User Experience

"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

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 »

a graphic illustration of a group of computer scientists developing an algoritm

Pyrorank: Shattering Filter Bubbles for Diverse Recommendations

Let’s talk about something cool in the tech world: the Pyrorank algorithm. Developed by ace computer scientists, it’s here to bust those pesky filter bubbles in recommendation systems. Let’s get into what this means and why it matters.

Breaking the Bubble

The Filter Bubble Issue: You know how AI tools keep showing you stuff similar to what you’ve already bought or interacted with? That’s a filter bubble. Pyrorank’s mission? To smash that bubble and mix things up.

How Pyrorank Works: This nifty algorithm lowers the impact of your profile in recommendations. The result? You get a broader, more diverse set of recommendations. It’s like opening a window to a whole new world of choices.

Inspired by Nature

Ecosystem Approach: Pyrorank isn’t just another algorithm. It draws inspiration from how things interact in nature. Imagine an ecosystem, but for tech and recommendations. Pretty cool, right?

Testing and Triumphs

Proven with Data: When put to the test with large datasets, Pyrorank showed its true colors. It churned out more varied recommendations than traditional systems. That means it’s not just talk; it’s got the results to back it up.

Why It Matters

The Value of Diversity: By promoting diversity in search outcomes, Pyrorank isn’t just improving your shopping or browsing experience. It’s giving you a wider lens to view options, taking you out of your comfort zone into new territories.

So, what’s the bottom line? Pyrorank is more than just an algorithm; it’s a game-changer in how we receive recommendations. It’s pushing the boundaries, showing us that there’s so much more out there than our usual picks.

Stay tuned as Pyrorank reshapes the landscape of recommendation systems. It’s clear that in the world of AI and tech, diversity is not just a buzzword; it’s the future! 🌐💻🌿

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Illustration of AI assistant managing calls on Pixel phone

Google Pixel’s ‘Hold for Me’: Your Personal AI Assistant for Calls

Have you heard about the ‘Hold for Me’ feature on Google Pixel 3 and later models? If you’re in the US, Australia, or Canada, this AI-powered feature is here to change how you handle phone calls. Let’s dive into what makes ‘Hold for Me’ a must-have for your Pixel phone.

No More Waiting on Hold!

  • ‘Hold for Me’ is pretty cool – it keeps your calls on hold and lets you know when it’s time to chat.
  • It’s perfect for those long, tedious toll-free number calls. Just activate it, and your Pixel does the waiting.

How Does It Work?

  • The AI behind this feature is smart. It listens in and alerts you when a human pops back on the line.
  • To turn it on, head to the Phone by Google app, hit settings, and flick the ‘Hold for Me’ switch.

Stay Informed While You Wait

  • Pixel’s got your back with live captions during your hold time. You can see updates like your queue status or estimated wait.
  • When it’s your turn, a notification nudges you to hop back on the call. Easy, right?

Pixel Call Assist: More Than Just Hold for Me

  • Google Pixel offers a suite of call assist features, and ‘Hold for Me’ is just one part of it.
  • Depending on your Pixel model, you also get cool stuff like Clear Calling, Call Screen, and more.

Why ‘Hold for Me’ is a Game Changer

  • No more glued-to-the-ear waiting. Let your phone handle the hold, and you do you.
  • Remember, it’s a Pixel-exclusive feature, so it’s just another reason to love your Google phone.

In short, Google Pixel’s ‘Hold for Me’ is here to take the pain out of those endless hold times. It’s like having a personal assistant who says, “I’ll wait, you go ahead with your day!” Give it a try and see how much time you save. It’s one of those little Pixel perks that make a big difference! 📱✨

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

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