Category: Artificial intelligence

  • 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
    Tags: ,
  • 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.

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Tags: , ,
  • 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'
    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Tags: , ,
  • Huawei CEO reveals strategy to keep China leading in AI

    Huawei CEO reveals strategy to keep China leading in AI

    At the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Zhang Ping’an, CEO of Huawei Cloud, delivered a compelling message about China's AI progress despite U.S. sanctions on advanced GPUs and chipmaking technology. Even with restricted access to top-tier processors, Zhang stressed that China can still lead in AI without solely depending on high-end chips.

    Zhang downplayed concerns that limitations on advanced AI processors, such as Nvidia’s H100/H200 and B100/B200, would heavily obstruct China’s AI development. He emphasized that China's AI leadership should not hinge on these advanced chips. Acknowledging the current limitations in computing power due to the sanctions, Zhang highlighted the significance of being independent of the most cutting-edge technology.

    Huawei's Ascend Processors

    Zhang pointed to Huawei’s efforts in developing the Ascend 910-series processors for AI applications. He claimed these processors are competitive with Nvidia’s A100, although this assertion has not been independently verified by analysts in Europe and the U.S. The U.S. restrictions on Nvidia processors mean that major Chinese tech companies like Baidu, Huawei, and Tencent must rely on domestic technology, which Zhang sees as an opportunity rather than a setback.

    source: huawei.com

    However, Zhang acknowledged the performance limitations of domestic processors. He admitted that processors from Huawei and Biren Technology, produced on older manufacturing nodes, cannot match the performance of modern AI and high-performance computing GPUs from AMD and Nvidia. Additionally, SMIC, which manufactures chips for Huawei and Biren, lacks access to cutting-edge equipment, contributing to China’s lag in per-processor computing performance.

    Strategic Approach to Overcome Challenges

    To address these challenges, Zhang advocated for a comprehensive approach combining cloud, edge, and network technologies to improve efficiency and reduce power consumption for AI workloads. He highlighted Huawei Cloud as a leading provider of AI services, suggesting that leveraging cloud technology could offset the lack of advanced AI processors. However, it remains unclear whether Huawei’s processors are recommended for training large language models directly in Huawei Cloud or if they should be trained on external machines and then deployed in Huawei Cloud.

    Overall, Zhang emphasized the need to discard the belief that the absence of the most advanced AI chips precludes leadership in AI. He expressed confidence that through innovation and a strategic approach, China can maintain its leading position in AI development despite the ongoing U.S. sanctions.

    Tags: , ,
  • Apple Joins OpenAI Board as Observer, Gaining AI Future Insights

    Apple Joins OpenAI Board as Observer, Gaining AI Future Insights

    In a major development revealed last month, Apple will assume an observer role on OpenAI’s board. This collaboration aims to enhance Apple’s AI capabilities and its standing in the technology sector. Phil Schiller, who heads Apple’s App Store and is the former marketing chief, will take on this role later this year.

    Phil Schiller will participate in OpenAI’s board meetings, gaining crucial insights into their decision-making processes, though without the authority to vote or influence decisions. This position will allow Apple a closer look at OpenAI’s strategies and innovations.

    Competitiveness in AI

    This move aligns Apple with Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest backer and primary AI technology supplier, enabling Apple to remain competitive in the swiftly advancing AI field.

    However, this alliance could introduce complications due to the long-standing rivalry between Microsoft and Apple. Microsoft might prefer Schiller to be excluded from discussions about future AI projects involving both companies.

    Phil Schiller, an Apple Fellow, manages the App Store and oversees product launches. Although he stepped down as head of marketing in 2020, he is still a key figure at Apple. He also holds a director position at the medical technology company Illumina.

    Integration of ChatGPT with Apple Devices

    During the WWDC 2024 event in June, Apple announced that ChatGPT would be integrated into iPhones, iPads, and Macs as part of its AI feature suite. The forthcoming iOS 18 will introduce enhanced AI capabilities on Apple devices. ChatGPT will manage complex tasks, while on-device AI models will handle simpler tasks.

    This partnership is not financially driven. OpenAI gains access to millions of Apple users, and Apple benefits from integrating ChatGPT, potentially offering a paid version of ChatGPT that could generate revenue through App Store fees.

    Future AI Collaborations

    Apple is also negotiating with other AI developers, including Google, start-up Anthropic, Baidu, and Alibaba Group Holding, to explore further chatbot integrations. The new AI features, branded as “Apple Intelligence,” will first launch in American English, with plans for a global rollout.

    OpenAI has faced several controversies, such as the temporary removal of CEO Sam Altman and criticisms regarding AI safety. For Apple, securing an observer role with a high-profile partner like OpenAI is a rare occurrence, underscoring the importance of this alliance.

    This observer role for Apple on OpenAI’s board, coupled with the integration of ChatGPT into its devices, marks a significant step in Apple’s AI strategy. This partnership not only enhances AI capabilities on Apple devices but also paves the way for future advancements in artificial intelligence.

    Apple Joins OpenAI Board as Observer, Gaining AI Future Insights
    Tags: , ,
  • Samsung Q2 Profit Soars 13x, Boosted by AI and Chip Industry

    Samsung Q2 Profit Soars 13x, Boosted by AI and Chip Industry

    Samsung Electronics has projected a staggering 13-fold increase in its second-quarter profit, marking a notable recovery from the same period last year. The estimated operating profit for Q2 2024 is 8.8 trillion won ($6.34 billion), a significant rise from the 670 billion won reported in Q2 2023. This represents Samsung's highest profit since the third quarter of 2022.

    A key contributor to this profit spike is the rebounding performance of Samsung’s semiconductor division. This sector has dramatically improved, with an estimated operating profit of 4.6 trillion won in Q2 2024, reversing a loss of 4.36 trillion won from the same period last year. The surge in demand for high-end DRAM chips, especially those utilized in artificial intelligence (AI) applications, has driven this growth. Prices for DRAM chips have increased by 13% to 18%, while NAND Flash chips used for data storage have risen by 15% to 20%.

    AI Boom Boosts Chip Demand

    The thriving AI sector has significantly bolstered Samsung’s profits, with a heightened requirement for advanced memory chips like high-bandwidth memory (HBM) solutions employed in AI data centers. This trend has led to an uptick in prices and demand for Samsung’s premium DRAM chips, crucial for AI chipsets and data center servers.

    Despite the overall profit growth, Samsung’s mobile business has faced a decline. The projected Q2 operating profit for this segment is 2.2 trillion won, down from 3.04 trillion won a year earlier. This decrease is due to higher costs for parts and marketing, as well as investments in AI service development. The volume of smartphones shipped remains consistent with last year, suggesting that external factors like increased costs are affecting profits.

    Upcoming Product Launches

    Samsung plans to unveil its latest flagship foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, along with new mobile accessories, on July 10 in Paris. Additionally, the company is introducing a new health monitoring ring, aiming to rival Apple in the high-end market.

    Analysts have estimated Samsung’s Q2 operating profit to be between 8.547 trillion won and 8.8 trillion won. Samsung is expected to provide a detailed earnings report at the end of the month. The company’s strategy to expand and diversify its business divisions, along with the rising chip prices, indicates a promising future ahead.

    Tags: , ,