microsoft, google and meta Updates

AI is rapidly evolving and impacting various sectors, from cybersecurity to customer service. Security leaders are increasingly concerned about AI-powered cyberattacks, with a significant percentage of companies reporting such incidents. Simultaneously, AI is being leveraged to enhance cyber defenses and automate tasks previously done by humans. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Meta are investing heavily in AI, leading to workforce restructuring and layoffs in some areas. Google is integrating AI into its search engine with Gemini 2.5 Pro, offering features like AI-powered local business calling and Deep Search. In El Paso County, an AI kiosk at Fort Bliss now provides soldiers with convenient access to essential services. However, concerns persist regarding the potential misuse of AI, as highlighted by the paused Nvidia AI chip deal with the UAE due to fears of smuggling to China. Companies like Knightscope are partnering with Palantir to provide AI security solutions for the federal market, while AI Maverick Intel has launched a platform that automates sales processes. As AI becomes more prevalent in web browsers and other platforms, its impact on society depends on responsible usage and appropriate regulations, as Jim Moses points out.

Key Takeaways

  • One in four companies experienced AI-powered cyberattacks in the past year, raising concerns among security leaders.
  • Microsoft is investing $80 billion in AI infrastructure, while other tech companies are cutting jobs to focus on AI.
  • Google Search is integrating Gemini 2.5 Pro, enabling AI-powered local business calling and Deep Search for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
  • El Paso County has introduced an AI kiosk at Fort Bliss to provide soldiers with access to court services.
  • A U.S.-UAE deal for Nvidia AI chips is on hold due to concerns about potential smuggling to China.
  • Knightscope is partnering with Palantir to expand AI security solutions in the federal market.
  • AI Maverick Intel has launched an AI sales platform that automates sales processes, potentially replacing human SDRs.
  • AI is being integrated into web browsers to assist users with tasks like shopping and vacation planning.
  • Jim Moses emphasizes that the impact of AI depends on how it is used and the regulations governing it.
  • Companies are exploring using AI to replace roles like security analysts and penetration testers.

AI attacks are rising cybersecurity leaders focus on new risks

Security leaders are increasingly worried about AI-powered attacks on company networks. A new report shows that one in four companies experienced such an attack in the past year. Securing AI agents and managing employee AI use are top concerns. Companies are also looking to use AI to replace some human roles, like security analysts and penetration testers, to improve their defenses.

Cybersecurity experts worry about AI attacks and misuse

Cybersecurity bosses are increasingly concerned about AI-powered attacks and misuse. A recent survey reveals that nearly a quarter of companies have faced AI-driven attacks in the past year. These attacks are often hard to spot because they mimic human behavior. Experts also worry about securing AI agents and employee AI usage. However, they also see AI as a tool to strengthen cyber defenses, potentially replacing some human roles in security operations.

Google Search gets Gemini 2.5 Pro, AI Deep Search, local calling

Google Search is adding new AI features powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro. These include an upgraded AI Mode and Deep Search for complex research. Google is also introducing AI-powered local business calling to check prices. These features are currently available to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S., enhancing search capabilities and providing new ways to find information.

Google Search can now call businesses for you using AI

Google Search now uses AI to make phone calls to local businesses for you. This new feature lets you check prices and availability without calling yourself. When you search for a service, like pet grooming, you'll see an option to "Have AI check pricing." Google's AI will call multiple businesses and compare results, saving you time and effort. Businesses can opt out of this feature through their Google Business page.

El Paso unveils AI kiosk for soldiers at Fort Bliss

El Paso County has introduced a new AI-powered kiosk at Fort Bliss to help soldiers access court services. Located at the Soldier Support Center, the Advanced Robot Solutions kiosk offers services in English and Spanish. Soldiers and their families can use it to obtain marriage licenses, birth certificates, and library cards. The kiosk aims to save soldiers time by providing convenient access to important services.

Tech companies lay off workers to focus on AI in 2025

The tech industry is seeing major layoffs as companies shift their focus to AI. Companies like Microsoft, Google, and Meta are cutting jobs to invest more in AI. Microsoft is investing $80 billion in AI infrastructure, while others are hiring for AI-related roles. This shift reflects a move towards automating tasks and redefining productivity with AI.

UAE's Nvidia AI chip deal paused over China security concerns

A deal between the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Nvidia AI chips is reportedly on hold. The U.S. is concerned that these chips could be smuggled to China. Despite assurances from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the U.S. is taking precautions. The Trump administration is also considering chip export restrictions on Thailand and Malaysia to prevent potential smuggling.

Knightscope partners with Palantir for federal AI security solutions

Knightscope is partnering with Palantir to expand its AI security solutions in the federal market. By joining Palantir's FedStart program, Knightscope gains access to important security accreditations. This allows Knightscope to operate securely in federal environments. The partnership aims to enhance public safety and protect critical infrastructure using autonomous security solutions.

AI good or bad? It depends on us, says Jim Moses

Jim Moses discusses the pros and cons of artificial intelligence. AI is becoming more common, from generating voices on our phones to indexing the 1950 census. While AI can help us work faster, humans are still needed to verify results. Concerns exist about surveillance and privacy as AI technology advances rapidly. Ultimately, whether AI is good or bad depends on how we use it and the laws that govern it.

AI moves beyond chat and into your web browser

Artificial intelligence is now being integrated into web browsers to assist users. A new AI browser tool called Comet helps with tasks like shopping, vacation planning, and booking appointments. Instead of just answering questions, it acts like a digital assistant. Other companies like Google and Walmart are also adding AI agents to their platforms, potentially replacing traditional search engines.

AI sales platform replaces human teams with automated intelligence

AI Maverick Intel has launched an enhanced prospecting platform that automates sales processes. This platform uses AI to research, engage, and qualify prospects without needing additional sales development representatives (SDRs). It features contact intelligence and context-aware communication, creating detailed prospect profiles. The platform manages both transactional and consultative sales, replicating human-quality conversations at scale.

Sources

AI Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity AI-powered attacks AI agents Employee AI use Security analysts Penetration testers AI misuse AI-driven attacks Google Search Gemini 2.5 Pro AI Deep Search Local business calling Google AI Pro Google AI Ultra AI kiosk Fort Bliss Court services Tech layoffs AI investment Microsoft Google Meta Nvidia AI chips China security concerns Chip export restrictions Knightscope Palantir Federal AI security solutions FedStart program AI security AI browser AI assistant AI sales platform Automated intelligence Sales development representatives Prospecting platform