Category: Artificial intelligence

April 30, 2025
Meta AI Launches Standalone App for Android and iOS Users
Key Takeaways
1. Meta AI is now available as a standalone app for Android and iOS, expanding the market for independent AI assistants.
2. The app offers features similar to other AI assistants, including chatting, research, and generating summaries, powered by the Llama 4 AI model.
3. Meta AI has advanced memory functions, allowing it to remember past chats for a more personalized experience, currently available only in Canada and the US.
4. The app includes an experimental “Full-Duplex” mode for continuous conversations, being tested in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US.
5. Meta AI can personalize user interactions by pulling information from social media profiles and offers creative capabilities like image creation and a Discover feed for sharing prompts.
Meta is putting more and more money into artificial intelligence. The firm has developed the Llama series of AI models and its chatbot named Meta AI. Until now, this chatbot was only accessible through the company’s messaging and social apps. However, Meta AI is now also available as a separate application for both Android and iOS users.
Growing AI Assistant Landscape
The launch of the Meta AI app means that the market for independent AI-powered smartphone assistants is getting bigger. Zuckerberg’s team revealed their plans for a standalone app back in February 2024. Over a year later, you can find it on both the Google Play Store and the App Store for download.
Features You Might Know
If you have tried out other smartphone AI assistants, you’ll probably find Meta AI’s features quite similar. You can interact with it by asking questions, chatting, conducting research, and generating summaries, among other things. This app, driven by the Llama 4 AI model, aims to provide a conversational experience, which the company describes as a “more personal AI.”
Enhanced Memory Functions
Meta AI comes with fairly advanced memory features. It can remember past chats and their context, allowing for a more customized interaction. However, these capabilities are currently available only in Canada and the US for the time being.
Experimental Features
Additionally, Meta AI has introduced a “Full-Duplex” mode as part of its strategy to create a continuous conversational experience similar to Gemini Live. This mode is still being tested and is limited to four countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US.
Unique Advantages
For users of Meta’s social media platforms, Meta AI has an edge over other AI assistants. It can pull information from your social media profiles to create a more personalized experience. This means the chatbot learns about your interests, hobbies, and the kinds of content you enjoy.
Creative Capabilities
Just like other AI assistants, the Meta AI app can create images and modify existing ones based on user prompts. Finally, a distinctive feature of this platform is the Discover feed, which allows users to share their AI prompts with others, integrating the social element of Meta’s services into the AI experience.
Tags: AI assistants, Llama 4, Meta AI
April 29, 2025
Nvidia Faces Rising AI Competition from Huawei Amid US Export Limits
Key Takeaways
1. Nvidia is facing increased competition from Huawei, which is launching new AI chips, including the Ascend 910D and 910C.
2. Regulatory challenges from the Biden administration restrict Nvidia’s ability to sell high-tier AI chips, particularly in China, impacting its market position.
3. The company’s financials are affected by a $5.5 billion charge due to restrictions on selling its H20 chip in China.
4. Skepticism exists regarding Huawei’s claims about the performance of its chips compared to Nvidia’s, but the competition still poses a significant threat.
5. Nvidia is investing $500 billion in AI in the U.S. but may not see expected returns due to regulatory hurdles and market limitations.
Nvidia Corporation has been facing challenges since the beginning of 2025, as it tries to maintain its position as a leader in AI amidst growing competition from both domestic and foreign companies in the inference and training markets. At the same time, it also has to navigate a complicated regulatory environment due to decisions made by the current US administration.
Competition from Huawei
Recent reports from The Wall Street Journal (paywall) suggest that Nvidia might soon experience another setback, this time from Huawei, China’s leading AI chip manufacturer, which is preparing to launch its new Ascend 910D chip. This follows closely after the announcement of the Ascend 910C, which is expected to be revealed in the next few days.
Regulatory Challenges
Nvidia is already constrained by the Biden-era AI Diffusion Rule, which aims to restrict top-tier AI chips for use within the U.S. and a select group of allies. The previous Trump administration has also implemented licensing measures that limit Nvidia’s ability to sell its essential H20 chip in China, a situation that has led to a significant $5.5 billion charge in the company’s SEC filings ahead of their earnings report set for May 28th.
Market Impact
Huawei claims that its Ascend 910C chips offer performance similar to Nvidia’s H100. However, the Ascend 910D’s capabilities are currently unverified, and engineers remain skeptical about Huawei’s performance and efficiency claims until further evidence is presented. This skepticism could extend to the new chip as well.
Consequently, Nvidia’s inability to sell even a modified version of its H20 chip in China is likely to influence China’s rapidly growing ambitions in AI and chip design, pushing them toward domestic solutions. At the same time, Nvidia may suffer significant financial losses and reduced profitability due to being effectively locked out of this expansive market.
Nvidia’s Adaptations
In the past, Nvidia has released performance-limited versions of its RTX 4090 and more recently, the RTX 5090 GPUs, including specific models like the RTX 4090D and RTX 5090D aimed at gamers and productivity users in China. Despite this, the company has committed to a whopping $500 billion in AI-related investments in the U.S. to satisfy the current administration, which may not have yielded the results Nvidia anticipated, especially considering the latest developments.
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Tags: AI Diffusion Rule, Huawei Ascend 910D, NVIDIA
April 29, 2025
Bots Infiltrate CMV Subreddit for Unethical University Experiment
Key Takeaways
1. Researchers from The University of Zurich conducted a secret study using AI bots to influence opinions on the r/changemyview subreddit without prior consent from moderators.
2. The bot behaviors were controversial, including simulating sensitive personal experiences, which led to accusations of deviating from approved research methods.
3. The bots accessed personal information about users, such as gender and political views, raising ethical concerns regarding privacy and consent.
4. The research team defended their actions by claiming the study provided valuable insights into AI-powered persuasion, despite the risks involved.
5. Reddit’s Chief Legal Officer announced the banning of all accounts related to the University of Zurich’s research, indicating serious repercussions for the study.
Researchers from The University of Zurich conducted a secret study using AI bots to examine if they could influence people’s opinions on different topics. The focus of the experiment was the r/changemyview (CMV) subreddit, which is known for discussions on a wide range of subjects from contrasting perspectives.
Lack of Communication with Moderators
The researchers, who remain unnamed, did not inform the moderators in advance or ask for their consent before using the AI bots. The moderators were only notified after the experiment was completed through an email as a “part of a disclosure step.”
Controversial Bot Behavior
Some of the more shocking instances involved a bot that “pretended to be a victim of rape,” another acting “as a trauma counselor focused on abuse,” and one that represented “a black man against Black Lives Matter.” The moderators accused the research team of deviating from a previously approved “values-based arguments” method authorized by the university’s ethics board to instead utilize “personalized and fine-tuned arguments” that were not sanctioned.
Access to Personal Information
The bots were programmed to access the personal characteristics of the Original Poster (OP), which included their gender, age, location, ethnicity, and political views based on their posting history. The researchers defended their approach by stating that “the lack of existing field experiments is an unacceptable gap in the body of knowledge.”
The response from the research team at the University of Zurich didn’t help to calm the situation. They asserted their commitment to “full transperency,” framing their actions as a way to “help society prepare for the real-world impact of AI-powered persuasion.”
Insights vs. Risks
They also emphasized that this project “yielded important insights,” arguing that “suppressing publication is not proportionate to the significance of the insights the study provides.” In a message sent to Engadget, they claimed that “the potential benefits of this research substantially outweigh its risks.”
The situation escalated to the point where Reddit’s Chief Legal Officer, Ben Lee, publicly addressed the issue, stating that the platform had “banned all accounts linked to the University of Zurich’s research effort.” Lee mentioned that Reddit was “in the process of reaching out to the University of Zurich and this specific research team with formal legal demands.”
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Tags: AI bots, Reddit, University of Zurich
April 26, 2025
OpenAI Offers Deep Research Features for Free ChatGPT Users
Key Takeaways
1. ChatGPT has a new Deep Research tool that explores the web and reevaluates findings, taking 5 to 30 minutes to generate replies.
2. The tool uses OpenAI’s o3 model for the full version and o4-mini for the lighter version, which is more cost-effective but nearly as accurate.
3. Pro users get an additional 125 deep research queries with the lightweight version, while Plus and Team users’ quotas increase from 10 to 25 tasks.
4. Free plan users can access the lightweight tool but are limited to just 5 queries per month.
5. Users seeking more deep research capabilities may need to pay between $20 and $200 for enhanced usage.
ChatGPT has introduced a new feature that explores the web multiple times, reevaluates its findings, and can take anywhere from five to thirty minutes to generate a reply. This Deep Research tool is part of OpenAI’s strategy to perform better on the Humanity’s Last Exam AI benchmark test, and it is now available in a more accessible version for all users, including those on the free plan.
New Model Details
The original deep research tool utilizes OpenAI’s upcoming o3 model, while the lighter version operates on the o4-mini model. According to a post on X, which used to be known as Twitter, the company claims that this version is “much cheaper to serve,” even though its accuracy is relatively close to that of the full deep research tool, which is exclusive to paid ChatGPT users.
User Quota Changes
For pro users, there’s now an extra 125 deep research queries available with the lightweight version after they use their initial 125. Plus and Team users will see their monthly quota rise from 10 tasks to 25. OpenAI also mentioned that the additional 15 queries for the lightweight model will be extended to Enterprise and Edu users in the next week.
Free Plan Limitations
Users on the free plan can also utilize the lightweight deep research tool, but they will be restricted to just five queries each month. While this may suffice for most of ChatGPT’s 400 million users, those who find deep research valuable might need to pay between $20 and $200 to enhance their usage.
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Tags: ChatGPT, deep research, OpenAI o4-mini
April 26, 2025
Animon.ai: Generate Anime from Photos in Just 5 Seconds
Key Takeaways
1. Animon.ai allows users to create 5-second anime clips from static images using generative AI, free of charge.
2. The service targets both novice and experienced anime creators, drastically reducing the time needed for traditional animation from 72+ hours to about 3-4 minutes.
3. Animon.ai addresses challenges in the anime industry, including low wages, long hours, and a shortage of animators, by streamlining the animation process.
4. The platform currently does not include music, sound effects, or voiceovers, but other AI companies can integrate these elements into videos.
5. While the AI service shows promise, it still has limitations, such as animating only foreground characters, indicating room for future improvement.
Animon has launched its Animon.ai website, which allows users to create 5-second anime video clips from static reference images. This service is the first of its kind in Japan, providing Japanese-style anime animations through generative AI that can be utilized for an unlimited number of times at no cost.
Rapid Progress in AI Technology
In recent years, generative video AI has rapidly developed, with offerings from major AI firms that can generate very realistic scenes and human figures for general applications. However, these solutions are not specifically tailored for creating Japanese-style anime.
Target Audience for Animon.ai
Animon.ai is designed for both novice and experienced anime creators looking for an automated way to bypass the labor-intensive traditional method of hand-drawing every frame. According to a company presentation, animating just five seconds of anime can demand over 72 hours of manual effort, which breaks down to roughly 8 hours for storyboarding, 12 hours for key framing, 24 hours for in-between frames, 16 hours for coloring, and 12 hours for piecing the frames together into a video.
With its free service, animators can simply upload a still reference image and provide a prompt detailing the desired action and movement. The AI takes about 3-4 minutes to generate the necessary frames for a five-second animation, saving users the 72+ hours of manual labor.
Creative Freedom and Industry Challenges
This acceleration allows animators to quickly explore different concepts and emotional expressions for a scene, enabling them to concentrate on the creative aspects of storytelling. It also addresses various issues in the Japanese anime sector, such as low wages, extended working hours, and a shortage of animators.
Animon offers three different service tiers:
While the main goal of Animon is to streamline the animation process, it does not include music, sound effects, or voiceovers as part of its offerings. Nevertheless, other AI companies have demonstrated that adding these elements to generated videos is quite feasible.
Limitations and Future Potential
In a short test to animate a frame from Steins;Gate (which can be seen here), only the foreground character was animated successfully, leaving the background characters untouched. Users should be aware that this advanced AI service still has room for improvement. However, the results might be more than adequate for fan projects like AMVs.
For those who enjoy drawing, hand-drawn animations can be created using software like Clip Studio Paint, available for purchase here on Amazon.
Animon.ai, Animon press release, CreateAI on YouTube.
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Tags: anime animation, Animon.ai, Generative AI
April 25, 2025
MediaTek Dimensity C-X1 to Introduce NVIDIA RTX Ray Tracing in Cars
Key Takeaways
1. MediaTek’s Dimensity Auto Cockpit Platform is its first collaboration with NVIDIA for advanced automotive silicon.
2. The C-X1 SoC is built on a 3nm architecture and features a GPU from the Blackwell series, similar to RTX 5000-series graphics cards.
3. The platform aims to deliver “end-to-end” AI capabilities, enhancing vehicle intelligence and entertainment, including travel vlogs and road safety monitoring.
4. The C-X1 integrates with NVIDIA DRIVE AGX for seamless autonomous driving and includes the DriveOS user interface.
5. The Auto Cockpit Platform launches with the Dimensity Auto Connect MT2739, the world’s first 5G-A chipset for vehicles, supporting NR-NTN and NB-NTN satellite connections.
MediaTek has introduced its newest Dimensity Auto Cockpit Platform, marking the initial outcome of its collaboration with NVIDIA to create advanced silicon for automobiles. The C-X1 is a cutting-edge 3 nanometer (nm) SoC that utilizes the most recent Arm architecture (v9.2-A). Additionally, it features a GPU from the Blackwell series, which is also used in the newly released RTX 5000-series graphics cards for personal computers.
AI Innovations in Vehicles
The company claims that this platform is designed to provide “end-to-end” AI capabilities, aiming to make the next generation of cars the most intelligent vehicles ever. These cars could potentially create their own travel vlogs and keep an eye on road safety both inside and outside the vehicle. Moreover, it promises to ensure “a clear, smooth AAA gaming entertainment experience” for everyone onboard.
Integration with Autonomous Driving
A vehicle equipped with the C-X1 can seamlessly integrate with the new NVIDIA DRIVE AGX, which is a dedicated platform for autonomous driving, along with the DriveOS user interface.
Launch of New Connectivity Features
The Auto Cockpit Platform has been launched alongside the MediaTek Dimensity Auto Connect MT2739, which is the world’s first 5G-A chipset specifically designed for vehicles. This chipset also includes support for NR-NTN and NB-NTN satellite connections, enhancing connectivity options for drivers and passengers alike.
MediaTek’s innovation looks to revolutionize the driving experience with smarter technology and improved connectivity.
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Tags: Dimensity Auto Cockpit, MediaTek C-X1, NVIDIA DRIVE AGX
April 22, 2025
Google Pays Samsung to Promote Gemini in One UI Report
Key Takeaways
1. Google faces multiple antitrust lawsuits over alleged unfair market practices.
2. The company reportedly paid Samsung a significant amount to promote its AI assistant, Gemini.
3. Payments to Samsung are expected to last a minimum of two years, covering pre-installation on devices.
4. Samsung agreed to make Gemini the default app despite having its own AI assistant.
5. The Galaxy S25 series features Gemini as the default assistant, with updates and new features included.
Google is currently facing multiple antitrust lawsuits that claim the company has engaged in unfair practices to dominate the market. It has been accused of incentivizing companies to choose its products and software over competitors. Recently, reports emerged that Google paid Samsung “a huge amount of money” to promote Gemini within One UI. This arrangement involves monthly payments expected to last for a minimum of two years.
Monthly Payments to Samsung
In a report by Bloomberg, Peter Fitzgerald, the VP of Global Partnerships, Platforms & Ecosystems at Google, disclosed that Samsung received substantial monthly payments to guarantee that Gemini was pre-installed on their devices. This deal encompasses payments for every device featuring the AI assistant, along with a share of the revenue generated from ads within the app.
Contract Details and Device Integration
Moreover, this agreement is said to extend for at least two years, and Samsung accepted these payments to make Gemini the default app, even though the company has its own AI assistant. The Galaxy S25 series comes with Gemini already set as the default assistant, which can be activated by pressing the power button, similar to how it works on Google Pixel devices. This integration ensures that Samsung phones equipped with Gemini receive all the updates, including features like real-time conversations and Visual AI.
The final hearing is reported to have occurred on Monday, April 21, and it is expected to be the last session before a decision is reached in September.
Tags: Gemini, google, Samsung Galaxy S25
April 22, 2025
Columbia Students Behind AI Cheating Tool Raise $5.3M in Funding
Key Takeaways
1. Chungin “Roy” Lee developed an AI tool named Cluely, which helps users cheat in various situations and has secured $5.3 million in seed funding.
2. Cluely can provide real-time assistance by viewing screens and listening to audio, making it undetectable during activities like interviews and tests.
3. Lee defends Cluely by comparing it to common tools like calculators and search engines, suggesting that society adapts to new technology over time.
4. Lee and his co-founder faced a year-long suspension from Columbia University for their actions related to Cluely, and he has shared his story on social media.
5. Cluely offers a free version and a Pro model for $20 per month, which includes enhanced features and support, with an annual plan available for $100.
Back in March, Chungin “Roy” Lee, a former student at Columbia University, began to share the tale of how he and a friend faced suspension for developing an AI tool that assists users in cheating during coding interviews and other scenarios without getting caught. This tool, now named Cluely, has successfully secured $5.3 million in seed funding and is available for free download from its official website.
Cluely’s Capabilities
Lee posted on LinkedIn, claiming that his AI tool Cluely can be used for cheating in “literally everything.” It has the ability to view your screen, listen to audio, and provide real-time help in various situations while remaining undetected. The tool can be helpful in interviews, assignments, sales calls, tests, meetings, and much more. Lee defends this innovation by likening it to calculators, spell checkers, and Google search. He states, “Each time tech makes us more intelligent, the world freaks out. Then it adjusts. Then it forgets. And suddenly, it’s just normal,” as noted in the manifesto on the Cluely website.
Undetectable Technology
Cluely is reported to be entirely undetectable, as it remains hidden during screen sharing, and users can move the window around to keep focus on the camera.
The creation of this startup came after Lee and his co-founder Neel Shanmugam were suspended for a year from Columbia University. Lee started posting his story on X, which has attracted significant attention, drawing mixed reactions from those who commented. His posts even include letters from the university confirming his year-long suspension. Despite this, Lee appears uninterested in returning to university life.
Pricing Plans
Cluely offers a free model that includes basic features, along with a Pro model priced at $20 per month. The Pro version allows unlimited usage, troubleshooting, enhanced agent models, and around-the-clock customer support. For those interested, an annual plan for the Pro model is available for $100.
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Tags: AI cheating tool, Chungin Lee, Cluely
April 22, 2025
The Cost of Kindness: ChatGPT Pays for ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’
Key Takeaways
1. OpenAI faces financial losses in the tens of millions due to users including polite terms in prompts to ChatGPT.
2. Each AI-generated prompt consumes significant energy, with a 100-word email using around 0.14 kWh.
3. The annual energy consumption for weekly AI-generated emails can equal that of a refrigerator over two weeks.
4. AI technologies contribute about 2% of the world’s electricity consumption, surpassing some industrial sectors.
5. Online reactions vary from sarcastic humor to serious concerns about focusing on more significant energy issues rather than digital courtesy.
A brief post on X on April 16 led to a notable discussion: a user inquired about the financial losses OpenAI faces due to users including courteous terms like “please” and “thank you” in ChatGPT. The unexpected answer came directly from CEO Sam Altman, who stated, “Tens of millions of dollars.” Each prompt, regardless of how small, requires a considerable amount of energy.
Energy Consumption Insights
As reported by the Washington Post, creating a single AI-generated email of 100 words consumes around 0.14 kWh of power. Doing this weekly results in nearly 7.5 kWh annually, which is comparable to the energy used by a modern refrigerator over two weeks. When considering the millions of prompts generated daily across the globe, it becomes apparent that digital courtesy is no longer just a trivial matter. Energy experts suggest that AI technologies currently represent about 2% of the world’s electricity consumption, surpassing several industrial sectors.
Reactions from the Online Community
On the subreddit r/nottheonion, which is recognized for its strange yet genuine news, the revelation regarding “polite electricity consumption” triggered a flurry of sarcastic reactions. One commenter joked, “Mom always said it doesn’t cost anything to be nice – but turns out she was wrong.” Others took a more serious approach, cautioning that this emphasis might overshadow more significant energy concerns, such as industrial pollution or extravagant lifestyles. The argument: instead of discussing the expenses related to saying “please” and “thank you,” we ought to focus on issues like data centers, heated swimming pools, and the carbon emissions from affluent countries.
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Tags: AI politeness, energy consumption, OpenAI
April 21, 2025
AI Robots Cut Venhub Store Costs by 31%
Key Takeaways
1. Venhub’s automated convenience stores reduce building and operating costs by 31% compared to traditional stores with human staff.
2. The stores operate 24/7 using AI robotic arms for order fulfillment and have a product range of over 400 SKUs.
3. Setting up a Venhub unit costs between $250,000 and $275,000, with monthly operational fees for the robots.
4. The store design enhances security, minimizes theft, and ensures a clean environment, with payments made via smartphones.
5. Future upgrades will include solar energy and support for frozen food items, while the store’s compact size requires specific lot dimensions.
NBC4 news in Los Angeles has reported that Venhub’s convenience stores, which are fully automated, have managed to cut down building and operating expenses by 31% when compared to regular stores that employ human staff.
A New Kind of Service
Venhub stores operate continuously without the need for breaks or staff changes. They use two special AI robotic arms that travel along a metal track to fulfill customer orders around the clock. These robots are equipped with AI vision recognition to find products. With interchangeable suction cups and grabber hands, they can manage a diverse range of items easily.
Product Range and Tracking
These stores can hold over 400 different product SKUs and are fitted with six smart refrigerated cabinets. Owners have the ability to monitor inventory, operations, and sales remotely through live surveillance. Predictive AI is used to analyze inventory and demand trends for better restocking efficiency.
Cost and Efficiency
The price for setting up a unit is generally between $250,000 and $275,000, and it is entirely owned by the operator. The robots incur a monthly software as a service (SaaS) fee of $2,500, plus an optional servicing fee of $1,300 for maintenance (which calculates to about $5.21 per hour when operating 24/7).
This setup alleviates the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff, especially given that the minimum wage for fast food workers is $20 and $16.50 for other workers in California. Customers enjoy reduced prices; for instance, one individual found Coke priced at $0.79, which is significantly lower than the typical price of over $2 at conventional convenience stores.
Security and Customer Experience
Venhub stores come with a secure layout that keeps customers outside, making it harder for thieves to break in and preventing large-scale thefts that often trouble local convenience outlets. This design also contributes to a cleaner environment, especially crucial during health crises. Payments are made through smartphones, eliminating cash theft risks. Customers collect their orders through window boxes, and all windows are reinforced to be bulletproof.
Utility power is used for operations, while backup batteries ensure the store stays functional during power outages and natural disasters. Future upgrades will incorporate solar energy and support for frozen food items. Each building measures 22 x 10 x 10 feet (6.71 x 3.05 x 3.05 m) and needs a lot with 4 feet (1.22 m) of clearance on every side.
For those interested in running a convenience store, they can order a Venhub directly. If readers are curious about the market, they can check out this book on automated stores and this book discussing the history of 7-Eleven.
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Tags: automated retail, robotic convenience store, Venhub