AI Weekly Summary
Jaume Boix
AI & Automation Solutions For SMEs | Content Creation and Repurposing Systems | AI Agents | Client Onboarding Systems
Hi everyone!
?
Welcome to another edition of your favourite AI Weekly Newsletter!
?
I want to start off with a big announcement: I’m moving this newsletter away from LinkedIn.
?
Yes, you heard it well. There are many reasons for doing it, but the main one is the ability to create a better user experience for you all. Same good weekly content, in a much better format.
?
What’s not to like about that, right!?
?
So next week will be the last one I will publish on LinkedIn and I’d love you to continue getting the AI inside scoop straight into your inbox by signing up for the more improved version. Just follow this link and input your best email address, I promise I won’t spam you!
?
Right, let’s get on to this week’s AI highlights. Here’s a quick summary:
?
?
AI's Reality Check: Costs, Energy, and the Path to Sustainability
I’ve noticed a few articles this week talking about the doom and gloom of AI, so I thought I’d put aside the AI hype for a minute and get real for a moment. Big names like Microsoft and Google are wrestling with the costs of running these AI marvels. They're not just expensive to operate; they're also energy guzzlers. Yep, you heard it right—some AI technologies could soon be using as much electricity as entire countries like the Netherlands or Ireland. So, what's the deal?
?
Well, analysts are predicting a "cold shower" for generative AI by 2024. We're talking about a reality check in terms of costs, regulations, and now, sustainability. It's a wake-up call for all of us. On one hand, AI is an incredible tool that can revolutionize how we do business. On the other, we've got to be mindful of the costs, both financial and environmental.
?
Here's my two cents: AI is still growing up, and like any teenager, it's going through some phases. But let's be smart about it. Let's think about not just the cost to our wallets but also the cost to our planet. However, I’m an eternal optimist and as such I want to think that those big players will start looking into how we can minimise the impact on the planet and, as technology evolves, they’ll find more ways to reduce their footprint and reduce costs.
?
?
Do you remember an article I shared a few weeks ago stating that OpenAI seemed to be in a difficult financial position…? Well, as it turns out, OpenAI, is now raking in an annualized revenue of $1.3 billion, according to CEO Sam Altman. This marks a 30% increase from just this summer, signaling not just the company's growth but also the expanding market for AI technologies. Hopefully, the technologies that will help reduce that impact on the planet, right Sam?
?
Google's AI Innovations: A Blend of Creativity, Responsibility, and Controversy
Here’s another one that is not slowing down any time soon. Google is once again pushing the envelope in the AI space, and this time, it's a mixed bag of innovation and debate. First up, Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) now allows you to create images and written drafts directly from the search bar. Imagine typing "draw a capybara wearing a chef's hat," and voila, you get a quirky image generated by Google's AI. But that's not all; they're also stepping up to take legal responsibility for any copyright issues you might face using their generative AI products.
?
领英推荐
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Google employees, including product managers and user experience leads, are openly debating the effectiveness and utility of Bard with some expressing concerns about its limitations and potential to provide accurate information. Additionally, there are concerns about the working conditions of contractors training Bard.
?
Despite these challenges, Google views Bard as crucial to maintaining its search dominance amid growing competition in the generative AI market… If this is really the case, they’d better turn it up a notch to dramatically improve it!
?
At their Adobe Max event, they introduced Firefly Image 2 for Photoshop, which takes image quality to the next level. It enhances intricate details like skin and hair and even offers AI-powered editing for depth of field and motion blur. They've also added "Prompt Guidance" to help you nail those text descriptions.
?
But wait, there's more! Adobe rolled out a "Generative Match" feature that replicates specific image styles—perfect for brand consistency. However, there's a catch. Adobe claims to have abuse safeguards, but it seems more about covering themselves legally.
?
And it doesn't stop with Photoshop. Adobe introduced Firefly models for Illustrator and Adobe Express too. The Firefly Vector model for Illustrator is a first-of-its-kind for vector graphics. Plus, they've got a Firefly Design model that generates customizable templates for various platforms.
?
Whether you're a graphic designer, photographer, or content creator, these new features are set to elevate your work.
?
And let’s finish up with a piece of research. Harvard scientists have developed an AI tool that's a real game-changer for public health. This tool can predict virus mutations, giving us a leg up in vaccine development and treatment strategies for a range of viruses.
?
This is a new layer of predictive analytics that could make treatment plans and vaccine strategies more effective. For us regular folks, it's peace of mind knowing we're getting smarter at fighting viral threats. It really seems that this AI tool is setting us up for a more prepared and resilient healthcare system.
?
And that’s all for this week!
?
Remember to subscribe to the even more improved version of the AI Weekly Newsletter here, you don’t want to miss out!
?
As per usual, I’d love to hear your thoughts so don’t be shy and leave them in the comments.
?
Have a great week ahead!
?
Jaume