The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology is transforming industries and societies worldwide. Recent news highlights the rapid advancements in AI, its applications, and the challenges it poses.
Chinese AI Agent Manus Faces Doubts
Chinese AI agent Manus has faced doubts after its rapid rise to fame. Manus AI's product partner apologized on social media, admitting the team underestimated the public's enthusiastic response. The invitation-only arrangement spurred a scramble among users seeking to access Manus. The team behind Manus has been accused of intentionally deploying scarcity marketing tactics.
VDOT Bets on AI to Cut Costs
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is turning to artificial intelligence to improve how the state estimates costs and manages pavement upkeep. With highway construction costs surging 68% nationwide since 2020, VDOT faces increasing financial strain from rising material and labor prices, supply chain disruptions, fuel costs, and unpredictable weather events.
Nearly 80% of Training Datasets May Be a Legal Hazard
A recent paper from LG AI Research suggests that supposedly 'open' datasets used for training AI models may be offering a false sense of security – finding that nearly four out of five AI datasets labeled as ‘commercially usable' actually contain hidden legal risks.
Microsoft to Invest in South Africa's AI Infrastructure
Microsoft will be investing an additional $296.81 million by the end of 2027 to expand its cloud and Artificial Intelligence, or AI, infrastructure in South Africa, to meet the growing demand for the tech company’s Azure services in the region.
Malaysia to Invest $250 Million in Arm Holdings
Malaysia will pay Arm Holdings $250 million over ten years for chip design plans to develop its own AI chips. The deal includes access to Arm’s intellectual property, the training of 10,000 engineers, and the establishment of an office in Kuala Lumpur.
State Department to Use AI to Search for Pro-Hamas Students
The U.S. State Department is set to launch a program called “Catch and Revoke” that will use AI systems to scan news reports and the social media accounts of students in America on a visa. The goal is to find people with pro-Palestinian and Hamas sympathies and kick them out of the country.
How On-Device AI Could Help Cut AI's Energy Demand
On-device AI and an energy credit trading system could help us cut down AI's energy demand. The evolution of computing followed three key phases: better design integration, lower power consumption and chip cost reductions; mass chip production and enhanced computing power, making technology widely available; and transformative applications reshape industries, giving dawn to a new era.
Career Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence
Want a job in artificial intelligence? Sanjna Parulekar, a senior vice president at Salesforce, has what you need to know.
Ethernet Data Center Switch Sales Reach Record Levels
Ethernet data center switch sales reached record levels in 2024 due to AI investments and recovery in traditional networks. Sales ended the year with strong double-digit growth, achieving a new sales record, according to Dell'Oro Group.
Broadcom Proves Nvidia Will Be Looking Over Its Shoulder
Broadcom's AI revenue surged 77% year-over-year, boosting its stock after a volatile 2025 so far. Broadcom's custom AI chips, designed with cloud companies, offer lower-cost options than Nvidia.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese AI agent Manus faces doubts after rapid rise to fame due to concerns over scarcity marketing tactics.
- VDOT is turning to AI to improve cost estimation and pavement upkeep, leveraging the technology to maximize investments in maintenance and repairs.
- Nearly 80% of training datasets may be a legal hazard for enterprise AI, highlighting the need for thorough analysis and compliance.
- Microsoft is investing $296.81 million in South Africa's AI infrastructure to meet growing demand for Azure services.
- Malaysia is investing $250 million in Arm Holdings for chip design plans to develop its own AI chips.
- The State Department will use AI to search for pro-Hamas students to deport, sparking concerns over free speech and expression.
- On-device AI and an energy credit trading system could help cut down AI's energy demand, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Career opportunities in AI are growing, with Salesforce offering insights into the field.
- Ethernet data center switch sales reached record levels in 2024 due to AI investments and recovery in traditional networks.
- Broadcom's AI revenue surged 77% year-over-year, boosting its stock and challenging Nvidia's dominance in the market.
Sources
- Chinese AI agent Manus faces doubts after rapid rise to fame
- VDOT bets on AI to cut costs and keep Virginia roads smooth
- Nearly 80% of Training Datasets May Be a Legal Hazard for Enterprise AI
- Microsoft to invest nearly $300 million by 2027 to boost South Africa’s AI infrastructure
- Malaysia to Invest $250 Million in Arm Holdings plc (ARM) for AI Chip Development
- State Department Will Use AI to Search for ‘Pro-Hamas’ Students to Deport
- How on-device AI could help us to cut AI's energy demand
- Career opportunities in artificial intelligence
- Ethernet data center switch sales reach record levels, driven by AI investments and market recovery, says Dell'Oro Group.
- Broadcom just proved Nvidia will be looking over its shoulder for a while longer