AI/News
Turning chaos to clarity: Our intelligent curation system analyzes thousands of sources daily — from blogs and social media chatter to podcasts and research hubs — synthesizing essential insights into plain English you can actually use.
While rivals hesitated, Perplexity dove head-first into the presidential election
AI-powered election information: A new frontier: Perplexity, an AI search engine, made waves by offering real-time US presidential election tracking through its Election Information Hub, while other major AI companies took a more cautious approach. Perplexity's ambitious move stood out in contrast to the conservative strategies adopted by tech giants like OpenAI and Google, who limited their AI-generated election content. The company implemented stricter controls for its election information, relying on data from trusted sources such as Democracy Works and the Associated Press to enhance accuracy. Perplexity's tool managed to provide mostly accurate voting information and results tracking, largely by...
read Nov 6, 2024Apple’s new AI image features will have a waitlist — here’s why
Apple's cautious rollout of AI image features: iOS 18.2 public beta introduces new Apple Intelligence image tools, but access is controlled through a waitlist system to ensure responsible development and implementation. The new features include Genmoji, Image Playground, and Image Wand, which are part of Apple's expanding AI capabilities. Users can request access to these tools after installing the iOS 18.2 beta, but the wait time may extend to several weeks. This controlled release strategy allows Apple to carefully monitor the tools' performance and gather user feedback before a wider public launch. Responsible AI development: Apple's approach to AI image...
read Nov 6, 2024The trend toward smaller, more efficient AI models, through a Richard Feynman lens
The rise of compact AI models: Anthropic's release of the Claude 3.5 Haiku model on Amazon Bedrock exemplifies a growing trend in AI development towards smaller, more precise language models with enhanced reasoning and coding capabilities. Major tech companies like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic are reimagining their AI models to be more compact and efficient, as seen with Google's Gemini Nano, OpenAI's GPT-4 mini, and Anthropic's Claude Haiku. This shift towards miniaturization and efficiency in AI development draws parallels to ideas proposed by physicist Richard Feynman in his 1959 talk "There Is Plenty of Room at the Bottom." Feynman's prescient...
read Nov 6, 2024Microsoft seeks patent to fix AI hallucinations
AI hallucination mitigation: Microsoft's patent proposal: Microsoft has filed a patent application for a method aimed at reducing or eliminating AI-generated falsehoods, addressing one of the most significant challenges in generative AI technology. The patent application, titled "Interacting with a Language Model using External Knowledge and Feedback," was submitted to the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) in 2023 and made public on October 31, 2024. The proposed method introduces a "response-augmenting system" (RAS) that enables AI models to automatically gather additional information based on user queries and assess the usefulness of their responses. This system would allow AI chatbots...
read Nov 6, 2024AI startup Osmo can literally smell whether a sneaker is a counterfeit
Innovative AI-powered authentication: Osmo AI has developed a groundbreaking technology that uses scent analysis to detect counterfeit sneakers and luxury goods, addressing a longstanding concern in the retail industry. The proliferation of counterfeit goods has been a major issue for both luxury and mass-market brands, especially as the second-hand market continues to grow. Counterfeiters have become increasingly skilled at mimicking authentic products, making traditional authentication methods less effective. Osmo's approach utilizes AI-enabled sensors to identify specific scent profiles associated with genuine sneakers, leveraging the unique chemical signatures of materials used in shoe production. How the technology works: Osmo's AI sensors...
read Nov 6, 2024UK risks missing AI boom without tech ecosystem overhaul
Labour's tech innovation agenda: The newly elected Labour government in the UK is exploring ways to boost the country's technological competitiveness and capitalize on emerging opportunities in fields like artificial intelligence. A private gathering of Labour party activists and industry experts recently convened to discuss strategies for putting science and technology at the forefront of the country's growth agenda. Suggestions ranged from modernizing Britain's rail network to creating regional innovation clusters and streamlining fintech licensing processes. The lack of a widespread entrepreneurial culture, particularly outside the "Golden Triangle" of Oxford, Cambridge, and London, was identified as a major barrier to...
read Nov 6, 2024Apple rumored to be including M4 chip in AI cloud computers by 2025
Apple's AI infrastructure upgrade: Apple is planning to enhance its cloud-based artificial intelligence processing capabilities with new M4 chip-equipped servers, set to be deployed in 2025. The company is in discussions with Foxconn to manufacture new AI servers in Taiwan, aiming to accelerate the rollout of AI-powered features. Apple's choice of Taiwan for this project is strategic, allowing the company to leverage local engineering talent and R&D resources, particularly those with experience working for Nvidia. Private Cloud Compute (PCC) technology: Apple's AI processing relies on a combination of on-device and cloud-based computations, with PCC modules handling more complex requests that...
read Nov 6, 2024The best open-source AI models you can use for free
The rise of open-source AI: The artificial intelligence landscape is experiencing a significant shift with the growing prominence of open-source and free-to-use AI models across various domains, including text, image, and audio processing. The Open Source Initiative (OSI) has introduced the Open Source AI Definition (OSAID) to establish clear criteria for truly open-source AI models, emphasizing full transparency in design and training data. Many popular AI models, such as Meta's LLaMA and Stability AI's Stable Diffusion, fall short of fully complying with OSAID standards due to licensing restrictions or lack of transparency in their development process. Diverse landscape of AI...
read Nov 6, 2024Interpol takes down 22,000 IP addresses for cybercrimes, many involving generative AI
Global cybercrime crackdown yields significant results: Interpol's Operation Synergia II, a worldwide effort to combat cybercrime, has resulted in 41 arrests and the takedown of over 22,000 malicious IP addresses and 1,037 servers. The operation, which ran from April 1 to August 31, 2024, focused on countering threats from increasingly professional transnational cybercrime networks. Key areas of focus included phishing, ransomware, and data leaks, with Interpol collaborating with private firms like Group-IB, Trend Micro, Kaspersky, and Team Cymru to track illegal activities and identify malicious servers. Law enforcement agencies from 95 member countries participated in the operation, leading to the...
read Nov 6, 2024From banner ads to generative AI: How each redefined the marketing industry
The digital marketing revolution: The introduction of banner ads in 1994 and the recent emergence of generative AI represent two transformative moments in the evolution of digital marketing, each bringing new possibilities and challenges to the industry. Jonathan Nelson of Omnicom Digital draws parallels between the introduction of banner ads 30 years ago and the current rise of generative AI in marketing. Both innovations were initially met with skepticism and concerns about job displacement, but ultimately proved to be catalysts for significant industry changes. Banner ads enabled businesses to directly reach consumers on websites, transforming advertising into an essential component...
read Nov 6, 2024AI image tools need as few as 200 samples to replicate any artist’s style
AI image generation reaches new milestone: Recent research from the University of Washington and the Allen Institute for AI has uncovered a surprisingly low threshold for AI models to effectively replicate human faces and art styles. Key findings: The study reveals that AI models can accurately reproduce likenesses and styles with as few as 200 to 600 sample images, challenging previous assumptions about AI training requirements and copyright implications. Researchers developed a formula called MIMETIC 2 to quantify AI imitation capabilities. A live imitation evaluator was created to demonstrate the formula's effectiveness using real person images and a slider interface....
read Nov 6, 2024How Donald Trump’s victory could be a major boon to Elon Musk and xAI
Trump's return to power: Implications for Musk's tech empire: Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election is poised to significantly benefit Elon Musk's technology companies, particularly his AI venture xAI. Trump's win comes as a surprise to many, defying pre-election polls that showed a close race with Kamala Harris. Elon Musk, a vocal supporter of Trump's campaign, contributed substantial funding to a political action committee advocating for Trump's re-election. The outcome is expected to have far-reaching consequences for Musk's various technology ventures, from Tesla to SpaceX and beyond. Impact on Musk's established companies: Trump's presidency is likely to...
read Nov 6, 2024Toyota and NTT launch $3.3B AI mobility project
Groundbreaking AI mobility collaboration: Toyota and NTT have announced a joint $3.3 billion investment to develop an advanced driver assistance system powered by artificial intelligence, aiming to prevent accidents and enhance road safety. The project, dubbed the "mobility AI platform," is set to collect and analyze vast amounts of traffic data in real-time to predict and prevent collisions. The system will use sensors to gather information on surrounding traffic environments and autonomously control vehicles to avoid accidents. Toyota and NTT plan to have the initial version of the system ready for use by 2028, with widespread adoption targeted from 2030...
read Nov 6, 2024Coca-Cola refreshes iconic holiday ad with AI makeover
AI-powered holiday nostalgia: Coca-Cola has reimagined its iconic 'Holidays Are Coming' advertisement using artificial intelligence, blending nostalgia with modern technology to create a fresh take on a Christmas classic. The new AI-generated version of the ad will replace the original 1995 commercial on TV screens this festive season, marking a significant shift in Coca-Cola's approach to holiday marketing. While maintaining key elements like the famous soundtrack and red Coca-Cola trucks, the updated ad incorporates contemporary changes, including a more diverse crowd and a new scene featuring Santa Claus. This initiative represents Coca-Cola's first AI-generated advertisement, showcasing the company's willingness to...
read Nov 6, 2024The ‘checklist’ prompting technique improves AI outputs — here’s how to try it
The evolution of AI interaction: The checklist prompting technique is a powerful tool for enhancing interactions with generative AI systems like ChatGPT, offering users a more structured and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. This method involves instructing the AI to create a checklist for the given question or problem, encouraging a more organized and thorough response. The technique includes a verification step where the AI uses the checklist to ensure all aspects of the query have been addressed, promoting completeness in its answers. Researchers have found that the checklist prompting technique significantly improves AI performance across various scenarios, highlighting its potential...
read Nov 6, 2024How to use Apple’s Visual Intelligence to count calories
Visual AI calorie counting: A new approach to mindful eating: Apple's Visual Intelligence feature offers a novel way to track calorie intake using smartphone cameras and AI analysis. Amanda Caswell, a writer and tech enthusiast, decided to experiment with Apple's Visual Intelligence to count calories in preparation for the holiday season and upcoming New Year's resolutions. The AI-powered tool analyzes food images captured by the user's smartphone camera and provides estimated calorie counts. This method aims to help users make more informed dietary choices without feeling overly restricted. How it works: A step-by-step guide to using Visual Intelligence for calorie...
read Nov 6, 2024Microsoft and UAE firms partner on AI and sustainable energy initiatives
A new alliance for sustainable energy: ADNOC, Masdar, and Microsoft have signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement at ADIPEC 2024 in Abu Dhabi, aiming to advance AI and low-carbon initiatives for reshaping the energy landscape. The partnership seeks to evaluate powering Microsoft's data centers with renewable energy from Masdar, explore AI applications in carbon capture and low-carbon projects, and accelerate AI deployment across ADNOC's operations. This collaboration follows the release of a joint report titled "Powering Possible: AI and Energy for a Sustainable Future," highlighting the potential synergies between AI and sustainable energy. The agreement marks a significant step towards integrating...
read Nov 6, 2024How deepfakes and disinformation have become a billion-dollar business risk
The rising threat of AI-generated deception: Deepfakes and disinformation are emerging as significant business risks, capable of causing immediate financial and reputational damage to companies unprepared for these sophisticated technological threats. AI-generated fake content, including videos, images, and audio, can now convincingly impersonate executives, fabricate events, and manipulate market perceptions. The financial impact of such deception can be swift and severe, with a single fake image capable of triggering stock market sell-offs and disrupting critical business operations. Reputational risks are equally concerning, as AI can clone voices and generate fake reviews, potentially eroding years of carefully built trust in minutes....
read Nov 6, 2024Closed AI models are gaining ground on open ones, prompting debate over future of innovation
The AI model landscape: A significant debate is emerging in the field of artificial intelligence regarding the merits and drawbacks of open versus closed AI systems, particularly as these technologies advance in their reasoning capabilities. Open AI models are defined as those with downloadable model weights, allowing insight into their inner workings, while closed systems are either unreleased or accessible only through APIs or hosted services. The debate is particularly relevant as AI technologies are developing the ability to engage in step-by-step reasoning processes with error correction, mimicking human thought patterns more closely than ever before. Key findings on model...
read Nov 6, 2024Forrester takes a page out of the ‘drink responsibly’ campaign in new guidance for AI marketing
The emergence of generative AI in marketing technology: Generative AI (genAI) is in its early stages of adoption within the marketing technology (martech) landscape, prompting a call for responsible implementation and strategic planning. Forrester analysts draw parallels between the responsible use of genAI and the alcohol industry's "Drink responsibly" campaign, highlighting the need for a measured approach to this transformative technology. The current state of genAI in martech primarily involves creative design applications, with limited adoption in analytics, insights, and operational assistance. Key resources for responsible AI adoption: Forrester has published two research pieces to guide marketers in responsibly planning...
read Nov 6, 2024Chinese mobility company XPeng showcases autonomous driving tech in latest event
AI-driven innovation takes center stage at XPeng's Tech Day: Chinese mobility company XPeng showcased a range of cutting-edge technologies at its annual event, now rebranded as "AI Day" to reflect the central role of artificial intelligence in its future plans. XPeng unveiled the Turing AI Intelligent Driving System, powered by its proprietary Turing AI chip, designed for vehicles, robots, and flying cars. The Turing chip features a 40-core processor and supports models with up to 30 billion parameters, delivering the power of three high-performance chips in one. XPeng's new Canghai Platform, built on the Turing AI system, aims to enable...
read Nov 6, 2024Samsung unveils AI assistant Bixby, but you can’t use it unless you’re in China
Samsung unveils AI-powered 'Next-generation Bixby' in China: The tech giant has quietly launched an updated version of its voice assistant, Bixby, with advanced AI capabilities for select Galaxy devices in the Chinese market. The new Bixby was introduced alongside the release of the Galaxy W25 and W25 Flip, region-exclusive variants of Samsung's foldable devices in China. This update marks a significant advancement for Bixby, which was notably absent from Samsung's Galaxy AI suite of features launched earlier this year. Key features of 'Next-generation Bixby': Samsung has highlighted four main enhancements to its AI assistant, focusing on multimodal interactions and improved...
read Nov 6, 2024What a Trump presidency may imply for AI and tech more broadly
The big picture: Donald Trump's re-election as President of the United States is poised to have significant implications for the tech industry, with varying impacts on different sectors and companies. Elon Musk's ascendancy: Elon Musk emerges as a major beneficiary of Trump's victory, solidifying his position as a tech industry powerhouse. Musk played a crucial role in Trump's election, serving as one of his biggest donors and most visible supporters in the tech world. X (formerly Twitter), owned by Musk, became a powerful platform for promoting Trump and the MAGA movement during the campaign. The tech mogul's influence is expected...
read Nov 6, 2024ASUS Zenbook S 16 OLED AI-powered laptop now $250 off
Cutting-edge laptop with AI capabilities hits new low price: ASUS' Zenbook S 16 OLED Copilot+ PC, featuring the latest AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 Strix Point APU, is now available at Best Buy for $1,149.99, a $250 discount from its original price. The laptop, which debuted in June 2024 at $1,400, saw its first price cut in September, but this new deal marks its lowest price to date. This offering presents an alternative to ARM-based processors, particularly Qualcomm's solutions. Key specifications and features: The Zenbook S 16 OLED boasts impressive hardware and design elements that position it as a high-performance,...
read