Scale AI, Apple $500B Investment, Google Gemini

The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, with significant developments across education, consumer products, and corporate strategies. In education, Sal Khan of Khan Academy sees AI as a tool to scale world-class learning, while South Texas College is integrating Google and AWS AI certificates into its IT programs, having already awarded over 2,250 AI microcredentials. Dirce Hernandez from STC's Cybersecurity program advocates for responsible AI use with institutional guardrails. Meanwhile, consumer applications are met with mixed reception; the AI companion 'Friend' pendant, powered by Google's Gemini 2.5, faces privacy concerns and user frustration over its opinionated nature. On a more personal level, a Brigham Young University report indicates 19% of US adults have engaged with AI romantic partners, with some forming deep emotional bonds and Gen Z showing interest in marrying AI companions. Companies are also leveraging AI for internal efficiencies: Apple is investing $500 billion in AI and custom infrastructure for its supply chain, including a new AI server facility in Houston and in-house AI inference chips. Trade show planners are using tools like ChatGPT for tasks ranging from brainstorming to drafting agendas, and experts advise testing AI in real environments before widespread adoption. However, Gartner surveys show consumers distrust AI search summaries, with 60% wanting the option to disable them. In the corporate investment sphere, Dutch chip equipment giant ASML has become the largest shareholder in European AI startup Mistral AI with a 1.3 billion euro investment, valuing the company at 10 billion euros. AI insiders are discussing strategies for AI dominance, with one noting AI agents now possess an IQ of 148. The trend of AI outsourcing is also being studied for its impact on jobs, akin to past manufacturing outsourcing, though new roles in AI development are emerging. In a notable instance of policy enforcement, Disney has terminated an artist for using AI-generated art, which violates the company's strict policy for its Lorcana game. Globally, investors are shifting capital towards Asia's AI boom, anticipating significant growth in the region's hardware, software, and talent contributions to the AI supply chain.

Key Takeaways

• Sal Khan sees AI as a tool to scale world-class education globally, while South Texas College is offering AI certificates from Google and AWS, having awarded over 2,250 microcredentials.
• The AI companion 'Friend' pendant uses Google's Gemini 2.5 model and faces privacy concerns and user complaints about its condescending nature.
• A Brigham Young University report found 19% of US adults have engaged with AI romantic partners, with significant interest from Gen Z in AI companions.
• Apple is investing $500 billion in AI and custom infrastructure for its supply chain, including AI server facilities and in-house AI inference chips.
• ASML invested 1.3 billion euros to become the largest shareholder in European AI startup Mistral AI, valuing it at 10 billion euros.
• Gartner reports 53% of consumers distrust AI search results for product research, and 40% find AI overviews frustrating.
• Trade show planners are using AI tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming, drafting agendas, and creating marketing copy, with experts advising thorough testing.
• Disney fired an artist for using AI-generated art, which violates the company's policy for its Lorcana game.
• AI insiders note the rapid advancement of AI agents, with one mentioning agents now have an IQ of 148.
• Global investors are increasingly directing capital towards Asia's AI boom, expecting substantial growth in the region's AI supply chain contributions.

Sal Khan optimistic about AI's role in education

Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy, believes artificial intelligence can enhance education. Khan Academy, founded in 2008, now serves over 180 million users in 50 languages, partnering with school districts to improve student outcomes. Khan sees AI as a powerful tool for personalization and mastery learning, aiming to scale world-class education globally. He acknowledges the rapid advancement of AI, like ChatGPT, and its potential impact on classrooms, expressing both fascination and caution.

AI companion 'Friend' sparks privacy concerns and user frustration

The new AI-powered 'Friend' pendant, priced at $129, connects to a cloud chatbot using Google's Gemini 2.5 model. It offers commentary on daily interactions through always-on microphones, raising significant privacy concerns. Users have reported the device can be opinionated and condescending, with one tester experiencing ire from others and even bullying from the chatbot itself. The company states it does not sell data for marketing but may use it for research and legal compliance.

AI Insiders Discuss Elon Musk's Strategy for AI Dominance

In a 'Moonshots' podcast episode, AI insiders Dr. Alexander Wissner-Gross and Dave Blundin discussed Elon Musk's strategy for achieving AI dominance. The conversation touched upon the rapid advancement of AI agents, with Blundin noting his agents now have an IQ of 148. They also highlighted the importance of optimistic perspectives on technology amidst negative news cycles. The podcast also briefly mentioned Salim Ismail's activities in India and the upcoming 'Foundations of AI Ventures' course.

Best AI tools are personal, not public products

Many of the most effective and innovative AI applications are currently single-user tools kept on personal hard drives, not public products. A CTO's 'CTO-in-a-box' AI, built using Claude Code and a vector database, automates tasks like coding, status reports, and data analysis. This personal AI significantly boosts productivity by handling routine tasks, allowing human engineers to focus on more complex or creative work. The article suggests that instead of focusing on public AI hype, individuals should look to these private, problem-solving AI tools for real-world value.

Exploring AI romance: Users form deep bonds with chatbots

A growing number of people are seeking romantic relationships with AI chatbots, with a Brigham Young University report indicating 19% of US adults have chatted with an AI romantic partner. Some users report deep emotional bonds, with Gen Z showing high interest in marrying AI companions. Platforms like Replika allow users to create and interact with personalized AI partners, offering virtual gifts and experiences. While some AI relationships are free, users spend millions annually on virtual gifts and premium features, highlighting a significant trend in digital companionship.

South Texas College leads in AI education with industry certificates

South Texas College's Bachelor of Applied Technology Computer Information Technology (BAT-CIT) program is pioneering AI education by integrating industry certificates from Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Since fall 2020, the program has awarded over 2,250 AI-focused microcredentials, giving graduates a competitive edge. The program added four new AI courses in 2025, including an Advanced Artificial Intelligence course, and plans a Data Science and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity course for spring 2026. This approach ensures students gain both technical skills and a deep understanding of AI.

STC Cybersecurity expert advocates for responsible AI use

Dirce Hernandez, an adjunct faculty member at South Texas College's Cybersecurity program, recently published an article in Higher Ed Risk Magazine emphasizing the need for colleges to implement guardrails for AI use. He highlights STC's proactive approach to balancing AI innovation with governance, citing the college's efforts to protect data, curb bias, and build trust. Hernandez believes STC is ahead of other institutions in taking tangible steps toward responsible AI adoption and sees significant growth potential.

ASML becomes top shareholder in European AI firm Mistral

Dutch chip equipment giant ASML has invested 1.3 billion euros to become the largest shareholder in Mistral AI, a leading European artificial intelligence startup. This investment values Mistral AI at 10 billion euros and aims to boost Europe's AI sector competitiveness against US and Chinese firms. Founded in 2023, Mistral AI is known for its advanced AI models and open-source development. The partnership is expected to accelerate Mistral AI's research and development, fostering a stronger European AI ecosystem.

Disney fires Lorcana artist over AI art and scam claims

Disney has cut ties with artist James C. Mulligan, a contributor to the game Disney Lorcana, following accusations of using AI art and scamming customers. A fan alleged Mulligan misrepresented his work process and defrauded their mother. Disney Lorcana has a strict policy against AI-generated art, and an internal investigation confirmed Mulligan's work was AI-generated. Mulligan has denied the accusations, stating his art is original and the claims are unfounded.

Gartner: Consumers distrust AI search and summaries

A Gartner survey reveals that 53% of consumers do not trust AI search results for product research, and 40% find AI overviews more frustrating than traditional search. Many users (60%) want the option to disable AI summaries. While AI summaries are useful for initial product exploration, their perceived value decreases during later stages of the purchasing process. Gartner advises brands to focus on creating in-depth, accurate content to build trust and optimize for both AI-powered overviews and traditional SEO.

UW-Milwaukee students study AI outsourcing's impact on jobs

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students Gaurav Saluja and Gaurav Sachdeva are researching the trend of companies outsourcing tasks to artificial intelligence, similar to past manufacturing job outsourcing. They found that while AI can increase business efficiency and productivity, it also raises concerns about job displacement and ethical considerations. The students noted that new jobs are emerging in AI maintenance and development, and some companies are retraining workers whose roles are automated. Their research aims to understand AI outsourcing's effects on Milwaukee-area businesses.

Apple revolutionizes supply chain with AI and custom infrastructure

Apple is enhancing its supply chain management through significant investments in AI and custom infrastructure, including a $500 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing. This includes a new AI server facility in Houston and expanded supplier partnerships for domestic silicon production. Apple is also developing in-house AI inference chips, codenamed Project ACDC, to optimize its ecosystem and reduce reliance on third parties. The company uses AI for predictive demand forecasting and automated warehousing, while diversifying global sourcing to India and Vietnam to mitigate geopolitical risks.

Trade show planners leverage AI for efficiency and creativity

Trade show planners are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to streamline event planning processes. Professionals like Jack Molisani of LavaCon use ChatGPT for brainstorming session ideas, while Donna Jarvis-Miller of APHSA saves hours by using AI to draft agendas and award scripts. Kristian Kuhn of Maryland Toy Expo utilizes AI for marketing copy and website coding. MCI USA employs an AI platform called Jade for registration and lead cultivation, enhancing personalization and automation. Experts advise starting small, verifying AI output, and using AI as a strategic support tool.

Test AI tech in real environments before investing

Organizations should thoroughly test artificial intelligence technologies in real-world conditions before committing to solutions. Defining clear end goals and identifying specific business pain points are crucial first steps. Proof of concept pilots and live trials help determine if AI solutions provide tangible value to both the organization and its customers. Simply adopting cutting-edge tech without addressing specific needs can lead to costly, unnecessary investments. A thoughtful application of AI shifts it from an expense to a strategic advantage.

Investors shift to Asia's AI boom, away from US stocks

Global investors are diversifying away from US equities towards Asia, driven by the region's artificial intelligence boom and expectations of looser Federal Reserve policy. Bank of America (BofA) notes that while US equities attracted significant capital from 2020-2024, inflows have slowed. Asia is seen as a key player in the global AI supply chain, with China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and India contributing to hardware, software, and talent. BofA predicts the global AI market will quadruple by 2030, with substantial growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sources

• Sal Khan is hopeful that AI won’t destroy education
• I Hate My Friend
• Transcript: AI Insiders Reveal Elon Musk's Master Plan to Win AI w/ AWG & Dave Blundin
• The Best AI Success Stories Are Sitting on Hard Drives and Have One User
• Playing the Field with My A.I. Boyfriends
• STC Computer Information Technologies program leads the way for AI education
• STC Cybersecurity adjunct finds national platform discussing responsible AI use
• ASML becomes largest shareholder in Europe's top AI firm Mistral
• Disney Cancels Artist After Shocking AI Art Revelation and Scam Claims
• AI search and summaries distrusted by about half of consumers: Gartner
• UW-Milwaukee undergrad students study AI outsourcing and what it means for human jobs
• How Apple is Revolutionizing Supply Chain Management with AI Investments and Custom Infrastructure
• How Trade Show Planners Are Putting AI to Work
• Putting AI Tech to the Test Before Committing to Solutions
• Global investors shift from US equities drawn by Asia's AI boom, looser Fed policy: BofA