Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu warns of LLM-led job disruption in software development

Vembu’s remarks align with growing global apprehensions about AI-induced job displacement. In April, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) stated that up to 40% of jobs worldwide could be affected by AI. The Economic Survey 2024-25 also raised this issue, highlighting the rapid progression of AI technology and its disruptive effects on the labour market.

Apple's artificial intelligence ambitions for China provoke Washington's resistance

In recent months, the White House and congressional officials have been scrutinizing Apple's plan to strike a deal with Alibaba to make the Chinese company's AI available on iPhones in China, three people familiar with the deliberations said. They are concerned that the deal would help a Chinese company improve its AI abilities, broaden the reach of Chinese chatbots with censorship limits and deepen Apple's exposure to Beijing laws over censorship and data sharing.

AI Disruption: Job Concerns Rise Amid Tech Giants' Ambitions

The Pulse

The AI landscape is increasingly fraught with tensions as job displacement fears grow. Recent warnings from industry leaders like Zoho's Sridhar Vembu echo UNCTAD's report that up to 40% of jobs could be affected, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive strategies.

How it's happening

Key players like OpenAI and Apple are advancing AI capabilities, with OpenAI launching Codex to assist developers, while Apple faces scrutiny over its partnership with Alibaba. These developments underscore a competitive race amid regulatory challenges and ethical considerations.

Key takeaways

• Job displacement fears are rising, with significant implications for the workforce.
• OpenAI's Codex aims to enhance coding efficiency, reflecting a shift in software development.
• Apple's potential deal with Alibaba raises geopolitical concerns over data privacy.
• Regulatory pushback against AI bans indicates a growing demand for oversight.
• China's tech officials assert that humanoid robots will support rather than replace human workers.

Notable actions

In response to job displacement concerns, Vembu calls for proactive measures. Meanwhile, U.S. states oppose a proposed AI regulation ban in Trump's tax bill, emphasizing the need for protective laws. Watch for further developments in AI regulation and workforce adaptation.

China's humanoid robots will not replace human workers: Beijing official

A Chinese tech official has dismissed fears that humanoid robots will cause mass unemployment, stating they will enhance productivity and take on dangerous or undesirable tasks. Speaking at Beijing’s X-Humanoid Centre, he emphasised that robots are designed to support, not replace, humans, highlighting recent innovations and a symbolic robot half-marathon.

Weeks after Amazon's Alexa+ AI launch, a mystery: where are the users?

Amazon’s Alexa+, the AI-enhanced voice assistant, has seen a slow and unclear rollout despite promises of wide availability. Few verified users or public reviews exist, raising doubts about its readiness. Technical issues, limited access, and lack of marketing buzz suggest the service may be struggling behind the scenes.

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