Tech Companies to Focus on Productivity and Returns Over AI Usage

Major global technology companies are now shifting their focus from artificial intelligence (AI) usage metrics and token consumption towards productivity increases, cost efficiency, and measurable return on investment (ROI). According to a Business Standard report, enterprises are now examining the actual benefits derived from AI rather than mere usage.

Meanwhile, as part of its efforts to increase investment in the AI sector and reduce costs, Google has introduced a 'buyout offer' or voluntary resignation scheme for its employees. According to reports by Sandesh (Overseas) and Reuters, Google has offered its employees substantial sums of money to leave their jobs, similar to Microsoft. Google's parent company, Alphabet, has confirmed this news.

In a conversation with Reuters, a Google spokesperson stated that some teams had started a voluntary exit program with buyout payments in 2025. Subsequently, in June, this program was expanded globally to several countries to advance critical future tasks. According to the Times of India, these voluntary exit packages have been made available to employees in Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland. Under this scheme, employees who agree to leave will be given severance packages based on their years of service. However, employees of Google Cloud and DeepMind have been excluded from this scheme. Following these announcements, employees were informed of the outcomes by mid-July.

On another front, Google has launched 'Google DreamBeans AI' in India. According to Business Standard, DreamBeans AI creates personalized daily story collections by retrieving information from a user's connected Google apps.

A serious controversy has also emerged regarding the use of AI technology. According to an Aaj Tak report, the Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Kerala have accused an industrialist of spying using Meta AI smart glasses. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed suspicion that an industrialist, who had come to meet him under the pretext of business discussions, was recording or spying on him using Meta smart glasses. According to Shivakumar, the individual was discussing election politics and booth-level data instead of company business. Shivakumar further alleged that a conspiracy was being hatched to conduct sting operations against some of his cabinet ministers. Suspecting this, he ordered an investigation into the person's identity and background.

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan has also raised questions regarding this matter. In a press conference, Satheesan stated that the same industrialist had also worn smart glasses during his meeting with him and that photos of that meeting had been sent to him. Questioning the industrialist's intentions, Satheesan noted that the person wore smart glasses while meeting Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states, but did not wear them when meeting BJP leaders or other ministers. Two different photographs clearly demonstrate this difference.

The Kerala Chief Minister dismissed speculations about conducting a separate investigation into the matter. He stated that since the Karnataka Police are already investigating the case, there is no need for a separate probe in Kerala. As the investigation is currently ongoing, he avoided sharing further details.