AI and Device Interactions Archives

Overview of recent AI industry news including OpenAI staff departures, Sony Music Group's copyright warnings, Scarlett Johansson's voice usage issue, and new developments in ChatGPT search integration.

Last Week in AI: Episode 33

May 28, 2024

1. Significant Industry Moves

OpenAI Staff Departures and Safety Concerns

Several key staff members responsible for safety at OpenAI have recently left the company. This wave of departures raises questions about the internal dynamics and commitment to AI safety protocols within the organization. The departures could impact OpenAI’s ability to maintain and enforce robust safety measures as it continues to develop advanced AI technologies.

For more details, you can read the full article on Gizmodo.

Sony Music Group’s Warning to AI Companies

Sony Music Group has issued warnings to approximately 700 companies for using its content to train AI models without permission. This move highlights the growing tension between content creators and AI developers over intellectual property rights and the use of copyrighted materials in AI training datasets.

For more details, you can read the full article on NBC News.

Scarlett Johansson’s Voice Usage by OpenAI

Scarlett Johansson revealed that OpenAI approached her to use her voice for their AI models. This incident underscores the ethical and legal considerations surrounding the use of celebrity likenesses in AI applications. Johansson’s stance against the unauthorized use of her voice reflects broader concerns about consent and compensation in the era of AI-generated content.

For more details, you can read the full article on TechCrunch.

ChatGPT’s New Search Product

OpenAI is reportedly working on a stealth search product that could integrate ChatGPT capabilities directly into search engines. This new product aims to enhance the search experience by providing more intuitive and conversational interactions. The development suggests a significant shift in how AI could transform search functionalities in the near future.

For more details, you can read the full article on Search Engine Land.

2. Ethical Considerations and Policy

Actors’ Class-Action Lawsuit Over Voice Theft

A group of actors has filed a class-action lawsuit against an AI startup, alleging unauthorized use of their voices to train AI models. This lawsuit highlights the ongoing legal battles over voice and likeness rights in the AI industry. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how AI companies use personal data and celebrity likenesses in their products.

For more details, you can read the full article on The Hollywood Reporter.

Inflection AI’s Vision for the Future

Inflection AI is positioning itself to redefine the future of artificial intelligence. The company aims to create AI systems that are more aligned with human values and ethical considerations. Their approach focuses on transparency, safety, and ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity, reflecting a commitment to responsible AI development.

For more details, you can read the full article on Inflection AI.

Meta’s Introduction of Chameleon

Meta has introduced Chameleon, a state-of-the-art multimodal AI model capable of processing and understanding multiple types of data simultaneously. This new model is designed to improve the integration of various data forms, enhancing the capabilities of AI applications in fields such as computer vision, natural language processing, and beyond.

For more details, you can read the full article on VentureBeat.

Humane’s Potential Acquisition

Humane, a startup known for its AI-driven wearable device, is rumored to be seeking acquisition. The company’s AI Pin product has garnered attention for its innovative approach to personal AI assistants. The potential acquisition indicates a growing interest in integrating advanced AI into consumer technology.

For more details, you can read the full article on The Verge.

Adobe’s Firefly AI in Lightroom

Adobe has integrated its Firefly AI-powered generative removal tool into Lightroom. This new feature allows users to seamlessly remove unwanted elements from photos using AI, significantly enhancing the photo editing process. The tool demonstrates the practical applications of AI in creative software and the ongoing evolution of digital content creation.

For more details, you can read the full article on TechCrunch.

Amazon’s AI Overhaul for Alexa

Amazon plans to give Alexa an AI overhaul, introducing a monthly subscription service for advanced features. This update aims to enhance Alexa’s capabilities, making it more responsive and intuitive. The shift to a subscription model reflects Amazon’s strategy to monetize AI advancements and offer premium services to users.

For more details, you can read the full article on CNBC.

3. AI in Practice

Microsoft’s Recall of AI Feature Under Investigation

Microsoft is under investigation in the UK for its recent recall of an AI feature. The investigation will assess whether the recall was handled appropriately and if the feature met safety and regulatory standards. This case highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in the deployment of AI technologies.

For more details, you can read the full article on Mashable.

Near AI Chatbot and Smart Contracts

Near AI has developed a chatbot capable of writing and deploying smart contracts. This innovative application demonstrates the potential of AI in automating complex tasks in the blockchain ecosystem. The chatbot aims to make smart contract development more accessible and efficient for users.

For more details, you can read the full article on Cointelegraph.

Google Search AI Overviews

Google is rolling out AI-generated overviews for search results, designed to provide users with concise summaries of information. This feature leverages Google’s advanced AI to enhance the search experience, offering quick and accurate insights on various topics.

For more details, you can read the full article on Business Insider.

Meta’s AI Advisory Board

Meta has established an AI advisory board to guide its development and deployment of AI technologies. The board includes experts in AI ethics, policy, and technology, aiming to ensure that Meta’s AI initiatives are aligned with ethical standards and societal needs.

For more details, you can read the full article on Meta’s Investor Relations.

Stay tuned for more updates next week as we continue to cover the latest developments in AI.

Last Week in AI: Episode 33 Read More »

"Last Week in AI" including OpenAI, Stack Overflow, Apple's new Photos app, YouTube Premium, Microsoft MAI-1, Eli Lilly, Audible, Apple's M4 chip, Google's Pixel 8a, machine learning in whale communication, and more.

Last Week in AI: Episode 31

May 13, 2024

Hey everyone, welcome to this week’s edition of “Last Week in AI.” This week’s stories provide a glimpse into how AI is reshaping industries and our daily lives. Let’s dive in and explore these fascinating developments together.

OpenAI and Stack Overflow Partnership

Partnership Announcement: OpenAI and Stack Overflow have formed a new API partnership to leverage their collective strengths—Stack Overflow’s technical knowledge platform and OpenAI’s language models.

Impact and Controversy: This partnership aims to empower developers by combining high-quality technical content with advanced AI models. However, some Stack Overflow users have protested, arguing it exploits their contributed labor without consent, leading to bans and post reverts by staff. This raises questions about content creator attribution and future model training, despite the potential for improved AI models. Read more

Apple’s New Photos App Feature

Feature Introduction: Apple is set to introduce a “Clean Up” feature in its Photos app update, leveraging generative AI for advanced image editing. This tool will allow users to remove objects from photos using a brush tool, similar to Adobe’s Content-Aware Fill.

Preview and Positioning: Currently in testing on macOS 15, Apple may preview this feature during the “Let Loose” iPad event on March 18, 2023. This positions the new iPads as AI-equipped devices, showcasing practical AI applications beyond chatbots and entertainment. Read more

YouTube Premium’s AI “Jump Ahead” Feature

Feature Testing: YouTube Premium subscribers can now test an AI-powered “Jump ahead” feature, allowing them to skip commonly skipped video sections. By double-tapping to skip, users can jump to the point where most viewers typically resume watching.

Availability and Aim: This feature is currently available on the YouTube Android app in the US for English videos and requires a Premium subscription. It complements YouTube’s “Ask” feature and aims to enhance the viewing experience by leveraging AI and user data. Read more

Microsoft’s MAI-1 Language Model Development

Model Development: Microsoft is developing a new large-scale AI language model, MAI-1, led by Mustafa Suleyman, the former CEO of Inflection AI. MAI-1 will have approximately 500 billion parameters, significantly larger than Microsoft’s previous models.

Strategic Significance: This development signifies Microsoft’s dual approach to AI, focusing on both small and large models. Despite its investment in OpenAI, Microsoft is independently advancing its AI capabilities, with plans to unveil MAI-1 at their Build conference. Read more

AI in Drug Discovery at Eli Lilly

Innovative Discovery: The pharmaceutical industry is integrating AI into drug discovery, with Eli Lilly scientists noting innovative molecular designs generated by AI. This marks a precedent in AI-driven biology breakthroughs.

Industry Impact: AI is expected to propose new drugs and generate designs beyond human capability. This integration promises faster development times, higher success rates, and exploration of new targets, reshaping drug discovery. Read more

AI-Narrated Audiobooks on Audible

Audiobook Trends: Over 40,000 AI-voiced titles have been added to Audible since Amazon launched a tool for self-published authors to generate AI narrations. This makes audiobook creation more accessible but has sparked controversy.

Industry Reaction: Some listeners dislike the lack of filters to exclude AI narrations, and human narrators fear job losses. Major publishers are embracing AI for cost savings, highlighting tensions between creative integrity and commercial incentives. Read more

Apple’s M4 Chip for iPad Pro

Processor Introduction: Apple’s M4 chip, the latest and most powerful processor for the new iPad Pro, offers groundbreaking performance and efficiency.

Key Innovations: The M4 chip features a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, advanced AI capabilities, and power efficiency gains. These innovations enable superior graphics, real-time AI features, and all-day battery life. Read more

Google’s Pixel 8a Smartphone

Affordable Innovation: The Pixel 8a, Google’s latest affordable smartphone, is priced at $499 and packed with AI-powered features and impressive camera capabilities.

Key Highlights: The Pixel 8a features a refined design, dual rear camera, AI tools, and enhanced security. It also offers family-friendly features and 7 years of software support. Read more

OpenAI’s Media Manager Tool

Tool Development: OpenAI is building a Media Manager tool to help creators manage how their works are included in AI training data. This system aims to identify copyrighted material across sources.

AI Training Approach: OpenAI uses diverse public datasets and proprietary data to train its models, collaborating with creators, publishers, and regulators to support healthy ecosystems and respect intellectual property. Read more

Machine Learning in Sperm Whale Communication

Breakthrough Discovery: MIT CSAIL and Project CETI researchers have discovered a combinatorial coding system in sperm whale vocalizations, akin to a phonetic alphabet, using machine learning techniques.

Communication Insights: By analyzing a large dataset of whale codas, researchers identified patterns and structures, suggesting a complex communication system previously thought unique to humans. This finding opens new avenues for studying cetacean communication. Read more

Sam Altman’s Concerns About AI’s Economic Impact

CEO’s Warning: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has expressed significant concerns about AI’s potential impact on the labor market and economy, particularly job disruptions and economic changes.

Economic Threat: Studies suggest AI could automate up to 60% of jobs in advanced economies, leading to job losses and lower wages. Altman emphasizes the need to address these concerns proactively. Read more

AI Lecturers at Hong Kong University

Educational Innovation: HKUST is testing AI-generated virtual lecturers, including an AI version of Albert Einstein, to transform teaching methods and engage students.

Teaching Enhancement: AI lecturers aim to address teacher shortages and enhance learning experiences. While students find them approachable, some prefer human teachers for unique experiences. Read more

OpenAI’s NSFW Content Proposal

Content Policy Debate: OpenAI is considering allowing users to generate NSFW content, including erotica and explicit images, using its AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E. This proposal has sparked controversy.

Ethical Concerns: Critics argue it contradicts OpenAI’s mission of developing “safe and beneficial” AI. OpenAI acknowledges potential valid use cases but emphasizes responsible generation within appropriate contexts. Read more

Bumble’s Vision for AI in Dating

Future of Dating: Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd envisions AI “dating concierges” streamlining the matching process by essentially going on dates to find compatible matches for users.

AI Assistance: These AI assistants could also provide dating coaching and advice. Despite concerns about AI companions forming unhealthy bonds, Bumble’s focus remains on fostering healthy relationships. Read more

Final Thoughts

This week’s updates showcase AI’s transformative power in areas like education, healthcare, and digital content creation. However, they also raise critical questions about ethics, job displacement, and intellectual property. As we look to the future, it’s essential to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring AI advancements benefit society as a whole. Thanks for joining us, and stay tuned for more insights and updates in next week’s edition of “Last Week in AI.”

Last Week in AI: Episode 31 Read More »

Last Week in AI: Episode 25

April 2, 2024

Hey everyone! This week, we’ve got a bunch of exciting AI updates for you. From groundbreaking achievements in AI language models to massive investments in the AI field, it’s been a pretty eventful week. So, let’s dive into what’s been happening in the world of artificial intelligence!

Claude 3 Opus Outperforms GPT-4

For the first time, Anthropic’s Claude 3 Opus LLM has edged out OpenAI’s GPT-4 on the Chatbot Arena leaderboard.

Key Takeaways:

Historic Achievement: Claude 3 Opus’s rise to the top of the leaderboard showcases its advanced capabilities, breaking GPT-4’s long-standing lead.
Boost for AI Diversity: This shift is welcomed by the AI community, encouraging healthy competition among AI language model developers.
Speculation on OpenAI’s Response: The timing suggests OpenAI might soon unveil a successor to GPT-4. It could potentially redefining the landscape once again.

Why It Matters

Claude 3 Opus’s achievement not only signifies progress in AI language models but also underscores the importance of competition in driving innovation.

Amazon Invests $2.75 Billion in Anthropic

Amazon has significantly increased its investment in the AI startup Anthropic, pouring in an additional $2.75 billion on top of an earlier $1.25 billion, marking its biggest external investment ever.

Key Takeaways:

Massive Investment: This new infusion elevates Amazon’s total commitment to Anthropic to $4 billion.
Strategic Partnership: With this deal, Amazon secures a minority stake in Anthropic and cements AWS as the startup’s chief cloud platform.
Generative AI Boom: 2023 has witnessed a massive $29.1 billion flow into generative AI across nearly 700 deals, with Amazon, Microsoft, and Google all vying for a slice of the pie.
Regulatory Attention: The surge in investments and partnerships has caught the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s eye.

Why It Matters

Amazon’s record investment in Anthropic underscores the escalating race among tech behemoths to lead in generative AI, a field rapidly transforming everything from cloud computing to consumer services.

OpenAI’s Altman on GPT-4: “It Kind of Sucks”

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, offers a candid take on GPT-4, the latest iteration of their AI model, calling it less than impressive despite its popularity and wide use.

Key Takeaways:

Honest Reflection: Altman’s critical view of GPT-4 underscores the ongoing journey in AI development, emphasizing continuous improvement.
GPT-4’s Role: Despite his critique, Altman values GPT-4 as a stepping stone and “brainstorming partner” for developing future models.
Tease of What’s Next: With 180 million weekly users engaging with GPT-4, Altman teases an “amazing model” expected to launch this year, potentially marking a significant leap forward in AI capabilities.

Why It Matters

The iterative process behind AI development highlights both the achievements and limitations of current models, setting the stage for future breakthroughs that could redefine generative AI.

DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis Receives Knighthood for AI Contributions

Demis Hassabis, CEO and co-founder of DeepMind, has been knighted in the UK, recognizing his significant contributions to artificial intelligence.

Key Takeaways:

A Lifetime of Achievement: Early chess prodigy Demis Hassabis combined computer science and neuroscience into founding DeepMind in 2010
National Recognition: This knighthood aligns with the UK’s ambition to lead in AI, celebrating Hassabis as a prominent figure in the field.
Symbolic Honor: The knighthood offers Hassabis cultural and social acknowledgment without specific privileges, highlighting his national contributions.

Why It Matters

Hassabis’ recognition underscores the importance of AI advancements and the UK’s commitment to being at the forefront of this technology. His knighthood celebrates both individual and collective strides in AI, setting a benchmark for excellence in the sector.

Elon Musk Expands Access to Grok AI Chatbot to All X Premium Subscribers

Elon Musk is opening up the Grok AI chatbot to all X Premium subscribers, aiming to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Key Takeaways:

Broader Availability: Grok, initially exclusive to Premium+ subscribers, will soon be accessible to all Premium tier subscribers on X.
Advertisement Revenue: Actually, despite what you might think, Musk’s stance on advertiser policies hasn’t scared away the big spenders.
User Engagement Skyrocketing: X isn’t just keeping its users—it’s seeing user engagement go through the roof. People are loving what X has to offer, no need to look elsewhere.

Why It Matters

Musk’s decision to make Grok more widely available reflects an effort to enhance X’s appeal and functionality. The move underscores the platform’s push towards leveraging AI to innovate and keep users engaged.

OpenAI Launches Pilot Program to Compensate GPT App Developers

OpenAI is rolling out a new pilot program aimed at financially rewarding developers for their innovative chatbots and applications built on GPT language models.

Key Takeaways:

Partnership with Developers: OpenAI is teaming up with select U.S. developers to trial a pay-per-use model for apps created with GPT technology.
Ecosystem Rewards: The initiative seeks to foster an environment where developers are compensated for their creativity and the impact of their work.
Encouraging Innovation: By tying creator earnings to application usage, OpenAI aims to boost creativity and participation within the AI community.
Open Invitation: Developers interested in the program can reach out to OpenAI for more information on participation criteria.
Long-Term Vision: This pilot represents the first phase in OpenAI’s strategy to fairly compensate creators for their contributions to the GPT ecosystem.

Why It Matters

OpenAI’s pilot program marks a significant step towards recognizing and rewarding the hard work and ingenuity of developers in the evolving AI landscape.

OpenAI’s Sora Aims to Revolutionize Hollywood with Text-to-Video Tech

OpenAI is venturing into the film industry, introducing “Sora,” its innovative text-to-video generation tool, to major Hollywood studios.

Key Takeaways:

Hollywood Engagements: OpenAI’s top executives are showcasing Sora across Los Angeles, engaging directly with film studios.
Production Possibilities: Sora has the potential to transform film production by streamlining the creation of special effects and concept art.
Strategic Rollout: Instead of a public launch, OpenAI opts for a hands-on approach, seeking to integrate Sora with the film industry’s workflows.
Challenges Ahead: The journey involves overcoming technical hurdles and persuading studios to embrace this cutting-edge technology.

Sora Samples

Why It Matters

Sora represents a bold step towards merging AI innovation with traditional filmmaking, potentially setting new standards for creativity and efficiency in the industry.

Microsoft and OpenAI Gear Up for $100 Billion “Stargate” Supercomputer

Microsoft and OpenAI are planning a colossal $100 billion AI supercomputer, dubbed “Stargate,” aimed at advancing AI technology.

Key Takeaways:

Staggering Investment: The Stargate supercomputer project is set to cost over $100 billion, demanding 5 gigawatts of power by 2030.
Multi-Phase Strategy: This is a part of a broader, multi-phase initiative that may see Microsoft spending exceeding $115 billion.
Immediate Plans: Ahead of Stargate, a $10 billion supercomputer, set to launch in 2026, will be built for OpenAI.
Innovative Aims: The project aims to enhance GPU efficiency in server racks and explore alternatives to Nvidia’s networking technology.

Why It Matters

This project underscores the growing belief in the transformative power of AI and the crucial role of massive computational resources in unlocking its potential.

Apple Set to Unveil AI Strategy at WWDC 2024

At the upcoming WWDC 2024, starting June 10th, Apple is poised to reveal its ambitious AI strategy. Promising to transform how users interact with their Apple devices.

Key Takeaways:

AI-Driven Innovations: Apple aims to leverage AI to enhance device intelligence, making iPhones smarter and more responsive.
Exciting Previews: Greg Joswiak of Apple’s marketing team teases the AI announcements as “Absolutely Incredible!”
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with Google for its Gemini AI system and possibly OpenAI are on the horizon. Indicating significant upgrades and capabilities.
iOS 18 Revamp: Apple plans to infuse iOS 18 with AI, aiming for a more intuitive iPhone that proactively assists users with tasks.
User Experience Transformation: These AI enhancements are expected to minimize traditional interactions like tapping and swiping.

Why It Matters

With a focus on smarter, proactive devices and potential high-profile partnerships, Apple is gearing up to redefine the boundaries of technology and convenience.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—another week of AI advancements and big moves by some of the biggest names in tech. It’s clear that AI continues to be a hotbed of innovation, with companies like OpenAI, Amazon, and Apple pushing the envelope further. Whether it’s enhancing our chatbot experiences or reimagining the film industry, AI’s potential seems limitless. As we look forward to more developments, it’s exciting to think about where all this innovation will take us next. Thanks for catching up with us, and see you next week for more AI news!

Last Week in AI: Episode 25 Read More »