Google AI Push, Microsoft Copilot Update, DeepSeek Interest

AI is rapidly changing various aspects of life, from legal frameworks to education and business strategies. Globally, new AI laws, such as the EU AI Act, are emerging to manage risks and ensure ethical AI use, while in the US, the White House has released an AI Action Plan to boost innovation and security by reducing regulations and investing in AI skills. Simultaneously, companies like Google, under the direction of Sundar Pichai, are pushing employees to adopt AI tools to enhance productivity and cut costs, even acquiring AI coding startups like Windsurf. Microsoft is experimenting with adding a visual interface to its Copilot AI, giving it a face to make it more relatable. In education, UConn professor Metin Coşgel is integrating AI into economics courses to improve students' writing skills, focusing on the writing process rather than just the final product. However, concerns remain, with a BSM Media survey revealing that while most moms use AI daily, a significant percentage are worried about security and privacy. Cybersecurity firm Coalfire's launch of AI security services, after successfully hacking all AI apps tested, underscores these concerns. In Southeast Asia, investors are excited about AI models like those from DeepSeek but are cautious due to market conditions and funding drops. Ansys, now part of Synopsys, is using AI to enhance simulation productivity with its Ansys 2025 R2 release, including the Ansys Engineering Copilot. Texas is also adapting, with a new law allowing AI use in healthcare under specific rules to ensure responsible implementation.

Key Takeaways

• The EU AI Act and US White House AI Action Plan are setting the stage for global AI regulation and innovation.
• Google, led by Sundar Pichai, is aggressively pushing internal AI adoption to boost productivity and cut costs, acquiring AI coding startup Windsurf to enhance its capabilities.
• Microsoft is testing a visual "face" for its Copilot AI to enhance user engagement.
• UConn professor Metin Coşgel is integrating AI into economics courses to improve student writing skills.
• A survey indicates that while 85% of moms use AI daily, 73% have security and privacy concerns.
• Coalfire launched AI security services after successfully hacking all AI applications it tested, highlighting significant AI security vulnerabilities.
• Southeast Asian investors are interested in AI, particularly DeepSeek's models, but are cautious due to market conditions and funding declines.
• Ansys 2025 R2 uses AI to boost simulation productivity, including the new Ansys Engineering Copilot.
• Texas will allow AI use in healthcare starting September 1, 2025, with specific rules to ensure responsible use.
• Legal professionals globally need to stay updated on changing AI laws to balance innovation with public safety.

Global AI laws are changing legal work and raising safety questions

AI is changing how law firms and businesses work, bringing both benefits and risks. New AI laws are being created worldwide, including the EU AI Act, to manage these risks and ensure AI is used safely and ethically. The EU AI Act classifies AI systems by risk, with strict rules for high-risk systems and bans for unacceptable risks like exploiting vulnerabilities. In the US, agencies like the SEC, FTC, and FCC are also making rules for specific AI uses. Legal professionals need to stay updated on these changing laws to balance innovation with public safety.

White House AI Action Plan aims to boost innovation and security

The White House released its AI Action Plan to boost American leadership in AI. The plan focuses on three main goals accelerating AI innovation, building strong AI infrastructure, and leading international AI efforts. It suggests reducing regulations that slow down AI development and investing in AI skills for workers. The plan also aims to protect AI systems from cyber threats and prevent enemies from using AI to harm the US. Businesses should follow state and federal AI rules and invest in data and AI strategies.

UConn professor uses AI to improve student writing skills

UConn professor Metin Co\u015fgel is testing a new way to teach writing using AI in his economics courses. He believes AI can help students become better writers if used correctly. His new course, ECON 2500W, will combine AI tools with traditional teaching methods. Students will focus on the writing process, not just the final paper, to build important skills. Co\u015fgel hopes this approach will help students learn to write well and understand how to use AI effectively.

UConn Economist uses AI to help students improve writing

Professor Metin Co\u015fgel at UConn is trying out a new AI-integrated writing plan for economics students. He wants to see if AI can help students become better writers. Co\u015fgel believes it's important to guide students through the writing process, not just have them use AI to create a final paper. This fall, he will launch a redesigned ECON 2500W course that uses AI tools with regular teaching to help students improve their writing and learn important skills for the future.

Microsoft gives its Copilot AI bot a face

Microsoft is testing a new feature that gives its Copilot AI a face. The face is simple and cartoon-like, designed to be friendly and not threatening. The AI's appearance changes with its emotions and reacts when you interact with it. Some people find it makes the AI more trustworthy, while others find it a bit annoying. Microsoft may add more character options in the future, but for now, the face is a fun add-on to the AI experience.

How is AI changing your life? Share your stories

Artificial intelligence is changing the world, and people are using it in many ways. People use AI to code apps, apply for jobs, create marketing plans, and even teach. Some people talk to AI chatbots like friends or advisors. The rules for using AI are still being decided by companies, researchers, and users. The New York Times wants to know how AI has become part of your life and what concerns you have about it.

Southeast Asian investors like AI but worry about the region's market

Venture investors in Southeast Asia are excited about AI, especially after DeepSeek's AI models gained attention. However, they are worried about the region's market. Funding for startups in Southeast Asia has dropped significantly. Investors are looking for companies that make money instead of spending it. They also worry about the lack of successful exits, like IPOs, in the region. While there are opportunities in climate and sustainability startups, investors are being patient and waiting for the right time to invest.

Coalfire launches AI security after hacking all tested AI apps

Cybersecurity company Coalfire has launched new AI security services to help businesses protect their AI systems. This comes after Coalfire successfully hacked every AI application it tested. The new services will help companies find weaknesses, test their defenses, and manage AI risks. Coalfire's services include assessing AI readiness, threat modeling, penetration testing, and risk advising. These services will help organizations stay secure and follow rules while using AI.

Survey reveals moms' comfort, concerns about AI in their homes

A new survey by BSM Media shows that most moms are using AI every day, but they also have concerns. The survey found that 85% of moms use AI for things like writing and managing their homes. However, 73% are worried about security and privacy. Most moms prefer toys that don't need apps and are interested in personalized AI stories for their kids. They also want AI products to be affordable, with $50 being a good price point.

Ansys 2025 R2 uses AI to boost simulation productivity

Ansys, now part of Synopsys, has released Ansys 2025 R2, which uses AI to make simulations faster and easier. The new release includes Ansys Engineering Copilot, an AI assistant that gives users access to simulation expertise and support. It also adds AI features to seven Ansys products, making simulations more accessible. The update improves data management and automation, helping businesses use data to improve AI integration and make better product decisions.

Texas law allows AI use in healthcare with some rules

A new law in Texas will allow healthcare workers to use AI for things like diagnosing patients and creating treatment plans starting September 1, 2025. However, there are rules they must follow. They must work within their professional license, follow all laws, review AI-created medical records, and tell patients they are using AI. This law aims to help healthcare workers use AI safely and responsibly.

Google tells employees to use AI more to boost productivity

Google executives are urging employees to use AI to be more productive and cut costs. CEO Sundar Pichai said Google needs to achieve more by using AI effectively. Google is building more AI tools for software engineers and encouraging employees to learn how to use them. The company has an internal site called "AI Savvy Google" with courses and toolkits. Google also acquired Windsurf, an AI coding startup, to help improve its AI capabilities.

Sources

• AI laws across U.S. and global practice areas
• US AI Vision in Action: What Businesses Need to Know About the White House AI Action Plan
• Economist Reimagines Writing Courses in the Age of AI
• Economist Reimagines Writing Courses In Age Of AI
• Microsoft Puts a Face to Their (Bad) AI Bot Name
• Opinion | How Are You Using A.I.?
• Southeast Asia’s venture investors are excited about AI—but less excited about the region
• Coalfire Launches AI Security Services After Breaching All Tested Apps
• Moms and Artificial Intelligence: New Survey from BSM Media Reveals Shift in Comfort, Concerns, and Consumer Expectations
• Ansys 2025 R2 Enables Next-Level Productivity by Leveraging AI, Smart Automation, and Broader On-Demand Capabilities
• New Texas Law Permits Use of AI In Health Care
• Google execs say employees have to 'be more AI-savvy' as competition ramps up