Technology and Innovation

Graphic Illustration of AI integration in Windows 11 with Copilot key

Microsoft’s New Copilot Key: Paving the Way for the AI-Driven PC Era in 2024


2024 is kicking off with a bang, thanks to Microsoft’s Copilot key for Windows keyboards. Let’s check it out!

Introducing the Copilot Key

  • Quick AI Access: The Copilot key is all about easy access to AI. With just a button press, you’ll launch Microsoft’s AI-powered Windows Copilot experience.
  • Replacing the Menu Key: This new key will take the place of the traditional menu key, sitting right next to the right-hand alt key on most keyboards.

Windows Copilot: Your AI Assistant

  • ChatGPT-Style Chatbot: Imagine having a ChatGPT-like assistant right in your Windows 11. The Windows Copilot can answer queries and even perform actions within Windows.
  • Fallback to Windows Search: If you’re in a region where Windows Copilot isn’t available yet, the Copilot key will bring up Windows Search instead.

Rollout and Availability

  • Coming to New Devices: The Copilot key will debut on new Windows 11 PCs from Microsoft’s ecosystem partners. The rollout starts this month and will continue into Spring, including on upcoming Surface devices.

The Bigger Picture

  • 2024: Year of the AI PC: This isn’t just about a new key. It’s part of Microsoft’s grand plan to weave AI into Windows and its hardware in 2024.
  • Windows Refresh with AI: Microsoft is also working on a Windows update focused on new AI features. AI is getting integrated into more aspects of their software and services.

Why It Matters

The introduction of the Copilot key marks a significant shift towards more intuitive, AI-enhanced computing experiences. It’s not just about adding a new function; it’s about shaping the future of how we interact with technology.

With Microsoft’s vision of making 2024 “the year of the AI PC,” we’re on the cusp of a transformative era in personal computing. Keep an eye out for these exciting changes. The way we use PCs is about to get a whole lot smarter! 🚀💻🤖

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Google Logo with AI Circuit Design

Hey Google, What’s Up with the AI Layoff Buzz?

Big shake-up at Google! Word is, they’re planning to trim down their crew by a whopping 30,000 employees. 😲 Why, you ask? Well, it looks like AI’s the new boss in town, especially in the ad sales department.

Google’s been dabbling in AI-driven ads, which might sound cool (who doesn’t want a robot selling them stuff?), but it’s not all sunshine and lollipops for the workforce. Google’s aiming to replace some roles with AI tech. 👀

Tech heavyweights such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have been handing out global pink slips, but 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) has taken the lead, cutting a whopping 80% of its staff – a scale unmatched in the tech world. 🌍✂️

But back to Google – CEO Sundar Pichai‘s got a tough gig, balancing company morale while steering the Google ship through AI waters. He’s calling it a “difficult but necessary” move. 🔄🔻

So, what’s next for Google’s army of ad sellers? Will AI be the genie in the bottle, or are we looking at a future where layoffs are the new norm in tech town? 🧞‍♂️💼

Stay tuned, ’cause this Google saga is far from over! 🚢👀

(Header image created usingMidjourney)

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Hybrid work setup with laptop and home office

2024 Work Trends: AI Skills, Hybrid Roles on the Rise

Ready to see what 2024 has in store for us at work? LinkedIn’s got some predictions, and let me tell you, they’re pretty interesting. From AI taking center stage to the rise of green jobs, the work landscape is changing fast. Let’s break it down:

AI is Taking Over (In a Good Way)

We’re seeing more and more chatter about AI in the job market. It’s clear that AI skills are becoming a must-have. Job posts that mention AI are getting more applications, which means if you’re job hunting or hiring, you’d better be on the AI bandwagon.

But it’s not just about mentioning AI; businesses need to think about how they’re going to weave AI into their roles. Want to attract the best talent? Start thinking AI.

Hybrid Work: Here to Stay

Remember when working from home felt like a novelty? Well, it looks like it’s not going anywhere. Hybrid work models are on the rise globally. This trend means more flexibility for us, the employees, and a bit of a balancing act for employers who still want some face time in the office.

Green Jobs: The Future is Bright (and Eco-Friendly)

The world’s getting greener, and so are our jobs. There’s a huge demand for “green skills” out there. But here’s the thing: only about one in eight workers has the skills these jobs need. And women are underrepresented in this green wave.

So, what’s the game plan? Companies need to get smart about reskilling their workforce. And for the workers? It’s all about beefing up those digital and STEM skills to jump into these green roles.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it – AI, hybrid work, and green jobs are the big trends shaping our work life in 2024. Whether you’re an employer or an employee, it’s time to adapt and get ready for an exciting future at work. Keep those AI skills sharp, embrace the flexibility of hybrid roles, and maybe add some green skills to your resume. Let’s make 2024 a year of growth and innovation! 🌱🤖🌍

Be sure to check out LinkedIn’s New AI Chatbot.

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Illustration of Text-to-3D avatar conversion using AI technology

Alibaba’s AI: From Text to 3D Avatars with Mach

Alibaba’s been up to some cool AI stuff, and it’s time to dive into their latest creation: Make-A-Character (Mach). This nifty tool is all about turning simple text into awesome 3D avatars. Let’s check out what’s cooking in Alibaba’s AI kitchen.

Bringing Words to Life

  • Mach Magic: Imagine typing a description and getting a 3D avatar. That’s Mach for you! It uses AI to create lifelike avatars from just words.
  • Focus on Diversity: Right now, Mach’s got a knack for Asian-look avatars. But hold tight, they’re planning to add more styles and ethnicities soon.

How Does It Work?

Mach’s process is pretty slick. You start with text, and it gives you a 3D face with matching features and accessories. It’s like having a digital artist at your fingertips. And the best part? You can even animate these avatars!

Alibaba’s AI Suite

  • Richdreamer: It’s another cool AI model, blending normal and depth data to create detailed visuals.
  • ‘Animate Anyone’ Tech: This is where static images come to life, turning photos into moving characters.
  • Qwen-72B Language Model: Alibaba’s not stopping at avatars. They’ve pumped up their language model, making it bigger and better.
  • A Gift to Researchers: Meet Qwen-1.8B, a smaller model for the AI research community. It’s easy on GPU memory but still packs a punch.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it. Alibaba’s taking AI to new heights with Mach and its other models. These tools are not just about cool visuals; they’re about bringing imagination to life. And with their ongoing development, who knows what’s next?

Curious to see how these avatars turn out? Keep an eye on Alibaba’s AI journey. It’s an exciting time in the world of artificial intelligence, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next! 🌐🤖👥

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Illustration of Samsung smart fridge with food recognition technology

Samsung’s AI Smart Fridge: Tailors Recipes to Your Diet!

Get ready for Samsung’s latest marvel – the 2024 Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub+! This isn’t just any fridge; it’s a smart hub that’s about to make your kitchen experience a whole lot cooler.

Meet the AI Family Hub+

Samsung is bringing AI into the heart of your kitchen. The Family Hub+ is a game-changer, packed with smart features that’ll make you rethink what a fridge can do.

What’s Cooking Inside?

Imagine a fridge that knows what’s inside it. That’s right, the Bespoke fridge has an internal camera that identifies your food. Forget about wasting time guessing what’s in there – your fridge’s got it sorted.

Smart Food Management

Running out of recipe ideas? This fridge has got your back. With the connected app, you’ll get recipe suggestions based on what you’ve got inside. It’s like having a personal chef who knows your fridge better than you do!

Mirror, Mirror on the Fridge

Own a Galaxy phone? You can mirror its display right on the 32-inch touchscreen of the Family Hub. And that’s not all – you’ve got separate apps for TikTok and YouTube to keep you entertained while you cook.

Health and Taste Combined

The Samsung Food app is a treasure trove of features. It syncs with your Samsung Health profile to offer recipes that match your dietary needs. Plus, the “Image to Recipe” function and personalized recipe suggestions make healthy eating fun and easy.

Expiration Date Tracker

No more guessing when your food will go bad. Enter the expiration dates manually, and the Family Hub will remind you just in time. Say goodbye to wasted food!

AI Over IoT

This model is a trendsetter, emphasizing AI features over the usual Internet of Things integrations. It’s a smart leap towards a more intuitive and personalized kitchen experience.

Wait, There’s More!

Alongside the fridge, Samsung is also launching the 2024 model of the Anyplace Induction Cooktop. It comes with a slide-in range and screens to view recipes from the Samsung Food app. Cooking’s about to get a whole lot smarter!

Release Date and Pricing

Details on the release date and pricing are still under wraps, but one thing’s for sure – Samsung’s new kitchen line-up is set to revolutionize our daily routines. Stay tuned!

Wrapping Up

Samsung’s 2024 Bespoke Fridge with AI Family Hub+ is more than just a cooling appliance. It’s a testament to how AI can enhance our daily lives, especially in the kitchen. Get ready for a smarter, more efficient, and fun cooking experience!

Stay updated with us for more on Samsung’s innovative kitchen tech. Exciting times ahead in the world of smart appliances! 🍳📱🤖

For more Samsung AI news check out Samsung Gauss.

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Vector illustration of Microsoft laptop with AI capabilities

Microsoft’s Next Big Thing: AI-Packed Surface Pro 10 & Laptop 6!

Microsoft’s gearing up to launch their new Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, and they’re all about AI this time. Let’s break it down:

Surface Pro 10: It’s More Than Just a Laptop

We’re talking about a laptop that’s also an AI wizard. Microsoft’s packed it with a neural processing unit (NPU) so it’s super smart and fast. You get to choose between Intel and Arm versions, with the Arm ones rocking Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips.

The display? Brighter and clearer than ever, with HDR and anti-glare. Plus, you can pick your resolution. It’s also got a sleek look with rounded corners, and here’s a cool bit – there’s a new Type Cover with a button for Windows Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant.

Surface Laptop 6: Stepping Up the Game

This one’s getting a size upgrade – a 13.8-inch display for the smaller model. Imagine a bigger screen but with thinner bezels. It’s also got this rounded and modern look.

The new haptic touchpad is going to make every touch feel real. Just like the Pro 10, there’s a dedicated button for Windows Copilot on the keyboard.

What Else to Expect?
  • Both devices are rumored to feature new ports.
  • Expect a better touchpad and a Windows Copilot button on the keyboard.
  • Performance, battery life, and security are all getting upgrades.
When Can You Get Them?

Mark your calendars for next year. That’s when these tech beauties are expected to hit the market. And if you’re already thinking about the future, Microsoft’s hinting at some big design changes for the Surface Pro in 2025.

So, there you have it. Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 10 and Laptop 6 are all about bringing AI right into your hands. Can’t wait to see how they shake up the tech world! Stay tuned for more updates! 🚀💻👀

Check Out Microsoft’s New AI App for Android.

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Researchers using deep learning to discover new antibiotics

AI Discovering New Antibiotics

Let’s dive into some exciting news from the world of medicine and AI. A team of researchers just made a big leap in the fight against antibiotic resistance, and it’s all thanks to deep learning.

The Breakthrough in Antibiotics

  • The Challenge: Antibiotic resistance is a massive problem. We’re running out of effective drugs to fight infections.
  • The Solution: Researchers used deep learning to find a whole new class of antibiotics. Think of it as AI digging through tons of data to find hidden treasure – but in this case, the treasure is life-saving drugs.

How Did They Do It?

  • Smart AI Tech: The team developed an AI method that’s all about understanding chemical structures. It’s like teaching AI to recognize patterns that make good antibiotics.
  • Testing and Results: They tested this AI on loads of different compounds. The goal? Find ones that kill bacteria but are safe for us.
  • Success!: And guess what? They nailed it. The AI found new antibiotics that are powerful against bacteria and gentle on human cells.

Why This Matters

  • A Step Forward: This isn’t just cool science – it’s a huge step in solving the antibiotic crisis.
  • AI’s Power: It shows how AI can do more than just play games or drive cars. It can actually help save lives.
  • Explainable AI: The best part? This AI isn’t a black box. Researchers can actually understand why and how it picks certain compounds. Transparency for the win!

The Big Picture

This research isn’t just a win for science; it’s a win for all of us. It’s about using technology to make the world a healthier place. And that’s something to be excited about!

Want to know more about this groundbreaking research? Check out how Genentech and NVIDIA are pioneering AI-driven drug discovery. Stay tuned, and we’ll keep you in the loop with all the latest in AI and medicine! 🤖💊🔬

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Microsoft's logo on Android screen

Check Out Microsoft’s New AI App for Android and iOS: It’s Like ChatGPT for Your Phone!

Big news from Microsoft: they’ve just rolled out a rebranded-new app called Copilot for both Android and iOS users. It’s like having a mini ChatGPT right on your phone. Here’s the lowdown on what this app’s all about:

  1. Easy Access to AI-Powered Features:
    • Microsoft’s Copilot app brings AI directly to your Android and iOS devices.
    • It simplifies access to advanced AI capabilities, no longer requiring the Bing mobile app.
  2. A Suite of Smart Tools:
    • The app is packed with features like an intuitive chatbot, image generation through DALL-E 3, and text drafting for emails and documents.
    • It harnesses the power of OpenAI’s latest GPT-4 model, offering cutting-edge AI technology for free.
  3. A Standalone AI Experience:
    • Designed to be a standalone service, the Copilot app provides a unique experience akin to ChatGPT.
    • It operates with its dedicated domain, making it a focused and efficient tool.
Image credit: Microsoft

So, there you have it – Microsoft’s Copilot app is here to make your life easier with some serious AI power. If you’re on Android, give it a whirl and see how it changes your game. Stay tuned for any news on an iOS version!

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Midjourney Version 6 Enhances AI Image Generation

Last Week in AI

Hey everyone, it’s been a bit of a slow week in AI, but there’s still some cool stuff to talk about. One highlight is the Midjourney version 6 update, which is really pushing the boundaries of AI in image generation. Let’s dive into some key developments, from Apple’s iPhone AI innovations to Google Pixel’s ‘Hold for Me’, H&R Block’s AI chatbot, and of course, the Midjourney update. Each of these shows how AI is becoming an even bigger part of our daily lives.

Apple

Alright, let’s dive into Apple’s latest AI move with “LLM in a Flash.” They’re bringing big AI models, known as LLMs, straight to iPhones, which is a pretty big deal in the AI and tech world.

Here are the three key takeaways:

  1. AI Goes Mobile: Apple’s integrating large AI models into iPhones, making smart tech even smarter.
  2. Privacy and Speed: This approach means your data stays on your phone, offering quick AI responses without relying on the internet.
  3. Setting Trends: Apple’s strategy could start a new trend in smartphone tech, with AI becoming a core feature.

Why’s this important? Well, it means we get faster, on-device AI help without compromising privacy. Plus, Apple’s move might just reshape how we all use our smartphones in the future. Here is more AI stuff Apple’s working on for 2024! 🍏✨


Google

Google Pixel’s “Hold for Me” feature is a game-changer for handling phone calls, especially those lengthy hold times on toll-free numbers. Available in the US, Australia, and Canada for Pixel 3 and newer models, it’s an AI-driven assistant that waits on hold for you.

Key points:

  1. Smart Call Handling: The AI listens to your call and notifies you when a real person returns to the line.
  2. Easy to Use: Just activate it in the Phone by Google app. Plus, it offers live captions so you can see updates like queue status.
  3. Part of a Bigger Picture: It’s part of Google Pixel’s suite of call assist features, adding extra value to your Pixel experience.

The significance? “Hold for Me” frees you from being stuck to your phone while waiting. It’s an exclusive Pixel feature, making it a standout reason to choose or love Google’s phones. It’s like having a personal assistant who handles the waiting, so you can focus on other things. Here’s how it works. 📱✨

For more Google AI related updates, check out Google’s Bard Meets Gemini.


H&R Block

H&R Block has introduced AI Tax Assist, a smart AI chatbot, to their paid DIY tax software. It’s designed to make tax filing simpler and more efficient.

Key Points:

  1. Tax Help at Your Fingertips: The chatbot answers tax-related questions, functioning like a digital tax expert.
  2. Human Expert Backup: It connects users to human tax experts for more personalized advice, blending AI convenience with human expertise.
  3. Reliable and Safe: Trained on H&R Block’s extensive tax law library, it offers trusted advice, with a team monitoring its accuracy.

The significance? This launch signifies a big move in digital tax prep, offering a blend of AI efficiency and human accuracy. It’s part of a growing trend, as seen with Intuit’s TurboTax also adopting AI. With such innovations, managing taxes could become much less daunting for many. 🤖💼📈


Midjourney

Midjourney’s release of version 6 marks a notable advancement in AI-powered image generation. This new version brings enhanced realism and the ability to generate legible text within images, alongside a fresh prompting method.

Key Points:

  1. Improved Realism: V6 steps up the game in creating more lifelike and high-quality images.
  2. Text Generation: A standout feature is its capacity to include readable text in images, expanding its creative possibilities.
  3. New Prompting Method: Users can explore different styles and approaches with an innovative way to guide the AI’s image creation.

While currently in the alpha stage and requiring specific commands to activate, V6’s release is significant in the AI art world. Despite missing some features from its predecessor (which will be added in future updates), it’s seen as a major leap forward, even amidst growing competition and legal challenges in the AI art space. 🎨🤖💻

Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, remember, even in a slow week, AI continues to evolve and surprise us, like with the impressive Midjourney V6. I hope this roundup gives you a good glimpse into the exciting world of AI. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Stay tuned for more AI updates, and keep exploring this amazing tech world. 🎄✨🤖

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Stunningly realistic AI-generated image by Midjourney V6

Midjourney’s Latest Version 6 Update

Midjourney’s newest update, Version 6 (alpha) is creating quite a buzz in the AI image generation scene. Let’s dive into what makes V6 the talk of the town.

Meet Midjourney V6: A New Era of AI Art

Sharper, More Realistic Images: V6 isn’t just an update; it’s a game-changer. It brings to the table enhanced realism in image generation. We’re talking about visuals that blur the lines between AI art and reality.

Text Generation Game Strong: Ever wanted legible text in your AI-generated images? Well, V6 heard you. This feature adds a new layer of creativity, opening doors for more intricate and meaningful artwork.

New Prompting Method: Midjourney knows one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why V6 introduces a fresh way to prompt the AI, giving artists more control and flexibility in their creations.

Navigating V6: The Alpha Adventure

How to Access: V6 still wears its ‘alpha’ badge, which means it’s a work in progress. To get your hands on it, you’ll need to use specific commands. It’s like having an exclusive pass to the future of AI art.

What’s Missing, For Now: Every masterpiece has its initial sketches. V6 is no exception. It currently lacks some features from the previous version, but don’t worry, updates are on their way.

The Road Ahead for Midjourney

Continual Evolution: Midjourney isn’t stopping here. V6 is just the beginning. With ongoing updates and new features in the pipeline, the journey of AI art is set to reach new heights.

Rising Above Challenges: Sure, the road to innovation isn’t without hurdles. V6 steps into a competitive landscape, facing its share of legal challenges. But, it stands as a testament to the relentless evolution of AI art.

In Conclusion

Midjourney’s V6 is more than an update; it’s a statement. It’s about pushing boundaries and redefining what AI can create in the art world. As we witness this significant progression, it’s exciting to imagine what the next chapter of AI art will look like.

Stay tuned to see how Midjourney continues to revolutionize AI art, one pixel at a time! 🎨🤖

Also, check out Midjourney’s Niji here.

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