google, meta and microsoft Updates

The artificial intelligence landscape continues its rapid expansion, with experts emphasizing the critical skill of 'learning how to learn' for future generations. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google's DeepMind, predicts artificial general intelligence could emerge within a decade, necessitating adaptability and meta-skills. Meanwhile, the demand for AI infrastructure is driving record spending on U.S. data centers, reaching $40 billion in June 2025, with companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon heavily investing. Applied Digital is constructing a 280-megawatt AI data center in North Dakota, expected to partially operate by late 2026, utilizing abundant energy and a cold climate. In the realm of AI security, F5 is acquiring CalypsoAI for $180 million to bolster its platform with advanced AI threat detection and data handling capabilities. Educational institutions are responding to AI's impact, with the College of Southern Nevada introducing a new AI and Machine Learning certificate program to meet job market demands, costing $4,000. Experts also advise students to critically engage with AI, viewing it as a fundamental life skill, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlighting its opportunities. However, challenges remain; African startups are cautioned that AI alone isn't enough for product success, with user adoption hinging on local knowledge and trust. Publishers are also raising concerns, with Dotdash Meredith accusing Google of being a 'bad actor' for using publisher content to train AI without fair compensation, leading to traffic drops. Snowflake is transforming into a comprehensive data analysis and AI platform, introducing innovations like Snowflake Intelligence and AI SQL to help enterprises leverage data and AI. In the medical field, the FDA has certified over 1,200 AI applications, primarily in radiology, though questions arise about the process keeping pace with AI development and the need for consumer transparency.

Key Takeaways

• Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google's DeepMind, believes 'learning how to learn' will be the most crucial skill for the next generation, predicting artificial general intelligence within a decade.
• U.S. data center spending hit a record $40 billion in June 2025, fueled by AI demand from major tech companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon.
• Applied Digital is building a 280-megawatt AI data center near Harwood, North Dakota, with partial operation expected by late 2026.
• F5 is acquiring AI security firm CalypsoAI for $180 million to enhance its platform with AI threat detection and data security tools.
• The College of Southern Nevada has launched a new AI and Machine Learning certificate program, costing $4,000, to address job market needs.
• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman views AI as offering unprecedented opportunities for young people, while experts stress the importance of understanding AI as a fundamental life skill.
• African startups are advised that AI alone is insufficient for product success; user adoption depends on local knowledge and building trust.
• Dotdash Meredith CEO Neil Vogel accuses Google of being a 'bad actor' for using publisher content to train AI without compensation, leading to traffic declines.
• Snowflake is evolving into a data analysis and AI platform, introducing features like Snowflake Intelligence and AI SQL.
• The FDA has certified over 1,200 AI applications, mostly in radiology, but experts question if the certification process can keep pace with AI development.

Google scientist: 'Learning how to learn' is future's key skill

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google's DeepMind and a Nobel laureate, stated that the most crucial skill for the next generation will be 'learning how to learn.' He believes this is essential to adapt to the rapid changes AI is bringing to education and the workplace. Hassabis, speaking in Athens, Greece, on September 12, 2025, suggested that artificial general intelligence could arrive within a decade, leading to significant advancements. He emphasized the need for 'meta-skills' like adaptability alongside traditional learning. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also attended, warning about potential financial inequality from growing tech companies.

Google AI leader: 'Learning how to learn' is vital for future

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google's DeepMind and a Nobel laureate, believes 'learning how to learn' will be the most important skill for the next generation. Speaking in Athens on September 12, 2025, he highlighted that rapid AI advancements require new approaches to skill development. Hassabis predicts artificial general intelligence could emerge within ten years, bringing both progress and risks. He stressed the importance of meta-skills for continuous learning throughout careers. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also attended the event.

AI expert: 'Learning how to learn' is the next generation's essential skill

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google's DeepMind and a Nobel laureate, stated on September 12, 2025, that 'learning how to learn' will be the most critical skill for the future. He explained that rapid AI changes demand new learning strategies to keep pace with evolving education and job markets. Hassabis suggested that artificial general intelligence might appear within a decade, potentially leading to significant societal changes. He emphasized the need for adaptable 'meta-skills' for continuous learning throughout one's career. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also participated in the discussion.

AI's impact on university education: Experts advise students

Experts suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) will become a fundamental life skill, impacting university education and future careers. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes AI offers unprecedented opportunities for young people, despite potential job shifts. Dr. Andrew Rogoyski from the University of Surrey advises students to be demanding and question how universities are adapting to AI. He emphasizes that understanding AI's capabilities is now as crucial as reading and writing. Recruitment specialist Dan Hawes notes that employers will value graduates who grew up with AI, and Professor Elena Simperl from King's College London recommends looking at a university's broad AI expertise.

College of Southern Nevada offers new AI degree

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) has introduced a new certificate or degree program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning to meet job market demands. Professor Naser Heravi stated that the program is relevant for high school or first-year college students interested in computer science, as well as for professionals seeking to upskill. CSN's program covers AI, data analysis, and data science, including areas like prompt engineering and machine learning. Goldman Sachs estimates AI could impact 300 million data-related jobs, highlighting the need for skilled individuals. The certificate costs $4,000, with financial aid available.

F5 buys AI security firm CalypsoAI for $180M

F5, a leader in app security, announced its plan to acquire CalypsoAI, a pioneer in enterprise AI security, for $180 million. CalypsoAI's platform offers protection against AI threats, secure data handling, and unified visibility for AI deployments. These capabilities will be integrated into F5's Application Delivery and Security Platform (ADSP) to enhance the security of AI applications. F5 CEO François Locoh-Donou stated that traditional security measures are insufficient for the evolving AI landscape. CalypsoAI CEO Donnchadh Casey highlighted the need for businesses to deploy AI rapidly while managing risks.

F5 acquires CalypsoAI for $180M to boost AI security

F5 Inc. is acquiring enterprise AI security startup CalypsoAI for $180 million in cash to integrate its advanced threat detection and data security tools. This move addresses the growing risks associated with AI adoption, as traditional security measures struggle to keep pace. CalypsoAI's platform provides defenses against AI vulnerabilities like prompt injection and data leaks. The acquisition aims to enhance F5's Application Delivery and Security Platform (ADSP), offering comprehensive protection for AI deployments across various environments. The deal is expected to close by the end of September 2025.

African startups warned: AI isn't enough for product success

Experts are cautioning African startups that while AI makes building products easier, the real challenge lies in user adoption. During a webinar on September 13, 2025, product experts Kelvin and Mariam Eskander stressed that success depends on deep local knowledge and building trust, not just copying foreign models. AI tools can help understand customer behavior and market needs, but localization and clear messaging are crucial. They noted that AI can provide insights previously requiring expensive consulting. Partnerships and building an audience are also recommended for resource-limited startups.

US data center spending hits record $40B fueled by AI

Spending on U.S. data centers reached a record $40 billion in June 2025, marking a 30% increase from the previous year, according to the Bank of America Institute. This surge is driven by the high demand for computing infrastructure required for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Major tech companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon are heavily investing in new and expanded facilities. However, this growth also raises concerns about increasing electricity demand, posing challenges for utilities and policymakers regarding grid reliability and sustainability.

Harwood, ND AI data center construction begins

Applied Digital is beginning construction on a 280-megawatt AI data center near Harwood, North Dakota, with partial operation expected by late 2026. CEO Wes Cummins explained that the facility will support AI applications like ChatGPT, utilizing powerful GPUs for training and inference. He cited North Dakota's abundant energy, cold climate for efficiency, and existing electrical grid as reasons for choosing the location. Cummins also addressed water usage, stating the closed-loop system will use minimal water, comparable to a single household, and assured that the data center will not increase local electricity rates.

Doctor discusses FDA's AI certification process for medical devices

Dr. Erik Langhoff, Chief Medical Officer for the Bronx Regional Health Information Organization, shared his views on the FDA's certification process for AI medical devices on September 12, 2025. He noted that the FDA has certified over 1,200 AI applications, primarily in radiology. Langhoff believes the process needs to adapt to the rapid pace of AI development, questioning if the FDA has sufficient resources. He emphasized the need for transparency and clear guidelines for consumers, similar to product labeling, to understand AI device functions, limitations, and data usage.

Human agency is key in the age of AI, experts say

Experts emphasize that human agency—the ability to direct one's own thinking—is crucial in the age of AI to avoid operating on 'autopilot.' Dr. Ethan Mollick suggests upgrading critical thinking skills to include questioning AI outputs and directing inquiry. The article highlights that AI can be a powerful tool for learning but stresses the importance of learner-centric education where students own their thinking process. Maintaining agency ensures that AI enhances rather than replaces human thought, turning cognitive abundance into opportunity and keeping learning active and generative.

People CEO calls Google 'bad actor' for AI content use

The CEO of Dotdash Meredith, a major U.S. publisher, has accused Google of being a 'bad actor' for using its websites to train AI products without fair compensation. Speaking on September 12, 2025, CEO Neil Vogel stated that Google uses a single crawler for both search traffic and AI content harvesting, which he believes is unfair competition. Vogel noted a significant drop in traffic from Google Search and suggested blocking AI crawlers could force content deals, citing a positive deal with OpenAI. He believes Google's refusal to separate its crawlers intentionally harms publishers.

Snowflake transforms into data analysis and AI platform

Snowflake Inc. (SNOW) is evolving from a data warehousing company into a comprehensive data analysis and AI platform, aiming to compete with major tech firms. At the Goldman Sachs Communicopia + Technology Conference 2025, the company highlighted innovations like Snowflake Intelligence and AI SQL. Snowflake offers solutions to help enterprises leverage data and AI, enabling complex queries without needing dedicated analysts. The acquisition of Crunchy Data has also enhanced its capabilities for hosting transactional data, solidifying its position in the cloud-based data platform market.

Sources

• AI scientist says ‘learning how to learn’ will be next generation's most needed skill
• Google's top AI scientist says ‘learning how to learn’ will be next generation's most needed skill
• Google's top AI scientist says ‘learning how to learn’ will be next generation's most needed skill
• Lucky kids? How AI could impact university education
• CSN offering degree in artificial intelligence to keep up with job market demands
• F5 to acquire CalypsoAI to bring advanced AI guardrails to large enterprises
• F5 Acquires CalypsoAI for $180M to Enhance AI Security
• ‘Anyone Can Build a Product, But Will People Use It?’ Experts Warn African Startups
• U.S. data center spending reaches record $40B amid AI growth
• CEO of company behind Harwood AI data center answers commonly asked questions
• Q&A: A doctor's opinion on the FDA AI certification process
• Human Agency in the Age of AI
• Google is a 'bad actor' says People CEO, accusing the company of stealing content
• Snowflake Inc. (SNOW) Transitions into a Data Analysis and AI Platform