google, meta and anthropic Updates

Google is rolling out its AI-powered search feature, dubbed 'AI mode,' in the UK, following its launch in the US and India. This feature, powered by the Gemini AI platform, provides conversational answers instead of traditional website links. While Google claims links in AI Overviews get more clicks than regular links, some studies suggest this new approach may hurt websites by significantly reducing traffic to their pages, even as it boosts Google's ad revenue. Experts also raise concerns about the long-term accuracy of AI-generated summaries. Meanwhile, Meta is adapting to the prevalence of AI by allowing job candidates to use AI assistants during coding interviews, a move CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes reflects the evolving role of AI in software engineering, predicting AI will soon perform at the level of a mid-level engineer. In other sectors, the 'media nuns' are advocating for mindful AI usage, emphasizing human creativity over machine generation. Catalyst Private Equity is investing in 'anti-AI' startups focused on defending against AI-related threats, while also leveraging AI to enhance its own market analysis and decision-making processes. The evolving job market is seeing AI both automate and augment tasks, with companies like Anthropic developing tools to measure AI's impact on various roles. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff stresses the importance of humans and AI working together, urging companies to adapt to the rapid pace of technological change. However, Bluesky CEO Jay Graber cautions against over-reliance on AI, emphasizing the need for critical thinking. The UK job market is experiencing anxiety among young workers due to AI-driven automation in professional services. Yelp is integrating AI to create videos about restaurants using user-generated content, employing OpenAI LLMs and ElevenLabs for text descriptions and voiceovers. Databricks, a data analytics company founded by the creators of Apache Spark, is unifying data processes to make AI more accessible and is being watched for a potential IPO.

Key Takeaways

• Google's AI-powered search 'AI Mode' is now available in the UK, offering conversational answers generated by Gemini AI.
• Studies indicate Google's AI Overviews may decrease website traffic while increasing Google's ad revenue.
• Meta is allowing job candidates to use AI during coding interviews, aligning with the increasing use of AI in software engineering.
• Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg predicts AI will soon perform at the level of a mid-level software engineer.
• The 'media nuns' are encouraging mindful engagement with AI, highlighting the importance of human creativity.
• Catalyst Private Equity is investing in startups that defend against AI and using AI to improve its investment processes.
• Anthropic has developed a tool to measure the impact of AI on different job roles, noting both automation and augmentation.
• Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff advocates for human-AI collaboration and adaptation to technological change.
• Bluesky CEO Jay Graber warns against outsourcing critical thinking to AI.
• Yelp is using AI to create videos about restaurants from user content, utilizing OpenAI and ElevenLabs.
• Databricks, founded by the creators of Apache Spark, is unifying data processes to make AI more accessible and is a potential IPO candidate.

Google's AI Search Arrives in UK Changing How We Find Information

Google is launching a new AI search feature in the UK that uses its Gemini AI platform. Instead of showing website links, 'AI Mode' gives answers in a conversational style. This new tool is optional and won't replace the current search engine. Google says people are asking more complex questions, so AI can help. The tool is already available in the US and India.

Google's AI Summaries Hurt Websites But Boost Google's Ad Revenue

Google's AI Overviews are hurting websites by reducing clicks on their links. A study showed only 1% of people click on links in AI summaries. However, Google is making more money by placing ads within or above these AI summaries. Google CEO says links in AI Overviews get more clicks than regular links. Some experts worry AI summaries may become less accurate over time.

Google's AI Search Update Could Shake Up the Internet

Google is launching an 'AI mode' in its search engine in the UK. This new feature will generate answers using AI instead of showing links to other websites. This change could greatly impact websites that rely on traffic from Google search. The AI mode works like a chatbot, giving answers directly without needing users to click links. Google says this is the 'future of Google search,' but some worry about the impact on web publishers.

Meta to Let Job Seekers Use AI in Coding Tests

Meta will now allow some job candidates to use AI during coding interviews. This change reflects how software engineers are increasingly using AI in their jobs. Meta is also asking current employees to test these AI-enabled interviews. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes AI will soon be able to write code like a mid-level engineer. Some worry that future coders will rely too much on AI and lack problem-solving skills.

Meta Lets Job Applicants Use AI in Coding Interviews Now

Meta will start letting job candidates use AI assistants during coding interviews. The company believes this will make cheating less effective and better reflect the real work environment. Meta is also testing this new interview process with current employees. CEO Mark Zuckerberg thinks AI will soon be able to do the work of a mid-level engineer. This move differs from some other tech companies that discourage using AI during interviews.

Media Nuns Encourage AI Mindfulness in the Digital Age

The 'media nuns,' also known as the Daughters of St Paul, are urging people to be mindful of AI. They remind everyone that humans create, while machines only generate. Sister Nancy Usselmann says AI raises questions and concerns but also excitement. She encourages people to understand what AI is and how it impacts our lives. The nuns also explore how AI can be used for good, such as in Catholic evangelization tools.

Catalyst Invests in 'Anti-AI' Startups Defending Against AI

Catalyst Private Equity is investing in startups that defend against AI companies. They also seek companies with feedback loops that improve products and enable growth. Catalyst uses AI for market analysis and decision-making, speeding up the process by 25-30%. They launched the Catalyst Investors' Club platform in 2022, using AI for video analysis and investor matching. The firm has had successful AI exits, including Mobileye and Otorio.

Will AI Help or Replace You? Check Your Job

AI is changing the job market, with some jobs facing automation and others augmentation. Automation is when AI does tasks without human help, while augmentation means AI assists human workers. A study found AI automation can lower wages, but augmentation can increase wages for experienced workers. Anthropic created a tool to measure how AI impacts different jobs. The tool shows AI is already automating or augmenting about 25% of tasks across all jobs.

Salesforce CEO Says Humans and AI Can Work Together Well

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff believes humans and AI will work together, despite current job market issues. He says the problem is companies aren't ready for the fast pace of technology change. Benioff predicts future CEOs will manage a mix of human and AI workers. He says being human is our superpower, as AI lacks compassion and understanding. Salesforce is adding sales staff while using AI, but support worker hiring has slowed.

Bluesky CEO Warns Against Outsourcing Thinking to AI

Bluesky CEO Jay Graber says critical thinking is very important in the age of AI. She warns against fully outsourcing your thinking to AI. Graber believes people should develop a general skillset to thrive with AI. Bluesky uses AI for moderation and curation but always has employees check the output. She says AI lacks context and intelligence to make good decisions on its own.

AI Disrupts Job Market Causing Anxiety for Young Workers

The UK job market is facing challenges, with rising unemployment and layoffs, especially in professional services due to AI. This is causing anxiety among young workers. Many companies are investing in AI, which is replacing some junior roles. Graduates are worried about their future job prospects. A survey shows most students fear AI could make human workers unnecessary, but some experts say AI should help junior talent focus on more impactful work.

Yelp Creates AI Videos About Restaurants Using User Content

Yelp is using AI to create short videos about restaurants from user-posted content. These AI-stitched videos are now available nationwide on the iOS app. The videos blend together videos and images with an AI-generated voiceover and captions. Yelp uses OpenAI LLMs for text descriptions and ElevenLabs for the narrator's voice. Yelp will only make videos for restaurants with enough reviews, photos, and videos.

Databricks: A Powerful AI Stock Ready to Go Public

Databricks, a data analytics company, is gaining attention in the tech world. It was founded by the creators of Apache Spark. The company's platform unifies data engineering, data science, and machine learning. Databricks simplifies complex data processes, making AI more accessible. As demand for AI solutions grows, Databricks is well-positioned to succeed. People are watching for its potential IPO.

Sources

• Google launches new AI search feature in UK
• How Google profits even as its AI summaries reduce web ads
• Google triggers turmoil for web businesses with AI overhaul
• Meta Is Going to Let Job Candidates Use AI During Coding Tests
• Meta will let some job candidates use AI in their coding interviews
• ‘Media nuns’ urge AI mindfulness: ‘Human beings create, machines only generate’
• Why Catalyst is doubling down on ‘Anti-AI’ startups and vertical agents
• Opinion | Will AI help you work or replace you? Check yourself.
• Marc Benioff says humans and AI can play nice
• Bluesky's CEO warns you shouldn't 'fully outsource your thinking' to AI
• AI disruption rocks professional services jobs market fuelling anxiety among Gen-Z
• Yelp is creating its own AI videos about restaurants
• How Databricks Is Quietly Becoming One of the Most Powerful AI Stocks Yet to Go Public