Oct 29, 2024

Don’t have an iPhone? Here are 5 other tools that also let you use ‘visual AI’

Visual AI revolution in smartphones: Apple's Visual Intelligence, introduced with the iPhone 16, marks a significant advancement in smartphone capabilities, integrating machine learning and advanced image processing for real-time image analysis and information retrieval. Visual Intelligence allows users to analyze images using AI, identifying objects and text within photos and initiating contextual searches directly from the iOS 18 interface. The feature is designed to make searches and information retrieval more accessible and intuitive, streamlining everyday interactions with images. Alternatives for older devices: For users with older phones lacking access to Visual Intelligence, several free AI tools offer similar functionalities for...

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UK ramps up prosecutions for AI-generated child abuse imagery

AI-generated child exploitation material: A disturbing trend emerges: The United Kingdom is witnessing an increase in prosecutions related to artificial intelligence-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM), signaling a worrying evolution in the landscape of digital exploitation. A recent case in the UK involved the use of AI to create a 3D model incorporating a real child's face, moving beyond typical "deepfake" image manipulation techniques. This case represents a growing pattern of AI-assisted CSAM creation, which is also being observed in the United States. Law enforcement agencies are grappling with these technologically advanced forms of child exploitation, presenting new challenges in...

read Oct 29, 2024

Medium is being flooded with AI-generated content

AI content surge on Medium: The popular publishing platform Medium is experiencing a significant increase in AI-generated content, raising concerns about the quality and authenticity of articles on the site. Pangram Labs, an AI detection startup, analyzed 274,466 recent Medium posts and estimated that over 47% were likely AI-generated. Another startup, Originality AI, found that approximately 40% of posts in 2024 were likely AI-generated, compared to just 3.4% in 2018. Topics with high concentrations of AI-generated content include NFTs, web3, ethereum, AI, and pets. Medium's response and perspective: Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, downplays the significance of these findings while...

read Oct 29, 2024

AI PCs gain momentum as tech giants unveil new features

The AI PC revolution: A transformative shift in computing: The introduction of AI-powered PCs marks a significant evolution in personal computing, with major manufacturers launching devices that integrate advanced AI capabilities directly into hardware and software. Key players and timeline: Major PC manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung launched the first mobile AI PCs in June, featuring Microsoft's Copilot+ and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite SoCs. A new wave of PCs powered by AMD's AI 300 and Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 SoCs is currently rolling out, with Microsoft's Copilot+ support expected in November. Tirias Research anticipates Microsoft...

read Oct 29, 2024

Human writers still outperform ChatGPT in creativity, study finds

Humans outperform AI in creative writing, for now: A recent study by UC Berkeley researcher Nina Beguš reveals that human-written stories are more creative and nuanced than those generated by AI, though AI's capabilities are rapidly advancing. Beguš, a lecturer in UC Berkeley's School of Information and Department of History, conducted a comparative study between hundreds of human participants and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Llama. The study, published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, offers insights into the current limitations of generative AI tools in creative writing. Study methodology and key findings: Beguš used a common storytelling structure based...

read Oct 28, 2024

Massive demand for compute power is driving AI data center innovation

The AI data center revolution: The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented demand for computational power, pushing data centers to their limits and necessitating significant infrastructure upgrades. AI applications like generative AI, autonomous systems, and smart manufacturing are fueling an exponential increase in "AI compute" requirements. By 2030, data centers are predicted to consume 8% of power in the United States, requiring up to $50 billion in utility company investments. This surge in demand is reshaping the data center industry, with a focus on specialization to support complex AI operations effectively. Market dynamics and industry competition: The AI...

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Tim Sweeney charts open metaverse course for Epic Games

The vision for an open metaverse: Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, outlines his perspective on creating an interconnected digital world that transcends individual platforms and companies. Sweeney emphasizes the need for "enlightened self-interest" among major tech companies to collaborate and contribute content to metaverse efforts, citing progress in partnerships with Fortnite as an example. The launch of Epic's Fab marketplace for digital assets compatible with multiple game engines represents a step towards unifying content across different metaverse environments. Epic's ongoing legal battles to bring the Epic Games Store to mobile platforms highlight the challenges in creating a truly open...

read Oct 28, 2024

Apple’s new M4 iMacs are built for the AI era

Apple unveils next-generation iMacs with M4 chip: The tech giant has announced a significant update to its iMac lineup, introducing new models powered by the latest M4 processor, marking another milestone in Apple's transition to its custom silicon. Key features and specifications: The new iMacs offer a blend of performance upgrades and design refinements, catering to both casual users and professionals. Starting at $1,299, the new iMacs come with 16GB of unified memory as standard. Available in seven vibrant colors, the computers feature color-matching USB-C accessories. The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display now includes a new nano-texture glass option for enhanced...

read Oct 28, 2024

AI offers the promise of increased productivity, but will it be realized?

AI's transformative impact on business productivity: The integration of artificial intelligence into various business sectors is expected to bring significant changes in productivity and workforce dynamics over the next few years, with the potential to reshape industry norms and financial metrics. Leaders across different industries are grappling with the question of how AI will impact their businesses, particularly in terms of workforce automation and productivity gains. While there's a general consensus that AI will automate many rote tasks in fields such as sales, legal work, and software engineering, the exact timeline for these changes remains uncertain. The pace of AI's...

read Oct 28, 2024

How AI is being used to build better AI

The quest for self-improving AI: Recent research efforts have shown moderate success in developing artificial intelligence systems capable of enhancing themselves or designing improved successors, sparking both excitement and concern in the tech community. The concept of self-improving AI dates back to 1965 when British mathematician I.J. Good wrote about an "intelligence explosion" leading to an "ultraintelligent machine." More recently, AI thinkers like Eliezer Yudkowsky and Sam Altman have discussed the potential for "Seed AI" designed for self-modification and recursive self-improvement. While the idea is conceptually simple, implementing it has proven challenging, with most current efforts focusing on using language...

read Oct 28, 2024

AI will cause rises in e-waste — here’s what to do about it

The growing AI e-waste problem: Generative AI technologies are expected to contribute significantly to electronic waste (e-waste) by 2030, exacerbating an already pressing environmental issue. A new study published in Nature Computational Science projects that generative AI could add between 1.2 million and 5 million metric tons of e-waste by 2030, depending on adoption rates. While this represents a relatively small fraction of the current global total of over 60 million metric tons of e-waste produced annually, it highlights the need for proactive measures to address the environmental impact of AI technologies. Understanding e-waste: E-waste encompasses discarded electronic devices and...

read Oct 28, 2024

Hospitals continue to adopt AI transcription tools despite OpenAI warnings

AI transcription tools in healthcare: Risks and widespread adoption: Despite warnings from OpenAI, hospitals and healthcare providers are increasingly adopting error-prone AI transcription tools, raising concerns about patient safety and data integrity. An Associated Press investigation has uncovered the widespread use of OpenAI's Whisper transcription tool in medical and business settings, despite its tendency to generate fabricated text. Over 12 experts have confirmed that the model frequently invents text that was never spoken, a phenomenon known as "confabulation" or "hallucination" in AI circles. A University of Michigan researcher found that Whisper created false text in 80% of public meeting transcripts...

read Oct 28, 2024

AI tops IEEE’s list of most critical technologies for 2025

AI dominates tech landscape in 2025: A global survey by IEEE reveals artificial intelligence as the most crucial technology for the coming year, with cloud computing and robotics following closely behind. The study, titled "Impact of Technology in 2025 and Beyond: an IEEE Global Study," surveyed 355 technology leaders across Brazil, China, India, the U.K., and the U.S. 58% of respondents ranked AI, including predictive and generative AI, machine learning, and natural language processing, as the most important technology for 2025. Cloud computing (26%) and robotics (24%) secured the second and third positions, respectively. Emerging technologies on the horizon: Extended...

read Oct 28, 2024

Meta reportedly building an AI-powered search engine

Meta's strategic shift towards AI independence: Meta is reportedly developing its own search engine to reduce reliance on Google and Microsoft Bing for powering its AI capabilities, particularly in providing news, sports, and stock information. The initiative, led by senior engineering manager Xueyuan Su, has been quietly advancing Meta's web-crawling and indexing technologies over the past year. The company aims to enable Meta AI to deliver live, conversational answers independently, without depending on external search platforms. Meta has partnered with Reuters to enhance its AI's responses to topical queries, further expanding its capabilities. Driving forces behind the move: CEO Mark...

read Oct 28, 2024

AI voice cloning scam targets police chief, alarming authorities

AI-Powered Police Impersonation Scams on the Rise: Law enforcement agencies across the globe are warning citizens about a new wave of sophisticated scams using artificial intelligence to clone the voices of police officers and government officials. The Salt Lake City incident: A recent scam in Salt Lake City highlights the growing sophistication of these AI-powered deceptions. The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) alerted the public to an email scam that used AI to clone the voice of Police Chief Mike Brown. Scammers created a video combining real footage from a TV interview with AI-generated audio, claiming the recipient owed...

read Oct 28, 2024

AI’s energy demands are now fueling new concerns about e-waste

Generative AI's environmental impact: New research suggests that the rapid growth of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) could lead to a massive increase in electronic waste by 2030, potentially creating up to 1,000 times more e-waste than current levels. Key findings and projections: A study published in Nature Computational Science predicts annual e-waste from AI servers could grow from 2.6 kilotons in 2023 to between 400 kilotons and 2.5 million tons by 2030 without waste reduction measures. In the most aggressive growth scenario, this could equate to discarding 13.3 billion iPhone 15 Pro units annually, or 1.6 units per person on...

read Oct 28, 2024

Google expands AI search summaries to 100+ new countries

Global expansion of Google's AI search summaries: Google is significantly expanding the availability of its AI-generated search summaries, known as AI Overviews, to more than 100 additional countries this week. The rollout includes major markets such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Colombia, Chile, the Philippines, and Nigeria, among many others. A comprehensive list of countries where AI Overviews are now available can be found on Google's official website. This expansion marks a significant step in Google's efforts to integrate AI technology into its core search functionality on a global scale. Multilingual support and localization: The AI Overviews will...

read Oct 28, 2024

Google’s next AI may autonomously control computers

Google's AI ambitions expand to computer control: Google is reportedly developing an artificial intelligence system capable of taking over web browsers to perform tasks like research and shopping, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with their devices. The project, code-named "Jarvis," is expected to be demonstrated as early as December 2024, coinciding with the release of Google's next flagship Gemini large language model. This development represents a significant step in AI's evolution, moving beyond passive assistance to active engagement with computer systems. Industry context and competition: Google's initiative reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, with major players exploring AI...

read Oct 28, 2024

US Treasury blocks investors from advancing China’s advanced AI and military tech

New U.S. investment restrictions target China's tech sector: The U.S. Treasury Department has unveiled a new rule aimed at limiting American investments in key Chinese technology sectors, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tech rivalry between the two global powers. The scope of the rule: The regulation focuses on restricting U.S. investments in artificial intelligence, computer chips, and quantum computing in China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The rule is set to take effect on January 2, 2024, following an executive order issued by President Biden in August 2023. It targets these specific technologies due to their potential to provide...

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Google launches Prompting Essentials course on Coursera

Google's new AI prompting course launched: Google has introduced a new course called "Prompting Essentials" through Coursera to teach users how to effectively communicate with AI tools through prompts. Course details and objectives: The course, developed by AI experts from Google and DeepMind, is now available on Coursera for $49. It is designed as a self-paced, 10-hour program that requires no previous experience. The curriculum aims to equip users with skills to prompt AI tools for increased productivity, creativity, and problem-solving in both work and everyday life. Key features of the course: Students will learn a five-step prompting framework to...

read Oct 28, 2024

Google develops AI-powered chat feature to enhance Search

Google's AI-powered voice search: A new frontier in mobile search technology: Google is developing an innovative AI-powered voice search feature for its Android app, aiming to enhance user experience through conversational query refinement. Key features and functionality: The new AI search tool is designed to use follow-up questions to refine user queries, potentially revolutionizing how people interact with mobile search. Discovered through an APK teardown of the Google app beta version 15.43.36.28, the feature is still in development and not fully implemented. Code strings suggest an AI mode with close and enter buttons, a prompt for follow-up questions, a listening...

read Oct 28, 2024

ServiceNow says the key to implementing AI agents is making them ‘invisible’

Invisible AI agents: ServiceNow's vision for seamless workplace integration: ServiceNow is advocating for a shift in how enterprises deploy AI agents, emphasizing the importance of making these tools work invisibly in the background to enhance employee acceptance and efficiency. Key insights on AI agent implementation: Dorit Zilbershot, VP of AI and Innovation at ServiceNow, suggests that employees don't need to be aware of AI agents working behind the scenes. The goal is for AI to function seamlessly, with employees acting as "managers" of AI agents without requiring direct interaction or specialized knowledge. ServiceNow's AI agent platform, Now Assist, has become...

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How the rise of AI agents may signal an end to the app economy era

The evolution of digital interaction: The rise of AI agents and advanced digital assistants may signal a significant shift away from the traditional app economy, potentially revolutionizing how we interact with our devices and access services. The current app landscape: Users typically rely on numerous applications for various aspects of their daily lives, from banking and travel to work and entertainment. Mobile devices and tablets are often cluttered with dozens, if not hundreds, of apps organized into folders for ease of access. Users frequently grant these apps extensive access to personal data to ensure optimal functionality, often without fully considering...

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Microsoft gears up for OpenAI’s new model amid partnership tension

OpenAI's next frontier: Microsoft is gearing up to host OpenAI's upcoming model, Orion, amid reports of growing tension between the two AI powerhouses. Orion, OpenAI's next-generation AI model, is slated for release by the end of the year, according to exclusive information. Microsoft engineers have been actively preparing to host the Orion model in recent weeks, despite being kept in the dark about specific details to maintain secrecy. The tech giant has declined to comment on the matter, further fueling speculation about the nature of the preparations and the model itself. Behind the scenes: The preparations for Orion's launch are...

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