This Month's Latest Tech News in Tyler, TX - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

April brought a series of pivotal developments highlighting AI's rapid evolution and growing impact in Tyler and across Texas. The Texas Legislature is piloting innovative uses of generative AI with a new tool designed to answer citizen questions about the state's proposed school voucher program, demonstrating how AI is being harnessed for public engagement and policy transparency (experimental AI assistant for school vouchers).

Meanwhile, the proposed Texas state budget underscores surging investments in AI, particularly within public safety agencies, though watchdogs caution that legal guidelines remain unsettled (AI in the Texas state budget).

On another front, the Texas House passed a bill mandating clear disclosure for AI-generated images and deepfakes in political advertising - a move responding directly to election integrity concerns driven by advances in generative technology (AI disclosure law for political ads).

These stories show AI's expanding footprint across civic, business, and political life - continuing to reshape the region's tech landscape and the need for robust digital skills.

East Texas A&M University is making waves in the region's tech education landscape with the launch of its accessible Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program, designed to provide hands-on experience for students from all academic backgrounds.

As AI rapidly reshapes industries like healthcare, finance, and education, the university's new offering stands out for its inclusive admissions and four diverse emphasis areas: computer science, computational linguistics, mathematics, and psychology.

• Inclusive admissions ensure people from diverse backgrounds can take part in advanced tech education.
• The program offers four emphasis areas - computer science, computational linguistics, mathematics, and psychology - catering to wide professional interests.
• Flexible learning options in online and in-person formats help both working professionals and recent graduates to participate.
• Applicants don't need a technical background to enroll, making the program accessible to those ready to upskill for the future.
• Faculty stress that AI impacts every career, from communication roles to fields like farming, expanding the program's relevance.

Faculty emphasize that AI is not just for coders, but will soon touch every career, from communication-intensive jobs to fields as wide-ranging as farming.

For those wanting to know more about the structure and flexibility of the program, visit the official Artificial Intelligence (MS) webpage, or read in-depth insights and faculty perspectives in Building Real-World Skills in AI: A New Path for College Students.

Contact Person	Role	Email
Susan Johnson	Program Coordinator	susan.johnson@tamuc.edu
Robert Martinez	Admissions Advisor	robert.martinez@tamuc.edu

The university's commitment is clear: preparing graduates not just to understand AI, but to lead and innovate with it in the growing tech-driven economy - further illustrated by their broader educational initiatives highlighted in their April 2025 Engineering News.

Sam's Club is ushering in a new era for Tyler shoppers by eliminating all traditional and self-checkout lanes in favor of a frictionless, AI-powered shopping experience.

This month, the retailer expanded its “Scan & Go” system - first tested in Grapevine, Texas - to locations in Tyler, allowing customers to scan items as they shop using the Sam's Club mobile app and then pay directly through it, bypassing the need to stop at a register.

Artificial intelligence at the store's exits now verifies that all items in a cart were scanned and paid for, thereby enhancing security and removing the long-standing manual receipt checks at the door.

This approach aligns with broader industry trends highlighting operational efficiency, increased customer autonomy, and reduced employee stress, while still reallocating staff to more value-added roles on the store floor.

• AI-Powered Checkout: The new system removes traditional lanes in favor of frictionless shopping, powered by artificial intelligence for efficiency.
• Customer Autonomy: Shoppers use the mobile app to scan and pay for items, increasing autonomy and reducing wait times.
• Enhanced Security: Exit AI verifies purchases to improve security and eliminate manual receipt checks.
• Staff Reallocation: Employees are reassigned to value-added roles on the store floor rather than at checkouts.
• Challenges for Some Shoppers: Older or less tech-inclined customers may find app-based, cashless shopping challenging, raising inclusivity concerns.
• Nationwide Rollout: The initiative is part of a plan to implement at 600+ locations, aiming to set a new standard in retail.

"This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail," said Barbara Taylor, a retail industry analyst.

For a closer look at how AI is transforming retail checkouts, see this report from TheStreet, read Forbes' coverage of the “Just Go” technology in action here, and explore local details on the new process coming to East Texas at KKYR.

Tyler's real estate market just got a technology infusion as Restb.ai, the leading provider of AI-powered computer vision for the industry, expands its reach by launching advanced features across 10 additional Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), including the Longview Area Association of REALTORS® in East Texas.

This integration brings cutting-edge AI tools to thousands of agents and brokers, enabling them to automate listing photo analysis, improve property data accuracy, and enhance the overall home search experience.

With Restb.ai now serving over 800,000 real estate professionals in North America, local agents benefit from reduced manual work and more complete property records, resulting in faster sales and better outcomes for buyers and sellers.

• AI Tools Enhance Real Estate Listings: Restb.ai's new features help agents and brokers automate photo analysis and improve property data accuracy.
• Wider Reach for Advanced Technology: Serving over 800,000 professionals, the integration streamlines workflows for faster home sales and improved client outcomes.
• New Industry Partnerships: Companies such as AssetVal and HomeJab are using Restb.ai to boost valuation accuracy and introduce AI-powered photo scoring in real estate.

In addition, partnerships like AssetVal's adoption of Restb.ai for broker price opinions and HomeJab's launch of the first AI-powered photographer scoring system reflect the technology's growing impact - from valuation accuracy to ensuring high-quality listing photos nationwide.

Experts such as Linda Rodriguez agree these next-gen AI deployments are not just streamlining current workflows; they're laying the groundwork for a more transparent and efficient real estate industry.

Company	AI-Powered Solution	Benefit
Restb.ai	Photo Analysis & MLS Integration	Faster, more accurate property listings
AssetVal	AI for Broker Price Opinions	Increased valuation accuracy
HomeJab	AI Photographer Scoring	Ensures high-quality listing images

Dive deeper into Restb.ai's expansion with the GlobeNewswire announcement on new MLS integrations, see how AI is transforming valuations in the HousingWire report on AssetVal's BPO partnership, and learn about enhancements in real estate photography through HomeJab and Restb.ai's AI-driven scoring initiative.

This month, the Smith County Sheriff's Office is urging Tyler residents to be vigilant following reports of a sophisticated AI-driven scam targeting locals through voice-cloned calls.

Scammers have been contacting individuals while posing as “Sgt. Terry Brunk” from the Smith County Constable's Office, using artificial intelligence to simulate a convincing law enforcement voice and soliciting personal information about legal matters.

Authorities stress that these calls are entirely fraudulent, with Brunk neither authorizing nor making any such outreach. This warning comes amid a surge of similar incidents both regionally and nationally, some even using cloned voices of loved ones to create high-pressure, emotional scenarios and extort money from unsuspecting victims.

For more on the local alert, see the Smith County Sheriff's official warning.

Additional details on the broader trend and tips for self-protection are provided in a recent coverage of AI-based voice scams in Texas, with further context from national watchdogs available through the Better Business Bureau's advisory on voice cloning scams.

Residents are advised not to share sensitive information over the phone and to always verify unfamiliar requests by calling official agencies directly.

• AI-driven scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals now using technology to replicate voices of authority figures and loved ones.
• Verification is essential; authorities encourage residents to independently confirm communication by contacting official agencies before acting on such calls.
• Personal information should never be given out over unsolicited calls, as this data can be exploited for fraud or identity theft.
• Awareness of recent local and national trends in cybercrime is crucial for staying protected from new threats.

Name	Role	Relevant Advice
Sarah Smith	Resident	Confirms importance of verifying calls from officials.
Patricia Thomas	Law Enforcement	Urges public to avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone.
James Garcia	Cybersecurity Expert	Highlights the evolving nature of voice-cloning scams.

“It's critical that the community understands how realistic these calls can sound and why we should never disclose personal information without verification,” said Patricia Thomas of local law enforcement.

River Valley School District has become the first in the nation to receive a landmark $1 million grant dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence in education, marking a significant milestone for local schools and educators.

Provided by Yourway Learning and funded by the Bezos Foundation, the grant will introduce an AI-supported instructional platform designed to personalize learning and enhance teacher effectiveness, with implementation set for the upcoming academic year.

District leaders, including Patricia Williams, highlight that this initiative will also provide vital equipment and professional development, positioning River Valley at the forefront of technology-driven educational reforms.

Their selection arrives amidst nationwide efforts to bolster AI literacy in K-12 settings, following new federal policies that direct resources toward teacher training and integration of AI concepts in classrooms, aiming to prepare students for an innovation-driven workforce.

To learn more about the district's pioneering role, see the official announcement from Yourway Learning's $1M AI Grant.

For detailed reporting on the program's launch and community impact, visit the Indiana Gazette's coverage.

This move aligns with the latest federal initiatives explained in USA Today's report on President Trump's executive order boosting AI in K-12 education nationwide.

This April, the debate around artificial intelligence in government took center stage in Tyler and across Texas, as local leaders and policy experts voiced concerns about the transparency and oversight of AI in public decision-making.

A wave of new federal directives, including the Trump Administration's Executive Order 14179 and memoranda from the Office of Management and Budget, now require agencies to test, assess, and continuously monitor “high-impact” AI systems - those affecting civil rights, safety, or citizen access to government services.

• Federal Directives: New federal directives require thorough monitoring of “high-impact” AI systems used in public services.
• Guideline Shift: Changes emphasize using American-made AI and encourage agencies to develop their own risk standards, potentially leading to inconsistent protections.
• State Action: Texas legislators have introduced new bills for AI oversight, but critics warn of innovation restraints and few mechanisms for public input.
• Public Oversight: The central challenge remains whether government can balance AI-driven modernization with citizen oversight and protect civil liberties.

Read more about the new federal requirements in this detailed policy breakdown, explore how Texas lawmakers are approaching AI oversight in this in-depth analysis, and see how transparency concerns are driving national discussion in this guidance summary.

This April, East Texas homeowners gained a powerful new ally in home improvement with the debut of Hardie™ Designer, an AI-powered design tool brought to life through a collaboration between James Hardie and tech innovator Hover.

Hardie™ Designer enables users to upload a photo of their home and instantly visualize a wide array of Hardie® siding styles, textures, and trending colors, generating photorealistic mockups in real time - no design experience necessary.

“With industry leaders calling this a leap forward in customer experience, Hardie™ Designer is poised to redefine expectations for exterior upgrades across East Texas.” - Matthew White

Homeowners can experiment with popular aesthetics, share their ideas with family or contractors, and even request quotes, streamlining what was once a daunting decision process.

• AI technology: Hardie™ Designer brings AI-powered visualization to home exterior planning, offering immediate, realistic previews to empower users.
• User-friendly design: No design experience is needed, making exterior remodels easy and accessible even for first-time homeowners.
• Seamless collaboration: Users can share their wishlists with family or contractors, promoting clear communication and quicker decisions.
• Personalization and confidence: The tool provides numerous customization options, helping homeowners feel more secure in their choices.

For more on how the technology works, read the official James Hardie press release, explore Hover's perspective in their product launch announcement, or see the tool in action and start designing at the Hardie™ Designer website.

Feature	Benefit	Who Benefits
Real-time mockups	Instantly visualize new exterior looks	Elizabeth Smith
Shareable designs	Quick collaboration with stakeholders	Elizabeth Davis
AI-driven recommendations	Confidence in style and color selection	Matthew White

This April, Tyler and East Texas have seen a notable surge in artificial intelligence-enabled scams, particularly those leveraging advanced voice-cloning technology to deceive residents.

The Smith County Sheriff's Office has issued a public warning about fraudulent calls in which scammers use an AI-generated voice purporting to be local law enforcement, such as “Sgt.

Terry Brunk,” attempting to extract personal information under false legal pretenses (Smith County Sheriff's Office warns of new scam).

Meanwhile, neighboring communities have reported incidents where scammers clone the voices of victims' loved ones - the case of Robert Anderson in Port Neches, who nearly fell for a distress call in his sister's convincing imitation, underscores both the sophistication and emotional impact of these schemes (AI voice scam targets Port Neches man).

Law enforcement and technology experts alike caution that the rapid evolution of AI-driven fraud is outpacing traditional safeguards, as highlighted by recent federal findings showing over half of Americans have encountered or know someone affected by AI-enabled robocalls and scams (What is an AI Voice Cloning Robocall Scam?).

Residents are urged to verify any suspicious calls independently, safeguard their personal details, and report scams to local authorities as vigilance becomes increasingly crucial in the face of this rising techno-crime wave.

• AI-powered scams are increasingly targeting East Texas residents through advanced voice-cloning technology.
• Law enforcement authorities are actively warning the public about fraudulent callers impersonating officials to extract personal data.
• Victims are emotionally impacted as scammers clone the voices of loved ones, making the deception highly convincing and effective.
• Federal findings reveal that more than half of Americans have been exposed to these scams, underlining their rapidly growing prevalence.
• Community vigilance - verifying calls, safeguarding details, and promptly reporting scams - is essential to combating the rise in AI-enabled fraud.

Incident Location	Type of Scam	Main Strategy
Tyler, TX	Law enforcement impersonation	AI-generated voices
Port Neches, TX	Loved one voice cloning	Emotional manipulation

“The rapid advances in artificial intelligence-driven fraud are outpacing traditional safeguards,” warned Sarah Thomas, a cybercrime expert, “which is why robust community education and awareness are more vital than ever.”

In a significant move for the Texas multifamily housing sector, Funnel Leasing has launched Fenix, a new standalone AI platform designed to streamline apartment leasing for property managers and renters alike.

The introduction of Fenix, powered by their proprietary Sierra technology, marks a shift toward fully automated, renter-centric operations, promising increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, and faster, more personalized leasing experiences - advantages that are particularly relevant as the Texas rental market grows increasingly competitive.

• AI-driven tools improve efficiency: Insights from industry leaders emphasize that Funnel's AI-driven tools enable leasing teams to work smarter while insulating businesses from staffing fluctuations.
• Boosted conversion and retention: The platform reports a 33% boost in tour-to-lease conversion and notable increases in resident retention for property managers.
• Investment drives growth: Backed by a $36.5 million Series B raise, Funnel's expansion directly supports operators aiming to centralize their portfolio management and elevate customer experience across large property portfolios.

Source	Main Topic	Reference Link
Longview News-Journal	Launch Announcement	Read Article
Yahoo Finance	Technology Overview	View Coverage
Multifamily Executive	Investment Details	See Report

"Funnel's AI-driven tools not only help our leasing teams handle higher volumes of inquiries but also ensure a seamless experience for renters - which is crucial as competition intensifies," shared Elizabeth Davis, a regional property manager in Texas.

To learn more about the launch of Fenix and its impact, refer to the sources above and follow emerging news for further updates on how technology is transforming Tyler's real estate landscape.

AI skills have rapidly become essential for professionals across East Texas, with recent policy moves, workforce trends, and education initiatives underscoring this shift.

A new executive order from the White House promotes integrating AI literacy throughout the U.S. education system, urging early exposure to AI concepts and teacher training to build a next-generation AI-ready workforce and inspire innovation at every level of learning (Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth).

This national direction aligns with LinkedIn's latest reports, which identify AI literacy as the fastest-growing skill among American workers, now expected in roles ranging from software engineering to management, and even non-tech sectors, reflecting an urgent need for both technical knowledge and responsible use of generative AI tools (AI Literacy Review – March 25, 2025).

Locally, Texas' substantial investments in AI and workforce development - highlighted in the proposed state budget - are driving training, development, and educational programs designed to ensure all Texans remain competitive in an evolving digital landscape (Texas Standard for April 10, 2025).

The message is clear: AI literacy is no longer optional, but a core competency for East Texas professionals navigating the changing world of work.

As April 2025 draws to a close, Tyler stands at the crossroads of robust economic growth and rapid technological transformation. With job growth leading Texas at 10.6% and continued investment in workforce competitiveness through initiatives like the Upskill Texas program, local businesses have new avenues for preparing workers for the demands of tomorrow's industries.

On the policy front, the recent executive order promoting AI education signals a long-term commitment to cultivating digital skills throughout the nation - mirrored by Tyler's own engagement with technology in both the public and private sectors.

Meanwhile, partnerships like the one between Polco and Tyler Technologies are modernizing government operations, supporting transparency, community-driven budgeting, and data-backed decision making for lasting community benefit (read more here).

As the region embraces change, upskilling and digital literacy remain more essential than ever for residents eager to thrive in this evolving tech landscape.