Microsoft recently laid off over 300 employees in Washington state as part of ongoing workforce restructuring, following a significant job cut of 6,000 roles in May. The latest reductions, effective June 2, aim to align the company’s operations with a rapidly evolving market. A spokesperson stated these changes were necessary for Microsoft to thrive in a dynamic industry. Although specific roles impacted were not disclosed, previous layoffs largely affected software engineering positions. This trend mirrors a broader shift in the tech sector, where firms like Meta and Salesforce are also reducing headcount, despite substantial investments in artificial intelligence (AI). AI tools are being leveraged to enhance productivity and minimize hiring needs, with Salesforce noting that internal AI tools have enabled them to limit new hires. As of June 2024, Microsoft employed about 228,000 staff, with 55% located in the United States, reflecting the ongoing transformation of workforce composition driven by AI.
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Microsoft Lays Off 300 Employees as Part of AI-Driven Restructuring, Reports ET CIO SEA
Ransomware Disguised as Fake AI and Business Tools
Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI and small business tools as a facade for ransomware attacks, exploiting the growing adoption of AI by small businesses. Cisco Talos revealed that malicious actors are disguising malware within counterfeit software resembling reputable services like Nova Leads and ChatGPT. Many small enterprises are misled into downloading these false tools, compromising their sensitive data and financials.
One example includes a fake Nova Leads website offering a non-existent AI tool, which actually deploys ransomware called CyberLock. Another instance involved an installer for ChatGPT that hid ransomware Lucky_Gh0$t alongside legitimate AI tools as a deceptive tactic. The increasing prevalence of such tactics, coupled with techniques like SEO poisoning to rank these malicious sites high in searches, poses significant risks.
To defend against ransomware, small businesses are advised to patch vulnerabilities, implement stringent cybersecurity measures, maintain offline backups, and thoroughly eradicate any traces of malware after an attack.
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BNP Paribas Launches LLM as a Service Platform to Fast-Track Generative AI Applications Across Its Businesses
BNP Paribas offers an LLM (Large Language Model) as a Service platform to enhance the implementation of generative AI across its various business sectors. This initiative aims to streamline and industrialize the adoption of AI technologies, enabling faster deployment of AI-driven applications and use cases. By leveraging this platform, the bank seeks to improve operational efficiency, foster innovation, and create added value for its clients. The service empowers teams within the organization to explore and utilize generative AI solutions effectively, positioning BNP Paribas as a leader in integrating advanced technologies into its operations. Ultimately, this endeavor underscores the bank’s commitment to harnessing AI to drive business transformation and enhance customer experiences.
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AIATELLA Secures €2M to Develop AI-Driven Cardiovascular Imaging Solutions
Finnish medtech startup AIATELLA has raised €2 million to advance its AI-driven cardiovascular imaging technology. This funding, led by Nordic Science Investments along with various venture capitalists and angel investors, will support clinical trials and enhance ultrasound-based screening for carotid artery narrowing.
AIATELLA’s Automated Image Measurement (AIM) technology processes images from MRI, CT, and ultrasound, allowing rapid detection and quantification of vascular abnormalities. This automation significantly reduces the time specialists spend on image analysis, enabling more focus on patient care. The company is pursuing medical approvals in Europe and North America.
AIATELLA also aims to develop portable ultrasound screening for early cardiovascular disease detection, targeting mass screenings to catch issues before serious symptoms arise. Its technology addresses the pressing demands of healthcare systems by promoting earlier intervention and equitable care, while actively working to identify differences in cardiovascular disease manifestations across diverse demographics.
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Sundar Pichai Embraces Vibe Coding: “I Wish I Could Achieve More”
Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, has embraced the trend of “vibe coding,” experimenting with AI coding assistants like Cursor and Replit to develop web apps. Pichai described his project, aimed at consolidating information in one place, as “partially complete.” Coined by OpenAI’s Andrej Karpathy, vibe coding allows users to direct AI with prompts, potentially transforming traditional software engineering. This shift has raised questions about the need for technical skills among developers, with some fearing job displacement. However, Pichai believes that AI tools will enhance rather than replace software engineers, leading to more creative and collaborative roles. Tech leaders, including OpenAI’s Sam Altman, acknowledge that while AI may reduce the demand for certain coding tasks, it may transform the profession into a more research-oriented field. The overall sentiment suggests that AI will empower developers to focus on innovative problem-solving rather than routine coding tasks.
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OnePlus 13 Introduces Unique Gemini Feature: A First for Smartphones, Outshining Google Pixels
The OnePlus 13s has made waves as the first smartphone to introduce a dedicated lock screen shortcut for Google Gemini, which is not available on other Android phones. This feature, referred to as “Digital Assistant from Google,” allows users to access the Gemini app directly from the lock screen instead of starting a new query through voice commands. Additional AI features include OnePlus AI Mind, enhancing convenience by organizing screenshots and memos. The phone boasts impressive specs, such as a 6.32-inch display, a 50MP main camera and telephoto lens, a 32MP selfie camera, and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with 12GB of RAM and a 5,850 mAh battery. Currently available only in India, there’s speculation about whether similar features will be adopted in Google’s Pixel phones, especially since a Gemini lock screen button was hinted at in the Android 15 beta but not included in the final release.
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Stay Informed: Google’s Gemini Catch Me Up Tool Alerts You to Changes in Your Work Files
Google has introduced the “Catch Me Up” tool powered by Gemini to enhance user experience in Google Drive, making it easier to track changes in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This feature allows users to analyze specific files or get updates across their entire Drive. It scans for recent edits and comments, offering a high-level overview of significant changes since a file was last accessed. Although the reports won’t cover every detail, they will summarize important modifications succinctly. Users can find the “Catch Me Up” option at the top of Google Drive, and a side panel will display the results. To use this feature, users must have smart features and personalization enabled in Google Workspace. The feature is currently being rolled out to various Google Workspace tiers, including Business and Enterprise plans, as well as specific educational and premium users.
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NVIDIA Unveils Compact LLM Designed for Edge AI Applications – YourStory.com
NVIDIA has introduced a lightweight large language model (LLM) designed specifically for edge AI applications. This model aims to address the growing demand for efficient AI solutions that operate on local devices, enhancing performance while minimizing latency and bandwidth usage. By deploying the LLM on edge hardware, developers can achieve faster processing times and real-time data analysis, making it suitable for various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing. The lightweight nature of the model ensures that it can run on less powerful hardware without compromising on functionality. Additionally, NVIDIA emphasizes the importance of maintaining robust privacy and security standards, as data can be processed locally rather than sent to the cloud. This innovation aligns with the increasing trend towards edge computing, providing businesses with a scalable and effective AI solution to meet their specific needs while optimizing resource use.
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FDA’s Hasty Rollout of Agency-Wide AI Tool Faces Significant Challenges
FDA staff have criticized the new AI tool, Elsa, developed with Deloitte and based on Anthropic’s Claude LLM. Staffers described the tool as “rushed,” highlighting that its capabilities have been overstated by officials, including Dr. Peter Makary and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk. They asserted that Elsa should only be used for administrative tasks rather than scientific ones and criticized the FDA for lacking proper regulations for its usage. Concerns were raised about the rush to deploy the tool without sufficient policy considerations. Previously, different FDA centers worked on separate AI pilots; however, after budget cuts, the CDER-GPT pilot was chosen for broader implementation as Elsa. Staff from the Center for Devices and Radiological Health reported that their pilot, CDRH-GPT, is plagued with technical issues, highlighting potential challenges in transitioning to a unified AI system across the FDA.
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ThroughPut.AI Introduces Catalyst Program to Fast-Track AI-Driven Supply Chain Transformation Without Additional Tool Investments
ThroughPut.AI has launched its Catalyst Program, aimed at helping businesses optimize their existing technology without the need for new software integrations or significant investment. This initiative addresses common challenges in digitalizing supply chains, such as financial constraints and tool fatigue, by allowing organizations to extract value from underused systems. The program facilitates rapid deployment and tangible results within weeks through a three-step process: data preparation, AI-powered analysis, and outcome delivery. It empowers teams by making AI accessible and equipping them with the skills to generate actionable insights quickly. By integrating ThroughPut’s AI capabilities behind the scenes, businesses can efficiently realize their data-driven transformation goals. The Catalyst Program represents a low-risk, pragmatic approach to enhancing operations and building momentum towards digital transformation, emphasizing delivering measurable outcomes faster than traditional methods.
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