Recent developments highlight the growing role of AI across various sectors, alongside increasing concerns about its implications. Google has paused the rollout of its AI-powered 'Ask Photos' feature to address issues with speed, quality, and user experience, with a new version expected in two weeks. However, Google Photos now allows users to search for specific text within images. Barracuda Networks has launched BarracudaONE, an AI-powered cybersecurity platform designed to simplify security for managed service providers. Microsoft's CTO, Mark Russinovich, expressed skepticism about AI's near-term ability to replace human coders for complex projects, while SailPoint is adding AI to its identity security platform to manage and protect AI agents. In the legal field, AI is transforming data review processes, requiring lawyers to carefully assess the reliability and context of AI-generated content. The Data Security Summit in Dallas addressed AI risks and data protection strategies, including AI governance. Snowflake is acquiring Crunchy Data to enhance its AI Data Cloud capabilities, and Trust3 AI has launched an AI trust layer for Snowflake to improve AI adoption and manage AI systems. Intuit is upgrading its GenOS AI system to enhance AI experiences for its users, including new AI agents for small businesses. Meanwhile, proposed AI regulations are raising free speech concerns, with some critics arguing that they could be too vague and limit online rights.
Key Takeaways
- Google paused the rollout of its 'Ask Photos' AI feature to improve speed, quality, and user experience.
- Google Photos now allows users to search for specific text within images.
- Barracuda Networks launched BarracudaONE, an AI-powered cybersecurity platform.
- Microsoft's CTO doubts AI can replace human coders for complex projects in the near future.
- SailPoint is adding AI to its identity security platform to manage and protect AI agents.
- AI is changing how lawyers review data in legal cases, requiring careful assessment of AI-generated content.
- The Data Security Summit discussed AI risks, data protection, and AI governance.
- Snowflake is acquiring Crunchy Data to enhance its AI Data Cloud capabilities.
- Trust3 AI launched an AI trust layer for Snowflake to improve AI adoption and manage AI systems.
- Proposed AI regulations are raising free speech concerns.
Google pauses Ask Photos AI feature rollout to fix issues
Google has stopped the rollout of its Ask Photos feature, which uses AI to help users find images in their photo library. Jamie Aspinall, a Google Photos product manager, said the feature needs improvement in speed, quality, and user experience. A new version of Ask Photos is expected in about two weeks.
Google stops AI-powered Ask Photos rollout for improvements
Google is pausing the rollout of its AI-powered Ask Photos feature due to problems with speed, quality, and user experience. Jamie Aspinall, a product manager, said a better version using Gemini AI models will be released in about two weeks. Google also announced that keyword search in Photos is improving, allowing users to find exact text matches in images. Google paused similar AI features in the past after issues with inaccurate answers and historical errors.
Google Photos now lets you search for text in images
Google Photos now allows users to search for specific words within images using quotation marks. This feature works on Android, iOS, and the web, finding exact text matches in filenames, camera models, captions, or text within photos. Google is highlighting this capability as a new announcement, building on previous search updates. Ask Photos also recently added voice input for its text field.
Barracuda launches BarracudaONE AI platform for better cybersecurity
Barracuda Networks introduced BarracudaONE, an AI-powered cybersecurity platform for managed service providers and other users. A survey found that many organizations struggle with too many security tools that don't work well together. BarracudaONE aims to simplify security by combining different security solutions into one platform. The platform uses AI to detect threats, respond quickly, and automate tasks, offering better protection and clear reports.
Barracuda Networks unveils new AI cybersecurity platform BarracudaONE
Barracuda Networks revealed its BarracudaONE AI platform at IT Nation Secure, designed to improve cybersecurity with intelligent threat detection. A global survey found that many companies use too many security tools that are hard to manage. BarracudaONE combines security features to protect against threats for MSPs and other users. Michelle Hodges, Barracuda's new channel leader, says the platform offers great value and opportunities for partners.
Microsoft CTO doubts AI can replace human coders soon
Microsoft Azure CTO Mark Russinovich believes AI coding tools can't replace human programmers for complex projects. He says AI is good for simple tasks but struggles with complicated software. Russinovich predicts that even in five years, AI won't be able to build complex software independently. He sees the future in AI-assisted coding, where AI helps developers but humans oversee the main decisions. He also discussed AI safety research and the problem of AI giving incorrect answers.
SailPoint uses AI to secure digital identities
SailPoint is adding AI to its identity security platform to help organizations manage and protect AI agents. The company will release new tools later this year to secure the growing number of AI agents. SailPoint sees AI agents as a new area for security governance. They are launching Harbor Pilot, an AI offering, and will treat AI agents like other identities in the enterprise.
AI changes how lawyers review data in legal cases
AI is changing how lawyers review and produce data in legal cases, including AI-generated content. Legal rules apply to new data sources like social media and chatbot transcripts. Lawyers must understand authorship, context, and reliability when using AI data. They should also check for confidentiality and who controls the data. It's important for legal teams to be careful and informed when using data from AI chatbots and social media.
Data Security Summit talks AI risks and defense
The Data Security Summit in Dallas discussed data protection in the age of AI and increasing regulations. Cybersecurity leaders explored ways to fight threats and manage data risks. Attendees participated in a live threat simulation involving AI-driven insider threats. Discussions also focused on securing data in the oil and gas industry and the importance of AI governance.
Snowflake buys Crunchy Data to boost AI business
Snowflake plans to acquire Crunchy Data to improve its ability to help businesses build AI agents and applications. Crunchy Data's open-source Postgres technology will be added to Snowflake's AI Data Cloud. This will add Snowflake Postgres, a PostgreSQL database, to the AI Data Cloud. Snowflake said the acquisition will help customers use PostgreSQL more efficiently and securely.
Trust3 AI launches AI trust layer for Snowflake
Trust3 AI has launched an AI trust layer for Snowflake to improve AI adoption and help businesses manage AI systems. The platform enhances reliability, governance, and security in AI applications. Trust3 AI includes Trust3 IQ, Trust3 Visibility, and Trust3 Guard. These features simplify building semantic layers, improve understanding, and ensure AI systems operate securely.
AI regulation raises free speech concerns
As AI grows, lawmakers are trying to protect people from harm while preserving online rights. Some proposed laws, like Texas HB 366, require AI use in political ads to be disclosed. Critics worry these laws are too vague and could limit free speech. Research shows that AI disclaimers may not increase trust in political communication. Courts have also halted some AI laws due to First Amendment concerns.
Intuit upgrades GenOS for better AI experiences
Intuit, the company behind TurboTax and QuickBooks, is improving its GenOS AI system. The updates will help create better AI experiences for its 100 million users. Intuit plans to roll out new AI agents for small businesses to simplify tasks like customer service and accounting. The upgraded GenOS includes tools for agent development, security, and user experience.
Sources
- Google has 'paused' the Ask Photos rollout
- Google quietly paused the rollout of its AI-powered ‘Ask Photos’ search feature
- Google Photos can ‘search for words’ and text matches in images
- Barracuda announces AI-powered cyber platform BarracudaONE
- IT Nation Secure: Barracuda Networks Debuts AI Platform
- Reality check: Microsoft Azure CTO pushes back on AI vibe coding hype, sees upper limit long-term
- SailPoint charts course for AI-driven identity security
- From AI chatbots to social media: data review and production enter new territory
- Data Security Summit Addresses Key AI and Data Risks
- Snowflake to Acquire Crunchy Data to Strengthen AI Agent Business
- Trust3 AI Launches Comprehensive AI Trust Layer for Snowflake (Trust3 AI for Snowflake)
- Free Speech Concerns with Legislation Regulating Use of AI - American Legislative Exchange Council
- Intuit Updates GenOS for Agentic AI Experiences for Its 100 Million Users