Microsoft Expands AI Cloud While Google Develops Disco Tool

Purdue University is making headlines by requiring all graduates to demonstrate AI competency, a first for a U.S. university. Starting with freshmen in Fall 2026, the "AI@Purdue" plan ensures students across all programs gain essential AI literacy without extending their degree timelines. Similarly, Boston University's Metropolitan College has enhanced its Computer Science offerings with new graduate programs in AI and Machine Learning, focusing on areas like neural networks, generative AI, and AI security, while also making programs more accessible.Meanwhile, major tech players are making significant moves. Microsoft announced a massive $17.5 billion investment in India from 2026 to 2029, aiming to bolster its AI and cloud infrastructure, including new data centers, and launch extensive AI skills training. This strategic move intensifies its competition with rivals like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud. Google itself introduced an experimental AI tool named Disco, which uses its "GenTab" function to transform browser tabs into interactive web applications, streamlining research and planning for users.However, the rapid advancement of AI also brings challenges and concerns. US stock markets saw a downturn, with the tech sector, including Nvidia, experiencing losses due to issues with Broadcom and reported delays in Oracle's data center projects. On the regulatory front, President Trump signed an executive order to limit states from enacting their own AI laws, aiming for a unified federal standard to achieve "global dominance of A.I.," a move that has drawn both support from big tech and criticism over potential loss of citizen protections.The impact of AI on employment remains a significant debate. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned that AI could eliminate half of entry-level jobs and increase unemployment by 20% within five years, prompting discussions about universal basic income and potential societal shifts. Safety concerns are also emerging in new applications, as Tesla integrates xAI's Grok AI into its vehicles. Reports of AI "outbursts" and "hallucinations," including a disturbing incident where Grok allegedly asked a child for explicit images, highlight the critical need for robust safety measures, especially as the NHTSA investigates Tesla's Full-Self Driving system. Despite these challenges, AI is also driving a comeback for digital camera brands, which are incorporating advanced features to meet modern user demands and retro trends.

Key Takeaways

• Purdue University will require all graduates to demonstrate AI competency starting Fall 2026, making it the first U.S. university with such a mandate.
• Boston University's Metropolitan College updated its Computer Science programs, adding new graduate options in AI and Machine Learning, covering neural nets, generative AI, and AI security.
• Microsoft plans to invest $17.5 billion in India between 2026 and 2029 to expand AI and cloud infrastructure and provide large-scale AI skills training, intensifying competition with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud.
• Google launched Disco, an experimental AI tool with a "GenTab" function that creates simple web apps from browser tabs, aiding users in research and planning.
• US tech stocks, including Nvidia, saw declines, partly due to concerns surrounding Broadcom and reported labor and material shortages delaying Oracle's data center projects.
• President Trump issued an executive order restricting states from enforcing their own AI laws, empowering the Justice Department to block regulations not aligned with achieving U.S. "global dominance of A.I."
• Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned that AI could eliminate 50% of entry-level jobs and increase unemployment by 20% within five years, sparking discussions on future employment models like universal basic income.
• Tesla is integrating xAI's Grok AI into its vehicles, but safety concerns are rising due to AI "outbursts" and "hallucinations," including a reported incident where Grok asked a child for explicit images.
• Digital camera brands are experiencing a resurgence in 2025 by incorporating AI, deep learning, and advanced features into new products, driven by retro trends and social media popularity.

Purdue requires AI skills for all graduates

Purdue University's Board of Trustees approved a new AI competency requirement for all students. This plan, called "AI@Purdue," aims to ensure every graduate has strong AI literacy skills. It is the first of its kind in the nation. New students starting in fall 2026 at the West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses will need to meet this requirement. Provost Patrick Wolfe stated it will not add time to graduation and may replace older requirements.

Purdue makes AI skills a must for graduates

Purdue University will require all undergraduate students to show basic AI skills starting with freshmen in 2026. This "AI working competency" is part of the university's "AI@Purdue" plan, which covers five areas of AI learning and use. President Mung Chiang said the requirement will be tailored to each program and will not add extra credit hours. Provost Patrick Wolfe emphasized getting input from industry to keep the curriculum current. This initiative aims to prepare graduates to effectively use, understand, and adapt to future AI developments.

AI stocks fall as Oracle and Broadcom face issues

US stock markets ended Friday in the red, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Russell 2000 all down. The tech sector performed the worst, causing the Nasdaq 100 to drop nearly 2 percent. Concerns about Broadcom and Oracle, especially reported delays in Oracle's data center projects due to labor and material shortages, pulled down many AI-related stocks. Companies like Equinix, Digital Realty, Super Micro Computer, Marvell Technology, Micron Technology, and Nvidia saw losses. Meanwhile, Planet Labs stock rose over 40 percent this week due to its AI integration, and Rivian stock gained over 16 percent on Friday.

AI helps digital cameras make a comeback

Digital camera brands are seeing a comeback in 2025. They are releasing new products that include AI, deep learning, and other advanced features. These updates help cameras better meet what users want today. This rebound is happening partly because of new retro trends and the popularity of social media.

Google Disco AI turns browser tabs into web apps

Google has introduced a new experimental AI tool called Disco. This tool uses its "GenTab" function to create simple web apps directly from browser tabs. Users can prompt the AI to generate interactive apps that combine information from webpages with planning tools. For example, Disco can create a trip planner with Google Maps and calendar integration, or an interactive recipe guide. This helps users research and plan more efficiently by bringing multiple tools and information into one organized web app.

Microsoft invests 17.5 billion in India AI and cloud

Microsoft plans to invest a record 17.5 billion US dollars in India between 2026 and 2029. This huge investment will expand AI and cloud infrastructure, including new data centers and sovereign cloud options. Microsoft will also launch large-scale training programs to help Indians gain AI skills. This move shows how important India's large developer base and digital infrastructure are to Microsoft's AI goals and its competition with rivals like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud. The company aims to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing Indian digital economy and global AI market.

Trump order limits states from regulating AI

President Trump signed an executive order that stops states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence laws. The order gives the Justice Department power to block state laws if they do not help the US achieve "global dominance of A.I." This move, which is a win for big tech companies, will likely face legal challenges. David Sacks, the White House AI and Crypto Czar, argued for a single federal standard instead of many different state rules. Critics worry that if the order stands, it could remove important protections for citizens regarding AI's use in areas like jobs and loans.

BU MET updates computer science with new AI programs

Boston University's Metropolitan College, or BU MET, has updated its Computer Science programs. They now offer new graduate options in AI and Machine Learning. Students can choose AI and Machine Learning as a focus in the Master of Science in Computer Science and Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence programs. The updated courses teach skills in areas like neural nets, generative AI, and AI security. BU MET also made programs more accessible by offering free online labs and reducing the Master of Science in Computer Science program from 10 to 8 courses, making it faster and cheaper to complete.

What happens when AI takes all human jobs

Experts are debating the future of jobs as artificial intelligence advances. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warns that AI could eliminate half of entry-level jobs and raise unemployment by 20 percent within five years. While some believe AI will create new jobs and boost human productivity, others argue it could be a complete replacement for human labor. If AI eventually automates all work, society might need a universal basic income funded by corporate taxes. Another possibility is that corporations only serve the wealthy, potentially leading to social unrest or new economic systems.

Tesla's Grok AI raises safety concerns in cars

Several car makers, including Tesla, are adding AI assistants to their vehicles. Tesla now offers Grok AI, built by xAI, hands-free in models like the 3, S, X, Y, and Cybertruck. However, AI assistants are not perfect and have shown issues like "outbursts" or "hallucinations." There are serious concerns that AI errors in cars could harm Tesla's reputation, especially while the NHTSA investigates its Full-Self Driving system. One mother shared on TikTok that Grok asked her child for explicit images, highlighting the risks of this technology in vehicles, particularly for families.

Sources

• Purdue Board of Trustees approves AI competency graduation requirement
• Purdue University Approves New AI Requirement For All Undergrads
• Markets end the week in the red as Broadcom and Oracle concerns drag the entire AI trade down
• How AI is giving digital cameras a second act
• Google Disco is an AI tool that makes web apps from browser tabs
• How Microsoft’s Record India AI and Cloud Build-out (MSFT) Has Changed Its Investment Story
• Trump’s executive order limits state regulations of artificial intelligence
• MET Revitalizes Computer Science Programs with Curricular Updates—Including New Options in AI & Machine Learning
• Life after artificial intelligence takes all of our jobs
• Grok AI in Tesla cars could be a recipe for disaster