The bot battle intensifies… Microsoft is set to host a “Future of Work With AI” event on Thursday, and it’s hoping to excel with some ChatGPT-fueled power points. A possible outlook: Microsoft could introduce AI-infused versions of apps like Word and Outlook (think: email-reply suggestions). It’s already integrated AI into its “new Bing” search. Recently, rival Google held an event to show off its Bard bot, while Meta introduced LLaMA. But concerns around broad use of AI tech remain (especially after the Bing chatbot went viral for unhinged convos).
Blooming estates… The housing market’s been in a chill, but Lennar could experience warmer days ahead. Last quarter the nation’s second-largest homebuilder by sales beat on earnings, but revenue fell short after its new-home orders dipped 15%. High interest rates put a squeeze on housing affordability, sending mortgage applications to a 28-year low. But inventory is also low, as homeowners locked into low rates stay put. Now bidding wars are breaking out for what’s left. The lingering demand could lift Lennar’s results when it reports Thursday.