In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, several key developments are emerging. OpenAI has identified Zhipu AI, a Chinese AI startup, as a significant competitor, noting its advancements and government ties. Zhipu AI aims to help China challenge US tech dominance by providing infrastructure solutions to governments and building a self-reliant AI system. Meanwhile, Google is adapting to AI-driven changes in search with Offerwall, a tool designed to help publishers monetize content through micropayments and other methods. Venture capital firms are prioritizing strong teams over AI hype when making investments, focusing on scalability and market disruption. Travel tech investors are also urging founders to concentrate on solving real problems rather than just leveraging AI. The rise of AI has also led to increased risks, with celebrity imposter scams becoming more believable and Iranian hackers using AI for phishing attacks. However, AI is also driving positive changes, such as boosting smart upgrades in China's manufacturing industry, where companies are using AI to enhance efficiency and customize products. Jabil is investing $500 million to expand its US manufacturing for AI data centers, aiming to support cloud infrastructure. Accenture, now valued at $250 billion, faces the challenge of adapting to the AI era, while Google Photos is enhancing its search capabilities by combining classic search with AI for faster results.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI views Chinese AI startup Zhipu AI as a major rival, citing its government support and global reach.
- Zhipu AI aims to help China compete with the US in technology by building independent AI infrastructure.
- Google's Offerwall helps publishers generate revenue through micropayments and other methods amid AI-driven search changes.
- Venture capital firms are prioritizing experienced teams and scalability over mere AI hype when investing.
- Travel tech investors advise startups to focus on solving real problems rather than just using AI technology.
- AI is enabling more convincing celebrity scams, such as fake endorsements, requiring users to verify information.
- Iranian hackers are using AI to create sophisticated phishing attacks targeting Israeli tech experts.
- AI is driving advancements in China's manufacturing sector, improving efficiency and customization.
- Jabil is investing $500 million in US manufacturing to support AI data center infrastructure.
- Accenture, valued at $250 billion, is adapting its consulting services to meet the challenges of the AI era.
OpenAI flags Chinese AI startup Zhipu AI as a top rival
OpenAI is watching Zhipu AI, a Chinese AI startup backed by Beijing. OpenAI says Zhipu AI has made big steps in the AI race and provides AI to governments worldwide. Zhipu AI has offices in the Middle East, the UK, Singapore, and Malaysia. OpenAI sees Zhipu AI as a threat to its own AI offerings and its ties to China's military landed it on a US blacklist.
OpenAI says Zhipu AI helps China challenge US tech dominance
OpenAI reports that Zhipu AI is helping China compete with US technology globally. Zhipu AI aims to provide infrastructure solutions to governments in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. OpenAI believes Zhipu AI wants to build a self-reliant AI system to rival America. Zhipu AI is considered one of China's "four AI tigers" and is supported by investors like Alibaba and Tencent. The company submitted IPO documents in April and was blacklisted in January for aiding China's military.
Google's Offerwall aims to help publishers earn money as AI changes search
Google has launched Offerwall, a new tool to help publishers make money as AI changes search. Offerwall lets readers access content through micropayments, surveys, or watching ads. Publishers can also ask readers to sign up for newsletters to access content. Google uses AI to decide when to show the Offerwall to increase engagement and revenue. Sakal Media Group in India saw a 20% revenue boost using Offerwall.
Venture Capital firms prioritize teams over AI hype when investing
Venture capital firms value the team behind the technology when investing in AI. Investors look for teams that can disrupt big markets and scale their businesses. Alkemia Capital invested in Contents, now Contents.ai, after suggesting they pivot to selling to enterprises. Boost Capital looks for companies that can grow quickly, while Alkemia invests in companies already making EUR 1 million in revenue. Investors also consider if a company's technology can be easily scaled.
Travel startup investors warn founders to focus on problems, not just AI
Travel tech investors say founders should focus on solving real problems instead of just using AI. They want founders who are passionate about the problem and willing to adapt their solutions. Investors believe AI will create opportunities for specialized travel clubs with loyal members. They also think AI could change the travel industry's infrastructure. Startups using AI could replace search engines if they offer real value to travelers.
AI makes celebrity scams more believable, experts warn
AI is making celebrity imposter scams more believable, according to experts. Scammers use AI to create fake celebrity endorsements that are hard to spot. One scam used a fake Taylor Swift to give away free cookware. Another scam used an AI version of Elon Musk to promote cryptocurrency. To avoid these scams, check the celebrity's official website or social media page.
Iranian hackers use AI for phishing attacks on Israeli experts
Iranian hackers are using AI to target Israeli tech experts with phishing attacks. The group, called Educated Manticore or APT35, is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. They create fake profiles and use AI to craft convincing messages on email and WhatsApp. The hackers trick victims into visiting fake login pages to steal their Google account information. They also use fake Google Meet pages to steal credentials and bypass two-factor authentication.
AI boosts smart upgrades in China's manufacturing industry
AI is helping China's manufacturing industry become more advanced. Companies are using AI and robots to transform how they make products. TCL uses AI to monitor LCD production, increasing efficiency by 70%. Tianjin Huabei Group uses AI to customize products after orders are placed. Luzhou Laojiao uses digital twins to improve equipment use and reduce costs. China has thousands of smart factories that have shortened development cycles and boosted productivity.
Jabil invests $500M in US manufacturing for AI data centers
Jabil plans to invest $500 million to expand its US manufacturing in the Southeast. The investment will support cloud and AI data center infrastructure customers. Jabil is choosing a site and expects it to be running by mid-2026. This builds on Jabil's acquisition of Mikros Technologies, which specializes in liquid cooling. Jabil aims to strengthen its US presence and help leading brands navigate global challenges.
Does Accenture still matter in the age of AI asks The Economist
Accenture, a consulting company, has seen great returns since 2015. The company was worth $250 billion as the stock market climbed. Now, Accenture faces the challenge of remaking itself in the age of AI. The question is whether companies still need consultants like Accenture.
Google Photos combines classic search with AI for faster results
Google Photos is improving its AI-powered 'Ask Photos' feature to deliver faster search results. The feature lets users search their photos using natural language. Google is now combining the AI feature with its classic search feature. This allows simple searches to display results more quickly. The AI will work in the background to answer more complex searches and the rollout of Ask Photos has resumed in the US.
Sources
- Blacklisted by the U.S. and backed by Beijing, this Chinese AI startup has caught OpenAI's attention
- OpenAI: Zhipu AI is fuelling China’s global push for US tech alternatives
- As AI kills search traffic, Google launches Offerwall to boost publisher revenue
- What Venture Capital Firms Look For When Investing in Language AI
- 3 Travel Startup Investors Warn Founders Not to Fall for AI Hype
- Artificial intelligence making celebrity imposter scams even more believable
- Iranian APT35 Hackers Targeting Israeli Tech Experts with AI-Powered Phishing Attacks
- AI drives smart upgrade of China's manufacturing industry
- Jabil announces $500m investment in U.S. manufacturing for cloud and AI data center infrastructure
- Who needs Accenture in the age of AI?
- Google Photos merges classic search with AI to speed up results