AI News: OpenAI Names Instacart Ex-CEO, ChatGPT Focus

Artificial intelligence continues to expand its reach across various sectors, from critical infrastructure to personal health and business operations, while also prompting discussions on ethics and human connection. GE Vernova Inc. is strengthening the electric grid by acquiring Alteia SAS, a French software company specializing in AI-driven visual data analysis. This acquisition, expected to finalize on August 1, will enhance GE Vernova's GridOS and Electrification Software businesses, allowing utilities to inspect infrastructure, manage vegetation, and assess storm damage more efficiently. In the realm of edge AI, Ambiq Micro has introduced two new runtime tools, HeliosRT and HeliosAOT, for its Apollo system-on-chips. These tools aim to deploy advanced AI models into battery-powered devices like wearables and IoT sensors, improving inference speed, power efficiency, and memory use. HeliosRT is currently in beta with a full release planned for late 2025, alongside HeliosAOT. OpenAI is bolstering its application division with the appointment of Fiji Simo, former CEO of Instacart, as its new CEO. Starting on the 18th of next month, Simo will focus on transforming OpenAI's AI models, including ChatGPT and enterprise solutions, into practical products for users, signaling a strategic shift towards real-world applications. However, the rapid integration of AI also raises significant concerns. New research by Sonali Sharma and Roxana Daneshjou indicates a sharp decline in medical warnings from AI chatbots when answering health questions. Less than 1% of AI responses in 2025 included a disclaimer, a substantial drop from 26% in 2022, with some models like xAI's Grok and OpenAI's GPT-4.5 providing no warnings for serious medical inquiries. This trend sparks worries about users potentially trusting unsafe medical advice. Addressing such risks, the Cyber Security Hub will host a webinar on "AI Governance in Action" on July 22, 2025, focusing on securing and building trustworthy AI systems. Similarly, Wiz offers a unified cloud security platform, collaborating with AWS, to help businesses safely deploy AI and manage multi-cloud environments. Beyond technology, the human element remains vital. A writing teacher and yoga practitioner highlights that AI cannot replicate the deep, personal connection and embodied experience found in practices like yoga, suggesting a growing need for such human interactions in an increasingly high-tech world. Meanwhile, education is adapting to this evolving landscape, with the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) launching a new Associate of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence in Fall 2025, preparing students for careers in machine learning and data-driven decision-making with an emphasis on ethical use. Businesses are also leveraging AI for operational improvements. Ali Hasham, an experienced sales leader, has launched Revenue Optics, a new consulting firm in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to helping B2B distributors and industrial companies establish AI-powered inside sales teams. Furthermore, small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are adopting AI-powered, no-code tools to create their own custom back office systems, automating tasks like invoicing and billing, which saves time and improves cash flow, as demonstrated by David Schwartz, founder of Household.

Key Takeaways

  • GE Vernova is acquiring French AI company Alteia SAS to enhance electric grid management through visual data analysis, with the deal expected to close on August 1.
  • Ambiq Micro has launched HeliosRT and HeliosAOT, new edge AI runtime tools for Apollo system-on-chips, designed to improve AI model deployment in battery-powered devices by late 2025.
  • Fiji Simo, former CEO of Instacart, will become the new CEO of OpenAI's application division on the 18th of next month, focusing on developing user-facing products like ChatGPT.
  • A study found that less than 1% of AI chatbot responses to health questions in 2025 included medical warnings, a significant decrease from 26% in 2022, raising concerns about user safety.
  • Wiz provides a unified cloud security platform that partners with AWS to secure AI and multi-cloud environments, enabling businesses to innovate safely.
  • The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) will launch a new Associate of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence in Fall 2025, covering machine learning, natural language processing, and ethical AI use.
  • Ali Hasham has launched Revenue Optics, a consulting firm in Memphis, Tennessee, to help B2B distributors and industrial companies build AI-powered inside sales teams.
  • Small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are utilizing AI-powered, no-code tools to create custom back office systems, automating tasks such as invoicing and billing.
  • The Cyber Security Hub will host a webinar on "AI Governance in Action" on July 22, 2025, to discuss creating secure, responsible, and trustworthy AI systems.
  • Human connection and embodied experiences, such as those found in yoga, offer aspects that artificial intelligence cannot replicate, highlighting their growing importance.

GE Vernova buys AI company Alteia for grid checks

GE Vernova Inc. is buying Alteia SAS, a French software company, to use artificial intelligence for strengthening the electric grid. Alteia's software uses AI to analyze visual data like photos, helping power companies inspect infrastructure, trim vegetation, and assess storm damage. This deal helps GE Vernova improve utility operations and quickly restore power. The acquisition is expected to be finalized on August 1.

GE Vernova acquires Alteia to boost grid AI tools

GE Vernova plans to buy Alteia, a French company that creates AI tools for utility grid reviews. GE Vernova already uses Alteia's software in its GridOS Visual Intelligence system to help utilities inspect power lines and assess damage. This purchase will improve the system by adding more visual and operational data, allowing companies to better "see and sense" the grid. The acquisition is set to close on August 1.

GE Vernova buys French AI startup Alteia for grid

GE Vernova is acquiring Alteia, a French startup known for its computer vision technology for power grids. GE Vernova already uses Alteia's software in its GridOS and Electrification Software businesses. This acquisition will help utilities manage infrastructure more efficiently, such as detecting overgrown trees or early signs of sparks. The deal is expected to close on August 1.

Ambiq launches new tools for edge AI devices

Ambiq Micro has introduced two new edge AI runtime tools, HeliosRT and HeliosAOT, designed for its Apollo system-on-chips. These tools help deploy advanced AI models into battery-powered devices like wearables and IoT sensors, making them run longer. HeliosRT improves inference speed and power efficiency, while HeliosAOT reduces memory use by converting AI models into C code. HeliosRT is in beta now, with a full release in late 2025, and HeliosAOT will be generally available in late 2025.

AI chatbots remove medical warnings study finds

New research shows that AI companies have mostly stopped adding medical warnings to their chatbots when answering health questions. A study by Sonali Sharma and Roxana Daneshjou found that less than 1% of AI responses in 2025 included a disclaimer, a big drop from 26% in 2022. This change means users might trust unsafe medical advice more easily. Some AI models, like xAI's Grok and OpenAI's GPT-4.5, gave no warnings for serious medical questions or image analysis. Experts worry this trend could lead to real harm as more people use AI for health advice.

Yoga offers human connection AI cannot replicate

A writing teacher and yoga practitioner shares how AI cannot replace the personal experience of yoga. She notes that while AI can write essays or structure a yoga class, it cannot provide the deep, human connection and presence found in practicing yoga. The author believes that as artificial intelligence becomes more common, the need for real, embodied experiences like yoga will grow. Yoga helps people stay connected to themselves and others, offering a balance to a high-tech world.

Fiji Simo becomes OpenAI applications CEO

Fiji Simo, former CEO of Instacart, will become the new CEO of OpenAI's application division. She will start her new role on the 18th of next month. Simo believes AI can create many opportunities in areas like knowledge, health, and economic freedom. Her job will be to turn OpenAI's AI models into real products for users, such as ChatGPT and enterprise solutions. This move shows OpenAI is focusing more on bringing its technology to everyday life.

Webinar to explore AI security and governance

The Cyber Security Hub is hosting a webinar called "AI Governance in Action: Creating Secure, Responsible and Trustworthy AI Systems." This event will focus on protecting AI systems as they become more important for businesses. Experts from SISA will discuss how to secure AI applications and build trust through good design. The webinar aims to help North American professionals understand and manage AI security risks. It will take place on July 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM EDT.

CCBC launches new AI associate degree program

The Community College of Baltimore County CCBC will launch a new Associate of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence starting in Fall 2025. This program will teach students about machine learning, natural language processing, and data-driven decision-making, focusing on both practical skills and ethical use of AI. It is designed to help students transfer to bachelor's degree programs at universities like the University of Maryland Global Campus. The program aims to prepare students for growing careers in technology fields, where entry-level AI jobs are expected to increase significantly by 2030.

Wiz secures cloud and AI innovation on AWS

Wiz offers a unified cloud security platform designed to help businesses use AI and multi-cloud environments safely. The platform provides a complete view of cloud risks, helping teams prioritize and manage security effectively. Wiz works closely with AWS to secure everything from virtual machines to AI tools, even those deployed without approval. This allows companies to innovate faster with AI while keeping their data and systems protected. Businesses using Wiz have reported faster product delivery and better risk management.

Ali Hasham launches Revenue Optics for AI sales

Ali Hasham, an experienced sales leader, has launched Revenue Optics, a new consulting firm based in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm helps B2B distributors and industrial companies create and grow inside sales teams that use artificial intelligence. Hasham aims to transform inside sales into a key driver for customer growth and retention. Revenue Optics will provide guidance on team setup, sales strategies, and integrating AI tools to help companies grow faster and achieve consistent results.

SMBs build DIY back offices with AI tools

Small-to-medium-sized businesses, or SMBs, are now using AI-powered, no-code tools to create their own custom back office systems. This allows them to automate tasks like invoicing, billing, and tax calculations without needing to write complex code. For example, David Schwartz, founder of Household, used an AI tool to automate his agency's invoice creation, saving many hours. This "do it yourself" approach gives SMBs more control and flexibility, helping them save money and improve cash flow.

Sources

NOTE:

This news brief was generated using AI technology (including, but not limited to, Google Gemini API, Llama, Grok, and Mistral) from aggregated news articles, with minimal to no human editing/review. It is provided for informational purposes only and may contain inaccuracies or biases. This is not financial, investment, or professional advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please verify all information with the linked original articles in the Sources section below.

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