AI/News
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NVIDIA AI pioneer Yejin Choi joins Stanford to bring societal values, common sense to AI
A renowned AI researcher and MacArthur Fellow, Yejin Choi, has been appointed as the Dieter Schwartz Foundation HAI Professor at Stanford's Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI). Key appointment details: Stanford HAI has named NVIDIA's Yejin Choi as Professor of Computer Science and Senior Fellow, bringing her expertise in natural language processing and common sense AI to the institute. Choi will focus on aligning AI with societal values and human intentions, continuing her work on common sense AI and the transition from Large Language Models (LLMs) to Structured Language Models (SLMs) She joins Stanford HAI's leadership team alongside Co-Founders and Co-Directors...
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, 2025Human vs human-like: The dangers of anthropomorphizing AI
Anthropomorphizing artificial intelligence systems creates significant business and legal risks, as companies and policymakers increasingly mistake machine pattern recognition for human-like comprehension and learning. Key misconceptions about AI: The practice of attributing human characteristics to AI systems has led to fundamental misunderstandings about their true capabilities and limitations within business and legal contexts. Companies frequently use misleading terminology like "learns," "thinks," and "understands" when describing AI operations, obscuring the reality that these systems primarily engage in pattern recognition and statistical analysis This anthropomorphization creates dangerous blind spots in business decision-making, often resulting in overestimation of AI capabilities and insufficient human...
read Jan 18, 2025Massachusetts lawmaker proposes new legislation to crack down on AI use
Massachusetts State Senator Barry Finegold has introduced comprehensive legislation aimed at regulating artificial intelligence usage while promoting innovation in the state. Key legislative components: The bill seeks to establish safety protocols and oversight mechanisms for AI development and deployment in Massachusetts. The proposed legislation requires AI developers to demonstrate capability to shut down AI models if misused Companies must publish safety protocols and undergo annual third-party audits to verify their AI systems don't cause significant financial or physical harm The bill includes whistleblower protections for employees and contractors working in AI development The state Office of Technology Services and Security...
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, 2025AI is reshaping middle-class jobs — can it reduce poverty?
The rapid adoption of generative AI in workplaces is creating new opportunities but risks deepening existing economic divides, particularly in developing nations. Current state of AI adoption: Middle-income countries now represent over half of all generative AI web traffic, with 39% of the U.S. working-age population already using this technology. 66% of leaders across 31 countries indicate they would not hire candidates lacking AI skills In Latin America, executives are prioritizing AI expertise over traditional work experience Experimental studies show significant productivity gains from GenAI use, particularly among workers with lower skill levels Digital divide challenges: Access to GenAI benefits...
read Jan 18, 2025Apple engineers reportedly flagged AI flaws before company’s fake news blunder
Apple's new AI product, Apple Intelligence, has been suspended after generating inaccurate news summaries, despite prior internal research warning of fundamental flaws in language model capabilities. The core issue: Large Language Models (LLMs) demonstrate significant limitations in their ability to reason and process information, as revealed by Apple's own research conducted in October 2023. Apple researchers tested 20 different LLMs using mathematical problems from the GSM8K dataset The study found that AI models don't truly reason but instead attempt to replicate patterns from their training data Even minor modifications to problem statements caused notable drops in accuracy across all tested...
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, 2025AI security camera startup Coram AI secures $13.8M Series A
Coram AI has secured $13.8 million in Series A funding to advance its AI-powered video security platform that integrates with existing IP cameras for real-time analysis and insights. Funding details and leadership: Battery Ventures led the Series A round, with participation from existing investors 8VC and Mosaic Ventures, marking a significant milestone for the AI security startup. The funding round closed on January 16, 2025, bringing total investment to $13.8 million Battery Ventures Partner Marcus Ryu, former co-founder and CEO of Guidewire Software, joins Coram's board The company was founded by former Lyft autonomous driving executives Ashesh Jain and Peter...
read Jan 18, 2025Verizon surveys shows soaring AI adoption among small businesses
A recent Verizon Business survey reveals a dramatic increase in AI adoption among small and midsize businesses (SMBs) in the United States, with usage more than doubling from 14% to 39% between 2023 and 2024. Key findings: The fifth annual State of Small Business Survey, conducted by Morning Consult across 621 SMBs, demonstrates significant shifts in technology adoption and business strategies. AI implementation has seen substantial growth, with businesses leveraging automation for improved efficiency 38% of SMBs added digital components to their operations in the past year 66% of businesses upgraded their internet bandwidth to support expanding online presence Technology...
read Jan 18, 2025New AI apps are showing deepfake videos of people kissing without consent
Meta and TikTok have been displaying thousands of advertisements for AI applications that generate synthetic videos of people kissing without consent, raising serious ethical concerns about the normalization of deepfake technology. Current situation: Social media platforms have been running numerous advertisements for AI apps that can create artificial videos of any two people kissing, based solely on uploaded photos. Meta has shown over 2,500 ads across Instagram and Facebook, with approximately 1,000 currently active TikTok has displayed around 1,000 ads to millions of European users Many ads feature celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Emma Watson, while others promote the ability...
read Jan 18, 2025Mayo Clinic and Mesmerise are using AI-powered digital humans to train healthcare professionals
Mayo Clinic and Mesmerise have partnered to create NeuRealities, a new venture that combines AI and immersive technologies to transform medical education and healthcare training. Key partnership details: Mayo Clinic's clinical expertise will be integrated with Mesmerise's AI and spatial computing capabilities to create advanced training solutions for healthcare professionals. The collaboration is founded on an exclusive worldwide agreement giving NeuRealities access to Mayo Clinic's extensive medical knowledge and expertise The platform combines AI-powered digital humans with adaptive learning environments to create personalized educational experiences Initial efforts are focused on developing CT training programs for radiologic technicians Technical innovations: NeuRealities...
read Jan 18, 2025This humanoid robot learned to waltz by mirroring human movements
A new AI system called ExBody2 enables humanoid robots to mirror human movements with unprecedented fluidity, allowing them to perform complex actions like dancing, walking, and fighting moves. Key innovation: Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed an AI system that helps robots learn and replicate human movements more naturally than traditional pre-programmed sequences. The system uses motion capture recordings from hundreds of human volunteers to build a comprehensive database of movements ExBody2 employs reinforcement learning to teach robots how to perform various actions through trial and error The AI first learns using complete virtual robot data...
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, 2025Utah startup uses AI to resurrect Anne Frank for Holocaust education
A controversial AI-powered simulation of Holocaust victim Anne Frank is being used in select schools, drawing criticism for its approach to Holocaust education. Key context: Anne Frank's diary serves as one of the most significant first-hand accounts of the Holocaust, documenting her experience hiding from Nazi persecution before her death in a concentration camp at age 15. The AI simulation, developed by Utah-based SchoolAI, attempts to recreate interactive conversations with a virtual Anne Frank The technology appears to use OpenAI's language models as its foundation, exhibiting similar characteristics to other AI chatbots Critical concerns: Berlin historian Henrik Schönemann's testing of...
read Jan 18, 2025Why Microsoft’s AutoGen v0.4 represents a turning point for AI agents
Core Update Overview: Microsoft has released AutoGen v0.4, introducing a new framework for building multi-agent AI systems designed specifically for enterprise applications. Technical Architecture: The platform introduces an asynchronous event-driven architecture that enables concurrent task execution among multiple AI agents. This design allows different agents to work simultaneously rather than sequentially, significantly improving efficiency Multiple agents can collaborate on complex tasks while being coordinated by a central reasoner agent The asynchronous capability matches features already present in competing frameworks like LangChain and CrewAI Strategic Position: Microsoft's approach combines AutoGen's flexible framework with pre-built agent applications through Copilot Studio. Developers can...
read Jan 18, 2025Character.AI to limit minors’ access to bots based on real people, fandom characters
Generative AI platform Character.AI has implemented significant restrictions blocking users under 18 from interacting with chatbots based on real people and popular fictional characters, amid ongoing legal challenges concerning minor safety. Key policy change: Character.AI has begun restricting access to some of its most popular chatbots for users who indicate they are under 18 years old. Testing confirmed that accounts registered as belonging to users aged 14-17 could not access chatbots based on celebrities like Elon Musk and Selena Gomez The restrictions also apply to bots based on characters from major franchises like "The Twilight Saga" and "The Hunger Games"...
read Jan 18, 2025Lots of new AI chips were announced at CES and PC buyers are very confused
The core development: Major chip manufacturers have unveiled new processors at CES that highlight an emerging divide between raw computing power, energy efficiency, and AI processing capabilities for 2025 PCs. Key specifications and requirements: Microsoft's Copilot+ PC program establishes a baseline requirement of 40 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second) for neural processing units, setting a new standard for AI-capable computers. Intel's new lineup spans from the Lunar Lake chips with 48 TOPS NPU designed for thin laptops to the Arrow Lake family offering 13 TOPS NPU but enhanced CPU performance AMD's latest processors include the Ryzen AI 9 300 family...
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, 2025Apple’s cheapest iPad is bad for AI
The entry-level iPad 10, currently priced at $299, lacks support for Apple Intelligence, making it the only iPad model without this capability in 2025. Key specifications and features: Apple's most affordable iPad offers a full-screen design, colorful options, Touch ID authentication, USB-C connectivity, and high-quality cameras. The device is significantly less expensive than the next comparable iPad model, which starts at $600 The tablet features modern design elements that align with Apple's current aesthetic Basic functionality remains strong despite lacking newer AI capabilities Hardware limitations: The iPad 10's inability to support Apple Intelligence stems from its RAM specifications falling below...
read Jan 17, 2025Mira Murati’s AI venture recruits ex-OpenAI leader among first hires
Former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati has begun staffing her new artificial intelligence startup, making several key hires including OpenAI's former head of special projects Jonathan Lachman. Key developments: Murati's unnamed startup, focused on artificial general intelligence (AGI) - AI systems capable of performing any intellectual task that humans can do - has recruited approximately 10 researchers and engineers from major AI companies. The startup has attracted talent from OpenAI, Character AI, and Google DeepMind While actively hiring, the company remains in early stages without a name or defined product direction Murati is reportedly seeking over $100 million in...
read Jan 17, 2025Microsoft is cracking down on malicious actors who bypass Copilot’s safeguards
Microsoft has initiated legal action against cybercriminals who developed tools to bypass security measures in generative AI services for malicious purposes. Key details of the breach: A foreign-based threat group created sophisticated software to exploit exposed customer credentials and manipulate AI services. The group collected credentials from public websites to gain unauthorized access to customer accounts After gaining access, they modified AI service capabilities and sold this unlawful access to other bad actors The group also provided instructions for creating harmful content using these compromised services Microsoft's response: The tech giant has taken immediate defensive actions while pursuing legal remedies...
read Jan 17, 2025AI-enabled PCs aren’t resurrecting the computer industry as hoped
Market leaders Apple, HP, and Lenovo battled slow PC market growth in 2024, with global shipments increasing only 1-1.3% despite the introduction of AI-enabled computers. Market performance: The PC industry's hoped-for recovery following 2023's decade-low sales failed to materialize, with minimal growth despite new product launches and technological innovations. Global PC shipments grew by just 1.3% according to Gartner, while IDC reported a 1% increase year-over-year Major vendors including Lenovo, Apple, and Asus saw modest growth between 4-6% in their PC shipments The market's performance fell short of analyst predictions that had anticipated stronger recovery AI adoption challenges: The introduction...
read Jan 17, 2025Where are AI developer tools headed in 2025?
Microsoft and GitHub have expanded the capabilities of AI-powered code development tools since their introduction of GitHub Copilot three years ago, leading to a diverse ecosystem of AI coding assistants in 2025. Current state of AI coding; The landscape of AI-powered code development has evolved significantly from GitHub Copilot's initial launch to now include numerous sophisticated tools from various vendors. GitHub Copilot can now generate 30-50% of code in certain workflows and produces code that is 56% more likely to pass unit tests AI coding tools have become essential for developer productivity, helping with code completion, debugging, and serving as...
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