AI Pulse - CW47

Hello Network! ??

To help navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, I regularly curate industry updates for my teams, ensuring we remain informed about the most significant developments.

I’m pleased to now also share the most noteworthy AI news directly with you. ??

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?? Podcast Version of this Newsletter on Spotify ??

Disclaimer: From content curation to editing & voice synthesizing, AI has been an integral tool in streamlining parts of the production process. While every episode is still shaped by my own vision and input, this technology helps me deliver a seamless listening experience.

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?? Microsoft introduces new AI Capabilities at Ignite Conference - Evolution or Revolution?

Microsoft introduced several AI-related innovations at Ignite 2024.

Azure AI Foundry

Microsoft launched the Azure AI Foundry, a unified platform for AI application development and management.

• Azure AI Foundry SDK: A preview toolchain for customizing, testing, deploying, and managing AI apps and agents
• Azure AI Foundry portal: A visual interface for discovering and evaluating AI models, services, and tools
• Azure AI Agent Service: Coming in preview next month, it helps orchestrate, deploy, and scale enterprise-ready agents

The Foundry combines Microsoft's model catalog, existing Azure AI tools, and new features to streamline AI development for enterprises.

New Industry Models

• AI Model Expansion: Microsoft introduced over 20 new industry models in collaboration with co-creation partners, expanding their AI catalog to include 1,800 models. These models are designed to meet specific industry needs and tasks, enhancing accuracy, efficiency, decision-making, and customer experiences
• Industry-Specific Applications: Examples of these models include Bayer's E.L.Y. Crop Protection model for agriculture, Cerence's CaLLM? Edge model for in-vehicle digital assistants, and Rockwell Automation’s FT Optix Food & Beverage model for manufacturing asset troubleshooting. These models are available through the Azure AI model catalog

Earth Copilot

• NASA and Microsoft Collaboration: NASA has partnered with Microsoft to develop Earth Copilot, an AI-driven tool designed to democratize access to complex geospatial data collected by NASA's satellites. This initiative aims to make it easier for a broader range of users, beyond just scientists and researchers, to interact with and analyze Earth Science data using natural language queries
• Technology and Features: The Earth Copilot utilizes Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service, integrating advanced AI models and natural language processing capabilities. This allows users to ask questions in plain language, such as the impact of specific events like hurricanes, and receive relevant datasets seamlessly. The tool is currently a proof of concept undergoing testing by NASA scientists
• Goals and Impact: The collaboration seeks to remove barriers to data discovery and support NASA's Open Science initiative by making scientific research more transparent and accessible. The ultimate aim is to empower more people to engage with, analyze, and act upon information that can drive scientific discoveries and inform policy decisions

These developments underscore Microsoft's commitment to advancing AI technologies across industries, enabling organizations to harness the power of AI for enhanced operational efficiency and innovation. However, the big wow effect has not been apparent this time, everything now feels more like a continuous evolution rather than a big revolution.

Full Keynote Micrsoft Ignite (YouTube)

AI Foundry News Article (Techcrunch)

?? Google launches Gemini on Android AND iOS worldwide - How does it rank vs ChatGPT mobile apps?

Google has officially launched its Gemini AI app for iOS on a global scale. This marks a significant step for Google in enhancing its AI capabilities and competing with other digital assistants, particularly Apple's Siri and OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Key Features of the Gemini App

• Global Availability: The app is now accessible to iOS users worldwide, moving beyond previous limitations where users could only interact with Gemini through the general Google app or mobile web
• Multilingual Support: Gemini supports text prompts in 35 languages, with the Gemini Live feature allowing real-time conversations in 12 major languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Japanese. Google plans to expand this language support further
• Integration with Google Services: The app seamlessly integrates with popular Google services such as Gmail, Maps, and YouTube, enabling users to ask questions and retrieve information directly related to these applications
• Image Generation: Users can create images using Gemini's advanced Imagen 3 model, which allows for high-quality image generation based on text prompts. However, generating images of real people requires a premium subscription

The launch is particularly timely as Apple is enhancing Siri by integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT into its system. This competition is expected to intensify as both companies strive to improve their AI offerings. Google's Gemini app distinguishes itself with features like live conversation capabilities and extensive multilingual support. Future updates and support will decide which AI assistant of choice users will ultimately pick.

Blog Announcement (Google)

?? Microsoft will let users clone their voices within Microsoft Teams in early 2025 - will you still have to take your calls?

Microsoft is set to introduce a groundbreaking feature in Microsoft Teams that allows users to clone their voices for real-time translation in meetings. This feature, called Interpreter, was unveiled at the Microsoft Ignite 2024 conference and is expected to roll out in early 2025.

Key Features of Microsoft Teams Interpreter

• Voice Cloning: Users can create digital replicas of their own voices, allowing them to communicate in different languages while maintaining their unique vocal characteristics. The tool will initially support nine languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish
• Real-Time Translation: The Interpreter provides real-time speech-to-speech translation during meetings. This means that a user can speak in their native language, and the tool will translate and simulate their voice in the target language, enhancing communication and engagement
• User Consent and Privacy: Microsoft emphasizes privacy by ensuring that the tool does not store biometric data or add any extraneous information to the user's voice. Voice simulation can only be activated with user consent through notifications during meetings or settings adjustments

The introduction of the Interpreter feature in Microsoft Teams represents a significant advancement in AI-driven communication tools. By enabling users to clone their voices for real-time translation, Microsoft aims to enhance accessibility and foster more inclusive interactions across language barriers. However, Microsoft will introduce these changes slowly and with care - sending our AI copy instead of ourselves in the call to talk for us is still not a realistic scenario for the near future.

News Article (Techcrunch)

??? Further news

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/20/a-chinese-lab-has-released-a-model-to-rival-openais-o1/

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/20/h-the-ai-startup-that-raised-220m-launches-its-first-product-runner-h-for-agentic-applications/

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/22/anthropic-raises-an-additional-4b-from-amazon-makes-aws-its-primary-cloud-partner/

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/18/mistral-unveils-new-ai-models-and-chat-features/

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/18/ben-affleck-tells-actors-and-writers-not-to-worry-about-ai/

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/18/elevenlabs-now-offers-ability-to-build-conversational-ai-agents/

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/18/perplexity-introduces-a-shopping-feature-for-pro-users/

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/19/google-lens-new-feature-makes-it-easier-to-shop-products-in-store/

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/19/meta-hires-salesforces-ceo-of-ai-clara-shih-to-lead-new-business-ai-group/

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/19/openai-brings-chatgpts-advanced-voice-mode-to-the-web/

https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/19/googles-gemini-chatbot-now-has-memory/

Bye-Bye! ??

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Cheers!

Robin