September 28, 2025

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Google, Microsoft Invest UK AI, Nvidia CEO Suggests Superpower

The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, marked by significant advancements and growing concerns. In the UK, tech giants like Google and Microsoft are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, with Nvidia's CEO suggesting the nation could become an AI superpower by bolstering its resources and workforce. This surge is driving growth in data centers and manufacturing, though energy consumption is a key consideration. Meanwhile, OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Pulse, a proactive AI assistant for mobile users that delivers personalized updates, aiming to integrate AI more seamlessly into daily workflows. On the consumer front, an AI-powered avatar of the late comic book legend Stan Lee is debuting at L.A. Comic Con, using his own words to interact with fans, a project developed by Proto Holograms and Hyperreal. However, the broader economic implications of AI are also coming into focus, with CEOs warning of a potential jobs crisis. Companies like Amazon and Walmart are anticipating significant reductions in entry-level white-collar positions due to AI efficiency, prompting discussions about widespread retraining. In the legal sphere, AI company Anthropic has settled a $1.5 billion lawsuit with authors over alleged copyright infringement in training data, marking a significant step in holding AI developers accountable. Separately, Boise State University received a $2 million grant to lead responsible AI graduate training, focusing on ethical implications. The startup Friend is making a substantial investment with a $1 million ad campaign for its wearable AI device in the NYC subway, despite potential privacy concerns. Finally, Nansen has launched an AI trading agent for cryptocurrency, aiming to simplify on-chain analysis through natural language interaction.

Key Takeaways

  • CEOs are warning that up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs in the U.S. could be eliminated by AI, with companies like Amazon and Walmart planning workforce reductions.
  • Google and Microsoft are making significant infrastructure commitments in the UK, supported by Nvidia's vision for the country to become an AI superpower.
  • OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Pulse, a proactive AI assistant for mobile users that provides personalized updates based on chat history and optional integrations.
  • An AI-powered avatar of Stan Lee, developed by Proto Holograms and Hyperreal, is interacting with fans at L.A. Comic Con, programmed to use only his own words.
  • AI company Anthropic has agreed to a $1.5 billion settlement with authors over the alleged illegal use of nearly half a million books for chatbot training.
  • Boise State University has received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation for responsible AI graduate training, focusing on ethical implications.
  • Blockchain analytics platform Nansen has introduced Nansen AI, a mobile agent designed to make cryptocurrency trading more intuitive through natural language conversation.
  • The AI startup Friend is spending over $1 million on a large advertising campaign for its wearable AI device in the New York City subway system.
  • Leading in AI requires an 'AI-first' mindset focused on adaptability and responsible integration, rather than deep technical coding skills.
  • A college student is using AI to build a startup that converts unresponsive leads into paying clients through automated text message conversations.

Stan Lee's AI avatar debuts at L.A. Comic Con

Fans at L.A. Comic Con can now interact with an AI-powered avatar of the late comic book legend Stan Lee. The avatar uses Lee's own words from interviews and writings to answer questions about comics and his creations. This technology, developed by Proto Holograms and Hyperreal, aims to keep Stan Lee's legacy alive for new generations. While some have raised concerns, the creators emphasize that the AI is programmed to only use Stan Lee's own words and ideas. The Stan Lee Experience is part of L.A. Comic Con, running through Sunday.

LA Comic Con defends AI Stan Lee hologram

LA Comic Con is introducing an AI-powered avatar of Stan Lee, drawing mixed reactions from fans and critics. CEO Chris DeMoulin believes the technology offers a genuine experience based on Lee's own words and aims to honor his legacy. The avatar was developed by Proto Holograms and Hyperreal, using extensive content from Lee's life. Despite some criticism, DeMoulin encourages people to experience it before judging, highlighting the advancements in AI hologram technology since previous iterations like Boffo the Bear.

AI Stan Lee hologram meets fans at L.A. Comic Con

Marvel creator Stan Lee has been brought back to life as an AI hologram at L.A. Comic Con. Fans can interact with the life-sized avatar, which is programmed to only speak using Stan Lee's own words and ideas. This project, a collaboration between Proto Hologram and AI firm Hyperreal, aims to extend Lee's legacy. While some attendees expressed mixed feelings, the creators assure that the AI has guardrails to prevent it from saying anything Stan Lee wouldn't have said. The hologram is available for fans to meet throughout the convention.

CEOs warn of AI-driven job crisis

Top CEOs are warning of a significant jobs crisis driven by artificial intelligence, predicting that up to half of entry-level white-collar jobs in the U.S. could be eliminated. Companies like Amazon and Walmart are already planning to reduce their corporate workforces due to AI efficiency gains. While some officials believe new technologies will create jobs long-term, the immediate concern is the disruption to the current job market. This situation highlights a potential need for widespread retraining and adaptation to an AI-driven economy.

AI revolution may cost 50% of US entry-level jobs

Leading CEOs and AI experts are concerned about a potential jobs crisis in the U.S., predicting that artificial intelligence could eliminate up to 50% of entry-level white-collar positions. Major companies like Amazon and Walmart are expected to reduce their corporate staff as AI becomes more capable. This forecast suggests a major shift in the job market, potentially requiring significant retraining and educational reform to prepare for an AI-driven economy. While some anticipate new job creation in the long run, the immediate impact on employment is a major concern.

Boise State gets $2M grant for AI ethics training

Boise State University has received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to lead responsible AI graduate training in Idaho. The program, called RISE, will focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence and societal well-being. It aims to train graduate students to not only master technical AI innovation but also understand its human and ethical implications. This initiative will involve over 20 graduate students and impact more than 200 others across various disciplines, fostering ethical guidelines for AI development.

UK AI boom drives data center and manufacturing growth

Significant AI investment is transforming the UK, with tech giants like Google and Microsoft making major infrastructure commitments. Nvidia's CEO believes the UK can become an AI superpower by enhancing its infrastructure and leveraging its skilled workforce. This surge is spurring growth in data centers and manufacturing, though energy consumption remains a key consideration. Nvidia is partnering to build AI infrastructure in the UK, aiming to address a critical gap in the global AI ecosystem. The focus is on balancing economic growth with technological advancement and strengthening the AI supply chain.

Nansen launches AI trading agent for crypto

Blockchain analytics platform Nansen has introduced Nansen AI, a mobile agent designed to make cryptocurrency trading more interactive and intuitive. This AI-powered tool aims to replace traditional trading charts with natural conversation, providing insights from over 500 million labeled addresses across 25 blockchains. While trading features will be added later with human confirmation, the focus is on simplifying on-chain analysis. Nansen CEO Alex Svanevik believes AI trading will soon feel as natural as mobile banking, making market data more accessible.

AI company Anthropic settles $1.5B book piracy lawsuit

A federal judge has approved a $1.5 billion settlement between AI company Anthropic and authors who accused the company of illegally using nearly half a million books to train its chatbots. Anthropic will pay authors and publishers about $3,000 per book, though the settlement does not cover future works. The Association of American Publishers called it a major step in holding AI developers accountable for copyright infringement. Anthropic stated the settlement resolves narrow claims about how certain materials were obtained, while the Authors Guild sees it as a milestone in protecting authors' rights.

ChatGPT Pulse offers proactive AI assistance

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Pulse, a new feature that acts as a proactive AI assistant, delivering personalized updates before users ask. Pulse organizes information into daily visual cards using chat history, user feedback, and optional integrations like Gmail and Google Calendar. This aims to integrate ChatGPT more deeply into users' daily lives, reshaping workflows and making AI more comfortable for everyday tasks. The feature is currently in preview for ChatGPT Pro mobile users, with plans for wider release after testing.

AI-first leadership requires adaptability, not just tech skills

Leading in the age of AI requires an 'AI-first' mindset, which emphasizes adaptability and strategic integration over deep technical expertise. Business leaders don't need to be coders but must embrace curiosity, champion responsible AI use, and foster AI literacy within their teams. This approach involves embedding AI into everyday operations rather than treating it as a separate project. The key is to guide teams through uncertainty with intention and focus on outcomes, recognizing that hesitation in adopting AI poses a greater risk than acting too soon.

AI startup Friend spends $1M on NYC subway ads

The AI startup Friend has spent over $1 million on a large advertising campaign throughout the New York City subway system. The campaign features thousands of ads promoting their $129 wearable AI device. While the company calls it the world's first major AI campaign, the device has faced controversy regarding constant surveillance. Some ads even acknowledge New Yorkers' potential dislike for AI, using minimalist designs for social commentary. The company is making a significant gamble with this extensive advertising push.

College student uses AI to convert leads to clients

Aaron Perry, a college student from Overland Park, is using artificial intelligence to build a startup that turns unresponsive leads into paying clients. By leveraging AI for text message conversations, his company saves businesses time and resources on lead nurturing. Perry, who studies at Cedarville University, believes AI offers ambitious entrepreneurs a faster way to start businesses. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals to foster entrepreneurial drive and success.

Sources

AI avatar Stan Lee L.A. Comic Con Hologram technology AI ethics Job crisis AI and employment AI training Responsible AI AI infrastructure Data centers AI investment AI trading Cryptocurrency Blockchain analytics Copyright infringement AI chatbots Proactive AI AI assistance AI leadership Adaptability AI adoption AI startup Wearable AI AI marketing Lead generation AI for business