Google Introduces Nano Banana 2 to Accelerate AI Image Creation Across Marketing, Search, and Cloud Workflows - Google has launched Nano Banana 2, combining Pro-level image intelligence with Gemini Flash speed. The model integrates real-time knowledge grounding, improved text rendering, and consistent visual outputs across workflows in Search, Ads, and Google Cloud. It replaces Nano Banana Pro in most Gemini modes while expanding global availability.

Why it matters: AI image generation is moving from creative experimentation into operational infrastructure. As visual tools become embedded directly into search, advertising, and enterprise systems, organizations must decide how — and how quickly — to integrate AI-driven image production into their everyday workflows.

Pentagon takes first step toward blacklisting Anthropic - According to new reporting, the U.S. Department of Defense has begun taking preliminary steps that could lead to Anthropic being designated a supply chain risk — a move that could restrict or block the company from future Pentagon contracts. The reported action includes outreach to major defense contractors to assess their reliance on Anthropic’s AI systems as part of a broader evaluation process. No formal blacklist designation has been announced, and Anthropic’s position on maintaining safeguards remains unchanged.

Why it matters: This marks a shift from public disagreement to potential institutional consequences. If pursued, a supply chain risk designation could affect how frontier AI companies participate in national security procurement — raising broader questions about how safety constraints intersect with government contracting requirements.

Statement from Dario Amodei on our discussions with the Department of War - Following its ongoing dispute with the U.S. Department of Defense, Anthropic published a formal statement reiterating that it will not remove safeguards related to autonomous weapons or domestic surveillance use. In the statement, CEO Dario Amodei wrote: “Regardless, these threats do not change our position: we cannot in good conscience accede to their request.”

Why it matters: The disagreement highlights how acceptable risk is being recalibrated as advanced AI systems move into operational national security use — where failures could carry consequences that are immediate, irreversible, and difficult to independently audit.

ReadAI: AI That Works Even When You Can’t, Read AI Introduces Digital Twin - Read AI has announced a new feature called Ada, described as a “digital twin” designed to act on a user’s behalf across email and meeting workflows. The AI assistant can review conversations, draft responses, summarize discussions, and prepare follow-ups even when a user is offline, with humans retaining final approval before actions are sent. The launch reflects a broader shift in how AI assistants are evolving — from reactive chat tools into persistent agents that represent users within everyday workplace communication systems.

Why it matters: As AI systems begin operating asynchronously on behalf of workers, the concept of a “digital twin” introduces a new model of productivity where AI doesn’t just assist tasks but helps maintain a person’s professional presence. This raises new questions about delegation, trust, and how much decision-making organizations are willing to hand off to AI as agentic workflows expand.

Grab the files you want to start with. This could be a CSV export from Shopify or Google Analytics, a meeting transcript from Zoom, or a scope of work

Launch Claude, attach the file/doc, and prompt: “I need you to turn these documents into a slide deck outline. Before you start, ask me 5 multiple-choice questions about the purpose, audience, tone, and structure”

Answer the Qs to get Claude’s outline. Then, go to Gamma > Create New > Generate from outline and paste it. Click Continue and check the deck preview

Finally, click Generate, and Gamma will create a full deck for you that you can edit with AI and export as a PowerPoint or PDF

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