Most Read: Google, Microsoft, OpenAI Square Up on Generative AI; Uber, AI Company Team to Develop Self-Driving Cars

Here are the most-read stories on AI Business this week.

Google, Microsoft, OpenAI Square up on Generative AI

When a new disruption emerges, big-name players race to master it. This is happening right now as Amazon, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI are actively investing in generative AI. It’s a high-stakes race where the winner takes all as the ultimate provider of all things AI. However, how realistic is this goal?

There are several key indicators of big tech companies going for an AI monopoly:

Partners turned competitors: Having invested $13 billion in OpenAI, Microsoft now considers the company its competitor. The growing competitive tension was marked by removing the OpenAI CEO without briefing the Microsoft CEO and Microsoft gave up its observer seat on the OpenAI board.

Rise of big tech AI models: Big tech companies keep gravitating from partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic to developing their products. After acquiring Inflection AI, Microsoft poured $650 million into its MAI-1 model. Similarly, Amazon is now creating its own AI platform.

Find out whether a generative AI monopoly is possible

Uber, AI Company Team to Develop Self-Driving Cars

Uber is teaming with British AI company Wayve to develop self-driving vehicles.

The ride-hailing company says it will collaborate with automakers to use the London-based start-up’s AI solutions.

Related:Google, Microsoft, OpenAI Square Up on Generative AI

This will deliver Level 4 autonomous functionality on vehicles which will subsequently be used on the Uber network “in multiple markets around the world.” There is no word yet on what OEMs will be involved.

Level 4 automation is defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers as when a vehicle is in full control of driving under certain circumstances or in a specific location.

Discover more about the companies' plans

Generative AI Strategy Primer for Executives

Despite the excitement around generative AI continuing to build, software firms have been adjusting their revenue estimates and growth projections downward this year. This shift is partly because software buyer executives are taking their time to thoughtfully position themselves for success in the generative AI era.

As a result, executives are delaying their purchasing decisions and replacing expiring multi-year contracts with annual contracts until they can develop a comprehensive strategy for generative AI-related investments. This has led to a decrease in the purchase of traditional, non-AI-forward products and services, resulting in reduced growth estimates for software vendor companies.

So, what's behind this temporary slowdown? It's simple – executives are holding back on making major commitments until they've fully contemplated their generative AI strategy.

Get the full story

Google Starts Construction of $850M Data Center in Uruguay

Google has broken ground on a new data center in Canelones, Uruguay, marking its second major infrastructure investment in Latin America.

This $850 million project aims to meet the increasing demand for cloud services while advancing AI capabilities and supporting economic growth in the region.

The new facility will complement Google’s existing data center in Chile, which opened in 2015.

Google has also been investing in digital skills training to prepare the next generation of professionals for careers in technology to support the broader goal of digital transformation in Latin America.

Explore Google’s plans for the region

AI-Powered Construction Safety Risk Platform Launched

Highwire, a platform that supports managing contractor construction and operation risk, has launched a safety risk management tool that offers advanced AI analysis.

The new functionality aims to provide deep insights into contractor risk through advanced AI analysis of safety documentation.

The tool automates document review, analyzes safety management programs, proactively identifies risks and classifies safety protocols. These are tasks that can traditionally take thousands of human hours, according to Highwire.

The platform uses AI analytics to provide more accurate contractor assessment, enabling managers to implement mitigation strategies before work begins. For example, programs can be categorized as general, detailed or comprehensive, moving beyond mere pass/fail analysis to support managers to make more informed decisions.

Read on to find out how AI can make construction safer