News/Partnerships
AI-Powered Box-Slack Integration Enhances Enterprise Content Management
Box and Slack have announced an expanded partnership that integrates advanced AI capabilities into enterprise content management, aiming to transform how organizations interact with and manage their content within the Slack platform. Enhanced integration features: The Box-Slack collaboration introduces several key improvements designed to boost productivity and streamline workflows for joint customers. Users can now perform unlimited AI-powered searches on Box files directly within Slack, enabling teams to extract insights from documents without leaving their messaging environment. Secure and dynamic file previews allow users to view the latest versions of Box documents, including PDFs, spreadsheets, and presentations, directly in Slack...
read Aug 15, 2024SAP Teams Up with appliedAI to Boost Practical AI Adoption
The partnership between SAP and appliedAI aims to make artificial intelligence more practical and accessible for businesses, addressing the challenges many companies face in effectively implementing AI solutions. Strategic collaboration: SAP's partnership with the appliedAI initiative represents a significant step towards integrating AI into business processes for its extensive customer base. The collaboration focuses on exploring AI scenarios and identifying suitable use cases for SAP customers, addressing the widespread struggle many companies face in effectively leveraging AI technologies. AppliedAI, known for its expertise in supporting corporations through AI transformations, will play a crucial role in guiding SAP customers towards practical...
read Aug 14, 2024NASCAR and Lenovo Use AI to Perfect Pit Stop Refueling
Revolutionizing refueling: Richard Childress Racing has partnered with Lenovo to introduce an AI-powered system that promises to transform pit stop efficiency in NASCAR races, particularly in the critical area of refueling. The pit stop challenge: NASCAR races typically involve 5-12 pit stops per event, with refueling playing a crucial role in race strategy and performance. Pit crews must work with precision and speed, as every second in the pit can impact a driver's position on the track. NASCAR vehicles lack fuel gauges, forcing teams to rely on careful monitoring and estimation of fuel usage throughout the race. Traditionally, teams have...
read Aug 13, 2024AI Tackles Boston’s Traffic Woes with Smart Streetlights
AI-powered traffic management in Boston: The city of Boston has partnered with Google's "Project Green Light" team to leverage artificial intelligence in addressing its notorious traffic congestion issues. Boston, known for its challenging traffic conditions, is now the second city in the United States to collaborate with Google on this innovative traffic management initiative. The partnership, which began in February, aims to utilize AI technology to improve traffic flow and reduce tailpipe emissions. Seattle was the first city to experiment with Google's streetlight technology, paving the way for Boston's adoption. The problem at hand: Boston's notorious traffic congestion has long...
read Aug 12, 2024Meta Expands Music Deal with UMG, Adds WhatsApp and AI Safeguards
The extension of Meta and Universal Music Group's licensing deal expands music usage across Meta's platforms, including WhatsApp for the first time, while addressing concerns about AI-generated content and fair compensation for artists. Deal expansion and platform coverage: The renewed agreement between Meta and Universal Music Group (UMG) broadens the scope of licensed music usage across Meta's social media ecosystem. Users can now incorporate songs from UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group songwriters in their content on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads, and newly added WhatsApp. This expansion signifies Meta's commitment to providing diverse content creation options for its...
read Aug 10, 2024California Launches AI Education Program with NVIDIA
California launches pioneering AI education initiative: The State of California has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with NVIDIA to provide AI education resources to universities, community colleges, and adult education programs across the state. The big picture: This public-private partnership aims to support California's workforce training and economic development goals by equipping students and educators with essential skills in generative AI. The initiative recognizes the growing importance of AI across all sectors and California's responsibility to prepare its workforce for the future. NVIDIA, a world leader in AI computing, will provide resources and training to help California educators and students gain...
read Aug 10, 2024Caylent and Anthropic Join Forces to Slash AI Deployment Times
AI deployment acceleration partnership: Caylent, an AWS Premier Tier Services Partner, and Anthropic, an AI research company, have joined forces to dramatically reduce the time required for businesses to implement and optimize AI solutions. The strategic partnership claims to slash AI implementation timelines by nearly 50% compared to current industry standards, potentially revolutionizing the pace of AI adoption in the enterprise sector. Caylent's LLMOps Strategy Catalyst platform serves as the cornerstone of this accelerated deployment process, enabling rapid integration of Anthropic's advanced AI models. Early success stories from the partnership include BrainBox AI reducing response times from one minute to...
read Aug 9, 2024Big Tech Pivots to AI Partnerships, Dodging Antitrust Scrutiny
The landscape of AI acquisitions is shifting dramatically as major tech companies opt for partnerships and licensing deals over traditional buyouts, a strategy aimed at sidestepping antitrust scrutiny while still securing valuable AI talent and technology. Big tech's new approach to AI talent acquisition: Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are leading a trend of forming partnerships with AI startups rather than pursuing outright acquisitions, allowing them to access cutting-edge AI capabilities without triggering regulatory alarms. Google recently invested $2.5 billion to bring back former employees from Character.AI and license their technology, showcasing the high value placed on AI talent and intellectual...
read Aug 9, 2024UK Watchdog Probes Amazon-Anthropic Partnership for Anti-Competition
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated an investigation into Amazon's $4 billion partnership with AI company Anthropic, raising concerns about potential anti-competitive effects in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence market. Regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech AI deals: The CMA's probe into the Amazon-Anthropic partnership reflects growing regulatory concern over how large technology companies might leverage their resources to shape the future of AI markets. The investigation aims to determine whether the deal constitutes a "relevant merger situation" that could significantly reduce competition in UK markets. By October 4, the CMA will conclude its initial phase of inquiry...
read Aug 8, 2024Microsoft and Palantir Team Up to Supercharge AI in Defense Agencies
Palantir and Microsoft have joined forces to deliver advanced AI capabilities to US defense and intelligence agencies, marking a significant development in the application of artificial intelligence within classified government networks. Strategic partnership unveiled: Palantir Technologies and Microsoft have announced a collaboration aimed at integrating Palantir's products with Microsoft's Azure cloud services for use in classified government environments. The partnership will enable government agencies to leverage Microsoft's large language models through the Azure OpenAI Service within Palantir's AI Platforms. This integration is designed to enhance analytics and AI capabilities for national security operations, specifically tailored for use in classified cloud...
read Aug 8, 2024AMD and NZ-Based Startup Partner on Free AI Image Generator That Runs Locally
Introducing Amuse: AMD's foray into AI image generation: AMD has partnered with New Zealand-based AI startup TensorStack to develop Amuse, a new AI image generator designed for Windows users that operates locally on their computers. Amuse, currently in beta, allows users to create AI-generated images without relying on internet connectivity or cloud-based processing, offering a more private and localized approach to image generation. The tool is free to use and does not require a subscription, making it accessible to a wide range of users interested in AI image creation. Amuse leverages AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series processors to run stable...
read Aug 8, 2024Microsoft and Pivot Energy Launch 500MW Solar Project to Power AI
A major renewable energy investment: Microsoft has announced a significant partnership to develop 500 megawatts of community-scale solar power projects across the United States, marking a substantial commitment to renewable energy and local community development. The tech giant is collaborating with Pivot Energy, a renewable energy company, in a 5-year partnership to construct approximately 150 mid-sized, ground-mounted solar projects. These projects will be distributed across up to 100 communities in 20 different states, demonstrating a wide-reaching approach to renewable energy development. Microsoft has committed to purchasing renewable energy credits from these projects for a 20-year term, providing long-term support for...
read Aug 7, 2024S&P Global Partners with Accenture to Train 35,000 Employees in AI
S&P Global's ambitious partnership with Accenture to train its entire workforce of 35,000 employees in generative AI skills marks a significant shift in how major financial services companies are approaching artificial intelligence integration. Comprehensive AI training initiative: S&P Global is launching an extensive generative AI learning program utilizing Accenture's LearnVantage platform to upskill its entire workforce. The program aims to integrate AI across all company functions, including finance, legal, and sales departments. This move demonstrates S&P Global's commitment to positioning itself at the forefront of AI adoption in the financial services industry. The initiative is designed to empower employees with...
read Aug 6, 2024Dept of Commerce and SK Hynix Announce Terms of $4B AI Chip Plant in Indiana
SK hynix's $3.87 billion investment in a new high-bandwidth memory facility in Indiana marks a significant step in bolstering U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, particularly for advanced AI systems, with the support of federal incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act. Major investment in U.S. semiconductor production: SK hynix, a leading global semiconductor manufacturer, plans to establish a state-of-the-art high-bandwidth memory (HBM) advanced packaging fabrication and research facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. The company intends to invest approximately $3.87 billion in the new facility, demonstrating a substantial commitment to expanding its U.S. operations. The project is expected to create about 1,000...
read Aug 5, 2024Avnet, Macso Partner on AI-Enabled IoT Solutions, Edge Computing
Avnet and Macso Technologies are joining forces to enhance IoT deployments with advanced AI capabilities, promising to revolutionize edge computing and sensor-based monitoring across various industries. Partnership overview: Avnet, a global technology solutions provider, is collaborating with New Zealand-based Macso Technologies to integrate cutting-edge AI models into IoT technologies. The partnership aims to deliver AI-enabled edge devices by combining Avnet's hardware, software, and engineering services with Macso's sophisticated AI models. Initially, the collaboration will focus on audio and air quality applications, with plans to expand into other sensing domains such as vision, temperature, and pressure. This strategic alliance is set...
read Aug 3, 2024What Google’s Deal with Character.AI Means for Innovation and the AI Landscape
Google's acquisition of Character.AI's leadership and core research team marks another significant move in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, reshaping the competitive dynamics and raising questions about the future of AI innovation. Key details of the acquisition: Google has hired back the co-founders and core research team of Character.AI, a prominent AI startup, in a surprising move that reshapes the AI competitive landscape: Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, co-founders of Character.AI who left Google in 2021, are returning to work at Google DeepMind along with their research team of about 30 people. The deal is structured as an "agreement"...
read Aug 3, 2024OpenAI Partners With US Regulators to Boost AI Safety
OpenAI's new partnership with the U.S. AI Safety Institute marks a significant step in the company's efforts to prioritize AI safety and regain trust in the wake of recent criticisms. This collaboration, which includes giving the government agency early access to OpenAI's next major AI model for safety testing, could have far-reaching implications for the development and regulation of AI technologies. A shift in safety strategy: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced a new push for AI safety measures, which could significantly impact ChatGPT and other OpenAI products: The company will provide early access to its next major AI model...
read Aug 2, 2024Google Strikes Licensing Deal with Character AI, Poaches Top Execs for DeepMind
Google strikes licensing deal with Character AI and poaches top executives for DeepMind: Google and AI avatar company Character AI have entered into a licensing agreement that will provide Character AI with increased funding in exchange for access to its large language model (LLM) technology: The deal allows Character AI to focus on developing personalized AI products for users worldwide, leveraging Google's LLMs while continuing to invest in its own post-training capabilities. Character AI's founding team, Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, along with some members of its research team, will join Google, with Shazeer specifically joining the DeepMind team....
read Aug 1, 2024OpenAI Removes Non-Disparagement Clauses, Recommits to AI Safety
OpenAI's commitment to AI safety and employee rights takes center stage as the company gears up for its next major release, signaling a proactive approach to addressing key concerns in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Collaboration with US AI Safety Institute: OpenAI has partnered with the US AI Safety Institute to provide early access to its upcoming foundation model, demonstrating a commitment to prioritizing safety in the development process: While no specific release date for the new model has been announced, the collaboration underscores OpenAI's efforts to engage with external experts to ensure responsible deployment of its AI technologies. The...
read Aug 1, 2024Japanese Automakers Join Forces in Autonomous Driving Tech Race
Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi announce collaboration on electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology, aiming to adapt quickly to industry changes and stay competitive in the green car market. Key partnership areas: The Japanese automakers will work together in critical areas to accelerate their electric vehicle (EV) development and autonomous driving capabilities: Nissan and Honda will share components for EVs, including batteries, and adopt the same specifications for motors and inverters for EV axles. The companies will jointly research software for autonomous driving, pooling their resources and expertise to advance this technology. Adapting to industry shifts: The collaboration is driven by...
read Aug 1, 2024Microsoft Names OpenAI as Competitor in Latest Annual Report
The competition between Microsoft and OpenAI is heating up as the AI race intensifies, despite their long-standing partnership. OpenAI added to Microsoft's competitor list: In its latest annual report, Microsoft has officially listed OpenAI as a competitor in AI offerings, search, and news advertising, alongside tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta. This move signifies a shift in the relationship between the two companies, as they increasingly encroach on each other's territories. Microsoft has invested heavily in OpenAI, reportedly pouring $13 billion into the startup and serving as its exclusive cloud provider. OpenAI recently announced SearchGPT, a prototype search...
read Jul 31, 2024Vultr And Run:ai Partner To Enhance AI Infrastructure
Vultr and Run:ai partner to deliver advanced GPU orchestration for AI workloads, shortly after NVIDIA's $700M acquisition of Run:ai, aimed at optimizing GPU utilization and driving broader adoption of Kubernetes in AI-driven sectors. Key Takeaways: The strategic partnership between Vultr and Run:ai brings together industry leaders to provide integrated cloud computing solutions for AI and machine learning workloads: Run:ai's AI optimization and orchestration platform will enhance the efficiency, scalability, and accessibility of AI operations on Vultr's global cloud infrastructure. The collaboration is part of Vultr's Cloud Alliance program, which creates a powerful ecosystem of cloud services by partnering with companies...
read Jul 31, 2024Apple Chooses Google’s AI Chips Over Nvidia, Signaling Shift in Industry Landscape
Apple has chosen to use Google's AI chips instead of industry-leading Nvidia GPUs for its new artificial intelligence infrastructure, a move that could have significant implications for the AI industry. Key details from Apple's research paper: A report published on Monday revealed that Apple is using Google's tensor processing units (TPUs) to power its AI model training process, rather than Nvidia's widely-used GPUs: Apple deployed 2,048 of Google's advanced TPUv5p chips and 8,192 TPUv4 processors to develop the server-side of its new AI model, which is designed to operate on iPhones and other Apple products. The research paper detailing Apple's...
read Jul 31, 2024AI Search War Heats Up as AI Firms Partner with Publishers
Perplexity recently announced revenue-sharing deals with publishers, but it is far from the only player in the space with its eyes set on how to make AI search a big (and ethical) business. The appeal of AI-powered search: AI chatbots aim to provide comprehensive answers to user queries, eliminating the need to open and read multiple links. The promise of these chatbots means tech giants are racing to develop their own versions of AI-powered search. Tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are vying to leverage generative AI to transform the traditional search experience. For AI-powered search to work effectively,...
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