Microsoft is making significant shifts in its workforce and strategy, laying off 9,000 employees (about 4% of its workforce) while simultaneously investing heavily in AI. A key part of this shift involves replacing some sales positions with AI engineers who can demonstrate AI tools like Copilot to customers, aiming to better compete with OpenAI and Google. Microsoft intends to embed Copilot AI across its devices and streamline its sales structure to focus on AI solutions, cloud platforms, and security. However, some companies still prefer OpenAI's ChatGPT over Copilot. Other tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon are also reducing jobs while increasing their AI investments. In other AI developments, Google has launched Gemini CLI, a free AI tool for coding that allows users to build apps using text prompts. Google is integrating AI into various products, including Sheets, robotics, and Waymo. AI is also transforming various sectors, including cybersecurity for aviation and defense, which is projected to reach $300.6 billion by 2034, driven by increased cyberattacks and new technologies. The AI market in cars is expected to reach $13 billion by 2034, with companies like Tesla and NVIDIA investing in AI for self-driving and safety features. AI is also being used to inspect cars, assisting car makers and rental companies by identifying patterns and issues. Beyond technological advancements, AI's impact on society is being examined, revealing both benefits and drawbacks, including worker exploitation and environmental concerns related to data centers' energy and water consumption. AI is also changing how we shop online, with AI assistants guiding purchasing decisions, putting pressure on major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. An Amazon executive, Rohit Prasad, emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, recounting how answering a random phone call led to his job at Amazon. Furthermore, AI is even being used for tasks like ranking NHL players and enabling robots to write handwritten notes through companies like Handwrytten.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft is replacing some sales roles with AI engineers after 9,000 layoffs to better compete with OpenAI and Google.
- Microsoft is focusing on its Copilot AI assistant and streamlining sales to emphasize AI business solutions.
- Google has released Gemini CLI, a free AI tool for coding using text prompts.
- The cybersecurity market for aviation and defense is projected to reach $300.6 billion by 2034, driven by cyberattacks and AI-powered threat detection.
- The AI market in cars is expected to reach $13 billion by 2034, with Tesla and NVIDIA investing in self-driving technology.
- AI is being used to inspect cars, assisting car makers and rental companies.
- AI's societal impact includes both benefits and concerns like worker exploitation and environmental damage from data centers.
- AI is changing online shopping, with AI assistants influencing purchasing decisions and pressuring retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
- An Amazon executive credits answering a random phone call for career success.
- AI is being used for unique applications like ranking NHL players and enabling robots to write personalized handwritten notes.
Microsoft replaces sales team with AI engineers after 9,000 layoffs
Microsoft is replacing some sales jobs with AI-focused engineers after announcing 9,000 layoffs. The company wants engineers to demonstrate AI tools to customers faster. This change is part of a plan to compete with OpenAI and Google in the AI market. Microsoft aims to embed its Copilot AI into all devices and roles. The company is also simplifying its sales structure to focus on AI solutions.
Microsoft cuts 9,000 jobs amid big AI investments
Microsoft is cutting 9,000 jobs, about 4% of its workforce, while investing in AI. The company is spending billions on AI infrastructure. The job cuts affect teams in different countries and at various levels. Microsoft's gaming division, including King which makes Candy Crush, will also see cuts. Other tech companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon are also reducing jobs while investing in AI.
Microsoft replaces salespeople with AI engineers after layoffs
Microsoft is changing its sales strategy by replacing traditional sales roles with AI engineers. This comes after laying off nearly 9,000 employees. The new engineers will show customers how Microsoft's AI products work. Microsoft is focusing on its Copilot AI assistant to compete with OpenAI and Google. The company is also streamlining its sales areas to focus on AI business solutions, cloud platforms, and security.
Microsoft replaces salespeople with AI experts amid Copilot push
Microsoft is replacing salespeople with technical experts to boost AI sales. The company is trying to catch up with Google and OpenAI in the AI market. Customers want to see product demos and get technical support faster. Microsoft is also pushing its Copilot AI tool across the company. However, some companies prefer OpenAI's ChatGPT over Copilot.
Cyber security for planes and defense to hit $300 billion
The cyber security market for aviation and defense is expected to grow from $89.3 billion in 2025 to $300.6 billion by 2034. This growth is due to more cyber attacks and new technologies. Trends include using AI to find threats, blockchain for security, and zero-trust security systems. Geopolitical issues and increased defense spending are also driving this market's expansion.
AI in cars to reach $13 billion by 2034
The artificial intelligence (AI) market in cars is expected to reach $13.0 billion by 2034. It was worth $2.5 billion in 2023. AI is used for self-driving cars, safety features, and personalized experiences. Companies like Waymo, Tesla, and NVIDIA are investing in AI for cars. AI helps cars understand their surroundings, make decisions, and improve safety.
AI inspects cars in new demonstration
Companies are starting to use artificial intelligence to inspect cars. This new technology helps car makers, dealers, and rental companies. It identifies patterns and checks cars for issues.
Is AI hurting society or helping it
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming common with tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. AI can create art, answer questions, and give advice. However, AI has a dark side, including worker exploitation and environmental damage. AI relies on low-paid workers to teach the programs. Data centers that power AI use a lot of electricity and water, and they also produce waste.
Robots write handwritten notes for you
Handwrytten uses robots and AI to create handwritten notes for customers. The company aims to help people stand out in a digital world. The robots vary letter shapes and spacing to make the notes look real. Most of Handwrytten's clients are businesses, but some are individual consumers. Customers can also have AI write parts of the messages.
Okta: AI and passwordless tech key to online security
Okta is working on a new Identity Security Standard to protect online identities. The company is using AI to find and stop threats. They are also promoting passwordless technology for better security. Okta's Secure Identity Commitment has blocked billions of malicious access attempts. AI will play a big role in predicting and preventing future threats.
Amazon exec says answer your phone for career success
An Amazon AI executive, Rohit Prasad, says answering a random phone call helped his career. He got his job at Amazon after someone called him about a project. Prasad advises young people to sharpen their skills and say yes to opportunities. Many young people avoid phone calls due to anxiety. Some colleges are offering classes to help them overcome this fear.
AI changes how we shop online
Artificial intelligence is changing online shopping. Homepages are becoming less important as AI helps people find what to buy. AI assistants tell shoppers what to buy, where to buy it, and why. This puts pressure on big online stores like Amazon and Walmart. To survive, these brands must offer the best prices, dominate logistics, or become experts in content.
AI ranks the best hockey players of all time
Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to rank the greatest NHL forwards of all time. AI looks at things like expected goals, playmaking, and how well they score. Wayne Gretzky is ranked as the best, followed by Mario Lemieux and Gordie Howe. AI helps give a new view on who the best players are.
Google releases free AI tool for coding
Google has released a free AI tool called Gemini CLI for coding. This tool allows users to build apps using simple text prompts. Google owns Gemini, giving them an advantage over rivals that use outside AI models. Google is integrating AI into many products, including Sheets, robotics, and Waymo.
Sources
- Microsoft to replace sales roles with AI-focused engineers as 9,000 employees face layoffs
- AI and Job Cuts: Behind Microsoft’s Latest Announcement
- Microsoft Overhauls Sales Strategy, Replaces Roles with AI Engineers Amid 9,000 Job Cuts
- Microsoft is replacing salespeople with "solutions engineers" amid recent layoffs — promoting Copilot AI while ChatGPT dominates the enterprise sector
- Aviation and Defense Cyber Security Market Outlook 2025-2034 | AI and Blockchain Integration Transforming the Landscape, Stringent Regulations and Global Partnerships Drive Advancements
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market in Automotive Poised for Massive Growth to USD 13.0 Billion by 2034
- Using artificial intelligence to inspect cars: A demonstration
- Artificial Intelligence and societal decline
- Need to send a handwritten note? You can hire a robot to write it instead
- Why identity security needs standardisation, AI, and a passwordless future
- Amazon AI exec’s top career advice is always pick up your phone—it’s a disaster for Gen Z who have telephobia
- Confirmed—artificial intelligence is dismantling the Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy model and changing the future of commerce forever
- The Greatest NHL Forwards of All Time According to Artificial Intelligence
- Google Just Dropped A Game-Changing Free AI CLI Tool (NASDAQ:GOOGL)