clear that the AIlandscape is evolving rapidly.

(09:19):
Thanks for tuning in—this is Bob, signing off.
Until next time, stay curious and keep youreyes on the future!