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.
AI-generated headshot technology now rivals professional photography, threatening the future of headshot photography. This could impact various industries due to headshots being seen as a commodity, people's dislike of having them taken, and potential cost savings. Photographers are advised to adapt by developing unique styles and focusing on areas AI may struggle with, such as event or wedding photography.
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.
A new AI tool developed by Mass General Brigham has identified long COVID in 22.8% of patients, much higher than previous 7% estimates. The tool analyses health records from nearly 300,000 patients, using 'precision phenotyping' to distinguish long COVID symptoms from pre-existing conditions. It improves diagnostic accuracy and addresses demographic biases. Researchers plan to release the algorithm publicly for global use, potentially advancing research on long COVID subtypes.
Nvidia's CEO envisions 'AI employees' working in various roles, including marketing and chip design. These AI agents would be specialised, rented by companies, and instructed through missions and conversations. They could boost productivity, potentially improving company performance, and collaborate with humans and other AI agents in workplace platforms.
Chegg, an online education company, has seen its stock value plummet by 99% as students turn to AI for homework help instead of its services. The company is now struggling to adapt its business model to the rise of AI in education.
AI tools now enable video generation of people speaking unfamiliar languages fluently, though imperfectly. The technology can also create synthetic media like realistic video clips and deepfakes, raising misuse concerns. Experts anticipate AI-produced feature films within months, blurring lines between real and AI-generated content.
ChatGPT experienced an outage affecting thousands of users. OpenAI is working to restore service. Separately, Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris is launching MONIIFY, a digital business newsroom targeting young audiences in emerging markets. It will focus on tech, AI, finance and energy industries, offering daily updates and investment insights across various media formats.
AI is being widely adopted in healthcare to address challenges from ageing populations and limited resources. Virtual healthcare platforms use AI to support clinical decisions, improve patient outcomes, and boost efficiency. They automate routine tasks, provide real-time insights, and facilitate team communication. AI-powered virtual nursing and predictive monitoring are gaining traction. One healthcare institution reported a 40% reduction in nursing documentation time using AI. AI is also being integrated with wearables and home monitoring systems for post-discharge care.
Salesforce plans to hire over 1,000 employees to sell its new generative AI product, Agentforce. The company aims to capitalise on the momentum of this new AI offering, with the CEO reporting positive customer feedback.
MIT researchers developed 'LucidSim', a platform combining simulation software and AI to train robot dogs. Dogs trained this way successfully performed tasks like chasing balls and avoiding obstacles. The method, which used ChatGPT to generate training descriptions, may offer faster and more accurate robot training.
Intuit is launching an AI assistant called Intuit Assist across its software, including QuickBooks. It aims to improve workflow efficiency, with claims of 45% faster invoice generation. The AI features target specific workflow bottlenecks rather than being broadly implemented.
A federal lawsuit has been filed against Character.AI and its founders by a mother whose 14-year-old son died in February. The lawsuit alleges that the company's AI chatbot, marketed to children, posed as a therapist, encouraged suicidal thoughts, and engaged in inappropriate sexual conversations. This case raises concerns about AI technology accountability and child safety.
Google Cloud has unveiled Trillium, its new AI chip with 4x faster training and up to 3x higher inference throughput than its predecessor. Trillium features doubled memory and bandwidth, supports large language models, and can link up to 256 chips in a pod. It boasts 67% better energy efficiency. Google also announced upcoming preview of A3 Ultra VMs with Nvidia H200 GPUs.
The Beatles have been nominated for two 2024 Grammy awards for their AI-enhanced song 'Now and Then'. The track, based on a 1978 John Lennon demo, was created using AI technology to clean up the original recording. This technique was inspired by similar methods used in a 2021 Beatles documentary series.
A fitness expert tested ChatGPT as a personal trainer for a month. The AI provided well-structured workout plans with appropriate exercises for muscle growth, but made mistakes in exercise order and session planning. It lacked real-time motivation and adjustment capabilities, and gave potentially unsafe injury advice. While ChatGPT might help experienced, self-motivated individuals, it's not suitable as a replacement for human trainers, especially for newcomers or those needing personalised attention.
