Recent developments in AI span various sectors, from sales and cybersecurity to retail and marketing. In the UK, a marketing agency has implemented an AI sales agent capable of handling client interactions and closing deals autonomously, while cybersecurity teams are grappling with increasingly sophisticated AI-driven cyberattacks, necessitating advanced tools like AI-powered pentest platforms. Retail is also being transformed, with companies like ARBA Retail Systems integrating AI into POS software to enhance customer support and provide insightful business analytics. To accelerate AI development, Mindbeam AI has launched Litespark, a framework leveraging NVIDIA technology to expedite the training of large language models. Google is experimenting with 'Search Live,' an AI mode for real-time conversational search. However, the rise of AI also raises economic questions, as reflected in the debate around universal basic income, opposed by Trump's AI advisor. Despite these advancements, not all AI ventures are thriving, as evidenced by Builder.ai's bankruptcy filing following a sales scandal. Conversely, AI startups are contributing to the revitalization of San Francisco's office market, leasing significant space and projecting substantial future growth.
Key Takeaways
- A UK marketing agency has launched an AI sales agent that operates 24/7.
- Cybersecurity teams are struggling to defend against AI-enhanced cyberattacks and need better tools.
- AI-driven pentest tools are becoming crucial for cybersecurity in 2025, offering advanced capabilities.
- ARBA Retail Systems is using AI in its POS software to improve customer support and provide business insights.
- Mindbeam AI's Litespark framework accelerates AI training using NVIDIA technology.
- Google is testing 'Search Live,' an AI mode for real-time conversations.
- Trump's AI advisor opposes universal basic income, despite some AI leaders suggesting it to address job displacement.
- CMOs are increasing investments in generative AI for marketing, focusing on personalization and content creation.
- Builder.ai, a UK-based AI startup, filed for bankruptcy after a sales scandal.
- AI startups are boosting San Francisco's office market recovery by leasing significant office space.
AI sales agent replaces human jobs at UK agency
Marketing Web Development Agency in the UK launched an AI sales agent that can engage clients and close deals without human help. The AI agent works 24/7 and can answer questions about services like SEO and web development. The company says this technology can be used by many businesses, including law firms and software companies. The AI agent is custom-built and hosted on cloud infrastructure.
AI sales agent replaces human jobs at UK agency
Marketing Web Development Agency in the UK launched an AI sales agent that can engage clients and close deals without human help. The AI agent works 24/7 and can answer questions about services like SEO and web development. The company says this technology can be used by many businesses, including law firms and software companies. The AI agent is custom-built and hosted on cloud infrastructure.
Cybersecurity teams struggle with AI attacks need better threat prioritization
Cyberattacks are now using AI to create more complex threats, like polymorphic malware. Many security teams still use old methods to find threats, which are not effective against AI attacks. These teams often waste time on less important issues because they don't understand how attackers might use different weaknesses in a system. New regulations require companies to report cybersecurity incidents quickly. Security teams should use tools that simulate attacks to find and fix the most important weaknesses.
Top AI pentest tools in 2025 for cybersecurity
AI-driven pentest tools are becoming more important for cybersecurity in 2025. These tools use AI to think, adapt, and automate tasks, going beyond traditional vulnerability scans. AutoSecT is a platform that combines AI-powered scanning, vulnerability management, and pentesting. PentestGPT is an AI assistant that helps cybersecurity pros by suggesting ways attackers might exploit weaknesses. Other tools include Garak, Burp Suite Professional, and Mindgard, each offering unique features for testing and securing AI systems.
ARBA Retail Systems uses AI to power retail's future
ARBA Retail Systems is using AI to change retail technology. Their point-of-sale (POS) software uses AI to give businesses helpful insights and improve customer support. An AI chatbot provides 24/7 customer support, answering questions about inventory and system features. The AI reporting system lets users create custom reports by typing questions. ARBA's platform helps retailers optimize inventory, predict sales, and personalize customer experiences.
Mindbeam AI's Litespark speeds up AI training with NVIDIA tech
Mindbeam AI released Litespark, a framework that uses NVIDIA accelerated computing to make training large language models (LLMs) faster. Litespark reduces training times from months to days and lowers costs. Fortune 100 companies are using it on AWS Marketplace. Litespark helps businesses use NVIDIA technology to develop AI solutions more quickly and efficiently. It also improves GPU use and reduces energy consumption.
Google tests 'Search Live' AI mode for real-time conversations
Google is testing a new 'Search Live' experience in AI Mode, powered by Project Astra. This feature lets users have real-time conversations with Google. A waveform icon under the Search bar indicates the feature. The interface includes options to mute and get a transcript. Users can ask questions and receive answers with links to relevant sites. The camera capability is not yet available, similar to the initial rollout of Gemini Live.
Trump's AI advisor opposes universal basic income
David Sacks, President Trump's AI advisor, does not support a universal basic income (UBI). He believes government welfare is a 'fantasy'. A UBI is a program that gives all residents money to spend as they wish. Some AI leaders have suggested UBI to help people who lose jobs due to AI. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis proposed a 'universal high income' to distribute AI's productivity gains.
CMOs increase AI investments for better marketing
Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) are increasingly optimistic about generative AI, with 83% expressing positive feelings. As a result, 71% plan to invest at least $10 million in generative AI over the next three years. CMOs are expanding AI use beyond image generation to include video creation and enhancement. They also see AI as a way to personalize customer experiences through targeted content and product recommendations. AI is becoming a core part of marketing processes.
Builder.ai files for bankruptcy after sales scandal
Builder.ai, a UK-based AI startup, filed for bankruptcy after overstating its sales projections. Creditors seized most of the company's funds. The startup allegedly fabricated deals to inflate revenue. Founder Sachin Dev Duggal stepped down as CEO, and an audit was launched. Builder.ai warned staff about potential insolvency due to past challenges.
AI startups boost San Francisco's office recovery
AI startups are helping San Francisco's office market recover. Five AI companies recently leased 23,900 square feet at Waterfront Plaza. AI firms now occupy 5 million square feet in the city. CBRE projects AI companies could lease 21 million square feet within five years. This could significantly reduce the city's high office vacancy rate and create jobs.
Sources
- It's Happened: AI Just Replaced Sales Jobs - and This UK Agency Made It Happen
- Itâs Happened: AI Just Replaced Sales Jobs â and This UK Agency Made It Happen
- Security Teams Are Fixing the Wrong Threats. Here’s How to Course-Correct in the Age of AI Attacks
- Top AI-Driven Pentest Tools 2025
- ARBA Retail Systems: Powering the Future of Retail with AI
- Mindbeam AI Unveils Litespark Framework: Accelerating Large Language Model Training from Months to Days with NVIDIA Accelerated Computing
- Google starts testing ‘Search Live’ in AI Mode
- Trump's AI czar says UBI-style cash payments are 'not going to happen'
- CMOs increase AI investments: Here’s what the numbers say
- Builder.ai files for bankruptcy following sales scandal
- AI startups continue fueling San Francisco’s office recovery