Google AI Week, Nvidia Investments, Accenture $865M

The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, with significant developments across various sectors. In Hollywood, the AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood is reportedly close to signing with talent agents, signaling a growing acceptance of AI in entertainment, as creators like Eline Van der Velden believe audiences prioritize story over performers' physical presence. Meanwhile, the University of Kansas, in partnership with Google, is hosting its inaugural AI Week to explore AI's role in education, research, and healthcare, aiming to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Globally, the World Trade Organization projects AI could boost global trade by up to 40% and GDP by 12% by 2040, though bridging the digital divide is crucial for equitable benefits. However, caution is advised for investors, particularly with generative AI, which can 'hallucinate' and requires substantial resources, potentially leading to financial risks for companies. Blackstone President Jon Gray likens AI's economic impact to 'plastics,' predicting a major shift where skilled trades supporting AI infrastructure will thrive, while some white-collar jobs may be at risk. Nvidia, under CEO Jensen Huang, is using its substantial cash reserves to maintain dominance in the AI market through strategic acquisitions and investments. In the corporate world, Accenture is undertaking an $865 million optimization program, including staff upskilling and exiting employees lacking AI skills, with a goal to save over $1 billion for reinvestment. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is voicing concerns about the high energy and water demands of AI data centers, warning against increased utility costs for residents and pledging to develop policies to address these impacts, citing a large Meta data center as an example. On a different front, AI is being integrated into dating apps by companies like Meta, aiming to enhance matchmaking beyond superficial criteria, though human chemistry remains a complex factor. Finally, former Baxter CEO Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr. suggests AI deserves a role in corporate governance, acting as a tool to inform board decisions rather than replace human judgment.

Key Takeaways

  • The AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood is in talks with talent agents, indicating growing AI adoption in the entertainment industry.
  • The University of Kansas and Google are collaborating on the first campus-wide AI Week to explore AI's applications in education, research, and healthcare.
  • The World Trade Organization forecasts AI could increase global trade by up to 40% and global GDP by 12% by 2040, provided the digital divide is addressed.
  • Investors are advised to be cautious with generative AI due to its potential for inaccuracies and high resource demands.
  • Blackstone President Jon Gray anticipates AI will create economic winners in skilled trades supporting infrastructure and potential losers in certain white-collar roles.
  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is utilizing the company's cash reserves for strategic acquisitions and investments to maintain AI market leadership.
  • Accenture is implementing an $865 million optimization program, including workforce adjustments focused on AI skills, aiming to save over $1 billion.
  • Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is concerned about the resource demands of AI data centers and plans to develop policies to prevent increased utility costs for residents.
  • Dating apps, including those from Meta, are incorporating AI to improve matchmaking and combat user fatigue.
  • Former Baxter CEO Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr. suggests AI could serve as a valuable tool for corporate boards to enhance decision-making.

AI actress Tilly Norwood may get talent agent representation

Eline Van der Velden, an AI expert, announced that her creation, the AI actress Tilly Norwood, is in talks with talent agents. This development comes as studios are quietly adopting AI technology. Van der Velden believes studios are increasingly interested in AI, with major announcements expected soon. If Norwood signs with an agency, she would be one of the first AI-generated performers to receive traditional representation.

Hollywood may sign first AI actress Tilly Norwood amid industry shift

Hollywood talent agencies are reportedly close to signing Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress. Eline Van der Velden, creator of the AI talent studio Xicoia, confirmed she is in talks with agents for Norwood. This move signals a growing acceptance of AI in the entertainment industry, with studios moving from skepticism to interest. Van der Velden believes AI can reduce production times and costs, and that audiences prioritize story over the performer's 'pulse.'

Deadline Hollywood reports on AI actress Tilly Norwood

Deadline Hollywood shared news that talent agents are showing interest in the AI actress Tilly Norwood. Her creators are in talks for representation, indicating a shift in the entertainment industry towards embracing AI technology. This development was discussed at the Zurich Summit.

University of Kansas and Google host first AI Week

The University of Kansas (KU) is holding its first campus-wide AI Week, partnering with Google to explore artificial intelligence in education, research, and healthcare. The event aims to make AI conversations accessible to students, faculty, and staff. Google experts will lead sessions on AI tools and applications, while faculty will demonstrate real-world uses. Organizers hope this event will become an annual tradition to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in AI.

Invest wisely in AI, but beware of generative AI risks

While artificial intelligence offers investment potential, investors should be cautious, especially with generative AI. Generative AI, which creates content like text and video, uses advanced statistics but does not truly 'think' and can 'hallucinate' or make up information. Building these systems requires massive resources, leading to high costs and potential financial problems for companies. Investors should research carefully, as some AI companies may face significant debt and financial challenges.

Blackstone President Jon Gray outlines AI's winners and losers

Blackstone President Jon Gray believes AI is the new 'plastics,' signifying a major economic shift. He predicts winners will include skilled tradespeople like electricians and plumbers needed for AI infrastructure, as well as investors in AI infrastructure. Gray suggests jobs like software developers and customer service agents may be at risk due to AI advancements. He emphasizes that AI's impact will be rapid, comparable to the industrial revolution and dot-com boom, requiring careful investment strategies.

AI aims to find love in new dating apps

Dating apps are increasingly using AI to help users find matches, aiming to improve romance beyond superficial criteria. Companies like Bumble, Sitch, Amata, and Meta are incorporating AI for features like personalized matchmaking, profile writing, and 'surprise matches' to combat swipe fatigue. While AI promises more meaningful connections based on values and goals, past research suggests human chemistry remains unpredictable. The effectiveness of AI in predicting romantic compatibility is still being explored.

WTO: AI could boost global trade by 40%

The World Trade Organization (WTO) projects that AI could increase global trade by 34-37% and global GDP by 12-13% by 2040. This growth depends on bridging the digital divide between high- and low-income countries through policy and investment. AI can lower trade costs and improve productivity, but unequal access to technology could widen economic gaps. The WTO advocates for more predictable trade policies for AI-related goods to ensure AI benefits all economies.

Accenture restructures, cutting staff lacking AI skills

Accenture is undergoing a $865 million business optimization program that includes investing in employee upskilling and exiting staff without necessary AI skills. The company aims to save over $1 billion, which will be reinvested into the business and its people. Accenture acknowledges that integrating AI effectively requires more than just technology; it demands a shift in mindset and organizational structure. Despite workforce changes, Accenture expects to increase overall headcount in 2026.

Former Baxter CEO: AI deserves a board seat

Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr., former CEO of Baxter International, believes AI should have a role in corporate governance. While many boards use AI for information gathering, few deeply integrate it into their responsibilities. Kraemer sees AI as a valuable tool to help board members become more informed and make better decisions, not replace human judgment. He highlights AI's potential to analyze complex issues like tariffs and trade, but stresses the importance of ethical use and proper training for board members.

Nvidia's Jensen Huang uses cash to dominate AI

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is leveraging the company's significant cash reserves to solidify its dominance in the AI economy. Through deals like purchasing unused graphics processing units from cloud provider CoreWeave, Nvidia aims to make its chips indispensable to customers. The company is also investing in AI startups and forming partnerships to develop new AI technologies. Huang's leadership and Nvidia's innovation have positioned them as key players in the AI revolution.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warns against Big Tech's AI resource demands

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is raising concerns about the significant power and water demands of AI data centers, warning they could increase utility costs for residents. He stated that Florida will not allow AI companies to burden citizens with these costs, emphasizing that they must 'pay their own way.' DeSantis highlighted a large Meta data center as an example of excessive resource consumption. He also plans to develop policies and potential legislation to protect Floridians from the negative impacts of AI development.

Sources

AI actress Tilly Norwood Xicoia talent agents entertainment industry AI technology production costs Zurich Summit University of Kansas Google AI Week AI in education AI in research AI in healthcare generative AI AI investment AI risks AI infrastructure AI job market AI in dating apps matchmaking global trade global GDP digital divide Accenture AI skills corporate governance Nvidia AI economy AI chips AI startups AI data centers power consumption water consumption Meta