Copy of Tech-Festival SXSW 2024: A Landmark Event in Austin, Texas
iMBdigital.Gallery_ Ltda.
project network - nft - blockchain 2.0 - smart contracts - consulting - digitization - GenAI
Intro
From March 8th to 16th, 2024, Austin (TX), USA, hosted the iconic South By Southwest (SXSW) festival, drawing over 300,000 attendees from around 100 countries. Renowned for its blend of innovation, technology, and culture, SXSW stands as one of the globe's premier gatherings. This year, Brazil made a significant impact with a record-breaking attendance of both speakers and visitors.
SXSW - a Crucial Hub for Generative AI
The Importance of SXSW for Generative AI
SXSW is more than a festival; it is a convergence point for cutting-edge technology and creativity. Here are our six reasons why SXSW is essential for the generative AI community:
Margrethe Vestager: Honored at SXSW 2024
Margrethe Vestager, the Executive Vice President of the European Commission, was celebrated at SXSW 2024. Known for her efforts in enforcing fair digital markets and upgrading EU regulations, her induction into the SXSW Hall of Fame highlights her significant contributions to digital industry governance. Vestager's insights have been influential in shaping discussions at SXSW, and her presence underscores the festival's commitment to recognizing visionary leaders.
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Candidates on Generative AI - Contrasting Views on Generative AI
The 2024 U.S. presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, offer differing perspectives on generative AI:
These differing philosophies reflect broader debates on government regulation and innovation in AI development, influencing both domestic policy and America’s global leadership in AI.
Brazil at SXSW 2024 - Record-Breaking Participation
Brazilian attendees comprised approximately 30% of the international participants at SXSW 2024, the largest contingent from any single country. Brazilian startups like School Guardian, Yours Bank, Dadosfera, and Pix Force showcased groundbreaking innovations, demonstrating Brazil’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and its significant role on the global stage.
Key Themes and Sessions
AI Supercycle and Multimodal AI
SXSW 2024 introduced the concept of an “AI Supercycle,” driven by the convergence of connectables, biotechnology, and AI. This trend highlights rapid AI development, multimodal capabilities, and embodied AI, promising transformative applications across industries.
Climate Tech Innovations
The festival featured discussions on leveraging technology to address climate change, with innovations in clean energy and sustainable practices taking center stage. These sessions underscored the urgency of environmental action and the optimistic potential of tech-driven solutions.
AI-Driven Productivity
SXSW highlighted how AI enhances workplace productivity by automating routine tasks and supporting decision-making processes. The festival emphasized the need for ethical AI deployment to ensure fairness and accountability.
Creative Processes in Filmmaking
Filmmakers explored AI’s role in storytelling and visual effects, showcasing AI as a powerful collaborator in the creative process. The integration of AI offers new tools and insights, pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression.
Digital Identity and Ethics
Discussions on digital identity emphasized the complexities of online personas and the ethical considerations of AI in privacy and representation. SXSW provided a platform to navigate these challenges thoughtfully.
Conclusion
SXSW 2024 was a vibrant confluence of technology, creativity, and societal discourse. The festival not only showcased the latest advancements in AI but also emphasized the importance of ethical considerations and interdisciplinary collaboration. As SXSW continues to evolve, it remains a pivotal event driving innovation and shaping the future of generative AI and beyond.
READ BLOG & GET A DEEP DIVE>>>
cryptocurrency / U.S. Race to the White House 2024
Cryptocurrency: A New Frontier in the Political Arena
The intersection of cryptocurrency and politics is becomming a topic, especially as it gains traction among voters in the United States. In recent years, cryptocurrency has transcended its origins as a niche financial instrument to become a topic of national conversation. A survey conducted by The Harris Poll on The Harris Poll on Cryptocurrency behalf of Grayscale highlights this shift, revealing that over 20% of voters in swing states view cryptocurrency as a significant election issue .
The Political Weight of Cryptocurrency
The survey, titled “2024 Election: The Role of Crypto,” underscores the political heft that digital currencies have amassed. With inflation being a top concern for voters, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are increasingly seen as potential hedges against economic instability . This sentiment is particularly strong among younger voters, who own crypto at higher rates than equities and are considering candidates’ positions on digital assets before casting their votes .
Diverse Ownership and Growing Interest
Crypto ownership is not limited to any single demographic. The survey indicates that nearly 1 in 5 voters own cryptocurrency, with higher ownership rates among men, Black/Hispanic voters, and younger generations . These groups are also more likely to report that inflation has piqued their interest in crypto investments .
The Call for Regulatory Clarity
A significant portion of the electorate, 46%, is awaiting further policies on cryptocurrency before making investment decisions . This desire for regulatory clarity may influence voters to support candidates who offer concrete plans for the crypto market’s integration into the broader financial system.
The Future of Finance
The survey’s findings suggest a growing consensus among voters that crypto and blockchain technology represent the future of finance. This belief is driving a demand for presidential candidates to be well-informed about these innovative technologies .
Biden Campaign Considers Crypto Donations Through Coinbase Commerce
In a move reflecting the increasing significance of cryptocurrency in politics, President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign is reportedly in discussions to start accepting crypto donations through Coinbase Commerce. Sources familiar with the matter revealed this development during SXSW 2024 in Austin (TX), indicating that Biden’s team is engaging with cryptocurrency industry players to explore this new funding avenue.
Coinbase Commerce, a service that facilitates payments in dozens of cryptocurrencies, is already being utilized by presumptive Republican/GOP candidate Donald Trump’s campaign, which began accepting digital currency contributions in May 2024. This potential shift by the Biden campaign now comes as it seeks to attract crypto-focused voters and secure contributions from pro-crypto donors. The interest in crypto donations marks a strategic effort by Biden’s team to show support for the crypto industry, especially given the narrow margins by which the upcoming election is expected to be decided.
The Biden campaign has not yet responded to requests for comments on these discussions, following several tech sources in the U.S.. However, media outlets working with politicians and crypto industry leaders mentioned that the campaign is attentive to crypto-related issues and is looking for ways to demonstrate support for the industry.
This shift in strategy comes shortly after President Biden faced criticism for opposing a bipartisan effort to repeal SAB 121, a legislative measure that has been perceived as restrictive to the growth of the crypto industry in the U.S. The backlash appears to have intensified the campaign's focus on refining its stance on cryptocurrency, particularly after Donald Trump's campaign adopted a more crypto-friendly approach.
Tech blogs and sources, we follow on a daily base at iMBdigital.Gallery , close to the matter stress that these discussions about accepting crypto donations are still exploratory. They note that some of Biden's advisors believe that failing to engage with the crypto community could negatively impact the election outcome. People in [Biden’s] outer inner circle are now specifically telling the Biden team,
“if you're quiet on this crypto thing and you don't get up to speed, you could lose the election,” a tech blog revealed.
Pro-crypto donors are increasingly influential in political fundraising, with crypto-backed super PACs reportedly raising a substantial war chest. According to data from consumer rights advocacy group Public Citizen, these super PACs have amassed around US$100 million, highlighting the financial clout that the crypto sector can wield in the political arena.
As both major political campaigns look to secure every possible vote and financial contribution, the role of cryptocurrency donations could become a pivotal factor in the election. The interest from Biden’s campaign in this new form of fundraising underscores the growing intersection of digital currencies and mainstream politics.
Conclusion
As the 2024 elections approach, the role of cryptocurrency in shaping voter preferences cannot be underestimated. Candidates who recognize the importance of digital currencies and blockchain technology in addressing economic concerns may find themselves with a crucial advantage in the race for political office. It’s clear that as the crypto market evolves, its influence on the political landscape will likely continue to grow, making it an issue that candidates and voters alike cannot afford to ignore.
Notable in the U.S.
According to a recent survey, more than 20% of voters in swing states within the United States consider cryptocurrency to be a crucial issue in elections. The study highlights the growing importance of digital currencies and blockchain technology in the political landscape. As the crypto market continues to evolve, it’s clear that voters are paying attention to how candidates address these topics.
web search engines
Google Has Lost Control of Its Search!
For several months now, Google has been grappling with a significant spam problem, and its search results are increasingly lacking in diversity. Despite a major algorithm update intended to address these issues, the situation seems to have worsened. Has Google lost control of its search?
The Decline in Search Quality
A recent study in Europe highlights the deteriorating quality of Google search results, attributing it primarily to an increase in low-quality, search engine-optimized content. The rise of AI has exacerbated this problem, with fraudsters using artificial intelligence to flood the internet with spam content designed to rank highly on Google and generate clicks and ad revenue. Many of these websites are entirely AI-generated, focusing on quantity over quality.
The Struggle with AI Spam
Google has been making regular algorithm adjustments to combat bad content. However, these measures have only provided temporary relief. Spam websites continuously find new methods to climb back up the rankings, undermining Google’s efforts.
In an attempt to address this issue, Google launched the “March 2024 Core Update", the most extensive algorithm update in its history, which ran for 45 days and concluded on May 5, 2024. Despite these efforts, AI spam continues to dominate search results, as noted by several SEO experts in the U.S., Europe and Brazil.
Financial Implications for Google
Google’s revenue heavily relies on ads displayed on its search engine results pages (SERPs). The credibility and usefulness of these results are crucial for maintaining user trust and attracting advertisers. If search quality continues to decline, both users and advertisers might turn away, posing a significant threat to Google’s revenue model.
Ironically, tricking Google’s algorithm has become easier than ever. A search for “SEO with AI” yields numerous guides on how to exploit the system for profit. Even Google’s own AI, Gemini, is sometimes touted as a tool for achieving top search rankings.
Lack of Diversity in Search Results
Recent analyses have shown that platforms like Reddit and Quora have been dominating Google’s SERP results for “discussions and forums.” However, many of these threads contain irrelevant or AI-generated content, often created to place affiliate links. This has led to a lack of diversity in search results, further diminishing the user experience.
Bizarre examples from Reddit illustrate the absurdity of some AI-generated content, such as suggesting swallowing small stones for digestive health or mixing glue into pizza dough. These instances underscore the malicious potential of AI misuse.
Google’s Experimentation with AI
Google is experimenting with a new feature called the Search Generative Experience (SGE), which provides short information snippets based on its AI, Gemini. While still in the testing phase, this initiative shows Google’s attempt to integrate AI into search. However, the company appears powerless against AI spam.
Unlike ChatGPT, Google’s SGE includes source information, which reduces traffic to other websites and potentially impacts ad revenue. This approach makes sense only if Google can effectively manage its spam problem.
The Path Forward
To maintain its position as the leading search engine, Google must address the growing use of platforms like TikTok and tools like ChatGPT for information searches. While integrating its AI, Gemini, could help, Google must first curb AI spam to remain competitive.
The question remains: Can Google regain control of its search? Past algorithm updates have offered only temporary solutions. The presence of numerous guides on how to outsmart Google’s algorithms raises doubts about the company’s ability to tackle AI spam. Google’s dependence on advertising revenue complicates the issue, suggesting that the search giant may be struggling to balance quality control with financial interests.
cyber threat in Brazil and the questionable juridical environment
The Rising Cyber Threat in Brazil: A Deep Dive into Recent Trends and Challenges
In recent years, the cyber threat landscape has evolved dramatically, posing significant risks to individuals and organizations worldwide. Brazil, in particular, has faced a surge in cyberattacks, highlighting the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.
Early Encounters with Cyber Threats
The issue of cyber threats is not new to Brazil. Project mission professionals from iMB.Solutions recall their first encounter with a major cyberattack back in 2010. During a project mission, they witnessed a client's company come under a severe cyber onslaught. Since then, the frequency and intensity of such attacks have only grown, exacerbated by advancements in generative AI.
Professionalization of Cyber Attacks
Recent observations indicate a troubling trend: the "professionalization" of cyberattacks. In several projects significant security gaps were uncovered. These gaps underscore the sophisticated nature of modern cyber threats, which are no longer the work of lone hackers but well-organized criminal enterprises.
A Case Study: Brazil 2023
In 2023, iMB.Solutions deployed an on-demand manager on a project for a multinational client in Brazil. Midway through the project, the client faced a massive cyberattack. The team swiftly devised an emergency response plan, demonstrating the critical need for preparedness in the face of such threats. Stay tuned for future detailed blog release.
Building a Collaborative Defense
To further understand the cybersecurity landscape, together with some clients, iMB.Solutions engaged with various companies across Brazil, particularly in S?o Paulo and Paraná. These discussions were instrumental in developing best practice solutions and fostering a community dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity.
领英推荐
Challenges in Legal Recourse
One of the most striking revelations was the huge inland localization of criminal IP addresses in S?o Paulo and Paraná. Despite initiating criminal and civil proceedings, affected companies often faced disappointing outcomes in Brazilian courts. Financial and property damages were largely overlooked, with victims receiving only symbolic compensation for moral damages. This suggests a troubling perception among some courts that cybercrime is a "trivial offense" perpetrated by "tech-savvy and well-educated people". The lenient sentences handed down to cybercriminals reflect this ignorance and pose a significant challenge to legal certainty for strategic investors in Brazil.
Moving Forward
The growing cyber threat in Brazil highlights the urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and a more rigorous legal framework to protect businesses and individuals. If your organization has experienced a cyberattack, we encourage you to reach out to us through the following link to share your experiences and collaborate on solutions.
Together, we can build a more secure digital environment and ensure that cybercriminals face appropriate consequences for their actions.
Get in touch!
beware of the generative AI Punch and Judy show
Understanding AI Washing: Separating Hype from Reality
The Hype Around GenAI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniably a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize various sectors. However, amidst the genuine advancements, there's also a considerable amount of hype and exaggerated claims. This phenomenon is not new and often occurs with any breakthrough technology, especially when there's substantial financial gain involved.
For instance, startups that include 'AI' in their pitch reportedly attract 15% to 50% more investment than those that don't.
And it was precisely this topic that we discussed at great length with our colleagues in Albuquerque (NM) following our participation in SXSW 2024 in Austin and learned a hell of a lot. The examples we were able to see were more than frightening.
It's crucial, therefore, to discern between genuine AI capabilities and what marketing departments concoct to boost sales. This blog delves into the phenomenon known as AI Washing—exploring what it is, who does it, why it's dangerous, and most importantly, how to spot it.
What Is AI Washing?
AI washing refers to the practice of overstating the capabilities of a product or service marketed as 'AI.' This makes the product appear more sophisticated and intelligent than it actually is. The term draws a parallel to 'greenwashing,' where companies overstate the environmental benefits of their products to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Marketers employing AI washing tactics often:
In essence, AI washing is like adding 'go-faster' stripes to a car without upgrading its engine—capitalizing on AI excitement without delivering revolutionary technology.
Why Is AI Washing a Problem?
AI washing might seem like typical marketing fluff, but it poses significant challenges and risks:
Examples of AI Washing
Several products and services illustrate AI washing:
How to Spot AI Washing
Identifying AI washing requires a critical eye:
Developing this skepticism is essential for making informed decisions about technology investments and fostering a more honest and transparent AI landscape. By being vigilant and questioning AI claims, we can help ensure that the true potential of AI is realized and that the technology is used ethically and effectively.
More insides?
getting better with prompting
AI Tutorial: How to improve your MidJourney prompts
Options that are added to a prompt as parameters alter how an image generates. The Aspect Ratios of an image, the Midjourney Model Versions, the Upscaler being utilized, and many other things can all be changed via parameters. Parameters are always added to the end of a prompt. You can add multiple parameters to each prompt.
/imagine prompt: musician looking at his laptop excitedly --aspect 2:3 --stop 95 --add birds
You can incorporate images into prompts to modify the layout, style, and color scheme of a task. This flexibility allows you to use text prompts, image prompts, or a combination of both.
To begin with an image prompt, simply input or paste the image's URL after the /imagine Discord command. Ensure that the URL ends with a .png, .gif, or .jpg extension for it to function properly. If you want to include additional text or parameters to refine the prompt, make sure to do so after entering the image URL.
For instance:
/imagine prompt: https://imageURL1.pngdescription of what to imagine --parameter1 --parameter2
Follow these tips to maximize your results:
With these tips, you can enhance your Midjourney experience and create stunning images. Try it!
developing new GenAI models is an endurance race - not a F1 race
Microsoft is Preparing a New AI model to Rival Google and OpenAI
Microsoft is currently working on MAI-1 , a large language model designed to challenge offerings from Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI. With 500 billion parameters, this project surpasses Microsoft’s previous open-source models, necessitating a greater investment in resources for its development.
The Details
? Model Size and Development: MAI-1, with its impressive 500 billion parameters, will be significantly larger and more resource-intensive compared to previous Microsoft models.
? Infrastructure and Data: The training process involves reserving Nvidia GPU servers and leveraging public web data and ChatGPT as part of its dataset.
? Leadership and Partnerships: DeepMind heads the team responsible for developing MAI-1. Microsoft has also recently struck a USD 650 million deal with Inflection AI to license its models and acquire a significant portion of its staff.
Why It Matters
? Competition in the AI Space: Microsoft's MAI-1 aims to directly compete with leading models from rivals, underlining the escalating race for dominance in AI technology.
? Resource Allocation: Building this model demonstrates the company’s significant investment in hardware and human resources to ensure competitiveness.
? Partnership and Integration: The collaboration with Inflection AI and use of ChatGPT data emphasizes Microsoft's strategic partnerships to accelerate development and embed advanced models across its suite of products.
GenAI accelerating education
Khan Academy and Microsoft will Give Teachers a free AI Assistant
Khan Academy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is making its AI assistant, Khanmigo, available for free to K-12 teachers in the United States. Previously, this tool required a USD 4 per month subscription to cover the underlying AI service costs. However, Microsoft is now donating access to its Azure infrastructure, enabling teachers to use Khanmigo without any cost.
Khanmigo is more than just a chatbot; it offers specific AI-powered tools to assist teachers in various ways:
This collaboration aims to alleviate the workload on teachers, who often work long hours outside the classroom. By providing a virtual teaching assistant, Khan Academy and Microsoft hope to enhance educational experiences and reduce the time teachers spend preparing lessons.
developments of decentralized platforms
Polymarket Raises USD 45 Million in Series B Funding
Polymarket, a decentralized prediction market platform, has successfully raised $45 million in a Series B funding round. This round was led by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, with significant contributions from existing investors such as 1confirmation and ParaFi. Other notable participants included Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, Dragonfly, and Kevin Hartz, co-founder of Eventbrite.
What is Polymarket?
Polymarket leverages the Ethereum blockchain and smart contracts to create a platform where users can speculate on the outcomes of real-world events using stablecoins.
The platform prides itself on providing a transparent and trustless way for individuals to engage in prediction markets.
Endorsement from Founders Fund
Founders Fund Partner Joey Krug expressed enthusiasm about Polymarket's impact on the prediction market landscape. He highlighted the platform’s utility during breaking news events, noting that the team at Founders Fund frequently checked Polymarket for insights. According to Krug, Polymarket has become a valuable complement to traditional news sources, cementing its position as a leader in the market.
Previous Funding and Regulatory Challenges
In addition to the recent Series B round, Polymarket confirmed a previously unannounced $25 million Series A round led by General Catalyst. This round also saw participation from Joe Gebbia of Airbnb and Polychain, among others.
Despite its success, Polymarket faces regulatory challenges. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) proposed a crackdown on event contracts that allow derivatives betting on political contests and sports. Polymarket settled with the CFTC in 2022, paying a $1.4 million fine and agreeing to wind down its Polymarket.com front-end website services in the U.S.
Market Activity and Political Betting
Polymarket reports substantial engagement on its platform, with $202 million worth of predictions made in 2024 alone. The U.S. election has been a significant driver of activity, with over $125 million bet on the outcome. Current odds on Polymarket show Donald Trump leading Joe Biden with 49% to 44%.
Expansion and Leadership
To navigate its next phase of growth, Polymarket has appointed Richard Jaycobs, a veteran in the futures industry, as Head of Market Expansion. Jaycobs will explore opportunities for U.S.-regulated activities. He brings over 30 years of experience in the registration and operation of financial derivatives exchanges and clearinghouses.
Jaycobs will collaborate with former CFTC Chairman J. Christopher Giancarlo, who serves as Polymarket’s advisory board Chair. Giancarlo praised Polymarket’s growth and commitment to building a sustainable business, noting that the new financing positions the company to capitalize on its international success and product leadership.
Our Conclusion
With substantial backing from high-profile investors and strategic leadership appointments, Polymarket is poised to continue its growth trajectory. The platform’s innovative approach to prediction markets and its ability to attract significant investment underline its potential to reshape how people engage with real-world event outcomes.
We
We're an agile team of independent consulting and project experts based in S?o Paulo, Brazil, specializing in cutting-edge technologies like blockchain 2.0, smart contracts, and generative AI. Our diverse team includes forward-thinking specialists in blockchain development, smart contract architecture, dApp design, and GenAI algorithms for OT. Committed to innovation, we thrive in S?o Paulo's vibrant tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. What sets us apart is our passion for applying emerging tech to solve complex challenges and drive meaningful change. Whether it's decentralized solutions, smart contract optimization, or creative use of generative AI, we approach each project with creativity and expertise. Collaboration is central to our ethos—we blend diverse skills to deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations. Seeking innovative solutions at the intersection of blockchain, smart contracts, and generative AI? Let's connect and shape the future together, one project at a time. We are the tech arm of iMB.Solutions if it comes to digitization, generative AI and smart contract project missions.