Tag: AI research

  • Meta’s AI Achieves 80% Accuracy in Mind Reading Technology

    Meta’s AI Achieves 80% Accuracy in Mind Reading Technology

    Key Takeaways

    1. Meta’s AI can reconstruct sentences from brain activity with 80% accuracy, aiding those who have lost speech.
    2. The research uses non-invasive methods (MEG and EEG) to capture brain activity without surgery.
    3. Limitations include the need for a magnetically shielded environment and the requirement for participants to remain still.
    4. The AI helps understand how the brain translates thoughts into language, revealing a ‘dynamic neural code.’
    5. Meta is investing in further research with a $2.2 million donation and partnerships with various European institutions.


    Meta’s AI research team is making strides in understanding human thoughts. In partnership with the Basque Center on Cognition, Brain, and Language, the company has created an AI model that can reconstruct sentences from brain activity with accuracy reaching 80%. This research uses a non-invasive method for recording brain activity and, as stated by the company, could lead to technology that assists those who have lost the ability to speak.

    The Technology Behind It

    Differing from current brain-computer interfaces that typically need invasive procedures, Meta employs magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG). These methods capture brain activity without any surgery involved. The AI model was trained on recordings from 35 participants while they typed sentences. When faced with new sentences, Meta asserts that it can predict up to 80% of the typed characters using MEG data—this is at least double the effectiveness of EEG-based decoding.

    Limitations and Challenges

    However, there are certain limitations to this approach. MEG necessitates a magnetically shielded environment, and participants have to remain completely still for precise readings. Furthermore, this technology has only been evaluated on healthy individuals, leaving its performance for those with brain injuries uncertain.

    Understanding Word Formation

    In addition to decoding thoughts into text, Meta’s AI is assisting researchers in comprehending how the brain converts ideas into language. The AI model scrutinizes MEG recordings, observing brain activity in milliseconds. It uncovers how the brain changes abstract thoughts into words, syllables, and even the movements of fingers while typing.

    A significant discovery is that the brain utilizes a ‘dynamic neural code,’ which connects various stages of language creation while keeping previous information readily accessible. This might shed light on how individuals effortlessly construct sentences while communicating.

    Meta’s research reinforces the idea that AI could eventually facilitate non-invasive brain-computer interfaces for those unable to communicate verbally. Nevertheless, the technology is not yet ready for practical application. There is a need for improved decoding accuracy, and the hardware requirements of MEG limit its usability outside of laboratory environments.

    Meta is committed to fostering this research by forming partnerships. The company has pledged a donation of $2.2 million to the Rothschild Foundation Hospital to aid ongoing research. It is also collaborating with institutions such as NeuroSpin, Inria, and CNRS in Europe.

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  • Apple Uses Google Tech for Apple Intelligence Development

    Apple Uses Google Tech for Apple Intelligence Development

    The rivalry between Apple and Google is intensifying. While the competition between Android and iOS is commonly known, this contest is broadening into new areas with the advancement of technology. The latest battleground is artificial intelligence, a relatively fresh field.

    Interestingly, this rivalry doesn't prevent them from leveraging each other's strengths. A newly published AI research paper by Apple reveals that Apple is utilizing Google hardware to lay the groundwork for Apple Intelligence. Here are the details…

    Apple Utilizes Google’s TPU Clusters for AI Training

    Apple and Google are typically seen as competitors in the tech industry, but it's intriguing to note that Apple is employing Google hardware in its AI research. It has come to light that Apple is developing its AI models using Google’s v4 and v5p Cloud TPU clusters.

    This information was made public in a recently released research paper by Apple. The study, titled “Apple Intelligence Foundation Language Models,” outlines the data sources and developmental processes behind Apple's new AI technology.

    The paper elaborates on the data sources Apple used for training its AI models and the methodologies applied during this process. The most eye-catching detail is that Apple initially relied on Google’s v4 and v5p Cloud TPU clusters.

    For those unfamiliar, Google’s Cloud TPU clusters are built to handle high-performance computing tasks, making them perfect for intensive activities like training large language models.

    The Reason Behind Apple's Move

    The likely motivation for Apple’s decision is “speed.” Many may not recall, but the AI frenzy that began with the release of ChatGPT is less than two years old.

    This implies that companies need time to develop their technologies. Some may move faster in this domain, but Apple might have aimed to save time by using its rival’s technologies.

    Despite this being a temporary measure, Apple plans to invest over $5 billion in AI development over the next two years. This investment is viewed as part of Apple's strategy to catch up with industry frontrunners like Microsoft and Meta.

    Whether they will achieve this goal remains uncertain.

  • Sam Altman becomes a member of Microsoft’s AI team after leaving OpenAI

    Sam Altman becomes a member of Microsoft’s AI team after leaving OpenAI

    Microsoft’s Latest Move: Hiring Former OpenAI CEO and Co-founder

    In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has made a significant move by hiring Sam Altman, the former CEO of OpenAI, and Greg Brockman, a co-founder of OpenAI, to lead a new advanced AI research team. This decision comes after Altman’s abrupt dismissal from OpenAI due to concerns over his commitment to the company’s mission. The OpenAI board cited issues with overseeing Altman and a lack of trust, which ultimately led to his departure along with Brockman.

    Altman’s Departure and Microsoft’s Support

    Following Altman’s firing, Emmett Shear, co-founder of Twitch, was appointed as the interim CEO of OpenAI. Shear’s unique skills and experience were deemed crucial for the company’s future by the OpenAI board. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed excitement about Altman and Brockman joining Microsoft and reassured their commitment to providing them with the necessary resources.

    Nadella took to social media to emphasize Microsoft’s dedication to its partnership with OpenAI, stating, “We remain committed to our partnership with OpenAI and have confidence in our product roadmap.” This statement not only reflects Microsoft’s strategic intent to maintain a strong collaboration with OpenAI but also highlights their determination to enhance their own AI research capabilities.

    Impact on the AI Community

    Altman’s unexpected departure from OpenAI has caused a stir in the tech industry, revealing a divide within the AI community between those advocating for rapid development and those expressing concerns about AI’s potential risks. Altman had been discussing a new AI start-up, and his firing led to some employees planning to leave OpenAI. Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, was taken aback by the sudden decision, learning about it shortly before it was publicly announced.

    Microsoft’s Investment in AI Technology

    Microsoft’s decision to form a new AI research team led by Altman and Brockman is part of the company’s ongoing investment in AI technology. In addition to this move, Microsoft has also developed its own custom AI chip, the Azure Maia, which aims to reduce reliance on Nvidia and power its Azure data centers. This development showcases Microsoft’s commitment to advancing AI research and solidifies its position in the competitive AI research space.

    Conclusion

    Microsoft’s acquisition of Sam Altman and Greg Brockman positions the company favorably in the AI research landscape. By leveraging their expertise and following among AI professionals, Microsoft is strengthening its capabilities and reaffirming its commitment to innovation in the field of artificial intelligence. With Altman and Brockman leading the new AI research team, Microsoft is poised to make significant advancements in the realm of AI technology.

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