Tag: OpenAI

  • Walmart Launches AI Shopping Agents for Groceries and Themed Baskets

    Walmart Launches AI Shopping Agents for Groceries and Themed Baskets

    Key Takeaways

    1. Walmart is preparing for AI shopping agents to manage online purchases instead of human users.
    2. The company is developing in-app and web-based tools to automate grocery reordering and event-specific shopping lists.
    3. Walmart anticipates the need for compatibility with third-party bots that will handle purchases, requiring standardized interaction with its systems.
    4. Algorithmic buying will shift focus from traditional marketing tactics to essential product details like specifications and pricing.
    5. Despite a rise in e-commerce sales, over 80% of retail sales still happen in physical stores, indicating that autonomous buying is still in its early stages.

    Walmart is getting ready for a future where AI shopping agents, instead of people, will handle buying products. Hari Vasudev, who is the U.S. chief technology officer for the company, believes there will be a big change in online shopping once these agents, like OpenAI’s Operator, can manage everything from searching for items to checking out without anyone needing to look at a product page.

    Developing New Tools

    To keep up with this change, Walmart is working on its own in-app and web-based agents that can automatically reorder groceries or create shopping lists for specific events, like a unicorn-themed birthday party. These new tools will use first-party data, allowing Walmart to maintain a direct connection with customers, even if the buying process becomes less visible.

    Preparing for Third-Party Bots

    The retailer is also getting ready for consumers who might choose to let third-party bots handle their purchases. Vasudev expects there will be a standard for the industry that enables these external agents to interact with Walmart’s systems, share preference information, and retrieve organized product details. Even when bots navigate the site like a person exploring aisles, Walmart’s product pages need to be readable by machines and competitively priced.

    Changing the Game

    With algorithmic buying, traditional methods such as using attractive images to create desire may no longer work; bots prioritize details like specifications, stock availability, and overall cost. Robert Hetu, an analyst at Gartner, mentions that retailers might need to update their product descriptions in real-time, offer immediate discounts, and understand that search engine rankings—whether paid or organic—will significantly impact which deals a bot sees first.

    At the moment, over 80 percent of sales still occur in physical stores, and the concept of autonomous buying is still in its early stages. However, Walmart’s impressive 22 percent increase in e-commerce sales year over year shows how quickly consumer behavior can evolve.

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  • The Cost of Kindness: ChatGPT Pays for ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’

    The Cost of Kindness: ChatGPT Pays for ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’

    Key Takeaways

    1. OpenAI faces financial losses in the tens of millions due to users including polite terms in prompts to ChatGPT.
    2. Each AI-generated prompt consumes significant energy, with a 100-word email using around 0.14 kWh.
    3. The annual energy consumption for weekly AI-generated emails can equal that of a refrigerator over two weeks.
    4. AI technologies contribute about 2% of the world’s electricity consumption, surpassing some industrial sectors.
    5. Online reactions vary from sarcastic humor to serious concerns about focusing on more significant energy issues rather than digital courtesy.

    A brief post on X on April 16 led to a notable discussion: a user inquired about the financial losses OpenAI faces due to users including courteous terms like “please” and “thank you” in ChatGPT. The unexpected answer came directly from CEO Sam Altman, who stated, “Tens of millions of dollars.” Each prompt, regardless of how small, requires a considerable amount of energy.

    Energy Consumption Insights

    As reported by the Washington Post, creating a single AI-generated email of 100 words consumes around 0.14 kWh of power. Doing this weekly results in nearly 7.5 kWh annually, which is comparable to the energy used by a modern refrigerator over two weeks. When considering the millions of prompts generated daily across the globe, it becomes apparent that digital courtesy is no longer just a trivial matter. Energy experts suggest that AI technologies currently represent about 2% of the world’s electricity consumption, surpassing several industrial sectors.

    Reactions from the Online Community

    On the subreddit r/nottheonion, which is recognized for its strange yet genuine news, the revelation regarding “polite electricity consumption” triggered a flurry of sarcastic reactions. One commenter joked, “Mom always said it doesn’t cost anything to be nice – but turns out she was wrong.” Others took a more serious approach, cautioning that this emphasis might overshadow more significant energy concerns, such as industrial pollution or extravagant lifestyles. The argument: instead of discussing the expenses related to saying “please” and “thank you,” we ought to focus on issues like data centers, heated swimming pools, and the carbon emissions from affluent countries.

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  • Opera Mini Browser Adds Support for Aria AI

    Opera Mini Browser Adds Support for Aria AI

    Key Takeaways

    1. Opera Mini integrates Aria AI, enhancing user browsing experience with AI features.
    2. Aria AI offers a chat-based interface powered by Opera’s Composer AI engine, using technologies from OpenAI and Google AI.
    3. Users can access Aria by updating their Opera Mini browser and finding it in the main menu or by tapping the Aria button on the homepage.
    4. Aria can answer queries, generate text and images, provide summaries, and suggest popular topics for exploration.
    5. Opera Mini is popular for its speed, data-saving features, ad blocker, offline file sharing, and offline article downloads.

    Opera has shared some exciting news about its well-liked Android browser, Opera Mini. The integration of Aria AI into this browser will give the millions of daily users access to a range of AI features, enhancing their browsing experience.

    New AI Features Unveiled

    Aria AI brings a chat-based interface powered by Opera’s unique Composer AI engine, which is built on technologies from OpenAI and Google AI. This means that users can now interact with a smart assistant directly within the browser.

    How to Access Aria AI

    To start using Aria, users need to update their Opera Mini browser to the most recent version. After the update, they can find Aria in the main menu of the app or simply tap the Aria button located next to the reload button at the bottom of the homepage. Aria is capable of answering queries, generating both text and images, and offering concise summaries. Moreover, when launched, it will also suggest popular topics for users to explore.

    The Opera Mini browser enjoys significant popularity in various countries, particularly in areas where data costs can be high. This preference is largely due to its speed, ability to save data, and effective data compression. Additionally, it features an integrated ad blocker, allows for offline file sharing, and offers the option to download news articles for offline reading, making it a versatile choice for users without an internet connection.

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  • OpenAI Launches Accessible “Ghibli” Image Generator for All Users

    OpenAI Launches Accessible “Ghibli” Image Generator for All Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. OpenAI’s new image generator resembles Studio Ghibli art and is now available to all users, but free users are limited to three creations daily.

    2. The “Ghibli” trend has emerged on social media, with users creating and sharing “Ghibli-fied” versions of portraits, causing a spike in image generation requests.

    3. There is ongoing debate about copyright issues related to AI-generated images, with concerns about the legality of using copyrighted material for training models.

    4. Privacy experts have raised concerns that OpenAI may collect high-quality image data through this trend, but this remains speculative.

    5. Some users have faced errors related to copyright issues when generating images, while others continue to share their creations without problems.

    OpenAI has released its new image generator, which has already made headlines for resembling the art from Studio Ghibli. Now, this feature is accessible to all users on the platform.

    Although the company has not made an official statement, a previous post on X by CEO Sam Altman hinted that free users will be limited to three image creations each day.

    The Ghibli Trend

    Since its launch in March, the image generator has sparked the current “Ghibli” phenomenon on social media, where users are posting “Ghibli-fied” versions of their portraits or others’ because, well, why not?

    This trend has gained so much popularity that Altman commented on their “GPUs are melting” due to the overwhelming number of requests for image generations.

    Legal Discussions Around AI

    This surge has led to a fascinating debate online regarding copyright issues and AI responsibilities when it comes to potential infringements.

    In an interview with TechCrunch, intellectual property attorney Evan Brown mentioned that the generator functions in “a legal grey area.” You can’t take legal action for someone copying a style, but you can pursue a case against the use of copyrighted material to train image generation models. This matter is currently hotly contested in courts, as the question of whether training models with copyrighted content falls under fair use is still unresolved.

    Privacy Concerns

    Some privacy experts have speculated that this could be OpenAI’s strategy for collecting high-quality image data. However, it’s still just a theory at this point. If you decide to join the trend, be sure not to share any personal details or images.

    A number of users on Reddit have mentioned encountering error messages indicating that GPT could not produce the images “due to copyright and intellectual property concerns.” However, these reports seem to vary, as many others continue to share their Ghibli-inspired images across social media platforms.

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  • GPT-4o Can Generate Images with Near-Perfect Text

    GPT-4o Can Generate Images with Near-Perfect Text

    Key Takeaways

    1. GPT-4o now features image generation that allows for precise text rendering, improving the quality of visuals created from textual prompts.
    2. The model uses an interactive approach for dynamic image creation, enabling users to modify images step-by-step based on their ideas.
    3. Users can merge elements from different images and produce clear text, marking a significant advancement over previous AI image generation technologies.
    4. GPT-4o can handle 10-20 elements in a scene, surpassing competitors that typically manage only 5-8, making it easier to visualize complex ideas.
    5. Despite its advancements, limitations like bottom cropping, hallucinations, and challenges with non-Latin scripts still exist.

    OpenAI’s GPT-4o, which was introduced nearly a year ago, just received a significant update: it now includes image generation with incredibly precise text rendering. This new capability allows users to create intricate, high-quality visuals from textual prompts and engage in conversation to adjust these images until they align with their ideas—no more nonsensical signs or strange letters that earlier AI models produced.

    Dynamic Image Creation

    Unlike traditional methods of generating images by simply refining a single prompt, GPT-4o employs a more interactive technique. You begin with a straightforward request—like a cat—and then discuss modifications to capture your vision: perhaps adding a detective hat, a monocle, or any other detail you desire.

    Step-by-Step Modifications

    OpenAI provides examples that illustrate this process: users can construct and alter scenes incrementally, merging elements from various images into a single, unified result. The model excels at producing clear text on signs or items, a significant improvement over the distorted outputs of past AI image generation technologies.

    Impressive Capabilities

    Importantly, OpenAI acknowledges some selective showcasing—many images are labeled as “best of 2” or “best of 8″—but the outcomes remain impressive, particularly given the very user-friendly interface. GPT-4o can even start with your own photo and apply changes, managing 10-20 elements in a scene while competitors struggle with just 5-8. Just last week, I tried to recreate a scene from The Count of Monte Cristo, and it was quite challenging. Now, with GPT-4o’s image generation, not only will the images produced feature readable text, but it will also be significantly easier to turn your imagination into reality.

    Some Limitations

    However, it’s not without its flaws. OpenAI points out issues like bottom cropping, persistent hallucinations, difficulties with non-Latin scripts, and problems when exceeding 20 objects. Still, the capacity to create intricate, text-filled images using simple English distinguishes GPT-4o from its predecessors. If you’re working on a poster design, this tool offers the accuracy and flexibility that older models could only wish for.

    GPT-4o Can Generate Images with Near-Perfect TextGPT-4o Can Generate Images with Near-Perfect TextGPT-4o Can Generate Images with Near-Perfect TextGPT-4o Can Generate Images with Near-Perfect Text
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  • ChatGPT’s Odd Defamation of Norwegian Man’s Inquiry

    ChatGPT’s Odd Defamation of Norwegian Man’s Inquiry

    Key Takeaways

    1. ChatGPT provided a false and damaging response to a query about a man named Arve Hjalmar Holmen, wrongly accusing him of murdering his sons.
    2. Holmen was shocked by the AI’s claims, which included fabricated details about a murder case that supposedly took place in December 2020.
    3. He is pursuing legal action against OpenAI, supported by the privacy rights organization Noyb, due to the unfounded allegations made by the AI.
    4. Noyb highlighted that while the AI includes a disclaimer about accuracy, this does not exempt OpenAI from responsibility under GDPR for generating false statements.
    5. The incident raises concerns about AI accountability and the potential impacts of misinformation generated by such technologies.

    ChatGPT developer OpenAI is once again in hot water over a privacy issue after it provided a false and damaging answer to a seemingly innocent question. A man from Norway, named Arve Hjalmar Holmen, asked ChatGPT, “who is Arve Hjalmar Holmen?” and the AI wrongfully accused him of killing two of his sons and trying to kill a third. While there were some factual elements in the answer, the murder allegation was entirely untrue.

    Shocking Response

    According to a report from TechCrunch, Holmen was left stunned after submitting what he thought was a simple inquiry to ChatGPT (you can see the screenshot below). The AI claimed that Holmen had attracted attention due to a horrific incident where he supposedly murdered his two sons, who were ages 7 and 10, in Trondheim back in December 2020. Additionally, it stated that he was later charged with attempting to murder his third son.

    Legal Action Begins

    The AI further claimed that the case was “widely reported in the media” and mentioned that Holmen received a sentence of 21 years in prison.

    In response to this, Holmen is pursuing legal action against OpenAI, with support from the privacy rights organization Noyb. This group argued that while the AI’s accusations were completely unfounded, it did correctly identify Holmen’s hometown and confirmed that he has three sons. Noyb also attempted to investigate why such a misleading response was generated but couldn’t identify a specific reason behind it.

    Responsibility Under GDPR

    While ChatGPT does contain a notice that its answers may not always be accurate and encourages users to verify important information, Noyb asserts that this disclaimer doesn’t absolve the company from responsibility. They emphasize that OpenAI has an obligation under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to avoid generating seriously false statements in the first place.

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  • OpenAI Launches Tools and API for AI Business Development

    OpenAI Launches Tools and API for AI Business Development

    Key Takeaways

    1. OpenAI has launched new software tools for developers to create customized AI agents for business applications.
    2. AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, are primarily limited to basic question answering and struggle with complex queries.
    3. Agentic AI can perform in-depth research and handle intricate tasks, such as creating tailored travel plans.
    4. The Research API allows developers to build AI agents easily with minimal code, replacing the older Assistants API by 2026.
    5. The Agents SDK enables the development of multi-agent systems, allowing specialized agents to collaborate on customer queries.

    OpenAI has launched new software tools designed for developers of business applications to create AI agents tailored to meet specific customer demands. These tools merge various features from OpenAI’s AI products, making it easier to program these agents.

    The Rise of Chatbots

    AI chatbots, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have gained traction because they can respond to user prompts effectively. Yet, these chatbots are primarily limited to answering basic questions that don’t require extensive analysis or research, like “What is the height of Tokyo Tower?” They rely heavily on the data they were trained on and struggle with generating complex answers.

    Enhanced Capabilities of Agentic AI

    Agentic AI can search the web for information and utilize a computer similarly to a person while tackling intricate queries, like “Create a travel plan to Tokyo that includes popular anime shops and sites with a budget of $2,000.” These AI systems are capable of thorough research and can thoughtfully approach complex tasks.

    To facilitate the development of these AI agents, OpenAI has introduced the Research API, enabling programmers to build agents using only a few lines of code. This new API is derived from the beta version of its Assistants API, with user feedback incorporated to enhance usability and efficiency. The Research API is an expanded version of the existing Chat Completions API, which generates text responses from prompts, and it is now OpenAI’s suggested API for use. The Assistants API is set to be phased out in 2026.

    Multi-Agent Workflows

    OpenAI has also introduced the Agents SDK, which aids developers in creating multi-agent systems where a specialized agent collaborates with others to fulfill customer queries. For instance, one agent could forward product return inquiries to a returns specialist and direct shopping suggestions to a shopping-focused agent.

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  • Perplexity AI Launches Deep Research Tool to Compete with OpenAI, Google

    Perplexity AI Launches Deep Research Tool to Compete with OpenAI, Google

    Key Takeaways

    1. Introduction of Deep Research Tool: Perplexity AI has launched “Deep Research,” a tool designed to provide expert insights quickly and at a lower cost than competitors like OpenAI.

    2. Cost and Accessibility: Unlike OpenAI’s tool priced at $200/month, Perplexity offers a free version with limitations and a pro version for $20/month, allowing users to make up to 500 inquiries daily.

    3. Human-like Research Emulation: The Deep Research tool mimics human research processes, delivering coherent, citation-supported reports in under three minutes across various subjects.

    4. Performance Metrics: Perplexity’s tool scored 21.1% on “Humanity’s Last Exam,” outperforming some models but still behind OpenAI’s 26.6% score.

    5. Legal Challenges and Partnerships: Perplexity faces legal issues over content usage but is forming partnerships with media publishers to establish revenue-sharing agreements.

    Perplexity AI is making a significant commitment to the future of AI research with its new “Deep Research” tool, which aims to deliver expert insights at a faster pace than ever. Founded by Aravind Srinivas, a former researcher at OpenAI, the company has rapidly established itself in the AI landscape, receiving support from big names like Jeff Bezos and Nvidia. Now, it’s directly challenging OpenAI’s expensive research assistant by offering a freemium option that focuses on being user-friendly and quick.

    Deep Research: Expert Analysis in Minutes

    In contrast to OpenAI’s Deep Research, which comes with a steep $200 monthly fee, Perplexity’s tool is free to use, though there are some restrictions. Users who opt for the pro version, costing $20 monthly, can access up to 500 deep research inquiries each day. The web-based AI assistant is also set to launch on iOS, Android, and Mac soon, making comprehensive research easily accessible with just a few clicks.

    Mimicking Human Research

    Deep Research is fundamentally designed to emulate a human’s approach to understanding complicated topics—searching, reading, and refining information before producing a coherent, citation-supported report. It covers a wide array of subjects, including finance, marketing, healthcare, and product research. Notably, it generates results in less than three minutes, which is a stark improvement compared to OpenAI’s tool, requiring five to thirty minutes for similar outcomes.

    Performance and Legal Challenges

    On the performance front, Perplexity’s Deep Research tool achieved a score of 21.1% on “Humanity’s Last Exam,” a benchmark for expert analysis. This result surpasses models like Gemini Thinking (6.2%) and GPT-4o (3.3%), yet it still trails behind OpenAI’s score of 26.6%. Despite these advancements, Perplexity is facing increasing legal challenges, having been sued by major media houses over claims of unapproved content usage. In response, the company is forming partnerships with publishers such as Time and Fortune to create revenue-sharing arrangements.

    As AI research tools continue to evolve, Perplexity’s focus on speed, cost-effectiveness, and user accessibility could position it as an attractive option for users who prefer not to spend large amounts on high-end AI solutions.

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    Perplexity AI Launches Deep Research Tool to Compete with OpenAI, Google
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  • Sam Altman Shares OpenAI’s GPT-5 Roadmap on Twitter

    Sam Altman Shares OpenAI’s GPT-5 Roadmap on Twitter

    Key Takeaways

    1. OpenAI’s current AI models include quick-response options (GPT-4o, GPT-4o mini) and complex problem solvers (GPT-o1, GPT-o3 mini), which may confuse users.
    2. GPT-4.5 will be released as the next speedy model, following which no additional non-reasoning models are expected.
    3. GPT-5 will combine fast and reasoning capabilities, replacing both GPT-o3 and GPT-4.5 for a simpler user experience.
    4. Free ChatGPT users will access GPT-5 at a standard intelligence level, while paid users will unlock advanced features.
    5. No specific release timeline for future models has been announced by OpenAI.

    The CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, recently shared updates on the company’s AI large language model roadmap via a tweet. This was done to address uncertainties regarding the current two-prong strategy.

    Current Model Options

    AI LLMs, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, are utilized in various chatbots. Users currently have the option to choose between models designed for quick answers (GPT-4o, GPT-4o mini) and those that can solve complex problems by processing information step-by-step (GPT-o1, GPT-o3 mini). This division can be confusing for everyday users trying to find the right AI model for their needs.

    Upcoming Releases

    To bridge the gap between GPT-4o and GPT-5, OpenAI plans to introduce GPT-4.5 as the next speedy model. After the launch of GPT-4.5, the company does not anticipate releasing any additional non-reasoning models in this series.

    In the next phase, OpenAI aims to merge the capabilities of their fast models with those of their reasoning models for the upcoming GPT-5. This new model will take the place of GPT-o3 and is expected to also replace GPT-4.5, simplifying the selection process for users looking for answers to their queries. At that point, users with free ChatGPT accounts will have access to GPT-5 at a standard intelligence level, while those who pay will unlock advanced intelligence levels and features like voice input and in-depth research.

    No Release Date Yet

    No timeline for future LLM releases from OpenAI has been provided yet. For those unfamiliar with AI, a helpful book is available on Amazon to assist in learning how to use ChatGPT effectively.

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  • TSMC to Manufacture OpenAI’s AI Chips, Not Samsung Foundry

    TSMC to Manufacture OpenAI’s AI Chips, Not Samsung Foundry

    Key Takeaways

    1. AI-powered tools are attracting significant investor interest, but developing them can be costly.
    2. OpenAI is seeking to reduce operating expenses by creating its own hardware instead of relying on Nvidia.
    3. Samsung Foundry was considered for producing AI hardware, but OpenAI has chosen TSMC’s 3nm process instead.
    4. OpenAI plans to mass-produce its AI chips by 2026, with designs nearing completion.
    5. OpenAI is investing $500 million in its proprietary AI chip, aiming for long-term savings in operational costs.

    Development of AI-powered tools appears to be a profitable venture. An increasing number of investors are keen on backing these kinds of projects. Nonetheless, creating AI products can be pretty costly if one aims to compete with top players in the market. OpenAI, which is the parent organization of ChatGPT, is fully aware of these financial challenges, prompting them to seek ways to reduce operating expenses.

    OpenAI’s Strategy for Cost Reduction

    As per various reports, one of the strategies OpenAI intends to adopt for long-term savings involves crafting its own hardware to manage AI services. At present, the company relies on Nvidia, which holds a dominant position as the leading supplier of AI hardware globally. Nevertheless, Nvidia’s stronghold allows it to dictate prices that some companies, including OpenAI, find excessive.

    Samsung Foundry vs. TSMC

    Samsung Foundry has surfaced as a key potential producer for OpenAI’s AI hardware after a dialogue took place between Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during the week of February 3 to February 9. Some insiders hinted that the production of OpenAI’s AI chips using Samsung’s 3nm process was among the matters discussed. However, a recent report from Reuters suggests that OpenAI has opted for TSMC’s 3nm process instead.

    Future Plans and Investments

    The AI-centric firm won’t be the first significant player to part ways with Samsung after encountering issues and dissatisfaction with its wafer performance. Other companies like Qualcomm and Nvidia have also transitioned to TSMC for their needs. OpenAI is said to aim for the mass production of its AI chips by 2026. In the near future, TSMC might receive designs from OpenAI to kick off production tests, with reports indicating that the hardware design is nearing completion.

    OpenAI plans to invest approximately $500 million in the creation of its proprietary AI chip. Though this initial expense seems steep, the long-term savings in operational costs could be substantial. Apple previously took a similar path by moving away from Intel in favor of its own ARM chips for the Mac lineup.

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