Recent developments in AI span various sectors, from accounting and art to ocean surveillance and societal impact. Agentic AI is poised to revolutionize accounting by automating tasks and enabling accountants to focus on strategic analysis. Accountants are already utilizing AI tools like Microsoft Power Automate and custom bots to streamline processes and save time. In the art world, Kesha responded to fan criticism by replacing an AI-generated album cover with a photograph, emphasizing artistic integrity. Simultaneously, the Solano-Napa SBDC is offering training in AI and digital marketing, while Colorado's Attorney General is cautioning parents about the potential dangers of AI chatbots to children. Discussions continue about whether AI will surpass human intelligence, with some experts like Professor Subhash Kak warning about potential population decline due to AI-driven job displacement. In contrast, Meta's AI scientist, Yann LeCun, advocates for shared, open-source AI models to foster innovation, a sentiment echoed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman regarding international regulation for powerful AI systems. OpenAI is also developing ChatGPT into a comprehensive AI super assistant. On the investment front, Beijing and Silicon Valley lead in AI funding, while Helsing is creating AI-powered sea gliders for ocean surveillance, marking significant advancements in both civil and defense applications of AI.
Key Takeaways
- Agentic AI is expected to transform accounting by automating tasks and allowing accountants to focus on analysis.
- Accountants are currently using AI for language processing, decision-making, and automation to save time.
- Kesha replaced an AI-generated album cover due to backlash, reaffirming the importance of artistic integrity.
- The Solano-Napa SBDC is providing training sessions on AI and digital marketing.
- Colorado's Attorney General warns about the risks AI chatbots pose to children, advising parental monitoring.
- Debate continues on whether AI will surpass human intelligence, with concerns raised about job displacement and population decline.
- Meta's Yann LeCun proposes sharing data to create open-source AI models, while OpenAI's Sam Altman supports international AI regulation.
- OpenAI is developing ChatGPT into an AI super assistant for various tasks.
- Beijing and Silicon Valley are leading cities in AI funding concentration.
- AI-powered sea gliders are being developed for ocean surveillance and threat detection.
Agentic AI set to transform accounting work
Agentic AI, a new type of AI, can act on its own and make decisions with little human help. Experts like Randy Johnston and Donny Shimamoto say it will soon be used in many AI tools, freeing accountants to focus on analysis and strategy. Agentic AI can automate tasks like bookkeeping, improve auditing, and help with research. It works by perceiving, reasoning, acting, and learning, and will likely be added to existing software to make it more user-friendly.
Accountants are using AI in real life
Accountants are finding new ways to use AI for language processing, decision-making, and automation. Karl Spanbauer at Capital Area Food Bank uses Microsoft Power Automate to scan and summarize physical mail, saving his team about four hours a week. Glenn Hopper at Eventus Advisory Group created a bot that drafts technical accounting memos, cutting the task time from four hours to 30 minutes. These examples show how AI can automate tasks and save time, but expertise is needed to implement custom solutions.
Kesha changes 'Delusional' art after AI backlash
Kesha released a new cover for her single 'Delusional' after fans criticized her use of an AI-generated image. The original cover showed handbags on a crosswalk, but Kesha replaced it with a photo of herself by Brendan Walter. Kesha said she initially used AI to show how undervalued artists are, but decided integrity was more important. Her new album 'Period' will be released on July 4, and she will tour with Scissor Sisters this summer.
Solano-Napa SBDC offers AI and marketing training
The Solano-Napa SBDC is offering training sessions on AI, digital marketing, and mastering images and branding this summer.
AI chatbots can harm kids warns Colorado AG
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser warns parents about the dangers of social AI chatbots. These chatbots can mimic human conversation and lead children into harmful interactions. Children may not realize they are talking to AI, making them vulnerable to manipulation and inappropriate content. Weiser advises parents to monitor their children's online activity, use parental controls, and teach them that chatbots are not human.
Will AI surpass human intelligence asks opinion piece
An opinion piece by David Stephen explores whether AI will surpass human intelligence. It discusses how human intelligence differs from animals and how AI uses data for learning. The article suggests AI's focus on intelligence without emotions could give it an advantage. It also mentions AI consciousness research and the development of large language models (LLMs).
AI sea gliders become ocean surveillance satellites
Helsing is developing an underwater surveillance system using AI and autonomous sea gliders. The system combines the Lura AI platform with SG-1 Fathom sea gliders to monitor underwater threats. Lura uses acoustic data to detect patterns and identify crafts, while Fathom gliders act as mobile sensors. This technology could protect undersea cables and monitor maritime traffic, creating a digital twin of the ocean for better surveillance.
Meta AI scientist wants shared AI model
Meta's chief AI scientist, Yann LeCun, suggests countries should share data to create an open-source AI model. He believes this model would be larger than what any single country or company can handle. LeCun urges countries to favor open-source AI and avoid regulations that impede it. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also supports international regulation for powerful AI systems to ensure safety.
OpenAI plans ChatGPT AI super assistant
OpenAI plans to transform ChatGPT into an AI super assistant that understands users and helps with various tasks. A document titled 'ChatGPT H1 2025 Strategy' reveals the company's vision to make ChatGPT a companion for all aspects of life. OpenAI aims to develop an intelligent entity with skills for both general and specific tasks. The company also acknowledges competition and supports regulations that allow users to choose ChatGPT as their default assistant.
Cities investing big in AI revealed
Beijing leads in AI funding concentration, with 66% of startup funding directed toward AI companies. Silicon Valley follows closely at 62%, but attracts over 65% of all AI-native funding worldwide. The "AI Big Three" which includes Silicon Valley, Beijing, and Paris account for 79.4% of global AI-native investment. Asia and North America each have four cities in the top 10 for AI funding, while some tech hubs like New York and Seattle are falling behind.
AI could shrink Earth's population by 2300
Professor Subhash Kak warns that AI could cause a population collapse, leaving only 100 million people on Earth by 2300. He predicts AI will replace most jobs, leading to a reluctance to have children. Major cities could become deserted, and birth rates will decline. Elon Musk has also expressed concerns about AI and declining birth rates, suggesting humans should colonize space.
Sources
- Agentic AI poised to change the way CPAs work
- Real-life ways accountants are using AI
- Kesha changes cover art for 'Delusional' single after fan backlash over AI image
- SBDC offering AI, digital marketing, mastering images training sessions
- Colorado AG warns parents about AI chatbots that can harm kids
- Opinion - LLMs: Would Artificial Intelligence Surpass Humans?
- AI turns sea gliders into the surveillance satellites of the sea
- Meta's chief AI scientist says all countries should contribute data to a shared open-source AI model
- OpenAI plans to turn ChatGPT into an all-in-one AI ‘super assistant’: Report
- Which Cities Are Investing Heavily into AI?
- Fears AI will leave Earth with population 'the size of UK' by 2300