Google Gemini Expands, OpenAI Builds Stargate Data Centers

Artificial intelligence continues its rapid expansion across various sectors, marked by significant infrastructure investments and new product rollouts. Google is broadening access to its AI Mode search feature, now available in Spanish globally and supporting additional languages like Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese. The company also introduced "Search Live" in the U.S., allowing real-time, multimodal conversations with Google Search via the Google app or Lens. Meanwhile, OpenAI is constructing massive "Stargate" AI data centers, with the first operational in Texas and plans for five more across the U.S., partnering with Oracle and Softbank. These developments underscore the immense compute power required for AI, with a recent report estimating an $800 billion revenue shortfall to meet projected demand by 2030, potentially increasing costs for hardware like GPUs and data center investments. Environmental concerns are also surfacing, with Google's Gemini AI noted for its significant energy consumption, contributing to a projected doubling of data center energy use globally by 2030. In the healthcare sector, nurses at Kaiser Permanente facilities in California have protested the use of AI and associated layoffs, expressing fears that untested technologies could replace human care, despite the company's assurances that AI tools support staff and do not make medical decisions. The entertainment industry sees optimism from figures like Idris Elba, who views AI as a tool to aid creativity and development, particularly in underserved communities. In the realm of sales, generative and agentic AI could significantly increase seller-customer interaction time, though adoption rates are currently lagging. As AI enters a commercial phase, with large deals like Nvidia's reported $100 billion investment in OpenAI for data centers, public opinion in the U.S. shows a strong consensus across party lines for prioritizing child protection over unchecked tech industry growth, with support for families' rights to sue AI companies for harm caused to children.

Key Takeaways

  • Google's AI Mode is now available in Spanish worldwide and supports Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese.
  • Google has launched "Search Live" in the U.S., enabling real-time, multimodal conversations with Google Search through its app and Google Lens.
  • OpenAI is building a network of "Stargate" AI data centers, with the first in Texas and plans for five more across the U.S., in partnership with Oracle and Softbank.
  • A report estimates the AI industry faces an $800 billion revenue shortfall by 2030 to meet its massive compute and data center investment needs.
  • Google's Gemini AI consumes significant power, contributing to concerns about the environmental impact of AI and a projected doubling of global data center energy consumption by 2030.
  • Nurses at Kaiser Permanente protested the use of AI and layoffs, fearing it could impact patient care and replace human roles.
  • Actor Idris Elba views AI as a tool for creativity and development, especially for underdeveloped communities.
  • Generative and agentic AI could increase the time sales professionals spend with customers, but adoption is currently slow.
  • Americans, across party lines, prioritize protecting children from predatory AI uses over fostering tech industry growth, supporting safeguards and the right to sue AI companies for harm.
  • Large-scale AI deals are expected as the technology enters a commercial phase, with Nvidia reportedly investing $100 billion in OpenAI for data centers.

Google AI Mode now available in Spanish worldwide

Google is expanding its AI Mode search feature to Spanish-speaking users globally. This allows users to ask questions naturally, have conversations, upload images, and explore topics more deeply. The Spanish rollout follows a major expansion in August to the U.S., U.K., and India, and also introduces AI Ultra subscribers to restaurant reservations. Google is also adding AI Mode support for Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese, while its AI Plus subscription is expanding to 40 more countries.

Google's AI Mode now speaks Spanish globally

Google's AI Mode, an AI-powered search experience, is now available in Spanish for users worldwide. This feature allows for more complex questions than traditional search engines can handle. AI Mode was first introduced in March and became globally available in May. Earlier this month, Google added Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese to its supported languages.

Google Search Live with AI now available for US app users

Google Search Live, powered by AI, is now available to all Google app users in the U.S. This feature allows real-time, multimodal conversations with Google Search in AI Mode. Users can share their camera feed, enabling the app to interpret what it sees and offer relevant links and live guidance. Search Live can be accessed through a new 'Live' icon in the Google app or via Google Lens. The feature currently supports English only.

Kaiser Permanente nurses protest AI use in hospitals

Nurses at Kaiser Permanente facilities across California protested against the use of artificial intelligence and layoffs. They expressed concerns that untested AI technologies could replace human care and lead to job losses. While Kaiser Permanente stated that AI tools do not make medical decisions and are intended to support staff, nurses fear a gradual implementation could eventually lead to technology replacing their roles. The protests also highlighted concerns about pending layoffs impacting nurses in San Rafael.

Kaiser nurses protest layoffs and AI use

Nurses at 22 Kaiser Permanente locations in California protested against layoffs and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in hospitals. They voiced concerns that AI technology could replace nurses and impact patient care, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human touch in healing. Kaiser Permanente leadership stated that AI tools support staff and do not make medical decisions, and that layoffs are a necessary resource rebalance. A proposed law, the 'No Robo Bosses Act,' aims to restrict AI use in the workforce if signed by the governor.

AI growth faces $800 billion revenue shortfall report

A new Bain report indicates that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence requires $2 trillion in annual revenue to sustain its massive compute needs, with over $500 billion per year needed for data center investment by 2030. Even with optimistic forecasts, the industry faces an $800 billion shortfall. Compute demand is growing faster than supply, leading to potential bottlenecks in power, GPUs, and capital. This situation could favor full-rack GPU platforms and edge computing for AI PCs, while also potentially increasing costs for high-end silicon and related infrastructure.

OpenAI builds first Stargate AI data center in Texas

OpenAI has opened its first massive 'Stargate' artificial intelligence data center complex in Abilene, Texas. CEO Sam Altman announced plans to build five more such complexes across the U.S., including locations in Nevada, Arizona, and Mississippi. These data centers are part of OpenAI's significant infrastructure investment aimed at powering future AI services like ChatGPT. The company is partnering with Oracle and Softbank for these large-scale projects.

Google Gemini AI's energy use sparks environmental concerns

A new report highlights that Google's Gemini AI, despite energy efficiency improvements, consumes significant power, using 0.24 watt-hours per median text query. With around 400 million monthly users, the cumulative environmental and economic impact is substantial. Data centers powering AI strain resources and increase energy costs, especially as many in the U.S. still rely on fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency predicts global data center energy consumption could more than double by 2030, requiring massive grid investments and potentially raising utility bills for consumers.

EU AI regulations and SME preparation

This article discusses how medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can prepare for the European Union's upcoming AI regulations. It uses the example of an HR manager in a manufacturing company using an in-house AI CV screening system. The system, based on a public foundation model and trained on past hires, helps identify promising candidates. The piece likely delves into how such SMEs can ensure their AI tools comply with new EU laws.

Idris Elba optimistic about AI's role in entertainment

Actor Idris Elba views artificial intelligence in entertainment with optimism, seeing it as a tool to help underdeveloped communities advance. He compares AI to new technologies like synthesizers and digital cameras, suggesting it offers a different set of tools rather than replacing human creativity. Elba believes AI can assist people in helping each other better and has potential applications in building infrastructure, including studios in Africa. He also discussed self-generation of resources for developing countries.

AI could double seller time with customers

A new Bain & Company report suggests that artificial intelligence, particularly generative and agentic AI, could significantly increase the time sales professionals spend with customers. However, the report also indicates that adoption of these AI tools within sales organizations is currently lagging behind other business functions. The potential benefits for sales, despite slow adoption, may be greater than in other areas.

AI enters commercial phase says Kindred Ventures

Steve Jang, Managing Partner at Kindred Ventures, believes artificial intelligence has moved from an experimental phase into a commercial one. He stated that large-scale deals, such as Nvidia's $100 billion investment in OpenAI for data centers, are expected given the current stage of AI development. Jang shared these insights during an appearance on 'Bloomberg Tech.'

Americans united on AI policy prioritizing children

A new poll reveals that Americans are largely united in their desire for Congress to prioritize protecting children and families from predatory AI uses over fostering tech industry growth. The vast majority of voters, across party lines, want safeguards before innovation. This contrasts with divisions within the GOP regarding AI policy, with some advocating for deregulation and others expressing skepticism. Americans also support giving families the right to sue AI companies for harm caused to children.

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.

Google AI AI Mode Spanish language support AI Ultra AI Plus Kaiser Permanente AI in healthcare Nurse protest AI job displacement AI regulations AI data centers OpenAI Stargate data center Oracle Softbank Google Gemini AI energy consumption Environmental impact of AI Data center energy use EU AI Act SMEs AI in HR AI in entertainment Idris Elba Generative AI Agentic AI AI in sales AI adoption Commercial AI Nvidia AI policy AI and children AI safety AI regulation

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