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Welcome to The Prompt by Kuro House, your daily AI update. Today, we’re diving into some major moves in AI that are shaping industries and devices alike. From massive job cuts in European banking to OpenAI’s bold bet on audio-first technology, there’s a lot to unpack.
First up, European banks are gearing up for a huge transformation driven by AI. A Morgan Stanley analysis, reported by the Financial Times, reveals that over 200,000 jobs could disappear by 2030 across 35 major banks. That’s about 10 percent of the workforce, mainly hitting back-office roles like risk management and compliance. Banks expect efficiency gains around 30 percent, but some leaders warn that cutting too deep could harm the industry’s future. It’s a clear sign that AI isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a workforce reshaper.
On the device front, OpenAI is making a big bet on audio as the next interface frontier. The Information reports that OpenAI has consolidated teams to overhaul its audio models, aiming for an audio-first personal device launch in about a year. This aligns with a broader industry trend where screens fade into the background and voice takes center stage. OpenAI’s new model will sound more natural, handle interruptions like a real conversation, and even speak while you’re talking. They’re also exploring a family of companion devices, from glasses to screenless speakers, designed to reduce device addiction.
Meanwhile, the banking sector’s AI push isn’t limited to Europe; Goldman Sachs in the U.S. is also cutting jobs and freezing hiring as part of their AI strategy called OneGS 3.0. This program targets everything from client onboarding to regulatory reporting, aiming to streamline operations significantly. Some banks have already started layoffs, like Dutch lender ABN Amro planning to cut a fifth of its staff by 2028. It’s a stark reminder that AI’s impact on finance is both immediate and profound.
Back to audio innovation, Meta is enhancing its Ray-Ban smart glasses with a five-microphone array to help users hear conversations better in noisy environments. This essentially turns your face into a directional listening device, pushing wearable tech further into natural audio experiences. Google is also experimenting with “Audio Overviews” that turn search results into conversational summaries, making information consumption more fluid. And Tesla is integrating its xAI chatbot Grok into vehicles, enabling voice assistants to handle everything from navigation to climate control through natural dialogue. The race for audio dominance is heating up across tech giants.
Finally, startups are joining the audio revolution with ambitious wearable projects. Some are building AI rings, like those from Sandbar and Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky, expected to launch in 2026 and allow users to talk to their hand. Others, like the Friend AI pendant, promise life-recording companionship but raise privacy and ethical questions. Despite mixed success, these ventures show a clear belief that audio is the interface of the future, turning every space into a control surface. It’s a fascinating glimpse at how AI is reshaping not just software, but how we physically interact with technology.
So, whether it’s job cuts in banking or new audio devices on the horizon, AI’s footprint is expanding fast and deep. It’s a moment to watch closely, as these changes will affect how we work, communicate, and live. Thanks for tuning in to The Prompt by Kuro House. We’ll be back tomorrow with more AI insights to keep you ahead of the curve.
