September 20, 2025

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google, microsoft and gemini Updates

The artificial intelligence landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments impacting various sectors. Google is integrating its Gemini AI into the Chrome browser, aiming to enhance user experience for searching, shopping, and web navigation, with agentic capabilities planned for later this year. In the business world, Workday and Microsoft are partnering to enable secure management of AI agents alongside human employees, using Microsoft Entra Agent ID for verification. Meanwhile, the music industry is seeing AI-generated artist Xania Monet sign a multimillion-dollar record deal, raising questions about copyright. The healthcare sector shows widespread adoption, with nearly 70% of U.S. hospitals using predictive AI, primarily for billing and scheduling. Globally, AI is projected to boost trade and GDP by 2040, though concerns about economic inequality persist. Younger workers may stand to benefit from AI integration, despite some college students expressing anxiety about job displacement. Law firms are leveraging generative AI to offer fixed-price services, streamlining tasks and creating new revenue streams. Small businesses are cautiously adopting AI, often through integrated features in existing software, prioritizing trust and model quality for broader use. In the AI development space, Snorkel AI, a startup valued at $1.3 billion, has laid off 13% of its staff as it shifts focus to its 'data-as-a-service' business.

Key Takeaways

  • Google is embedding its Gemini AI into the Chrome browser to enhance web navigation, search, and security features.
  • Workday and Microsoft are collaborating to provide secure management and oversight for AI agents within organizations.
  • An AI-powered artist, Xania Monet, has secured a multimillion-dollar record deal, highlighting AI's growing presence in the music industry.
  • Nearly 70% of U.S. hospitals are utilizing predictive AI, with a focus on automating billing and improving scheduling.
  • A World Trade Organization report predicts AI could significantly increase global trade and GDP by 2040, but warns of potential economic inequality.
  • Younger workers are seen as potentially benefiting from AI adoption due to their adaptability to new technologies.
  • Law firms are shifting towards fixed-price services, using generative AI to streamline operations and reduce costs for clients.
  • Small businesses are cautiously adopting AI tools, primarily through integrated features in existing software, and emphasize the need for trust.
  • Snorkel AI, a startup valued at $1.3 billion, has reduced its workforce by 13% to focus on its 'data-as-a-service' offerings.
  • College students express concerns about AI impacting their future job prospects, with data showing higher unemployment rates for younger individuals.

AI could boost global trade and economy by 2040

A new report from the World Trade Organization predicts that artificial intelligence could significantly increase global trade and GDP by 2040. AI is expected to lower costs and improve productivity, but the report warns of growing economic inequality if policies are not put in place. Marketers should be aware that AI could expand market access but also intensify competition.

Google integrates Gemini AI into Chrome browser

Google is significantly updating its Chrome browser by embedding its Gemini AI system. This integration aims to make AI a standard part of how users search, shop, and navigate the web. New features include summarizing content across tabs, providing AI-powered search answers, and enhancing security by detecting scams and simplifying password resets. The browser will also gain agentic capabilities later this year, allowing Gemini to perform tasks for users.

AI artist Xania Monet signs multimillion dollar record deal

An AI-powered R&B artist named Xania Monet, created by Telisha Jones, has signed a multimillion-dollar record deal. This deal highlights the growing role of AI in the music industry and raises questions about copyright and ownership. While Jones writes the lyrics and uses AI tools like Suno to create the music, the legal status of AI-generated content is still being determined, with ongoing lawsuits against AI music platforms.

Nearly 70% of US hospitals use predictive AI

A report from the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy shows that nearly 70% of U.S. hospitals used predictive artificial intelligence in 2024. The adoption rate is higher for hospitals within health systems compared to independent facilities, indicating a digital divide. The fastest-growing uses for AI are automating billing and improving scheduling, while AI for treatment recommendations has seen little change. Lower-resourced hospitals are adopting AI at slower rates.

Younger workers may benefit from AI revolution

While some fear AI will eliminate entry-level jobs and harm younger workers, historical trends suggest new technologies often favor the young and adaptable. Experts believe younger workers, who are often early adopters of new technology, are well-positioned to learn and utilize AI. Although some studies show slowing job growth for early-career workers in AI-applicable fields, this may be a temporary transition as companies adapt to AI integration.

College students worry AI will take their jobs

Many college students are feeling discouraged about their future job prospects due to the rapid advancement of AI. Some students express hopelessness, believing AI will make it impossible to find employment. Data shows a higher unemployment rate for younger individuals, particularly men aged 20-24, compared to older age groups. Experts suggest focusing on developing human-centric skills and pursuing side hustles to stand out in the evolving job market.

AI helps law firms offer fixed-price services

Generative AI is prompting law firms to shift from hourly billing to offering fixed-priced legal services and products. Clients are increasingly asking about technology's role in reducing costs. Law firms are using AI to streamline repeatable tasks, create new revenue streams, and reach new clients. This trend is leading to innovations in areas like regulatory compliance and cybersecurity risk management, with some firms partnering with AI companies to develop advanced solutions.

Small businesses cautiously adopt AI tools

Despite AI's hype, most small businesses are using it cautiously, primarily through features integrated into their existing software. Owners are testing AI for tasks like drafting replies to reviews or categorizing expenses, saving minimal time daily. While some use AI for faster internet searches or coding assistance, they often require human oversight for accuracy and design. Widespread adoption of advanced AI applications is still limited, with many owners finding current tools helpful but not revolutionary.

Small businesses see AI potential but need trust

Small and midsize businesses recognize AI's potential to boost efficiency, but its effective use depends on model quality, trust, and safety. Business leaders noted that focusing on customer-facing AI applications without first testing internal operations might yield lower returns. While automation is a key interest, many are waiting for more reliable tools. Establishing trust through data management and a national privacy standard is crucial for broader adoption.

Workday and Microsoft partner for secure AI agent management

Workday and Microsoft are collaborating to allow organizations to securely manage AI agents alongside their human employees. This partnership enables customers to register and oversee AI agents within Workday's system, ensuring verified identities and business context. The integration uses Microsoft Entra Agent ID for verification and provides analytics on agent productivity and usage. This aims to improve human-agent collaboration and provide better governance for AI in the workplace.

AI training startup Snorkel AI lays off 13% of staff

Snorkel AI, a startup valued at $1.3 billion that helps train AI models using human experts, has laid off approximately 13% of its employees. The company cited a shift in focus towards its 'data-as-a-service' business as the reason for the cuts. While software engineering roles were most affected, positions like applied AI engineers and research scientists were largely spared. This follows similar layoffs in the competitive data labeling industry.

Sources

Artificial Intelligence Global Trade Economy Productivity Economic Inequality Market Access Competition Google Chrome Gemini AI Web Browsing Search E-commerce Cybersecurity AI in Music Copyright AI Artist Healthcare AI Predictive AI Hospital Operations Digital Divide AI and Employment Younger Workers Job Market Future of Work Legal Services Generative AI Law Firms Fixed-Price Services Small Businesses AI Adoption Business Efficiency Trust in AI Data Management Privacy Standards AI Agents Workday Microsoft AI Governance Workplace AI AI Training Data Labeling Snorkel AI