Tech Hub Debut: Al Update

Welcome to Tech Hub, Senior Planet’s new monthly feature to help you keep up with the rapid pace of tech innovations. Each month we’ll explore some of the latest tech that can enhance your everyday life and help you age with attitude.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to be the focus of exciting new developments for people, homes and businesses.  Here are just a few:

PERSONAL SHOPPER

AI, the personal shopper: In the summer of 2025, Visa showed the world what the future of shopping.   VISA showcased its Intelligent Commerce system, designed to empower AI agents to act as personal shoppers.

Imagine telling your AI assistant, “Find me the best deal on a weekend getaway to Chicago.” It can search and compare options for the trip  – and book the flight, reserve the hotel, and pay – without you lifting a finger.

Visa also introduced AI-ready payment credentials, a new kind of digital card that replaces traditional numbers with secure “tokenized” identities. This allows AI agents to authenticate purchases safely and instantly. The customer can stay in control by setting spending limits and choosing what kinds of purchases your AI can make.

NEW WEB BROWSER

A new Web Browser:   Perplexity has recently introduced Comet, an AI-powered web browser designed to compete with Google Chrome and other AI-driven browsers like OpenAI.   Comet integrates Perplexity’s AI search engine, which provides summarized search results for quicker information retrieval.

ALEXA GETS AI

Alexa Gets AI:  Amazon has gotten into the AI game by introducing us to Alexa+, the next generation of its voice assistant, powered by generative AI. Alexa+ offers a more conversational, personalized, and capable experience, making it feel like interacting with a more insightful Alexa – one that can manage and protect your home, make reservations, track and discover new artists, or handling complex tasks. If you’re a Prime member, it’s  an included benefit in your membership, otherwise it’s a $19.99/month service.

Want to know more about AI? For upcoming class schedules, helpful videos, handouts and more, visit Senior Planet’s dedicated AI page. 

AI TO THE RESCUE

AI to the rescue: Finally, tech companies are starting to use AI to weed out scammers. The latest example is Norton’s Genie, an innovative AI-powered tool designed to enhance scam detection capabilities – and it’s free. Norton’s Genie continuously learns from user interactions, becoming smarter with each suspicious text, email, or web address uploaded, protecting users from phishing and other online threats.  Additionally, Norton has launched Norton Neo, the first AI-native browser, which combines AI intelligence with robust safety features to provide a safer and smarter internet experience.

YOUR TURN

How are you using AI?  What do you think of these AI developments? Let us know in the comments!

Jeff Rose is the Director of Special Initiatives at Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP. He has been at the forefront of the intersection between aging and technology for more than 15 years in a range of settings, including life-plan communities, community-based organizations, and an age-tech startup. Based in Chicago, Jeff is active in a variety of local aging and community organizations and enjoys sharing his knowledge about how technology can impact and benefit older adults.

The content on the Senior Planet website is intended strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement or warranty regarding privacy, security, permissions, or changes in terms of service. Please scrutinize each app’s or device’s privacy policy, terms of use, data collection or other permissions before downloading or using the app or the device.