Pika

Weekly tech and AI news roundup

Last Week in AI

Welcome to “Last Week in AI” your go-to source for the latest and most intriguing developments in technology and AI. This week, we’re diving into some breakthroughs and surprises that are reshaping the industry. From the innovative Fast Feedforward architecture in AI to the latest in video editing AI technology, we’ve got you covered with the stories that matter.

Under the Radar News of the Week

Fast Feedforward: A Game Changer in AI Efficiency

The AI world’s buzzing about something new: Fast Feedforward (FFF) architecture. Here’s the lowdown:

  1. What is FFF?: Imagine a neural network, the brain of AI, but super-efficient. That’s FFF. It’s a fresh take on building AI that does its job using way less computing power. Think of it as a brainy eco-friendly car of the AI world.
  2. Beating the Competition: There’s this other AI tech called mixture-of-experts networks. They’re cool, but FFF is like the new kid on the block showing them up. It’s quicker, more efficient, and gets to the right answers faster.
  3. FFF’s Secret Sauce: Two big things here. First, it’s got this thing called noiseless conditional execution – it’s really good at ignoring useless data. Plus, it doesn’t need tons of neurons to make smart guesses. So, you don’t need a beast of a computer to run complex AI.

Why’s this a big deal? If you’re into AI, FFF could change the game. It means running smart AI models could get easier and cheaper. We’re talking better chatbots, sharper weather forecasts, and so much more. Bottom line: FFF is about doing a lot more with a lot less, and that’s huge for tech everywhere.


OpenAI

ChatGPT’s Stellar First Year: A Tech and Revenue Triumph

ChatGPT’s first year? Total game-changer in the tech world. Let’s dive into the highlights:

  1. Massive App Success: The ChatGPT apps for phones are a hit. Launched in 2023, they’re a new way for folks to chat with AI. With over 110 million installs and nearly $30 million in the bank, it’s clear people are loving it.
  2. Huge, But Not the Biggest: While it’s raking in cash, especially with its $19.99 monthly subscription, ChatGPT’s not the top dog in the chatbot revenue game. Still, it’s setting records with downloads and has a strong market position.
  3. Who’s Using ChatGPT?: Turns out, it’s mostly younger guys, with a big chunk of users from the U.S. It’s got a whopping 180.5 million users globally, including big names in business.

So, what’s next? Expect even more growth. This first year’s just the beginning. ChatGPT is reshaping how we use AI in daily life and there’s a lot more to come!


GPT-4: Revolutionizing Radiology and Healthcare

GPT-4’s making big waves in healthcare, especially in radiology. It’s all about making things faster and more accurate. Let’s break it down:

  1. Speed and Precision in Reporting: GPT-4’s churning out radiology reports way quicker than before, but still keeping them spot on. Studies show it’s making things more uniform and efficient.
  2. Acing Comparisons and Exams: When pitted against traditional radiologist reports, GPT-4’s not only matching up but also being more concise. It’s even nailing medical exams, showing it’s not just fast, but also smart.
  3. Project MAIRA and Beyond: This project’s all about pushing GPT-4 to its limits in radiology, aiming to make doctors’ lives easier and improve how patients get involved in their own care.

But hey, it’s not all smooth sailing. There’s a bunch of ethical stuff and clinical trials to figure out to make sure GPT-4 fits into healthcare the right way. Bottom line? GPT-4’s set to seriously shake up how we do medicine. Stay tuned for what’s next!


OpenAI’s GPT Store Launch Delayed to Next Year

OpenAI’s got some news: their much-anticipated GPT store’s launch is pushed to next year. Here’s what’s up:

  1. Unexpected Hold-Up: Originally set for a December release, the GPT store’s debut is now delayed. OpenAI’s been dealing with some unexpected stuff, including a rollercoaster week with CEO Sam Altman’s ouster and return.
  2. Store’s Purpose: The GPT store is meant to be a marketplace for users to sell and share GPTs they’ve created using OpenAI’s platform. It’s all about giving creators a chance to earn from their custom GPTs based on how much they’re used.
  3. Still Making Progress: Despite the delay, the team’s not just sitting around. They’ve been tweaking and improving ChatGPT and their custom GPT platform, so there’s progress happening behind the scenes.

So, what does this mean? If you’re keen on AI and OpenAI’s work, this is a bit of a wait-and-see situation. The GPT store sounds like a big deal for AI enthusiasts and creators, but we’ll have to hang tight a bit longer. Stay tuned for more updates!


Idea to Video

Pika: Revolutionizing Video Editing with AI

Pika’s taking the video editing world by storm, blending AI with creativity. Here’s the scoop:

  1. From Challenge to Innovation: The story starts with Demi Guo at an AI Film Festival. Despite having tools like Runway and Adobe, there were gaps. That’s when Guo, with Stanford’s Chenlin Meng, decided to create something better: an easy-to-use AI video generator. It clicked big time, attracting half a million users and major funding.
  2. Pika 1.0: A Tech Breakthrough: Focused initially on anime, Pika’s AI model is a game-changer. It’s all about realistic videos and cool editing features, backed by some serious tech and influential investors.
  3. Empowering Everyone to Create: Pika’s not just for pros. It’s for anyone who wants to tell a story through video. With its recent $55 million funding, the app’s making high-quality video creation simple for everyone.

Looking ahead, Pika plans to grow its team and maybe shift to a subscription model. The goal? To be the go-to tool for not just filmmakers, but anyone with a story to tell. In short, Pika’s reshaping the whole video editing landscape. Watch this space!


Adobe Amps Up Video AI with Rephrase.ai Acquisition

Adobe’s latest move? Snapping up Rephrase.ai, and it’s a big deal for video buffs and AI enthusiasts. Here’s why:

  1. Rephrase.ai’s Cool Tech: Coming from IIT Bombay and IIT Roorkee brains, Rephrase.ai is no ordinary startup. Their AI turns text into slick videos. Just type, and poof, you’ve got a video. It’s like having a magic wand for video production.
  2. Adobe’s AI Ambition: Adobe’s been diving deep into AI, remember Firefly and those nifty Photoshop tricks? Now, they’re adding Rephrase.ai to their arsenal, signaling a major push into generative AI.
  3. A Game-Changer for Adobe Users: With Rephrase.ai in Adobe’s toolkit, think Premier Pro and After Effects turbocharged with AI. It’s set to revolutionize how we make videos, making it faster and more intuitive.

So, what does this mean for you? If you love making videos, marketing, or just dig tech, this is big news. Adobe’s gearing up to change the game in video production. Keep your eyes peeled – the future of creative video-making just got a lot more exciting!


Google

Google’s GNoME AI Unlocks Millions of New Materials

Deep learning’s latest feat? Discovering a whopping 2.2 million new crystals! Here’s the scoop:

  1. GNoME’s Big Discovery: A deep learning tool named GNoME (Graph Networks for Materials Exploration) has hit a goldmine. It’s predicted the stability of 2.2 million new crystals, including a staggering 380,000 that are stable enough to maybe power future tech.
  2. AI’s Role in Material Science: This isn’t just about numbers. It’s a game changer in how we find and make new materials. Using AI, scientists can now speed up the discovery and even predict which materials could actually work in the real world.
  3. Sharing the Wealth: The cool part? The data on these 380,000 stable materials is now out there for the research community. This could lead to greener technologies and a whole new approach to material science.

Why’s this exciting? If you’re into tech, science, or the environment, this is big news. AI’s not just about robots and chatbots; it’s reshaping how we discover and develop materials that could change our world. Keep an eye on this – the future’s looking bright (and possibly greener) thanks to AI!


AGI

OpenAI’s Alleged Secret AI Project Q* Stirs Controversy

There’s some intriguing buzz around OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman. Here’s the story:

  1. Secret AI Project ‘Q*’: Reports are swirling about a hush-hush AI system at OpenAI named ‘Q*’. Employees are saying it’s so advanced, it can ace math tests and think critically. But the kicker? They’re worried it’s getting too powerful, and their concerns might not be taken seriously.
  2. Altman’s Reaction: When asked, Altman didn’t shoot down the existence of Q*. He referred to it as an “unfortunate leak.” This has only added more fuel to the fire about what Q* really is.
  3. Safety Concerns in AI: The whole Q* saga taps into a bigger fear about Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) – the kind of AI that could outsmart humans. Experts have been flagging this for a while, worried about potential risks.

Now, it’s important to note that all this is based on claims and hasn’t been confirmed by OpenAI. But it sure has got people talking. Could this be why Altman briefly lost his CEO gig? For now, it’s a mix of speculation and concern in the AI community. Stay tuned as more unfolds.


Nvidia’s CEO Foresees AGI Within Five Years

Nvidia’s big boss, Jensen Huang, has made a bold prediction: Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could be here in the next five years. Here’s the lowdown:

  1. AGI: Smart as Humans?: Huang defines AGI as tech that’s pretty much as smart as a regular person. While AI’s been advancing like crazy, it’s not yet at the level of complex human smarts.
  2. Concerns in the Tech World: It’s not all excitement, though. Big names in AI, like OpenAI’s Ilya Sutskever and investor Ian Hogarth, are worried about risks. Think fake news, cyberattacks, and scary AI weapons. There’s even talk about AGI possibly threatening humanity if it’s not kept in check.
  3. Tech Leaders Agree: Huang’s not alone in his thinking. Other tech hotshots, like John Carmack of Meta and DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis, also believe powerful AI is just around the corner.

So, what’s the big picture? If you’re into tech and AI, this is huge. AGI could change everything, but it’s got some big names thinking hard about the risks. It’s a mix of excitement and caution as we head into a future where AI might be as smart as us. Stay tuned!


Elon Musk Forecasts AGI Breakthrough in Three Years

Elon Musk, always making headlines, has a fresh take on AI’s future. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Musk’s Bold AGI Prediction: In a chat with CNBC’s Andrew Sorkin, Musk dropped a bombshell. He thinks Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is less than three years away. And not just any AGI, but one that could outdo the smartest humans in everything from writing novels to inventing new tech.
  2. Mixed Reactions: As expected, Musk’s prediction has stirred up the pot. There’s a blend of excitement and skepticism in the air. Some folks are pumped about the possibilities, while others are raising their eyebrows.
  3. Ripple Effect on Advertisers: Musk’s statement didn’t just stop at AI talk. It’s had a real-world impact, with many of his supporters urging boycotts against companies like Disney and Apple, who’ve pulled their ads from his ventures.

So, what’s the takeaway? Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an AI skeptic, or just following the latest from Musk, this is a conversation starter. AGI in three years? It’s a bold claim and one that’s keeping the tech world buzzing. Let’s see how it unfolds!

Final Thoughts

That wraps up this week’s edition of “Last Week in AI.” These stories highlight the continuous and rapid evolution of AI and technology, impacting everything from healthcare to video editing. Stay tuned for more updates and insights next week as we continue to explore the cutting edge of tech and AI innovations.

If you missed last weeks update, you can check it out here.

Last Week in AI Read More »

Pika's AI video editing

Pika’s Rise in AI Video Editing: From Stanford to Silicon Valley Success

From Stanford Lab to Tech Stardom

Demi Guo, tackling AI tool limitations in video editing, teamed up with Chenlin Meng at Stanford’s AI Lab. Their mission: to democratize AI video editing. This led to Pika, an intuitive AI video editor, capturing half a million Discord users and securing $55 million in funding.

Pika 1.0: Breaking New Ground

Starting with anime, Pika quickly advanced to realistic video generation, backed by tech leaders like Nat Friedman and Daniel Gross. This breakthrough, powered by advanced AI and hundreds of GPUs, enhanced video quality and editing capabilities, such as aspect ratio adjustments.

Empowering Creativity for All

Pika’s philosophy is simple: make high-quality video creation effortless for everyone. Its features allow users to produce short, polished videos with ease, adjusting camera movements and extending video lengths. The recent $55 million funding underscores its potential and growing influence.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Innovation

Pika’s next steps include expanding its team and potentially introducing a tiered subscription model. This strategy focuses on making Pika a go-to tool for everyday consumers, emphasizing user-friendliness and broad accessibility.

A New Era in Video Editing

Pika’s journey from a Stanford project to a Silicon Valley success story highlights the transformative impact of AI in video editing. With its user-centric design and advanced features, Pika is changing not just video creation, but the entire narrative of visual storytelling.

(Featured Image: © Pika Labs)

Pika’s Rise in AI Video Editing: From Stanford to Silicon Valley Success Read More »