Latest news with #Althoff
USA Today
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Bobbi Althoff ends 'Really Good Podcast' with surprise final episode
Bobbi Althoff has said goodbye to "The Really Good Podcast" with a really out of the blue final episode. After over two years, the 28-year-old social media influencer has bid farewell to her podcast known for viral awkward celebrity interviews with stars from Drake and Scarlett Johansson to Mark Cuban. "Rest in peace, 'The Really Good Podcast.' It was a fun run," Althoff wrote on a Thursday, July 31 Instagram post that featured a snippet of the final episode. It opened with her singing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." The Los Angeles native said the decision to pull the plug was entirely hers and not influenced by external factors. She explained that while she thought the podcast's lifespan would last longer, she is proud of the success she's received. "I don't think there's any really good way to say this, but this is the last episode," Althoff said in Thursday's episode, in which she wore a black dress. "So, today, we're gonna put on a little funeral for it." She then reflected on some of her popular deadpan interviews, including with Charlie Puth, Jason DeRulo, Shaq, Maluma, Jessica Alba, Michael Cera and Mark Maron. 'It has been a dream, every second of it' Althoff said the podcast has far exceeded her expectations. "This podcast started off with just a girl with a dream to make more money," she quipped. "I'm proud of the accomplishments I've had." Debuting in June 2023, "The Really Good Podcast" has frequently generated viral moments on social media, topped podcast charts and even landed Althoff an iHeart Podcast Award last year in the Best Emerging Podcast category. Arguably, her most popular interview was with rapper Drake on her bed that garnered over 1 billion views and 300 million likes before it was ultimately removed on all platforms, according to Deadline. Althoff seamlessly entered a field of beloved celebrity interview shows known for unconventional charm. They include Sean Evans's spicy wing themed "Hot Ones" to Amelia Dimoldenberg's flirtatious "Chicken Shop Date" series.
Canada News.Net
12-07-2025
- Business
- Canada News.Net
Microsoft cuts jobs, reaps big AI savings in call centers, coding
REDMOND, Washington: Artificial intelligence is transforming Microsoft's bottom line. The company saved over US$500 million last year in its call centers alone by deploying AI tools, according to a Bloomberg News report published this week. This boost in efficiency comes as Microsoft continues to trim its workforce. Last week, the company said it would cut nearly four percent of its employees. In May, another round of layoffs affected around 6,000 workers. AI is playing a growing role across Microsoft's operations—from customer service and sales to software development. During a recent presentation, Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff said the company is using AI to manage interactions with smaller customers and improve productivity across departments, Bloomberg reported. The early-stage rollout is already generating tens of millions of dollars, according to a person familiar with Althoff's comments. He also noted that AI now produces 35 percent of the code for new products, significantly speeding up development timelines. Microsoft declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. The company has allocated $80 billion in capital spending this fiscal year, most of it to expand data center infrastructure to support AI services. Tech giants continue to bet heavily on artificial intelligence as a long-term growth driver—even as they scale back costs in other areas to protect profitability.
Forbes
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Live Like A London Local At Althoff St. James's Hotel & Club
Outside the Althoff St. James Hotel and Club If the posh London lifestyle is calling, Mayfair is the place to be. And a historic aristocratic club turned chic boutique hotel is the place to stay. Located on a quiet, peacefully secluded street, Althoff St. James's Hotel & Club offers 60 guest rooms and suites in the heart of Mayfair, the St. James District. The elegant yet laid back five-star property is home to a lobby-level bar and restaurant, plus suites with terraces and patios. For a slice of West End life, guests can easily walk to shopping on Jermyn Street, Burlington Arcade, Bond Street and the Royal Academy of Arts. West End theaters and Picadilly Circus are also a quick ride or 20-minute stroll from the property, and plenty of notable restaurants are in the neighborhood. A classic red brick building in Mayfair, London Staying at Althoff St. James's Hotel & Club in Mayfair The 60-key property offers several tiers of rooms and suites, starting with the most basic, the superior room, followed by the more spacious deluxe room, executive rooms, and executive rooms with balconies. Superior and deluxe rooms can be connected to create family spaces. Concierges can help plan daytime activities for all ages. Suites all offer separate living and sleeping areas, akin to living in a London flat. With free WiFi available throughout the property, plus room service until the late hours. Pets are not allowed on the property. While there is no gym on site, guests have access to a neighborhood fitness club a short walk away, adding to the local London vibe. Off-site spa appointments can also be arranged with the concierge. Complimentary shoe shining is available with a 24 hour turnaround. Dining at Althoff St. James's Hotel & Club in Mayfair Days start with continental or a full English breakfast, including farm-fresh eggs served in a variety of styles. The on-site fine dining restaurant, Francatelli, offers lunch seasonally, and a tasting menu or ala carte options for dinner. Celebrating the the legacy of British 19th-century chef Charles Elmé Francatelli through modern interpretations of his classic dishes, dishes are made with local, seasonal ingredients. Afternoon tea at Atlhoff St. James's Hotel & Club in London Afternoon tea is served daily from 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. and takes on a seasonal theme. During this summer's tennis season, a Wimbledon tea features classic finger sandwiches and championship-inspired patisserie including Lavazza coffee mousse tennis balls, Lanson champagne choux, a Sipsmith vodka trifle, plus warm scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam. Near the property's entrance, Seven Park Place Bar & Lounge offers space for locals and visitors to meet and mingle over beverages and small British bites like sausage rolls, crab toast, fish and chips or a local cheeseboard. Aperitivo hour runs from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. What to Do Near Althoff St. James's Hotel & Club
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Microsoft on how AI saved the company more than $500 million in 2024
Microsoft has reportedly saved more than $500 million in 2024, largely due to the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). During a recent internal presentation, Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff highlighted how AI tools are increasing productivity across several key departments, including sales, customer service, and software engineering. Citing a source familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that Althoff highlighted the substantial cost reductions in call centers as a prime example of AI's impact, noting that the technology has also led to increased satisfaction for both employees and customers. Microsoft generating 'tens of millions of dollars in revenue' Further expanding its AI integration, Microsoft is now beginning to utilise AI to manage interactions with its smaller customers. While this initiative is still in its early stages, Althoff reported that it is already generating tens of millions of dollars in revenue. Althoff said that at Microsoft, AI generated about 35% of the code for new products, accelerating launch times. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo According to the executive, AI can make Microsoft employees more effective as sellers. He said that through the use of Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant, each salesperson is finding more leads, closing deals quicker and generating 9% more revenue. The news of these AI-driven efficiencies arrives soon after workforce reductions at the company. Microsoft has laid off approximately 15,000 employees so far this year. Microsoft executives have, however, reportedly downplayed a direct correlation between the layoffs and the adoption of AI. Microsoft President Brad Smith recently said that productivity gains from AI were 'not a predominant factor' in the job reductions of recent months.
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Microsoft Touts Rs 4,285 Crore AI Savings Days After Cutting 9,000 Jobs
Microsoft is ramping up its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across various functions, claiming substantial gains in efficiency and cost savings — even as it carries out mass layoffs. In a recent internal presentation, Microsoft's Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff revealed that AI-powered tools helped the company save over $500 million (approximately ₹4,285 crore) last year, primarily in its call centre operations. 'The savings,' Althoff stated, 'came alongside improved customer satisfaction and internal efficiency,' according to a Bloomberg report. This announcement follows a major workforce reduction, with the company confirming the layoff of nearly 9,000 employees earlier this month. These cuts represent around 4 per cent of Microsoft's global workforce and mark the company's third significant round of layoffs in recent months. Back in May, Microsoft also let go of about 6,000 employees, primarily from its engineering and product divisions. AI Taking Over Key Roles Microsoft is increasingly relying on tools like GitHub Copilot, its AI-powered code assistant, to streamline software development. According to the company, AI now contributes to writing 35 per cent of code for new products, helping accelerate time-to-market. GitHub Copilot currently has more than 15 million users globally. In the sales domain, the company is using AI to enhance lead generation, close deals faster, and boost revenue. Internal reports show a 9 per cent increase in revenue tied to these AI implementations. Additionally, Microsoft is testing AI capabilities in customer-facing roles, especially with smaller clients. These efforts are reportedly generating tens of millions in revenue. A Broader Industry Trend Microsoft's move mirrors a larger trend across the tech industry, where companies are leveraging AI to reduce costs and improve productivity. Firms like Alphabet, Meta, and Salesforce have also adjusted hiring and job structures to incorporate more automation. A Microsoft spokesperson explained that the layoffs are part of ongoing 'organizational changes' aimed at reducing managerial layers and increasing efficiency through new technologies. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella previously shared that 20–30 per cent of the company's code is now AI-generated, reinforcing the company's deep commitment to this transformation. While the financial benefits are clear, the transition is raising important questions about the human cost of AI adoption, as the technology reshapes not only Microsoft but the future of work across the tech sector.
