Recent developments in AI span a wide range of applications and concerns. Google's Gemini AI was found vulnerable to smart home control hacks via manipulated Google Calendar invites, a flaw Google has reportedly addressed. In other news, Event Temple has launched an AI Sales Suite for hotels, partnering with Cvent to enhance lead capture and proposal creation, with CEO Bob Graham highlighting its potential to boost deal wins. An AI data center is proposed for a former power plant in Springdale, promising new jobs and investment while supporting tech giants like Facebook and Apple. Companies are increasingly integrating AI training into their workflows to boost employee skills and maintain competitiveness. The University of Nebraska at Omaha is set to host OMA x AI in October 2025, exploring AI's impact on work and life. However, AI's integration isn't without challenges, as demonstrated by an AI system failure that stranded special needs students in Scottsdale, leading to the school district terminating its contract with Care Transit. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman suggests the AI talent pool is larger than perceived, urging companies to broaden their search for skilled individuals. Cybersecurity experts have uncovered AI-driven phishing scams in Brazil targeting cryptocurrency users. On a more positive note, Salem High School is implementing AI cameras for weapon detection to enhance school safety. Lastly, Plane has introduced an AI-powered product suite, Plane Intelligence (Pi), for project management, aiming to streamline teamwork and knowledge management.
Key Takeaways
- Google's Gemini AI had a vulnerability allowing smart home control via manipulated Calendar invites; Google has reportedly fixed it.
- Event Temple launched an AI Sales Suite for hotels, partnering with Cvent to improve lead capture and proposal generation; CEO Bob Graham expects increased deal wins.
- A high-tech AI data center is proposed for Springdale, potentially creating 80-100 jobs and supporting companies like Facebook and Apple.
- Companies are increasingly embedding AI training into employee development to stay competitive.
- OMA x AI, an event exploring AI's impact, will be hosted by the University of Nebraska at Omaha on October 7, 2025.
- An AI system failure by Care Transit stranded special needs students in Scottsdale, leading to contract termination by the school district.
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes the AI talent pool is larger than many companies realize.
- AI tools are being used in Brazilian phishing scams to steal cryptocurrency.
- Salem High School is using AI cameras for weapon detection, costing $47,000 annually plus $40,000 for equipment.
- Plane launched Plane Intelligence (Pi), an AI-powered product suite for project management, to enhance teamwork and knowledge management.
Google Gemini AI Hacked to Control Smart Homes
Researchers discovered they could hack Google Gemini to control smart home devices. By using hidden instructions 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 prevent these attacks.
Google Gemini AI Bot Can Hijack Your Smart Home
Security researchers showed how Google Gemini AI 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 risks.
Gemini AI Can Be Tricked to Control Smart Homes
Researchers found that Gemini AI can be tricked into controlling smart home devices. By adding hidden commands to Google Calendar invites, they could make Gemini open windows or turn off lights. Google says they have fixed the problem after the researchers reported it. Experts say that as AI is added to smart homes, security is very important.
Event Temple Launches AI Sales Suite for Hotels
Event Temple, a sales platform for hotels, has launched its AI Sales Suite. This new product helps hotel sales teams respond to requests faster and win more business. Event Temple is partnering with Cvent to integrate its AI tools with Cvent's global network. The AI Sales Suite captures leads and uses AI to create professional proposals quickly. Bob Graham, CEO of Event Temple, says this will help hotels win more deals.
Event Temple's AI Sales Suite Helps Hotels Win Business Faster
Event Temple has released its AI Sales Suite to help hotels respond to requests quickly. The AI Sales Suite works with Cvent to make sales easier. The new tools use AI to capture leads and create proposals in seconds. Bob Graham, CEO of Event Temple, says this will help hotels win more deals. The AI Sales Suite is available to existing customers through an early adopter program.
AI Data Center Proposed for Former Springdale Power Plant
Developers want to build a high-tech AI data center in Springdale, replacing the old power plant. The data center would support companies like Facebook and Apple. The project is expected to create 80 to 100 jobs. Developers say they will reuse water for cooling and follow noise standards. The project aims to bring advanced technology and investment to the Springdale community.
Companies Succeed by Integrating AI Training Into Workflow
Companies that teach their employees how to use AI will be more successful. Investing in AI training helps employees and prepares businesses for the future. Duckbill uses AI to help employees with disabilities and parents returning to work. By embedding AI training into career development, companies can adapt to changes and stay competitive.
Omaha to Explore AI's Power at OMA x AI Event
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is hosting OMA x AI on October 7, 2025. The event will explore how AI is changing work and life. People can learn how to use AI through workshops and talks. The event is for leaders, innovators, educators, and anyone interested in AI. Speakers and activities will be announced soon.
AI System Failure Strands Special Needs Students in Scottsdale
An AI system failure left special needs students stranded on the first day of school in Scottsdale. Care Transit, a company that transports these students, had a system outage due to an AI upgrade. Some students arrived home hours late, causing distress for parents. The Scottsdale Unified School District has stopped using Care Transit.
Sam Altman Says AI Talent Pool Is Bigger Than People Think
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says the market for AI talent is very competitive. Companies are paying top AI researchers a lot of money. However, Altman believes there are many more talented people than companies realize. He says companies should look beyond a few famous names and find the thousands of people capable of doing AI work.
AI Tools Used in Brazilian Phishing Scam Stealing Crypto
Cybersecurity experts have discovered a new phishing scam in Brazil that uses AI tools. Scammers are creating fake websites that look like government agencies to trick people into making payments. They use SEO to make the fake sites appear higher in search results. The scammers are also using a Trojan called Efimer to steal cryptocurrency from victims.
AI Cameras Improve School Safety in Salem
Salem High School is using AI cameras to improve safety. The cameras use weapon detection to spot danger. If a weapon is seen, the system alerts school officials. The system costs around $47,000 per year, plus $40,000 for equipment. School officials say the cameras provide constant surveillance without disrupting students.
Plane Launches AI-Powered Product Suite for Modern Work
Plane, a project management tool, has launched a new AI-powered product suite. The new suite combines project tracking, knowledge management, and AI automation. Plane Intelligence (Pi) uses AI to help teams find information and automate tasks. The company also offers self-hosted versions for companies that need more control. Plane aims to help teams work together more efficiently.
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
- Event Temple launches AI Sales Suite
- Event Temple Launches Powerful AI Sales Suite to Help Hotels Win More Group Business, Faster |
- Former site of Springdale power plant could become high-tech AI data center
- Successful companies will integrate AI training into workflow
- OMA x AI to Explore the Practical Power of Artificial Intelligence
- AI failure strands Scottsdale special needs students on first day of school
- Sam Altman says the talent pool for AI superstars is probably bigger than people think
- AI Tools Fuel Brazilian Phishing Scam While Efimer Trojan Steals Crypto from 5,000 Victims
- Smart Security: AI Cameras Take Aim at School Safety in Salem
- Plane Unveils New Identity (Visual Logo) and AI-Powered Product Suite to Redefine Modern Work
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