The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, with significant developments across various sectors. Google's Gemini app, particularly its Nano Banana AI feature, is gaining widespread popularity, especially in India, where users are creatively generating retro portraits and interacting with world leaders in AI-generated images. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has publicly praised Google Gemini's Nano Banana tool, calling it "so good" and "terrific." Meanwhile, SoftBank's planned joint venture with OpenAI to offer AI services in Japan is experiencing significant delays, with updates now expected in November. In the finance sector, prompt writing for generative AI is becoming a critical skill, with companies like Salesforce training employees to craft precise instructions for AI agents. On the educational front, a concerning incident in Iowa highlights the misuse of AI, as students face charges for creating fake nude images of classmates, underscoring the challenges of regulating rapidly advancing technology. Elsewhere, Kazakhstan is leveraging AI to improve its social assistance system with a model showing over 90% accuracy in eligibility analysis. The broader implications of AI are being discussed globally, with experts at an Axios summit debating the AI race with China, and women leaders emphasizing the need for an 'elastic mindset' to adapt to the AI revolution.
Key Takeaways
- Google's Gemini app, featuring the Nano Banana AI tool, is experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly in India, topping free app charts.
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has expressed strong approval for Google Gemini's Nano Banana AI, calling it "so good" and "terrific."
- India leads in the creative use of Google Nano Banana AI, with users generating retro portraits and images alongside world leaders.
- SoftBank's joint venture with OpenAI for AI services in Japan is facing significant delays, with progress updates now anticipated in November.
- Prompt writing for generative AI is emerging as a key skill for finance professionals, with companies like Salesforce focusing on employee training in this area.
- A concerning incident in Iowa involves students facing charges for allegedly using AI to create fake nude images of classmates.
- Kazakhstan's Ministry of Labor and Social Protection is implementing an AI model with over 90% accuracy to enhance its Targeted Social Assistance system.
- Women leaders are stressing the importance of an 'elastic mindset' to navigate the rapid changes brought about by the AI revolution.
- Discussions at an Axios summit reveal differing expert opinions on the AI race with China and strategies for global AI development.
- The Llama Lounge in Silicon Valley serves as a hub for AI founders and investors, emphasizing community building and trust for innovation.
Nvidia CEO loves Google Gemini's Nano Banana AI
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed his admiration for Google Gemini's new AI tool, Nano Banana, calling it "so good" and "terrific." Google CEO Sundar Pichai reacted positively to Huang's praise on social media, stating it made his day. The Nano Banana tool has become popular on social media for creating visuals. Users are impressed with its capabilities and cost efficiency. This interaction highlights the growing excitement around advanced AI image generation tools.
India leads in Google Nano Banana AI usage with unique trends
India has become the top country for using Google's Nano Banana AI image generator, part of the Gemini app. Users in India are creatively using the tool to generate retro portraits, especially those inspired by 1990s Bollywood and traditional Indian attire like sarees. The Gemini app has reached the top of free app charts in India due to Nano Banana's popularity. Google is also seeing users employ its Veo 3 AI video model to create videos from old family photos. While usage is high, concerns about privacy and data misuse are also emerging.
Create AI photos with world leaders using Google Gemini Nano Banana
A new trend on social media involves users creating lifelike AI portraits of themselves alongside world leaders using Google Gemini's Nano Banana feature. Users can download the Gemini app, upload their photos, and use prompts like "Create a Cinematic hyper-realistic documentary-style photo. This person in this picture sits confidently between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump at a rustic wooden table." The Nano Banana tool generates ultra-realistic portraits, blurring the line between reality and art. This trend has significantly boosted the Gemini app's downloads, surpassing ChatGPT.
SoftBank and OpenAI Japan AI venture delayed
SoftBank's planned joint venture with OpenAI to offer AI services in Japan is facing significant delays. The venture, named SB OpenAI Japan, was expected to launch this summer but is taking longer than anticipated. An update on its progress is now expected in November. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son had announced the partnership with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in February. The delay comes as SoftBank also faces delays with its large-scale Stargate project for data centers in the U.S.
SoftBank OpenAI Japan AI venture delayed
A joint venture between SoftBank and OpenAI aimed at bringing AI services to Japanese corporate customers is significantly behind schedule. The partnership, known as SB OpenAI, was intended to launch this summer but is experiencing delays. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that progress is taking longer than expected. This venture is part of SoftBank's broader strategy to invest heavily in artificial intelligence technologies.
Silicon Valley Llama Lounge offers AI future insights
The Llama Lounge in Silicon Valley, a gathering for AI founders, investors, and leaders, highlights key lessons for the future of AI. Events like these emphasize the importance of purpose-driven curation and community building for innovation. Trust is also a crucial currency, with genuine collaboration and mutual support being key. The event showcased ten AI startups working in diverse fields like robotics, health tech, and automation, demonstrating the vibrant and collaborative nature of the AI ecosystem.
Iowa students charged for AI misuse creating fake nude images
Three students from Cascade High School in Iowa face charges for allegedly using artificial intelligence to create fake nude images of their classmates. This incident occurred in April, and the exact number of images and victims is still unknown. Iowa's governor signed a law last year making the creation of AI-generated sexual content of minors a crime. Authorities are emphasizing the need for parents to monitor their children's online activity due to the rapid development of AI technology outpacing regulation.
AI prompt writing becomes key finance skill
Writing effective prompts for generative AI is emerging as a crucial skill for finance professionals. Companies like Salesforce are training employees not just to use AI agents but to craft precise, plain English instructions. This skill requires trial and error to achieve the right level of detail for accurate querying. Experts emphasize that critical thinking remains essential when working with AI, and adapting prompts significantly improves AI model performance. This evolution reflects a broader shift in resume requirements, valuing AI interaction skills alongside traditional credentials.
Trovex.ai launches AI sales training in India
Bengaluru-based startup Trovex.ai has launched its AI-powered sales enablement platform in India. The platform uses generative AI to create realistic customer simulations for sales training, helping companies improve onboarding and win rates. Co-founders Amaresh Ojha and Supneet Kataria recognized the need for better sales training methods beyond traditional classroom sessions. With expertise from AI researcher Dhruv Shindhe, Trovex.ai aims to provide a safe space for sales representatives to practice and improve before real customer interactions. The company plans to expand into Middle East and Southeast Asian markets by mid-2026.
Kazakhstan uses AI for social assistance
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Labor and Social Protection is implementing artificial intelligence to enhance its Targeted Social Assistance (TSA) system. An AI model using the Random Forest Classifier has shown over 90% accuracy in analyzing factors for eligibility. Initially, AI-generated decisions will serve as recommendations for new applications during a pilot phase. Future stages include using computer vision to analyze visual data and developing personalized support plans for families. This initiative aims to improve objectivity and reduce social dependency and fraud.
Women leaders stress 'elastic mindset' for AI revolution
At P&I's Influential Women in Institutional Investing conference, influential women emphasized the importance of an 'elastic mindset' to navigate the AI revolution. Panelists discussed staying relevant in the face of rapid technological advancements. The focus was on adapting to AI and technology changes, particularly within the investment strategies sector. This highlights the need for continuous learning and flexibility in professional development as AI continues to transform industries.
AI race with China divides experts at Axios summit
A recent Axios summit revealed a division among AI leaders and policymakers regarding the race with China. Discussions highlighted differing views on how to approach AI development and regulation in the context of global competition. The summit explored the strategic implications of AI advancements and the challenges of maintaining leadership in this rapidly evolving field. Experts debated the best strategies for fostering innovation while addressing national security and economic concerns related to AI.
Sources
- Sundar Pichai reacts to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang ‘going bananas’ for Google Gemini’s Nano Banana
- India leads the way on Google’s Nano Banana with a local creative twist
- Gemini AI photo trend: Simple prompt to create lifelike portrait with any world leader
- SoftBank, OpenAI Japan AI joint venture is delayed, source says
- OpenAI & SoftBank's Japan AI venture delayed
- 5 Lessons On The Future Of AI From Silicon Valley’s Llama Lounge
- Iowa high school students charged for AI misuse for creating fake nude images of classmates
- Why AI prompt writing is the next core skill for finance
- Trovex.ai brings AI-powered sales training revolution to India's enterprise market
- Kazakhstan to Implement Artificial Intelligence in Social Assistance System - The Times Of Central Asia
- Influential Women emphasize having an ‘elastic mindset’ to adapt to AI revolution
- Race with China divides AI leaders, policy makers at Axios summit