Chinese AI start-up Moonshot AI launched a new reasoning AI model, k0-math, which outperformed OpenAI's models in Chinese mathematical examinations and competition-level problem sets. The model uses enhanced learning and chain-of-thought reasoning but has limitations with geometry problems and tends to overthink simple maths problems.
Qualcomm envisions future smartphones with on-device AI capable of answering questions by consulting multiple apps. This 'agentic AI' technology is expected to be more prevalent by 2025, not in next year's Android phones. The concept involves AI distilling data from apps and devices for personalised information. Similar developments include Galaxy AI, Google Gemini extensions, and Apple's Siri with personal context understanding.
Fair Patterns, founded by Marie Potel-Saville, uses AI to identify dark patterns - manipulative design techniques on websites and apps. The European Commission found over 97% of popular EU sites use dark patterns. Fair Patterns' algorithm scans for these designs, flags them, and links to legal risks. The company aims to promote ethical practices, with some businesses like Canva and Bumble implementing their recommendations.
Researchers at the University of New Orleans are using machine learning to analyse autistic children's behaviour patterns. The project aims to create an AI system to interpret behaviours and advise caregivers. With £300,000 in funding, the study focuses on children aged 2-5, creating a database of behaviour patterns. The goal is to develop an app to help caregivers understand autistic children's behaviour by analysing images or videos, potentially benefiting thousands of families.
A new AI service, SantaPhoneCalls.com, offers personalised phone calls from Santa to children. Using generative AI, it creates interactive conversations customised with parent-provided details. Priced between £7.95 and £15.95, it aims to enhance families' festive experiences. This represents a growing trend of AI applications in holiday-themed services.
Web Summit, Europe's largest tech event, is happening in Lisbon this November. With 70,000 attendees expected, the main focus is artificial intelligence, covering regulation, sustainability, and ethics. Key speakers include executives from major tech companies and government officials. Other topics include social media in politics and the future of transportation. The event marks the return of Web Summit's previously controversial co-founder and CEO.
NeuroAI, combining neuroscience and AI, has become a key research field. It applies AI to neuroscience and vice versa, accelerating both fields. This connection traces back to early computer science. Developments like perceptrons, convolutional neural networks, and reinforcement learning showcase the symbiosis. AI has also advanced neuroscience, with artificial neural networks improving models of brain function and generating new hypotheses.
Chinese tech companies are ramping up efforts to recruit AI talent, offering competitive salaries across various AI fields. Xiaomi, a smartphone manufacturer, is streamlining its recruitment process for AI experts, including fast-tracking certain applications.
Fujitsu and AMD are partnering to develop energy-efficient, open-source HPC and AI platforms by 2027. Fujitsu will contribute ARM-based processor technology, including a new 288-core chip, while AMD provides GPU expertise. The collaboration aims to advance technology, commercialisation, and ecosystem expansion for AI and HPC applications.
A new play called "Data" explores the potential consequences of a partnership between a tech leader and an authoritarian US government. Set in Silicon Valley, it examines the human element behind AI algorithms.
AI-generated images are becoming more common on social media platforms like Facebook. These images often appear slightly unusual and are sometimes posted by faceless accounts. Whilst platforms are trying to label AI content, some images still circulate without proper identification. Users often engage with these images, despite their artificial nature.
Spotify introduced an AI DJ feature that creates personalised playlists based on users' listening history, greets them, and provides commentary. While aiming to replicate radio DJs, it lacks human connection and diverse selections. This feature reflects a trend of tech companies incorporating AI into products, possibly overestimating demand for AI-generated creative content.
Near Protocol plans to develop a large open-source AI model with 1.4 trillion parameters, surpassing Meta's Llama model. The project will use crowdsourced research and development, with contributors starting on a smaller model. Seven progressively larger models are planned, funded through token sales. Near Protocol aims to monetise the models, reward contributors, and decentralise AI technology to prevent single-company control.
Chinese scientists have developed an AI-powered robot lifeguard that operates autonomously 24/7. It uses AI, big data, and navigation technologies. The robot is being tested at a riverside location in China, where it will be permanently stationed.
A Swiss foundation has launched a $500 million programme to support AI platforms in Africa, focusing on agriculture and finance. This aligns with the African Union's recent AI strategy to drive digital development on the continent.
OpenAI is reportedly changing strategy due to slowing improvements in GPT AI models. Despite increasing usage of ChatGPT and other AI products, the underlying technology's enhancement rate is decelerating. OpenAI is investigating new methods to boost performance in response to this trend.
AI model compression techniques optimise large language models for faster, cheaper predictions whilst maintaining performance. Key methods include model pruning, quantization, and knowledge distillation. These enable deployment in resource-constrained environments, reduce latency, lower costs, and improve energy efficiency, particularly for real-time AI applications and edge devices.
Waymo has introduced EMMA, a new AI research model for self-driving that combines visual and textual data processing with language model knowledge. While still in research, EMMA aims to enhance autonomous driving decision-making. Waymo recently raised $5.6 billion, valuing it at over $45 billion, and is developing new vehicles based on the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Google Meet for Android is introducing AI-generated meeting backgrounds using Google Gemini technology. Users can create custom backgrounds in various styles, including a new Christmas theme. The feature requires a Gemini for Google Workspace add-on or Google One AI Premium subscription and is expected to be widely available soon.
U.S. firm Vantiq has donated AI software worth $500,000 to develop smart cities in Ukraine. The project, in partnership with local organisations, aims to establish over 100 industrial parks, potentially impacting 2.5 million citizens. The AI software analyses data to improve city management, enhance wartime communication, and aid post-war reconstruction. The initiative seeks to optimise resource allocation, streamline data collection, and attract foreign investment through increased transparency.
