Artificial intelligence continues to weave itself into various aspects of life, from entertainment and professional careers to public safety and sports. In the film industry, Amazon MGM Studios is set to release the sci-fi thriller 'Mercy' on January 26, 2026. The movie stars Chris Pratt as a detective who must prove his innocence to an AI judge within 90 minutes, exploring themes of AI in justice. Meanwhile, the impact of AI on creative professions is a growing concern for authors like John Clayton, who notes his work has been used without permission to train AI models from Anthropic and Meta, questioning the devaluation of his writing. In the corporate world, Cisco is utilizing AI agents to streamline HR processes, answer employee questions instantly, and reduce bureaucracy, focusing on employee well-being. Microsoft's Copilot AI is also being applied to predict NFL game outcomes, analyzing various statistics to forecast results for Week 6 matchups. Gartner analysts predict market consolidation in the agentic AI sector, with larger tech firms acquiring smaller ones, influencing investment strategies. At the university level, Temple University has developed an AI mentor called 'Sam' for student-athletes, funded by a $50,000 NCAA grant, to support their mental health and well-being. Public safety is also seeing AI integration, with Minnesota deploying AI-powered cameras to detect wildfires, a system Pano AI is rolling out to alert first responders. On the hiring front, approximately 90% of employers now use AI to screen job applications, though job seekers are finding ways to bypass these systems, highlighting the need for human oversight in assessing traits like honesty and cultural fit. Finally, the merger of 383 Group and LION+MASON aims to create AI-driven digital products, combining expertise in product design and user experience.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon MGM Studios' sci-fi thriller 'Mercy,' starring Chris Pratt, is scheduled for release on January 26, 2026, featuring an AI judge system.
- Author John Clayton has expressed concern over his work being used to train AI models from Anthropic and Meta without permission, highlighting fears of devaluation.
- Cisco is implementing AI agents to improve HR functions, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance employee well-being.
- Microsoft Copilot AI is being used to predict outcomes for NFL Week 6 games, analyzing various performance metrics.
- Gartner predicts consolidation in the agentic AI market, with major tech companies acquiring smaller AI firms.
- Temple University received a $50,000 NCAA grant to develop an AI mentor app, JournAI, for student-athlete mental health.
- Minnesota is deploying AI-powered cameras, with Pano AI's technology, to enhance wildfire detection and alert first responders.
- Around 90% of employers are using AI for screening job applications, though human oversight remains critical for evaluating certain traits.
- 383 Group and LION+MASON have merged to focus on developing AI-driven digital products and user experiences.
- The film 'Mercy' explores AI's role in justice, with Chris Pratt's character facing a 90-minute trial by an AI system.
Chris Pratt stars in AI thriller 'Mercy' set for 2026 release
Chris Pratt stars as a detective in the upcoming AI thriller 'Mercy,' set to be released on January 23, 2026. In the film, Pratt's character wakes up on trial for his wife's murder, with only 90 minutes to prove his innocence to an advanced AI system called Judge Maddox, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Director Timur Bekmambetov described the role as a departure for Pratt, calling it a "next iteration" for the actor. The movie explores themes of AI's role in justice and the overlap between digital and physical life, with innovative filming techniques used to represent the character's digital footprint.
Chris Pratt faces AI justice in new 'Mercy' trailer
The trailer for Amazon MGM Studios' sci-fi thriller 'Mercy' has been released, showing Chris Pratt as Detective Raven, an LAPD officer on trial for his wife's murder. Raven must prove his innocence to an AI system within 90 minutes, a system he helped design. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the film also stars Rebecca Ferguson as the AI judge and Kali Reis as Raven's partner. The movie, set in the near future and filmed with long takes, explores the rapid evolution of AI and its potential impact on society, with a theatrical release planned for January 26, 2026.
Chris Pratt's AI thriller 'Mercy' trailer reveals a scary future
The trailer for Chris Pratt's new movie 'Mercy' has debuted, showcasing a near-future where an AI system acts as judge, jury, and executioner. Pratt plays Detective Raven, who designed this AI court but now finds himself on trial for his wife's murder. He has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to an AI judge, played by Rebecca Ferguson, with help from his partner, played by Kali Reis. Director Timur Bekmambetov noted the film's real-time structure reflects our current era of rapid AI development. The movie is set to hit theaters on January 26, 2026.
Author questions AI's use of his book for training
Author John Clayton received an offer from a technology company to use his book, 'Stories from Montana's Enduring Frontier,' for AI training for $340. He questions the value of this offer, as AI large language models threaten writers' jobs by generating text. Clayton notes that his book was previously pirated for AI training by companies like Anthropic and Meta. He reflects on the ego-deflating nature of his work being treated as mere 'data' for AI, contrasting it with the human desire for acknowledgment and wisdom.
Author ponders AI's use of his book for training
John Clayton's publisher received an offer from an AI company to use his book, 'Stories from Montana's Enduring Frontier,' for AI training for $340. Clayton expresses concern that AI text-generation models threaten writers' livelihoods and that his work might be devalued. He notes his book was previously used without permission to train AI programs from Anthropic and Meta. The author questions the true value of his book and the potential impact of AI on intellectual careers, feeling his research and writing are reduced to mere 'data' for AI consumption.
AI is now used in job interviews and hiring
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in the hiring process, with about 90% of employers utilizing AI to screen or rank job applications. AI tools help manage large volumes of applications and can even analyze recorded interviews for tone and expressions. However, job seekers are finding ways to trick AI with coded resumes, leading recruiters to update their systems. Experts emphasize that human oversight remains crucial for evaluating traits like honesty and cultural fit, which algorithms struggle to fully assess.
Cisco uses AI to save employees time and reduce bureaucracy
Cisco is leveraging AI agents and nudges to free up employee time and reduce bureaucracy, focusing on employee well-being rather than just cost-cutting. The company's HR team uses an AI agent to answer employee questions instantly, such as those about personal time off or 401k information. This AI tool also assists with logging requests and drafting communications to leaders. Cisco emphasizes building trust by being transparent about data usage and involving employees in the development of AI systems to ensure higher adoption and better outcomes.
Microsoft Copilot AI predicts NFL Week 6 game outcomes
Microsoft Copilot AI has made its predictions for all 15 NFL Week 6 matchups, aiming to rebound after a mixed record in Week 5. The AI chatbot analyzes factors like red-zone efficiency and scoring defense to pick winners and scores. For example, Copilot predicts the Eagles will defeat the Giants, citing Philadelphia's superior red-zone performance and the Giants' struggles without key players. USA TODAY provides human analysis alongside Copilot's AI-driven picks for the week's games.
Gartner's AI predictions could change investment views
Gartner analysts predict that the current oversupply of agentic AI models will lead to market consolidation, with large tech companies acquiring smaller AI firms. This trend, along with Gartner's influential Magic Quadrant evaluations, keeps the company central to enterprise technology discussions. As digital transformation and compliance needs grow, Gartner's insights on agentic AI are crucial for guiding businesses on responsible implementation. The company's strategic advice is expected to shape investment narratives and the adoption of advanced AI solutions.
Temple University develops AI mentor for student-athletes
Researchers at Temple University have created 'Sam,' a virtual mentor powered by artificial intelligence, as part of a new app called JournAI. The university received a $50,000 NCAA grant to develop this tool, which aims to support the psychosocial well-being and mental health of student-athletes nationwide. JournAI allows athletes to text with Sam about career planning, mental health, and other resources, serving as a confidential bridge to on-campus support. Pilot testing showed significant behavioral changes in participants, highlighting the app's potential impact.
Minnesota deploys AI cameras to detect wildfires
Minnesota is implementing AI-powered cameras to enhance wildfire detection across the state. These cameras scan a 10-mile radius every minute, using artificial intelligence to identify smoke, which is then verified by humans. Pano AI, the company deploying the technology, alerts utilities and first responders to potential fires. Xcel Energy is using this system to protect its infrastructure, with two cameras already operational and plans to install 36 more by 2026. Fire officials believe this technology will be crucial in responding quickly to wildfires.
383 Group and LION+MASON merge for AI product design
383 Group and LION+MASON have merged to form a new entity focused on AI-driven, human-centric digital product innovation. The combined company will operate across Birmingham, Leeds, and London, offering end-to-end digital product services. By merging 383 Group's digital product agency experience with LION+MASON's strategic research and UX design expertise, the new business aims to help clients create next-generation AI-powered products. A key focus will be enhancing loyalty and referral programs using AI and user research.
Sources
- A.I. Thriller ‘Mercy’ Was The “Next Iteration” For Chris Pratt: “This Was a Departure for Me”
- Chris Pratt Battles an AI Justice System in Chilling Trailer For MERCY
- Chris Pratt ‘Mercy’ Movie Trailer Shows Scary Near Future Where AI Is Judge, Jury & Executioner
- Opinion: Artificial intelligence wants to inhale my Montana book
- Clayton: Artificial intelligence wants to inhale my Montana book
- Do employers use AI to conduct interviews?
- How Cisco uses AI agents and nudges to cut bureaucracy and free employees’ time
- NFL Week 6 predictions by Microsoft Copilot AI for every game
- How Gartner's (IT) Bold Predictions on Agentic AI May Reshape Its Investment Narrative
- Temple researchers win NCAA grant to build AI-mentor for student-athletes
- Minnesota getting new tool to fight wildfires: AI-powered cameras
- 383 Group & LION+MASON merge for AI-powered product design
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