AI trends

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.

Last Week in AI: Episode 33 Read More »

Updates on OpenAI's GPT-4o, AWS and NVIDIA's AI partnership, Groq's new AI chips, Elon Musk's xAI investments, and AI policy news from Microsoft and Sony.

Last Week in AI: Episode 32

The AI landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with significant advancements and strategic collaborations shaping the future of technology. Last week saw notable updates from major players like OpenAI, NVIDIA, AWS, and more, highlighting the diverse applications and growing impact of artificial intelligence across various sectors. Here’s a roundup of the key developments from the past week.

OpenAI Debuts GPT-4o ‘Omni’ Model

Development: OpenAI has launched GPT-4o, an advanced version of its AI model powering ChatGPT. GPT-4o supports real-time responsiveness, allowing users to interrupt answers mid-conversation. It can process text, audio, and visual inputs and outputs, enhancing capabilities like real-time language translation and visual problem-solving.

Impact: This update significantly enhances the versatility and interactivity of ChatGPT, making it more practical for dynamic interactions. Learn more on TechCrunch

AWS and NVIDIA Extend Collaboration

Development: AWS and NVIDIA have partnered to advance generative AI innovation, especially in healthcare and life sciences. This includes integrating NVIDIA’s GB200 GPUs with Amazon SageMaker for faster AI model deployment.

Impact: This collaboration aims to accelerate AI-driven innovations in critical fields, offering powerful, cost-effective AI solutions. Read more on NVIDIA News

NVIDIA Unveils GB200 GPU Platform

Update: NVIDIA has introduced the GB200 GPU platform, designed for high-performance AI applications. This system includes the NVLink Switch, which enhances efficiency and performance for large-scale AI training and inference.

Impact: The GB200 platform promises to revolutionize AI infrastructure by providing unprecedented computational power for advanced AI models. Details on NVIDIA News

Groq’s Lightning-Fast AI Chips

Innovation: Groq has launched its new LPUs (Language Processing Units), optimized for faster AI inference in language models. These chips are designed to provide a significant speed advantage over traditional GPUs.

Impact: Groq aims to become a leading infrastructure provider for AI startups, offering efficient and cost-effective AI solutions. Learn more on Vease Blog

Elon Musk’s xAI to Spend $10 Billion on Oracle AI Cloud Servers

Development: Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, plans to invest $10 billion in Oracle’s AI cloud servers to support the training and deployment of its AI models. This substantial investment underscores the high computational demands of xAI’s advanced AI initiatives, particularly its Grok models.

Impact: This move highlights the critical role of robust cloud infrastructure in the development of next-generation AI technologies. It also demonstrates the increasing collaboration between AI startups and cloud service providers to meet the growing needs of AI research and applications. Read more on DataCenterDynamics

Microsoft Dodges UK Antitrust Scrutiny

Policy Update: Microsoft will not face antitrust scrutiny in the UK regarding its investment in Mistral AI. This decision allows Microsoft to continue its strategic investments without regulatory obstacles.

Implications: This development supports Microsoft’s ongoing expansion in AI technology investments. Read more on TechCrunch

EU Warns Microsoft Over Generative AI Risks

Policy Update: The EU has issued a warning to Microsoft, potentially imposing fines for not providing required information about the risks of its generative AI tools.

Impact: This highlights the increasing regulatory focus on AI transparency and safety within the EU. Learn more on Yahoo News

Strava Uses AI to Detect Cheating

Development: Strava has implemented AI technology to detect and remove cheats from its leaderboards, along with introducing a new family subscription plan and dark mode.

Impact: These measures aim to maintain platform integrity and improve user experience. Details on Yahoo Finance

Sony Music Warns Against Unauthorized AI Training

Policy Update: Sony Music has warned tech companies against using its content for AI training without permission, emphasizing the need for ethical data use.

Implications: This move stresses the importance of proper licensing and the potential legal issues of unauthorized data use. Learn more on AI Business

Recall.ai Secures $10M Series A Funding

Funding: Recall.ai has raised $10 million in Series A funding to develop tools for analyzing data from virtual meetings.

Impact: This funding will enhance the capabilities of businesses to leverage meeting data for insights and decision-making. Read more on TechCrunch

Google Adds Gemini to Education Suite

Update: Google has introduced a new AI add-on called Gemini to its Education suite, aimed at enhancing learning experiences through AI-driven tools.

Impact: This addition will provide educators and students with advanced resources, transforming educational practices. Learn more on TechCrunch

Final Thoughts

The developments from last week highlight the growing impact of AI across various domains, from healthcare and education to infrastructure and regulatory landscapes. As these technologies evolve, they promise to bring transformative changes, enhancing capabilities and offering new solutions to complex challenges. The future of AI looks promising, with ongoing innovations paving the way for more efficient, intelligent, and interactive applications.

Last Week in AI: Episode 32 Read More »

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

Last Week in AI: Episode 31

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 »

Latest AI Developments: Google Gemini, Apple Vision Pro, and Neuralink's Human Trial

Last Week in AI: Episode 17

Welcome back to “Last Week in AI.” Although, it’s been a slow couple of weeks, we’ve got some pretty groundbreaking stuff to talk about. From Google shaking things up with Gemini, to Apple launching a ton of apps for its Vision Pro platform, making digital interaction more immersive than ever. And let’s not forget Neuralink successfully testing their brain-computer interface in a human for the first time. Let’s break it down for you.

Google

Google’s Bard can now make images using its Imagen 2 model. It’s Google’s answer to ChatGPT Plus. They made sure it’s responsible, with watermarks and no-go zones for certain content. Plus, they dropped ImageFX, a simple tool for making pictures from text. Bard now speaks over 40 languages worldwide.

Key Points:
  • Bard vs. ChatGPT Plus: Google’s stepping up, adding image-making to Bard.
  • Safety First: Watermarks and rules keep things in check.
  • Worldwide Reach: Bard’s now a global player, with a massive language boost.

With Bard and ImageFX, Google’s blending creativity, ethics, and accessibility. It’s smart, it’s global, and it’s responsible. That’s the future of AI they’re betting on.

Gemini

Google’s AI, Gemini, handles text, code, audio, images, and video, all in one. There are three versions: Ultra, Pro, and Nano, with Ultra being a real standout, even outsmarting human experts in understanding language and coding.

Key Points:
  1. Versatility: Gemini’s a jack-of-all-trades, mixing and matching different types of data seamlessly.
  2. Three Models: From Ultra’s heavyweight capabilities to Nano’s mobile-friendly design, there’s something for every need.
  3. Safety and Accessibility: Google’s not cutting corners on safety, checking Gemini for bias and toxicity. It’s getting baked into Google products and is available for developers through Google AI tools.

Google’s Gemini is built to be versatile, accessible, and safe. This is a way for AI to work with us, making life easier for developers and changing how we all interact with technology.

Shopify

Shopify’s now adding a media editor and conversational search to its toolkit with its AI-powered Magic suite. It can tweak photo backgrounds or switch them up entirely—no Photoshop skills needed. It even suggests backgrounds to match what you’ve got, making products shine without the fancy photo shoot. All these AI perks? They’re thrown in for free, knocking down hurdles for entrepreneurs.

Key Points:
  • DIY Photo Magic: Sellers can edit photos like pros, thanks to generative image fill.
  • Convo Search: This isn’t your old-school search; it gets what you’re looking for by understanding the intent, making results way more relevant.
  • Tools Galore: Beyond photos, Shopify’s got AI doing heavy lifting with product descriptions, chatbots, and smart replies, all aimed at easing merchant and buyer chats.

Shopify’s making sure small and big businesses alike get a fair shot. It’s about giving options, not orders. Shopify’s vision? A leveled playing field where all sellers get to shine.

Midjourney

Midjourney’s latest anime-style update, Niji V6 is here. It offers both amateurs and professionals new ways to blend text with imagery. This allows artists to embed words directly into their pictures but also introduces enhanced features for customizing art like never before.

Key Points:
  • Creative Fusion: Niji V6 lets you combine drawings with text, adding a personal touch to your art.
  • Enhanced Control: Features like ‘Vary (Region)’, ‘Pan’, and ‘Zoom’ give artists unprecedented control over their creations.
  • Accessibility: Available to paying users through the Midjourney chatbot, with a full release scheduled for February.

By empowering artists to fuse text and imagery seamlessly, it opens up new possibilities for storytelling and personal expression. Whether you’re just dabbling in digital art or you’re a seasoned pro, Niji V6 promises to inspire and transform the way anime-style art is made.

OpenAI

OpenAI’s ChatGPT users can now pull in specialized GPTs right into their chats. Just hit “@,” pick your GPT, and boom, it’s like adding a new brain to the conversation. They’ve even set up a GPT Store (like an App Store) to make finding and using these GPTs easy. But, not many folks are using them yet, and those who do, it’s dropping. Plus, they hit a bit of a snag with some not-so-great GPTs slipping through, which they’re cleaning up.

Key Points:
  • Customizable Convos: This new feature lets you tailor your ChatGPT conversations with specific GPTs for whatever you need.
  • GPT Store: A marketplace to grab these GPTs, designed to be user-friendly even for non-coders.
  • Challenges Ahead: Adoption’s been slow, and there’s been a bit of trouble with moderation, but OpenAI’s not backing down, planning to let creators earn money from their GPTs soon.

The idea’s solid: more personalized, useful chats. But, they’ve got some hurdles to clear, especially getting more users on board and keeping the GPT Store clean. Still, with plans to monetize, there’s a clear path forward for developers and users alike.

Mistral

“Miqu-1-70b” got leaked online and everyone’s talking about it possibly beating GPT-4. The head of Mistral said it was an old model accidentally leaked by someone they work with. But here’s the kicker: they’re working on a new version that might just outdo GPT-4.

Key Points:
  • Leaky Boat: “Miqu-1-70b” has everyone buzzing about it possibly taking on GPT-4.
  • Inside Job: The boss over at Mistral says, oops, it was an older model that got out by accident.
  • Game On: They’re hinting they’ve got something even bigger brewing that could outdo GPT-4.

Mistral’s little accident is now big news, showing everyone just how intense the AI race is getting. And this leak? It might just shake things up, pushing the open-source AI scene into new places and turning up the heat on OpenAI.

Apple

Apple’s doing something big with the Vision Pro. They’ve got 600 new apps hitting the scene. This is about taking computing to a whole new level by blending the digital and real worlds like never before.

The Points:
  1. Wide Range: These apps are all over the map – games, work tools, learning, you name it. It’s about making computing not just something you do, but something you experience.
  2. Top-Notch Tech: The display on this thing is next-level. You’re not just looking at a screen; you’re in it. And you control it with your eyes, hands, voice – however you want.
  3. Big Changes: What Apple’s aiming for here is to change the game. How we watch, work, play, learn – it’s all going to be different with these apps and Vision Pro.

Apple’s Vision Pro is setting a new standard for digital interaction, merging the lines between the virtual and the real. It’s creating experiences that change how we see and interact with the world around us.

Neuralink

Elon Musk’s Neuralink just hit a big milestone: they’ve put their brain-computer interface device into a person for the first time. The patient seems to be doing just fine. Neuralink’s big idea is to let people with serious paralysis use tech like computers and phones just by thinking. They’re calling this brain implant Telepathy, aiming to help folks with conditions like ALS communicate or even use social media directly with their minds.

Key Points:

  1. First Human Trial: Neuralink’s moved from experiments to actually implanting a device in a human, showing they’re on track towards making this tech a reality.
  2. The Goal: The tech is all about translating what’s in your brain into commands for devices, without moving a muscle.
  3. Not Alone: Neuralink’s not the only one in this race. Companies like Synchron and Blackrock Neurotech are also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with brain-computer interfaces.

Neuralink’s stepping into new territory, blending mind and machine in ways we’ve only dreamed of. This first human trial is a big deal, showing Musk’s vision of merging humans with AI isn’t just sci-fi fantasy anymore.

In Summary

This week has shown us just how fast the world of AI is evolving. Google’s Gemini is setting new standards in versatility, Apple’s Vision Pro apps are redefining user interaction, and Neuralink is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with neurotechnology. Each of these developments not only highlights the rapid advancements in AI but also hints at the transformative impact these technologies could have on our everyday lives. The future of AI is here and now, and it’s more exciting than ever. Stay tuned for more updates.

Last Week in AI: Episode 17 Read More »