Weekly Bytes about AI, Data Science & Web3 - CW 46
This Week in AI, Data Science and Web3
Welcome to this week's edition of the Weekly Bytes newsletter, where we delve into the latest developments and innovations in AI, DS, and Web3. We begin by highlighting Microsoft's new free Generative AI course for beginners, a comprehensive program that promises to transform AI literacy. Next, we explore Tecton's Rift, a breakthrough AI compute engine that simplifies real-time AI applications, and discuss LangChain's expanded collaboration with Microsoft to improve AI application development. In Web3, we examine Florian Spychiger's research on integrating blockchain into project management through DAOs, and report on Nansen's insights into Polygon's growth in Q3 2023. The newsletter also covers HSBC's foray into tokenized securities custody, and Commerzbank's milestone in obtaining a crypto custody license. In addition, we discuss the recent upheaval at OpenAI, including the ouster of CEO Sam Altman and Ilya Sutskever's focus on the future of AI. Finally, we share some personal highlights.
?? Artificial Intelligence
Free Microsoft Gen AI Course for Beginners
微软 's introduced a comprehensive free 12-lesson course on Generative AI, tailored for beginners. The course, hosted on GitHub, provides a blend of video introductions, written lessons, Jupyter Notebook exercises, and assignments to facilitate hands-on learning. Topics range from an introduction to Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), to building various AI applications and understanding responsible AI usage. Additional resources are provided for extended learning. The course also encourages community engagement through an AI Discord server and offers support for startups via Microsoft's Founders Hub, including free OpenAI credits and Azure AI services. This program is a journey from basic concepts to advanced applications in Generative AI, ideal for students, developers, and AI enthusiasts.
Unlocking Real-Time AI for Everyone with Tecton
Tecton introduces Rift, a Python-based AI compute engine, designed to simplify real-time AI applications for companies. Rift overcomes challenges like low-latency feature retrieval and real-time data transformations, a common hurdle in AI application development. Tecton, known for aiding major firms like Roblox in generating over a trillion real-time predictions yearly, now enables easier feature building across batch, streaming, and real-time data with Rift. The engine allows rapid iteration and deployment of AI features at enterprise scale without complex infrastructure needs. This innovation marks a significant stride in making real-time AI more accessible and manageable for businesses. More on this.
LangChain Expands Collaboration with Microsoft
LangChain and 微软 have announced an expanded collaboration, integrating LangChain’s AI application development framework with Microsoft's Azure services. This partnership focuses on enhancing product integrations and includes LangChain’s participation in the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program. LangChain, known for its context-aware reasoning applications, complements Microsoft’s innovation in technology, particularly in AI and cloud services. The collaboration aims to streamline the development and deployment of AI-driven applications, offering solutions like LangSmith for lifecycle management of LLM-powered applications. Key benefits of this partnership include improved product integrations, simplified procurement of LangSmith through Azure Marketplace, and reinforced data security in Azure’s Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). More on this.
Morningstar Unveils Intelligence Engine for Enhanced Financial Insights
晨星 has introduced the Intelligence Engine, a new tool transforming access to financial data using Generative AI. Leveraging a chatbot named 'Mo', users can query Morningstar's extensive research database in natural language, receiving tailored insights quickly. The platform also allows clients to create personalized AI tools, including white-labeled chatbots, by securely integrating their own research data. Built on LangChain 's robust framework, the Intelligence Engine enhances Morningstar's long-standing tradition of innovative financial tools. Developed in under 60 days by a small team, it signifies a major step in making financial data more accessible and actionable for professionals. More on this.
?? Web3
Organizing Projects with Blockchain Through a DAO
The research paper by Florian Spychiger and colleagues explores the integration of blockchain technology, specifically through a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), in project management. The study reveals that blockchain can effectively support the management of simple projects and introduces a Decentralized Autonomous Project Organization (DAPO). The research highlights that while more decentralized project management emphasizes the importance of social aspects like teamwork and self-organization, it does not significantly impact budget and schedule management. The study conducted experimental research, comparing traditional project management principles with a blockchain-supported DAPO, showing that blockchain implementation in project management could lead to more democratized decision-making processes without compromising project efficiency. More on this.
Nansen's Polygon Quarterly Report - Q3 2023
Nansen 's report on Polygon highlights its technological advancements and ecosystem growth, in Q3 2023. The Inborg Upgrade improved Polygon PoS network performance, while Polygon Miden, a ZK-rollup, is set for a testnet launch, aiming to enhance transaction efficiency. Key collaborations include 汉莎航空 's NFT-based loyalty program and Nexon's blockchain for MapleStory, showcasing Polygon's widespread adoption in diverse sectors. On-chain data reveals stable daily active addresses and cost-effective performance compared to Ethereum, with Chainlink, Tether, and USDC leading in transactions and user engagement. Polygon Labs' focus on ZK technology and the upcoming Polygon 2.0 upgrade signifies its commitment to scaling Ethereum and influencing the decentralized ecosystem. More on this.
Uniswap Rolls Out Crypto Wallet for Android Users
Uniswap has launched its crypto wallet for Android users, following a successful beta in October and an iOS release earlier this year. The app allows users to swap tokens across multiple chains like Polygon and Arbitrum, and features a unique MEV blocker for swap protection against frontrunning and sandwich attacks. The wallet, which is designed to cater to a global audience, supports six languages and 18 currencies. It was thoroughly beta-tested to ensure stability across various Android devices. This launch represents a significant expansion for Uniswap, known as the largest decentralized exchange by trade volume, and marks a key step in making decentralized finance more accessible. More on this.
HSBC Ventures into Tokenized Securities Custody
汇丰 announced its new venture into offering custody services for tokenized securities, a move that echoes the banking industry's increasing adoption of digital assets. Utilizing technology from Swiss crypto custody firm Metaco , HSBC aims to safely store digital assets representing regulated securities like bonds. This service aligns with HSBC's broader digital assets strategy, including its HSBC Orion platform for issuing digital assets and a recent initiative for tokenized physical gold. The move reflects a growing market demand for digital asset custody and fund administration, marking another significant step for HSBC in embracing blockchain technology and digital assets. More on this.
Blockchain-Powered Asset Management
J.P. Morgan's Onyx Digital Assets, in collaboration with Apollo Global Management, Inc., has embarked on a pioneering venture under the Monetary Authority of Singapore's Project Guardian. This proof-of-concept (PoC) leverages blockchain technology, smart contracts, and tokenization to potentially automate portfolio management, integrating traditional and alternative investments. Utilizing a variety of interoperability protocols, Onyx Digital Assets connected with a permissioned Avalanche Evergreen Subnet for fund subscriptions and redemptions. This initiative demonstrates the potential of blockchain to standardize and automate investment processes, enabling wealth managers to incorporate more alternative assets into client portfolios, and highlighting the evolving role of blockchain in finance. More on this.
Commerzbank scores crypto custody license in Germany
Commerzbank AG , a major German financial institution, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the Crypto Custody Licence under the German Banking Act (KWG). This authorization positions Commerzbank as the first German full-service bank to legally offer crypto custody services. The bank's immediate goal is to develop a secure, regulatory-compliant platform for institutional clients, focusing on the custody of crypto assets based on blockchain technology. Dr. J?rg Oliveri del Castillo-Schulz, the bank's Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that this development underlines Commerzbank's commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies and expanding its services in the digital assets domain. More on this.
Understanding 'Fully Decentralized' in the Context of MiCA
Jonathan Galea critiques the term 'fully decentralized' used in MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets), challenging its practical application in legal terms. He aligns with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) , which proposes a more nuanced definition of permissionless Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in MiCA's second consultation package. According to ESMA, a 'permissionless DLT' is one where no single entity controls the ledger or its use, and nodes can be established by anyone meeting the technical criteria. This definition has significant implications for Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms, suggesting that platforms not controlled by a single entity and not reliant on essential core services by an entity may fall outside MiCA's regulatory scope. Galea argues that decentralization is a spectrum, and a high degree of decentralization is necessary for a platform to be considered truly outside the scope of MiCA. More on this.
领英推荐
?? Data Science
Microsoft Ignite 2023: Driving AI Transformation in Technology
At Microsoft Ignite 2023, Microsoft highlighted its AI-driven advancements, showcasing transformative technologies across various industries. The event featured the impact of Microsoft's Copilot for Microsoft 365, which has significantly enhanced user productivity and efficiency. Key announcements included the introduction of Microsoft Azure Maia and Azure Cobalt chips, designed to optimize cloud-based AI workloads, and the general availability of Azure Boost for enhanced storage and networking. The extension of the Microsoft Copilot experience across diverse roles and functions was a major focus, aiming to transform productivity and business processes. These innovations represent Microsoft's commitment to leading the AI transformation in technology and cloud infrastructure. More on this.
?? Book of News
ibi Launches Data Intelligence Solution to Revolutionize Data Management
ibi, part of Cloud Software Group , has announced the launch of ibi? Data Intelligence, a new solution aimed at streamlining data management for organizations. This comprehensive platform, introduced on November 16, 2023, centralizes data management, enhancing efficiency and data accessibility. Designed to simplify complex data operations, it integrates various data sources, vital for AI and analytics teams, into a single system. The solution offers an AI-powered, low-code user environment, facilitating easier data workflows and advanced analytics. ibi Data Intelligence represents a significant step in aiding organizations to efficiently manage and leverage their data for better decision-making. More on this.
Dataiku's LLM Mesh Program Welcomes Databricks
Dataiku announces the integration of Databricks into its LLM Mesh Partner Program, enhancing AI scalability and collaboration in enterprise environments. This partnership addresses key challenges in managing Large Language Models, focusing on cost, security, privacy, and trust. Together, they aim to democratize AI access, combining Dataiku's user-friendly platform with Databricks' advanced Lakehouse infrastructure. This collaboration enhances Generative AI application development, offering simplified adoption, comprehensive data integration, and secure connectivity to LLM models. This initiative marks a significant step in advancing the practical use and trustworthiness of Generative AI in business settings. More on this.
PowerBI new Features
Power BI introduces an array of innovative features enhancing data exploration and report creation. The highlights include the Button Slicer, a revolutionary tool offering a new way to slice data with enhanced customization, and Reference Labels, enabling the addition of custom labels to cards for more informative visuals. Another major update is the integration of Copilot suggestions for Q&A visuals, streamlining synonym management and enhancing data summaries. Additionally, updates to On-object Interaction and Azure Maps Visual have been introduced, along with the groundbreaking Narrative Visual with Copilot, providing advanced data summarization capabilities. More on this.
OpenAI
In the wake of Sam Altman's unexpected layoff from OpenAI yesterday, there has been a significant amount of discussion and speculation. I have attempted to gather some key points together:
Connecting these events leads to a hypothesis: The latest release might have had a major security flaw, possibly causing a data breach. This theory is supported by a past incident in March where users accessed others' private chats. It's speculated that in the rush to market, security and privacy checks were overlooked, leading to a more significant issue. Internal concerns, potentially voiced by CTO Mira Murati and others regarding the launch, might have been a significant factor in escalating issues to the board. This action was compounded by internal discord over OpenAI's future strategic direction, particularly the disagreements about balancing commercialization with maintaining the original non-profit ethos.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Ousted in Boardroom Shake-Up
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, was unexpectedly removed from his position in a boardroom decision driven by internal disagreements over the company's direction. The news, revealed by former OpenAI President Greg Brockman, came after a meeting orchestrated by OpenAI's chief scientist Ilya Sutskever. This move highlights a divide within OpenAI, pitting commercialization goals against the original non-profit vision. The board expressed a loss of confidence in Altman's leadership, citing issues with transparency in communication. This upheaval at OpenAI raises concerns about potential employee turnover and the future strategic direction of the company. More on this.
Inside the Mind of OpenAI’s Chief Scientist: Addressing the Future of AI
Ilya Sutskever , OpenAI's cofounder and chief scientist, has shifted his focus towards preventing artificial superintelligence from becoming a threat. In an interview, he shares his thoughts on the future of AI, including the development of machines as intelligent as humans, and the possibility that ChatGPT might exhibit a form of consciousness. Sutskever envisions a future where humans may opt to merge with AI to keep pace with its advancements. He emphasizes the need for effective control measures for superintelligent AI, advocating for fail-safe procedures to ensure its safe integration into society. Sutskever's approach reflects a deep concern for the potential risks of AI, coupled with a belief in its transformative power. More on this.
Eight days ago, Elon Musk shared his insights on OpenAI and Ilya Sutskever's role on the Lex Fridman Podcast. Revisiting the podcast now, it seems Musk may have had an inkling of the current developments:
He specifically noted, "It was created as a non-profit open source and now it is a closed-source for maximum profit... Which I think is not good carma... ..." [1:27:35]
OpenAI DevDay Breakout Sessions are now live on YouTube. Explore the detailed overview of our new developer products, strategies for maximizing LLM performance, and more.
?? Personal Highlights of this Week
Attended the workshop by Sebastian Witalec and Zain Hasan from Weaviate on how to build a multi-modal search with vector databases, very enlightening.
Furthermore, Florian Georg from 微软 introduced us to the Azure Developer Tools and OpenAI services. I am looking forward to testing these tools at the Swiss Data Science Center hackathon at the end of the month.
Additionally I'm honored to have been selected as a Supertalent in Cohort 3 of the NFT Talents program. A heartfelt thank you to the mentors, experts and the team behind the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center for the insightful sessions that have significantly enriched my understanding and skills in the blockchain and NFT space.
#AI #DataScience #Web3 #Blockchain #TechTrends #WeeklyBytes #NFTTalents
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Disclaimer: The following information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies, NFTs, or any other asset class involves inherent risks, and individuals should conduct their own research (DYOR — Do Your Own Research) and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions. The content provided does not guarantee any specific outcomes or results. The responsibility for any investment or financial decisions rests solely with the individual.