AI Pushes Boundaries: From Human Brain Cells to Fighting Mosquitoes

Hey!

How is that summer going?

A little glimpse of my travels...

This weeks news is so packed that I wasn't sure if I would get it out until Monday - it would have been a crime to miss any of it out!

Enjoy....

AI UPDATES

Zed AI: New Coding Tool Collaboration with Anthropic

Zed has introduced a cutting-edge AI-powered coding tool developed in collaboration with Anthropic. This tool enhances coding workflows by offering real-time suggestions, automated bug detection, and code optimizations. It’s designed to improve developer efficiency and reduce errors, making it a valuable resource for tackling complex coding projects in modern software development environments.

Amazon Engineers May Need New Skills Beyond Coding

Amazon’s Cloud Chief suggests that AI advancements might require software engineers to broaden their skills beyond traditional coding. With AI automating many coding tasks, engineers may need to focus on other aspects of technology development, including system design and AI oversight, to stay relevant in the evolving tech landscape. This shift could redefine the role of software engineers in the near future.

Midjourney Now Free!

Midjourney has announced that it will be offering free trials on its web browser platform, making its powerful AI image generation tools accessible to a wider audience. This move is expected to attract a large user base, allowing more people to experiment with AI-driven art and design without the initial cost barrier. Midjourney's tools are known for creating high-quality, imaginative visuals with ease.

FTC Finalizes Rule Banning Fake Reviews

The Federal Trade Commission has finalized a new rule that bans the use of fake reviews and testimonials online. This measure is part of an effort to restore consumer trust in digital marketplaces and ensure that online reviews accurately reflect genuine customer experiences. Companies found violating this rule may face significant penalties, emphasizing the importance of transparency and honesty in digital marketing.

Defiance Act of 2024: What You Need to Know

The Defiance Act of 2024 has been introduced, aiming to regulate the impact of AI technologies on society. This legislation includes provisions for AI accountability, ethical standards, and the protection of human jobs in the face of increasing automation. The act is seen as a critical step towards ensuring that AI development proceeds in a way that benefits society while minimizing potential risks.

McAfee’s New AI Deepfake Detection Software

McAfee has launched an AI-powered deepfake detection tool for PCs, which is designed to combat the growing threat of AI-generated fake content. This software is particularly useful for identifying manipulated videos and images, helping users to discern between real and fake media. The introduction of this tool reflects the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the age of AI.

California and Google Partner on AI and Journalism Initiatives

California and Google have entered into a $300 million, 5-year partnership to support local journalism and AI-driven initiatives within the state. This collaboration is intended to strengthen local newsrooms and promote innovative uses of AI in media, ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of technological advancements while supporting a free and robust press.

Claude Surpasses $1M in Mobile App Revenue

Anthropic’s AI model Claude has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $1 million in mobile app revenue. This achievement underscores the growing popularity and commercial viability of AI-driven applications. Claude’s success is attributed to its advanced natural language processing capabilities, which have made it a popular choice for a wide range of mobile apps.

Microsoft’s New Phi-3.5 Models Outshine Competitors

Microsoft has unveiled its new Phi-3.5 AI models, which have outperformed competitors like Google and OpenAI in several key benchmarks. These models are designed to provide superior performance in various AI applications, including natural language processing and machine learning. Microsoft’s latest models are expected to set new standards in the AI industry, offering enhanced capabilities for developers and businesses.

Mistral-NeMo-Minitron 8B: NVIDIA’s Latest AI Model

NVIDIA has introduced its new AI model, Mistral-NeMo-Minitron 8B, a foundation model known for delivering unparalleled accuracy. This model is designed to handle large-scale natural language processing tasks, offering significant improvements in performance over previous iterations. It's particularly beneficial for applications requiring high precision and extensive data handling capabilities, making it a key player in the AI space.

Fine-Tuning Now Available for GPT-4o

OpenAI has announced that fine-tuning is now available for GPT-4o, allowing developers to customize the model for specific tasks and applications. This new feature enables the creation of highly specialized AI models that can perform with greater accuracy in niche domains. Fine-tuning helps organizations leverage the full potential of GPT-4o, making it an even more versatile tool in the AI toolkit.

ElevenLabs to Help 1 Million People Reclaim Their Voice

ElevenLabs has launched a new impact program aimed at helping 1 million people reclaim their voice using AI technology. The program focuses on providing advanced speech synthesis tools to individuals with speech impairments, enabling them to communicate more effectively. This initiative is a significant step toward making AI more accessible and beneficial to people with disabilities, enhancing their quality of life.

Gemini in Gmail: AI-Powered Draft Polishing

Google has integrated its Gemini AI into Gmail, offering users a new feature to help polish their email drafts. This AI tool suggests improvements in tone, clarity, and structure, making it easier for users to craft professional and effective emails. The integration of Gemini into Gmail is part of Google's broader effort to enhance productivity through AI-driven tools, streamlining communication in both personal and professional settings.

Luma Dream Machine 1.5: New Update

Luma has released a significant update to its Dream Machine AI image and video generation tool, now at version 1.5. The update includes enhanced features for creating high-quality visual content, including faster processing times and improved rendering capabilities. This makes the Dream Machine even more powerful for artists, designers, and content creators looking to produce stunning visuals with minimal effort.

OpenAI Partners with Major News Publications

OpenAI has announced a new content partnership with major news publications, including Condé Nast's Wired, The New Yorker, and Vogue. This collaboration aims to integrate AI into news production, helping to streamline the creation and distribution of high-quality content. The partnership represents a significant step forward in the use of AI in journalism, potentially transforming how news is reported and consumed.

Google Releases Free AI Image Generator

Google has released a powerful AI image generator, Imagen 3, that is now available for free use. This tool allows users to create high-quality images from text descriptions, making it accessible for artists, marketers, and anyone looking to generate custom visuals. The release of Imagen 3 democratizes access to advanced image generation technology, allowing more people to leverage AI for creative purposes.

Salesforce Introduces Autonomous AI-Powered Sales Agents

Salesforce has launched two new autonomous AI-powered sales agents as part of its Einstein AI platform. These agents are designed to automate various sales processes, from lead generation to closing deals, freeing up human sales teams to focus on more strategic tasks. This innovation is expected to significantly boost sales efficiency and productivity, offering a glimpse into the future of AI-driven business operations.

AI-Based Method NES-VMC for Molecule Excited States

A new AI-based method called NES-VMC has been developed to calculate the excited states of atoms and molecules with high accuracy. This method has the potential to revolutionize the field of quantum chemistry by providing more precise data for drug development and other applications requiring detailed molecular analysis. The introduction of NES-VMC marks a significant advancement in the use of AI for scientific research.

Perplexity AI to Introduce Ads by End of 2024

Perplexity AI has announced plans to introduce ads on its platform by the end of 2024. This move is part of a broader strategy to monetize the popular AI search tool, which has gained significant traction in the market. The introduction of ads is expected to generate substantial revenue for Perplexity AI while potentially altering the user experience as the platform scales.

Google DeepMind Staff Call for End to Military Contracts

Employees at Google DeepMind have publicly called for an end to the company’s involvement in military contracts. This internal dissent highlights growing concerns within the tech industry about the ethical implications of AI development and its applications in warfare. The call to action from DeepMind staff is part of a broader movement among tech workers to push companies toward more ethical practices, particularly regarding the use of AI in potentially harmful ways.

Wyoming Wanted an AI Bot to Run for Local Government

In a surprising turn of events, the town of Cheyenne, Wyoming, considered allowing an AI bot to run for local government. The proposal was put forward by Victor Miller, who believes AI could offer impartial decision-making and data-driven governance. However, the idea has sparked debates over the role of AI in government and the ethical implications of non-human political leadership. While the proposal is unlikely to move forward, it raises important questions about the future of AI in politics.

AI21 Debuts Jamba 1.5: Enabling Agentic AI

AI21 has introduced Jamba 1.5, the latest version of its hybrid SSM transformer model, designed to enable more advanced forms of agentic AI. This new model boosts the performance and capabilities of AI systems, allowing them to perform more complex tasks autonomously. The development of Jamba 1.5 represents a significant step forward in creating AI that can operate independently, making decisions and taking actions based on its programming without human intervention.

Meta and Spotify CEOs Criticize EU's AI Rules

The CEOs of Meta and Spotify have publicly criticized the European Union's new AI regulations, warning that these rules could stifle innovation in the open-source AI community. They argue that the stringent requirements may hinder the development of new AI technologies, especially for smaller companies and startups. This pushback from industry leaders highlights the ongoing tension between regulation and innovation as governments attempt to balance safety with technological advancement.

FixUp from Adobe: New Photo Editing Tool

Adobe has launched FixUp, a new AI-powered photo editing tool designed to make image enhancement easier and more accessible. The tool offers a range of features, including automated fixes for lighting, color, and composition, making it ideal for both amateur photographers and professionals looking to streamline their workflow. FixUp represents the latest in a series of AI-driven tools from Adobe, aimed at revolutionizing the creative industry by simplifying complex editing tasks.

OpenAI Search Engine: A Glimpse

OpenAI has provided a sneak peek into its upcoming AI-powered search engine, which promises to revolutionize how we find and access information online. The new search engine is expected to leverage advanced AI models to deliver more accurate and relevant results, tailored to the user's specific needs. While still in development, this project could potentially challenge existing search giants by offering a more intelligent and intuitive search experience.

Prompt Caching with Claude

Anthropic has introduced a new feature called "Prompt Caching" for its Claude AI model, aimed at saving developers time and money. This feature allows the AI to remember previous prompts, reducing the need for redundant data processing and improving efficiency in AI operations. Prompt Caching is particularly useful for applications that require frequent and repeated interactions, such as customer service bots or interactive learning platforms.

AI Can Predict 'Tipping Points' for Future Disasters

Scientists have developed a new AI algorithm capable of predicting the tipping points for future disasters, such as climate change-induced events or economic collapses. This AI model uses vast amounts of data to identify patterns and signals that indicate when a system is nearing a critical threshold. The ability to predict these tipping points could be crucial in preventing catastrophic outcomes and guiding policy decisions aimed at mitigating risks.

ElevenLabs Reader App Available Worldwide in 32 Languages

ElevenLabs has expanded the reach of its AI-powered Reader app, now available in 32 languages worldwide. This app leverages advanced text-to-speech technology to convert written content into natural-sounding audio, making information more accessible to a global audience. The expansion reflects ElevenLabs' commitment to breaking down language barriers and providing high-quality AI tools for users around the world.

Meta’s Evaluator: LLMs Creating Their Own Training Data

Meta has introduced a new AI tool called Evaluator, which enables large language models (LLMs) to create their own training data. This self-taught approach allows LLMs to continuously improve their performance by generating and refining data sets based on their interactions. The Evaluator tool represents a significant step forward in autonomous AI training, reducing the need for human intervention and accelerating the development of more sophisticated AI models.

Google Pixel Reviews

The latest Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL reviews are in, highlighting their impressive AI-powered features, including enhanced photography capabilities, real-time language translation, and personalized user experiences. These models stand out for their sleek design and advanced functionality, making them strong competitors in the smartphone market. Users have praised the intuitive AI integration that enhances daily tasks, positioning the Pixel 9 series as a top choice for tech enthusiasts.

Dropbox Acquired Reclaim

Dropbox has acquired Reclaim, an AI-powered scheduling tool backed by Index Ventures. This acquisition aims to integrate Reclaim’s advanced scheduling capabilities into Dropbox’s suite of productivity tools, providing users with smarter, more efficient ways to manage their time. The move reflects Dropbox's strategy to enhance its services with AI-driven features, catering to the growing demand for automation in task management and productivity.

Rubik's Cube + AI

Researchers have developed an AI model capable of solving the Rubik's Cube with unprecedented speed and accuracy. This new AI-driven approach not only tackles the cube in record time but also provides insights into the potential of AI in solving complex, multi-step problems. The study showcases the AI's ability to learn and apply advanced problem-solving techniques, which could be adapted for broader applications in various fields requiring intricate analysis and precision.

Swiss Tech Firm Launches AI Made of Human Brain Cells Rental Service

A Swiss tech firm has introduced a groundbreaking service that allows clients to rent AI systems made of human brain cells. This innovative approach combines biological and digital technologies to create a new form of AI, potentially offering unparalleled processing power and efficiency. The service is targeted at industries requiring high levels of computational capability, and it raises important ethical questions about the use of biological materials in AI development.

Fortune 500 Companies Warn of AI Risks

A recent survey reveals that many Fortune 500 companies are increasingly concerned about the risks associated with generative AI, particularly its impact on job security, data privacy, and ethical considerations. While AI offers significant advantages in efficiency and innovation, these companies are urging caution and calling for more robust regulatory frameworks to manage potential downsides. The survey reflects a growing awareness of the need to balance AI's benefits with its challenges.

Gemini Live Free?

Google’s Gemini Live, a feature similar to ChatGPT’s advanced voice mode, is now accessible for free to users. This tool allows for real-time voice interactions, offering a more interactive and engaging AI experience. By making this feature free, Google aims to broaden access to AI-driven communication tools, potentially increasing user adoption and setting a new standard for voice-activated AI services.

AMD and New Acquisition Going After NVIDIA

AMD has made a significant move in the AI chip market by acquiring ZT Systems, a strategic acquisition aimed at challenging NVIDIA's dominance. This acquisition bolsters AMD's capabilities in producing AI chips, positioning the company to compete more effectively in the rapidly growing AI hardware market. The move reflects AMD's commitment to expanding its influence and market share in AI technology, particularly in high-performance computing.

AI Can Lock Thieves Out of Android Phones

Google has introduced a stunning new AI feature for Android phones that can instantly lock out thieves, providing enhanced security for users. This AI-driven security measure detects unauthorized access attempts and takes immediate action to prevent theft, safeguarding personal data and devices. The feature is part of Google's broader efforts to integrate AI into mobile security, offering users peace of mind in an increasingly digital world.

A Custom-Made GPT-4o?

OpenAI has unveiled a custom-made version of its GPT-4o model, tailored to meet the specific needs of certain industries. This specialized model offers enhanced capabilities, including fine-tuning for particular tasks and improved efficiency in processing complex data. The development of a custom GPT-4o underscores OpenAI’s commitment to providing adaptable AI solutions that cater to the diverse needs of businesses and organizations.

More on OpenAI and Partnership with Vogue, etc.

OpenAI has partnered with Conde Nast, including publications like Vogue, The New Yorker, and Wired, to integrate AI-driven content into their platforms. This collaboration aims to enhance the quality and personalization of content for readers, leveraging AI to analyze and cater to individual preferences. The partnership represents a significant step forward in blending AI with traditional media, offering a glimpse into the future of AI-enhanced journalism and publishing.

AI TOOLS & UPDATES

Ideogram 2.0

Ideogram has released version 2.0, offering advanced text-to-image capabilities that enhance creativity and visual quality. This update is designed to provide users with a more intuitive and powerful tool for generating AI-driven images, catering to both casual users and professionals in the creative industry. The new features allow for more detailed and customizable outputs, making it easier to bring artistic visions to life through AI.

More on Midjourney - Free Trial

Midjourney is now offering a free trial on its web browser platform, allowing users to explore its capabilities without any initial cost. This opportunity is ideal for those looking to experience AI-powered image generation and discover what Midjourney has to offer. The free trial provides access to a variety of tools and features, enabling users to create high-quality visuals with ease.

Reader App - Listen to Your Documents

ElevenLabs has introduced a reader app that allows users to listen to their documents. This app is designed to improve accessibility and convenience, particularly for those who prefer auditory learning or need to multitask while consuming content. The app supports multiple languages and offers a user-friendly interface, making it a valuable tool for both personal and professional use.

Excellent Video Content Creator

Hotshot is a new video content creation tool that simplifies the process of making professional-quality videos. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, users can quickly produce engaging content for various platforms. Hotshot is ideal for marketers, educators, and content creators looking for an efficient way to generate videos that capture their audience's attention.

New AI Tool for Scientists

Reliant ai has launched a tool specifically designed for scientists, offering advanced AI-driven analysis for research. This tool aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of scientific studies by providing powerful computational resources and data processing capabilities. It is an essential addition for researchers looking to leverage AI in their work, enabling more significant discoveries and insights.

AI GLOBAL

South Africa's AI Policy Framework

South Africa has released its National AI Policy Framework, aiming to integrate AI across various sectors to drive economic growth and ensure ethical practices. This framework positions South Africa as a leader in AI within the African continent, promoting innovation and responsible AI use.

Australia: AI Use in Government

Australia has implemented AI in government operations to improve efficiency and decision-making processes. This strategic use of AI in governance aims to enhance public services, streamline operations, and ensure data-driven policymaking. The initiative reflects Australia’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies into its governmental framework.

The State of AI in the Pacific Islands

A comprehensive report on AI in the Pacific Islands highlights the region’s progress and challenges in adopting AI technologies. The report emphasizes the importance of developing local AI capabilities to drive economic growth and address unique regional issues. This initiative aims to ensure that AI benefits are distributed equitably across the Pacific.

Tony Blair, AI & UK Government

Tony Blair’s advocacy for AI in the UK government underscores his belief in the transformative power of AI. The UK’s government is increasingly incorporating AI into its operations, guided by Blair’s vision of modernizing governance and improving public services through advanced technologies. His influence is shaping the AI policies and strategies of the current administration.

California’s SB 1047, an Aggressive AI Safety Bill

California has introduced SB 1047, an AI safety bill that aims to regulate the development and deployment of AI technologies within the state. This legislation seeks to prevent potential AI-related disasters by enforcing strict safety and ethical guidelines for AI developers and users. The bill reflects California’s proactive approach to ensuring responsible AI innovation.

South Korean AI Chip Makers Rebellions and Sapeon to Merge

South Korean AI chip manufacturers Rebellions and Sapeon have agreed to merge, creating a stronger entity capable of competing on a global scale. This merger aims to combine resources and expertise to accelerate innovation and expand their market presence in the AI chip industry, particularly in the rapidly growing Asian market.

Hong Kong Issues Generative AI Guidelines for Consumer Protection

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has released new guidelines for generative AI to protect consumers. These guidelines are designed to ensure that AI applications in financial services operate fairly, transparently, and securely. They are part of broader efforts to regulate AI’s impact on consumer rights and data privacy.

AI & F1

BeyondMath’s ‘Digital Wind Tunnel’ + AI Simulation to Work on F1 Cars

BeyondMath has introduced a groundbreaking ‘digital wind tunnel’ that uses physics-based AI simulations to optimize the aerodynamics of Formula 1 cars. This innovative tool helps F1 teams refine their car designs more accurately and efficiently, offering a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of motorsport.

AI & ROBOTS

Atlas Robot Now Doing Push-Ups

Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot has achieved a new level of physical capability by performing push-ups. This demonstration showcases the robot’s advanced motor skills and balance, marking a significant milestone in humanoid robotics development. The video of Atlas’s new feat is a testament to the progress in creating robots that can mimic complex human movements.

Want to Build a Robot?

Hugging Face has released a comprehensive tutorial, LeRobot, that guides users in building their own AI-powered robots. This hands-on guide is designed for developers and hobbyists interested in robotics, offering step-by-step instructions and resources to create functional robots using AI technologies.

A Bargain for a Robot?

Unitree Robotics has launched a humanoid robot priced at just $16,000, making it one of the most affordable robots of its kind. Despite its low price, the G1 model boasts impressive features, including AI-powered motion capabilities. This launch is set to democratize access to humanoid robotics, opening new possibilities for businesses and individuals.

A NEW Humanoid Robot to Rival Tesla’s Optimus

A former recruit from Huawei’s ‘Genius Youth’ program has launched a series of humanoid robots designed to compete with Tesla’s Optimus. These robots, developed by a Chinese startup, aim to push the boundaries of humanoid robotics with advanced AI capabilities, signaling the start of a new rivalry in the robotics industry.

AI FINANCE

Can AI Boost Economic Productivity?

A new analysis from Technology Review discusses how fine-tuning AI can significantly enhance economic productivity. By optimizing AI algorithms for specific industries, businesses can achieve higher efficiency and innovation. The article explores the potential of AI to drive prosperity, highlighting case studies and data supporting these claims.

How AI is Used in Stock Trading

AI is increasingly becoming a vital tool in stock trading, with its ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and make informed decisions. This article from Built In delves into how AI-driven algorithms are transforming the stock market, offering insights into the future of trading and investment strategies.

AI HEALTHCARE

Google Research Develops AI System HeAR

Google Research has introduced HeAR, an AI system designed to analyze audio data for health assessments. This innovative system can evaluate respiratory sounds to detect potential health issues, offering a new approach to early diagnosis and monitoring. The release of HeAR marks a significant advancement in AI-driven healthcare technologies.

Epic Unveils 100 New AI Features

Epic Systems has rolled out 100 new AI-powered features across its MyChart and Cosmos platforms, aimed at enhancing patient care and healthcare data management. These features are designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and patient engagement, making healthcare more accessible and data-driven.

Nvidia Looks to Disrupt the Healthcare Industry with AI

Nvidia is leveraging its AI technology to revolutionize the healthcare industry, with initiatives focused on accelerating drug discovery, improving diagnostic accuracy, and optimizing patient care. The company’s AI solutions are poised to address some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, potentially transforming the industry.

Mosquitoes + AI?

A new AI-driven technology has been developed to help combat mosquitoes, using advanced algorithms to predict mosquito behavior and implement targeted control measures. This innovation aims to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases by providing more effective and efficient pest management strategies.

AI & CONSTRUCTION

AI and the Construction Industry

Trunk Tools, a startup in the construction industry, has raised $30 million to develop AI tools that help construction companies analyze documents and streamline operations. These AI solutions aim to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance project management in the construction sector, offering a competitive edge in a traditionally labor-intensive industry. https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/20/trunk-tools-raises-30m-to-help-construction-companies-get-answers-from-documents/

I will be back next week with a box of tissues in hand as my eldest is off to Uni-no, don't think anyone can be prepared for this.

While I have your attention, do follow me and have that bell on to get any notifications from me as I have a new series of video content + cheatsheets for the entire month of September that you are not going to want to miss!

Have an epic weekend/week ahead.

Bye for now