AI startup Osmo is using scent to distinguish authentic sneakers from counterfeits with over 95% accuracy.

Until now, companies like StockX have relied on human sniff tests and manual inspections to discern authenticity.

As fakes become more convincing, smell authentication could help keep counterfeits out of the $6 billion sneaker resale market.

Edge: Intimate AI

Japanese company “and farm” has introduced a rural timeshare concept that offers farming experience for city dwellers.

For a monthly fee, members get access to personal vegetable gardens and optional gardening workshops.

By revitalizing vacant homes and farmlands, the initiative promotes sustainable living while giving rural areas an economic boost.

Edge: Next-Gen Naturalist

British telecom company Virgin Media O2 has released an AI chatbot named Daisy that’s designed to waste scammers’ time.

Daisy keeps fraudsters on the phone as long as possible, going on long tangents and sharing fake personal details.

By playing into biases about older people, Daisy prevents criminals from targeting real victims and educates people about the common tactics used.

Edge: Intimate AI