Category: Artificial intelligence

  • Amazon Prime Video Unveils AI-Powered Recaps in X-Ray Update

    Amazon Prime Video Unveils AI-Powered Recaps in X-Ray Update

    Amazon has introduced a new update to the X-Ray feature on Prime Video that incorporates generative AI to provide recaps of series or episodes. According to Amazon, X-Ray Recap can produce "easy-to-read summaries" for the shows you watch.

    Personalized Summaries

    The feature can create summaries for "entire seasons of TV shows, individual episodes, and even segments of episodes, tailored to the exact moment you’re viewing." This personalization enhances the viewing experience by allowing users to catch up quickly.

    Key Story Moments

    X-Ray Recap presents brief text snippets highlighting significant story events, characters, and other pertinent details. Amazon claims that it also understands how much content you have already consumed, ensuring that the summaries remain spoiler-free.

    Advanced Technology

    Recap uses Amazon’s Bedrock AWS service alongside specialized AI models developed through Amazon SageMaker (AWS AI training tools) to analyze video clips and subtitles/dialogue to generate descriptions of key plot points, characters, and events.

    Users can access Recaps from the Prime Video detail page or select it from the X-Ray option while watching. To use this feature, simply tap on the screen during playback or press the up button on the FireTV remote, then click the "View All" option.

  • ADNOC to Launch Autonomous AI in UAE Energy Sector

    ADNOC to Launch Autonomous AI in UAE Energy Sector

    UAE’s state-owned oil company ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) is set to be the first energy firm to use autonomous agentic AI. This initiative is supported by G42, another government-associated AI and cloud computing firm that got a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft in April.

    Insights from ADNOC’s Leadership

    In an interview with Reuters, ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber mentioned that this strategy aims to "analyze petabytes of data" and will "proactively and autonomously identify operational improvements." Alongside G42 and Microsoft, the project also has backing from AIQ, a company created by ADNOC and G42 in 2020.

    What is Agentic AI?

    Agentic AI refers to an autonomous system that leverages the reasoning skills of LLMs (Large Language Models) to carry out tasks with minimal human involvement. These systems have the ability to evaluate vast data sets and create plans to achieve specific objectives.

    Financial Impact and Environmental Benefits

    In March, ADNOC reported that its use of AI tools generated five hundred million dollars in value throughout 2023, according to JPT75. The company stated it utilized over 30 AI programs to help decrease carbon emissions by one million metric tons from 2022 to 2023.

  • Copilot+ PCs Offer 5x Performance Boost Over 5-Year-Old Models

    Copilot+ PCs Offer 5x Performance Boost Over 5-Year-Old Models

    Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs are introducing a range of AI features, including Recall, Cocreator, and others. Beyond these intelligent functionalities, they are also said to enhance performance and battery life. According to Microsoft, these Copilot+ PCs represent the fastest and most advanced Windows computers ever made. But how do they compare to older Windows PCs? Microsoft has shared details to clarify this.

    Performance Comparison

    A recent report from Windows Latest indicates that Microsoft conducted a comparison between the Copilot+ PCs and well-known PCs that were popular five years ago. The focus of this assessment was mainly on performance and battery endurance. The Copilot+ PCs utilized in the evaluations are equipped with Snapdragon X Elite 12 core and Snapdragon X Plus 10 core configurations.

    Benchmark Results

    To measure performance, Microsoft used the widely recognized benchmark tool, Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core. The findings reveal that the Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs outperform the most popular Windows PC from 4-5 years ago by 5 times.

    Battery Life Enhancements

    In terms of battery life, the Copilot+ PCs show significant improvements over older Windows models. During local video playback tests, these new devices demonstrated up to 2.3 times longer battery life. All devices during these tests operated on the same Wi-Fi network, with display brightness set to 150 nits.

    When it comes to web browsing, the Copilot+ PCs manage to deliver 3 times more battery life than their predecessors. These findings indicate that while Copilot+ PCs emphasize AI advancements, they also provide enhancements in other important areas. Regarding AI capabilities, Microsoft has yet to introduce features like Recall and Click to Do, but the company has pledged to roll them out by early next year.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.