The AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly across various sectors. Microsoft is making significant moves, cutting 15,000 jobs while simultaneously investing $80 billion in AI and pushing remaining employees to develop AI skills, with Copilot adoption factored into performance reviews. However, Microsoft also faces ethical scrutiny regarding its AI and cloud contracts, particularly concerning human rights issues and ties to military entities. Google is also active, with Artnet developing an AI assistant using Google's Gemini to suggest art to users. In other applications, AI is streamlining tasks in unexpected areas: couples are using tools like ChatGPT to plan weddings, saving significant time on research and logistics. McDonald's, however, experienced a security lapse with its McHire job application platform, exposing the data of over 64 million applicants due to a weak password. On the legal front, a lawsuit against AI voice startup Lovo is proceeding, with a judge allowing claims of breach of contract and improper use of voice data to move forward. Meanwhile, X-Design has launched an AI Photo Editor to assist Etsy sellers in creating appealing product photos, and Apera AI has updated its Forge design and AI training studio for robots. In a demonstration of AI's capabilities in surgery, an AI-powered robot successfully completed a gall bladder removal on a dead pig, suggesting potential for human trials in the coming years.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft is investing $80 billion in AI while cutting 15,000 jobs and emphasizing AI skills for remaining employees.
- Microsoft faces ethical concerns over AI and cloud contracts related to human rights and military ties.
- Artnet is developing an AI assistant using Google's Gemini to recommend art to users.
- AI is being used to help plan weddings, saving couples significant time on research.
- McDonald's McHire platform exposed data of over 64 million job applicants due to a weak password.
- A lawsuit against AI voice startup Lovo is proceeding on claims of breach of contract and improper use of voice data.
- X-Design launched an AI Photo Editor to help Etsy sellers create better product photos.
- Apera AI updated its Forge design and AI training studio for robot AI training.
- An AI-powered robot successfully performed a gall bladder removal on a dead pig.
- AI adoption is increasing across industries, with companies planning to increase AI budgets.
AI Voice Lawsuit Moves Forward Judge Sides With Artists
A federal judge is allowing a lawsuit from voice-over artists Paul Skye Lehrman and Linnea Sage to proceed against Lovo, an AI voice startup. The artists claim Lovo stole their voices after they were hired for voice-over work through Fiverr. While copyright claims were dismissed, the judge will allow claims of breach of contract, deceptive business practices, and improper use of voices for AI training data to move forward. The artists' attorney calls this a significant victory and is confident a jury will hold big tech accountable.
AI Voice Lawsuit Moves Forward Judge Sides With Artists
A federal judge is allowing a lawsuit from voice-over artists Paul Skye Lehrman and Linnea Sage to proceed against Lovo, an AI voice startup. The artists claim Lovo stole their voices after they were hired for voice-over work through Fiverr. While copyright claims were dismissed, the judge will allow claims of breach of contract, deceptive business practices, and improper use of voices for AI training data to move forward. The artists' attorney calls this a significant victory and is confident a jury will hold big tech accountable.
X-Design's AI Photo Editor Helps Etsy Sellers Create Stunning Visuals
X-Design launched its AI Photo Editor to help Etsy sellers create better product photos. The tool lets sellers make high-quality images without needing professional photographers or expensive setups. It preserves the product's look while adding natural-looking backgrounds. This helps sellers save time and money while creating appealing listings that capture the handmade feel Etsy customers love.
Is AI Revolutionizing the Art World?
The art world is starting to use AI in many ways. A survey shows most companies plan to increase their AI budgets. AI is being used for things like authenticating art and helping with logistics. Artnet is developing an AI assistant using Google's Gemini to suggest art based on what users like. The rise of AI could greatly change the art world, similar to the Industrial Revolution.
McDonald's Job App Data Exposed by Simple Password
McDonald's chatbot job application platform, McHire, had a security flaw that exposed the chats of over 64 million job applicants. Researchers found they could access applicant data because the admin panel used the weak password '123456'. By changing a number in the website address, they could see names, addresses, and other personal information. The issue was reported to Paradox.ai and McDonald's, who fixed it quickly.
Microsoft Cuts 15000 Jobs Pushes AI Skills for Remaining Staff
Microsoft has cut over 15,000 jobs in 2025 and is urging its remaining employees to learn AI skills. The company is changing its sales operations to focus on AI and is making Copilot adoption a key part of performance reviews. Microsoft is investing heavily in AI, spending about $80 billion this year. This shift is expected to influence other tech companies to also prioritize AI skills in their employees.
Microsoft Faces Ethics Concerns Over AI and Human Rights
Microsoft is facing criticism over its AI and cloud contracts, with concerns raised about human rights abuses. Employees have protested the company's ties to the Israeli military, alleging its technology is used for surveillance. Investors are also questioning Microsoft's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) record. Concerns extend to Microsoft's cloud investments in Saudi Arabia. The company's handling of protests and its financial ties to military agencies are under scrutiny.
Apera AI Updates Forge Design and AI Training Studio
Apera AI has updated Apera Forge, its web-based design and AI training studio for robots. The update makes it easier to design robotic cells, use cameras on robot arms, and simulate de-racking applications. The platform helps manufacturers build and test robot applications without needing to invest in hardware first. It allows users to train AI models for object recognition and task performance, making robot automation faster and more reliable.
AI Is Now Helping Couples Plan Their Weddings
AI is changing how people plan weddings by helping with tasks like creating seating charts and managing budgets. Emily Strand used ChatGPT to plan her wedding, getting 200 suggestions in an hour that would have taken 250 hours to research. AI tools can also provide real-time cost analysis, virtual styling assistants, and automated RSVP reminders. Anne Chang used an AI tool to plan her bachelorette party in Ibiza, creating a detailed itinerary quickly.
AI Robot Successfully Completes Gall Bladder Surgery
An AI-powered robot successfully performed a gall bladder removal on a dead pig. The robot was trained using videos of surgeries and could complete the operation without human help. The AI system used two layers one to create instructions and another to turn them into movements. While the robot had to self-correct and ask for a tool change, experts believe this could lead to human trials within a decade.
Sources
- Federal judge says voiceover artists AI lawsuit can move forward
- Federal judge says voiceover artists AI lawsuit can move forward
- X-Design Launched AI Photo Editor to Aid Etsy Sellers in Creating Premium Product Visuals
- Is the Art Trade Facing an A.I. Industrial Revolution?
- '123456' password exposed chats for 64 million McDonald’s job applicants
- Microsoft Cuts 15,000 Jobs Amid AI Pivot, Tells Employees: ‘Invest in Your Own AI Skilling’
- Microsoft under Fire: Ethics Storm Erupts over Human Rights and AI Hardware Deals
- Apera AI updates Apera Forge design and AI training studio
- How AI Is Transforming Wedding Planning
- AI- trained robot completes groundbreaking gall bladder operation...