May 23, 2025

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Google AI Launches, Courses, and Tools Amid AI Hype

Recent developments in the field of artificial intelligence have been making headlines, with Google launching an AI-powered analytics tool and introducing AI Mode, a new setting in Google Search. However, the company's AI product names have been criticized for being confusing. To address the growing demand for AI skills, several free AI courses and certificates are being offered by reputable providers like Coursera, University of Helsinki, and Google. Additionally, organizations such as STEVTA, Citi, and Factor Law Consultancy are introducing AI courses and tools to equip professionals with globally competitive skills. Meanwhile, Charlie Munger, the former vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has expressed skepticism about the hype surrounding AI. Other notable developments include the launch of AI-powered tools like Vercel's AI model for web development and MarketSight's AI-powered kiosk camera, which prevents theft. Google has also introduced a new AI plan called AI Ultra, which costs $250 per month, and a more affordable plan called AI Pro, which costs $20 per month.

Key Takeaways

  • Google has launched an AI-powered analytics tool and introduced AI Mode, a new setting in Google Search.
  • The company's AI product names have been criticized for being confusing.
  • Free AI courses and certificates are being offered by reputable providers like Coursera, University of Helsinki, and Google.
  • STEVTA, Citi, and Factor Law Consultancy are introducing AI courses and tools to equip professionals with globally competitive skills.
  • Charlie Munger has expressed skepticism about the hype surrounding AI.
  • Vercel has debuted an AI model optimized for web development.
  • MarketSight's AI-powered kiosk camera prevents theft by detecting under-ringing at micro markets.
  • Google has introduced a new AI plan called AI Ultra, which costs $250 per month.
  • A more affordable AI plan called AI Pro is available for $20 per month.
  • Citi has launched AI tools for its employees to support internal operations.

Google Launches AI Powered Analytics Tool

Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced the launch of the new Aurora analytics platform at the 17th annual Google I/O developer conference. The platform uses AI to help businesses understand customer data better. Pichai also highlighted the progress of Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google's most advanced LLM, and announced the availability of the 7th generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), Ironwood, to Google Cloud customers later this year. Additionally, Google introduced AI Mode, a new setting in Google Search, and announced updates on three projects: Starline, Astra, and Mariner.

Google's AI Product Names Are Confusing

Google's AI product names are confusing, with multiple products and projects having similar names. The company has introduced several AI-related products and features, including Gemini, Deep Think, and AI Mode, but the naming conventions are unclear. This has led to confusion among users and makes it difficult to understand the differences between the various products. Google's CEO Sundar Pichai has emphasized the importance of AI, but the company needs to simplify its product names to make them more accessible to users.

7 Free AI Courses To Improve Your Skills

There are several free AI courses available online that can help improve your skills and knowledge in the field. These courses cover topics such as AI fundamentals, machine learning, and generative AI, and are offered by reputable providers like Coursera, University of Helsinki, and Google. The courses are designed for non-technical professionals and can be completed in a short amount of time. Adding these courses to your resume can demonstrate your commitment to learning and improving your skills in AI.

Best Free AI Courses And Certificates

There are many free AI courses and certificates available online that can help you learn about AI and its applications. These courses are offered by reputable providers like LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft, and Amazon, and cover topics such as machine learning, generative AI, and AI ethics. The courses are designed for professionals and individuals who want to improve their skills and knowledge in AI. Some of the courses also offer certifications, which can be added to your resume to demonstrate your expertise.

STEVTA To Introduce AI Courses

The Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA) is planning to introduce AI and other market-driven courses to equip the youth with globally competitive skills. The authority aims to create opportunities for youth by strengthening the technical and vocational training system and ensuring that it meets national and international job market standards. STEVTA will establish linkages with industries and introduce training programs that cater to current job market demands, enabling students to become technically skilled and capable of securing meaningful employment.

Citi Launches AI Tools For Employees

Citi has launched AI tools for its employees in Hong Kong to support internal operations, including information retrieval, document summarization, and creation of electronic communications drafts. The tools are part of the company's efforts to promote responsible adoption of AI across the banking industry. Citi AI is currently available to around 150,000 employees across 11 countries, and the company plans to roll out the tools in more markets this year.

Factor Law Consultancy Launches AI Training Program

Factor Law Consultancy has launched an AI training program to help professionals improve their skills and knowledge in AI. The program is designed to provide practical training and education on AI and its applications in the legal industry. The launch of the program demonstrates the growing importance of AI in the legal sector and the need for professionals to develop skills in this area.

Google AI Ultra Plan Costs $250 Per Month

Google has launched a new AI plan called AI Ultra, which costs $250 per month. The plan includes the best models of Google's Gemini tool, early access to new video generation models, and the highest usage limits in tools like NotebookLM. The plan is designed for trailblazers and pioneers who want cutting-edge AI features, but the high price tag may be a barrier for many users. Google is also offering a more affordable plan called AI Pro, which costs $20 per month and includes many of the same features as AI Ultra.

Charlie Munger Skeptical Of AI Hype

Charlie Munger, the former vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has expressed skepticism about the hype surrounding AI. In a 2016 interview, Munger joked that he liked the idea of using artificial intelligence because "we're so short of the real thing." However, by 2023, Munger's tone had changed, and he stated that he was "personally skeptical of some of the hype that has gone into artificial intelligence." Munger's comments reflect a more cautious approach to AI, emphasizing the importance of old-fashioned intelligence and critical thinking.

Vercel Debuts AI Model For Web Development

Vercel has debuted an AI model optimized for web development, called 'v0-1.0-md.' The model can be prompted with text or images and is designed to excel at certain website development tasks. The model is available through an API and requires a V0 Premium plan or Team plan with usage-based billing enabled. Vercel's model can auto-fix common coding issues and is compatible with tools and SDKs that support OpenAI's API format.

AI Powered Kiosk Camera Prevents Theft

MarketSight, an AI-powered camera, has been designed to combat under-ringing theft at micro markets. The camera counts scanned items and compares them to the total items detected in a shopper's hand, alerting the user if there is a mismatch. The system flags incidents for back-end review, removing ambiguity for operators. MarketSight can be ordered as an add-on with new MM6 Mini kiosks or retrofit on existing ones, and takes only a few minutes to install.

Sources

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