Category: Artificial intelligence

  • Former Apple executive Steve Kenner joins GM Cruise to enhance autonomous driving safety

    Former Apple executive Steve Kenner joins GM Cruise to enhance autonomous driving safety

    General Motors (GM) has appointed Steve Kenner as the safety director of its autonomous vehicle division in a move to strengthen the company’s commitment to safety in autonomous driving technology. Kenner, who has previously worked at Apple and Uber, brings decades of experience in the automotive industry to his new role.

    Experience at Apple and Uber

    During his time at Apple, Kenner played a crucial role in overseeing safety and regulatory activities for the secretive “Titan” car project. This experience highlights his expertise in navigating the complexities of developing cutting-edge automotive technologies. Prior to his tenure at Apple, Kenner held prominent positions at major American automakers such as Ford and Chrysler, accumulating nearly 40 years of invaluable experience in the field.

    Extensive Industry Background

    Kenner’s automotive career began at General Motors in 1978, and he has since held leadership roles at Chrysler and Ford. His extensive engineering background and strategic management skills further solidify his credentials as a seasoned industry veteran.

    Advocacy for Regulatory Engagement

    During his time at Apple and later at Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group, Kenner actively advocated for updated policies that would facilitate the testing of self-driving cars on public roads. This demonstrates his proactive approach to regulatory engagement and collaboration within the industry.

    Advancing Safety Initiatives at GM Cruise

    As the safety director at GM Cruise, Kenner will leverage his wealth of experience to advance safety initiatives and ensure regulatory compliance within the autonomous driving realm. His commitment to partnership with regulators reflects GM’s dedication to prioritizing passenger safety and fostering trust within the broader ecosystem.

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  • New CEO Announced by Mozilla, Followed by Layoffs of 60 Employees

    New CEO Announced by Mozilla, Followed by Layoffs of 60 Employees

    Mozilla, the well-known name behind the Firefox browser, is undergoing some changes. The company has decided to say goodbye to 60 members of its team, which accounts for approximately 5% of its staff. This transition primarily impacts those who work on product development. However, this move is part of Mozilla’s strategy to allocate more resources and energy towards specific projects, such as optimizing Firefox for mobile devices and exploring the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).

    Adjusting to the Tech Landscape

    Mozilla’s decision to let go of some of its team members is just one example of the many tech layoffs that have been witnessed in the global job market. In an industry where companies often need to adapt in order to progress, Mozilla’s choice to invest further in certain areas reflects their larger plan. They aim to focus on the initiatives they believe will contribute to their growth and make a significant impact in the tech sector.

    Embracing the Potential of AI

    Artificial intelligence has been gaining significant attention lately, and Mozilla doesn’t want to be left behind. They recognize the immense potential of integrating AI into Firefox, particularly after acquiring a company called Fakespot. This acquisition demonstrates Mozilla’s commitment to improving the internet experience by making it easier to identify and avoid fake content.

    Streamlining Projects

    Alongside these changes, Mozilla is also streamlining its range of projects. While some projects, like their VPN and privacy tool, are receiving less attention, others are being completely discontinued. This enables Mozilla to concentrate more on Firefox Mobile and AI, two areas that they are particularly enthusiastic about.

    New Leadership and Future Outlook

    Furthermore, Mozilla is ushering in a new CEO, Laura Chambers, who has previously worked at prominent companies such as Airbnb, PayPal, and eBay. With Chambers at the helm, Mozilla aims to develop products that not only perform well in the market but also align with their mission of creating a better internet for all.

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  • ChatGPT Introduces Enhanced Memory to Recall Your Past Conversations

    ChatGPT Introduces Enhanced Memory to Recall Your Past Conversations

    OpenAI is making changes to ChatGPT that might just make your chats a lot smoother. They’re adding a memory feature, which means ChatGPT will be able to remember things about you and your past conversations. And yes, the memory could include everything you’ve divulged to the chatbot in the past.

    Improved Personalization

    This will help make the chatbot interactions sound more personal. You won’t have to repeat yourself every time you chat. ChatGPT can either remember details you directly tell it to keep in mind, or it can learn about you gradually as you use it more. This is aimed at making your interactions with the bot feel more personal and less like you’re starting from scratch each time.

    Customized Memory

    This memory isn’t just a blanket feature; it’s specific to each version of GPT you use. So, if you’re using a movie recommendation bot, it’ll remember what movies you’ve watched and what genres you like, or what directors you prefer. This could make a lot of other tools more useful, too, like helping you plan your studies or keeping track of your fitness progress.

    Managing Memory

    However, the idea of a chatbot remembering details about users has its downsides. There’s a fine line between helpful and intrusive, and OpenAI knows this. They’ve made it so you can check what the bot remembers about you, ask it to forget certain things, or adjust settings in the Manage Memory section. There’s also a Temporary Chat option for those times you want to chat without leaving a memory trace.

    Future Improvements

    By default, this memory feature will be on, and OpenAI plans to use these memories to improve how ChatGPT works in the future. But for now, it’s just being tested with a small group of users.

    It’s exciting to think about how this memory feature will make our interactions with ChatGPT more personalized. The idea is to get a chatbot that feels more like an assistant who knows you, rather than a tool you need to remind every time.

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  • Nvidia Continues to Impress with ‘Chat with RTX’—Introducing a New AI Chatbot

    Nvidia Continues to Impress with ‘Chat with RTX’—Introducing a New AI Chatbot

    Nvidia is making waves in the tech world with its latest releases. After unveiling the new RTX 2000 Ada GPU just yesterday, the company has now introduced an early version of an exciting new app called Chat with RTX. This app is designed to leverage the power of Nvidia graphics cards to assist with AI-related tasks. With Chat with RTX, users can easily analyze YouTube videos and documents right on their own machines, making sense of complex information with ease. The best part? You only need an Nvidia RTX 30- or 40-series GPU to get started.

    Empowering Users with Local AI Assistance

    Chat with RTX is a powerful tool that can save users a significant amount of time, particularly when dealing with large volumes of information. Imagine being able to quickly grasp the main points of a video or easily find specific details in a stack of documents. This is precisely what Chat with RTX aims to deliver. Similar to existing chatbots like Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT, this app provides a convenient way to navigate and comprehend various forms of content.

    Optimizing Document Analysis

    While Chat with RTX is not flawless, it truly shines when it comes to working with documents. It can swiftly scan through PDFs and other file types, instantly extracting the most important information. This feature has the potential to greatly benefit individuals who often find themselves overwhelmed by the amount of reading required for work or school.

    Room for Improvement

    It’s important to note that Chat with RTX is still a work in progress. Setting it up may require some patience, and it can be demanding on system resources. Additionally, there are still some minor issues that need to be addressed. For example, the app doesn’t have strong memory recall, so each question must be approached from scratch. However, given Nvidia’s leading position in the AI revolution, these limitations are likely to be swiftly resolved.

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  • Using AI and VR Technology, Tencent is Revolutionizing Chinese Opera

    Using AI and VR Technology, Tencent is Revolutionizing Chinese Opera

    Tencent, a well-known company in the gaming and social media industry, is now venturing into a new field by giving Chinese opera a modern twist. They have begun with the story of Hua Mulan, the legendary heroine who disguised herself as a man to fight in her father’s place. Thanks to Tencent’s tech-savvy approach, this traditional story is gaining a new audience in China.

    Tencent’s Modern Makeover

    Tencent has taken an old 1956 opera performance and utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to revitalize the video. The use of AI technology has successfully cleaned up the footage, resulting in a fresh and updated version. This project has been a huge success, attracting over 7 million viewers through its live stream. Collaborating with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tencent aims to bring traditional Chinese opera into the digital age.

    Advancing Traditional Art

    Tencent’s efforts go beyond simply enhancing old videos. They are employing advanced technologies like 6DoF, commonly used in virtual reality, to capture the intricate movements of characters from famous operas. This technology allows people today to witness and appreciate the complex beauty of these traditional dances and stories.

    Preserving Cultural Heritage

    The ultimate goal of Tencent’s project is to preserve classic stories and share them with a new generation. Despite facing challenges such as the availability of old opera data, Tencent is finding innovative solutions. They are even planning to establish a digital library, making it easier for more people to access and enjoy these restored performances.

    In China, tech companies are leveraging their resources to celebrate and safeguard traditional culture. Through their efforts, they are ensuring that these significant pieces of China’s heritage will not be forgotten. This serves as a testament to how technology can bridge the gap between the past and the present.

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  • Lenovo Set to Reveal New AI-Driven Operating System in 2022

    Lenovo Set to Reveal New AI-Driven Operating System in 2022

    It’s been a while since Lenovo has innovated in the ‘software’ side of things. The Hong-Kong-based company is stepping up its game in the tech world by working on a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) operating system that might just give Windows 11 a run for its money. At the CES 2024 event, Lenovo’s big shot, Liu Jun, let slip their plans to roll out an AI OS this year. A move like this is clearly a part of Lenovo’s big push into AI; the company seems serious about leading the charge in smart tech.

    Lenovo’s AI OS to Compete with Windows 11

    AI is making its way onto almost all platforms, and Lenovo wants a piece of the pie. Last year, Lenovo was all about boasting its full-stack intelligence strategy. Now, they’re moving forward with an AI OS focused on AI PCs and personal helpers. The idea is to make computers and devices smarter at understanding what we want, using natural language. This means our gadgets could get a lot better at figuring out our needs without us having to spell everything out.

    Smart AI PCs and Devices

    Lenovo’s first batch of these smart AI PCs is expected to hit the shelves in the first half of this year. They’re designed to be super intuitive, with a knack for picking up on user intent. On top of that, Lenovo’s crafting smart devices embedded with AI, emphasizing that they’re built to respect user privacy and security.

    Revolutionizing Technology with an AI PC Ecosystem

    The new AI OS isn’t just about launching nifty devices; Lenovo wants to kickstart an AI PC ecosystem. This is a big deal because it’s not just about making cool products; it’s about changing how technology works for us on a daily basis.

    With tech giants in China and around the world trying to make their own operating systems, Lenovo’s new project could shake things up. If they pull it off, Lenovo’s AI OS might stand toe-to-toe with big names like Microsoft’s Windows 11. The organization’s dive into AI could mark a turning point, making technology smarter and more in tune with our lives.

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  • OpenAI achieves $2 billion revenue milestone, stimulating ambitious Chip-making project

    OpenAI achieves $2 billion revenue milestone, stimulating ambitious Chip-making project

    OpenAI, backed by tech giant Microsoft, has achieved a monumental revenue milestone, surpassing $2 billion in December 2023. The achievement, first reported by Reuters and later corroborated by The Financial Times, signifies a remarkable trajectory for the San Francisco-based company, driven by burgeoning interest from corporate clients in its generative AI tools.

    Innovative Products Drive Revenue Surge

    The surge in revenue is attributed to OpenAI’s innovative products, particularly its ChatGPT offering, which has witnessed substantial adoption in various industries. The company’s annualized revenue soared to over $1.6 billion by December, a significant leap from $1.3 billion reported just two months earlier, as noted by The Information.

    Market Enthusiasm and Funding Talks

    Market enthusiasm for OpenAI is evident, with investors valuing the startup at a staggering $80 billion. Riding on this momentum, CEO Sam Altman has been actively engaged in discussions with potential investors, including prominent figures like Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan from the UAE, to secure funding for a transformative initiative.

    Altman’s ambitious vision involves establishing a chip-making company, aiming to bolster global chip-building capacity and advance AI capabilities. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that Altman’s plan entails constructing modern manufacturing facilities, necessitating funding in the tens of billions of dollars and spanning several years for completion.

    Key players in these funding talks include TSMC from Taiwan and Softbank, underscoring the global significance of OpenAI’s endeavors. Sheikh Tahnoon’s involvement, given his strategic role in managing significant investment funds in the UAE, further underscores the international interest in OpenAI’s initiatives.

    Exploring Chip-Making Venture

    While the specifics regarding the structure of the new chip-making venture remain undisclosed, sources suggest that OpenAI will serve as its initial client. This move aligns with previous reports hinting at OpenAI’s exploration of manufacturing its chipsets to address the increasing demand for AI chips, catalyzed by the widespread adoption of AI applications like ChatGPT.

    The shortage of AI chips, exacerbated by increased demand, has prompted OpenAI to diversify its chip suppliers beyond Nvidia and explore collaboration opportunities with other manufacturers. The strategic move underscores OpenAI’s commitment to fostering innovation and meeting the evolving needs of its clientele.

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  • Google One Achieves Over 100 Million Subscribers

    Google One Achieves Over 100 Million Subscribers

    Google One, Google’s cloud storage subscription service, has reached a major milestone by exceeding 100 million paying subscribers. CEO Sundar Pichai underscores the company’s plans to boost future expansion with its recently launched AI Premium Plan.

    Pricing Plans

    Google One offers a way for users to increase their storage capacity beyond the free 15GB provided with services like Gmail, Drive, and Photos. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the pricing plans:

    • Basic (100GB): $1.99/month or $19.99/year. Includes sharing with up to five users, additional photo editing features like Magic Eraser, VPN access, and dark web monitoring.
    • Standard (200GB): $2.99/month or $29.99/year. The primary difference is a 3% reward on Google Store purchases.
    • Premium (2TB and up): Starts at $9.99/month or $99.99/year, offering larger storage, Google Workspace premium features (for tools like Meet and Calendar), and a 10% reward on Google Store purchases. There are higher tiers than 2TB for those needing even more storage.

    Apart from this, the company recently launched the AI Premium plan ($19.99/month) that introduces powerful tools built on Google’s Gemini AI model.

    AI Premium Features

    These features offer advanced capabilities like generating drafts in Gmail, organizing content in Slides, and providing data visualizations within Sheets. Subscribers on plans with 5TB or more storage currently have a limited-time trial of AI Premium features until July 31, 2024, for free.

    Google intends to make AI Premium available to other subscriber groups, including Google Fi Unlimited users and those who pay for Google One through third-party billing providers.

    Pichai emphasizes that the addition of these AI features is pivotal to the service’s continued growth. This subscriber milestone for Google One interestingly coincides with YouTube Music + Premium also reaching 100 million users.

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  • Integration of advanced AI into smartphones through partnership between Lenovo and Baidu

    Integration of advanced AI into smartphones through partnership between Lenovo and Baidu

    Baidu, China’s leading tech giant, has struck a significant partnership with Lenovo, to embed its cutting-edge generative AI technology, particularly the Ernie large language model (LLM), into Lenovo smartphones. This collaboration follows similar agreements Baidu has forged with other smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung and Honor, marking a strategic move to expand its presence in the mobile market.

    Lenovo Integrates Baidu’s Ernie Model into Smartphones

    Lenovo, known for its diverse portfolio that includes personal computers and tablets, will now integrate Baidu’s Ernie model into its branded smartphones, a step aimed at capitalizing on the growing trend of AI-powered features in mobile devices. This trend gained traction following the success of ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, in late 2022.

    Competition in the AI Capabilities Market

    While Google’s Pixel phones currently lead the market in terms of AI capabilities, backed by robust cloud-based AI services, Apple is reportedly working on incorporating generative AI models into its iPhones. The collaboration between Baidu and Lenovo signals a concerted effort to compete in this space and offer consumers innovative AI-driven features such as chatbots and real-time translation directly on their smartphones.

    The Growing Demand for AI-Integrated Smartphones

    According to projections by research firm Canalys, approximately 5% of smartphones shipped globally in 2024, translating to around 60 million devices, will boast AI capabilities. This underscores the growing demand for AI-integrated smartphones and the potential for such features to become essential for consumers in the long run.

    China’s Dominance in the AI Services Market

    In China, where AI services from U.S. firms are not readily available, the market is dominated by homegrown companies like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent, offering over 200 AI models. Baidu CEO Robin Li has emphasized the importance of practical AI applications and has leveraged collaborations with smartphone manufacturers to enhance Baidu’s LLM and compete effectively with U.S. rivals.

    Investments by Top Chinese Phone Brands

    Apart from Lenovo, other top Chinese phone brands including Vivo, Xiaomi, and Huawei are also investing in developing their on-device AI models, although specific details have not been disclosed publicly.

    Strategic Move to Position AI as a “Must-Have” Functionality

    Analysts view the integration of Baidu’s LLM into smartphones as a strategic move, positioning AI-powered features as potential “must-have” functionalities in the future, despite existing limitations. These collaborations not only benefit Baidu but also provide access to vast amounts of data, which could further enhance the capabilities of Baidu’s AI models and strengthen its competitive position in the global smartphone market.

    Enhancing User Experiences and Driving Innovation

    The partnership between Baidu and Lenovo underscores the increasing importance of AI in smartphones and reflects a broader trend within the industry towards integrating advanced AI technologies to enhance user experiences and drive innovation.

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  • Gemini replaces ‘Assistant with Bard’ branding as Google’s choice

    Gemini replaces ‘Assistant with Bard’ branding as Google’s choice

    Google made a major announcement yesterday, streamlining all of its AI efforts under a single name — Gemini. This means that Google’s AI chatbot, formerly known as Bard, is now referred to as Gemini, and the tech giant has also introduced its standalone Android app.

    Google’s Consolidation of AI Efforts

    Google made a significant move by consolidating all of its AI efforts under the name Gemini. This includes renaming its AI chatbot from Bard to Gemini and launching a standalone Android app.

    Clarifying the Fate of Assistant’s AI Services

    Last year, Google announced its plan to enhance Android’s default Assistant with AI capabilities through a service called “Assistant with Bard.” With the rebranding of Bard to Gemini, there may be uncertainty about the future of Assistant’s AI services.

    Google has clarified to Android Authority that the Gemini experience on Android is what Assistant with Bard was intended to provide. The company’s vision of building a true AI assistant that is conversational, multimodal, and helpful remains the same.

    “Now, with the incredible capabilities of Gemini, we can deliver on that vision in an even more profound and meaningful way. The technology allows us to push past the limits of what we could do before (timers, alarms, weather) to help you supercharge your ideas and collaborate directly with Google AI on your phone,” said a Google spokesperson.

    In essence, the functionalities envisioned for “Assistant with Bard” have now been fully integrated into Gemini for Android.

    Gemini as the Default Assistant on Android

    Google has already taken steps towards implementing this approach, as Gemini becomes the default Assistant on Android after downloading the app from the Play Store. However, users still have the option to switch back to the old Assistant in the settings if they prefer.

    Google is confident that Gemini will power the AI capabilities of Assistant going forward, effectively retiring the “Assistant with Bard” name.

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