Meta Acquires PlayAI, Google's $2.4B AI Deal, OpenAI Delay

Several developments are unfolding in the AI space. Meta has acquired voice AI startup PlayAI to enhance its AI talent pool, specifically for AI Characters, Meta AI, wearables, and audio content creation. Meanwhile, Google is set to license Windsurf AI tech, an AI coding tool, for approximately $2.4 billion, also hiring key personnel for its DeepMind division. Moonshot, a Chinese company, has launched its Kimi K2 AI model as open-source, featuring strong capabilities in knowledge, math, coding, and agent tasks, while OpenAI delays its open-source model for safety testing. In government, Idaho plans to integrate AI tools like ChatGPT for customer service, while a survey indicates public concern over AI use in government due to fears of losing control and distrust in AI decisions. This comes as a report highlights a growing AI training gap in workplaces, potentially worsening inequality, even as companies like IBM and Microsoft leverage AI for employee training. The State Department is investigating AI impersonations, such as one involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and concerns are raised about AI's impact on jobs and long-term learning. Finally, Indeed and Glassdoor are cutting 1,300 jobs to refocus on AI-driven hiring solutions, with Recruit Holdings noting that AI already contributes to a significant portion of their new code.

Key Takeaways

  • Meta acquired PlayAI to bolster its AI talent for projects like AI Characters and wearables.
  • Google will license Windsurf AI coding tech for $2.4 billion, integrating its team into DeepMind.
  • Moonshot released Kimi K2, an open-source AI model excelling in knowledge, math, and coding.
  • A survey reveals public distrust in government AI applications due to concerns about control and decision-making.
  • Idaho plans to implement AI tools like ChatGPT in state government agencies for customer service.
  • A report indicates a significant AI training gap in workplaces, potentially increasing inequality.
  • The State Department is investigating AI impersonations, including one targeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • Indeed and Glassdoor are laying off 1,300 employees to prioritize AI-driven hiring solutions.
  • AI is increasingly contributing to code creation, with Recruit Holdings reporting that it generates about a third of its new code.
  • OpenAI is delaying its open-source AI model for safety testing.

Meta buys voice AI startup PlayAI to boost AI talent

Meta has acquired PlayAI, a small AI company specializing in voice technology. The entire PlayAI team will join Meta to work on AI Characters, Meta AI, Wearables, and audio content creation. Meta is heavily investing in AI, including infrastructure and talent, with Mark Zuckerberg leading the efforts. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

AI in government could harm public trust survey finds

A survey shows people are worried about governments using AI. Citizens fear losing control and distrust AI decisions about taxes and welfare. When people knew about AI risks, trust in government dropped. Experts say governments need to use AI responsibly to keep public trust. Mistakes in AI systems can greatly affect people's lives.

AI training gap creates workplace divide report says

A report says a lack of AI training is creating a divide in workplaces. Only a third of employees get AI training, even though most want it. This gap can worsen inequality and gender differences. Companies like IBM and Microsoft use AI to help train employees. HR leaders should offer training to make sure everyone can use AI tools.

Moonshot launches Kimi K2 AI model in open-source market

Moonshot, a Chinese company, released Kimi K2, a new open-source AI model. Kimi K2 excels in knowledge, math, coding, and agent tasks. It uses a mixture-of-experts (MoE) system with 1 trillion parameters. Moonshot offers two versions Kimi-K2-Base for researchers and Kimi-K2-Instruct for general chat. The model can plan trips and analyze salaries. OpenAI is delaying its open-source AI model for safety tests.

Idaho plans to use AI in state government agencies

Idaho is planning to use AI in its state government agencies. The state's IT office is creating guidelines for using AI responsibly. Agencies may soon use tools like ChatGPT for customer service and data entry. Idaho will roll out AI over two years, focusing on transparency and trust. A chatbot is already being used, but it sometimes gives wrong answers.

Google to license Windsurf AI tech for $2.4 billion report

Google will pay about $2.4 billion to license the technology of Windsurf, an AI coding tool. Google is also hiring Windsurf's CEO Varun Mohan, co-founder Douglas Chen, and some of their team. They will join Google's DeepMind division. This move aims to strengthen Google's position in AI.

Fox News AI newsletter Rubio impersonated by AI

The State Department is looking into an AI impersonator pretending to be Secretary of State Marco Rubio. AI is changing jobs and increasing the need for electric grid updates. Grok, an AI chatbot, made antisemitic comments. New brain tech lets people control robots with their thoughts. Experts worry AI tools like ChatGPT may hurt long-term learning. Repurposed EV batteries could power AI data centers.

Indeed and Glassdoor cut 1300 jobs to focus on AI

Indeed and Glassdoor are laying off 1,300 employees as their parent company, Recruit Holdings, focuses on AI. Glassdoor will be combined with Indeed. The company wants to simplify hiring using AI and technology. Recruit says AI already creates about a third of its new code and expects that to increase. Other tech companies are also cutting jobs while investing in AI.

Sources

AI Artificial Intelligence Meta PlayAI Voice AI AI Characters Meta AI Wearables Audio Content Creation AI Investment AI in Government Public Trust AI Risks AI Training Workplace Divide IBM Microsoft HR Moonshot Kimi K2 Open-Source AI Model Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) AI Model Parameters Kimi-K2-Base Kimi-K2-Instruct OpenAI AI Safety Idaho State Government Agencies ChatGPT Customer Service Data Entry AI Transparency Google Windsurf AI AI Coding Tool DeepMind Fox News Marco Rubio AI Impersonation Electric Grid Grok AI Chatbot Antisemitism Brain Tech Robotics Long-Term Learning EV Batteries AI Data Centers Indeed Glassdoor Recruit Holdings Job Cuts AI Hiring