AI avatars, on‑device models, and new voice tools reshape business tech

Today's roundup highlights AI product updates that could impact how you build, sell, and support software.

Google adds a Live Avatar to Gemini 3.8

Google's Gemini 3.8 Live update lets users converse with the model while watching an animated AI persona that lip‑syncs and shows facial expressions. The feature is currently limited to Gemini Enterprise customers. Why it matters: A visual AI presence can boost user engagement and reduce friction in SaaS interfaces that rely on conversational agents. Read more: Gemini 3.8 Live with Live Avatar gives Google’s AI a face

PrismML deploys tiny LLMs on Qualcomm smart glasses

PrismML announced that its compact language models now run on Qualcomm‑powered smart glasses, aiming for open‑weight AI that makes better use of existing device compute. Why it matters: On‑device LLMs lower latency and privacy concerns, opening new possibilities for AR‑based enterprise apps. Read more: PrismML brings its tiny LLMs to Qualcomm-powered smart glasses

Nvidia CEO warns AI’s climate impact will be painful

Jensen Huang told The Ezra Klein Show that AI could help fight climate change, but only after it “inflicts an enormous amount of pain and suffering,” emphasizing the energy demands of large models. Why it matters: Companies must weigh AI’s environmental cost against its business benefits, influencing procurement and sustainability strategies. Read more: Jensen Huang talks about AI and climate change like a supervillain

Meta launches Horizon Create and Studio for AI‑driven game making

Meta unveiled two tools—Horizon Create (mobile) and Horizon Studio (browser)—that let creators generate games for the Horizon platform using AI prompts. Why it matters: Lowering the technical barrier to game development expands the content pipeline for Meta’s social gaming ecosystem. Read more: Meta is going to let you build games with AI right on your phone

Meta’s Muse AI agent climbs App Store charts, Muse Charm taps fashion trend

Meta’s consumer‑facing AI agent, Muse, quickly reached 600,000 daily active US users. A related hardware accessory, the Muse Charm, resembles a Tamagotchi and rides a broader Gen Z retro‑tech fashion wave. Why it matters: High user adoption signals strong demand for personal AI assistants, while accessory integration shows a path for hardware‑software synergy. Read more: Muse sure looks a lot like OpenClaw Read more: Meta’s Muse Charm looks like a Tamagotchi, but it’s tapping into a much newer trend

Google Photos adds AI‑generated virtual closet

Google Photos now offers a virtual wardrobe feature that builds a closet from users’ photos, rolling out broadly on Android and iOS after an earlier Android‑only release. Why it matters: Automated visual organization can be leveraged by e‑commerce platforms to streamline product cataloging and personalization. Read more: Google Photos ‘Clueless’-inspired virtual closet is now available on Android and iOS

Gemini can place business calls on your behalf

Google is testing an “early experiment” where Gemini handles routine business calls—reservations, stock checks, appointment rescheduling—without the user dialing the number, initially for Pixel 11 owners with a Gemini subscription. Why it matters: Automating repetitive phone interactions can free up staff time and improve customer experience for service‑heavy businesses. Read more: Gemini can now call businesses for you so you don’t have to wait on hold Read more: Google tests letting Gemini call businesses for you

What to watch

• Expansion of Gemini’s voice‑calling feature beyond Pixel 11.
• Adoption rates of Meta’s AI game‑creation tools.
• Further deployment of on‑device LLMs for AR and edge computing.
• Regulatory responses to AI agents that bypass user consent, as seen in the Australian government breach.