September 29, 2025

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OpenAI Microsoft Partnership, ChatGPT Aids Homebuyers

Artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and daily life, with significant developments emerging across various sectors. Walmart is actively preparing its workforce for an AI-driven future through skills-based training and new AI programs, with CEO Doug McMillon emphasizing that AI will enhance jobs rather than eliminate them. This initiative includes collaborations with both OpenAI and Microsoft. Meanwhile, Texas is anticipating substantial AI-related investments, potentially surpassing $500 billion, with plans for new data centers that build upon a $400 billion initiative involving Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank. In the realm of consumer AI, a startup named Friend is making a bold statement with a $1 million advertising campaign for its wearable AI device in New York City's subway system. Users are also expressing a desire for AI companions, like ChatGPT, to be more realistic and less agreeable. AI is also proving instrumental in breaking down language barriers, with tools built on ChatGPT assisting Hispanic homebuyers in navigating the complex mortgage process. On a global scale, China showcased its full-stack AI capabilities at Alibaba's Apsara Conference, highlighting AI applications and foundational models. The importance of AI literacy is also being underscored, with an open letter emphasizing the need for children to understand AI for their future. In the financial sector, FactSet is integrating AI to enhance equity trading for its clients, while in politics, Congressman Eric Sorensen has touched upon AI in discussions about government funding and potential shutdowns.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart is collaborating with OpenAI and Microsoft on AI skills programs to prepare its workforce for an AI-enhanced future.
  • Texas is poised for AI data center investments potentially exceeding $500 billion, following a $400 billion plan involving Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank.
  • AI tools, including those built on ChatGPT, are helping Hispanic homebuyers overcome language barriers in the mortgage application process.
  • AI startup Friend is investing over $1 million in subway advertisements in New York City for its wearable AI device.
  • A survey indicates users prefer AI chatbots like ChatGPT to be more argumentative and less consistently agreeable for a more realistic interaction.
  • Alibaba's Apsara Conference highlighted China's comprehensive AI capabilities, focusing on AI applications and foundational models.
  • Walmart CEO Doug McMillon believes AI will enhance jobs, not eliminate them, and stresses transparent communication with employees.
  • Children are being encouraged to gain AI knowledge to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.
  • FactSet is integrating AI-powered functionality to improve equity trading for its buy-side clients.
  • Congressman Eric Sorensen has included discussions on artificial intelligence alongside political topics like government shutdowns.

Walmart Prepares Workers for AI Future with Skills Training

Walmart is focusing on preparing its large workforce for a future shaped by AI and changing demographics. The company hosted experts to discuss skills-based hiring, which values what people know over college degrees. Walmart is already offering training for roles like truck drivers and technicians and plans a new AI skills program with OpenAI next year. CEO Doug McMillon believes AI will change jobs by enhancing them, not eliminating them, and emphasizes transparent communication with employees about these changes.

Walmart CEO Discusses AI's Impact on Workforce and Skills

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon discussed how the company is preparing its workforce for an AI-driven future. He noted that employee turnover is decreasing and workers are enthusiastic about new AI tools that improve their jobs. McMillon believes AI will change, or 'plus up,' every job by integrating new tools. Walmart is also collaborating with Microsoft on AI skills programs and focuses on skills-based hiring to fill roles like truck drivers and maintenance technicians.

Walmart Prepares Workforce for AI with Skills Initiative

Walmart is actively preparing its workforce for an AI-driven future by focusing on skills-based hiring and training. The company hosted experts to discuss developing jobs based on employee knowledge rather than just college education. Walmart has launched its own training programs for roles like maintenance technicians and plans a new AI skills program with Microsoft next year. CEO Doug McMillon stated that AI will likely change jobs by enhancing them, and transparent communication is key to managing this transition.

Alibaba's Apsara Conference Showcases China's Full-Stack AI

China's comprehensive artificial intelligence capabilities were highlighted at Alibaba's Apsara Conference in Hangzhou. The event featured AI hardware, applications, and foundational models, with companies demonstrating AI agents built on Alibaba's Qwen models. Alibaba Cloud announced increased AI infrastructure spending, boosting the company's shares. The focus this year shifted to AI applications, with large language models now seen as essential infrastructure.

AI Tools Help Hispanic Homebuyers Overcome Language Barriers

Artificial intelligence is breaking down barriers for Hispanic homeownership by assisting limited-English homebuyers. Mortgage experts are using bilingual AI tools, like those built on ChatGPT by the Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts (HOME), to help loan officers navigate the application process. This technology helps find lenders, explains requirements clearly, and handles complex cases like borrowers without Social Security numbers or credit history. AI aims to make the mortgage process more accessible and demystify it for underrepresented communities.

Texas Poised for Major AI Data Center Investments

Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas is set to receive significant AI-related investments, potentially exceeding the $500 billion Stargate project. These upcoming investments are expected to be larger than Stargate and will focus on diversifying the state's economy. This news follows Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank's $400 billion plan for new AI data centers, with Texas already slated to host facilities in Shackleford and Milam counties. Project Stargate aims to create substantial compute capacity and jobs.

Users Want AI Companions to Be Less Nice, More Real

A recent survey found that many users prefer AI chatbots like ChatGPT to be less polite and more argumentative, mimicking human interaction. Over half of ChatGPT users feel it is too nice, with some finding its advice less useful because of this. People desire AI companions that offer pushback and blunt honesty, seeing it as more authentic than constant agreement. This desire stems from users seeking a more realistic experience, even in AI relationships.

FactSet Integrates AI for Enhanced Equity Trading

FactSet Research Systems has integrated IntelligentCross's AI-powered JumpStart functionality into its Portware execution management system. This allows buy-side clients direct access to algorithmic liquidity, aiming to improve trading with minimal information leakage. While this AI integration is a positive step, its short-term impact on FactSet's growth outlook may be limited by broader industry challenges. The company continues to focus on expanding data offerings to retain clients amidst budget tightening.

Children Need AI Knowledge for Future World

This article is an open letter addressing children and parents about the growing presence of artificial intelligence in their lives. It emphasizes the importance of understanding AI as children grow up in an increasingly AI-driven world. The piece suggests that specific knowledge about AI will be crucial for navigating future challenges and opportunities.

Congressman Sorensen Discusses Shutdown, Politics, and AI

Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen discussed the potential federal government shutdown and its political implications. He highlighted the disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over spending bills, particularly concerning healthcare subsidies. Sorensen stressed that the American people deserve a fully funded government and criticized the political 'game of chicken.' The discussion also touched upon the broader topic of artificial intelligence.

AI Startup Friend Spends $1M on NYC Subway Ads

AI startup Friend has launched a significant advertising campaign in New York City, spending over $1 million on more than 12,000 ads in the subway system. The campaign promotes their $129 wearable AI device. Despite potential controversy surrounding surveillance concerns, CEO Avi Schiffman believes the bold strategy will attract attention in a city known for its critical view of AI.

Sources

AI Skills Training Workforce Development Skills-Based Hiring AI Integration Future of Work AI Ethics AI Applications AI Infrastructure Large Language Models AI for Accessibility AI Data Centers AI Companions AI in Trading AI Education AI Policy AI Startups AI Devices AI and Employment AI and Business AI and Technology