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BlackRock to add 1,200 jobs in India to boost AI capabilities
BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, plans to expand its India operations by hiring 1,200 new employees, with a significant focus on artificial intelligence capabilities. Expansion overview; The hiring initiative will increase BlackRock's Indian workforce by approximately one-third, building upon its existing team of 3,500 employees across two support hubs. The expansion will primarily strengthen operations at BlackRock's iHubs in Mumbai and Gurugram A new presence in Bangalore will be established through the proposed acquisition of data firm Preqin BlackRock has secured office space in Mumbai's Goregaon area through a USD 45.9 million lease deal Talent focus and capabilities; The...
read Feb 5, 2025Meta enhances transparency with new labeling requirements for AI-generated ads
Meta's new AI advertising transparency initiative introduces expanded labeling for ads created or modified using its generative AI tools, marking a significant step in digital advertising disclosure practices. Key system features: Meta's new labeling approach varies based on the extent of AI involvement in ad creation and modification. Labels will appear either in an ad's three-dot menu or directly next to the "Sponsored" tag The system specifically targets advertisements featuring AI-modified images and videos Different labeling requirements apply based on the degree of AI-driven modifications Implementation framework: Meta has established clear guidelines for when and how AI disclosure labels should...
read Feb 5, 2025India bans ChatGPT and DeepSeek for finance ministry staff
India's finance ministry has issued an internal advisory prohibiting employees from using AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek for official work, citing data security concerns. Key policy details: The January 29 directive specifically addresses the use of AI applications on office computers and devices, emphasizing the potential risks to government data confidentiality. The advisory explicitly names ChatGPT and DeepSeek as examples of AI tools that pose potential security risks Three finance ministry officials have confirmed the authenticity of the internal note It remains unclear whether similar directives have been issued to other Indian government ministries International context: India's move aligns...
read Feb 5, 2025DeepSeek’s clever efficiency upends the global AI race
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, has released a new AI model that operates at significantly lower costs while maintaining competitive performance capabilities. Core innovation: DeepSeek-R1 represents a major advancement in AI efficiency, operating at up to 50 times lower cost than comparable U.S. models while being capable of running on standard laptop hardware rather than specialized chips. The model was reportedly developed for just $6 million, though this figure excludes significant operational and infrastructure costs DeepSeek achieved this efficiency through advanced techniques including a "mixture of experts" architecture that selectively activates only relevant parts of the model Additional optimization methods...
read Feb 5, 2025KaibanJS is a multi-agent system that automates hardware optimization for gamers
PC gaming optimization just got smarter with KaibanJS, an AI multi-agent system that automates hardware selection for optimal gaming performance. The innovation: KaibanJS introduces an automated approach to PC hardware optimization, replacing hours of manual research with AI-driven analysis and recommendations. The system employs specialized AI agents that work together to analyze and recommend optimal CPU, GPU, and RAM configurations Each agent focuses on specific aspects like performance metrics, pricing, and compatibility The technology aims to streamline the traditionally complex process of building gaming PCs Try KaibanJS for yourself here Core functionality: KaibanJS deploys five distinct AI agents that collaborate...
read Feb 5, 2025Benefits, non-competes and AI policy: Navigating employment law in 2025
The fragmented U.S. employment law landscape in 2025 will create significant challenges for businesses operating across multiple states, particularly around noncompete agreements, paid leave, pay transparency, and AI regulation. The policy vacuum: With congressional gridlock and limited federal regulatory action, states are increasingly taking the lead on employment law creation and enforcement, resulting in a patchwork of varying and sometimes conflicting requirements. Republican control of Washington suggests reduced federal oversight and regulation of employment matters This regulatory void at the federal level has prompted increased state-level policy making The resulting inconsistencies create compliance challenges for multi-state employers Key regulatory focus...
read Feb 5, 2025AI decodes 2000-year-old Roman scroll damaged by volcano
Mount Vesuvius's eruption preserved a charred Roman scroll that has finally been deciphered after 2000 years through innovative use of AI and advanced X-ray technology. Historical context: The papyrus scroll is one of 1800 artifacts recovered from a villa in Herculaneum (modern-day Ercolano) during the 1750s, all carbonized by the intense heat of volcanic debris. Initially mistaken for firewood by locals, these scrolls were later recognized as valuable historical texts Around 200 scrolls have been carefully opened using mechanical clock-based devices Three of these scrolls were acquired by Oxford's Bodleian Library through an unusual trade involving King George III and...
read Feb 5, 2025App Orchid, Google Cloud partnership to bring data analytics into the natural language era
Google Cloud and App Orchid have announced an expanded partnership to integrate natural language AI querying capabilities for enterprise data analytics, powered by Google's Gemini AI models. The partnership details: App Orchid's technology will be integrated with Google Cloud's Cortex Framework to help businesses analyze data from enterprise systems like SAP and Salesforce using conversational queries. The collaboration enables business users to ask questions about their data in plain English and receive AI-generated insights App Orchid claims their solution can reduce data preparation time by up to 85% compared to traditional methods The Easy Answers application is now available on...
read Feb 5, 2025You could win a $1M prize for using Perplexity during the Super Bowl
Super Bowl viewers have a chance to win $1 million by engaging with Perplexity AI's search engine during the game on February 9, 2024. Contest Overview: Perplexity AI has launched a Million Dollar Question sweepstakes that combines artificial intelligence technology with America's biggest sporting event. Users must download the Perplexity app (available on iOS and Android) and create an account to participate Entry period begins at 3 p.m. PT/ 6 p.m. ET, 30 minutes before kickoff The winner will be announced within three hours after the game ends Entry Requirements and Limitations: The contest structure allows multiple ways to accumulate...
read Feb 4, 2025OpenAI, CSU partner to bring ChatGPTEdu to 500,000 students
OpenAI and California State University (CSU) have formed a partnership to provide ChatGPTEdu to 500,000 students and faculty members, marking the largest organizational deployment of ChatGPT globally. The partnership scope: This unprecedented collaboration between OpenAI and the nation's largest four-year public university system aims to integrate AI technology directly into the educational experience. The initiative will provide broad access to ChatGPTEdu, a specialized version of ChatGPT designed for educational use The deployment will reach half a million users across the CSU system This represents the largest organizational implementation of ChatGPT worldwide Educational benefits and objectives: The partnership seeks to transform...
read Feb 4, 2025YouTube ad sales hit record $10.5B as Alphabet plans $75B AI investment
YouTube's Q4 2024 advertising revenue hit a record $10.473 billion, marking a 13.8% increase year-over-year, as parent company Alphabet outlined ambitious AI investments for 2025. Key financial highlights: The video streaming giant's performance exceeded analyst expectations and represented just one segment of YouTube's expanding business portfolio. YouTube's total revenue surpassed $50 billion for the 12-month period ending September 2024 Full-year advertising revenue reached $36.15 billion Parent company Alphabet reported Q4 revenue of $96.47 billion and net income of $26.54 billion Strategic AI investments: Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced plans for significant capital expenditure to maintain competitiveness in artificial intelligence development....
read Feb 4, 2025Tempus AI acquires Ambry Genetics to advance precision medicine
Tempus AI's USD 600 million acquisition of Ambry Genetics combines artificial intelligence capabilities with genetic testing expertise to advance precision medicine. Deal Structure and Financing: The acquisition involves a mixed payment structure combining cash and stock components. The USD 600 million deal includes USD 375 million in cash and USD 225 million in shares USD 100 million of the share component is subject to a one-year lock-up period Ares Management Credit Funds provided the financing for the transaction Strategic Integration: The merger aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities and patient care through combined technologies. Ambry Genetics will maintain its operational independence...
read Feb 4, 2025ByteDance’s new ‘OmniHuman’ AI tools turns single user photos into full-body videos
ByteDance researchers have created OmniHuman, an AI system that can generate realistic full-body videos of people speaking, gesturing, and moving naturally from a single photograph, marking a significant advancement in AI-generated media. Key innovation: The OmniHuman system represents a breakthrough in AI video generation by producing complete body animations that synchronize with speech and natural movements, moving beyond the limitations of previous systems that could only animate faces or upper bodies. The system utilizes an "omni-conditions" training approach that combines text, audio, and body movement inputs Researchers trained the AI on more than 18,700 hours of human video data The...
read Feb 4, 2025Google drops weapons clause from its public AI principles
Meta, Google and Amazon all are withdrawing from public commitments around responsible AI development and diversity initiatives, signaling a significant shift in Big Tech's approach to ethical guidelines and corporate responsibility. Key policy changes: Google has removed language from its AI principles that previously prohibited the development of weapons and other potentially harmful applications. The deleted section specifically addressed "AI applications we will not pursue," including technologies likely to cause overall harm Google's revised stance now emphasizes working with democracies on AI development that supports national security The company's leadership, including SVP James Manyika and DeepMind's Demis Hassabis, highlighted values...
read Feb 4, 2025Google ad sales surge, but AI numbers leave investors disappointed
Google's Q4 2024 earnings show strong ad revenue growth and increased AI investment, though investors express concerns about rising costs and slower cloud growth. Financial performance highlights: Alphabet, Google's parent company, reported Q4 2023 earnings of $26.5 billion, marking a 28% increase year-over-year, while revenue grew 12% to $96.5 billion. Digital advertising sales rose 11% to $72.5 billion, surpassing market expectations Google Cloud's performance fell short of analyst projections, contributing to an 8% after-hours stock decline The company's earnings exceeded forecasts, though revenue slightly missed expectations AI investment strategy: Google plans significant capital expenditure increases for AI development and infrastructure,...
read Feb 4, 2025Verizon to offer subscribers 50% discount on Gemini, Google One AI Premium
Verizon has partnered with Google to offer Google One AI Premium at a 50% discount to its customers, making it the first U.S. wireless provider to include an AI-powered feature in its service plans. Deal specifics: Verizon customers can access Google One AI Premium for $10 monthly starting February 6, compared to the standard $19.99 price point. The offer includes access to Gemini Advanced, Google's latest AI assistant Subscribers receive 2 TB of cloud storage for files, photos, and videos The service integrates across Google's suite of applications including Gmail, Docs, Meet, Slides, and Sheets Key features and capabilities: Google...
read Feb 4, 2025Resignation of US AI Safety Institute chief throws policy direction in question
Elizabeth Kelly, director of the US AI Safety Institute and a key figure in US artificial intelligence policy, is departing her role amid potential shifts in the organization's direction under the Trump administration. Leadership transition details: Elizabeth Kelly's imminent departure from the US AI Safety Institute marks a significant change in leadership for one of the government's primary artificial intelligence oversight bodies. Kelly, who has served as the institute's director and represented US AI policy internationally, will step down by the end of the week The timing of her exit coincides with broader changes in the organization under the current...
read Feb 4, 2025Google plans native ads for Gemini AI chatbot
Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed plans for potential future advertising integration in the company's Gemini AI assistant during Alphabet's recent investor call. Current state of Gemini: Gemini currently operates on a dual model, offering both free access and a paid subscription tier for advanced features. The AI assistant remains ad-free in its current form Users can choose between basic free access or paid premium features The subscription model is currently the primary monetization strategy Future monetization plans: Google envisions implementing native advertising concepts into Gemini, though the timeline remains deliberately measured. Pichai emphasized a user experience-first approach before introducing advertising...
read Feb 4, 2025JD Vance to join Paris AI summit, French official confirms
Newly appointed US Vice President JD Vance is set to make his first international trip, attending both an AI summit in Paris and the Munich Security Conference. Key details of the upcoming visits: The dual-stop European tour marks Vance's first venture into international diplomacy since taking office on January 20th under the new Trump administration. The AI Action Summit, scheduled for February 10-11 in Paris, will bring together global leaders, government officials, and tech industry executives The annual Munich Security Conference will follow, focusing on international security matters, particularly in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict The Paris summit will...
read Feb 4, 2025Anthropic will pay you $15,000 if you can hack its AI safety system
Anthropic has set out to test the robustness of its AI safety measures by offering a $15,000 reward to anyone who can successfully jailbreak their new Constitutional Classifiers system. The challenge details: Anthropic has invited researchers to attempt bypassing their latest AI safety system, Constitutional Classifiers, which uses one AI model to monitor and improve another's adherence to defined principles. The challenge requires researchers to successfully jailbreak 8 out of 10 restricted queries A previous round saw 183 red-teamers spend over 3,000 hours attempting to bypass the system, with no successful complete jailbreaks The competition runs until February 10, offering...
read Feb 4, 2025New study tests AI chatbots ability to handle gender equality questions
The big picture: Large Language Models (LLMs) were evaluated for their ability to provide agricultural advice that promotes gender equality and women's empowerment in India, revealing both promising capabilities and concerning limitations. The study assessed five different LLMs through Amazon Bedrock, focusing on their responses to questions about gender equality, gender responsiveness, and gender norms in Indian agriculture Questions were designed to test how well the LLMs could provide context-specific information while promoting women's empowerment The evaluation was conducted as part of the Generative AI for Agriculture (GAIA) project, supported by the Gates Foundation Key findings: While LLMs generally promoted...
read Feb 4, 2025AI’s deep roots in chess history shape its future moves
The intersection of chess history and artificial intelligence development offers unique insights into how traditional games evolve alongside technological advancement. Historical context and evolution: Chess, an ancient game with multicultural roots, has experienced significant transformations through its journey from Persia to Europe and into the modern era. The game originated as Shatranj in Persia before making its way to Europe through Andalusia and Sicily around the 10th century Different cultures contributed unique pieces and terminology, such as the elephant piece still present in many languages' chess vocabulary The game's evolution reflects broader cultural and societal changes, including the religionization during...
read Feb 4, 2025Microsoft Paint receives an AI-powered makeover
Microsoft has integrated generative AI capabilities into its popular Paint program through its Cocreator feature, allowing users to combine traditional drawing with AI-generated images based on text descriptions. Key Innovation; Microsoft Paint's Cocreator represents a significant shift in how users can interact with familiar software tools by combining manual drawing with AI image generation. The feature enables users to sketch ideas and have AI transform them into detailed images based on text prompts Cocreator is integrated directly into Paint's existing interface, making advanced AI capabilities accessible through a familiar tool The system allows for iterative refinement, letting users adjust and...
read Feb 4, 2025Meta challenges EU’s regulatory AI pushback
Meta's head of global affairs Joel Kaplan has indicated the company will not participate in the European Union's AI Code of Practice, creating potential regulatory tensions as Meta advances its AI initiatives. Key development: Meta Platforms Inc. has taken a firm stance against the European Union's proposed AI industry regulations through public comments from its top policy executive. Joel Kaplan, Meta's new head of global affairs, described the EU's AI Code of Practice as "unworkable and infeasible" during his virtual appearance at Meta's EU Innovation Day event in Brussels The Code aims to establish standardized rules for AI development and...
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