Manufacturing Gets an AI Brain
PLUS: How to use Gemini's new personal assistant to manage your Google life
✉️ Editor's Note
Ever feel like AI is solving problems you don't have? Today's stories are different—they're about AI tackling the actual headaches of everyday work and life. From factories to your phone, these tools are getting practical in ways that might actually save you time. Let's dive in.
— Sarah Chen, Editor
🗞️ TODAY IN AI
1. Didero lands $30M to put manufacturing procurement on 'agentic' autopilot: Didero is building an AI layer that sits on top of existing manufacturing systems and automatically handles procurement tasks. It reads incoming communications and executes updates without human intervention, acting like an intelligent coordinator for supply chains. Read more Why it matters: Even if you're not in manufacturing, this shows how AI is moving from chatbots to actual workflow automation—something that could soon help with your own repetitive office tasks.
2. Spotify says its best developers haven't written a line of code since December, thanks to AI: Spotify's top developers have been using Claude Code and their internal AI system Honk to accelerate development, essentially letting AI handle the coding while they focus on strategy and architecture. Read more Why it matters: This isn't just about programmers—it's about how AI is changing what "skilled work" means. If developers can delegate coding, what repetitive tasks in your job could you automate?
3. Google Maps navigation gets a powerful boost with Gemini: Google Maps now features hands-free, conversational navigation powered by Gemini, using real-world landmarks for clearer directions and enabling multi-step tasks during your drive. Read more Why it matters: This is AI that actually helps in real life—no more squinting at maps while driving. Just ask natural questions like "What's that restaurant on the left?" and get answers without taking your eyes off the road.
🔬 DEEP DIVE
By Marcus Rivera
When Your Supply Chain Gets a Brain
Didero's $30M funding round might sound like just another tech story, but it represents a fundamental shift in how AI is being deployed. Instead of flashy chatbots or image generators, this is about AI that works quietly in the background, coordinating complex systems and making decisions based on real-time data. The company's "agentic" approach means the AI doesn't just suggest—it executes.
Why it matters for you: Even if you never set foot in a factory, this type of workflow automation is coming to every industry. Think about your own job: how much time do you spend on repetitive coordination tasks, email triage, or data entry between systems? Didero's success signals that investors believe businesses will pay for AI that actually reduces operational friction, not just generates content.
The takeaway: Start looking at your daily work through an automation lens. What tasks involve moving information between systems or making routine decisions based on incoming data? Those are prime candidates for the kind of "agentic" AI that Didero represents. The future isn't about asking AI questions—it's about teaching AI to handle your workflows.
🎓 AI ACADEMY
By Alex Torres
How to activate and use Gemini's Personal Intelligence feature
👤 Best for: Google power users, busy professionals who live in Gmail and Calendar, anyone overwhelmed by their digital life
Gemini's new Personal Intelligence connects to your Google apps to provide personalized answers based on your actual data—here's how to make it work for you.
- Check your eligibility: Currently, Personal Intelligence is in beta and only available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. You'll need an active subscription.
- Enable the feature: In the Gemini app or web interface, go to Settings → Personal Intelligence and toggle it on. You'll need to grant permissions for each Google service you want connected.
- Start with practical queries: Instead of generic questions, ask things like "What emails did I get from my boss yesterday?" or "Show me photos from my vacation last summer organized by location."
- Use it for planning: The real power comes when you combine data sources. Try "Based on my calendar and emails, what should I prepare for my meeting with the marketing team tomorrow?"
Sample Prompt (copy and paste this):
I have a busy week ahead. Please review my Google Calendar for the next 5 days and my recent Gmail threads to:
1. Identify any meetings that require preparation materials
2. Flag any deadlines mentioned in emails that aren't on my calendar
3. Suggest time blocks for focused work based on my meeting schedule
4. Remind me of any follow-up items from last week's emails that I haven't addressed
💡 Pro tip: Personal Intelligence gets better with context. When asking about emails or documents, mention specific people, timeframes, or projects to get more accurate results.
⚡ QUICK HITS
- 🔧 Gemini Personal Intelligence: Google's AI now connects to your Gmail, Photos, YouTube, and Search for personalized answers. Learn more
- 🎯 Spotify's AI developers: Top engineers using Claude Code and internal AI to accelerate development workflows. Read more
- 🚀 Google Maps + Gemini: Conversational navigation using real-world landmarks for clearer driving directions. Explore features
💬 PROMPT OF THE DAY
Meeting Preparation Assistant
I have a meeting scheduled with [Person/Team Name] about [Topic] on [Date].
Based on my past emails with them and our shared documents in Google Drive:
1. What were the main action items from our last discussion?
2. What questions or concerns did they raise that might need follow-up?
3. Are there any documents or data I should review before the meeting?
4. What's the likely agenda based on our email thread about this meeting?
Please organize this into a brief pre-meeting checklist with specific references to emails or documents I should review.
See you tomorrow,
The Have AI Do It Team
Sarah, Marcus, Alex & the crew
We translate 'Tech Velocity' into 'Everyday Utility.'