meta, microsoft and apple Updates

The artificial intelligence sector is experiencing rapid growth and significant shifts, with major tech companies like Meta and Microsoft navigating both expansion and workforce adjustments. Meta has recently laid off 600 employees from its AI division, impacting AI infrastructure, research, and product teams, a move that has sparked concern over job security in the field. Among those affected was an Indian AI scientist on an H-1B visa, who has since found new job opportunities with startups like Smallest AI, which is offering competitive salaries and equity. Globally, the AI landscape is marked by intense competition and strategic integration. The United States is projected to dominate the AI market in 2025, with an estimated revenue of $41 billion, driven by early enterprise adoption and supportive policies. However, investor Kai-Fu Lee warns that the U.S. may be losing the AI hardware race to China, which benefits from integrated AI in products and efficient supply chains. China is also strategically integrating AI into its energy sector, aiming to enhance efficiency and reliability across various energy industries. In the realm of AI development, concerns about safety and ethical implications are rising. A coalition of public figures, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, has called for a ban on the development of superintelligent AI, citing potential threats to humanity. This contrasts with some tech leaders who view superintelligence as the next frontier. Microsoft's AI chief has also stated the company will not develop AI services for erotica, diverging from OpenAI's stated plans. Meanwhile, the AI industry is seeing new product developments and investment. Wonder Studios has raised $12 million for its AI-powered filmmaking tools, with backing from Adobe Ventures. Tellius has launched Agent Mode for its AI Analyst, enabling autonomous data analysis. BEYOND has introduced AI Training Contracts for cryptocurrency, merging blockchain with AI for stable returns. Research also indicates that AI-generated code is increasingly prevalent, accounting for 24% of global production code and raising questions about security vulnerabilities, though experts anticipate AI will write secure code and handle penetration testing in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Meta has laid off 600 employees from its AI division, affecting AI infrastructure, FAIR, and product teams.
• An Indian AI scientist laid off by Meta on an H-1B visa has found new job opportunities with startups like Smallest AI, which is offering salaries up to $600,000 plus equity.
• The United States is projected to lead the global AI market in 2025 with $41 billion in revenue, nearly double its closest competitor.
• Investor Kai-Fu Lee believes China is outpacing the U.S. in the AI hardware race due to integrated AI and efficient supply chains.
• China is integrating AI into its energy sector to improve efficiency and reliability across hydropower, nuclear, thermal, oil, gas, and coal industries.
• A coalition including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has called for a ban on superintelligent AI development due to potential threats to humanity.
• Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman stated the company will not develop AI services for erotica, differing from OpenAI's plans.
• Wonder Studios raised $12 million, including from Adobe Ventures, for its AI-powered creative tools for filmmaking.
• AI-generated code accounts for 24% of global production code, with over two-thirds of organizations finding vulnerabilities in it.
• BEYOND has launched AI Training Contracts, merging blockchain and AI to offer stable returns for digital assets through participation in AI model training.

Meta lays off Indian H-1B worker after 9 months

An Indian woman working at Meta on an H-1B visa was laid off after only nine months. She was part of the 600 employees let go from Meta's AI division. She shared her situation on social media platform X, seeking new job opportunities. Several founders and CEOs of AI startups reached out to her. She clarified that any new employer would need to provide visa sponsorship. Meta's Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang announced the layoffs, affecting AI infrastructure and research teams.

Meta's AI layoffs spark anger and job security fears

Meta is laying off 600 employees from its AI division, despite significant hiring earlier in the year. The job cuts impact AI infrastructure, Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Research (FAIR), and product teams. This decision has caused anger on social media, with many questioning job safety in the AI field. Some employees expressed frustration, noting that people depend on jobs for their livelihood. The layoffs are seen as an effort to streamline the department under Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang.

Indian AI scientist laid off by Meta finds new jobs online

An Indian AI research scientist working in the US on an H-1B visa was laid off by Meta after nine months. She announced her job search on X, seeking opportunities that offer visa sponsorship. Her post quickly garnered attention, with many startup founders and CEOs offering her positions. Meta confirmed layoffs of 600 employees from its AI department, including infrastructure and FAIR teams. The company aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency with these cuts.

Smallest AI startup hires Meta's laid-off AI talent

Following Meta's layoff of 600 AI employees, San Francisco-based startup Smallest AI is hiring affected workers. Founder Sudarshan Kamath, who is of Indian origin, announced on social media that his company is looking for talent in its speech AI team. Smallest AI is offering high salaries ranging from $200,000 to $600,000 plus equity. Candidates need expertise in speech evaluation, generation, and full-duplex systems, and must be highly motivated.

Kai-Fu Lee: US losing AI hardware race to China

AI investor Kai-Fu Lee stated at TED AI 2025 that the United States is losing the AI hardware war to China. He noted that Chinese companies like DJI, Xiaomi, and Huawei can build products faster and cheaper due to integrated AI, better supply chains, and lower costs. Lee explained that US venture capital focuses on generative AI, while Chinese investors heavily fund robotics and hardware. Despite the US leading in enterprise AI adoption, China is expected to dominate consumer AI applications and open-source models.

China's AI strategy links energy and technology

China's new AI strategy focuses on integrating artificial intelligence with its energy sector, particularly green energy. The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration plan to use AI to improve efficiency and reliability across hydropower, nuclear, thermal, oil, gas, and coal industries. This initiative aims to enhance forecasting, optimize operations, and strengthen safety systems. While the US leads in AI chips and model development, China is aggressively applying AI to energy infrastructure, creating a new area of competition.

Wonder Studios raises $12M for AI-powered creative tools

UK-based Wonder Studios has raised $12 million from investors including Atomico and Adobe Ventures. Founded in April by Xavier Collins and Justin Hackney, the company uses AI to enhance filmmaking. The new funding will expand their engineering team and develop intellectual property, including a documentary with Campfire Studios. Wonder Studios previously produced an AI-powered music video for Lewis Capaldi and created the series 'Beyond the Loop.' Their app connects AI creators with opportunities and resources.

AI stock prices soar, sparking bubble fears

Wall Street is experiencing a surge in artificial intelligence stock prices, potentially leading to a record year in 2025. However, this rapid growth is also raising concerns about a potential market bubble. The analysis from state comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli highlights the strong performance of the securities industry, driven largely by AI-related investments. The trend indicates significant investor confidence and activity in the AI sector.

Unlikely coalition calls for ban on superintelligent AI

Hundreds of public figures, including Prince Harry, Nobel laureates, and scientists, have signed a statement calling for a ban on the development of superintelligent AI. They argue that this advanced form of AI could pose a threat to humanity if not developed safely and controllably. The statement, organized by the Future of Life Institute, urges broad scientific consensus and public buy-in before proceeding. Signers include Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and AI researcher Yoshua Bengio. Top tech executives like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who see superintelligence as the 'next chapter,' did not sign.

BEYOND launches AI training contracts for crypto

BEYOND has launched the world's first AI Training Contracts, merging blockchain and artificial intelligence to create stable returns for digital assets. These contracts allow users to participate in large-scale AI model training without needing hardware or technical expertise. Users select a contract and earn stable returns based on real AI training task performance. BEYOND offers four AI training models, including a specialized XRP Hashrate Contract, focusing on ease of use, guaranteed outcomes, and global access.

AI-written code causes 1 in 5 security breaches

New research indicates that over two-thirds of organizations have found vulnerabilities in AI-generated code, which now accounts for 24% of global production code. This raises concerns about accountability for AI-caused breaches, as developers, infosec teams, and legal departments struggle with ownership. While US companies report higher incident rates than European ones, nearly all agree AI will write secure code within five years. Experts believe AI will also handle penetration testing soon, but human oversight will remain crucial.

US AI market revenue to double closest competitor in 2025

The United States is projected to lead the global artificial intelligence market, generating nearly double the revenue of its closest competitor in 2025. New research forecasts the US AI market will reach $41 billion this year, with generative AI contributing $2.4 billion. Early adoption by US enterprises, a strong ecosystem of tech companies, and supportive policies like the CHIPS Act are driving this growth. While the Asia-Pacific region shows the fastest growth, China leads that market with $24 billion in revenue for 2025.

Tellius launches Agent Mode for AI analyst

Tellius has introduced Agent Mode, an enhancement to its AI Analyst named Kaiya. This new feature allows for autonomous planning and execution of complex, multi-step data analysis tasks. Agent Mode can identify relevant metrics, perform sequential analyses, and synthesize findings, significantly saving time for users. It democratizes deep analysis by making advanced capabilities accessible to those without extensive technical expertise. Users can also define custom workflows for tailored analytical processes.

Microsoft AI chief rejects erotica chatbots

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman announced that the company will not develop AI services for erotica. This decision distances Microsoft from its partner OpenAI, whose CEO Sam Altman recently stated plans to allow verified adults to use ChatGPT for erotica. Suleyman described the development of AI for such purposes as 'very dangerous' and emphasized the need for conscious decisions to avoid them. He noted that AI is already being used for erotica-focused services and avatars.

Sources

• Indian woman on H-1B laid off by Meta within just 9 months: ‘I’m looking for opportunities'
• Anger bubbles as Meta lays off 600 from its AI division: ‘The billionaire forgets…’
• Indian Woman On H-1B Visa Laid Off by Meta, Receives Job Offers Online
• Indian Man's AI Startup Opens Doors To 600 Laid-Off Meta Employees With High Salaries
• Kai-Fu Lee at TED AI 2025: America is already losing the AI hardware war to China
• China’s New AI Strategy Explained
• UK AI Company Wonder Studios Raises $12M From Investors Including Atomico & Adobe
• Amid soaring artificial intelligence stock prices, fears of bubble surface
• From Prince Harry to Steve Bannon, unlikely coalition calls for ban on superintelligent AI
• BEYOND Launches World’s First AI Training Contracts, Redefining Crypto Asset Returns
• One in five security breaches now thought to be caused by AI-written code
• US AI revenue in 2025 nearly double closest competitor
• Tellius Launches Agent Mode: The Next Evolution of the AI Analyst
• Microsoft AI chief says company won’t build chatbots for erotica