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A tale of two innovations: Square’s AI edge for SMBs and Morgan Stanley’s code makeover

  • We track two new AI developments this week from well-known public companies: Square and Morgan Stanley.
  • We analyze how Square’s Conversational AI signals a broader transformation in small business tech, and shed light on Morgan Stanley’s work addressing a critical, yet often ignored, AI issue.
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A tale of two innovations: Square’s AI edge for SMBs and Morgan Stanley’s code makeover

    From payments to investments: The divergent paths of AI transformation


    It’s a new week of the 10Q edition, and the conversation around AI isn’t slowing down. And judging by the pace of innovation, companies are in no mood to rest. 

    We track two new AI developments this week from well-known public companies: Square, the payments and commerce unit of Block, and legacy bank Morgan Stanley.

    AI In Payments: How Square’s Conversational AI Assistant signals a shift in SMB tech — and why it matters

    Square has introduced a conversational AI assistant, Square AI, to help sellers by answering questions about using Square’s business technology platform and providing insights into their own business trends.

    In a time when nearly every company is racing to slap AI onto a product label, Square’s latest move feels different, not because it’s more technically sophisticated, but because it directly addresses a chronic pain point for small business owners: decision paralysis in the face of complexity.


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