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"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 »

iPhone screen showcasing advanced AI capabilities

Apple’s AI: ‘LLM in a Flash’

AI on Your iPhone? Yes, Please!

Apple’s Big Move: Apple’s shaking things up by making these huge AI models (LLMs) work smoothly on iPhones.
Smart Tech, Smart Phones: They’re tackling the tough stuff, like squeezing complex AI into our phones without needing tons of space.

Apple’s Plan: Fast AI That’s All Yours

No Clouds Here: Apple’s not using cloud AI like others. They want to do all the AI magic right on your iPhone.
Quick and Private: This means two awesome things – your info stays on your phone for privacy, and you get super-fast AI answers, even without the internet.

AI’s the New Smartphone Must-Have

Everyone’s Doing It: Adding AI to phones is the new hot trend, not just for Apple, but for the whole smartphone world.
Apple’s Unique Spin: Apple’s really into doing AI on your phone itself, which might just kick off a whole new chapter in tech.

What’s In It for You?

Fast Help, Anytime: Think of AI assistants that answer you right away, no internet needed.
Privacy First: Apple’s focusing on keeping your stuff private, with all the AI processing happening on your device.

Looking Ahead: Apple’s AI Vision

More Than Research: This study isn’t just about what’s next for products, but it shows where Apple’s headed with AI.
Trailblazing Tech: They’re laying the groundwork for better LLMs on all sorts of devices, opening doors for cooler tech.

In short, Apple’s “LLM in a Flash” is a huge step in AI. They’re making AI smarter and more private right on our iPhones. This could really change how we use our phones and lead the way for the tech world.

Here is more AI stuff Apple’s working on for 2024! 🍏✨

Apple’s AI: ‘LLM in a Flash’ Read More »

OpenAI’s GPT Store the New App Store?

The Future is Custom AI

Ready for the next best thing in AI? OpenAI’s GPT Store. Like the iPhone App Store, but for AI. It’s not just a place to get apps; it’s a whole new playground for custom AI bots. You’ll soon be able to do things like design your room or whip up a PowerPoint in a snap.

Custom Bots for Every Task

Why settle for a general AI when you can have one that’s all about you? The GPT Store will let you pick bots that fit exactly what you need. Think of it as having a personal AI assistant for almost any job you can think of. In the very near future you can get a GPT bot to do these things by just talking to it.

A Personal GPT for Everyone

It’s not just about picking a bot; it’s about building your own AI sidekick. With time, you’ll have a GPT that’s yours alone, calling on a bunch of services to tackle complicated stuff.

Developers, Start Your Engines!

This isn’t a one-company show. OpenAI wants all the smart coders out there to jump in. It’s a call to build something big, something lasting. If you love creating cool tech, this might be right up your alley.

What This Means for You and Your Business

Imagine having an AI that knows just how you like your presentations or can handle customer service while you sleep. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all coming to you soon with the GPT Store.

Ready to Dive In?

Curious about how to make the best out of AI for your business? Vease is here to guide you through the AI evolution. And for the latest scoop on AI, don’t miss our blog.

OpenAI’s GPT Store the New App Store? Read More »

Last Week in AI

Midjourney: Style Tuner

Exciting news coming from Midjourney with the introduction of the Style Tuner, a cool tool that lets you jazz up your images in your own unique way! It lets people change how their pictures look. You tell it what kind of look you want, and it shows you some examples. You pick the ones you like, and it gives you a special code. Later, you can use this code to tell the tool how to color your new pictures. This tool is exclusive to Midjourney Model Version 5.2 and works only in Fast Mode. Here’s a step-by-step on how to use the Style Tuner.

I Am Grok

Elon Musk’s xAI has launched Grōk, an AI chatbot with a flair for wit and boldness. Still in its beta phase, Grok is undergoing testing by a limited number of users, showing promising results, especially in logical and programming tasks. With a personality that stands out and exclusive data advantages, Grok is getting ready to change the way we think about AI chatbots.

Key Points about Grok:

Developed by xAI: Elon Musk’s latest AI endeavor.
Beta Testing: A select group is currently assessing Grok’s skills.
Performance: Excelling in math and coding challenges.
X Premium+ Service: Grok will be a feature of this upcoming premium service.
Early Access: Available for sign-up in the U.S.

For more on Grok, visit our blog: Elon Musk’s xAI Launches Grok.

Judge Partially Dismisses AI Art Copyright Case

A recent lawsuit accusing Stability AI, Midjourney, and DeviantArt of copyright infringement was largely dismissed by U.S. Judge William H. Orrick, due to issues including unfiled copyrights by two artists. Orrick invited the artists to amend and refile their claims with specified infringed images, but only allowed one count of direct infringement against Stability AI to proceed.

Google: Product Studio

Google has come up with a neat tool called Product Studio for folks in the US who want to advertise stuff. This tool lets them type what they want a picture to look like, and like magic, the tool creates it using Generative AI. Here’s a bit more about what it can do:

Creating New Images:
- Advertisers just type in what they want, and the tool creates a picture for them.
Types of Changes:
1. Simple Stuff:
  - Change the background color.
2. Cool Stuff:
  - Show the product in a cool scene like at a beach or in a room.
Fixing Images:
- Make blurry pictures clear.
- Get rid of things in the background that shouldn’t be there.
Who Can Use It:
- People using certain Google services in the US, like Merchant Center Next and a special app on Shopify.
Availability:
- The tool is rolling out, which means it’s starting to be available for people to use now!

New ChatGPT Upgrades

OpenAI has come up with some cool new features for ChatGPT Plus members, making it even handier. Now, members can upload files and the chatbot can help in various ways, like summarizing data or answering questions. It even gets smarter in understanding what users want just from the chat. Here’s a breakdown of these new features:

Uploading Files:
- Members can now upload files in different formats, including pictures.
Working with Files:
1. Summarizing Data:
  - The chatbot can give a summary of the data in the files.
2. Answering Questions:
  - If members have questions about the info in the files, the chatbot can answer them.
3. Creating Visuals:
  - It can also create visuals like charts from the data.
New Office Features:
- Some features from the fancier ChatGPT Enterprise are now available in ChatGPT Plus, making it more useful for individual members.
Smarter Interactions:
- The chatbot can now guess what members want based on the chat, so they don’t have to pick certain options like they did before.
Availability:
- These cool features are in beta, which means they are being tested and are available for ChatGPT Plus members to try out!

Brave Browser Introducing Leo

Brave, a browser that cares a lot about keeping users’ information private, has introduced a new helper named Leo. Leo is like a smart buddy within the Brave browser that can help answer questions, translate languages, and even summarize long web pages among other things. The cool part is that Leo is designed to respect user privacy more than other similar helpers. Below are some more details about Leo and what it offers:

Availability:
- Leo is free for anyone using a certain version (1.60) of the Brave browser on their computers.
Core Features:
1. Answering Questions:
  - Got a question? Leo can help answer it.
2. Translation:
  - Leo can help translate text from one language to another.
3. Summarizing Web Pages:
  - If a webpage is too long, Leo can provide a summary.
4. Generating New Content:
  - Leo can help create new text based on what you ask.
Privacy Focus:
- Unlike some other smart helpers, Leo is built to provide “unparalleled privacy” which means it tries to keep your information really safe.
Standard Version:
- The usual version of Leo is free and uses a smart brain called Meta’s Llama 2.
Premium Version:
- For $15 a month, folks can get Leo Premium which uses a different smart brain called Claude Instant from Anthropic and offers even better conversations, quicker responses during busy times, and a sneak peek at new features before others get them.
Expandability:
- One of the co-founders of Brave mentioned that Leo is made in a way that they can add more smart brains to it over time, giving people more options to choose from.
Caution:
- Brave mentions that while Leo is smart, the answers it gives should be checked for any mistakes or wrong info, just to be safe.

Instagram

Instagram is working on a new feature called “AI friend” where users can create a chatbot buddy to talk to. They can choose how the chatbot looks and acts, like its age or hobbies. Some people are worried because this fake friend might trick users into thinking they are talking to a real person, which can be risky. This new idea is still being worked on, and it raises the question, should Meta be building something like this?

Google Invests $2 Billion in Anthropic

If you’ve been following the blog, you already know that AI is a big deal these days. Now, Google is giving up to $2 billion to a new company called Anthropic to help them make even smarter AI. Anthropic has big plans for the future like creating virtual helpers and smarter search engines. Big companies like Google are teaming up with new companies to see who can make the coolest AI first. Anthropic even has a chat buddy named Claude, and they think the race to lead in AI could be decided as soon as next year!

Apple Health: An Apple a Day…

Apple is diving into the world of healthcare with some new tech ideas, one of which is a special blood sugar monitor for people with diabetes that doesn’t need to poke the skin. This idea started back in 2011, called Avolonte Health, and was something Steve Jobs really wanted to do. While Apple is cooking up other healthcare projects too, there’s a bit of a debate among the people working there about whether they should create stuff for healthy people or for those who are sick. Here’s a bit more detailed breakdown:

Main Project:
- A noninvasive blood sugar monitor for diabetics, which means it can check blood sugar levels without having to poke the skin.
Project Origins:
- Started in 2011 with a fancy name, Avolonte Health, and was a special mission from Steve Jobs.
Other Healthcare Initiatives:
- Apple is also working on more healthcare projects besides the blood sugar monitor.
Internal Debate:
- There’s a discussion among Apple employees about whether they should focus on making things for healthy people or for sick people.
Goal:
- Ultimately, Apple is stepping into the healthcare world to possibly make it better with their technology.

AI Safety Summit

The UK hosted the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park. This meeting gathered people from governments, universities, and companies who are creating super smart computer programs known as “frontier AI” to talk about keeping the technology safe. Some really important people from around the world attended this meeting. The UK wants to help bring together big regions like the US, China, and Europe to talk about AI safety.

During this event, a US official also shared the news about a new place focused on AI safety. This new place will work with others around the world to make sure AI is handled correctly. Below is a more detailed explanation:

New Policy Paper:
- Introduction of the Bletchley Declaration, which is a big plan on dealing with AI’s challenges safely.
Core Principles:
- AI should be:
  - Safe
  - Focused on humans
  - Trustworthy
  - Used responsibly
Future Meetings:
- More gatherings like this are planned:
  - One in Korea in six months
  - Another in France six months after that
New AI Safety Institute:
- U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, announced a new place for AI safety within the Department of Commerce.
International Cooperation:
- This new institute aims to work with other AI safety groups from different countries, including a new one planned in the U.K.
Political Leaders’ Thoughts:
- They talked about being inclusive and responsible with AI, but there are still many questions on how to make these ideas real.

This event and the announcements made there are big steps towards making sure AI is developed and used in a safe and responsible way globally!

The Beatles Final Song

The Beatles have released a new song “Now and Then,” marking their first since 1995, crafted using machine learning to refine an old John Lennon demo. Initially attempted in the ’90s, the project faced technical hurdles until recently when technology developed during Peter Jackson’s “Get Back“ documentary enabled the separation of music components into distinct tracks. McCartney and Starr revisited “Now and Then,” and despite mixed fan reactions, all parties involved are satisfied with the outcome. Check out the short film below.

That’s all folks. If you missed last week’s ‘Last Week in AI,’ check it out here. Until next week, stay engaged, stay curious, and continue exploring the digital frontier that AI unfolds.

Last Week in AI Read More »

futuristic health-centric watch (animated)

Apple Healthcare Coming in 2024?

Health Watch

The Apple Watch, already a buddy to the health-conscious, is about to become a wellness companion. The rumored features are:

Hypertension Detection: A vigilant guard against the silent killer.
Sleep Apnea Detection: Sleep soundly with early alerts on sleep interruptions.

This isn’t just a win for health buffs but a giant leap towards preventative healthcare.

Subscription to Wellness

Alongside, a paid health service is brewing, hinting at a subscription model. It’s Apple’s ticket to an ongoing relationship with your wellness journey.

Hear, Hear

The AirPods are not left behind in this health expedition. With proposed hearing-aid functionality and hearing tests, Apple is lending an ear to auditory health too.

A Holistic Health Ecosystem

Apple’s holistic approach signifies a future where tech is intertwined with health, fostering a proactive health culture. We believe technology is the bridge to flourishing businesses and wholesome living. Explore what Vease can unfold for your business venture. Also, don’t miss out on our previous blog on AI-Powered Precision Medicine, it’s a read worth your time!

Apple Healthcare Coming in 2024? Read More »

Last Week in AI

Google’s AI Innovations

Assistant with Bard

Google recently unveiled Assistant with Bard, an AI-driven personal assistant designed to offer a more personalized user experience. This innovative assistant is powered by Bard’s generative and reasoning capabilities, seamlessly integrated with Assistant’s personalized help. Users can interact through text, voice, or images, ushering in a conversational overlay that promises a new way to engage with mobile devices.

Availability: Set to be available on Android and iOS devices in the coming months.
Integration: Harmonizes with existing Google services like Gmail and Docs.
Feedback Loop: Currently an early experiment, Google aims to gather feedback from early testers to refine the user experience.

Chromebook Plus

Venturing further into hardware, Google introduced a new category of laptops, the Chromebook Plus. These come with an enhanced performance matrix, offering double the performance, and are optimized for an intuitive user experience.

Performance: Integrated with powerful AI capabilities to optimize hardware performance.
Display: Boasts a Full HD IPS display and a 1080p+ webcam with temporal noise reduction.
Creativity: Loaded with Google Photos Magic Eraser and Adobe Photoshop on the web to spur creativity and boost productivity.

Pixel 8 and 8 Pro

The new Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones, powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chips, embody the synergy between hardware and AI. With exclusive AI camera tricks like Best Take, capturing the perfect moment has never been easier.

AI Camera: Algorithms combine the best elements from multiple photos into one optimized composite image.
Assistant with Bard Integration: The integration extends to mobile, promising a robust, multimodal interaction for users.

Adobe’s Project Stardust

Adobe, a name synonymous with creativity, is set to unveil Project Stardust, a tool that’s predicted to revolutionize photo editing. By harnessing generative AI, this tool promises a seamless object identification and manipulation experience in digital images.

Object Identification: Automatic recognition of individual objects in photographs.
Contextual Task Bar: An intuitive feature, aiding in predicting the next steps in your design process.
Generative AI: Shares the generative AI capabilities with Adobe’s Firefly-powered Photoshop tools, hinting at a future where editing becomes substantially more intuitive and less time-consuming.

Canva’s Magic Studio

In a bid to democratize design, Canva released Magic Studio, a suite of AI-powered tools. This suite is a testament to how AI can make content creation accessible to everyone, regardless of their design expertise.

Magic Switch: A tool that effortlessly transforms an existing design into another format, like converting a blog into an email or social media post.
Automatic Translation: Transforms designs into over 100 languages without needing to leave the page, embodying the global spirit of design.

Watermarking AI Images

The quest for authenticating AI-generated images led to the exploration of watermarking techniques. However, a study by Soheil Feizi and coauthors from the University of Maryland highlighted the current limitations in watermarking AI images, pointing towards a need for more robust verification systems.

Watermarking Flaws: Demonstrated how attackers could easily remove watermarks or falsely add them to human-generated images.
Combative Strategies: Despite the flaws, the sentiment within the AI detection space remains optimistic, advocating for a combination of watermarking with other verification technologies.

LinkedIn’s AI-Powered Tools for HR

LinkedIn, a hub for professionals, is piloting AI-powered tools aimed at aiding HR professionals adapt to evolving job skill requirements. These tools exemplify how AI can potentially transform the recruitment and skill development landscape.

Recruiter 2024: An AI-assisted recruiting experience that employs natural language processing to help talent leaders find qualified candidates swiftly.
AI-Powered Coaching: Offers real-time advice and tailored content recommendations, encouraging learners to develop in-demand skills like leadership and management.

Apple’s Venture into Generative AI

Apple, under the leadership of CEO Tim Cook, is diving into the waters of generative AI. The tech giant is not only researching generative AI technologies but also bolstering its AI team in the UK, showcasing a strong commitment to advancing in this domain.

ChatGPT-like Service: Exploring a service akin to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Apple is poised to enhance user interaction across its ecosystem.
AI in Current Offerings: With AI already embedded in products like the Apple Watch and iPhone, the journey towards more sophisticated AI applications is well underway.

Deepfake Dilemma

The specter of deepfakes continues to loom large, with the recent incident involving social media influencer MrBeast highlighting the ongoing issue. Deepfakes, powered by advancing AI, pose a significant challenge to digital authenticity.

MrBeast Incident: A deepfake video falsely advertising a giveaway, emphasizing the necessity for robust verification mechanisms on social platforms.
Platform Policies: While platforms like TikTok and Instagram are tightening rules around AI-generated content, the enforcement and effectiveness of such policies remain to be seen.

Conclusion

The narrative of the last week in AI paints a promising picture of what’s on the horizon. From personalized AI assistants to sophisticated photo editing tools, the canvas of possibilities is expansive. As AI continues to intertwine with our digital experiences, platforms like Vease are well-positioned to augment the unfolding narrative, providing businesses the leverage they need in a digitally competitive landscape.

For more updates in the world of AI, check out this insightful video by Matt Wolfe.

Last Week in AI Read More »