Category: Artificial intelligence

  • SenseTime and China Unicom Partner to Enhance AI Infrastructure

    SenseTime and China Unicom Partner to Enhance AI Infrastructure

    SenseTime revealed today that it had entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with China Unicom during the 2024 China Unicom Partner Conference, which took place on July 19-20. The collaboration will span across areas such as digital communications, industrial digital transformation, AI infrastructure, computing service systems, and global computing supply, aiming to establish a robust foundation for the AI industry’s growth.

    Focus on AI Infrastructure

    Per the agreement, the companies will engage in various collaborative efforts within the realm of large language models (LLMs) to enhance their AI infrastructure and make it available as a service to the industry.

    The partnership leverages both companies' resources to co-develop LLMs. Yang Fan, co-founder of SenseTime and president of the Large Device Business Group, stated that the computing power and data would be utilized to bolster their AI infrastructure. This initiative aims to lower the cost and barriers for implementing AI in different products. According to a report, this should enable more individuals to carry out AI research and innovation effectively, fostering the sustainable development of the AI industry.

    Combining Strengths for Better Results

    Discussing the synergy between operators and AI firms, Yang Fan highlighted that AI companies excel in technical platforms and software capabilities, whereas operators have the advantage of extensive scenario coverage. The collaboration between these entities is expected to significantly enhance the development of LLMs.

    Last month, SenseTime announced its intention to issue Class B shares, raising HK$2.008 billion. This funding has seen participation from multiple investors and leading international companies, with existing shareholders also increasing their stakes. The capital is reportedly earmarked for AI research and the creation of software products that benefit from such research.

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  • Affordable GPT-4o Mini: OpenAI Democratizes Powerful AI

    Affordable GPT-4o Mini: OpenAI Democratizes Powerful AI

    OpenAI is advancing its mission to make cutting-edge AI more accessible by unveiling GPT-4o mini. This new model is described as “the most powerful and cost-effective small model at present,” aimed at enhancing the capabilities of OpenAI’s chatbots for a broader audience.

    The GPT-4o: A Budget-Friendly Option

    In addition to being budget-friendly, GPT-4o mini marks a leap towards OpenAI’s vision of “multimodal” AI. This future concept anticipates a single tool that can generate various media types, including text, images, audio, and video. GPT-4o mini sets the stage by providing a foundation that could integrate these extra functionalities down the line.

    OpenAI positions GPT-4o mini as an economical solution, potentially making sophisticated AI features more accessible to developers and businesses. The rollout strategy underscores this objective. Free users of ChatGPT will get immediate access to GPT-4o mini, whereas Plus and Team users can start using it today. Enterprise users will have access next week, indicating a tiered system where basic functionality is free, and more advanced features are available via paid subscriptions.

    Derived from GPT-4o

    It’s crucial to note that GPT-4o mini is developed from the recently launched GPT-4o, OpenAI’s current flagship model. The “o” in the name represents its “omnidirectional” capabilities, including advancements in audio, video, and text functionalities across 50 languages, alongside improved speed and quality.

    The introduction of GPT-4o mini highlights OpenAI’s dedication to democratizing access to its powerful AI models. This initiative could pave the way for a more versatile and user-friendly future in artificial intelligence.

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  • Transform Your Selfie into a 3D Character with Tencent’s AI App

    Transform Your Selfie into a 3D Character with Tencent’s AI App

    Tencent Yuanbao, an application developed by Tencent, has rolled out a revolutionary feature known as the "3D Avatar Dream Factory," which is set to redefine the field of 3D character creation.

    This innovative feature enables users to easily create personalized 3D characters from just a single front-facing image, marking it as the first universal app to achieve such high-quality 3D generation.

    Tencent’s AI-Driven App

    Utilizing cutting-edge AI technology and 3D applications, the "3D Avatar Dream Factory" streamlines the previously intricate process of 3D character creation. Users can now quickly customize their avatars by selecting from a variety of templates, with the added capability of 3D printing their designs.

    Tencent Yuanbao incorporates technologies such as 3D head swapping, geometric sculpting, and PBR (Physically Based Rendering) material texture mapping to produce realistic and highly detailed character models. This involves optimizing head models and textures, enhancing geometric precision, and improving material textures for a more lifelike result.

    Diverse Character Styles and Customization

    Initially, the feature offers 10 unique character styles, with plans for further expansion through updates and innovative gameplay options. The application is powered by Tencent’s Yuanbao large model, which features multimodal interaction capabilities and has a track record of early adoption in 3D asset generation.

    The created models can be viewed in a comprehensive 360-degree view, facilitating easy sharing, modification, and even offline 3D printing, thus bridging the gap between virtual and physical worlds.

    Accessibility and Future Prospects

    Users can explore the "3D Character Dream Factory" either on the Tencent Yuanbao app or via the WeChat mini-program.

    As the appetite for personalized and immersive digital experiences continues to grow, Tencent Yuanbao is well-positioned to lead the market by providing users with intuitive and robust tools for 3D creation.

    Transform Your Selfie into a 3D Character with Tencent's AI App
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  • Oppo Aims to Integrate AI in 50 Million Devices by End of 2024

    Oppo Aims to Integrate AI in 50 Million Devices by End of 2024

    Oppo aims to extend its AI capabilities to 50 million devices by the conclusion of 2024. India is identified as a crucial market for the company’s latest AI expansion strategy.

    Launch of Over 100 AI Features This Year

    Oppo plans to introduce more than 100 AI features this year, positioning itself as a leader in the platform transition driven by new technology. Peter Dohyung, Oppo’s head of product strategy, has already disclosed the company’s plan for AI integration in its devices.

    One significant step in this roadmap is the incorporation of generative AI features. An official from the company mentioned in an interview that Oppo anticipates all its phones to possess GenAI capabilities soon. The goal is to roll out these generative AI features to 50 million devices by 2024.

    Enhancements in Camera System

    The integration of AI technology is expected to enhance the camera system. A company official stated that Oppo will "continue to integrate AI to enhance the imaging experience." However, details on how this will specifically improve the camera system remain unclear. Additionally, a summary feature utilizing generative AI is also in the works.

    Data Privacy Measures

    The AI features will be deployed with stringent data privacy protocols. This is crucial, as similar AI features from other brands often involve server-side implementations where user data is processed off-device.

    Oppo is dedicated to enhancing the user experience through generative AI. The company is making notable efforts in the research and development of this technology, focusing on improving data centers and creating Large Language Models that support AI features.

    Oppo Aims to Integrate AI in 50 Million Devices by End of 2024
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  • YouTube’s New Rule: Remove AI Videos with Your Voice

    YouTube’s New Rule: Remove AI Videos with Your Voice

    YouTube has introduced new policies to combat the issue of AI-generated content that mimics real people. Users now have the option to request the removal of such videos that use AI to replicate their appearance and voice.

    YouTube will evaluate removal requests on various factors before making a decision

    This policy aims to protect individuals’ privacy rights rather than addressing the technology’s potential for misleading information. YouTube will assess removal requests considering several factors, such as whether the content is labeled as AI-generated, its level of realism, and the potential harm to the person depicted.

    48-Hour Window for Content Creators

    Content creators will have a 48-hour period to address complaints before YouTube takes further action. Options include blurring the individual’s face within the video, but merely setting the video to private status will not be deemed sufficient for removal.

    Rising Questions with AI Advancements

    As AI technology progresses, issues related to intellectual property, consent, and authenticity will become increasingly significant. Determining the ownership and copyright of AI-generated content, especially when it closely resembles real people, will necessitate careful consideration and potentially new legal frameworks.

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  • Elon Musk: Neuralink to Implant Chips in 1,000+ Patients by 2026

    Elon Musk: Neuralink to Implant Chips in 1,000+ Patients by 2026

    Elon Musk’s Neuralink, a firm focused on developing brain-computer interfaces, has set a lofty goal: implanting chips in over 1,000 patients by 2026. The announcement was made on Musk’s X (Twitter) platform on July 11th.

    Life-Changing Technology for Paralyzed Patients

    The technology has proven to be transformative for some individuals. Noland Arbaugh, the first person to receive a Neuralink implant, shared publicly how it has enhanced his life. Previously paralyzed from the neck down, Arbaugh faced challenges in interacting with technology. Post-surgery, he can now use devices and even play video games effortlessly.

    Setbacks and Stability

    Despite the promising advancements, there have been obstacles. In May, a small wire in Arbaugh’s brain shifted. Nonetheless, a Neuralink executive recently assured that the brain-computer interface chip is now “more or less very stable.”

    Future Goals and Vision

    During a live broadcast earlier on July 11th (Beijing time), Musk detailed Neuralink’s future objectives. He aims to implant the chip in thousands of patients over the next few years. Neuralink’s technology enables patients to control robotic limbs with their minds, surpassing the speed of natural brain-limb connections. Musk envisions an even bigger mission: creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence to mitigate the risks AI poses to civilization.

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  • 15 Teens Get Year Probation for Deepfake Photos of Classmates

    15 Teens Get Year Probation for Deepfake Photos of Classmates

    A Spanish court has placed 15 teenagers on a one-year probation for using deepfake technology to create and disseminate indecent images of their female classmates. This incident, highlighted in July 2023, has raised significant concerns about the misuse of deepfakes and the severe impact on victims.

    Incident Overview

    The perpetrators, aged between 13 and 15, were discovered when photoshopped nude images of their classmates began circulating on WhatsApp. Parents, alarmed by the situation, reported it to the police, prompting an investigation. The authorities identified the teenagers responsible for the deepfake images.

    Court’s Verdict

    The Badajoz court in Spain found each teenager guilty on 20 counts: one for generating child abuse material and another for infringing on the moral integrity of their victims. The court imposed a one-year probation for each teen, along with mandatory gender and equality awareness programs. Additionally, they must attend courses on responsible technology use.

    Broader Implications

    This case underscores the alarming potential for deepfakes to generate harmful content, especially among young individuals. It also highlights the critical need for education on responsible technology usage and digital literacy, particularly for teenagers. The court’s ruling, which includes specific awareness programs, indicates a growing emphasis on tackling the misuse of technology and its effects on others.

    Spanish law protects minors under 14 from criminal charges, but their cases are typically referred to child protection services, which can enforce participation in rehabilitation programs.

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  • New Apple Intelligence ‘Image Playground’

    New Apple Intelligence ‘Image Playground’

    Apple’s latest beta software update hints at exciting features coming soon. The iOS 18 Beta 3 simulator reveals an Apple Intelligence settings menu (currently inactive), suggesting integration of a powerful AI suite. macOS 15 Beta 3 introduces “Image Playground,” a tool that lets users generate images based on descriptions with selectable themes, clothing, and locations. Users can choose between animation, illustration, or sketch styles.

    New features, like the upgraded Siri and ChatGPT, won’t be available until 2025

    Apple announced Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024. This AI suite will offer on-device and cloud-based language models. A public beta for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia is planned for this fall, but full features and wider device support will arrive next year. While free, Apple Intelligence requires an A17 Pro chip or M-series chip, limiting access to iPhone 15 Pro models and the upcoming iPhone 16 series – devices with the latest processing power for AI tasks.

    Some features, like the upgraded Siri assistant and ChatGPT integration, won’t be available until next year. The good news is that the initial version of Apple Intelligence will still offer functionalities like notification prioritization, webpage summarization, writing tools, image generation, and Genmoji – features that many users will be eager to try.

    New Apple Intelligence 'Image Playground'
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  • TSMC Hits Trillion-Dollar Valuation, Boosted by AI Revolution

    TSMC Hits Trillion-Dollar Valuation, Boosted by AI Revolution

    The rise of artificial intelligence is significantly impacting Wall Street, evidenced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) recently achieving the remarkable milestone of joining the elite trillion-dollar market capitalization club. This achievement places TSMC among the world’s top technology firms and underscores the increasing significance of the semiconductor industry.

    TSMC’s Market Surge

    TSMC’s market capitalization briefly exceeded that of Tesla, making it the seventh most valuable tech company globally. The company’s shares have seen a notable increase, trading above the 50-day moving average of $158.00 and hitting a new 52-week high of $192.80. Year-to-date, TSMC shares have surged nearly 80%.

    Growth of the Semiconductor Industry

    The semiconductor industry has risen to prominence, driven by the growing demand for chips used in AI technologies. Global semiconductor sales are forecasted to reach $611.2 billion in 2024, with a projected 16% sales increase for that year, followed by a 12.5% increase in 2025. This surge in demand is primarily due to advancements in generative AI, which require advanced and powerful chips.

    The U.S. government has acknowledged the vital role of semiconductors in the contemporary economy, providing significant financial support to boost domestic chip production. The Biden administration has allocated tens of billions of dollars for building chip factories in the U.S., aiming to enhance technological infrastructure and lessen dependence on foreign manufacturers.

    Analyst Insights and Investor Considerations

    Analysts have revised their price targets for TSMC ahead of its second-quarter earnings report, with Morgan Stanley predicting an increase in TSMC’s full-year sales forecast. TSMC’s effective “hunger marketing” strategy indicates tight foundry supply in 2025, encouraging customers to recognize the company's value. The expected rise in wafer prices due to AI advancements further bolsters TSMC’s position. For investors, key factors to consider include revenue growth, profitability, and valuation relative to peers.

    The AI boom is transforming Wall Street, with TSMC’s entry into the trillion-dollar club marking a significant milestone. The growth of the semiconductor industry, driven by AI demand, underscores the crucial role of companies like TSMC and Nvidia in the global market.

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  • OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Launches Thrive AI, a Personalized Health Coach

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Launches Thrive AI, a Personalized Health Coach

    A new company named Thrive AI Health is set to transform wellness using artificial intelligence. Co-founded by Arianna Huffington and Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, Thrive AI employs AI to develop a personalized “health coach” tailored to individual needs. This coach evaluates various facets of your life, such as sleep, diet, fitness, stress, and social interactions, to provide data-informed suggestions.

    The health data will be accessible via a smartphone app or a virtual assistant.

    Leadership and Vision

    Leading the initiative is DeCarlos Love, who previously led the fitness and health experience at Fitbit. Thrive AI intends to train its AI coach using a mix of scientific research, medical data, and partnerships with institutions like Stanford University School of Medicine. The goal is to build a comprehensive health data platform accessible through a smartphone app or a virtual assistant integrated with Thrive’s existing offerings. This system will learn your behavior patterns and deliver real-time health advice.

    Focus on Accessibility and Privacy

    Thrive AI aims to provide a more thoughtful approach to health management. They focus on making personalized health coaching available to all while addressing health disparities. Security and user privacy are top priorities, with Dr. Gbenga Ogedegbe, a health equity expert, serving as an advisor. They also commit to basing recommendations on peer-reviewed research and ensuring users have full control over the information used to personalize their experience.

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