News/New Launches
AI disrupts news industry as publishers fight for control
The News Media Alliance, a major publishing industry lobbying group, is preparing legal action against a prominent AI company over alleged copyright infringement of publisher content used to train AI models. The core issue: The News Media Alliance (NMA), representing major publishers like Gannett, Condé Nast, and others, plans to file a complaint alleging unauthorized use of publisher content in AI model training. The upcoming legal action will demonstrate instances where AI models allegedly copied text without proper attribution or licensing The specific AI company targeted remains undisclosed, though existing licensing deals between NMA members and OpenAI suggest it may...
read Jan 19, 2025Apple is bringing new AI features to the macOS Mail app
Apple is reportedly bringing Apple Intelligence features to the macOS Mail application with the upcoming 15.4 update. Key details: The macOS Mail app will receive intelligent email organization capabilities that automatically categorize messages and highlight important correspondence. The update will introduce automatic sorting of emails into categories like transactions and promotions A new "Priority" feature will surface important emails at the top of users' inboxes These features mirror functionality already available to iPhone users since iOS 18.2 Industry context: This development represents Apple's continued integration of AI-powered features across its ecosystem of products and services. The expansion from iOS to...
read Jan 19, 2025Lenovo is ditching its iconic TrackPoint nub in favor of AI features for new ThinkPad models
Lenovo has unveiled its new ThinkPad Aura Edition laptops at CES 2025, marking a significant shift by removing the iconic red TrackPoint nub that has been a hallmark of ThinkPad design for over 30 years. Key design change: The removal of the TrackPoint from the new ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition models signals Lenovo's adaptation to modern user preferences and market trends. While the TrackPoint will continue to appear in other ThinkPad models, its absence from the Aura Edition reflects Lenovo's recognition that touchpads have become the dominant input method Lenovo's spokesman acknowledged that the TrackPoint, while cutting-edge in its time,...
read Jan 19, 2025A new software update is bringing AI features to the OnePlus Pad 2 device
OnePlus has released a new OxygenOS 15 update for its Pad 2 tablet, introducing AI-powered features and system improvements worldwide. Update Overview and Rollout: The OnePlus Pad 2 is receiving OxygenOS 15.0.0.401 firmware update across India, Europe, and other global regions through a phased deployment. The update is exclusively available for devices already running OxygenOS 15 Users will receive the update gradually over the coming days as part of the batch rollout strategy The firmware version is identified as OPD2403_15.0.0.401(EX01) Key New Features: The update introduces AI Reply, a contextual response system, alongside enhanced functionality for existing features. AI Reply...
read Jan 19, 2025Nvidia’s NeMo Guardrails aim to make AI agents safe and secure
Nvidia has released an update to its NeMo Guardrails technology, introducing new microservices designed to enhance safety and security in AI systems that use multiple interconnected agents and models. Key Developments: Nvidia's NeMo Guardrails are now available as Nvidia Inference Microservices (NIMs), specifically optimized for Nvidia GPU infrastructure. The new implementation includes three distinct microservices: Content Safety NIM for blocking harmful content, Topic Control NIM for maintaining conversation boundaries, and Jailbreak Detection NIM for preventing security bypasses These services deliver 50% improved protection while adding only half a second of latency to processing time The technology is available through either...
read Jan 18, 2025Runway’s new AI image generator Frames excels at the cinematic
Runway has launched Frames, a new AI image generation model that produces cinematic-quality visuals and integrates with the company's video generation tools. Key features and functionality: Frames provides advanced stylistic control and high visual fidelity, targeting professional creative industries including editorial, art direction, and production. The tool is available through Runway's Unlimited plan ($95/month or $912/year) and Enterprise plan ($1,500/year) Users can generate still images and seamlessly convert them to videos using Runway's Gen-3 Alpha Turbo model The system includes 19 preset visual styles, ranging from Vivid to Terracotta, that users can customize further Professional capabilities: Frames distinguishes itself through...
read Jan 18, 2025InstaGlam will turn your selfies into AI avatars for $40
A straightforward AI tool for content creators, InstaGlam AI, is now available at a discounted price of $39.99, offering personalized digital avatar creation from selfies for various content needs. Product Overview: InstaGlam AI transforms 2-3 personal selfies into a customizable digital twin using artificial intelligence technology. Users upload clear, solo photographs following specific guidelines provided during setup The platform processes these images to create a personalized AI model Once completed, users can immediately begin generating various types of visual content Key Features: The platform offers practical functionality focused on content creation efficiency and versatility. Includes over 30 customizable templates for...
read Jan 18, 2025Amazon is hoping its new AI-powered virtual fitting features will prevent returns
Amazon will discontinue its "Try Before You Buy" clothing program at the end of January 2025, replacing it with AI-powered virtual fitting solutions including augmented reality try-ons and size recommendations. Program transition details: Amazon's significant change in clothing retail strategy marks a shift from physical to digital try-on experiences. The "Try Before You Buy" program, launched in 2017 as Prime Wardrobe, allowed customers to order up to six items and only pay for what they kept The program will officially end in January 2025, though Amazon's standard return policy for apparel remains in place Amazon cites limited scalability of the...
read Jan 18, 2025OpenAI is preparing its new reasoning AI model ‘o3 mini’ for imminent launch
OpenAI is preparing to release its new reasoning AI model 'o3 mini' in the coming weeks, with CEO Sam Altman announcing the completion of the model's development. Key developments: OpenAI has finalized the o3 mini model and plans to simultaneously release both the API and ChatGPT integration after incorporating user feedback. The launch is expected within the next couple of weeks Both the API and ChatGPT versions will be released at the same time The release strategy has been adjusted based on user input Technical capabilities: The o3 mini model represents an advancement in AI reasoning capabilities, building upon OpenAI's...
read Jan 18, 2025Microsoft is testing AI-powered file search for Windows 11
Microsoft has begun testing AI-powered search functionality in Windows 11, allowing dev channel Insiders with Copilot Plus PCs to search local files using natural language queries. Key features and requirements: The new semantic indexing capability enables more intuitive file searches across Windows settings and common file formats. The feature works offline thanks to Neural Processing Unit (NPU) chips in Copilot Plus computers Currently supports searching through Windows settings and files in JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS formats Functions across multiple search interfaces including Settings, File Explorer, and the taskbar Implementation details: Microsoft has established specific parameters for the AI...
read Jan 18, 2025Samsung Unpacked 2025: New wearables, gadgets and more to expect
Samsung has announced its upcoming Unpacked event for January 22, 2025, where the company will unveil its new Galaxy S25 smartphone lineup and showcase advanced AI features. Event details and accessibility: Samsung Unpacked will take place in San Jose, California on January 22 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET, with both in-person and virtual attendance options. The physical event is invite-only for media, super fans, and industry experts Public viewers can access the livestream via Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung's YouTube channel Galaxy S25 series specifications: The new smartphone lineup is expected to feature Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset,...
read Jan 18, 2025Hinge’s newest AI feature will help your dating profile stand out
Dating app Hinge has introduced an AI-powered Prompt Feedback feature to help users create more engaging dating profiles by providing personalized coaching on their responses to profile prompts. The innovation: Hinge's new AI-powered Prompt Feedback tool analyzes users' profile responses and offers tailored suggestions for improvement, without actually writing the content for them. The feature is designed to help the majority of users who struggle with crafting effective profile responses According to Hinge's data, prompt responses are 47% more likely to lead to dates compared to photo likes The AI has been specifically trained using insights from Hinge's behavioral scientists...
read Jan 18, 2025Washington Post plans AI overhaul to boost readership
The Washington Post is undertaking a significant strategic shift toward becoming an AI-powered news platform amid declining readership and internal turmoil. Major transformation underway: The Washington Post's new CEO Will Lewis has unveiled plans to transform the historic newspaper into what is being called an "AI-fueled platform for news" alongside a new mission statement: "Riveting Storytelling for All of America." The initiative aims to provide a forum for diverse viewpoints and expert perspectives while delivering content to Americans across multiple platforms The strategic shift follows significant losses, including 250,000 cancelled subscriptions and approximately $100 million in losses during the previous...
read Jan 17, 2025Salesforce’s TACO is a new family of multimodal AI models
Salesforce has unveiled TACO, a new family of multimodal AI models that can process multiple types of data and perform complex reasoning tasks using a step-by-step approach. Key Innovation: TACO represents a significant advancement in multimodal AI by combining chains-of-thought-and-action (CoTA) with the ability to process various data types including images, text, and numerical calculations. The system utilizes external tools like optical character recognition (OCR), depth estimation, and calculators to process different types of information TACO can break down complex questions into smaller, manageable steps and execute them sequentially The model demonstrates particular strength in tasks requiring both visual understanding...
read Jan 17, 2025You can now fine-tune your own version of the FLUX AI image generator
Black Forest Labs has released FLUX Pro Finetuning API, enabling creators to customize AI image generation models with as few as five training images. Product Overview: The FLUX Pro Finetuning API allows customization of the company's FLUX Pro and FLUX Ultra image generation models, specifically targeting professionals in marketing, branding, and creative industries. The tool requires only 5-20 training images, with optional text descriptions, to create customized models Multiple modes are available including character, product, style, and general use cases The API integrates with FLUX.1 Fill, Depth, Canny, and Redux endpoints Image generation capabilities extend up to four megapixels in...
read Jan 17, 2025Microsoft built an AI model that designs materials for the future — here’s how it works
Microsoft has unveiled MatterGen, a new AI system that creates novel materials with specific properties, marking a significant advancement in materials science and potentially accelerating development across multiple industries. The breakthrough explained: MatterGen uses diffusion model AI technology to generate new materials based on desired characteristics, similar to how AI image generators create pictures from text descriptions. The system transforms random atomic arrangements into stable, useful materials meeting specified criteria Materials generated are twice as likely to be novel and stable compared to previous AI approaches The technology has been validated through successful real-world synthesis of a new material, TaCr2O6,...
read Jan 17, 2025How DocuSign leverages AI to streamline business agreements
DocuSign is integrating artificial intelligence into its electronic signature platform to transform business agreements into dynamic, data-driven assets that can be actively managed and analyzed. The evolution of business agreements: Despite widespread digital transformation, contract management has remained largely static and inefficient until now. Traditional agreement processes involve creating documents that often get archived and forgotten, leading to missed opportunities and deadlines DocuSign CEO Allan Thygesen identifies lack of visibility into agreement contents as a major business challenge Current practices leave valuable contract information buried and unutilized AI-powered innovations: DocuSign's platform leverages advanced language models to extract, analyze, and act...
read Jan 17, 2025McKinsey is bringing a suite of AI tools to its venture building unit Leap
McKinsey's venture building unit, Leap, has integrated generative AI tools to enhance and accelerate new business creation, having already established over 700 ventures since 2018. The foundation of venture building: Leap's analysis reveals that only 20% of new businesses launched in the past decade have evolved into viable large-scale enterprises, with 40% of failures attributed to poor product-market fit. Traditional venture building combines creative inspiration, problem-solving, market expertise, and extensive iteration The process requires specialized skills and processes that many companies lack internally McKinsey's Leap unit has successfully created 20 unicorns among its 700+ ventures AI platform capabilities: McKinsey has...
read Jan 17, 2025OpenAI creates new AI model for longevity science
OpenAI has developed GPT-4b micro, an AI model specifically designed to engineer proteins for cell reprogramming, achieving preliminary results that show significant improvements in stem cell conversion efficiency. Project overview and significance; The collaboration between OpenAI and Retro Biosciences marks OpenAI's first venture into biological research and represents their first claim of producing novel scientific discoveries. The AI model focuses on improving Yamanaka factors, which are proteins capable of transforming regular skin cells into stem cells Early testing suggests the model's protein modifications resulted in Yamanaka factors that were over 50 times more effective than current versions The project emerged...
read Jan 17, 2025Viaim’s new RecDot earbuds analyze meetings, create call summaries and to-do lists
Viaim RecDot AI has introduced new intelligent wireless earbuds designed to transform virtual meetings and conference calls with advanced recording and transcription capabilities. Product Overview: The Viaim RecDot wireless earbuds combine premium audio hardware with AI-powered features to enhance professional communication and productivity. An AI Assistant analyzes meeting content in real-time, creating automated summaries and to-do lists The FlashRecord feature enables seamless recording of both virtual and in-person conversations Real-time transcription and translation capabilities support 13 languages to English Integration with major communication platforms including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Webex, WhatsApp, and Skype [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="802"] Image credit:...
read Jan 17, 2025This new AI-powered marketplace aims to make art more accessible
The online art marketplace NALA is transforming how artists sell their work by directly connecting creators with buyers, eliminating traditional gallery gatekeepers and commissions. Platform overview: NALA's digital marketplace uses machine learning to match art buyers with artists, currently serving over 20,000 art enthusiasts and 8,500 artists. Artists can list their work directly on the platform and set their own prices, receiving 100% of their listed price Instead of taking commission from artists, NALA charges buyers an 11.5% fee on purchases The platform's AI-powered system matches artwork with potential buyers based on style preferences and budget A new feature allows...
read Jan 17, 2025Nvidia launches AI safety microservices for autonomous agents
Nvidia has introduced three new microservices designed to enhance safety and control for AI agents, addressing key concerns around enterprise adoption of autonomous AI systems. The core announcement: Nvidia has expanded its NeMo Guardrails software toolkit with new inference microservices (NIMs) that leverage small language models to improve AI agent security and compliance. The three new microservices focus on content safety, topic control, and jailbreak detection These tools are designed to help organizations maintain control over AI agents while ensuring fast, responsive performance According to Nvidia, 10% of organizations currently use AI agents, with 80% planning adoption within three years...
read Jan 16, 2025Microsoft launches AI-powered Copilot Chat with new agents
Microsoft has introduced Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, a rebranded AI chat experience offering agentic capabilities for businesses, with a consumption-based pricing model for advanced features. The core offering: Microsoft's latest AI chat platform builds upon its existing Copilot technology by incorporating new agent-based automation capabilities while maintaining core features like web-based information retrieval and document analysis. The platform continues to utilize OpenAI's GPT-4o model for processing user queries and generating responses Users can upload files for summaries and analysis, as well as generate images for marketing purposes The basic chat functionality remains free for business users, providing access to web-grounded...
read Jan 16, 2025NVIDIA launches NIM to secure AI agent applications
NVIDIA has launched new NIM microservices as part of its NeMo Guardrails toolkit to help enterprises build safer and more controlled AI applications, particularly focusing on AI agents for knowledge workers. Key Innovation: NVIDIA's NIM microservices represent a significant advancement in AI safety technology, providing specialized tools for content moderation, topic control, and protection against security breaches in AI applications. These microservices are designed to be portable and optimized for efficient deployment across various enterprise environments The system includes three specific components: content safety, topic control, and jailbreak detection microservices The technology is built on the Aegis Content Safety Dataset,...
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