September 5, 2025

analysis  
Meta, Amazon AI Acquisitions, Google's $85B AI Investment

AI is rapidly evolving and impacting various sectors, from education to finance and healthcare. Schools across the US, including those in Minnesota, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Oregon, are actively exploring AI integration into their curricula, with Oregon leading the way with AI guidelines since 2023. These states are developing policies and training programs to help teachers leverage AI tools for personalized learning and to address challenges like misuse and bias. In Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek has mandated a cellphone ban in schools by January 1. In the business world, AI is driving mergers and acquisitions, with deal values surging by 123% in 2025. Tech giants like Meta and Amazon are acquiring AI hardware and robotics firms, while healthcare sees AI playing a crucial role in drug discovery. Alphabet Inc. is investing heavily, allocating $85 billion to AI, cloud, and biotech, with Google Cloud's revenue climbing 32% to $13.6 billion due to AI tools. Alphabet's DeepMind's AlphaFold is also contributing to drug discovery, and Waymo is generating significant revenue. China's stock market is experiencing an 'AI fever,' with companies developing AI chips similar to Nvidia's. DeepSeek is utilizing Huawei chips to train its AI models. However, challenges remain, as a study indicates that 95% of businesses are struggling to recoup their AI investments, often due to using tools that don't fit their specific needs. This is compounded by a decline in trust as people learn more about AI, highlighting the need for education on AI's capabilities and limitations. Congress is also addressing concerns about protecting AI trade secrets, while the Bahamas is exploring AI's potential in public health through workshops focused on AI and cybersecurity. ElevenLabs is empowering authors to sell AI-generated audiobooks directly through its ElevenReader platform, offering a 60% royalty rate. Apple's AI strategy may involve leveraging its user base by allowing companies like Google to pay for access, potentially integrating platforms like Gemini on Apple devices. The AI-native apps market is projected to be worth $244.22 billion in 2025, fueled by advancements in AI hardware from companies like AMD and ASML, even as regulatory efforts, particularly in the EU, increase.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota, Maryland, and Massachusetts schools are integrating AI into education, focusing on personalized learning and policy development.
  • Oregon schools have been directed to ban cellphones during the school day by January 1 and were the first state to release AI guidelines for schools in 2023.
  • AI is fueling a surge in mergers and acquisitions, with deal values up 123% in 2025, as companies like Meta and Amazon acquire AI and robotics firms.
  • Alphabet Inc. is investing $85 billion in AI, cloud, and biotech, with Google Cloud's revenue increasing by 32% to $13.6 billion due to AI tools.
  • China's stock market is experiencing an 'AI fever,' with companies developing AI chips and DeepSeek using Huawei chips for AI model training.
  • A study reveals that 95% of businesses struggle to make money back from their AI investments due to mismatched tools and a lack of focus on simple automation.
  • ElevenLabs' ElevenReader platform allows authors to sell AI-generated audiobooks directly, offering a 60% royalty rate.
  • Trust in AI decreases as people become more familiar with it, emphasizing the need for AI literacy and education.
  • Apple's AI strategy may rely on companies like Google paying for access to its user base, potentially integrating AI platforms like Gemini on Apple devices.
  • Congress is addressing concerns about protecting America's AI trade secrets from foreign countries.

Minnesota schools cautiously welcome AI in classrooms

Minnesota schools are starting to use AI tools like ChatGPT after initial concerns about cheating. Educators see AI as a way to prepare students for the future workforce. AI can help teachers rewrite tests, adjust reading levels, and create grading guides. Students can also use AI to make study guides and get feedback on their writing. Schools are working to balance the benefits of AI with the risks of misuse and bias.

Maryland schools explore AI as state guidance develops

Maryland schools are using AI, but the state is still creating guidelines for its use. Students like Brayden Morgan believe schools must adapt to AI. University of Maryland professor Jing Liu says AI is developing quickly, so policies are taking time. State Superintendent Carey Wright says AI guidance could be ready by the end of the school year. Some schools, like Prince George’s County, already have AI guidelines in place.

Massachusetts schools plan to add AI to learning

Massachusetts schools are figuring out how to use AI in their lessons. AI can help teachers change assignments for different learning levels, says Marc Leblanc from Salem Public Schools. Professor Nermeen Dashoush from Boston University says AI can translate languages for students. The state education department released a guide to help schools create AI policies. Experts say AI won't replace teachers, but schools need to train teachers to use it well.

Oregon schools address cell phone bans and AI use

Oregon schools are dealing with a new cellphone ban and the rise of AI. Governor Tina Kotek ordered schools to ban cellphones during the school day. Schools must have a policy in place by January 1. Oregon was the first state to release guidelines on using AI in schools back in 2023. Portland Public Schools is partnering with Colin Kaepernick for an early literacy program using AI.

AI boosts mergers and acquisitions in 2025

In 2025, AI is causing more mergers and acquisitions, with deal values up 123%. Tech companies like Meta and Amazon are buying AI hardware and robotics firms. Healthcare mergers focus on AI for drug discovery, with companies like J&J buying AI solutions. Robotics is growing fast, with AI startups getting lots of funding. Investors are looking at AI infrastructure and specific AI uses, balancing growth with risks.

Alphabet invests in AI and biotech for future growth

Alphabet Inc. is investing $85 billion in AI, cloud, and biotech in 2025. Google Cloud's revenue increased by 32% to $13.6 billion due to AI tools. DeepMind's AlphaFold is helping with drug discovery through biotech investments. Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving car project, is generating $373 million in revenue each quarter. Alphabet's long-term investments aim to dominate the AI and biotech markets.

China's market gets AI fever

China's stock market is rising because of interest in AI. Chinese companies are working to create their own AI chips like Nvidia's. Alibaba's stock in Hong Kong jumped due to optimism about its cloud business. DeepSeek is using Huawei chips to train its AI models. However, Japanese chip group Advantest saw its stock fall.

Congress considers AI trade secrets a high-stakes game

Congress is concerned about protecting America's AI trade secrets. The House Judiciary Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss this issue. Experts say that foreign countries are stealing intellectual property, which threatens U.S. technology leadership. They suggest implementing screening mechanisms and disclosing AI technologies involving foreign governments. Some believe less disclosure of AI training data is better.

Bahamas hosts AI and cybersecurity workshop for health

The Bahamas Ministry of Health and Wellness and PAHO/WHO held an AI and cybersecurity workshop. The workshop explored how AI can improve public health. Minister Michael Darville said AI can help manage resources and improve efficiency. Dr. Eldonna Boisson said AI can help with disease detection and data analysis. Participants discussed AI integration and cybersecurity for health data.

Most AI companies struggle to make money back

A new study shows that 95% of businesses using AI are not making their money back. Companies often use AI tools that don't adapt to their specific needs. ChatGPT, for example, forgets context and doesn't learn from past edits. Companies often waste money on fancy AI projects instead of automating simple tasks. Partnering with third-party vendors can be more successful.

ElevenReader lets authors sell AI audiobooks directly

ElevenLabs launched sales through its ElevenReader platform, allowing authors and publishers to sell AI-generated audiobooks directly. Authors get a 60% royalty rate on net sales without having to offer exclusive rights. The ElevenReader platform offers thousands of titles from independent authors and small publishers. Authors can use the free platform or paid subscriptions for more features. The company aims to make audiobook creation and monetization simple and transparent.

AI hardware revolution transforms industries

The AI industry is growing fast, driven by hardware advancements. The AI-native apps market is worth $244.22 billion in 2025. Investments in robotics and self-driving cars are increasing. Companies like ASML and AMD are providing advanced chips for AI. Regulatory efforts are also increasing, with the EU leading in AI regulation.

Trust in AI drops as people learn more about it

Research shows that people trust AI less as they become more familiar with it. People with less AI knowledge are more likely to see AI as magical. Students who lack AI literacy may rely on it too much. Experts say people should be educated about how AI works so they can make better decisions. Understanding AI's limitations can help users make informed choices.

Apple's AI strategy relies on others paying for access

Jim Cramer says Apple is in a good position even without its own AI technology. He believes companies like Google will pay Apple for access to its large user base. A judge's ruling allows Google to continue paying Apple to be the default search engine on iPhones. Cramer suggests that one AI platform, possibly Gemini, will become the default on Apple devices.

Sources

AI in education AI adoption AI guidelines AI policies ChatGPT AI risks AI benefits AI training AI literacy AI bias AI in healthcare AI and cybersecurity AI for drug discovery AI investment AI hardware AI chips AI mergers and acquisitions AI trade secrets AI regulation AI ethics AI monetization AI audiobooks AI platforms AI trust AI limitations DeepMind AlphaFold Waymo Google Cloud ElevenLabs Robotics Self-driving cars