Ant International has created an AI model for hourly currency exchange rate predictions, aiming to reduce cross-border payment costs for businesses. This technology is part of Ant's Alipay+ network, which supports over 30 global e-wallets and banking apps, connecting 88 million+ merchants worldwide. Alipay+ has also expanded its partnership with PayPay in Japan.
AI is rapidly advancing in simulating physics and chemistry problems, potentially rivalling quantum computers. Neural networks can now model systems of up to 100,000 atoms, making previously difficult problems in chemistry and materials science feasible. This progress is driven by improved techniques and vast datasets. While quantum computers may still have advantages for certain problems, AI could reach important milestones in chemistry and materials science simulation sooner.
Donald Trump's US presidential election victory is expected to significantly impact climate policy, potentially reversing recent progress and affecting global emissions reduction efforts. Less environmental regulation and changes in trade policies are anticipated. Tech industry leaders are reportedly reaching out to Trump, possibly aiming to rebuild relationships. The election result may influence ongoing antitrust proposals against major tech companies.
AI technology's increasing water consumption is becoming a significant concern. Studies show ChatGPT queries can use substantial amounts of water, while major tech companies have seen notable increases in water usage. Projections suggest AI's water consumption could match that of a small European nation by 2027. Many data centres are in water-stressed areas, worsening the problem. Rainwater harvesting is proposed as a potential solution, with some tech companies already implementing such systems.
A social media trend sees people using AI chatbots, particularly ChatGPT, to generate descriptions of their 'dream life'. The #ChatGPTDreamLife hashtag has gained significant traction on TikTok. Users find these AI-generated scenarios emotionally impactful, using them for motivation and planning. Some are expanding the concept to create task lists and goals. While the trend offers escapism, experts warn of risks including over-reliance on AI for emotional support, reduced personal agency, and privacy concerns. This trend showcases AI's growing integration into personal aspirations.
Generative AI technologies like ChatGPT could improve patient-oriented clinical practice guidelines in Japan, which are currently underdeveloped. AI could help simplify complex medical information and customise content, potentially benefiting other countries too. However, expert review remains necessary to ensure accuracy.
Samsung has unveiled a new version of its Bixby AI assistant, powered by large language model technology. Currently exclusive to certain Samsung foldable phones in China, it features improved understanding of complex instructions, information extraction from on-screen content, and context retention in conversations. It supports text and voice input, and can be accessed from any screen. Samsung has not announced global availability plans.
The oil-and-gas industry's annual ADIPEC gathering in Abu Dhabi focused on AI and energy. A survey of industry leaders concluded that AI is expected to transform the energy business, improving efficiency and reducing emissions. A private meeting between tech and energy executives preceded the event.
Microsoft is adding AI-powered text rewriting to Notepad for Windows Insiders. Google accidentally revealed Jarvis, an AI for autonomous web tasks. Canada has ordered TikTok to cease business operations due to national security concerns, but the app remains available.
Apple is exploring AI server production using its own Silicon processors, partnering with Foxconn and Lenovo for manufacturing in Taiwan. The company aims to support its AI services in data centres, focusing on inference rather than training large language models. Apple is seeking supplier support for engineering and design due to limited experience in data centre server design.
OpenAI and Apple are exploring AR smart glasses development. OpenAI hired Meta's former AR hardware lead, while Apple is conducting internal research on AR glasses. These moves, following Apple's Vision Pro launch, suggest major tech companies see AI-integrated AR glasses as a potential future consumer product.
A global phishing campaign called CopyRh(ight)adamantys has been discovered, targeting individuals and organisations. It uses AI-generated emails to impersonate legitimate groups, claiming social media copyright violations. The attackers employ Rhadamanthys malware and older AI models for customisation. Google acknowledges the threat and states their AI protections are effective against it.
Wendy's is using Palantir's AI to manage its supply chain, aiming to predict shortages and ensure product availability. This could automate ordering in the future and helps Wendy's compete with larger fast-food chains.
Generative AI is being integrated into business workflows using a 'just-in-time' approach to maximise effectiveness and minimise costs. Some companies are implementing AI systems for specific tasks like report generation and enhancing employee workflows. Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) services are being used to improve AI output quality without custom training. Whilst some leaders support this approach, others question its universal applicability. The cost-benefit ratio varies depending on the use case.
AI companies are using machine learning to improve clinical trial design and execution for existing drugs, aiming to accelerate drug development. Current AI applications in clinical trials focus on process optimisation rather than advanced concepts like full trial simulation. The industry is not yet implementing more speculative AI applications in this area.
OpenAI's leadership discussed plans for ChatGPT, stating GPT-5 won't release this year but improvements are coming. They're expanding ChatGPT's context window, refining voice capabilities, enhancing image generation, and exploring autonomous AI agents. OpenAI is addressing ChatGPT's accuracy issues through reinforcement learning and grounding in trusted sources.
Researchers have developed an AI-enhanced electronic tongue that can detect subtle variations in liquids with over 95% accuracy. The device uses a graphene-based sensor linked to an artificial neural network, enabling it to distinguish between liquids, identify products, and detect spoilage. The technology shows promise for applications in food safety, production, and medical diagnostics.
An AI Image Fabrication detector has been developed to identify AI-generated images in scientific publications. The tool claims a 98% success rate with a 0.02% false-positive rate and can detect AI-generated microscopy images. Science journal is using the tool, while Springer Nature is developing its own detection tools. Regular updates are planned to recognise images from new AI models.
ChatGPT 4 Omni, an AI system, accurately identified pills in a controlled test, showing potential for EMS training in overdose scenarios. However, its real-world application faces limitations and privacy concerns. EMS professionals are advised to understand the technology's capabilities and limitations before considering integration into practice.
AI is a transformative technology comparable to electricity and the internet, with potential to improve efficiency across industries. However, realising its full economic impact may take decades and require significant investments in new processes, skills and business models. Some view AI as part of the ongoing IT revolution rather than a separate phenomenon. Managing the societal changes brought by AI and IT is a key challenge.
