Alphabet’s Google unveiled six Gemini AI-linked ad formats at Google Marketing Live, including Conversational Discovery, AI-upgraded Shopping Ads, and native checkout in AI Search responses, plus ads eligibility for Highlighted Answers in AI Mode and new lead and promotional-bundling features. UBS cited data that 75% of users make faster decisions with AI Overviews/Mode and projected Search+YouTube ad revenue of $341B (2027) and $379B (2028).
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square sold all Alphabet shares it held since 2023 by April, while Berkshire Hathaway’s Greg Abel added to Alphabet last quarter, making it Berkshire’s fifth-largest position. The article cites Alphabet’s AI-driven results, including 63% Google Cloud growth and 33% operating margin, but notes Alphabet guidance for up to $190B spending and a 27x forward P/E. Ackman redeployed proceeds into Microsoft, citing Azure +40% growth and Microsoft 365 gains.
Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” calling for robust legal regulation of AI and urging developers to prioritize the common good over profit, according to the Vatican. He warned against delegating irreversible lethal decisions to AI and criticized concentrated power and data in private hands. The launch included remarks from Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah, whose firm is in a legal dispute with the Trump administration.
