Starbucks has announced its first growth in U.S. transactions in approximately two years, alongside the introduction of an AI “ordering companion” designed to create custom drinks based on customer preferences. This development comes as the company also embraces popular trends, including a unique “banana bread latte” inspired by social media.
Meanwhile, Microsoft reported a significant earnings beat, but its stock plummeted by 12% in one day due to investor apprehensions regarding its ties with OpenAI, a partnership that represents about 45% of Microsoft’s future cloud revenue.
In a notable shift, Amazon is set to close all Fresh grocery and Go convenience stores across the U.S., marking a complete withdrawal from its retail formats. A visit to an Amazon Fresh location in Seattle revealed a long queue, contrasting with the store's initial promise of convenience and efficiency.
Listeners can catch more insights on these stories in the latest GeekWire Podcast, and attendees are invited to a live recording event on February 12 at Fremont Brewing in Seattle.