The AI landscape is seeing developments across multiple sectors and geographies. China intends to utilize 115,000 restricted Nvidia AI chips in data centers to enhance its AI capabilities, despite US restrictions on chip sales. This occurs as the US and China compete for AI leadership, encompassing military, economic, and standard-setting domains. Meanwhile, independent publishers are lodging antitrust complaints with EU regulators against Google's AI Overviews, alleging unauthorized content usage and search ranking impacts. Google maintains it drives billions of clicks to publishers daily. In the travel sector, Amadeus is integrating Microsoft Azure OpenAI-powered AI into its Demand360 and MeetingBroker tools to boost hotel efficiency. Apple is undergoing a leadership transition with Jeff Williams stepping down as COO, replaced by Sabih Khan, amidst trade and AI pressures. iFLYTEK showcased its AI products, including the Spark All-in-One AI Machine and Dual-Screen Translator 2.0, at MWC Shanghai 2025, aiming for global expansion. The increasing adoption of AI is contributing to a decline in middle management positions, with companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta reducing these roles, and Microsoft investing $80 billion in AI. Financial regulators are also planning to use AI to detect stock trading fraud. Cloudflare faces challenges in preventing Google from scraping websites for AI training data. At Phocuswright Europe 2025, Northstar Travel's CEO discussed AI's impact and investment trends in the travel industry. Proton.ai has launched Pronto, an AI assistant automating sales tasks for distributors, developed with input from companies like Purity, ORS Nasco, and Replenex.
Key Takeaways
- China plans to use 115,000 restricted Nvidia AI chips in data centers, despite US restrictions.
- The US and China are competing for AI leadership across military, economic, and standard-setting areas.
- Independent publishers are filing antitrust complaints against Google's AI Overviews over content usage.
- Amadeus is integrating Microsoft Azure OpenAI-powered AI into its Demand360 and MeetingBroker travel tools.
- Apple's COO is changing from Jeff Williams to Sabih Khan amid AI competition.
- iFLYTEK showcased its Spark All-in-One AI Machine and Dual-Screen Translator 2.0 at MWC Shanghai 2025.
- AI growth is leading to fewer middle management jobs at companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta.
- Microsoft is investing $80 billion in AI.
- Financial regulators will use AI to detect stock trading fraud.
- Proton.ai launched Pronto, an AI assistant for sales reps, with input from distributors like Purity and ORS Nasco.
China Aims to Use Banned Nvidia Chips for AI Data Centers
China plans to use 115,000 restricted Nvidia AI chips in data centers in the desert. These data centers would boost China's AI capabilities. The US restricted sales of these chips to China in 2022 due to military concerns. It is unclear how China plans to obtain the chips, as US licenses are required. Some US officials believe there are already around 25,000 banned Nvidia chips in China.
US and China Compete in the Real AI Race
The US and China are in a race to lead in AI, but winning means more than just creating advanced AI. It includes using AI in the military, economy, and setting global standards. The US currently leads in AI research, but China is catching up through innovation and other methods. The US needs a clear AI strategy to balance innovation and security. A world AI data center is being built in the UAE, not the US.
Google Faces Antitrust Complaint Over AI and Publisher Content
Independent publishers are complaining to EU regulators about Google's AI Overviews. They say Google uses their content for AI without permission and harms their search rankings if they opt out. The publishers want Google to allow them to opt out of AI crawling without losing search visibility. They also want fair compensation for their content used by Google's AI. Google says it sends billions of clicks to websites daily.
Amadeus Adds AI to Travel Tools Demand360 and MeetingBroker
Amadeus is adding AI to its Demand360 and MeetingBroker tools for hotels. Demand360 will get an AI chatbot called Advisor Chat to answer questions and give insights. MeetingBroker will get a new feature called Email to RFP that uses AI to respond to booking requests. These AI tools are powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI. The goal is to help hotels work more efficiently and improve group bookings.
Apple's COO Change Occurs Amid Trade and AI Pressures
Jeff Williams is stepping down as Apple's chief operating officer (COO) later this month. Sabih Khan, the company's senior vice president of Operations, will take over the role. The change in leadership comes during a time of trade tensions and increased competition in AI.
iFLYTEK Shows Off AI Products at Shanghai Tech Show
iFLYTEK presented its new AI products at MWC Shanghai 2025. These included the Spark All-in-One AI Machine for businesses and the Dual-Screen Translator 2.0 for individuals. The company is focusing on expanding globally, especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. iFLYTEK is partnering with local Singapore brands for sales, services, and education. The company aims to improve the world with AI.
AI Growth Leads to Fewer Middle Management Jobs
Middle management jobs are decreasing as companies invest more in AI. A report from Gusto found that the number of managers compared to other employees has dropped. Companies are automating tasks that middle managers used to do. Larger companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta are also cutting these positions. Microsoft laid off employees to invest $80 billion in AI.
Financial Regulators Will Use AI to Detect Stock Trading Fraud
Financial regulators plan to use AI to find unfair stock trading practices.
Cloudflare Can't Stop Google From Scraping Websites for AI
This article discusses why Cloudflare cannot block Google from scraping websites for its AI products.
AI and Investment in Travel Discussed at Phocuswright Europe
Jason Young, CEO of Northstar Travel, spoke at Phocuswright Europe 2025 about the future of travel. He discussed the impact of AI, investment opportunities, and the startup culture. AI is changing how travel companies operate and improving customer experiences. Investment in travel startups is growing, with a focus on innovative business models. Phocuswright has been covering travel and technology for 20 years.
Proton.ai's Pronto Automates Sales Tasks for Distributors
Proton.ai has launched Pronto, an AI assistant that helps sales reps with routine tasks. Pronto automates busywork like pulling customer data and drafting emails. This allows reps to spend more time selling. Pronto is embedded in Proton and works within existing systems. It was developed with input from distributors like Purity, ORS Nasco, and Replenex.
Sources
- China Wants to Use 115,000 Banned Nvidia Chips to Fulfil Its AI Ambitions
- The Real AI Race
- Generative AI, not ad tech, is the new antitrust battleground for Google
- Amadeus announces Demand360®and MeetingBroker® to be enhanced with artificial intelligence
- Apple COO shake-up comes amid trade tensions and AI competition
- iFLYTEK Shares Global Vision and New AI Products at MWC Shanghai 2025
- Middle manager roles fall as AI investment rises
- Financial regulators to adopt AI to root out unfair stock trading
- Why Cloudflare Can’t Block Google From Scaping Websites For Its AI Products
- Northstar Travel CEO Jason Young at Phocuswright Europe 2025: A Conversation on AI, Investment, and the Future of Travel - Travel And Tour World
- Proton.ai launches Pronto: AI assistant tackling sales admin for distributors