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Open-Source AI Image Generator ‘Flux’ Just Launched — Here’s How to Get Access
The AI image generation landscape is evolving rapidly with the introduction of Flux, a new open-source model from startup Black Forest Labs that's drawing comparisons to industry leaders like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion. Key features and availability: Flux offers a range of options for users, from commercial licenses to faster, lightweight models suitable for personal use. The model is available in three versions: Pro (with a commercial license), Dev, and Schnell (mid-weight and fast models). Users can access Flux through various platforms, including NightCafe, Poe, Based Labs, Hugging Face, and Fal.ai. For those preferring local operation, Flux can be downloaded...
read Aug 8, 2024ProRata is Pioneering a Pay-Per-Use Data Sales Model to Solve AI’s Copyright Woes
The emergence of AI pay-per-use models aims to address copyright concerns in generative AI by ensuring fair compensation for content creators and publishers whose work is used to train AI systems. ProRata's innovative approach: Bill Gross, CEO of startup ProRata, is spearheading an "AI pay-per-use" model to tackle the issue of AI companies using copyrighted data without permission. ProRata's primary goal is to establish revenue-sharing agreements that allow publishers and individuals to receive compensation when AI companies utilize their work. The company has already secured partnerships with major players in the media and publishing industry, including Universal Music Group, Financial...
read Aug 8, 2024How to Maximize Value and Control Spending When Adopting AI
Generative AI spending is surging among companies eager to adopt the technology, but many organizations are grappling with unexpected costs and limited returns on investment. This has led to a growing need for strategic approaches to control expenditures while maximizing the value of AI implementations. The high cost of AI adoption: Companies are facing significant expenses related to generative AI projects, with token costs, infrastructure setup, and uncontrolled adoption across departments emerging as key areas of concern. Token costs, which are based on the length of prompts and responses, can quickly accumulate, especially for large-scale implementations or complex use cases....
read Aug 8, 2024AI Model Generates Cognitive Maps From Visual Data Alone
Cognitive maps, a cornerstone of spatial navigation and memory, have long fascinated researchers in neuroscience and artificial intelligence. A groundbreaking study published in Nature Machine Intelligence demonstrates how a self-attention neural network can generate environmental maps from visual inputs alone, potentially shedding light on both biological and artificial spatial cognition processes. Revolutionary approach to spatial mapping: The study introduces a computational model that constructs cognitive map-like representations solely from visual inputs, without relying on explicit spatial information. This breakthrough addresses a significant challenge in both neuroscience and AI: the ability to create accurate spatial maps from sensory inputs. The model's...
read Aug 8, 2024AMD and NZ-Based Startup Partner on Free AI Image Generator That Runs Locally
Introducing Amuse: AMD's foray into AI image generation: AMD has partnered with New Zealand-based AI startup TensorStack to develop Amuse, a new AI image generator designed for Windows users that operates locally on their computers. Amuse, currently in beta, allows users to create AI-generated images without relying on internet connectivity or cloud-based processing, offering a more private and localized approach to image generation. The tool is free to use and does not require a subscription, making it accessible to a wide range of users interested in AI image creation. Amuse leverages AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series processors to run stable...
read Aug 8, 2024What to Expect from Meta Connect 2024
Meta Connect 2024 announced: Meta has set the date for its annual developer conference, Meta Connect 2024, which will take place on September 25-26 at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California. Event format and focus: The two-day conference will showcase Meta's latest innovations in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the metaverse, offering both in-person and virtual attendance options. Meta will host the event in a hybrid format, allowing attendees to participate either on-site or virtually through Facebook and Horizon Worlds. The conference aims to provide developers, creators, and tech enthusiasts with insights into Meta's latest advancements and future plans....
read Aug 8, 2024Soaring AI Demand is Creating a Multi-Billion Dollar Market for Networking Solutions
Lumen Technologies has secured $5 billion in new contracts for networking and cybersecurity solutions, driven by the rapid adoption of AI technologies across various industries. This significant development highlights the crucial role of telecommunications infrastructure in supporting the ongoing AI revolution. AI-driven demand surge: The increasing implementation of AI technologies by businesses has led to a substantial increase in demand for high-capacity networking solutions. Lumen's new contracts, totaling $5 billion, are primarily with cloud and tech companies seeking to enhance their network capabilities for AI workloads. The company is also in discussions for additional sales opportunities worth $7 billion, indicating...
read Aug 8, 2024Microsoft and Pivot Energy Launch 500MW Solar Project to Power AI
A major renewable energy investment: Microsoft has announced a significant partnership to develop 500 megawatts of community-scale solar power projects across the United States, marking a substantial commitment to renewable energy and local community development. The tech giant is collaborating with Pivot Energy, a renewable energy company, in a 5-year partnership to construct approximately 150 mid-sized, ground-mounted solar projects. These projects will be distributed across up to 100 communities in 20 different states, demonstrating a wide-reaching approach to renewable energy development. Microsoft has committed to purchasing renewable energy credits from these projects for a 20-year term, providing long-term support for...
read Aug 8, 2024California AI Bill Continues to Spark Fierce Debate on Innovation vs Safety
California's AI regulation bill is sparking fierce debate over consumer protection and innovation in the tech industry, with proponents and critics offering sharply contrasting views on its potential impact. The proposed legislation: Senate Bill 1047, introduced by California Senator Scott Wiener, aims to regulate powerful AI systems by mandating safety testing and risk mitigation measures for large-scale AI development. The bill specifically targets AI systems that cost over $100 million to train, focusing on major players in the industry rather than smaller startups. It empowers the state Attorney General to take legal action against companies if their AI systems cause...
read Aug 8, 2024How Human Neurons and Biological Materials Are Being Used for Computing
Biocomputing with human neurons is emerging as a potential alternative to traditional silicon-based computing, offering new possibilities for artificial intelligence systems. The rise of biocomputing: FinalSpark, a Swiss company, has developed a groundbreaking "Neuroplatform" computer that utilizes human brain organoids as its computational foundation. The system, available for rent to scientists at $500 per month, consists of spherical brain organoids connected to electrodes that stimulate neurons and link them to computer networks. To mimic the brain's reward system and encourage the formation of new neural connections, the neurons are exposed to dopamine. FinalSpark's ambitious goal is to create AI systems...
read Aug 8, 2024Why It’s Time for Lawfirms to Go All-In on AI
The legal industry stands at the cusp of a significant transformation as artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize law firm operations, offering unprecedented efficiency gains and competitive advantages. This shift towards AI integration in legal practices is not just a trend, but a necessity for firms looking to stay ahead in an increasingly technology-driven landscape. AI's potential in legal practice: Artificial intelligence presents a unique opportunity for law firms to dramatically increase their return on investment and operational efficiency. The legal profession is particularly well-positioned to benefit from AI implementation, with potential productivity gains far exceeding the typical 10-20% seen in...
read Aug 8, 2024Google’s New Pixel 9 Pro XL Pushes AI Boundaries
Pixel 9 Pro XL: Google's next flagship unveiled: Leaks and rumors have provided a comprehensive look at Google's upcoming Pixel 9 Pro XL, showcasing impressive hardware specifications and innovative AI-driven features. Pricing and availability: The Pixel 9 Pro XL is expected to enter the premium smartphone market with a starting price of $1,099 for the 128GB model. Google is set to officially unveil the Pixel 9 series on August 13, giving consumers a complete picture of the new lineup. While the 128GB model is confirmed, there are indications that a 1TB storage option may also be available for users requiring...
read Aug 8, 2024Anthropic Offers $15,000 Bounty for AI Safety Flaws
Anthropic, a leading AI company, is expanding its model safety bug bounty program to address critical vulnerabilities in their AI safeguarding systems, with a particular focus on universal jailbreak attacks in high-risk domains. New initiative targets AI safety flaws: Anthropic is launching a program aimed at uncovering weaknesses in their AI safety measures, particularly in critical areas such as CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) and cybersecurity. The program will test Anthropic's next-generation system for AI safety mitigations, which has not yet been publicly deployed. Participants will have early access to test the latest safety mitigation system before its public...
read Aug 8, 2024Apple Intelligence Beta Testers Find “Do Not Hallucinate” in System Prompts
Apple's forthcoming AI features, collectively known as Apple Intelligence, are undergoing beta testing, revealing the company's approach to addressing common AI pitfalls and ensuring responsible implementation. Uncovering Apple's AI guidelines: Testers of the macOS Sequoia beta have discovered plaintext JSON files containing prompts designed to guide the behavior of Apple's AI features. These files are located in a specific folder on Macs running the beta version with Apple Intelligence enabled. The prompts provide valuable insights into Apple's strategy for keeping its AI narrowly focused and factual. Many of the instructions are utilitarian, describing the intended behavior for features like Smart...
read Aug 8, 2024Meta Bids Big on Celebrity Voices for AI Assistant
Meta's ambitious AI voice project: Meta is reportedly offering substantial sums to celebrities for the rights to use their voices in AI projects, with a particular focus on its digital assistant MetaAI. The tech giant is said to be in negotiations with major Hollywood talent agencies to secure voice rights from various high-profile celebrities, including Awkwafina, Judi Dench, and Keegan-Michael Key. Meta's goal is to obtain these voice rights before its Connect 2024 event in September, allowing time to develop AI tools incorporating the celebrity voices for showcase at the event. While the exact intended use of these voice rights...
read Aug 8, 2024Stanford Scientist Claims His Facial Scans Can Predict Your Intelligence and More
Facial recognition AI technology has advanced to the point where it can potentially infer sensitive personal characteristics from images, raising significant ethical and privacy concerns. Controversial AI research claims: Stanford University psychologist Michal Kosinski has developed an AI system that he claims can detect intelligence, sexual preferences, and political leanings from facial scans. Kosinski's 2021 study reported that his model could predict political beliefs with 72% accuracy based solely on photographs. A 2017 paper by Kosinski claimed 91% accuracy in predicting sexual orientation from facial images, sparking controversy and criticism. The researcher asserts that his work is intended as a...
read Aug 8, 2024AI Search Revolution May Outpace Google’s Antitrust Battle
The recent antitrust ruling against Google's search engine dominance marks a significant moment in the tech industry, but the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence may reshape the search landscape before legal remedies take effect. Legal verdict and immediate implications: A federal judge has ruled that Google's search engine illegally exploits its dominant position to stifle competition and innovation in the market. The ruling, delivered by Judge Amit Mehta, focused on Google's lucrative deals to be the default search engine on various devices, which accounted for 60% of Google's search traffic in 2017. Despite the verdict, immediate effects for consumers and...
read Aug 8, 2024Context Labs Is Using AI and Blockchain to Fight Climate Change
The emergence of Context Labs marks a significant advancement in the fight against climate change, offering companies a powerful tool to measure and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through AI-enabled data analytics and verification. Innovative emissions tracking platform: Context Labs has developed a groundbreaking system that adds context to emissions data from various sources, providing companies with a comprehensive view of their environmental impact. The platform integrates data from sensors and satellites, offering third-party verification and recording information on a blockchain for enhanced reliability and transparency. Companies gain access to an interactive interface that allows them to visualize emissions across...
read Aug 8, 2024How to Choose Between LlamaIndex and LangChain
The big picture: In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI tools, LlamaIndex and LangChain have emerged as two prominent frameworks, each offering unique capabilities for developers working with large language models and data processing. LlamaIndex: Efficient data organization and retrieval: LlamaIndex specializes in indexing and retrieving large volumes of data, making it an ideal choice for projects requiring quick and accurate information access. The framework's primary focus is on organizing and categorizing extensive datasets, enabling efficient search and retrieval operations. LlamaIndex comprises four main components: DataConnectors for integrating various data sources, Indexes for structuring information, Query Engines for processing user...
read Aug 8, 2024How AI Could Transform NHS Care for the UK
AI's growing role in the NHS brings both promise and challenges for healthcare delivery in the UK. The integration of artificial intelligence into the National Health Service is aimed at alleviating staff pressures and enhancing patient care, but it also raises important questions about accuracy, bias, and regulation. Current applications of AI in the NHS: Artificial intelligence is being utilized in various ways to support healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes. AI systems are being employed to identify risk factors for chronic conditions, potentially enabling earlier interventions and preventive care. The technology is assisting in the analysis of medical imaging,...
read Aug 8, 2024How Rolls Royce and Conagra are Leading the Way for AI-Powered HR
Generative AI tools are making inroads in HR departments at major companies, with Rolls Royce and Conagra leading the way in adopting AI-powered solutions for talent development and HR operations. Pioneering AI adoption in HR: Rolls Royce and Conagra have been at the forefront of integrating generative AI into their human resources processes, piloting an innovative tool called Galileo for the past eight months. Developed by the Josh Bersin Company, Galileo serves as an HR "copilot," leveraging extensive HR data and resources to assist with various tasks including hiring, training, and workforce planning. The tool's implementation represents a significant step...
read Aug 8, 2024AI in Product Descriptions Lowers Consumer Trust, Study Finds
AI's influence on consumer behavior: Recent research from Washington State University reveals a significant impact of artificial intelligence mentions in product descriptions on consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions. The study, which surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults, found that products described as using AI were generally less popular among consumers. Mentioning AI in product descriptions tended to lower emotional trust in products, subsequently decreasing purchase intentions. This negative reaction to AI was particularly pronounced for "high-risk" products related to health, finances, or expensive items. Marketing implications: The research findings suggest that marketers should carefully consider how they present AI in product descriptions,...
read Aug 8, 2024WhatsApp Tests Voice Commands for Meta AI
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that would allow users to send voice messages to Meta AI, potentially expanding the ways users can interact with the artificial intelligence assistant within the popular messaging app. Beta testing underway: The voice messaging feature for Meta AI has been spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.16.10, signaling a possible upcoming expansion of AI interaction options for users. A screenshot from the beta version shows a new button added to the chat interface specifically for sending voice messages to Meta AI. This feature enables select beta testers to communicate with Meta AI using...
read Aug 8, 2024NZ Company is Showcase of AI-Powered Waste Management
Waste Management New Zealand's digital transformation is reshaping the country's leading materials recovery, recycling, and waste management provider, with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. The big picture: Lena Jenkins, Chief Digital Officer at Waste Management New Zealand, is spearheading a comprehensive digital strategy called "Porohita," which aims to revolutionize the company's operations and culture. Waste Management NZ supports approximately 1,800 employees across more than 70 sites and manages over 900 trucks, making it a significant player in the country's waste management sector. The "Porohita" strategy, meaning "to be circular," reflects the company's commitment to sustainable practices and circular...
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