AI is behind voice-controlled virtual assistants like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa. It helps online shoppers decide what to buy, streaming services pick music and doctors spot cancers, review X-rays and speed up diagnoses. But the technology also carries the risk of automating jobs and reducing human labor.
Despite the fears, many companies are accelerating their efforts to develop and integrate AI. That includes the largest two tech giants in China, who are racing to keep up with the U.S. and invest in the sector, even as the Trump administration tightens some curbs on their semiconductor exports.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai says over 30% of its code is generated by AI. The company also released an updated version of its chatbot, ChatGPT, which can browse the web, book appointments and make purchases. The new “reasoning” model has a new name, o3-mini, and is backed by a system card that explains how the AI works.
Some news organizations have started to develop their own custom AI, while others rely on platform company offerings because of the high cost and challenges associated with in-house development. However, that can leave them dependent on the platforms and may limit their ability to innovate.
The AI boom is driving an increase in value for some of the biggest tech companies, including Microsoft and Nvidia. But it’s not without its critics, including those who warn that the technology could create a “digital class” that has more privilege than other people.
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