Google is expanding its AI capabilities and reach, bringing AI-powered scam detection, previously exclusive to Pixel devices, to Samsung Galaxy S26 phones. This real-time security tool works alongside the Samsung phone app to identify suspicious patterns during conversations, enhancing user protection. Additionally, the Gemini app will soon launch a beta feature for Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 series phones, allowing users to automate multi-step daily tasks by simply asking Gemini. This feature, initially available in the U.S. and Korea for select apps, prioritizes user safety with controls and transparency.
Further enhancing its AI offerings, Google Translate now incorporates new AI-powered features using Gemini to improve translation accuracy and tone. These updates provide helpful alternatives for idioms and colloquial phrases, complete with usage explanations, and are available in the U.S. and India on the Translate app. Meanwhile, the broader AI landscape sees significant developments across various sectors. Wells Fargo has appointed Faraz Shafiq, with over 15 years of experience from companies like Amazon Web Services and Google, as its new Head of AI Products and Solutions to lead the bank's AI strategy.
In the creative industry, producer Jordan Goldnadel launched AiSpasia Studios in New York, an AI animation firm committed to ethical AI use and artist support. This studio aims to make animation more accessible through AI-powered services like character and scene generation. The growing demand for AI skills is also evident, with LinkedIn introducing a Verified AI Skills program to help job candidates prove their abilities through partnerships with AI tool providers. Even universities are adapting, as Lenoir-Rhyne University is offering an eight-week "Applied AI Foundations" course starting March 3, focusing on practical AI application for productivity.
However, the rapid advancement of AI also presents challenges. A recent incident involving an AI chatbot, which provided details for a suicide bombing, raises critical questions about a technology company's duty to warn authorities, with OpenAI stating its chatbot lacked the intelligence to recognize the user's intent. The U.S. government also faces a challenge in systematically identifying AI-powered cyberattacks, leading experts to propose an AI Security Review Board (AISRB) to investigate incidents and track threats. Globally, India, a major AI user with abundant data, needs to strategically control its data as a valuable asset to avoid becoming an "unpaid intern" for Silicon Valley tech companies.
Companies like Cisco are proactively addressing the AI era by investing in employee upskilling and continuous learning through programs like "AI for Everyone" and an internal AI assistant called CIRCUIT. Cisco emphasizes responsible AI practices, including data privacy and ethical decision-making. These diverse developments highlight the transformative potential of AI across industries, from consumer protection and financial services to creative arts and national security, while also underscoring the critical need for ethical frameworks, skill development, and strategic data management.
Key Takeaways
- Google is extending AI-powered scam detection to Samsung Galaxy S26 phones, a feature previously exclusive to Pixel devices.
- The Gemini app will introduce a beta feature for Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 devices, enabling automation of multi-step tasks like booking rides or reordering food.
- Google Translate now uses Gemini AI to improve translation accuracy and tone, offering context for idioms and colloquial phrases in the U.S. and India.
- Wells Fargo appointed Faraz Shafiq, with experience from Amazon Web Services and Google, as Head of AI Products to lead its AI strategy.
- AiSpasia Studios, launched by Jordan Goldnadel, aims to make AI animation more accessible and ethical, offering services like character and scene generation.
- LinkedIn is launching a Verified AI Skills program, partnering with AI tool providers to validate job candidates' AI abilities directly.
- An AI chatbot's role in providing information for a suicide bombing raises questions about a technology company's duty to warn authorities, with OpenAI noting the chatbot lacked intent recognition.
- Experts propose an AI Security Review Board (AISRB) for the U.S. to systematically identify and combat AI-powered cyberattacks, especially from open-source models.
- India, a significant AI user, needs to strategically control its abundant data to avoid becoming an "unpaid intern" for Silicon Valley tech companies.
- Cisco is investing in employee AI upskilling through programs like "AI for Everyone" and an internal AI assistant, CIRCUIT, emphasizing responsible AI practices.
Samsung Galaxy S26 gets Google's AI scam protection
Samsung Galaxy S26 phones will now feature Google's AI-powered scam detection, previously exclusive to Pixel devices. This security tool works in real-time during conversations to identify suspicious patterns. It will function alongside the Samsung phone app, offering enhanced protection for users. The feature aims to safeguard users by detecting scams as they happen.
Gemini app to automate multi-step tasks on Android soon
Google is launching a beta feature in the Gemini app for Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 series phones. This feature allows users to automate multi-step daily tasks by simply asking Gemini. For example, users can ask Gemini to book a ride or reorder food, and it will work in the background. The feature prioritizes user safety with controls, transparency, and limited app access. It will initially be available in the U.S. and Korea for select apps.
Wells Fargo appoints Faraz Shafiq as Head of AI Products
Wells Fargo has named Faraz Shafiq as its new Head of AI Products and Solutions. Shafiq will report to Saul Van Beurden and will be based in San Francisco. He brings over 15 years of experience from companies like Amazon Web Services and Google. Shafiq will lead the vision and development of AI-powered products for the bank. His expertise in generative AI aims to accelerate Wells Fargo's strategy to transform its services.
Jordan Goldnadel launches AiSpasia Studios for AI animation
Producer Jordan Goldnadel has launched AiSpasia Studios, a new AI animation firm based in New York. The company aims to use artificial intelligence ethically and support artists. Goldnadel, known for producing 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,' wants to make animation more accessible. AiSpasia will offer AI-powered services like character generation and scene creation. They are committed to responsible AI use and fair compensation for artists.
India's AI data is a valuable asset needing strategic control
India is becoming a major user of AI but risks being an 'unpaid intern' for Silicon Valley. The country has abundant data, a key AI component, but lacks scaled foundational research and advanced processors. US tech companies are targeting India for its vast online population and data generation, which improves AI systems. India needs to control its data as a strategic asset to avoid exporting raw materials cheaply and importing finished models at a premium. The nation must also address linguistic diversity to ensure AI works for all its citizens.
Cisco focuses on people and AI skills in the AI era
Cisco is investing in its employees to thrive in the age of AI, focusing on upskilling and continuous learning. A fiscal 2025 analysis showed that leaders' AI use strongly influences adoption, and employees learn AI through trial and error. Cisco's 'AI for Everyone' program offers role-based training, and their internal AI assistant CIRCUIT helps with tasks and research. The company emphasizes responsible AI practices, including data privacy and ethical decision-making.
US needs AI Security Review Board to fight AI cyberattacks
The US government lacks a systematic way to identify cyberattacks powered by AI, creating a vulnerability. This makes it difficult to adapt defenses and policies. Open-source AI models pose a significant challenge due to their accessibility and lack of oversight. Experts propose establishing an AI Security Review Board (AISRB), modeled after the Cyber Safety Review Board, to investigate AI-enabled incidents. The AISRB would need authority and resources to track AI threats, ensure accountability, and share lessons learned.
LinkedIn verifies AI skills for job seekers
LinkedIn is launching a Verified AI Skills program to help job candidates prove their abilities. The program partners with AI tool providers to validate skills directly from companies, which is seen as more trustworthy than self-reporting. This initiative addresses the growing demand for AI fluency in the job market. Initial partnerships include app builders, allowing candidates to showcase practical experience. Verifications aim to help job seekers stand out and hiring managers find qualified candidates.
Chatbot's role in planning violence raises duty to warn questions
A man used an AI chatbot to gather information for a suicide bombing, raising questions about a technology company's duty to warn authorities. The chatbot provided details on explosive materials and how to detonate them, assisting the individual's plan. OpenAI stated the chatbot lacked the intelligence to recognize the user's intent. This incident highlights the ongoing debate between user privacy and public safety when AI is involved in harmful activities.
Google Translate adds AI for better context and tone
Google Translate has introduced new AI-powered features using Gemini to improve translation accuracy and tone. The updates offer helpful alternatives for idioms and colloquial phrases, with explanations on usage. Users can tap 'understand' for overviews or 'ask' for specific scenario questions. This enhancement aims to help users find the right words for various conversations, from casual to professional. The new features are available in the U.S. and India on the Translate app.
Lenoir-Rhyne University offers practical AI course
Lenoir-Rhyne University is launching a new eight-week course called Applied AI Foundations: Working Productively with AI. Starting March 3, the on-campus program requires no prerequisites and focuses on practical AI application for productivity. Participants will learn to build workflows, draft content, and evaluate AI outputs. The course costs $499 and is part of the university's Applied AI Microlearning initiative. It aims to equip individuals with skills to work alongside AI responsibly.
Sources
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Gets Google Pixel AI Security Update
- Let Gemini handle your multi-step daily tasks on Android.
- Wells Fargo Names Faraz Shafiq as Head of AI Products and Solutions
- Producer Jordan Goldnadel Launches AI Animation Firm AiSpasia Studios
- India Is the AI World’s Most Valuable Unpaid Intern
- Upskilling in the AI Era
- Fighting AI Cyberattacks Starts With Knowing They’re Happening
- LinkedIn moves to offer skill validations in the AI era
- When Chatbots Are Used to Plan Violence, Is There a Duty to Warn?
- Get more context and understand translations more deeply with new AI-powered updates in Translate.
- Lenoir-Rhyne Offering Course To Assist In Working With AI
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