google, adobe and microsoft Updates

Several significant developments are happening in the AI space. California is partnering with tech giants like Google, Adobe, IBM, and Microsoft to enhance AI education and skills training across various educational levels, from K-12 to the California State University system. These companies will provide tools, training, and resources at no cost to the state, with initiatives ranging from Adobe Express to Google's Generative AI for Educators course. OpenAI has launched GPT-5, its newest AI model, which is available through the ChatGPT web interface. GPT-5 combines OpenAI's flagship models with reasoning models, routing queries to either a fast or slower version automatically, offering faster reasoning and reduced incorrect claims. However, OpenAI is also bringing back GPT-4o as an option in ChatGPT after users expressed dissatisfaction with GPT-5, finding GPT-4o more personable. The launch of GPT-5 is also sparking a potential AI price war, with its API priced lower than competitors like Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.1. In other news, Mark Zuckerberg envisions AI-powered glasses for personal superintelligence, while Hertz is using AI at Tampa International Airport to check rental cars for damage. AI is also being used to train pharmaceutical sales representatives through roleplay simulations and to improve lead generation for businesses through companies like Funnelsmiths. Furthermore, AI is being integrated into K-12 schools to improve teaching and learning, though equity and privacy concerns remain. The cybersecurity market is also seeing AI advances, with companies like SentinelOne acquiring Prompt Security and WiseBee raising funds for AI-powered security platforms. Finally, small businesses are increasingly adopting AI, with many planning workforce growth in 2025 as a result.

Key Takeaways

• California is partnering with Google, Adobe, IBM, and Microsoft to boost AI skills training in schools and universities.
• OpenAI has launched GPT-5, featuring faster reasoning and improved performance, available via ChatGPT.
• OpenAI is reintroducing GPT-4o in ChatGPT due to user preference for its personality.
• GPT-5's low pricing may trigger an AI price war, impacting competitors.
• Mark Zuckerberg envisions AI-powered glasses for personal superintelligence through Meta.
• Hertz is using AI at Tampa Airport to automatically check rental cars for damage.
• AI roleplay is being used to train pharmaceutical sales reps, improving communication skills.
• Funnelsmiths is using AI to enhance lead generation for businesses.
• AI is improving teaching in K-12 schools, but equity and privacy concerns exist.
• Small businesses are increasingly adopting AI and planning workforce growth in 2025.

California partners with Google, Adobe, IBM, Microsoft to boost AI skills

California is teaming up with Google, Adobe, IBM, and Microsoft to improve AI education and skills. The tech companies will help train California's workforce and students in grades 9-12, community colleges, and the California State University System for AI jobs. The partnership aims to provide tools, training, and resources at no cost to the state. Each company will offer different programs, such as Adobe Express, AI training from Google, IBM Skillsbuild, and Microsoft Copilot training.

California teams up with tech giants for AI job training

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a partnership with Adobe, Google, IBM, and Microsoft to train students for AI jobs. The companies will help prepare students in grades 9-12, community colleges, and the California State University system. The goal is to increase access to and understanding of AI. The program will not cost California taxpayers any money.

California schools get AI tools from Google, Adobe, IBM, Microsoft

California State University and California Community College systems will get AI tools from Google, Adobe, IBM, and Microsoft. The companies will provide AI for students and teachers to use. Adobe will offer AI software to grades 9-12, while IBM will integrate AI and Machine Learning into high school and community college programs. Google will provide its Generative AI for Educators course to California educators for free.

Newsom partners with tech giants for AI training in California

In a major California AI partnership...

OpenAI releases GPT-5 with faster reasoning and better user experience

OpenAI has launched GPT-5, its newest AI model, now available through the ChatGPT web interface. GPT-5 combines OpenAI's flagship models with reasoning models, routing queries to either a fast or slower version automatically. Sam Altman compares GPT-5 to Apple's Retina displays, offering a better user experience. GPT-5 reasons faster, is cheaper to run, and reduces incorrect claims compared to previous models. It performs well on benchmarks, but some say these tests are becoming too easy.

ChatGPT brings back GPT-4o after users missed its personality

OpenAI is bringing back GPT-4o as an option in ChatGPT after replacing it with GPT-5. Many ChatGPT users were unhappy with the change and missed the older model. Paid users can now choose to use GPT-4o again. Some users felt that GPT-4o was more personable and like a friend, while GPT-5 felt corporate and less engaging.

OpenAI launches GPT-5 amid security breach and leadership concerns

OpenAI launched GPT-5, its most powerful AI model, offering more accurate answers and improved performance. The new model is free to all ChatGPT users and available through an API for developers. Users can customize responses with four preset personalities Cynic, Robot, Listener, and Nerd. Meanwhile, President Trump called for Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign due to ties with Chinese companies. Hewlett Packard Enterprise's merger with Juniper faces potential legal challenges.

Zuckerberg envisions AI-powered glasses for personal superintelligence

Mark Zuckerberg believes the future involves using AI on devices like glasses. Meta's goal is to create personal superintelligence for everyone, accessed through these devices. Zuckerberg sees AI helping people achieve goals and be better friends. He is investing heavily in AI, hiring top talent and spending billions. Some critics say his vision lacks ambition compared to the potential of superintelligence.

Hertz uses AI at Tampa airport to check rental car damage

Hertz is using AI-powered scanners at Tampa International Airport to check rental cars for damage. The scanners can detect dents, scratches, tire wear, and undercarriage damage. Other companies, like Hilton, are also using AI to detect smoking in hotel rooms. Experts recommend that customers still document the condition of rental cars themselves to avoid false charges.

AI roleplay trains pharmaceutical sales reps for real world

AI-simulated roleplay is being used to train pharmaceutical sales representatives. The AI creates realistic, interactive simulations to help them improve communication skills and product knowledge. The technology adapts to user responses and provides personalized feedback. This method offers a consistent and scalable training solution for the pharmaceutical industry.

Funnelsmiths' AI lead machine transforms sales with smart technology

Funnelsmiths is using AI to improve lead generation for businesses. Their AI lead machine drives targeted traffic to websites. The system uses marketing psychology and learns to increase engagement. This helps businesses build trust with customers and improve their return on investment.

AI improves teaching in K-12 schools despite equity concerns

AI is being used in K-12 schools to improve teaching and learning. Teachers are using AI to plan lessons, communicate with parents, and grade assignments. AI can help students develop critical thinking and creativity. However, there are concerns about equity, privacy, and the potential for students to cheat. AI can also tailor lessons, translate text, and provide feedback to students.

OpenAI's GPT-5 launch sparks potential AI price war

OpenAI launched GPT-5 at a low price, potentially starting a price war in the AI industry. The GPT-5 API costs $1.25 per 1 million input tokens and $10 per 1 million output tokens. This is cheaper than Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.1. Developers are praising the pricing, which could benefit vibe-coding tool providers and startups building on AI models. Competitors may need to lower their prices to compete.

Cybersecurity market sees AI advances, funding, and MSSP growth

The cybersecurity market is seeing growth in AI, funding, and MSSP expansion. SentinelOne acquired Prompt Security to improve AI tool oversight for MSSPs. WiseBee raised money to build its AI-powered security platform for mid-sized businesses. Mitigata secured funding to expand its AI-driven cyber resilience platform. Bitdefender is launching cybersecurity advisory services to help organizations build security strategies.

Small businesses embrace AI, plan workforce growth in 2025

Small businesses are increasingly using AI, with 68% already adopting it and more planning to do so. Most say AI is enhancing jobs rather than replacing them. Many small businesses using AI plan to grow in 2025 and create new jobs. However, some still lack the resources and expertise to use AI effectively. Challenges include choosing the right tools and concerns about data privacy and security.

Sources

• Gov. Newsom announces new statewide partnership with tech giants to bolster AI education, resources
• California teams with Adobe, Google, IBM, Microsoft for AI workforce training
• Newsom announces agreement to bring AI products from Big Tech into state colleges, high schools
• Why is Gov. Newsom partnering with tech giants for AI training?
• GPT-5 is here. Now what?
• ChatGPT is bringing back 4o as an option because people missed it
• Fortune Tech: Eyewatering
• Mark Zuckerberg’s unbelievably bleak AI vision
• Hertz using artificial intelligence at Tampa International Airport to inspect rental cars for damage
• AI-Simulated Roleplay Adopted as Training Tool for Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives
• From Click to Customer How The Funnelsmiths 10X AI Lead Machine Transforms Funnels into NonStop Sales Systems
• AI is taking hold in K-12 schools – here are some ways it can improve teaching
• OpenAI priced GPT-5 so low, it may spark a price war
• MSSP Market News: Autonomous Defense, AI Risk, and MSSP Expansion
• Small business AI adoption jumps to 68% as owners plan significant workforce growth in 2025