The AI Download Google’s AI Power Grab, the Side Hustle Illusion, and the Gender Gap Widening
From eerily realistic video tools to AI-powered shopping and smart glasses saving lives—Google’s latest AI reveals are changing everything. ZDNet’s Sabrina Ortiz joins Shira Lazar on The AI Download to break it all down and share her tips for staying human in an AI-powered world.
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This week on The AI Download, Shira Lazar is joined by Sabrina Ortiz, Senior AI Editor at ZDNet, to break down the biggest AI reveals from Google I/O 2025—including Google’s ultra-realistic video generator Veo 3, its real-time AI assistant Project Astra, and new AI shopping agents that could reshape online search.
From real-time language translation in Google Meet to a video tool that could rival human presenters, Sabrina shares what it was like being on the ground at Google I/O—and what these announcements mean for creators, journalists, entrepreneurs, and anyone building a digital presence.
They also dive into:
🔹 Why newsrooms are still split on using generative AI
🔹 How AI tools are making everyday tasks—like captions, B-roll, and editing—faster and easier
🔹 Big Tech’s ethical blindspots vs. the innovation edge of scrappy startups
🔹 How automation could deepen the gender divide in the workforce
🔹 And yes—Shira asks ChatGPT if she’s hot. The response? Hilarious and… surprisingly helpful
Plus: 5 legit ways to use AI for a side hustle, how AI is quietly replacing women’s jobs, and the AI tech already saving lives in hospitals.
🎙 Guest: Sabrina Ortiz
Follow her on IG: @sabrinaa.ortiz
Read her work: ZDNet.com
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Credits
This episode of The AI Download was hosted, created, and executive produced by Shira Lazar. Executive Producer Michele Musso, with video and audio editing by the Musso Media team. Creative Director Nadia Giosia with Mint Labs. Music by PALA, Catalina Coastline (licensed under Boss Soundstripe Productions by BMI). Produced by Musso Media. © 2025 Musso Media. © 2025 Shira Lazar. All rights reserved.