AI and Robotics

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

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.

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Figure AI humanoid robot

Figure AI: Humanoid Helpers at Work

Picture this: You’re walking through a state-of-the-art facility, and alongside human workers, there are humanoid robots, seamlessly integrating into tasks that are either too hazardous, monotonous, or just plain undesirable for humans. Welcome to the future Figure AI is creating, and trust me, you’ll want to see this.

What’s on Offer?

We’re not talking about distant sci-fi dreams here; we’re discussing real, tangible innovation with Figure AI’s latest creation, Figure 01. This humanoid robot is designed to revolutionize industries struggling with labor shortages by taking on roles in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and retail. And the best part? It’s happening right now, with a potential $500 million boost from big names like Microsoft and OpenAI.

The Genius Behind Figure 01

Figure 01 is a meticulously crafted solution designed to work alongside humans, enhancing workplace safety and efficiency. With the backing of tech giants and a pre-money valuation of $1.9 billion, Figure AI is not just aiming for improvement but complete transformation.

Why This Matters to You

Here’s the deal: embracing humanoid robots like Figure 01 means stepping into a future where businesses can thrive without compromising on safety or human dignity. It’s about augmenting human potential, not replacing it. For industries plagued by shortages and safety concerns, this is a huge upgrade.

The Future Is Here, and It’s Humanoid

This isn’t a pitch for a future possibility; it’s a reality that’s unfolding as we speak. BMW’s already on board, leveraging these robots in their US facilities. The question isn’t if this will become the norm but when.

Join the Revolution

Figure AI is offering a pathway to a safer, more efficient, and ultimately more human work environment. With the potential to reshape the global workforce, the opportunity here is immense.

Are you ready to lead your industry into the future? With Figure AI’s humanoid robots, you’re not just investing in technology; you’re investing in a future where human and machine collaboration unlocks potential we’ve only begun to imagine. Let’s make history together. Are you in?

Read more on AI, Automation, and Manufacturing’s Evolution.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra: Bigger, Smarter, and More Durable

Meet the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung’s latest big thing in the smartphone world. With a new titanium finish and a bunch of AI tools, it’s priced at $1,299. Here’s a peek into what this tech giant offers.

The Build: Titanium Toughness

  • Frame: Sporting a titanium frame for the first time, similar to Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro.
  • Weight: It’s about as heavy as the S23 Ultra, focusing on durability over weight reduction.

The Display: Flat and Fabulous

  • Size: A 6.8-inch 1440p display, keeping the size consistent with the S23 Ultra.
  • Design: Ditching the curved edges for a flat screen, reducing accidental touches.

Camera Upgrades

  • New Zoom: Swapped the 10x zoom for a 50-megapixel 5x, using a lossless crop to reach 10x.
  • Other Cameras: Sticking with the same hardware as last year, including a 200-megapixel main camera.

AI Everywhere

  • Features: The S24 series is loaded with AI, running Google’s Gemini models.
  • Editing Tools: New AI-powered image and video editing tools, making editing smarter and easier.

Video Magic

  • 120fps Slow-Motion: Turn any video into a super slow-motion clip, regardless of how it was originally shot.

Handy AI Tools

  • Circle to Search: Google’s new feature for easy searching.
  • Translation Features: Real-time translation in calls and text conversations.

AI in Writing

  • Keyboard Suggestions: Tailored suggestions for casual or professional tones.
  • Voice Recorder: Live transcriptions and translation.

Future-Proofing

  • Chipset: The S24 Ultra comes with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, offering consistent AI capabilities globally.
  • Longevity: Seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term use.

Connectivity and Charging

  • Wi-Fi 7: Enhanced connectivity.
  • Qi Wireless Charging: Sticking to the standard Qi, missing out on Qi2 features.

Availability and Price

  • Launch: Starting at $1,299 for 256GB, shipping from January 31st.
  • Preorders: Available now.

Final Thoughts

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a blend of durability, smart AI integration, and future-proof features. It’s for those who want the most phone in their pocket – smart and ready for whatever comes next.

(Featured Image: © Samsung)

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Vector image of AI technology in military use

OpenAI’s Policy Shift: Opening Doors for Military AI?

OpenAI, a leading force in AI research, has made a significant change to its usage policies. They’ve removed the explicit ban on using their advanced language technologies, like ChatGPT, for military purposes. This shift marks a notable change from their previous stance against “weapons development” and “military and warfare.”

The Policy Change

Previously, OpenAI had a clear stance against military use of its technology. The new policy, however, drops specific references to military applications. It now focuses on broader “universal principles,” such as “Don’t harm others.” But what this means for military usage is still a bit hazy.

Potential Implications

  • Military Use of AI: With the specific prohibition gone, there’s room for speculation. Could OpenAI’s tech now support military operations indirectly, as long as it’s not part of weapon systems?
  • Microsoft Partnership: OpenAI’s close ties with Microsoft, a major player in defense contracting, add another layer to this. What does this mean for the potential indirect military use of OpenAI’s tech?

Global Military Interest

Defense departments worldwide are eyeing AI for intelligence and operations. With the policy change, how OpenAI’s tech might fit into this picture is an open question.

Looking Ahead

As military demand for AI grows, it’s unclear how OpenAI will interpret or enforce its revised guidelines. This change could be a door opener for military AI applications, raising both possibilities and concerns.

All in All

OpenAI’s policy revision is a significant turn, potentially aligning its powerful AI tech with military interests. It’s a development that could reshape not just the company’s trajectory but also the broader landscape of AI in defense. How this plays out in the evolving world of AI and military technology remains to be seen.

On a brighter note, check out new AI-powered drug discoveries with NVIDIA’s BioNeMo.

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Last week in AI. Episode 14

Last Week in AI: Episode 14

Welcome to another edition of Last Week in AI where we cover AI innovations and trends! This year at CES 2024, the spotlight was on AI advancements across various sectors, from AI-powered pillows to AI-powered birdfeeders. From the launch of the GPT Store to robots making coffee, the world of AI is evolving rapidly. Let’s dive in.

GPT Store

Big news of the week for many were the launch of the GPT Store, now open for ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Enterprise users, offers a variety of GPTs for different interests, like design, coding, and AI.

Key Points:

  • Wide range of GPT categories, including DALL·E, writing, and programming.
  • New GPTs featured weekly, like trail guides from AllTrails.
  • Easy GPT creation for users, with no coding needed.
  • Quality maintained through a review system and user reports.
  • GPT Builder Revenue Program allows creators to earn based on user engagement (US only).

In short, the GPT Store is making AI more accessible and offering creative and earning opportunities for users. Interestingly enough, the GPT Store is full of AI girlfriend bots.

OpenAI vs NYT

OpenAI has responded to The New York Times’ lawsuit, underlining its dedication to working with news outlets and supporting the news ecosystem. They aim to develop AI products to aid journalists and editors, utilize historical content for training AI models, and incorporate real-time content with proper attribution in ChatGPT.

Key Points:

  • OpenAI is focused on assisting the news industry through AI technology.
  • They claim that using publicly available internet materials for AI training is fair use.
  • OpenAI offers an opt-out for publishers and is addressing the issue of AI content regurgitation.

Despite the lawsuit, OpenAI is committed to constructive partnerships with news organizations like The New York Times and is actively working on solutions to support and enhance the news industry with AI.

Figure AI

Figure AI is advancing in AI robotics. They train robots for everyday tasks. Their robot, Figure-01, can now make coffee. This is a big step in robot skills.

Brett Adcock, the founder, sees a big future. He wants robots to help in many areas, like caring for the elderly. The focus is on jobs humans don’t want.

Key points:

  1. Figure-01 making coffee is a breakthrough.
  2. Robots could be useful in many fields.
  3. The aim is to help humans, not replace them.

All in all, Figure AI is all about making life easier with robots handling the less desirable tasks. Pretty exciting future ahead.

Nvidia 

India’s data center providers are buying thousands of Nvidia’s advanced GPUs, aiming to boost the country’s AI sector. This move follows Nvidia’s business loss in China due to US export controls on high-tech semiconductors. However, Nvidia believes global demand will compensate for this loss.

Key Points:

  • Indian companies like Yotta, Reliance Industries, and Tata Group are making big deals with Nvidia.
  • Yotta plans to deploy 32,000 Nvidia H100 and H200 GPUs by 2025.
  • This surge in GPU purchases in India reflects the growing AI market across various economic sectors.

India’s investment in Nvidia GPUs marks a significant growth in its AI industry, offering a promising opportunity for Nvidia amidst challenges in other markets.

Rabbit R1

The Rabbit R1, unveiled at CES 2024, is a new AI-powered virtual assistant and handheld device. It goes beyond a typical smartphone, featuring a sophisticated AI called the Large Action Model (LAM). This AI enables smoother and more conversational task performance compared to traditional virtual assistants like Alexa or Siri.

Key Points:

  • The LAM is adept at using various apps and can learn new tasks.
  • The R1 is a compact device with a 2.88-inch touchscreen, a rotating camera, and robust technical specs.
  • Priced at $199, it’s designed to transform the AI personal assistant market.

In summary, the Rabbit R1, with its advanced AI and impressive features, is generating excitement in the AI personal assistant space, promising a more intuitive and capable device experience.

AI Robots – ARRES PREVENT

ARRES (Autonomous Road Repair System) PREVENT, a robot for preventing potholes, is gearing up to hit the roads of Hertfordshire, England. Developed by Robotiz3d and the University of Liverpool, this AI-powered robot identifies and repairs potholes. It’s been in lab tests since 2020 and can autonomously locate and fix potholes, especially in residential areas.

Key Points:

  • ARRES uses AI to detect potholes and automatically repair surface cracks.
  • The technology promises to save time and money, reducing road maintenance disruptions.
  • This innovation is a collaboration between Robotiz3d, the University of Liverpool, and Hertfordshire County Council Highways Engineers, targeting the persistent pothole issue in the UK.

In summary, ARRES PREVENT is set to revolutionize road maintenance in the UK, using AI to tackle the long-standing problem of potholes, offering efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Amazon

At CES 2024, Amazon unveiled new AI tools for its Alexa personal assistant. This includes innovative AI experiences like Character.ai for interactive conversations with generated characters, and Splash, an AI-driven music creation tool. Additionally, Volley introduced an AI “20 questions” game.

Key Points:

  • Character.ai and Splash enhance Alexa’s entertainment capabilities.
  • Volley’s game adds a fun, AI-powered dimension to voice interactions.
  • The Alexa Fund is backing projects like MultiOn, a new AI agent, and Embodied Inc’s Moxie AI, a robotic companion for children.

Amazon’s latest AI tools for Alexa show a strong commitment to weaving AI into everyday life, offering both fun and practical applications.

AI Gaming

The video game industry is facing challenges with AI integration, focusing on augmenting human capabilities without replacing jobs. Companies and unions are actively negotiating to protect workers’ rights and ensure AI is used in a worker-friendly way. For example, the Zenimax game workers union and Microsoft agreement emphasizes AI’s role in boosting productivity and growth without harm.

Key Points:

  • The industry aims to use AI to assist, not replace, human workers.
  • There are ongoing discussions to balance AI’s role in supporting existing jobs.
  • Agreements are being made to safeguard worker rights in the AI integration process.

The video game sector is keen on maintaining a balance where AI enhances job roles without threatening employment, reflecting a cautious yet optimistic approach towards AI’s growing role in the industry.

Google

Google is in a major patent infringement lawsuit over AI technology. Singular Computing, started by ex-MIT professor Joseph Bates, alleges that Google used its unique technology in various Google services. Singular is seeking up to $7 billion in damages, arguing that Google’s use of its patents would have merited a massive royalty payment.

Key Points:

  • Singular Computing claims Google infringed on its AI technology patents.
  • Google denies these claims, insisting on independent development of its processors.
  • The case, with potential damages of $7 billion, is heading to a federal jury.

Google faces a significant legal challenge with this patent infringement case, adding to its history of legal battles over technology patents.

Project Mockingbird

McAfee has introduced Project Mockingbird, an AI-powered technology to detect Deepfake Audio, aiming to tackle AI-generated scams. Revealed at CES 2024, this tool focuses on protecting users from AI-manipulated audio scams and misinformation.

Key Points:

  • Project Mockingbird uses AI models to identify AI-generated audio with over 90% accuracy.
  • It alerts users to maliciously altered audio in videos, helping differentiate real from fake content.
  • This innovation is part of a larger effort to combat AI challenges in cybersecurity.

Project Mockingbird by McAfee marks a significant advancement in fighting AI-generated scams, providing a crucial tool for digital safety in an era of rising AI-generated content threats.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up, it’s clear that the boundaries of technology are being pushed further than ever before. The introduction of platforms like the GPT Store is making AI more accessible and versatile, while advancements in transportation and robotics are paving the way for a more efficient and interconnected world. These developments highlight the endless possibilities of AI in our daily lives. The future is bright and AI-driven, and we can’t wait to see what the next big breakthrough will be.

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Rabbit Inc R1 device showcasing its touchscreen and Rabbit Eye camera

The Future Assistant: Rabbit Inc’s R1 Device

Have you ever wished for a gadget that just takes care of all those small but time-consuming tasks for you? Well, Rabbit Inc., an innovative AI startup, has just rolled out the R1, a pocket-sized device aiming to do just that!

What is the R1?

  • Pocket-Friendly Gadget: The R1 is super compact and user-friendly.
  • Price: At $199, it’s quite affordable.
  • Tech Specs: It boasts a 2.88-inch touchscreen, an analog scroll wheel, and a unique 360-degree camera, the “Rabbit Eye.”
  • Connectivity: Comes with a 4G LTE SIM card slot and a USB-C port.
  • Voice Commands: Activated by a push-to-talk button, ensuring it only listens when you want it to.

Unique Features

  • Rabbit OS: Instead of traditional apps, it uses Rabbit OS to access selected apps through a web portal.
  • Automated Scripts (Rabbits): These “rabbits” are scripts that handle tasks like making reservations or adding items to your grocery list.
  • Teach Mode: One of the coolest aspects is the experimental “teach mode”, where you can train your own “rabbits” for specific tasks.
From Shane Starnes

Who Needs the R1?

  • Not a Smartphone Replacement: It’s not here to replace your phone but to take over those repetitive tasks.
  • Ideal for Busy People: If you’re someone who’s always on the go, this could be a helping hand in managing everyday errands.

Availability

  • Pre-Order Now: The R1 is currently available for pre-order.
  • Shipping Date: Expected to ship in late March 2024.

So, the R1 seems useful for managing those pesky little tasks. Think of it as like having a personal assistant in your pocket! For $199, what do you think? Would you give the R1 a try?

Check out our previous blog on AI assistants in The Future of Personal AI.

(Featured Image: © Rabbit Inc R1)

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Vision of AI in 2024: A conceptual representation

AI’s Seismic Shift in 2024

Buckle up as we’re about to witness a seismic shift in all industries, thanks to AI. Aidan Meller, the brain behind the Ai-Da Robot Project, predicts that in 2024, we’ll see monumental changes in AI. Let’s dive into what this means for us and our future.

AI: The Upcoming Revolution

2024 is not just another year; it’s marked as Mamba year and as a milestone in AI advancements. We’re talking about the release of ChatGPT-5 and significant strides in the Metaverse. These aren’t just tech upgrades; they’re shaping up to redefine how we interact with technology.

Ai-Da Robot | TEDxOxford

The Transformative Power of AI

Aidan Meller stresses that we’re just scratching the surface of AI’s capabilities. By 2026 or 2027, AI’s impact on society is expected to be profound. Imagine industries revolutionized, jobs transformed, and daily life as we know it, redefined.

AI in Art: A New Frontier

AI’s influence stretches beyond just numbers and data. In the realm of art, it’s opening up avenues for discussions and studies. It’s not just about creating; it’s about starting conversations on AI’s role in our culture.

The Challenge of Discerning Real from Fake

With great power comes great responsibility, and AI is no exception. Meller highlights a significant challenge: AI’s ability to create “very fake situations.” This brings up the crucial task of learning to distinguish what’s real from what’s not in an AI-driven world. Read more about AI’s Secretive Nature.

AI: A Wide-Ranging Influence

The insights from Meller signal a pivotal moment for various sectors. AI is set to transform industries, from healthcare to finance, education to entertainment. We’re looking at a future where AI is integral to every aspect of our lives.

Wrapping Up

The anticipation for AI’s transformative role continues to grow. The Ai-Da Robot Project’s insights provide a glimpse into a future where AI reshapes our world. It’s not just about technology; it’s about how we evolve with it.

Stay tuned as we navigate this exciting era of AI transformation. The possibilities are endless, and the future is AI! 🌐🤖🚀

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Summary of Last Week's AI Developments

Last Week in AI

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Welcome to this week’s edition of Last Week in AI! As always, we bring you the latest and most intriguing developments from the world of Artificial Intelligence. From groundbreaking partnerships in AI to advanced AI models transforming various industries, we’ve witnessed some fascinating progress. Let’s dive into these updates to see how AI continues to shape our world in unexpected and innovative ways.

OpenAI

ChatGPT-4, the AI model currently in use, has been observed giving shorter and less complete answers, a behavior not fully understood by OpenAI.

A developer tested this by feeding ChatGPT different dates and found that responses in December were shorter. But another researcher couldn’t replicate this with significance. So, it’s still a bit of a mystery. This whole situation shows just how unpredictable and unusual the world of large language models can be. People are still running tests, and the results aren’t clear yet.

Three key takeaways:

  1. Unexpected Behavior: Users have reported ChatGPT-4 providing brief and incomplete responses.
  2. “Winter Break Hypothesis”: A theory suggesting the AI might mimic human seasonal slowdowns, learning from its training data.
  3. AI Responsiveness: The seriousness given to this hypothesis highlights how AI models like ChatGPT-4 can respond to human-like cues.

This situation with ChatGPT-4 underscores the complexity and unpredictability of AI behavior, opening up discussions about how deeply AI models can mirror human patterns.

OpenAI & Axel Springer Partnership

Axel Springer and OpenAI have formed a partnership to enhance journalism through AI, aiming to improve ChatGPT with up-to-date, reliable news content.

Key points:

  1. Partnership Goals: They plan to use AI to improve user experience and support journalism financially.
  2. Enhanced ChatGPT: The AI will provide news summaries, even from Axel Springer’s paid content, with links to full articles.
  3. Improving Journalism: The objective is to boost the quality and financial sustainability of journalism with AI.

This partnership sounds great, but we’ve got to be cautious. Will it really be unbiased and fair in choosing news sources? And can it truly help journalism’s finances? It’s key to watch out for the balance between cool tech and keeping journalism ethical.

Google

NotebookLM is a new tool in the U.S. for those 18 and older, aimed at enhancing your thinking with AI assistance. It offers features like source-based answers, automatic summaries, and new question ideas.

Its latest update adds a note-taking space and varied formats for writing projects, all while keeping your personal data private. This AI tool is constantly evolving based on user feedback.

Key points:

  1. NotebookLM: A new AI tool for improved thinking and personal aid.
  2. Packed with features: Source grounding, summaries, and more.
  3. Respects privacy: Doesn’t use personal data, grows with user feedback.

NotebookLM’s introduction highlights a growing trend of using AI to augment human cognition, with a strong emphasis on user privacy and interactive development.

Gemini

Google’s new AI model, Gemini, comes in Ultra, Pro, and Nano versions. It’s now in Android and Bard, with Gemini Pro available via an API. This model, which supports 38 languages, is free for limited use, and it’s also on Google Cloud’s Vertex AI for more enterprise options. Developers can use Google AI Studio for easy app development with Gemini.

Key points:

  1. Gemini: Google’s versatile AI in three versions.
  2. Developer access: Free Gemini Pro via API and Google AI Studio.
  3. Enterprise integration: Available on Google Cloud for advanced use.

Gemini’s launch represents Google’s commitment to offering flexible AI solutions, catering to both developers and enterprise-level applications.

AI Test Kitchen

Google’s AI Test Kitchen is a platform where you can try out and give feedback on their newest AI tech. It features insights into generative music and its collaboration with artists in designing the Test Kitchen. There’s also a FAQ section for more on Generative AI and the platform itself.

Key points:

  1. AI Test Kitchen: A space to experience and comment on Google’s latest AI.
  2. Focus on generative music: Insights into its workings and artist collaborations.
  3. Informative: Includes FAQs about Generative AI and the Test Kitchen.

AI Test Kitchen represents Google’s effort to engage users in the development of AI technology, particularly in the creative realm of generative music.

Imagen 2

Google Cloud’s Imagen 2 on Vertex AI brings new text-to-image technology to select customers, powered by Google DeepMind.

Key points:

  1. Advanced Tech: Imagen 2 offers high-resolution, photorealistic image generation.
  2. User Adoption: Used by Snap, Shutterstock, and Canva, demonstrating its utility.
  3. Strategic Focus: Reflects Google Cloud’s commitment to cutting-edge AI and responsible use.
Imagen 2 examples with prompts
(Featured Image: © Google Cloud)

Imagen 2’s introduction on Vertex AI marks a significant advancement in AI-driven image creation, underscoring Google Cloud’s focus on innovative and ethical AI development.

Midjourney

Midjourney, renowned for its AI image generation on Discord, has unveiled an alpha version of its website, midjourney.com, broadening its service beyond Discord. It is only available now for MJ users who have generated more than 10000 images.

Midjourney Alpha in Dark Mode

Key points:

  1. Platform Development: The new site allows select users to create images online, with plans to expand access.
  2. User Interface: It features a minimalistic design and user-friendly functionalities like an “Explore” tab.
  3. Integration Limitations: Images generated on the website don’t sync with the Midjourney Discord Bot chat.

Midjourney’s website launch signifies an important expansion in AI image generation, aiming to enhance user experience and accessibility in digital creativity.

Stability.ai

Stability AI has released Stable Zero123, a new model focused on view-conditioned image generation, designed to create different views of 3D objects, enhancing our understanding of their appearance from various angles.

Key points:

  1. 3D Image Generation: Stable Zero123 excels in generating novel views of 3D objects, based on Stable Diffusion 1.5.
  2. Usage and Accessibility: Released for non-commercial and research purposes, it’s available on Hugging Face for experimentation.
  3. Technical Requirements: The model demands more resources, recommending 24GB VRAM for generating 3D objects.

Stable Zero123’s release represents a significant step in 3D image generation for research, underlining Stability AI’s commitment to advancing AI capabilities in understanding complex visuals.

Anthropic

A comprehensive guide has been released on using the “Claude for Sheets” extension, which integrates Claude AI with Google Sheets, allowing users to interact with Claude directly within spreadsheet cells.

Key points:

  1. Seamless Integration: The guide explains how to enable the Claude for Sheets extension, connect the API key, and use Claude’s functions in Google Sheets.
  2. User Guidance: Includes information on permissions, cell recalculation, and troubleshooting for effective use.
  3. Additional Resources: Provides links to prompt engineering tutorials, examples, and a Claude for Sheets workbook template.

This guide is a valuable resource for users looking to enhance their Google Sheets experience with Claude’s AI capabilities, offering both practical instructions and additional learning tools.

Mistral AI

A Paris-based startup, is making notable advancements in AI with their new model, Mixtral 8x7B, based on the Sparse Mixture of Experts architecture.

Key points:

  1. Mixtral 8x7B Introduction: This model, licensed under Apache 2.0 and available via a magnet link, competes with major models like GPT 3.5 and Llama 2 70B.
  2. Funding and Innovation: Mistral AI is well-funded and has also announced Mistral Medium, performing well on benchmarks.
  3. ‘La Plateforme’ Access: Provides API endpoint access to their models, including Mistral Tiny, Small, and Medium, offering user flexibility.
  4. Open-Source Strategy: Mistral AI’s approach to open-source models and their unique business strategy is a point of interest.
  5. Stance on EU AI Act: The company’s decision not to endorse the EU AI Act highlights its distinct perspective on AI regulation.

Mistral AI stands out in the AI field for its innovative models and strategies, potentially impacting the AI industry significantly with its focus on accessible and powerful AI.

AI News Anchors

In 2024, Channel 1 is set to become the first AI-powered news network, introducing AI-generated digital news anchors.

Key points:

  1. AI-Powered Broadcasting: Channel 1 will feature AI avatars as news anchors, offering a unique, personalized viewing experience.
  2. Sourcing and Integrity: Plans to source news from legacy outlets, freelance journalists, and AI-generated reports, raising questions about journalistic integrity.
  3. Accessibility and Innovation: The network aims for free, ad-supported streaming on various apps, reflecting a significant shift in news reporting with AI integration.

Channel 1’s launch as an AI-driven news network marks a pivotal moment in media, blending technology with journalism and prompting discussions on technology’s responsible use in news.

Tesla Optimus Reveal

Elon Musk revealed “Optimus,” a humanoid robot, at Tesla’s AI Day, positioning it as an affordable, high-volume production unit.

Key points:

  1. Humanoid Robot Development: Optimus, intended to be a useful, high-volume humanoid robot, is priced under $20,000.
  2. Functional Demonstrations: Showcased doing tasks like carrying boxes and assisting in Tesla’s factory, with potential for household and caregiving roles.
  3. Tesla’s Broader Ambitions: Discussions included Tesla’s self-driving technology and the high-speed computer Dojo, crucial for autonomous driving development.

Musk’s unveiling of Optimus underscores Tesla’s bold vision in robotics and self-driving technology, aiming to revolutionize both industries with accessible, multifunctional AI-driven solutions.

Final Thoughts

And that wraps up this week’s journey through the dynamic world of AI. From Google’s new AI model to Tesla’s humanoid robot, it’s clear that AI is not just a part of our future—it’s actively molding our present. Stay tuned for more insights and breakthroughs next week, as we continue to explore how AI is redefining boundaries and creating new possibilities across different sectors. Thanks for joining us at Last Week in AI!

If you missed last week’s update, you can check it out here.

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