Google launched its advanced AI model, Gemini 3, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, marking a significant step forward in AI capabilities. Available through the Gemini app, AI search, and enterprise products, Gemini 3 aims to provide more accurate answers with less prompting. Google also introduced Gemini 3 Pro and Gemini 3 Nano, with a more powerful Gemini 3 Deepthink version slated for Google AI Ultra subscribers. The model achieved a record 37.4 on the MMLU benchmark and leads the LMArena benchmark, outperforming Grok 4.1 Thinking and GPT-5 in multimodal understanding. Sundar Pichai, Alphabet CEO, described Gemini 3 as their most capable model yet, built for depth and nuance. It features advanced reasoning, video creation, and coding, including a new developer platform called "Google Antigravity." The Gemini app currently serves 650 million monthly users, while AI Overviews reaches 2 billion monthly users. This release is notable as it's the first time a new Gemini model integrates into Google Search on its launch day, offering new visual features for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. Beyond Google, other major tech players are also advancing their AI strategies. Meta plans to implement AI audits for employee performance appraisals, starting manually in 2025 and transitioning to AI assistants in 2026, driven by a focus on business results and investor demand. In Africa, Nvidia-backed Cassava, founded by Strive Masiyiwa, is expanding AI access by equipping data centers with 12,000 Nvidia GPUs, starting in South Africa and partnering with the Rockefeller Foundation to offer subsidized computing resources to local startups. Meanwhile, the Ton Ecosystem, including AlphaTON, is collaborating with Cocoon AI to build a decentralized AI network for Telegram, aiming to challenge OpenAI. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov envisions an open AI where users can access services for free and potentially earn $TON by contributing data. AI integration is also transforming various sectors. Intuit has partnered with OpenAI in a nine-figure deal to integrate its tax and accounting products with ChatGPT, allowing consumers to use Intuit apps within ChatGPT for financial tasks and businesses to receive advice on revenue and marketing. In mental health, a shift is occurring towards a "therapist-AI-client triad," with Dr. Lance B. Eliot predicting that therapists not adopting AI will lose clients. OpenAI is developing a network of human therapists to intervene when AI cannot handle a situation, acknowledging risks such as unsuitable advice. Furthermore, Edge Total Intelligence Inc., Austal USA, and Sabel Systems will showcase AI-powered digital twin technology at Smart Cities Connect 2025, aiming to improve urban infrastructure, public safety, and environmental goals. However, the rapid expansion of AI also brings challenges and debates. Experts from the US and China, at a Hong Kong forum, agreed on the necessity of limits for AI use in the defense sector, citing dangers like bioweapons and advocating for global AI governance. On the infrastructure front, the surge in AI data centers is raising concerns about electricity demand, with power companies forecasting significant needs that could lead to higher electric bills for consumers. The Sierra Club estimates that 26 major utilities project 711 gigawatts for data centers, nearly the entire continental US summer peak demand. Transparency and community benefit agreements are highlighted as crucial for sustainable data center development. In the creative arts, country music star Jason Aldean voiced skepticism about AI-generated music, stating that while an AI band like Breaking Rust might achieve digital success, it "can't play a live show," emphasizing the irreplaceable value of live performance and genuine emotion.
Key Takeaways
- Google launched Gemini 3 on November 18, 2025, integrating it into the Gemini app, AI search, and enterprise products, with a more powerful Gemini 3 Deepthink version planned.
- Gemini 3 achieved a record 37.4 on the MMLU benchmark and leads the LMArena benchmark, outperforming GPT-5 in multimodal understanding, and features advanced reasoning, video creation, and coding with the new "Google Antigravity" platform.
- The Gemini app now has 650 million monthly users, and AI Overviews has 2 billion monthly users, with Gemini 3 being the first new model integrated into Google Search on its launch day.
- Meta will begin using AI audits for employee performance appraisals, starting manually in 2025 and with AI assistants in 2026, driven by a focus on business results.
- Nvidia-backed Cassava plans to expand AI access across Africa by equipping data centers with 12,000 Nvidia GPUs, starting in South Africa, and offering subsidized computing resources to local startups.
- Intuit partnered with OpenAI in a nine-figure deal to integrate its tax and accounting products with ChatGPT, enabling consumers and businesses to use AI for financial tasks and advice.
- Telegram's Ton Ecosystem is building a decentralized AI network with Cocoon AI to challenge OpenAI, aiming for open access and potential user earnings for data contributions.
- The surge in AI data centers is projected to significantly increase electricity demand, potentially leading to higher electric bills for consumers, with 26 major utilities forecasting 711 gigawatts for data centers.
- The mental health field is shifting to a "therapist-AI-client triad," with OpenAI developing a network of human therapists to address situations where AI guidance may be unsuitable.
- US and Chinese experts agree on the need for limits on AI use in the defense sector, emphasizing the dangers of unregulated AI and the importance of global governance.
Google Unveils Gemini 3 with New Coding Tool
Google launched its advanced AI model, Gemini 3, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, making it available through the Gemini app and AI search. A more powerful version, Gemini 3 Deepthink, will come later for Google AI Ultra subscribers. Google's Tulsee Doshi noted a big jump in reasoning, and Gemini 3 scored a record 37.4 on the MMLU benchmark. The company also released Gemini 3 Pro and Gemini 3 Nano, and DeepMind CTO Koray Kavukcuoglu highlighted its new coding agent.
Google Debuts Gemini 3 AI Model
Google announced Gemini 3, its latest AI model, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, about eight months after Gemini 2.5. This new model aims to give better answers with less prompting and will be part of the Gemini app, AI Mode, AI Overviews, and enterprise products. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said Gemini 3 is built to understand depth and nuance. Google also introduced "Google Antigravity," a new platform for developers to code at a higher level. The Gemini app now has 650 million monthly users, and AI Overviews has 2 billion monthly users.
Google Launches Gemini 3 to Boost Search
Google released Gemini 3, its most intelligent AI model, capable of advanced reasoning, video creation, and coding. Robby Stein, Google Search VP, expects Gemini 3 to significantly increase search revenue, noting rises in natural language and visual searches. Google DeepMind CTO Koray Kavukcuoglu stated Gemini 3 is the world's best for multimodal understanding, outperforming GPT-5. The model is available to Google AI Plus and Pro subscribers and powers the new Antigravity coding tool. Google CEO Sundar Pichai called Gemini 3 their most capable model yet.
Google Widely Releases Gemini 3 AI Model
Google launched its highly anticipated Gemini 3 AI model on November 18, 2025, with a broad release across its ecosystem. This marks the first time a new Gemini model is integrated into Google Search on its launch day. Robby Stein, VP of Google Search, confirmed that AI Pro and Ultra subscribers can access Gemini 3 in Search's AI Mode with new visual features. CEO Sundar Pichai noted that AI Overviews has 2 billion monthly users and the Gemini app has over 650 million. Google claims Gemini 3 shows "PhD-level" reasoning, improved factual accuracy, and has undergone extensive safety evaluations.
Google Unveils Gemini 3 Pro for Smarter AI
Google launched Gemini 3 Pro on November 18, 2025, aiming to start a "New Era of Intelligence" with a smarter, faster AI model. The company claims Gemini 3 Pro now leads the LMArena benchmark, surpassing Grok 4.1 Thinking, and shows "PhD-level reasoning." Google also introduced Antigravity, a new tool for developers, who can also access Gemini 3 Pro through Vertex AI and AI Studio. For the first time, Gemini 3 Pro is immediately integrated into Google Search's AI Mode, offering a rich conversational experience in the Gemini app.
Google Releases Gemini 3 Pro for Search and App
Google released a preview of Gemini 3 Pro on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, which will power its main search engine and the Gemini app. This new AI model achieves high scores on benchmarks, provides complex answers, and creates interactive graphics. Gemini 3 Pro is rolling out today in the Gemini app and is the first new model to power AI Mode in search at launch. Developers can use it through Google's Vertex AI and AI Studio, and a new tool called Antigravity helps them describe apps conceptually. Tulsee Doshi, a Google senior director, mentioned plans for future Gemini 3 versions optimized for local use and efficiency.
Data Centers Need Transparency for Community Trust
Experts say transparency is key for AI data center projects to benefit communities and governments. Darrell West and Nicol Turner Lee from the Brookings Center for Technology Innovation highlighted challenges like cooling and public opposition. They stressed the need to educate communities and use "community benefits agreements" to ensure fair development. Michael Blackhurst of Carnegie Mellon and Kate Stoll from AAAS emphasized that industry should provide clear information on impacts, and governments might need to mandate reporting on water and energy use. Data centers consume vast amounts of water and electricity, making local climate and resource needs important considerations.
AI Data Centers May Hike Your Electric Bill
An "AI bubble" in electricity demand could lead to higher electric bills for consumers. Power companies are asking regulators to approve huge spending on new power plants and grid upgrades, citing inflated forecasts for AI data centers. Data center developers often submit electricity requests in many places, hoping one will succeed, which could lead to multiple unneeded power plants being built. Experts like Mark Dyson from Rocky Mountain Institute and Jeremy Fisher from the Sierra Club warn that consumers might pay for these speculative projects. The Sierra Club estimates that 26 major utilities forecast 711 gigawatts for data centers, nearly the entire continental US summer peak demand.
Meta Begins AI Audits for Employee Performance
Meta, formerly Facebook, will start using AI audits for employee performance appraisals, beginning manually in 2025 and with AI assistants in 2026. Sandy Carter, COO at Unstoppable, predicts this will become a major trend as companies focus on AI for business results. This move signals that AI will no longer be optional in corporate settings, driven by the use of AI agents for faster work, the need to measure success, and investor demand for proof of AI's value. The article raises questions about how to track AI's contribution versus human work, suggesting blockchain could provide a verifiable audit trail.
Cassava and Nvidia Bring AI to Africa
Nvidia-backed Cassava, founded by Strive Masiyiwa, plans to expand AI access across Africa by equipping data centers with 12,000 Nvidia GPUs. CEO Hardy Pemhiwa announced the company will raise debt and equity to support this initiative, starting in South Africa and expanding to other regions. In partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, Cassava will offer subsidized computing resources to help African startups develop AI solutions for local problems. This effort aims to boost Africa's AI capacity, which currently holds less than 1% of global data center capacity. Digital Green, a nonprofit, already uses AI to provide agricultural advice to 8 million people, showing the potential impact of lower AI costs.
EdgeTI and Partners Showcase AI Digital Twins at Smart Cities Event
Edge Total Intelligence Inc., along with partners Austal USA and Sabel Systems, will demonstrate advanced AI-powered digital twin technology at Smart Cities Connect 2025. The event takes place in Denver, Colorado, from March 24-27, 2025. Their "AI-Powered Digital Twin Pavilion" will show how these integrated solutions can help cities with infrastructure, public safety, and environmental goals. EdgeTI CEO Robert D. Wilson stated their partnership creates innovative solutions that transform how cities operate. Attendees can see live demonstrations of edgeTI's platform, highlighting benefits like better decision-making and lower costs.
Telegram Partners Build Decentralized AI Network
The Ton Ecosystem, including AlphaTON, is partnering with Cocoon AI to build a decentralized AI network for Telegram, aiming to challenge OpenAI. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov wants to make AI more open, allowing users to access services for free and potentially earn $TON by sharing data or contributing to the network. Cocoon AI offers developers private, low-cost infrastructure, and Telegram's 1 billion users will help power its own AI services. AlphaTON is funding a GPU fleet through Vertical Data, using hydroelectric power to ensure ethical, private, and sustainable AI infrastructure.
Intuit Integrates Tax Tools with ChatGPT
Intuit has partnered with OpenAI to integrate its tax and accounting products with ChatGPT. This nine-figure deal allows consumers to use Intuit apps within ChatGPT for financial tasks like researching credit cards and mortgages. Users can also let the chatbot access their financial data to estimate tax refunds and book appointments with AI-powered tax experts. Businesses can get advice on increasing revenue, create marketing campaigns, and generate invoice reminders. Intuit has invested in AI for a decade, already adding AI features to its TurboTax, QuickBooks, and Credit Karma products.
US and China Experts Agree AI Military Limits Needed
Chinese and US experts at a Hong Kong forum agreed that AI use in the defense sector needs limits. They believe global AI governance could improve cooperation between the two countries. Sun Chenghao from Tsinghua University and former Google China head Kai-Fu Lee emphasized the dangers of unregulated AI, such as creating bioweapons. While China refused to sign a non-binding pact on military AI in September 2024, experts urged resuming dialogue. Kai-Fu Lee noted that the US focuses on achieving Artificial General Intelligence, while China takes a more practical, open-source approach to AI development.
Jason Aldean Says AI Cannot Perform Live
Country music star Jason Aldean spoke out against an AI-generated country band, Breaking Rust, whose song "Walk My Walk" topped the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart. Aldean emphasized that while AI might achieve digital success, it "can't play a live show." He believes live performances and genuine emotion are what truly differentiate human artists. This comes as Aldean prepares to release his new 20-track album, "Songs About Us," on April 24, 2026, which includes deeply personal songs like "Help You Remember," inspired by his father-in-law's battle with dementia.
AI Transforms Mental Health Support with New Triad
Dr. Lance B. Eliot discusses a major shift in mental health support, moving from a therapist-client dyad to a new "therapist-AI-client triad." He predicts that therapists who do not adopt AI will lose clients, as people increasingly seek AI for mental health guidance. While AI offers many benefits, there are also serious risks, such as AI giving unsuitable advice or fostering delusions, as highlighted by an August lawsuit against OpenAI. OpenAI is now creating a network of human therapists to step in when AI cannot handle a situation. This shows AI is becoming a key partner in therapy, requiring careful management.
Sources
- Google launches Gemini 3 with new coding app and record benchmark scores
- Google announces Gemini 3 as battle with OpenAI intensifies
- Gemini 3 Is Here—and Google Says It Will Make Search Smarter
- Google releases its heavily hyped Gemini 3 AI in a sweeping rollout
- Google Launches Gemini 3 Pro to Usher in a 'New Era of Intelligence'
- Gemini 3 Pro powers up Google's AI ambitions
- Top of Mind for Data Center Best Practices? It's Transparency
- The AI bubble you haven't heard about
- Meta (Facebook) Ushers In The AI Audit Era. Can Blockchain Verify?
- Nvidia-Backed Cassava Pushes to Expand AI Access Across Africa
- EdgeTI and Partners Austal USA and Sabel Systems to Showcase Advanced AI-Powered Digital Twin Capabilities at Smart Cities Connect 2025
- Ton Ecosystem partners to help Telegram's decentralised AI network unseat OpenAI
- Intuit is integrating its tax and accounting products with ChatGPT
- Chinese and US experts agree AI use in defence sector must be restricted
- Jason Aldean Sounds Off On AI Country Band Topping The Digital Sales Chart : “AI Can’t Play Live Shows”
- Framework For Rewiring The Nature Of Mental Health Support Via The Newly Emerging Therapist-AI-Client Triad
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