Aug 30, 2024

AI Music Generator LoudMe Offers Free Songs from Text Prompts

AI-powered music creation: LoudMe emerges as a free AI music generator, offering users the ability to create full-length songs from text prompts, challenging traditional music production methods. LoudMe generates 2-3 minute tracks based on user-provided text descriptions, catering to those who need quick musical solutions without concern for high audio quality or extensive editing capabilities. The platform allows users to incorporate their own lyrics into the AI-generated compositions, providing a degree of personalization in the music creation process. In addition to full song generation, LoudMe offers a free sound effects generator and a search function for royalty-free sounds and music,...

read Aug 30, 2024

Japan’s Record $59B Defense Budget Targets AI and Unmanned Systems

Japan's defense budget request reflects growing regional tensions: Japan's Defense Ministry has sought a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for 2025, marking the third year of a rapid five-year military buildup plan amid increasing threats from China. Key objectives of the budget request: The budget aims to fortify deterrence on southwestern islands against China's growing military presence in the region It focuses on developing unmanned weapons and AI systems to compensate for the declining number of servicemembers due to Japan's shrinking population The request is part of Japan's plan to double its annual military spending to around 10...

read Aug 30, 2024

NSF Invests $20M in AI to Transform Geosciences Research

NSF's $20 million investment in AI for geosciences: The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced funding for 25 projects totaling over $20 million through the Collaborations in Artificial Intelligence and Geosciences (CAIG) program, aiming to advance AI techniques in geosciences research. The CAIG program seeks to foster transdisciplinary partnerships between geoscientists, computer scientists, mathematicians, and other experts to drive innovative discoveries and solutions in Earth sciences. This investment will support the development and implementation of cutting-edge AI techniques while expanding access to education and training opportunities for using AI in geosciences research. The funded projects align with key technology...

read Aug 30, 2024

Fetch.ai Launches $10M AI Agent Innovation Hub in San Francisco

Fetch.ai launches innovation hub to accelerate AI agent development: The company has established a new lab in San Francisco to foster the creation of AI agent solutions for businesses and consumers, backed by a $10 million annual funding commitment. Key features of the innovation hub: Fetch.ai's new initiative aims to provide comprehensive support for startups and developers working on AI agent technology. The lab will offer funding, expert mentorship, and strategic support to help founders navigate the complexities of AI development. Competitions and fast-track development opportunities will be available to accelerate innovation in the field. The hub focuses on supporting...

read Aug 30, 2024

AI Adoption Challenges Persist in Small Businesses

The rise of GenAI in small businesses: A new study reveals that while generative AI (GenAI) can significantly benefit small businesses, employee adoption remains a challenge due to widespread concerns and hesitancy. The study, "Data Privacy and Generative AI Usage," conducted by Zoho and CRM Essentials, surveyed 1,000 US employees across various industries, company sizes, and job titles. The research aimed to determine GenAI usage frequency, use cases, and employee attitudes towards sharing personal and company data for AI training purposes. Key findings on employee sentiments: Despite the increasing prevalence of GenAI in software packages and business operations, employees express...

read Aug 30, 2024

AI Adoption Hits Crossroads as Companies Struggle to Scale

Generative AI adoption reaches critical juncture: A new Deloitte report reveals that while two-thirds of companies are increasing their investment in generative AI, most efforts are still in early stages. Key findings on adoption and expectations: The survey of 2,770 director to C-suite level respondents across 14 countries shows a strong focus on efficiency and productivity improvements, but challenges in implementation and measuring impact persist. 54% of organizations are seeking efficiency and productivity improvements through generative AI However, only 38% are actively tracking changes in employee productivity 68% of respondents said their organization has moved 30% or fewer of their...

read Aug 29, 2024

ChatGPT Unminifies JavaScript Code, Unveiling AI’s Development Potential

AI-powered code unminification reveals surprising capabilities: OpenAI's ChatGPT demonstrates an impressive ability to decipher and reconstruct minified JavaScript code, offering developers a powerful tool for code analysis and learning. The challenge of minified code: Frank Fiegel, while exploring an interesting component with running ASCII art, encountered minified code that was difficult to understand at first glance. Minified code is compressed to reduce file size, making it challenging for humans to read and comprehend. Traditionally, developers would either struggle through reading the minified code or search for source maps to restore the original version. ChatGPT's unexpected prowess: Fiegel decided to experiment...

read Aug 29, 2024

Code-Trained AI Models Outperform in Non-Coding Tasks

The power of code in LLM training: New research from Cohere reveals that including code in the pre-training data of large language models (LLMs) significantly improves their performance on non-coding tasks. Researchers systematically investigated the impact of code data in LLM pre-training on general performance beyond coding tasks. The study used a two-phase training process: continued pre-training and a cooldown phase, testing various ratios of text and code in the training data. Models were evaluated at different scales, from 470 million to 2.8 billion parameters, using benchmarks for world knowledge, natural language reasoning, and code performance. Key findings: The inclusion...

read Aug 29, 2024

AI Powers Reliance’s $8.5B Disney Merger and Entertainment Push

A landmark partnership in Indian entertainment: Mukesh Ambani, chair of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), announced a transformative merger with Disney and unveiled ambitious AI plans at the company's annual general meeting. The $8.5 billion merger between RIL and Disney's key entertainment assets in India received approval from the Competition Commission, subject to voluntary modifications. Ambani welcomed Disney to the "Reliance family," describing the deal as the beginning of a new era in India's entertainment industry. The strategy focuses on combining content creation with digital streaming to deliver affordable content across various consumer preferences. Media and entertainment division performance: RIL's media...

read Aug 29, 2024

Google AI Simulates Doom in Real-Time Without Original Code

AI-powered game simulation: Google researchers have developed an AI model called GameNGen that can simulate the classic PC game Doom in real-time without using the game's original code. The model uses AI image generation technology to create game visuals at over 20 frames per second, offering a playable experience. Researchers from Google and Tel Aviv University collaborated on this project, demonstrating that neural networks can run complex games in real-time with high quality. How GameNGen works: The AI model leverages Stable Diffusion version 1.4, an open-source image generator, to create game visuals based on player inputs and game state updates....

read Aug 29, 2024

Bland AI Raises $16M to Transform Enterprise Calls with AI Agents

AI-powered call center revolution: Bland AI, a San Francisco-based startup, has secured $16 million in Series A funding to automate enterprise phone calls using realistic AI agents. The funding round was led by Scale Venture Partners, bringing Bland AI's total raised capital to $22 million. Notable investors include Y Combinator, PayPal founder Max Levchin, Eleven Labs CTO Piotr Dąbkowski, and Twilio founder Jeff Lawson. Transforming enterprise communications: Bland AI aims to overhaul traditional phone communication methods by deploying AI-powered agents for customer support, sales operations, and internal communications. The company's CEO and Co-Founder, Isaiah Granet, emphasizes the limitations of human-operated...

read Aug 29, 2024

Google’s AI Gemini to Upgrade Android Messaging and Notifications

Gemini's expanding reach: Google's AI assistant Gemini is set to integrate with popular messaging platforms and enhance notification management, signaling a significant expansion of its capabilities and accessibility. Google is developing extensions that will allow Gemini to interact directly with users through messaging apps and notifications, as revealed by code discovered by Android Authority. This move builds upon Gemini's existing integrations with Google services like Flights, Hotels, Maps, Workspace, YouTube, and YouTube Music. The extensions are designed to grant Gemini access to real-time personal data, improving its ability to respond to user requests effectively. New messaging integrations: Gemini's forthcoming extensions...

read Aug 28, 2024

AI Slashes 1,800 Jobs at Klarna as Fintech Giant Automates

AI-driven workforce transformation at Klarna: Swedish fintech giant Klarna is embarking on a significant restructuring effort, leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline operations and reduce its workforce by nearly half over the coming years. Klarna plans to decrease its employee count from 3,800 to approximately 2,000, primarily by implementing AI solutions in marketing and customer service departments. This move follows a previous downsizing initiative that saw the company's workforce shrink from 5,000 to 3,800 employees. CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski positions the job cuts as an opportunity to increase compensation for remaining staff members. AI implementation and early results: Klarna's foray into AI-powered...

read Aug 28, 2024

AI Tools Transform Back-to-School Learning Experience

AI tools revolutionizing back-to-school experience: As students prepare for the new academic year, artificial intelligence offers innovative solutions to enhance learning and productivity. Notion: The all-in-one productivity powerhouse: This versatile AI tool streamlines note-taking, task management, and collaboration for students. Notion's intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows users to customize their workflow effortlessly. The AI assistant helps with brainstorming, writing support, and summarizing notes. With over 10,000 templates available, students can quickly set up their workspace for various academic needs. Quizlet: Reimagining memorization techniques: This advanced learning platform leverages AI to make studying more efficient and tailored to individual needs. Quizlet offers...

read Aug 28, 2024

California Senate Passes Landmark AI Protection Bill for Performers

California Senate approves landmark AI protection bill: The California Senate has passed AB 2602, a bill designed to safeguard performers from unauthorized AI replicas, marking a significant victory for SAG-AFTRA. Key provisions of the bill: Requires explicit consent for the use of digital replicas of performers Mirrors language from the SAG-AFTRA contract that ended the 2023 strike Extends protections to include videogames, audiobooks, and commercials Encompasses non-union work Broader implications for the entertainment industry: The bill aims to protect performers beyond those currently covered by union agreements, addressing concerns about the potential loss of rights to voice and likeness. Jeffrey...

read Aug 28, 2024

How NVIDIA’s AI Blueprint Is Accelerating The Drug Discovery Process

Revolutionizing drug discovery with AI: NVIDIA has released a new NIM Agent Blueprint for generative AI-based virtual screening, aiming to accelerate and enhance the drug discovery process. The innovative approach focuses on improving the crucial "hit-to-lead" transition in drug development, moving from traditional fixed database screening to AI-driven molecule design and pre-optimization. This advancement has the potential to significantly reduce the time and cost of developing life-saving drugs, potentially leading to quicker access to critical treatments for patients. Key components of NVIDIA's solution: The NIM Agent Blueprint integrates several cutting-edge AI models and technologies to create a powerful drug discovery...

read Aug 28, 2024

AI Deepfakes Spark Urgent Call for FEC Election Regulations

Congressional push for AI regulation: A group of Democratic lawmakers is urging the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to strengthen regulations on AI-generated deepfakes, particularly in light of the recent controversy surrounding X's chatbot Grok. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) and several colleagues have written to the FEC, seeking clarification on whether AI-generated deepfakes of election candidates fall under the category of "fraudulent misrepresentation." The lawmakers are backing a July 2023 petition by Public Citizen that calls for the FEC to propose rules governing the use of deceptive AI in political campaigns. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns about the...

read Aug 28, 2024

AI Video Generator Hotshot Debuts with Free Clips — Here’s How to Try It

AI video generation heats up: Hotshot, a new AI video generator created by a team of four, enters the competitive landscape with an impressive free offering. Hotshot joins established players like Runway, OpenAI's Sora, and Luma's Dream Machine in the rapidly evolving field of text-to-video AI models. The tool's ability to produce up to 10 seconds of footage based on text prompts showcases the potential of AI-driven video creation. Hotshot's model was trained on 600 million video clips over four months, resulting in high-quality output despite its small development team. Key features and capabilities: Hotshot's flexible design allows for various...

read Aug 28, 2024

Tesla Unveils Groundbreaking AI Networking Protocol for Dojo Supercomputer

Tesla's innovative networking solution for AI training: Tesla has developed a new networking protocol called Tesla Transport Protocol over Ethernet (TTPoE) to address the high bandwidth and low latency requirements of its Dojo supercomputer for AI training in automotive applications. TTPoE is designed to replace TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) in Tesla's supercomputing environment, offering microsecond-scale latency and simple hardware offload capabilities. The protocol runs over standard Ethernet switches, maintaining compatibility with existing network infrastructure while optimizing performance for AI workloads. Key features of TTPoE: The new protocol simplifies traditional TCP processes to reduce latency and improve efficiency in high-performance computing...

read Aug 28, 2024

Deepfakes and The AI-Driven Truth Crisis

The rapid advancement of AI technology has raised concerns about its potential to blur the lines between truth and fiction, particularly in the realms of information dissemination and democratic processes. The deepfake dilemma: AI-powered deepfake technology has demonstrated its ability to create highly convincing fake content, ranging from harmless entertainment to potentially dangerous misinformation. In Hollywood, deepfakes have been used to de-age actors, such as Harrison Ford reprising his role as a young Indiana Jones. More concerning applications include the creation of fake videos featuring political figures like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, raising alarm bells as the US approaches...

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AI-Powered Upscayl Transforms Low-Res Images for Free

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing image processing, allowing users to enhance low-resolution pictures into high-quality versions without cost. The open-source application Upscayl offers a straightforward method to achieve this transformation. The big picture: Upscayl, an AI-powered image upscaling tool, provides a free solution for converting low-resolution images into higher-quality versions, though it requires local installation and some experimentation with different models. The app is continuously updated and well-documented on GitHub, making it a promising tool for image enhancement enthusiasts. Upscayl is available for MacOS, Linux, and Windows, with the latest versions typically found on the developer's GitHub page. While a cloud...

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How Higher Education Must Prepare for the Age of AI

AI's transformative impact on education and workforce: Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and the job market, necessitating a shift in how institutions prepare students for future careers. The integration of AI into various industries is creating new demands for skills and knowledge, requiring educational institutions to adapt their curricula and teaching methods. Higher education must focus on providing students with hands-on experience in AI technologies, as well as fostering creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving skills that complement AI capabilities. Practical AI training: Institutions must incorporate hands-on experience with AI model development into their curricula to prepare students for...

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New Book ‘AI Mirror’ Asks What It Means To Be Human In The Age of AI

The rise of AI and its impact on humanity: Shannon Vallor's book "The AI Mirror" explores the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and human cognition, highlighting the limitations of AI and the importance of preserving our human essence. Vallor, a professor in the ethics of data and AI at the University of Edinburgh, uses the metaphor of a mirror to illustrate that AI systems are reflections of human thought and behavior, not true intelligence. The book emphasizes the risk of mistaking computational tools for genuine intelligence, potentially underestimating human complexity and overestimating AI capabilities. AI's limitations and human uniqueness: Vallor...

read Aug 28, 2024

Smartphone Maker Honor’s “AI Defocus Display” Is a Game-Changer for Eye Health

Pioneering smartphone display technology: Honor is set to unveil its groundbreaking AI Defocus display on the upcoming Magic V3 handset at IFA 2024, aiming to combat eye strain and transient myopia associated with prolonged screen use. How AI Defocus technology works: The innovative display system employs on-device AI algorithms to mimic traditional optical methods used in specialized eyewear, reducing eye strain and fighting nearsightedness. Defocus signals are embedded into display layers, effectively reducing eye stress and providing a more comfortable viewing experience. According to Honor, the display and AI model combination can reduce near work-induced transient myopia by an average...

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