When attempting to extrapolate how the present developments in generative AI will lead to the platform of the future, there are a couple of stories to dive deeper into—and what we're looking at this week.
One, which was kind of a small development, was Google's Deep Research. The ability now is that developers are able to use the API to build apps with this capability. If you're not familiar with Deep Research, it's definitely something you should check out. Google was really the first AI offering to provide this functionality in its Gemini model, and it is something quite amazing.
Understanding that the platform of the future is going to be a composite technology—this is really where Deep Research comes in. The LLM will not just respond to prompts but will actually go out and research on the web. It's that combination of using its natural language processing capabilities to actually go do something. This is where we have our first glimpse into what agentic looks like, and it's pretty amazing. Full stop.
I demoed Deep Research with other members of the faculty, and they were impressed. It's a good illustration of how this could potentially help tax professionals and accounting professionals do research. Even if you don't trust the output, it does provide a good set of links at the bottom of the page, which enables you to verify. If you're looking at it in-app, there's a way to export Deep Research into a Google Doc. But if you're looking within the actual interface of Gemini, you can go paragraph by paragraph to see what links it's providing and then refine your research from there.
The second story to check out is OpenAI's partnership with Disney. I've felt for a very long time that generative AI will be the ultimate amplifier for storytelling and user-generated content. What it does is give the capability to someone who has great ideas but isn't a professionally trained writer—someone who's not able to get to Hollywood but has great ideas. This is similar to user-generated content, like Dude Perfect—someone who has great ideas but wants to tell a story about Darth Vader. With Disney now owning these kinds of properties—Marvel, Star Wars—it will open up that capability for people with great ideas to create.
Now, I think it's an interesting aspect here, because there's a tendency to think that generative AI is just about cheating. As OpenAI and Disney kind of finalize their partnership, what'll be interesting is to see the tools that are necessary to create the tool of the future. What does that look like when you're trying to create an animation? What does a GenAI video content generator look like? This could be financial salvation for OpenAI. I think the scope is limited right now—it's just social animation, so you're only using Sora within the context of the app.
But regardless, we've seen the success of user-generated content, and it's arguably one of the reasons why Quibi failed during the pandemic—star power doesn't have that much power anymore. That's something of a bygone era. Now, what matters is user-generated content. You can see this with vlogging videos out there that really illustrate the capability of being able to tell a story in a unique way.
There'll be many who argue that this is not real art, that this is not the same as "real" human-generated content—and that's fair. But I would articulate that this is similar to electronic music. People would argue that electronic dance music, or EDM, is not real music. But it created a different genre. It's not like classical music; it's not like rock music. So if you're a fan of CCR—Creedence Clearwater Revival—you're going to argue that techno music is not real music. But it created a different genre and a different type of audience. And I think that either the story is good or bad—that's kind of what it comes down to.
What will enable OpenAI to potentially become its own kind of movie studio is the ability to create a specific filmmaking tool. Most video editors use tools like Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. Most learn these tools through YouTube videos - no certification required.
And I think that's one of the pathways to the future, because there's been a lot of anti-OpenAI rhetoric out there—comparisons to Myspace and things like that by certain detractors. However, the challenge is to chart the pathway to the future: how do we build something new?
This is where AI builds, not just displaces. The appetite for professionally crafted stories—Star Wars, anime, the next great cinematic experience—isn't going anywhere. But alongside it, we're watching a new genre emerge: stories created by everyday people, powered by tools that didn't exist five years ago. The next Dude Perfect might not just be doing trick shots—they might be producing their own animated series. That's not a threat to storytelling. That's its next chapter.
Disney and OpenAI Strike Landmark Deal to Bring Iconic Characters to Generative AI
The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI announced a three-year licensing and partnership agreement that will allow OpenAI’s generative video platform, Sora, and ChatGPT Images to create fan-inspired short-form videos and images using more than 200 characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. Users will be able to generate short, shareable social videos featuring iconic characters, environments, and props, with curated selections eventually streaming on Disney+. Beyond licensing, Disney will become a major OpenAI customer, integrating OpenAI’s APIs into new products and experiences, including Disney+, and deploying ChatGPT internally. Disney will also make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI. Both companies emphasized responsible AI use, including safeguards for creators’ rights and user safety, positioning the agreement as a model for collaboration between AI and entertainment leaders.
(Source: OpenAI)
- Generative fan content expands: Fans will be able to create short AI-generated videos and images using hundreds of Disney-owned characters.
- Strategic partnership deepens: Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI and adopt its technology across products and internal operations.
- Responsible AI focus: Both companies stress protections for creators, users, and intellectual property.
How Saskatoon Is Using AI to Keep City Buses—and Services—Running Smoothly
Saskatoon Transit is using artificial intelligence to improve fleet reliability by identifying mechanical issues before buses break down. Hardware installed on more than 130 buses sends real-time sensor data to a central system, where AI analyzes performance and flags maintenance needs. Since launching as a pilot in 2023, the system has reduced unscheduled maintenance, lowered parts costs, and improved service reliability. AI is also being used across Saskatoon’s water services, waste management, administration, and energy efficiency systems. Nationally, adoption is growing, with many Canadian municipalities using or evaluating AI tools to support operations. While cost, privacy, and data accuracy remain concerns, experts say AI is increasingly seen as a way to modernize services without displacing workers.
(Source: CTV News)
- Predictive maintenance in transit: AI helps Saskatoon detect bus issues early, reducing breakdowns and costs.
- Municipal adoption is rising: Cities across Canada are experimenting with AI in services like HR, infrastructure, and traffic analysis.
- Efficiency without layoffs: AI is being used mainly to automate routine tasks rather than replace workers.
The Real AI Fear Isn’t a Bubble—it’s Mass Layoffs and Inequality
A commentary in The Guardian argues that public anxiety around artificial intelligence centers less on speculative tech bubbles and more on the risk of widespread job losses and rising income inequality. Citing warnings from AI executives, economists, and policymakers, the piece highlights concerns that AI could eliminate millions of jobs, particularly entry-level white-collar roles. MIT economist and Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu describes two possible paths for AI: one that maximizes automation and job cuts, and another that enhances workers’ skills and productivity. The article calls for stronger government intervention, including retraining programs, healthcare reform, shorter workweeks, and expanded unemployment insurance, to ensure AI benefits are more evenly distributed.
(Source: The Guardian)
- Job security is the main concern: Many fear AI will lead to mass layoffs and greater inequality.
- Two paths for AI: Experts argue AI can either replace workers or be designed to augment their skills.
- Policy response needed: Governments may need to act to protect workers and modernize safety nets.
Trump Executive Order Seeks to Block State AI Rules in Favor of National Framework
President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at preventing states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence regulations while the federal government works toward a unified national framework. Administration officials say the move is intended to prevent a patchwork of state rules that could slow innovation and weaken US competitiveness. Critics argue the order could undermine consumer protections and accountability, particularly in areas such as deepfakes, discrimination, healthcare, and policing. The decision has exposed divisions within Congress and the Republican Party, and legal experts expect court challenges. Many stakeholders now say Congress faces increased pressure to pass comprehensive federal AI legislation.
(Source: CNN)
- Federal preemption effort: The executive order seeks to limit state-level AI regulation.
- Ongoing debate: Supporters cite innovation and competitiveness, while critics warn of weakened safeguards.
- Legislative pressure grows: Congress may need to establish clear federal AI rules.
Google and OpenAI Trade Blows as Deep Research and GPT-5.2 Launch Side by Side
Google unveiled a major upgrade to its Gemini Deep Research agent on the same day OpenAI released GPT-5.2, highlighting intensifying competition in advanced AI. Built on Gemini 3 Pro, the new agent allows developers to embed deep research capabilities into their own applications through a new Interactions API. Google says the tool is designed to handle large volumes of information while minimizing hallucinations during complex, multi-step tasks. The company introduced a new open-source benchmark to demonstrate progress, though OpenAI’s near-simultaneous release of GPT-5.2 quickly shifted attention back to the broader AI rivalry.
(Source: TechCrunch)
- More capable research agents: Google’s update enables deeper, more autonomous research workflows.
- Accuracy remains critical: Reducing hallucinations is key for long-running AI tasks.
- Competition is accelerating: Major AI players continue to release upgrades at a rapid pace.
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