Google Workspace AI 📂, Meta's 5% Layoff 📉, AI Agents For Recruitment 🕵️‍♂️

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💬 OpenAI Developments

ChatGPT can now handle reminders and to-dos

OpenAI has introduced a beta feature in ChatGPT called Tasks, enabling users to schedule reminders and future actions, similar to traditional digital assistants like Google Assistant or Siri. This functionality is currently available to Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers, allowing them to set one-time or recurring tasks, such as daily weather reports or reminders about important dates.

'The New York Times' takes OpenAI to court. ChatGPT's future could be on the line

The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its primary backer, Microsoft, alleging that ChatGPT was trained using the newspaper's content without authorization, constituting copyright infringement. The lawsuit seeks to prevent further use of the Times' material in AI training and demands the removal of existing content from OpenAI's datasets.

🌐 AI in Robotics

Breakthroughs in conversational AI for robotics and wearables win Microsoft AI Innovation Award 

Innovations in conversational AI for robotics and wearable devices have been recognized with the Microsoft AI Innovation Award. These advancements enhance human-technology interaction, enabling more intuitive and efficient communication with machines.

Training robots in the AI-powered industrial metaverse

Advancements in AI and the industrial metaverse are revolutionizing robot training by enabling virtual simulations that closely replicate real-world conditions. This approach allows robots to learn and adapt more efficiently, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional physical training methods.

🚀 Tech Industry Moves

Google has announced that all AI features in its Workspace suite—including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Meet—are now available at no extra cost, eliminating the previous $20 per user per month fee for the Gemini Business plan. However, the base subscription price for standard Workspace plans has increased by approximately $2 per user per month, with the base subscription price rising from $12 to $14 per month.

Google's AI Overviews in search results may include content from websites that have received manual action penalties, meaning such sites can appear in AI-generated summaries even if they are demoted or excluded from standard search listings. This discrepancy has been observed by SEO professionals, suggesting that AI Overviews might not fully align with traditional search result penalties.

Meta plans to cut 5% of its workforce, approximately 3,600 employees, targeting low performers to make way for new talent focused on AI, smart glasses, and the future of social media. CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized that this move aims to enhance performance management and accelerate innovation in critical technologies.

Meta is intensifying its competition with OpenAI, aiming to surpass models like GPT-4 by leveraging its substantial GPU resources and developing advanced AI systems. Internal communications reveal Meta's aggressive strategies, including the controversial use of copyrighted data in training its Llama AI models, leading to ongoing legal challenges.

NVIDIA's Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE) enables gamers to engage in natural conversations with AI-driven non-playable characters (NPCs), enhancing immersion by allowing NPCs to respond contextually to player inputs. However, early demonstrations reveal that these interactions can be stilted, indicating room for improvement in the technology.

Anthropic has achieved ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification, becoming one of the first frontier AI labs to meet this international standard for AI governance. This certification validates Anthropic's comprehensive framework for responsible AI development, including ethical design, rigorous testing, transparency measures, and established oversight.

💡 Emerging AI Technologies and Companies

Nvidia-backed AI video platform Synthesia doubles valuation to $2.1 billion

Synthesia, a London-based AI video generation platform, has doubled its valuation to $2.1 billion following a $180 million funding round led by New Enterprise Associates, with participation from Google Ventures and Accel Partners. The company plans to use the new funds to enhance the lifelike quality of its avatars and expand its AI-powered video platform into markets such as Japan, Australia, Europe, and North America.

AI researcher François Chollet founds a new AI lab focused on AGI

Renowned AI researcher François Chollet, creator of Keras, has co-founded a new startup called Ndea with Zapier co-founder Mike Knoop, aiming to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) through innovative methods like program synthesis. Ndea seeks to build AI systems capable of true invention, adaptation, and continuous improvement. While funding details remain undisclosed, the company is actively hiring and positioning itself at the forefront of AGI research, joining a growing trend of top AI experts leaving Big Tech to pursue independent, cutting-edge AI development.

🎨 AI in Creative Industries

With a surge in Gen Z job applicants, companies are increasingly adopting AI recruitment tools like Maki, a startup that raised $28.6 million in Series A funding to expand its AI-driven hiring platform. Maki’s conversational AI agents automate up to 80% of recruiting tasks—sourcing, screening, scheduling, and interviewing—reducing time-to-hire by threefold. Used by major firms like H&M, PwC, and BNP Paribas, Maki offers personalized candidate feedback and demonstrates reduced hiring bias. The funding will accelerate product development and U.S. expansion, positioning Maki to compete in the growing AI recruitment market.

🌍 Global AI Race

Telstra and Accenture announce global AI joint venture

Telstra and Accenture have announced a proposed seven-year joint venture to accelerate Telstra's data and AI initiatives, aiming to enhance network capabilities, customer experiences, and operational efficiency. This collaboration will leverage Accenture's $3 billion AI investment and global expertise, with the joint venture being 60% owned by Accenture and 40% by Telstra, while Telstra retains control over its data and AI strategy.

India outpaces global AI adoption: BCG survey

India is leading in Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, with 30% of Indian companies maximizing value through AI technologies, surpassing the global average of 26%. This rapid adoption spans both traditional and digital sectors, positioning India at the forefront of AI integration globally.

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