“Only three jobs will survive AI”: Bill Gates paints a grim picture for the future of work - Smith Noah, JasonDeegan

As technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, the future of work is becoming a hot topic of conversation. Renowned tech visionary Bill Gates has recently shared a startling prediction: only three professions will withstand the tidal wave of artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. Gates’ forecast suggests that only three sectors will remain robust in the face of AI disruption: energy, biology, and AI system programming itself. These fields require a level of expertise and adaptability that AI cannot easily replicate. For instance, energy roles involve intricate problem-solving and sustainability efforts that demand human oversight. Similarly, biological sciences require nuanced understanding and empathy, especially in areas like healthcare and biotechnology.  What does this mean for the millions of workers worldwide? Are we truly prepared for this impending revolution? 

https://jasondeegan.com/only-three-jobs-will-survive-ai-bill-gates-paints-a-grim-picture-for-the-future-of-work/

AI’s next leap requires intimate access to your digital life - Gerrit De Vynct, Washington Post

Tech companies are racing to upgrade chatbots like ChatGPT not only to offer answers, but also to take control of a computer to take action on a person’s behalf. Experts in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity warn the technology will require people to expose much more of their digital lives to corporations, potentially bringing new privacy and security problems. In recent weeks, executives from leading AI companies including Google, Microsoft, Anthropic and OpenAI have all predicted that a new generation of digital helpers termed “AI agents” will completely change how people interact with computers.

https://wapo.st/3CcdkNN

What Are Employers Looking for When Reviewing College Students’ Resumes? - Kevin Gray, NACEweb

Specifically, when asked what attributes they are looking for on resumes, nearly 90% of employers responding to NACE’s Job Outlook 2025 survey indicated they are seeking evidence of a student’s ability to solve problems and nearly 80% are seeking candidates who have strong teamwork skills. (See Figure 1.) Written communication skills, initiative, strong work ethic, and technical skills are important to at least 70% of responding employers. In addition, more than two-thirds seek verbal communication skills, flexibility/adaptability and analytical/quantitative skills in the candidates they recruit.

https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/candidate-selection/what-are-employers-looking-for-when-reviewing-college-students-resumes

Prophecies of the Flood - Ethan Mollick, One Useful Thing

Recently, something shifted in the AI industry. Researchers began speaking urgently about the arrival of supersmart AI systems, a flood of intelligence. Not in some distant future, but imminently. They often refer AGI - Artificial General Intelligence - defined, albeit imprecisely, as machines that can outperform expert humans across most intellectual tasks. This availability of intelligence on demand will, they argue, change society deeply and will change it soon. Yet, dismissing these predictions as mere hype may not be helpful. Whatever their incentives, the researchers and engineers inside AI labs appear genuinely convinced they're witnessing the emergence of something unprecedented. Their certainty alone wouldn't matter - except that increasingly public benchmarks and demonstrations are beginning to hint at why they might believe we're approaching a fundamental shift in AI capabilities. The water, as it were, seems to be rising faster than expected.

https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/prophecies-of-the-flood

Gender balance in computer science and engineering is improving at elite universities but getting worse elsewhere - Joseph Cimpian, the Conversation

The share of computer science and engineering degrees going to women has increased at the most selective American universities over the past 20 years and is approaching gender parity, while the proportion has declined at less selective schools. Those are the main findings of a study my colleague and I recently published in the journal Science. Jo R. King and I analyzed over 34 million bachelor’s degrees awarded by nearly 1,600 American universities from 2002 to 2022 – data covering almost all bachelors-degree-granting institutions in the U.S. We wanted to identify which factors best predict parity among men and women in physics, engineering and computer science majors.

https://theconversation.com/gender-balance-in-computer-science-and-engineering-is-improving-at-elite-universities-but-getting-worse-elsewhere-244365

The future of telcos: Mapping the routes to renewed success - McKinsey

In recent years, telcos have repeatedly attempted to turn around their flagging fortunes by embracing agile ways of working, core-adjacent businesses or services, advanced network technologies, and assorted productivity improvements. Yet these piecemeal efforts have not been sufficient to turn the tide. The challenges the industry faces are fundamental and arguably existential, including massive capital requirements and complex underlying issues. Nevertheless, based on our research and experience in the market, including interviews with telco leaders, we see a few viable options for putting the industry on firmer footing. Telcos can reinvent the integrated business and operating model, move away from the integrated approach by delayering or separating into multiple focused entities, or transform into a utility-like organization with greater emphasis on sustainability, efficiency and more government support.

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/the-future-of-telcos-mapping-the-routes-to-renewed-success

9 AI ‘Impossible’ Inventions That Experts Said Could Never Exist - AI Dark Files, YouTube

This video explores nine examples of AI-generated inventions that were once considered impossible by experts. It highlights how AI is now achieving breakthroughs in various fields, including drug discovery, art creation, and even emotional intelligence. The video showcases instances where AI has surpassed human capabilities, such as designing unique fractal food containers, creating bizarre yet effective antenna shapes for NASA, and discovering new antibiotics. It also delves into the emergence of AI in quantum computing, brain-computer interfaces, and agentic AI systems that can set their own goals and act autonomously. The video emphasizes that AI is no longer just a tool but a co-creator and partner in innovation. It challenges viewers to embrace AI's potential while actively shaping its development through education, ethical guidelines, and cross-disciplinary cooperation. By investing in AI and fostering collaboration, we can ensure that AI serves the common good and continues to push the boundaries of what's possible. (summary provided by GenAI)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrLJEzUxIs0

Understanding And Preparing For The 7 Levels Of AI Agents - Douglas B. Laney, Forbes

The following framework I offer for defining, understanding, and preparing for agentic AI blends foundational work in computer science with insights from cognitive psychology and speculative philosophy. Each of the seven levels represents a step-change in technology, capability, and autonomy. The framework expresses increasing opportunities to innovate, thrive, and transform in a data-fueled and AI-driven digital economy.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/douglaslaney/2025/01/03/understanding-and-preparing-for-the-seven-levels-of-ai-agents/

Music’s New Frontier. How AI is Changing the Game. - Luca Jagger, Qhubo

In the evolving landscape of the music industry, a revolutionary change is underway. Canadian icon Drake is trailblazing into novel territories by blending his artistry with  Artificial Intelligence (AI), hinting at a seismic shift in how music could be crafted soon. Teaming up with a leading tech company, Drake is set to utilize AI-based technology to revolutionize his music production. The AI-driven software is designed to delve into extensive databases of themes, beats, and lyrics, thus offering a fresh lens through which to experience music creation. This venture highlights a growing trend where musicians marry creativity with cutting-edge technology, potentially reshaping artistic boundaries.

https://www.qhubo.com.ni/news2/musics-new-frontier-how-ai-is-changing-the-game/46239/

NVIDIA Unveils STUNNING Mini Supercomputer, AI Agents, World Model (CES 2025) - Matthew Berman, YouTube

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang made a splash at CES 2025 with a slew of exciting announcements centered around advancing AI. He introduced the Project Digits, a compact yet powerful AI supercomputer the size of a Mac Mini, priced at $3,000. This device boasts the capability to handle massive AI models with up to 200 billion parameters, making it significantly more powerful than the average laptop. Beyond the hardware, Huang emphasized the rise of "agentic AI," highlighting its potential to revolutionize various fields. He also unveiled new RTX 50 series GPUs, promising enhanced performance, and showcased "Cosmos" foundation models capable of generating photorealistic video for training robots and self-driving cars. These announcements solidify Nvidia's position at the forefront of AI innovation, driving towards a future where AI is more accessible and impactful than ever before. (summary provided by GenAI)

https://youtu.be/N6xDzN71BYo?si=ACVKD7wZjhj2xUJi

Nvidia's mini 'desktop supercomputer' is 1,000 times more powerful than a laptop — and it can fit in your bag News - Keumars Afifi-Sabet, Live Science

Scientists have created a new mini PC that is almost as powerful as a supercomputer but can fit in your bag. The new device, dubbed "Project Digits," is designed for developers, researchers, students and data scientists who work with artificial intelligence (AI). Its uses include running AI models that would have previously required tapping into massive data centers via the cloud, Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang announced at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Although the product design has not yet been finalized, it will be small enough to fit on your desk or even in your bag.

https://www.livescience.com/technology/computing/nvidias-mini-desktop-supercomputer-is-1-000-times-more-powerful-than-your-laptop-and-can-fit-in-your-pocket

OpenAI is turning its attention to ‘superintelligence’ - Kyle Wiggers, TechCrunch

AGI, or artificial general intelligence, is a nebulous term, but OpenAI has its own definition: “highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work.” OpenAI and Microsoft, the startup’s close collaborator and investor, also have a definition of AGI: AI systems that can generate at least $100 billion in profits. When OpenAI achieves this, Microsoft will lose access to its technology, per an agreement between the two companies. So which definition might Altman be referring to? He didn’t specify, but the former seems likeliest. Altman wrote that he thinks AI agents — AI systems that can perform certain tasks autonomously — may “join the workforce,” in a manner of speaking, and “materially change the output of companies” this year.

https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/05/openai-is-beginning-to-turn-its-attention-to-superintelligence/

Watch "Sam Altman's STUNNING New Statement "EVERYTHING is About to Change" - Wes Roth, YouTube

Sam Altman shared a six-word story on Twitter: "Near the singularity, unclear which side." This statement encapsulates the uncertainty and excitement surrounding the rapid advancement of AI. It also alludes to the simulation hypothesis, suggesting that we may be approaching a point where we can determine if our reality is simulated. In a blog post titled "Reflections," Altman shared his thoughts on the progress of OpenAI and the future of AI. He highlighted the rapid growth of AI, particularly the success of ChatGPT, and the challenges OpenAI has faced in building a company around this new technology. He emphasized the importance of safety and alignment research and expressed confidence in their approach of gradually releasing AI systems into the world. Altman also discussed the future of AI, predicting the emergence of AI agents in the workforce by 2025 and the potential for superintelligence to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation. He acknowledged the concerns and uncertainties surrounding AI but expressed optimism about its potential benefits. (summary provided by GenAI Gemini 1.5)

https://youtu.be/ppWSFpTPXa8?si=olyT2FjNGjsarM4m

Biden drops plan to ban flexible online learning for trade programs - Matt Lamb, the College Fix

President Joe Biden’s administration will no longer try to ban asynchronous learning for trade programs and career certificates. The Biden administration is wrapping up remaining regulations in the final several weeks before President Donald Trump returns to the White House.  It recently announced that while the Department of Education will collect more information on distance education, it will allow schools to use asynchronous learning, in contradiction to a proposed rule.

https://www.thecollegefix.com/biden-drops-plan-to-ban-flexible-online-learning-for-trade-programs/