Google Gemini AI Expansion, Meta AI Hiring Freeze

Google is expanding its AI Mode in Search to over 180 countries, now including Canada, and adding new features that enhance user experience. These features include AI-assisted restaurant reservations, which consider preferences like cuisine and group size, and personalized search results for U.S. users. Gemini Advanced subscribers can access these features through the 'Agentic capabilities in AI Mode' experiment. A new 'Share' button allows users to collaborate on AI Mode responses. Google has also shared data on the energy consumption of its Gemini AI service, revealing that a single text prompt uses about the same energy as watching TV for nine seconds, but efficiency improvements have reduced energy consumption by 33x over the past year. In other AI developments, 'virtual human' salespeople are gaining traction in China, with examples of AI avatars outselling human counterparts on e-commerce platforms. For instance, Brother's AI avatar sold $2,500 worth of printers in two hours. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have renamed their training facility to BigBear.ai Performance Center, highlighting the increasing integration of AI in various sectors. A recent NFPA survey indicates that 95% of respondents believe AI has a purpose in skilled trades, with 31% seeing it as a tool to streamline tasks. However, CISOs are urged to consider risks before broadly implementing AI, and companies are recognizing the importance of AI training for employees to maximize its potential. Despite the overall growth in AI, Meta has reportedly frozen hiring for AI roles, though analysts suggest this isn't necessarily a sign of a downturn in the AI sector. Conifers.ai has been recognized by Gartner in the context of AI and Cybersecurity, while concerns are raised about algorithmic wage discrimination and the need for fair and transparent wage-setting practices in the age of AI.

Key Takeaways

• Google's AI Mode in Search is now available in over 180 countries, offering features like AI-assisted restaurant reservations and personalized search results.
• Gemini Advanced users in the U.S. can access new AI Mode features through the 'Agentic capabilities in AI Mode' experiment.
• Google reports that a single Gemini text prompt consumes energy equivalent to watching TV for nine seconds, but has reduced consumption by 33x in the last year.
• AI-powered 'virtual human' salespeople are outperforming human salespeople in China, with one Brother AI avatar selling $2,500 worth of printers in two hours.
• The Washington Commanders' training facility is now named BigBear.ai Performance Center, reflecting the growing presence of AI in sports.
• An NFPA survey shows 95% of respondents believe AI has a purpose in skilled trades.
• CISOs need to carefully consider risks before implementing AI technologies within their organizations.
• Comprehensive AI training for employees is crucial for businesses to fully realize the benefits of AI.
• Meta has reportedly frozen hiring for AI roles, but the overall demand for AI talent remains high.
• Algorithmic wage discrimination is a growing concern, highlighting the need for fair and transparent wage-setting practices.

Google's AI Mode expands to 180+ countries with new features

Google is expanding its AI Mode search tool to over 180 countries in English, with more languages coming. The tool helps users ask complex questions and share AI-generated results. New features help users book restaurant reservations based on preferences using real-time options from OpenTable, Resy, and Tock. U.S. users in the Labs experiment will see personalized results based on past searches and Maps interactions. Analysts have a Strong Buy rating on GOOGL stock with potential upside.

Google AI Mode now available in 180 countries

Google launched AI Mode in 180 countries and territories, adding new features. AI Mode helps users with complex searches and provides AI-based answers. It uses a technique called 'query fan-out' to gather information from multiple sources. The tool now includes agentic experiences for restaurant reservations and personalized preferences for U.S. users. Users can also share AI Mode responses with others through shareable links.

Google AI Search gets smarter with global expansion

Google Search's AI Mode is expanding to over 180 countries and adding new features. These features help users book restaurant reservations and personalize responses. AI Mode uses Project Mariner and Google Maps to find real-time availability. Users can share AI Mode results with friends and family. The expansion allows more people to ask complex questions and discover web content.

Google AI Mode expands globally with new smart features

Google's AI Mode is now available in 180 new countries and includes new features. Users can now find restaurant reservations using AI Mode. The tool searches across platforms for real-time availability based on preferences. U.S. users will see personalized search results based on their interests. A new 'Share' button lets users collaborate with others on AI Mode responses.

Google Search AI Mode goes global with smarter features

Google Search is expanding its AI Mode beyond the US, UK, and India. The AI-powered search feature now helps with restaurant bookings, considering specific preferences. Google AI Ultra subscribers can access this through the 'Agentic capabilities in AI Mode' experiment in Labs. AI Mode also offers personalized responses for U.S. users and a 'Share' button for collaboration.

Google AI Mode expands globally with new smart features

Google is expanding AI Mode to 180 new countries, allowing users to ask complex questions. The update includes new features for finding restaurant reservations based on specific preferences. Gemini Advanced users in the U.S. can access this through the 'Agentic capabilities in AI Mode' experiment. U.S. users will also see personalized search results. A new 'Share' button enables collaboration on AI Mode responses.

Google AI Mode expands globally with restaurant finder

Google is expanding its AI Mode in Search to over 180 countries. The AI Mode now helps users find restaurant reservations using natural language. It considers group size, date, location, and cuisine preferences. This feature is currently exclusive to Gemini Advanced plan subscribers in the US. Users can also share AI-powered conversations with others.

Google AI Search gets restaurant booking feature

Google's AI Mode now helps users book restaurant reservations. The AI Mode agent can currently help users find restaurant reservations. AI Mode users will see tailored results based on personal data. The AI Mode agent can find real-time availability for restaurants. The new features are exclusive to those who pay $250 a month for Google AI Ultra.

Google Search introduces AI Mode in Canada

Google is rolling out AI Mode in Google Search for users in Canada. AI Mode is a powerful AI search experience that uses the Gemini 2.5 model. It helps users with complex questions and provides helpful links. AI Mode is multimodal, allowing users to ask questions with text, voice, or images. It helps people discover content from across the web.

Google AI Mode helps book restaurant reservations

Google Search's AI Mode can now help you book restaurant reservations. AI Mode is expanding to more than 180 countries, though only in English for now. You can describe the kind of dinner reservation you're looking for, including party size and cuisine. AI Mode will take you to the booking page. The feature is only available to AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.

Google reveals energy cost of AI text prompts

Google calculated the energy required for its Gemini AI service. Sending a single text prompt consumes as much energy as watching television for nine seconds. A typical Gemini text query uses 0.24 watt-hours of energy. The company says it has made progress in reducing the environmental impact of its Gemini platform. The energy consumption and carbon footprint of the median Gemini text prompt decreased significantly over a recent 12-month period.

Google shares energy use for Gemini AI prompts

Google unveiled measurements of energy, water use, and emissions from Gemini Apps text prompts. The company is calling for greater industry consistency in tallying AI's environmental effects. The median energy use of a single text prompt on Gemini is equivalent to watching TV for less than nine seconds. Better software efficiency and clean energy have lowered the median energy consumption of a Gemini Apps text prompt by 33x over the last year.

Google reveals energy use for AI Gemini prompts

Google shared its Gemini numbers on how much energy AI prompts consume. A single prompt's energy consumption is about the equivalent of watching TV for less than 9 seconds. The energy of a single text prompt has been reduced by 33x over the past 12 months. Google's calculation method considers factors like full-system dynamic power, idle machines, data center overhead, and water consumption.

AI 'Virtual Human' salespeople outperform real people in China

AI-powered 'virtual human' salespeople are outselling human salespeople in China. These avatars stream 24/7 on ecommerce sites like Taobao and Pinduoduo. Brother claimed its AI avatar sold $2,500 worth of printers in two hours. PLTFRM's AI avatars are trained on Chinese AI models. The avatars can generate customized responses in real time.

AI avatars transform livestream sales in China

AI avatars are transforming livestream sales in China, outperforming human salespeople. Brother's AI avatar sold $2,500 worth of printers in two hours, a 30% increase. PLTFRM uses AI analytics and language models to create these avatars. These AI avatars can craft scripts and interact with customers during livestreams. The Chinese livestream commerce market is substantial, with over a third of ecommerce sales happening during live broadcasts in 2024.

Commanders rename training facility after BigBear.ai

The Washington Commanders renamed their training facility to BigBear.ai Performance Center. BigBear.ai is a Tysons-based contractor that develops artificial intelligence technology. The training facility in Ashburn covers 162 acres. BigBear.ai's branding will be featured around the Commanders' stadium and on players' practice jerseys. BigBear provides AI-powered tools for facial recognition, cybersecurity, and data analysis.

NFPA survey highlights AI adoption in skilled trades

A new NFPA survey highlights AI adoption and skilled trades trends. 95% of respondents believe AI has a purpose in skilled trades. 31% see AI as a tool to streamline tasks amid labor shortages. 64% have noticed improved workflows since implementing digital tools. Training and certifications are priorities, but barriers remain.

CISOs need to consider risks before using AI

Organizations are increasing their use of cloud, AI, and emerging technologies. Many organizations' cybersecurity is reactive, focusing on responding to incidents. Most organizations use a mix of seven different types of cloud platforms. Many executives view security as a barrier to innovation. Security has to keep up with the pace of technology adoption.

AI training for employees changes business operations

AI training is changing how businesses operate. Companies that treat AI as a plug-and-play solution often miss its full potential. Comprehensive AI training for employees is a core part of making AI pay off. Modern AI training programs educate employees on how to use AI in their specific jobs. Teams trained to use AI technologies have a competitive advantage.

Meta freezes AI hiring Is it a warning sign?

Meta Platforms Inc. has reportedly frozen hiring for artificial intelligence roles. Some analysts believe this is not necessarily a sign of a bubble popping in the AI sector. The demand for AI talent and solutions remains high. Companies across various sectors are investing heavily in AI to improve efficiency. The long-term outlook for AI remains robust.

Conifers.ai named in Gartner Hype Cycle for AI, Cybersecurity

Conifers.ai has been named as a Sample Vendor in the AI SOC agents category in the Gartner Hype Cycle for AI and Cybersecurity, 2025. Gartner stated that generative AI is accelerating innovation. AI SOC agent tools promise security operations leaders an opportunity to augment their workforce. Conifers solves the challenges faced by SOC teams, using patent-pending agentic AI technology.

AI 'surveillance pay' uncouples work from fair wages

Workers’ pay is increasingly shaped by algorithms and AI systems. This is known as algorithmic wage discrimination or surveillance pay. Traditional employers are using automated surveillance to set compensation structures and calculate wages. Government enforcement agencies and legislators should prohibit these practices. Wage-setting practices must be predictable and scrutable.

Sources

• Google (GOOGL) Expands Its AI Mode to Over 180 Countries
• Google launches AI Mode in 180 countries and territories
• AI Mode in Search gets new agentic features and expands globally
• Google’s AI Mode expands globally, adds new agentic features
• Google Search’s AI Mode is going global and getting smarter
• Google's AI Mode expands globally, adds new agentic features
• Google AI Mode is expanding to 180 countries and adding an agentic restaurant finder
• Google AI Mode for Search gets one-trick AI agent
• Google Search: Introducing AI Mode in Canada
• Google's AI Mode can book reservations for you... kind of
• What's the environmental cost of an AI text prompt? Google says it has an answer.
• Google shares how much energy is used for new Gemini AI prompts
• How Much Energy Do Your AI Prompts Consume? Google Just Shared Its Gemini Numbers
• Chinese ‘Virtual Human’ Salespeople Are Outperforming Their Real Human Counterparts
• How AI Avatars are Transforming China's Livestream Sales
• Commanders rename training facility after Tysons AI tech contractor
• New NFPA Survey Spotlights AI Adoption, Skilled Trades Trends
• CISOs need to think about risks before rushing into AI
• How AI training for employees will change how businesses operate
• Meta Might Have Frozen AI Hiring. Is It a Warning to Artificial Intelligence Stocks?
• Conifers.ai Named in AI SOC Agents Category in the Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for AI and Cybersecurity, 2025
• How artificial intelligence uncouples hard work from fair wages through ‘surveillance pay’ practices—and how to fix it