Last Week in AI

Overview of recent AI industry news including OpenAI staff departures, Sony Music Group's copyright warnings, Scarlett Johansson's voice usage issue, and new developments in ChatGPT search integration.

Last Week in AI: Episode 33

1. Significant Industry Moves

OpenAI Staff Departures and Safety Concerns

Several key staff members responsible for safety at OpenAI have recently left the company. This wave of departures raises questions about the internal dynamics and commitment to AI safety protocols within the organization. The departures could impact OpenAI’s ability to maintain and enforce robust safety measures as it continues to develop advanced AI technologies​​.

For more details, you can read the full article on Gizmodo.

Sony Music Group’s Warning to AI Companies

Sony Music Group has issued warnings to approximately 700 companies for using its content to train AI models without permission. This move highlights the growing tension between content creators and AI developers over intellectual property rights and the use of copyrighted materials in AI training datasets​.

For more details, you can read the full article on NBC News.

Scarlett Johansson’s Voice Usage by OpenAI

Scarlett Johansson revealed that OpenAI approached her to use her voice for their AI models. This incident underscores the ethical and legal considerations surrounding the use of celebrity likenesses in AI applications. Johansson’s stance against the unauthorized use of her voice reflects broader concerns about consent and compensation in the era of AI-generated content.

For more details, you can read the full article on TechCrunch.

ChatGPT’s New Search Product

OpenAI is reportedly working on a stealth search product that could integrate ChatGPT capabilities directly into search engines. This new product aims to enhance the search experience by providing more intuitive and conversational interactions. The development suggests a significant shift in how AI could transform search functionalities in the near future​.

For more details, you can read the full article on Search Engine Land.

2. Ethical Considerations and Policy

Actors’ Class-Action Lawsuit Over Voice Theft

A group of actors has filed a class-action lawsuit against an AI startup, alleging unauthorized use of their voices to train AI models. This lawsuit highlights the ongoing legal battles over voice and likeness rights in the AI industry. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how AI companies use personal data and celebrity likenesses in their products.

For more details, you can read the full article on The Hollywood Reporter.

Inflection AI’s Vision for the Future

Inflection AI is positioning itself to redefine the future of artificial intelligence. The company aims to create AI systems that are more aligned with human values and ethical considerations. Their approach focuses on transparency, safety, and ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity, reflecting a commitment to responsible AI development.

For more details, you can read the full article on Inflection AI.

Meta’s Introduction of Chameleon

Meta has introduced Chameleon, a state-of-the-art multimodal AI model capable of processing and understanding multiple types of data simultaneously. This new model is designed to improve the integration of various data forms, enhancing the capabilities of AI applications in fields such as computer vision, natural language processing, and beyond.

For more details, you can read the full article on VentureBeat.

Humane’s Potential Acquisition

Humane, a startup known for its AI-driven wearable device, is rumored to be seeking acquisition. The company’s AI Pin product has garnered attention for its innovative approach to personal AI assistants. The potential acquisition indicates a growing interest in integrating advanced AI into consumer technology​.

For more details, you can read the full article on The Verge.

Adobe’s Firefly AI in Lightroom

Adobe has integrated its Firefly AI-powered generative removal tool into Lightroom. This new feature allows users to seamlessly remove unwanted elements from photos using AI, significantly enhancing the photo editing process. The tool demonstrates the practical applications of AI in creative software and the ongoing evolution of digital content creation​.

For more details, you can read the full article on TechCrunch.

Amazon’s AI Overhaul for Alexa

Amazon plans to give Alexa an AI overhaul, introducing a monthly subscription service for advanced features. This update aims to enhance Alexa’s capabilities, making it more responsive and intuitive. The shift to a subscription model reflects Amazon’s strategy to monetize AI advancements and offer premium services to users.

For more details, you can read the full article on CNBC.

3. AI in Practice

Microsoft’s Recall of AI Feature Under Investigation

Microsoft is under investigation in the UK for its recent recall of an AI feature. The investigation will assess whether the recall was handled appropriately and if the feature met safety and regulatory standards. This case highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in the deployment of AI technologies.

For more details, you can read the full article on Mashable.

Near AI Chatbot and Smart Contracts

Near AI has developed a chatbot capable of writing and deploying smart contracts. This innovative application demonstrates the potential of AI in automating complex tasks in the blockchain ecosystem. The chatbot aims to make smart contract development more accessible and efficient for users.

For more details, you can read the full article on Cointelegraph.

Google Search AI Overviews

Google is rolling out AI-generated overviews for search results, designed to provide users with concise summaries of information. This feature leverages Google’s advanced AI to enhance the search experience, offering quick and accurate insights on various topics​.

For more details, you can read the full article on Business Insider.

Meta’s AI Advisory Board

Meta has established an AI advisory board to guide its development and deployment of AI technologies. The board includes experts in AI ethics, policy, and technology, aiming to ensure that Meta’s AI initiatives are aligned with ethical standards and societal needs​.

For more details, you can read the full article on Meta’s Investor Relations.

Stay tuned for more updates next week as we continue to cover the latest developments in AI.

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Summary of Last Week's AI Developments

Last Week in AI

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

OpenAI

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

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

Three key takeaways:

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

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

OpenAI & Axel Springer Partnership

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

Key points:

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

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

Google

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

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

Key points:

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

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

Gemini

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

Key points:

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

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

AI Test Kitchen

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

Key points:

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

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

Imagen 2

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

Key points:

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

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

Midjourney

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

Midjourney Alpha in Dark Mode

Key points:

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

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

Stability.ai

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

Key points:

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

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

Anthropic

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

Key points:

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

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

Mistral AI

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

Key points:

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

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

AI News Anchors

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

Key points:

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

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

Tesla Optimus Reveal

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

Key points:

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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Last Week in AI

Last week in AI

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Last week in AI brought us cool new things. Firstly, making videos with Pika Labs AI, secondly, creating 3D models with Masterpiece X, it was an exciting week. We also saw how Midjourney helps make bigger pictures. Additionally, we saw BMW’s fun campaign with a virtual friend. Furthermore, Google’s new tools to check pictures, artists protecting their work with Nightshade, and Forbes’ new way to search news with Adelaide. Each story shows us how AI is making things better and different.

🚀 Video Innovation with Pika Labs AI

The future of content creation with Pika Labs AI, a stellar platform transforming your textual or visual ideas into cinematic videos effortlessly.

  • Visual Creation Haven: Craft videos effortlessly with text or image prompts.
  • AI-Powered Cinematics: Free, AI-driven video generator creating four-second, 24 FPS videos.
  • Tailor-Made Experiences: Customize parameters for unique video outputs.
  • Cinematic Mastery: Pursue perfection in cinematic video crafting.
  • Discord-Based Operations: Dive into creation in diverse generation rooms.
  • Strengths & Growth Avenues: Excel in environmental effects, with room to enhance human portraits portrayal.

Discover the finesse of AI in video creation, explore customization, and the pursuit of cinematic excellence. Engage with Pika Labs’ community on Discord to unleash your creativity.

🌐 3D Creation Frontier: Masterpiece X

3D modeling with Masterpiece X, an avant-garde venture between Nvidia and Masterpiece Studio. Here’s a brief summary:

  • 3D Genesis with AI: Revolutionizes 3D creation, turning text into animated 3D models seamlessly.
  • User-Friendly Interface: No installations, just a browser, keyboard, and a dash of creativity required.
  • Text-to-3D Magic: A simple text input unfolds into detailed 3D models, bridging imagination with reality.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Assets blend effortlessly with popular game engines and applications.
  • Nvidia Synergy: A cornerstone collaboration boosting AI inferencing, paving the way for 3D software evolution.
  • VR Embellishments: Tailor your models in VR on Meta Quest headsets, adding a layer of immersion.

Masterpiece X marks a pivotal moment in 3D modeling, lowering barriers for both budding and seasoned creators. This blend of intuitive AI with robust GPU infrastructure by Nvidia heralds a new dawn in 3D modeling and generative design.

🚀 Midjourney’s Upscaling Revolution

Stepping into the high-resolution domain, Midjourney has unfolded a feature to upscale AI art, transcending the prior 1,024 x 1,024-pixel boundary.

  • Resolution Renaissance: Boost images 2x or 4x, hitting a peak of 4,096 x 4,096 pixels.
  • Print-Ready Art: Achieve crisp A3 prints, outshining previous postcard-size limitations.
  • Time-Cost Trade-off: Upscaling consumes more time, impacting monthly image quotas.

Dive deeper to understand the implications of upscaling on generative art’s commercial viability and how Midjourney is gearing up to stay competitive in the generative art landscape.

BMW’s AI Generated Influencer

BMW has launched a new campaign for its iX2 model with a virtual character named Lil Miquela. The campaign is called ‘Make it Real‘. It’s available in many places including Europe, Asia, and the United States, showing BMW’s idea of “Freude Forever.”

  • Virtual Meets Reality: The campaign, concocted in collaboration with creative agency Media.Monks and director Stefanie Soho from BWGTBLD, showcases a short film where Lil Miquela ventures from the virtual domain into the real world with the new BMW iX2, a journey depicting her growing fondness for human existence.
  • Narrative Resonance: Stefan Ponikva, VP of Brand Communication and Experience at BMW, emphasizes the century-long legacy of crafting emotions and memories with BMW, acknowledging the digital wave sweeping across the industry.
  • Metaverse Echoes: Patrick Klebba, Executive Creative Director at Media.Monks, reflects on the profound storytelling amidst the booming Web3, Metaverse, and AI tide, underscoring the essence of real-life experiences​.

A closer look at this campaign reveals not just a marketing stride but a narrative that resonates with the digital era, portraying a seamless blend of virtual and real realms.

Image Fact-Checking Made Easy by Google

Google has unrolled tools designed to help users fact-check images. This suite of tools, now accessible globally to all English speakers, shows the image’s history, metadata, and the context in which it was used across various sites.

A notable feature allows users to discern when an image was first “seen” by Google Search, aiding in understanding its contextual recency. The tools also offer insights into how others have described the image on different platforms, which can be instrumental in debunking false claims.

  • AI-Generated Image Identification: Users can now see metadata indicating if an image is AI-generated, a step toward transparency amidst the rising tide of AI in image creation.
  • Facilitating Fact-Checkers: Approved journalists and fact-checkers have the capability to upload or copy image URLs to delve deeper into them using Google’s FactCheck Claim Search API.
  • Generative AI Experimentation: Google is piloting generative AI to assist in describing sources like unfamiliar pages or blogs, with an opt-in feature for users to view AI-generated information about sites.
  • Industry Movement: In parallel, Adobe released a toolkit to verify image credentials, and a new initiative called Community Notes has been launched for crowdsourced fact-checking on images and videos​.

This step by Google reflects a broader industry push towards ensuring authenticity in the digital realm.

MIT Technology Review: Nightshade

The article from MIT Technology Review sheds light on a new tool dubbed Nightshade, engineered to empower artists in the face of generative AI technologies that might utilize their artworks without consent. Here’s a concise summary of the key takeaways:

Nightshade’s Mechanism:

  • The tool facilitates artists in altering the pixels of their artworks subtly before uploading them online.
  • When these modified images are scraped and used in training AI models, they can cause the models to malfunction, producing chaotic and incorrect outputs like mistaking dogs for cats.
  • Nightshade can be integrated with another tool, Glaze, which also aims to protect artists’ rights by masking their unique style to prevent scraping by AI companies.

This initiative is a reflective measure against the ongoing concerns in the AI realm regarding data privacy and intellectual property rights. With tools like Nightshade, artists can have a fighting chance to protect their creations in the digital age where data scraping is prevalent.

Forbes’ AI Search Tool: Adelaide

Forbes has launched a new AI search tool named Adelaide, powered by Google Cloud, to offer personalized news recommendations. This tool, accessible on Forbes.com, provides personalized responses to user queries based on Forbes articles. It’s an extension of Forbes’ efforts to enhance user engagement and content discovery through AI​​.

For more information, you can click here.

Conclusion

Last week in AI shows us how every week comes with new ideas and tools. Consequently, AI is changing how we do things, from making art to checking if a picture is real. As we learn from last week in AI, we wait to see what new stories next week will bring.

Curious about leveraging these AI advancements for your enterprise? Discover what Vease can do for your business by chatting with our bot. For more AI insights, visit our blog. Missed last week’s updates? Catch up here.

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