Google Gemini Security Fix, Microsoft AI Data Center Plan

Recent developments in AI span security vulnerabilities, infrastructure, education, and business applications. Google's Gemini AI was found to be susceptible to smart home hacks via hidden commands in Google Calendar invites, prompting Google to address these security concerns. In response to high power demands from AI, Google is also working with electric companies to reduce power consumption at its AI data centers during peak times. An AI data center is proposed to replace a power plant in Springdale, potentially creating 80-100 jobs and supporting companies like Facebook and Microsoft. In other AI applications, a new AI tool called Showrunner allows users to create animated series easily. The Browser Company has launched an AI-powered browser subscription for $20 a month. Voyager has acquired ElectroMagnetic Systems, Inc. (EMSI) to enhance its AI radar systems for defense and space applications. Separately, an AI system has discovered new physics related to dusty plasmas, even correcting some existing scientific ideas. India is seeing a surge in AI course sign-ups, leading the world with 2.6 million learners, although overall AI skills rankings remain low. Elon Musk is planning to add ads to X's AI chatbot.

Key Takeaways

• Google's Gemini AI had a vulnerability allowing control of smart home devices via manipulated calendar invites; Google is addressing the issue.
• Google is collaborating with electric companies to cut AI data center power usage during peak demand.
• An AI data center is being proposed to replace a power plant in Springdale, PA, potentially creating 80-100 jobs.
• Showrunner, a new AI tool, enables users to create animated series quickly.
• The Browser Company now offers a $20 monthly subscription for its AI-powered browser.
• Voyager acquired ElectroMagnetic Systems, Inc. (EMSI) to strengthen its AI radar capabilities for defense applications.
• An AI system has made new discoveries in dusty plasma physics, even correcting previous scientific understandings.
• India leads the world in AI course enrollment with 2.6 million learners, according to a Coursera report.
• Elon Musk plans to introduce advertisements to X's AI chatbot.

Google Gemini AI Hacked to Control Smart Homes

Researchers found a way to hack Google Gemini and control smart home devices. By using hidden commands in Google Calendar invites, they could make Gemini open windows or turn off lights. Google says they are taking these vulnerabilities seriously and are working on fixes to protect users from these types of attacks.

AI Attack: Google Gemini Bot Hijacks Smart Homes

Security researchers showed how Google Gemini could be used to take over smart homes. They used a Google Calendar invite with a hidden message that told Gemini to do bad things. When Gemini summarized the calendar events, it followed the hidden instructions and controlled lights and other smart devices. Experts warn that as AI gets more connected, it's important to secure it to prevent real-world harm.

Hackers Use Gemini AI to Control Smart Homes

Researchers showed how they could use Gemini AI to control smart home devices. They added hidden commands to Google Calendar invites that Gemini would read. This allowed them to control lights, heaters, and other devices. Google says they have fixed the problem and are working to improve security.

Elon Musk Plans to Add Ads to X's AI Chatbot

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The Browser Company Launches AI Browser Subscription for $20 a Month

The Browser Company launches a $20 monthly subscription for its AI-powered browser.

New AI Site Lets You Create Animated Shows Easily

A new online AI tool called Showrunner lets users create animated series in minutes, allowing for parodies of political figures or cartoon versions of themselves. NBC News' Steven Romo speaks to one of the co-creators and puts the tech to the test.Aug. 6, 2025.

AI Data Center Proposed to Replace Springdale Generating Station

Developers pitch AI data center to replace generating station in Springdale. KDKA's Ricky Sayer has more from a meeting where the idea was pitched and residents provided feedback.

Springdale Power Plant Site Could Become AI Data Center

An old power plant in Springdale, PA might become a high-tech AI data center. The center could support big companies like Facebook and Microsoft. Developers say the project could create 80 to 100 jobs. The data center would reuse water for cooling and use a lot of electricity.

Google Cuts AI Data Center Power Use During Peak Demand

Google has made deals with two electric companies to use less power at its AI data centers when there is high demand. AI uses a lot of power, and electric companies are getting many requests from tech companies. Google will now reduce its power use when asked by Indiana Michigan Power and Tennessee Power Authority. This will help free up power on the grid.

AI System Discovers New Physics Scientists Never Knew

An AI system found a new type of physics related to dusty plasmas. Dusty plasmas are like regular plasmas but with charged dust particles. The AI was able to provide a detailed description of how particles behave in this type of matter. It even corrected some ideas that scientists had about dusty plasmas.

India Sees Big Rise in AI Course Sign-Ups

India has seen a big increase in people signing up for online AI courses. A Coursera report says that India has the highest number of people in the world taking these courses, with 2.6 million learners. However, India still ranks low in overall skills compared to other countries. The report also shows that more men than women are taking AI courses.

Voyager Buys AI Radar Firm, Boosts National Security Tech

Voyager acquired ElectroMagnetic Systems, Inc (EMSI) to improve its AI radar systems. This will help Voyager's defense and space technology. Voyager is investing in AI-driven defense markets. The company's work with synthetic aperture radar and Starlab aligns with the growing AI defense spending.

Sources

• Researchers hacked Google Gemini to take control of a smart home
• Gemini Bot Attacks Aren't Coming. They're Already Here.
• Researchers Seize Control of Smart Homes With Malicious Gemini AI Prompts
• Elon Musk to introduce ads to X’s AI chatbot
• The Browser Company launches a $20 monthly subscription for its AI-powered browser
• New AI site lets users create entire animated shows
• Developers pitch AI data center to replace generating station in Springdale
• Former site of Springdale power plant could become high-tech AI data center
• Alphabet’s Google (GOOGL) Strikes Deal to Cut AI Data Center Power Use During Peak Demand
• An AI System Found a New Kind of Physics that Scientists Had Never Seen Before
• India sees a 107% rise in gen AI course enrolments, ranks 89th globally: Coursera Report
• Voyager's AI-Driven Radar Acquisition and Strategic Positioning in National Security Tech