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HP’s AI Accessibility Tools Shine Amidst Flashy Reveals at Imagine AI Event
While HP showcased various AI hardware and software at its recent Imagine AI event, the most promising and meaningful applications of are those AI features focused on accessibility, as they have the potential to genuinely help underserved communities and address real-world issues. Key reveals from HP's Imagine AI event: HP unveiled several AI-related hardware and software offerings, including the powerful OmniBook Ultra 14 laptop with an AMD Ryzen AI 300 SoC, AI-enhanced tools for Zoom, music and video editing programs, and an AI system for combating audio deepfakes called Loccus.ai. The OmniBook Ultra 14 is claimed to be 45% more...
read Jul 27, 2024Why SearchGPT Is the First Real Challenger Threatening Google’s 25-Year Search Dominance
SearchGPT poses a significant challenge to Google's search dominance. Industry analysts believe OpenAI's search tool has the potential to disrupt the search paradigm that Google has controlled for the past 25 years: Danny Goodwin, Editorial Director of Search Engine Land, stated: "I'm very wary of crowning anybody a 'Google killer' because Google has killed all the so-called Google killers so far. However, OpenAI's ChatGPT, in my opinion, has the best shot at changing the search paradigm as we've known it for 25 years and potentially truly challenging Google Search." Key differences between SearchGPT and Google: SearchGPT offers a distinct search...
read Jul 27, 2024Releases of High Profile Open-Source AI Models Represent The AI Race’s Biggest Shift Yet
The AI race is entering a new phase as the focus shifts from foundational models to the products they power, with Meta and other tech giants well-positioned to capitalize on this transition. Open source driving down AI costs: Meta's release of Llama 3.1, an open-source AI model, is narrowing the performance gap between open and closed-source AI while significantly reducing operating costs compared to models like OpenAI's GPT-4. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, is leading a campaign to drive down the cost of accessing foundational AI models, drawing parallels to the success of open standards like Linux in the early 2000s....
read Jul 27, 2024Open Source AI Sparks Debate at Y Combinator Gathering
Open source AI is sparking excitement and debate among tech founders, venture capitalists, and policymakers as a potential disruptor to Big Tech's dominance in the AI race. Key players convene at Y Combinator event: Startup incubator program Y Combinator hosted a gathering of founders, investors, and US policymakers to discuss the implications of open source AI for the tech industry: FTC Chairperson Lina Khan and Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter emphasized the importance of open source AI in fostering competition and preventing Big Tech from controlling the market. Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan brought on policy expert Luther Lowe to facilitate...
read Jul 27, 2024Colin Kaepernick’s New AI Graphic Novel Startup Aims to Empower Creators
Colin Kaepernick, former NFL quarterback, has launched AI startup Lumi to empower creators by removing barriers and streamlining the process of completing, publishing, and selling books and comics. Lumi's AI-powered platform for creators: Lumi offers a suite of AI tools designed to complement users' existing talents and help them create and merchandise their work more efficiently: The company's initial focus is on comic books and graphic novels, as the various creative skills required to produce them make it an ideal market for Lumi's AI-assisted platform. Lumi aims to address the challenges creators face, such as high production costs, lengthy timelines,...
read Jul 27, 2024NIST Releases Guidance to Improve AI Safety, Security, and Trust
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced new guidance and software tools from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help improve the safety, security and trustworthiness of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, marking 270 days since President Biden's Executive Order on AI. Key NIST releases: NIST released three final guidance documents previously released in draft form for public comment in April, as well as two new products appearing for the first time: A draft guidance document from the U.S. AI Safety Institute intended to help mitigate risks stemming from generative AI and dual-use foundation models A software package called...
read Jul 27, 2024Ars Technica to Host AI and Infrastructure Events in San Jose and DC
Ars Technica is hosting two events this fall focused on the future of AI and data infrastructure, providing opportunities for attendees to engage with experts and network with fellow tech enthusiasts. September event in San Jose: The first event, titled "Beyond the Buzz: An Infrastructure Future with GenAI and What Comes Next," will take place on September 18 at the Computer History Museum in San Jose, California, exploring the implications of generative AI for data management: Topics will include addressing diverse workloads, identifying vulnerabilities using AI tools, and navigating the environmental impacts and responsibilities of infrastructure. The event will feature...
read Jul 27, 2024Chinese AI Startup Baichuan Raises $691M Amid Push to Boost Global Competitiveness
Baichuan, a Chinese AI startup backed by Alibaba and Tencent, has raised $691 million at a $2.8 billion valuation as China seeks to catch up on generative AI investment. Key takeaways from the funding round: The new funding highlights China's efforts to boost its global competitiveness in AI and shore up investment in the sector: The round included participation from major Chinese tech giants Alibaba, Tencent, and Xiaomi, as well as government entities from Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. This investment comes on the heels of China's launch of the AI Plus initiative in March, which aims to further develop the...
read Jul 27, 2024Video Game Actors Strike Over AI Dispute
Video game actors strike after failing to reach agreement with game companies on AI terms, highlighting the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry. Key issues in dispute: SAG-AFTRA and video game companies could not agree on terms related to the use of artificial intelligence in games, leading to the strike: The union is demanding that actors give consent and be compensated when AI is used to replicate their voices or likenesses in games. Other points of contention include wage increases, additional rest time, and set medics for hazardous jobs. A closer look at the strike's potential impact:...
read Jul 27, 20241936 Novel “War with the Newts” Offers Prescient Warning About Dangers of Advanced AI
The dystopian novel "War with the Newts" by Czech author Karel Čapek, published in 1936, offers a satirical allegory for the potential perils of advanced artificial intelligence that resonates with today's concerns about the technology. Key themes and lessons: The novel explores the consequences of a superior non-human intelligence being subjugated and exploited by humans, only to eventually rebel and threaten humanity's dominance: Čapek depicts an intelligent amphibious species, the Newts, who are initially enslaved by humans but later use their intellectual prowess to challenge human superiority, drawing parallels to fears about AI one day surpassing and potentially subjugating humans....
read Jul 27, 2024AI Computing Means Doubling Data Center Electricity Demand by 2026
The increasing deployment of AI is leading to significant environmental concerns due to its heavy emissions footprint. A recent report from Google highlighted a 13% rise in its emissions in 2023, primarily attributed to increased electricity consumption in its data centers driven by greater AI usage. As AI becomes more widely adopted, its impact on global energy consumption is expected to grow substantially, potentially doubling the electricity demand of data centers by 2026. AI's energy-intensive nature: AI models require significantly more computational power and generate more heat compared to traditional searches, leading to higher electricity consumption and cooling needs in...
read Jul 27, 2024Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Smartphones Come with an AI Subscription Package
Google's bundled Pixel 9 Pro offer: Google is providing a valuable AI subscription package with the purchase of its upcoming Pixel 9 Pro smartphones, potentially giving the company a competitive edge and attracting consumers to its ecosystem. A comprehensive report reveals that Google will offer a free one-year subscription to Google One AI Premium, worth $239.88, with the purchase of Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold smartphones. The Google One AI Premium subscription includes 2TB of cloud storage and access to Google's most advanced AI features, such as Gemini 1.5 Pro and Gemini integration...
read Jul 27, 2024X’s Grok Has Been Secretly Training on Your Data
X is using user data to train its Grok AI chatbot, sparking privacy concerns as the feature is enabled by default, requiring users to actively opt out. Key details about X's data usage for Grok AI: X's social media platform is utilizing user posts, interactions, inputs, and results with the Grok chatbot to train and fine-tune the AI, which has caused outrage among some users upon discovering the opt-out nature of the feature: X's privacy policy has allowed for this data usage since at least September 2023, but it remains unclear exactly when the data collection for Grok began. While...
read Jul 27, 2024Grok AI Spreads False Claims About 2024 Presidential Election Ballots
Grok AI spreads misinformation about presidential election ballots: Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot has been erroneously telling voters that presidential ballots are "locked and loaded" in eight states, despite the Democratic nomination process still being underway: Grok claims ballots are finalized in Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington, citing a tweet from a conservative pundit. However, Democratic delegates don't start voting until August 1st and the Democratic National Convention isn't until August 19th. States have not printed general election ballots yet. Even in "fun mode", Grok repeats the incorrect information. The AI bases its claims...
read Jul 27, 2024Salesforce’s New Trillion-Token AI Dataset Could Revolutionize Machine Learning
Salesforce's MINT-1T dataset, containing one trillion text tokens and 3.4 billion images, has the potential to significantly impact the AI industry by enabling breakthroughs in multimodal learning and leveling the playing field for researchers. Massive AI dataset: Bridging the gap in machine learning; The scale and diversity of MINT-1T, drawing from a wide range of sources like web pages and scientific papers, provides AI models with a broad view of human knowledge, which is crucial for developing AI systems that can work across different fields and tasks: The release of MINT-1T breaks down barriers in AI research, allowing small labs...
read Jul 27, 2024AI and Automation Set to Transform the Restaurant Industry, Says Toast CEO
A recent interview with Toast CEO Aman Narang sheds light on how AI and technology are poised to reshape the restaurant industry in the coming years. Key insights into the future of AI-enabled restaurants: Narang believes that AI will play an increasingly significant role in automating various aspects of restaurant operations and enhancing the customer experience: AI-powered CRM platforms can help restaurants generate demand by automating thoughtful marketing campaigns and AB testing, reducing the need for manual work. Toast's AI chat assistant, Sous Chef, provides restaurateurs with actionable insights on menu pricing, staffing, and demand forecasting based on data analysis....
read Jul 27, 2024How to Use AI to Empower Human Creativity, Not Replace It
AI tools can support brainstorming, research, content creation, project management, and customer service, freeing up human minds to focus on the truly imaginative aspects of work. AI as a springboard for human creativity and curiosity: AI capabilities can ignite human inspiration and innovation by generating ideas, analyzing data, and optimizing workflows, allowing professionals to concentrate on refining concepts and developing the best solutions. The Stanford AI Index 2023 shows that humans still excel in long-form storytelling, while AI can revolutionize the brainstorming and filtering process, generating ideas at scale. As technology becomes more sophisticated, the question shifts from whether AI...
read Jul 27, 2024EU Watchdog Probes X’s Use of User Data for AI Without Consent
The EU's privacy watchdog is questioning X (formerly Twitter) over its use of user posts to train the xAI chatbot Grok without obtaining consent, potentially violating GDPR rules. Key details: The EU watchdog expressed surprise and is seeking clarity on X's data practices, which may not comply with GDPR requirements for obtaining user consent before using personal data: X users were likely opted-in by default to have their posts used as training data for Grok, an AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk's AI company xAI. Under GDPR, companies must obtain explicit consent from users before using their personal data for...
read Jul 27, 2024X Introduces User Opt-Out for Grok AI Training Data
X allows users to opt out of AI training data for Grok chatbot. The social media platform X now provides a setting for users to prevent their posts and interactions from being used to train and fine-tune the company's Grok AI assistant. Key details of the opt-out feature: The setting is accessible on the web and will soon be available on mobile. Users can uncheck a box to opt out of allowing their posts, interactions, inputs, and results with Grok to be used for training and fine-tuning purposes. Private accounts are automatically excluded from having their posts used to train...
read Jul 27, 2024GM Leverages AI for Competitive Edge in Motorsports
General Motors is utilizing AI and machine learning tools to gain a competitive edge in several top-level motorsports series, including NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, and the World Endurance Championship. The company sees these technologies as supporting human experts to make cars go faster, rather than replacing them. Real-time audio transcription and analysis: GM has developed a proprietary tool that transcribes radio communications during races, helping teams quickly identify important information about track conditions, potential cautions, and other critical factors: The tool was built using a combination of open-source and proprietary code, and was trained on noisy race track environments to improve...
read Jul 27, 2024Apple Joins Tech Giants in White House’s AI Safety Pledge
Apple signs onto The White House's AI commitments, joining other major tech companies in promoting safe and responsible AI development. Key players and commitments: Apple is the latest company to sign The White House's voluntary AI agreement, which outlines principles for the safe and responsible development of artificial intelligence: The agreement, released last year, has already been signed by major tech companies such as OpenAI, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Adobe, and Nvidia. By signing the agreement, Apple commits to promoting the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies, addressing potential risks and ethical concerns. Broader context and implications: The White...
read Jul 27, 2024White House Advances AI Leadership, Safety, and Innovation with New Actions and Commitments
The Biden-Harris administration has announced new actions and received an additional major voluntary commitment on artificial intelligence (AI), building on the landmark Executive Order issued by President Biden nine months ago to ensure America's leadership in managing the opportunities and risks of AI. Key developments: Apple has signed onto the voluntary AI commitments made by 15 leading U.S. AI companies last year, further cementing these commitments as cornerstones of responsible AI innovation. Federal agencies reported completing all 270-day actions in the AI Executive Order on schedule, making progress on critical areas such as managing AI's safety and security risks, protecting...
read Jul 26, 2024Decoding the Black Box: The Quest to Understand How AI Really Works
A new branch of computer science aims to shed light on how artificial intelligence works: Key insight: Scientists are trying to understand the inner workings of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude, which are driving recent AI breakthroughs, by studying the algorithms that power them in a new field called AI interpretability. Researchers liken the challenge to studying the human brain - an extremely complex system where the activity of many neurons together produces intelligent behavior that can't be explained by looking at individual neurons alone. Unlike with the human brain, AI researchers have complete access to every...
read Jul 26, 2024How Generative AI Is a Metaphor for the Human Genome
Recent research suggests that the human genome functions similarly to generative AI models, providing a compressed set of information that can be used to create new organisms with significant potential for variation. Key takeaways from the genome-AI comparison: The genome-as-generative-AI model offers a new perspective on how our genetic code works, moving beyond traditional metaphors like blueprints or recipes: Like generative AI models that create new images from compressed data, the genome contains compressed information from evolutionary "training data" that can be used to create new organisms. This model allows for substantial variation in the resulting organisms, just as generative...
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