The tech world is abuzz with the latest developments in artificial intelligence, from open-source AI models to AI-powered coding assistants and AI-driven supply chain management. Here's a rundown of the key news:
Alibaba Releases Open-Source Version of Video-Generating AI Model
Alibaba is releasing an open-source version of its video and image-generating AI model, Wan 2.1, as the company seeks to compete in China's AI market. The model, which was initially introduced in January, has been renamed Wan and boasts highly realistic visuals. Alibaba will also make its reasoning model, QwQ-Max, open-source upon its official release.
Microsoft Pulls Back on AI Data Center Spending
Microsoft has canceled some leases for artificial intelligence data center capacity in the US, amid growing skepticism over the billions Big Tech is pouring into AI infrastructure. This move comes as investors question the long-term demand for AI infrastructure.
British Musicians Release Silent Album to Protest AI Copyright Law
A group of British musicians, including Kate Bush and Annie Lennox, have released a silent album to protest proposed changes to copyright laws that would allow AI companies to use copyrighted material without permission. The protest aims to highlight the potential erosion of creative control and the undermining of Britain's creative industries.
Google Launches Free AI Coding Assistant
Google has introduced a free version of its Code Assist AI programming assistant, Gemini Code Assist for Individuals, which provides 90 times more monthly code completions than GitHub Copilot's free tier. The tool is designed to make coding more accessible for students, hobbyists, freelancers, and startups.
Flexport Unveils 20+ Tech and AI-Powered Products
Flexport, a global leader in supply chain technology, has announced the launch of over 20 tech and AI-powered products designed to transform global logistics. The company's new products include Flexport Intelligence, which allows businesses to ask complex logistics questions in simple terms and receive instant answers and interactive reports.
Wishpond Launches White-Label Reseller Program for SalesCloser AI
Wishpond has introduced a white-label reseller program for SalesCloser AI, enabling businesses to brand and resell the AI-powered sales solution under their own name. The program provides complete brand control, seamless integration, and creates new revenue opportunities for agencies, consultants, and sales teams.
DBS Bank to Cut 4,000 Jobs Due to AI Revolution
Singapore's largest bank, DBS, has confirmed that it will continue to use technology to cut up to 4,000 roles, as the company seeks to take a larger role in its operations. The reduction in workforce will come from natural attrition, with permanent roles unaffected.
Proprietary Data Becomes the New Gold for AI Companies
As AI models become more accessible, proprietary data is emerging as the key differentiator for AI companies. Experts believe that companies that control exclusive, high-quality datasets will set the terms for how AI is developed and used across industries.
Google Gemini's AI Coding Tool is Now Free for Individual Users
Google Gemini's AI coding tool is now free for individual users, providing 90 times more monthly code completions than GitHub Copilot's free tier. The tool is designed to make coding more accessible for students, hobbyists, freelancers, and startups.
Alibaba Previews New AI Model to Challenge DeepSeek and OpenAI
Alibaba has previewed its new AI model, QwQ-Max-Preview, which displays stronger and more versatile reasoning and problem-solving skills. The model is designed to challenge DeepSeek and OpenAI and follows Alibaba's recent announcement of a mega AI infrastructure plan.
Key Takeaways
- Open-source AI models are becoming increasingly popular, with Alibaba releasing an open-source version of its video and image-generating AI model.
- Microsoft is pulling back on AI data center spending, amid growing skepticism over the long-term demand for AI infrastructure.
- British musicians are protesting proposed changes to copyright laws that would allow AI companies to use copyrighted material without permission.
- Google has launched a free version of its Code Assist AI programming assistant, providing 90 times more monthly code completions than GitHub Copilot's free tier.
- Flexport has unveiled over 20 tech and AI-powered products designed to transform global logistics.
- Wishpond has introduced a white-label reseller program for SalesCloser AI, enabling businesses to brand and resell the AI-powered sales solution under their own name.
- DBS Bank is cutting up to 4,000 jobs due to the AI revolution, with permanent roles unaffected.
- Proprietary data is emerging as the key differentiator for AI companies, with companies that control exclusive, high-quality datasets setting the terms for how AI is developed and used across industries.
- Google Gemini's AI coding tool is now free for individual users, providing 90 times more monthly code completions than GitHub Copilot's free tier.
- Alibaba has previewed its new AI model, QwQ-Max-Preview, which displays stronger and more versatile reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Sources
- Alibaba to release open-source version of video-generating AI model
- Microsoft pulls back on AI data center spending
- British musicians release a silent album to protest plans to let AI use their work
- Google launches a free AI coding assistant with very high usage caps
- Flexport Unveils 20+ Tech and AI-Powered Products to Modernize Global Supply Chains
- Wishpond Launches New White-Label Reseller Program for SalesCloser AI, Empowering Businesses with AI-Powered Sales Solutions
- Employees at Singapore’s biggest bank are set to lose their jobs to the AI revolution — and that worries me
- Why Proprietary Data Is The New Gold For AI Companies
- Google Gemini’s AI coding tool is now free for individual users
- Alibaba previews new AI model to challenge DeepSeek, OpenAI