Category: Artificial intelligence

  • Microsoft Q1 2024 Revenue Up 16% Driven by Cloud Growth

    Microsoft Q1 2024 Revenue Up 16% Driven by Cloud Growth

    Microsoft Corp. has shared its financial results for the first quarter of 2024, showcasing the company’s growing focus on artificial intelligence (AI) services. For the quarter ending September 30, 2024, Microsoft announced a revenue of $65.6 billion, representing a significant 16% rise compared to the same timeframe last year.

    Financial Performance

    The tech leader’s operating income hit $30.6 billion, showing a 14% increase, while net income climbed to $24.7 billion, which is an 11% growth. A major factor in this success was Microsoft Cloud, which experienced a revenue boost of 22%, bringing in $38.9 billion for the quarter. In particular, the Intelligent Cloud segment contributed $24.1 billion, reflecting a 20% increase.

    CEO’s Remarks

    In a statement to the press, CEO Satya Nadella noted, “AI-driven transformation is changing work, work artifacts, and workflow across every role, function, and business process.” As Microsoft embraces these changes, it’s also aware of the risks that come with AI. The forward-looking comments in the earnings report pointed out possible hurdles, such as competition, cybersecurity dangers, and increased regulatory oversight.

    Other Business Segments

    The report also sheds light on the More Personal Computing segment, which recorded revenues of $13.2 billion, an increase of 17%. Notably, revenue from Xbox content and services skyrocketed by 61%, largely due to the recent Activision acquisition.

    These results reflect trends seen in other tech companies like Google, which noted a 35% rise in cloud revenue.

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  • Light-Based Memory Cells: 1000x More Durable Data Storage

    Light-Based Memory Cells: 1000x More Durable Data Storage

    A breakthrough in memory technology has been discovered, featuring a new type of memory cell capable of storing data and executing rapid calculations. This exciting development, reported in Nature Photonics, holds the promise of advancing AI performance while significantly reducing energy consumption in data centers.

    How It Works

    The innovative memory cell utilizes magnetic fields to guide light signals through a circular resonator. This component enhances specific wavelengths of light, directing them either clockwise or counterclockwise to designated output ports. The intensity of the light at each port represents values such as zero and one, or even zero and negative one.

    Advantages Over Traditional Memory

    Unlike conventional memory cells that only store basic binary values, this cutting-edge design is able to capture multiple non-integer values, achieving storage of up to 3.5 bits per cell. Imagine two athletes running on a track in opposite directions; their speeds can vary based on external conditions, and this difference is used to represent positive or negative numbers.

    These encoded values are crucial for artificial neural networks, as they help modify the strength of connections between nodes. This capability is especially beneficial for image recognition tasks, where neural networks analyze visual data in ways that mimic human brain functions.

    Efficiency and Durability

    One of the major advantages of this new technology is its remarkable efficiency. Conventional computers separate storage from calculations, processing data in the CPU and then writing results to memory. In contrast, this new memory cell can perform high-speed calculations directly within the memory, greatly enhancing AI applications that require rapid data handling.

    The research team subjected their design to extensive testing, demonstrating its ability to endure over two billion write-and-erase cycles without degrading performance. This resilience is a thousand times superior to earlier photonic memory technologies. For comparison, standard flash drives typically endure between 10,000 and 100,000 cycles.

    Looking to the future, the team aims to integrate additional cells into computer chips and investigate even more intricate computations. This technology has the potential to lower the energy demands of AI systems, marking a significant move towards more efficient computing solutions.

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  • Meta’s Robotic Touch Sensors Detect Forces Smaller Than a Paperclip

    Meta’s Robotic Touch Sensors Detect Forces Smaller Than a Paperclip

    Meta’s AI Research team, known as FAIR, has unveiled several new technologies aimed at enhancing touch perception and dexterity in robotics. They have introduced three key innovations: Meta Sparsh, Meta Digit 360, and Meta Digit Plexus.

    Meta Sparsh: A Game Changer in Touch Sensing

    Meta Sparsh is groundbreaking as the first versatile system for touch sensing that utilizes vision—it operates seamlessly across a variety of sensors and tasks. This technology uses AI models to process touch signals, eliminating the need for manual models that typically require extensive customization for different tasks.

    The Innovative Meta Digit 360

    Next up is the Meta Digit 360, a project developed in partnership with GelSight Inc. This advanced artificial fingertip features more than 18 sensing capabilities, allowing it to detect forces as small as one millinewton. With over eight million tiny sensing units, known as "taxels," it can sense touch from any angle.

    Bringing It All Together with Meta Digit Plexus

    Furthermore, Meta Digit Plexus serves as a unified platform that integrates various touch sensors on robotic hands. It is set to be featured in the Allegro Hand from Wonik Robotics, which is anticipated to launch next year.

    In addition, Meta has rolled out a new benchmark framework called PARTNR, designed to evaluate how effectively robots can plan and work alongside humans. This framework includes 100,000 natural language tasks distributed across 60 virtual homes and over 5,800 distinct objects, all aimed at enhancing the social capabilities of robots.

    These developments are expected to create significant impacts in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and prosthetics. The Digit 360 from GelSight Inc. is anticipated to be available next year, with an early-access option through a call for proposals.

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  • Disney Launches AI and Augmented Reality Innovation Team

    Disney Launches AI and Augmented Reality Innovation Team

    Founded more than a hundred years ago as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, The Walt Disney Company has evolved into a global powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Employing around 225,000 individuals, Disney reported revenues close to $90 billion and a net income exceeding $2.35 billion in 2023. Recently, the company is taking strides forward by creating a division dedicated to new technologies like artificial intelligence and mixed reality.

    New Leadership

    As per a special report from Reuters, “the media giant explores applications across its film, television, and theme park divisions,” thus it’s not surprising that Jamie Voris will head this new division. Voris previously served as Disney’s Chief Technology Officer, overseeing the app development for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset. This newly formed group is called the “Office of Technology Enablement” and, although it starts with a small leadership team, it is expected to grow to around 100 employees fairly soon, according to a source close to Disney.

    Focus on Emerging Technologies

    Different divisions within Disney have been dabbling in AI and augmented reality for some time, but this new team will concentrate solely on these technologies. One promising area for advancement is enhancing augmented reality experiences in theme parks and even in customers’ homes, thanks to the latest lightweight glasses recently launched by Meta and Snap.

    Market Insights

    In 2023, the AR/VR headset market sold 1.7 million units, with Meta accounting for over 60% of those sales. Competitors include big names like Sony, Apple, and ByteDance, which is the parent company of TikTok.

    The Meta Quest 3S 128 GB, bundled with Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+, is currently Amazon’s top-selling item in the Standalone Virtual Reality Headsets category, moving more than 10,000 units in just the past month. It is priced at $299, which includes free shipping and returns.

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  • Google Integrates Gemini AI into Maps, Earth, and Waze

    Google Integrates Gemini AI into Maps, Earth, and Waze

    Google is making big changes to its mapping services by introducing significant generative AI updates. The company is integrating Gemini AI into Google Maps, Earth, and Waze, aiming to transform how users interact with geospatial information and solve location-based challenges.

    Advanced Tools for Developers

    The Maps Platform, utilized by over 10 million websites and apps, has introduced a new feature called "grounding with Google Maps." This allows developers to access real-time location data for creating AI-enhanced experiences. By leveraging Maps’ extensive database of 250 million locations, large language models can provide more precise information.

    Rivian’s Exciting Integration

    Rivian is also getting involved with this cutting-edge technology. Starting next month, they will incorporate Gemini-powered Places API features into their vehicle infotainment systems. This means while you’re on the road, you’ll receive AI-generated summaries of nearby attractions like restaurants, stores, and grocery outlets, improving your driving experience.

    A New Era for Urban Planning

    In addition, Google Earth is collaborating with Google Research and X to integrate Gemini. This partnership will bring advanced analytical tools for urban development. The system can address complex spatial inquiries and create custom visuals, reducing analysis time from several days to mere minutes. For transportation planners, this tool will help determine optimal locations for new electric vehicle charging stations based on actual demand.

    For U.S. Google Maps users on Android and iOS, Gemini AI is enhancing searches with more relevant and contextual results. According to Chris Phillips, VP and General Manager of Geo at Google, it cross-references information from Maps’ database and user reviews to boost accuracy.

    New Features and Expansions

    They’ve also rolled out some cool new features, like improved route exploration with landmark suggestions, information about parking availability at your destination, and enhanced walking navigation details. Moreover, the immersive view has expanded to over 150 cities globally, with better lane information expected next month.

    Waze Joins the AI Revolution

    Waze is also getting in on the action. They are incorporating AI-driven natural language processing for reporting road incidents, allowing users to simply speak about road conditions instead of selecting icons. Later this year, the app will begin providing alerts for school zones for both iOS and Android users.

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  • ChatGPT Uses Bing for Search Results Generation

    ChatGPT Uses Bing for Search Results Generation

    ChatGPT has just unveiled its new search feature, which functions as a search engine that helps users find answers to their questions along with links to relevant online resources. This news search system is powered by a refined version of GPT-4o, which allows it to follow conversations and provide responses that are aware of the context of the inquiry.

    Similarities with Bing

    As reported by WindowsLatest, the results from ChatGPT search are very much like those found on Bing. For instance, when users search for Windows 11 wallpapers, ChatGPT search shows images that are linked to Microsoft Bing resources.

    Patterns in Search Results

    The report also highlighted a pattern in how ChatGPT search operates in relation to Bing. Both ChatGPT search and Bing yield similar web sources, although their rankings of these websites differ.

    Microsoft, a multi-billion dollar investor in OpenAI, likely has a role in the reliance of ChatGPT search on the Bing search engine.

    Third-Party Contributions

    OpenAI has verified that its search model utilizes third-party search providers to formulate responses. Nonetheless, the company has not disclosed how much of an impact these third-party providers have on the search results.

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  • China Develops Military AI Tool Using Meta’s Llama Technology

    China Develops Military AI Tool Using Meta’s Llama Technology

    Chinese researchers associated with the People’s Liberation Army have developed an AI tool designed to collect and assess data, aiming to deliver accurate information for military operations.

    Tool Overview

    A report from Reuters reveals that the tool, named "ChatBIT," is built on an earlier version of the publicly accessible Llama 13B LLM (Large Language Model) created by Meta. In a research paper published in June, the scientists mentioned that ChatBIT had been "optimized for dialogue and question-answering tasks in the military domain."

    Policy Conflict

    This development directly contradicts Meta’s Acceptable Use Policy, which forbids the application of its model for "Military, warfare, nuclear industries or applications, espionage, use for materials or activities that are subject to the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) maintained by the United States Department of State."

    In a communication to Reuters, Molly Montgomery, who is Meta’s director of public policy, stated that any utilization of their model by the People’s Liberation Army is unauthorized and goes against their acceptable use policy.

    Response from Meta

    Another representative from Meta commented that an outdated "version of an American open-source model is irrelevant when we know China is already investing more than a trillion dollars to surpass the US on AI." This highlights the ongoing competition between the two nations in the field of artificial intelligence.

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  • Microsoft Postpones Copilot+ Recall to December

    Microsoft Postpones Copilot+ Recall to December

    Microsoft has once again postponed the Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs. This feature is designed to simplify the process of finding items on Windows by capturing screenshots of user activity at set intervals, which allows users to search through this information. It employs local AI models to create a timeline for users to explore.

    Initial Plans and Delays

    Originally, Microsoft intended to launch this feature in June. However, due to pushback from users and security experts, the rollout was pushed back to November. The company also decided that Recall would first be available to Microsoft Insiders for testing rather than being offered as an opt-in feature as previously planned.

    Further Postponement

    Now, Microsoft has announced yet another delay, moving the launch to December. Brendon LeBlanc, who is a senior product manager for Windows, informed The Verge that Microsoft is "dedicated to providing a secure and trustworthy experience with Recall" and is "taking more time to enhance the experience before introducing it to Windows Insiders".

    Hardware Requirements

    Recall will only be available on "Copilot+ PCs," which are computers equipped with dedicated NPUs (Neural Processing Units). To be classified as a "Copilot+ PC," Microsoft requires an NPU that can perform 40 trillion operations per second, along with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of solid-state storage.

    The Verge, Microsoft Windows Blogs.

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  • Meta’s Llama 4 Uses 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs for Training

    Meta’s Llama 4 Uses 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs for Training

    Meta has just announced a new update on Llama 4, their upcoming language model. During a recent earnings call, CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed that they are training Llama 4 using a setup with over 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs. This is a larger setup than anything previously reported by competitors.

    Upcoming Features of Llama 4

    This new language model is set to launch in early 2025, starting with its smaller versions first. While specific capabilities are not fully disclosed, Zuckerberg suggested that Llama 4 will have enhanced features, improved reasoning abilities, and will operate at a quicker pace overall.

    Meta’s Unique Strategy

    Meta continues its strategy of offering models for free download, unlike OpenAI and Google, which restrict access through APIs. This makes Llama 4 particularly appealing for startups and researchers who prefer more flexibility in using AI technologies.

    Significant Energy and Financial Implications

    Given the extensive computing resources, the energy requirements are also considerable, estimated at around 150 megawatts—this is five times more than what the largest supercomputer at a U.S. national lab consumes. Meta’s financial plan reflects this ambitious scale, with infrastructure expenditures projected to hit $40 billion in 2024, marking a 42 percent increase from 2023.

    Despite these hefty expenses, Meta’s financial health remains strong, showing a 22 percent rise in sales, primarily driven by advertising revenue, which has helped offset a 9 percent increase in operating costs.

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  • Google Play Store to Introduce AI-Powered Ask a Question Feature

    Google Play Store to Introduce AI-Powered Ask a Question Feature

    Google is said to be developing an AI-powered tool for the Play Store that aims to assist users with questions about apps and help them find new ones. An analysis of the APK by Android Authority revealed that Google Play Store version 43.3.32-31 includes new strings labeled "Ask a Question," which appears to be the name of this upcoming feature.

    AI-Generated FAQs

    Previously, the publication shared details about AI-created FAQs for the Play Store. This feature automatically generates a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section on app listings, providing users with essential information about an app.

    User Interaction

    The report indicates that this feature will likely show up as a button on both app listings and search results. When users click the button, they can type in their questions, and the AI will respond with answers. In theory, this could enhance the process of discovering new apps. However, Google has not made any official announcement regarding this feature, and it is not currently available on the Play Store. It’s also important to mention that not every feature found in the code makes it into the final version.

    Android Authority

    Image Source: Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

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