Texas Athletics has launched Bevo Lab, a new AI sports intelligence platform developed in partnership with Dell, Google, and SHI International. The platform runs on Google Cloud Platform and Gemini agentic AI, and will eventually be available across all varsity sports at the University of Texas. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is already using it to help shape game decisions, with athletic director Chris Del Conte calling the initiative earth-shattering.
In a real-game test during the fourth quarter against Florida, Bevo Lab recommended a fourth-and-2 play, but quarterback Arch Manning lost three yards and the Longhorns failed to convert. The platform showed 80% accuracy in simulated tests, and the outcome has sparked debate about how ready AI really is for high-pressure situations. Del Conte described the moment as a pivotal embrace of the new technology despite the miss.
Meanwhile, Greg Abel, who took over Berkshire Hathaway after Warren Buffett's retirement on Dec. 31, has heavily weighted the company's $364 billion portfolio toward AI stocks. Apple represents the largest holding at $78.28 billion, making up 21.5% of the portfolio. Alphabet accounts for 9.9% at $36 billion, and Bending Spoons holds 0.4% at $1.44 billion. Together, these three AI-focused stocks make up 32% of Berkshire's total investments.
In the broader economy, California's growth is increasingly tied to AI and defense spending. Economists at Cal State Fullerton reported that state GDP grew 3.5% in the first half of 2026, compared with 2.4% nationally, with AI now driving 37% of California's growth. However, hiring remains flat, housing is frozen, and at least 17% of Orange County jobs face disruption from AI.
On the financial side, the Pensions Regulator has warned trustees to monitor AI-related risks in investment portfolios, noting that AI-related investment activity grew by 127.5% year-on-year. Tech companies like Meta and Alphabet dominate equity markets and are issuing debt to fund AI expansion. JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs also emphasized security at the Evident AI Symposium, with JPMorgan's Lori Beer prioritizing risk management as the bank expands its LLM Suite to 1,000 business applications, and Goldman's Marco Argenti warning that AI agents can be unpredictable.
Hong Kong finance secretary Paul Chan warned that AI could lead to job losses and slower growth in the city's financial sector, calling for more investment in education and training. UBS maintained its positive view on global equities, forecasting the MSCI All Country World Index will reach 1,460 by December 2026, with AI spending and strong earnings supporting markets. Cyber researchers also uncovered a new vulnerability in a programming language that powers 70% of the internet, detected using AI tools, raising fresh concerns about cybersecurity.
Key Takeaways
- Texas Athletics launched Bevo Lab, an AI platform powered by Google Cloud and Gemini, sponsored by Dell, Google, and SHI International
- Bevo Lab recommended a failed fourth-down play against Florida, losing three yards despite 80% accuracy in simulated tests
- Greg Abel allocated 32% of Berkshire's $364 billion portfolio to AI stocks, with Apple as the top holding at $78.28 billion
- Alphabet accounts for 9.9% of Berkshire's portfolio at $36 billion, and Bending Spoons holds 0.4% at $1.44 billion
- AI now drives 37% of California's GDP growth, but hiring remains flat and 17% of Orange County jobs face disruption
- The Pensions Regulator warns trustees to monitor hidden AI risks, as AI-related investment grew 127.5% year-on-year
- JPMorgan is expanding its LLM Suite to 1,000 business applications while prioritizing security and risk management
- Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti warns AI agents are unpredictable and could misbehave without strong controls
- Hong Kong finance secretary Paul Chan warns AI threatens jobs in the financial sector and calls for workforce retraining
- Cyber researchers used AI to find a new vulnerability in a language powering 70% of the internet
Texas Athletics launches Bevo Lab AI sports platform
The University of Texas Athletics Department launched Bevo Lab, a new AI sports intelligence platform. The platform will first roll out on the football team to help coaches with game strategy, scouting, player development and recovery. It is sponsored by Dell, Google and SHI International. The platform was officially announced on Friday and will eventually be available to every varsity sport at UT.
Texas used AI platform for failed fourth-down call against Florida
The Texas Longhorns used the new Bevo Lab AI platform to make a key decision in the fourth quarter of their game against Florida. The AI recommended a fourth-and-2 play, but quarterback Arch Manning lost three yards and the Longhorns failed to convert. The platform was developed using data from past games and showed 80% accuracy in simulated tests. The failure raised questions about how ready AI is for high-pressure game situations.
Steve Sarkisian uses Bevo Lab AI for Texas football decisions
University of Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian now has access to the Bevo Lab AI platform. Athletic director Chris Del Conte called the initiative earth-shattering. The platform is sponsored by Dell, Google and SHI International and uses Google Cloud Platform and Gemini agentic AI. Bevo Lab will be available to coaches, trainers, nutritionists, student-athletes and analysts across all Longhorns sports teams. Texas is now 4-2 and faces a must-win game against No. 7 Ole Miss.
Texas AD clarifies AI was used for fourth-down play call
The University of Texas announced a 25,000-square-foot AI lab on campus called Bevo Lab. A report suggested head coach Steve Sarkisian used the platform to call a critical fourth-down play against Florida. Athletic director Chris Del Conte confirmed the Longhorns used the new AI initiative in the fourth quarter. The play failed, with Arch Manning losing three yards. Del Conte described the moment as a pivotal embrace of the new technology.
Greg Abel invested 32% of Berkshire portfolio in AI stocks
Warren Buffett retired on Dec. 31 and passed oversight of Berkshire Hathaway to Greg Abel. Abel has invested 32% of Berkshire's $364 billion portfolio in three AI-focused companies. Apple makes up 21.5% at $78.28 billion, Alphabet accounts for 9.9% at $36 billion, and Bending Spoons holds 0.4% at $1.44 billion. The three stocks together represent a major shift in Berkshire's investment strategy under Abel's leadership.
Greg Abel's Berkshire Portfolio Heavily Weighted in AI Stocks
Warren Buffett retired on Dec. 31 and handed the CEO role to Greg Abel. Abel has 32% of Berkshire's $364 billion portfolio in three AI stocks. Those stocks are Apple, Alphabet, and Bending Spoons. Apple is the largest holding at $78.28 billion. Alphabet's Google Cloud revenue growth hit 82% in one quarter. Bending Spoons develops AI-powered software for subscription businesses.
California Economy Grows on AI but Hiring Remains Weak
California's economy is growing faster than the nation's thanks to AI and defense spending. Cal State Fullerton economists reported state GDP grew 3.5% in the first half of 2026 compared with 2.4% nationally. AI now drives 37% of California's growth. However, hiring is flat, housing is frozen, and consumer confidence is falling. At least 17% of Orange County jobs face disruption from AI.
SpecMAGIC Framework Improves Multi-Agent AI Task Generalization
SpecMAGIC is a new framework for multi-agent reinforcement learning. It uses a specification language based on temporal logic to break complex tasks into smaller subtasks. A central planner assigns subtasks across agents while individual agents handle execution. The system can generalize to new tasks without retraining. Tests on multi-agent navigation showed strong performance and improvement over existing methods.
Hong Kong Finance Chief Warns AI Threatens Financial Sector
Hong Kong finance secretary Paul Chan warned that AI could cause job losses and slower economic growth in the city's financial sector. He spoke in an interview with CNN about both the risks and benefits of AI. Chan said the government needs to invest in education and training to help workers adapt. He called for a more proactive approach to handling AI's impact on the economy.
Pension Trustees Told to Watch for AI Risks in Investments
The Pensions Regulator issued new guidance urging trustees to monitor AI-related risks in investment portfolios. The regulator warned that even diversified portfolios may have hidden exposure to AI risks. Investment in AI-related activity grew by 127.5% year-on-year. Tech companies like Meta and Alphabet dominate equity markets and are issuing debt to fund AI expansion. Trustees are told to test portfolio resilience and challenge advisers on AI exposure.
JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs prioritize security in AI plans
JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs discussed AI security at the Evident AI Symposium. JPMorgan CIO Lori Beer said security and risk management must come first as the bank expands its LLM Suite platform to 1,000 business applications. Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti warned that AI agents are unpredictable and could misbehave. Both leaders stressed the need for strong controls as AI technology moves faster than the ability to manage it.
AI cameras monitor border towns as midterm ad sparks outrage
A New York Times episode covers AI-powered cameras being used to watch border towns. The article also discusses a midterm election attack ad that has caused public outrage. The piece is part of a daily news briefing covering current events. Specific details on the camera technology and the ad controversy are explored in the full report.
UBS keeps positive view on global equities amid AI growth
UBS kept its attractive view on global equities, saying AI spending and strong earnings should support markets. The bank forecasts the MSCI All Country World Index will reach 1,460 by December 2026 and 1,510 by June 2027. AI remains the largest source of earnings growth, with hyperscalers continuing aggressive capital spending. UBS recommends watching power availability and data center permitting as key factors for AI demand.
AI researchers find new vulnerability in core internet language
Cyber researchers used AI to detect a new vulnerability in a programming language that powers 70 percent of the internet. The AI industry warns that more disruptive cyber events are expected to come. The finding was highlighted in the Washington Post's AI and Tech Brief. The article underscores growing concerns about cybersecurity in the age of AI.
Sources
- Texas Athletics' launches Bevo Lab AI sports intelligence platform
- Texas’ failed 4th and 2 call vs. Florida was made by new AI platform
- Steve Sarkisian, Texas Using New AI Platform 'Bevo Lab' to Assist with Decision Making
- Did Texas use artificial intelligence to call fourth-down play against Florida? Longhorns AD clarifies report
- Warren Buffett's Successor, Greg Abel, Has 32% of Berkshire Hathaway's $364 Billion Portfolio Invested in 3 Unstoppable AI Stocks
- Warren Buffett's Successor, Greg Abel, Has 32% of Berkshire Hathaway's $364 Billion Portfolio Invested in 3 Unstoppable AI Stocks
- CSUF: California economy pumped up by AI, but weak hiring persists
- SpecMAGIC: Specification-Guided Multi-Task Generalization in Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning
- Hong Kong finance secretary on AI risk and future growth
- Trustees must monitor AI risks building in investment portfolios, ...
- JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs underscore security in AI plans
- The A.I.-Powered Cameras Watching Border Towns, and a Midterms Attack Ad Causes Outrage
- UBS maintains attractive view on global equities as AI spending supports earnings
- AI & Tech Brief: Black October
Comments
Please log in to post a comment.