Gemini, Timbaland AI, Regulations, and Cyber Threats

Recent developments in AI span across various sectors, from technology and entertainment to business and cybersecurity. Google has been actively enhancing its Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model, focusing on improved coding capabilities and overall performance, with plans for broader availability. In the entertainment industry, Timbaland launched Stage Zero, an AI entertainment company, introducing an AI-generated artist named TaTa, while utilizing AI music creation programs. However, AI also brings concerns, as New York business groups worry about proposed AI regulations potentially stifling innovation. The Philippines' BPO trade with Seattle remains stable despite AI growth, highlighting the sector's resilience. CrowdStrike is focusing on protecting AI agents from cyber threats, recognizing the increasing use of AI in customer support and automation. Alpha Omega appointed Rajiv Gidadhubli as chief AI transformation officer to lead AI strategy for government agencies. Businesses are rethinking pricing strategies due to AI's impact on automation, with a shift towards output-based models. Corporate executives are facing increased impersonation attacks using AI-driven deepfake technology. Hiscox is updating its tech insurance to cover AI-related risks, including errors and cyberattacks. These advancements and challenges underscore AI's growing influence and the need for strategic adaptation and security measures.

Key Takeaways

  • Google is upgrading its Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model with improved coding and overall performance.
  • Timbaland launched Stage Zero, an AI entertainment company, featuring AI-generated artist TaTa.
  • New York business groups are concerned that proposed AI regulations could hinder innovation.
  • The Philippines' BPO trade with Seattle remains stable despite AI advancements.
  • CrowdStrike is developing solutions to protect AI agents from cyber threats.
  • Alpha Omega appointed Rajiv Gidadhubli as chief AI transformation officer to lead AI strategy for government agencies.
  • Businesses are rethinking pricing strategies due to AI automation, shifting towards output-based models.
  • Corporate executives are facing increased impersonation attacks using AI-driven deepfake technology.
  • Hiscox is updating its tech insurance to cover AI-related risks, including errors and cyberattacks.
  • AI is being used to create new forms of music and entertainment, such as Timbaland's "A-Pop" genre.

Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro gets smarter in new preview release

Google has released an upgraded preview of Gemini 2.5 Pro, its AI model, with better performance. The new model scored higher on tests like LMArena and WebDevArena. Developers can now use the improved Gemini 2.5 Pro through Google AI Studio and Vertex AI. Google made changes based on developer feedback and expects full availability in the coming weeks. Gemini is Google's flagship AI model designed to handle text, images, code, and video.

Google updates Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model for better performance

Google launched a major update to its Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model, fixing issues from a previous update. Google says this version is better at generating code, scoring 82.2 percent on the Aider Polyglot test. The new model also improves in areas outside of coding, like creativity and formatting. It supports configurable thinking budgets for developers and will soon be available in the Gemini app. Gemini 2.5 Pro is available in Vertex AI and AI Studio.

Google improves Gemini 2.5 Pro preview for coding

Google released an upgraded preview of Gemini 2.5 Pro with improved coding capabilities. The update focuses on building interactive web apps. Early access to the preview was released last month.

Timbaland launches Stage Zero AI entertainment company with AI artist TaTa

Timbaland launched Stage Zero, an AI entertainment company, with Rocky Mudaliar and Zayd Portillo. Their first artist is TaTa, an AI pop artist powered by Suno AI. Timbaland will produce TaTa's music, calling it "A-Pop." TaTa will have a social media presence, making her seem real. Timbaland believes AI is in an exciting place for music production.

Timbaland's next artist TaTa will be AI-generated

Timbaland is launching Stage Zero, an AI entertainment company, and introducing TaTa, an AI-generated artist. TaTa is part of Timbaland's new genre called "A-pop." Timbaland uses Suno, an AI music creation program, and loves the voice it generates. Stage Zero plans to make TaTa seem real with a social media presence. Suno is facing legal issues with the RIAA for using songs to train its AI models.

Groups worry about new artificial intelligence rules

New York business groups are concerned about a proposal to regulate AI in the state. They say the plan could stop innovation.

Philippines BPO trade in Seattle stable despite AI growth

The Philippines' trade with Seattle remains stable, driven by the BPO sector, despite AI advancements. In 2024, the Philippines was Seattle's 17th largest trading partner, with $1.05 billion in trade. Trade between Seattle and Manila was highest in 2017 at $1.49 billion. Seattle is a global leader in AI and has a strong market for software engineers. The Philippines and Seattle also trade in aerospace, manufacturing, education, and healthcare.

CrowdStrike to protect AI agents from cyber threats

CrowdStrike aims to protect companies' AI agents, which have access to sensitive data. Companies are using AI agents for customer support and automation. A survey shows that 96% of IT leaders plan to use more AI agents. CrowdStrike CEO says AI agents are a big opportunity for the company. CrowdStrike has seen success with Charlotte AI, its agentic security analyst.

Alpha Omega appoints Rajiv Gidadhubli as AI transformation officer

Alpha Omega named Rajiv Gidadhubli as chief AI transformation officer after acquiring Macro Solutions. He will lead the company's AI strategy to help government agencies use AI securely. Gidadhubli will drive AI innovation and support federal AI modernization. He has nearly 30 years of experience in business and technology. Alpha Omega's CEO says Gidadhubli will help optimize readiness across government agencies.

AI era forces businesses to rethink pricing strategies

Businesses are rethinking pricing as AI automates more processes. Traditional time-based pricing is becoming outdated. AI reduces project completion time, making hourly billing harder to justify. Some companies are switching to output-based pricing. They measure impact instead of effort, focusing on results. Some use blended models, combining value-based and time-based pricing.

AI drives impersonation attacks on corporate executives

Corporate executives face more impersonation-based cyberattacks using voice-cloning and deepfake tech. Attackers send fake videos and messages from trusted contacts to gain access. They target home networks for corporate espionage or extortion. A survey shows more executives are targeted in deepfake attacks. Attackers create fake videos or audio to steal money or data. A website with executive information was created to support an anti-executive movement.

Hiscox updates tech insurance with AI focus

Hiscox is updating its tech insurance to cover AI-related risks. The policy covers businesses using AI, building AI models, or advising on AI tools. It covers scenarios like AI errors in contracts or negligent AI advice. The policy also includes new clauses for cyberattacks, digital disruptions, and lost data. Hiscox is expanding coverage for technology that reduces environmental harm. The updated policy also covers acquisitions and pre-claims assistance.

Sources

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