ChatGPT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is code or technologies that perform complex calculations, an area that encompasses simulations, data processing and analytics. AI has increasingly grown in importance, becoming a game changer in many industries, including healthcare, education and finance. The use of AI has been proven to double levels of effectiveness, efficiency and accuracy in many processes, and reduced cost in different market sectors. AI’s impact is being felt across the globe, so, it is important we understand the effects of AI on society and our daily lives. Better understanding of AI and all that it does and can mean can be gained from well-researched AI books. Books on AI provide insights into the use and applications of AI. They describe the advancement of AI since its inception and how it has shaped society so far. In this article, we will be examining recommended best books on AI that focus on the societal implications. For those who don’t have time to read entire books, book summary apps like Headway will be of help. Book 1: “Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies” by Nick Bostrom Nick Bostrom is a Swedish philosopher with a background in computational neuroscience, logic and AI safety. In his book, Superintelligence, he talks about how AI can surpass our current definitions of intelligence and the possibilities that might ensue. Bostrom also talks about the possible risks to humanity if superintelligence is not managed properly, stating AI can easily become a threat to the entire human race if we exercise no control over the technology. Bostrom offers strategies that might curb existential risks, talks about how Al can be aligned with human values to reduce those risks and suggests teaching AI human values. Superintelligence is recommended for anyone who is interested in knowing and understanding the implications of AI on humanity’s future. Book 2: “AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order” by Kai-*** Lee AI expert Kai-*** Lee’s book, AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order, examines the AI revolution and its impact so far, focusing on China and the USA. He concentrates on the competition between these two countries in AI and the various contributions to the advancement of the technology made by each. He highlights China’s advantage, thanks in part to its larger population. China’s significant investment so far in AI is discussed, and its chances of becoming a global leader in AI. Lee believes that cooperation between the countries will help shape the future of global power dynamics and therefore the economic development of the world. In thes book, Lee states AI has the ability to transform economies by creating new job opportunities with massive impact on all sectors. If you are interested in knowing the geo-political and economic impacts of AI, this is one of the best books out there. Book 3: “Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” by Max Tegmark Max Tegmark’s Life 3.0 explores the concept of humans living in a world that is heavily influenced by AI. In the book, he talks about the concept of Life 3.0, a future where human existence and society will be shaped by AI. It focuses on many aspects of humanity including identity and creativity. Tegmark envisions a time where AI has the ability to reshape human existence. He also emphasises the need to follow ethical principles to ensure the safety and preservation of human life. Life 3.0 is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to think deeply about the choices humanity may face as we progress into the AI era. It’s one of the best books to read if you are interested in the ethical and philosophical discussions surrounding AI. Book 4: “The Fourth Industrial Revolution” by Klaus Schwab Klaus Martin Schwab is a ******* economist, mechanical engineer and founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF). He argues that machines are becoming smarter with every advance in technology and supports his arguments with evidence from previous revolutions in thinking and industry. He explains that the current age – the fourth industrial revolution – is building on the third: with far-reaching consequences. He states use of AI in technological advancement is crucial and that cybernetics can be used by AIs to change and shape the technological advances coming down the line towards us all. This book is perfect if you are interested in AI-driven advancements in the fields of digital and technological growth. With this book, the role AI will play in the next phases of technological advancement will be better understood. Book 5: “Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy” by Cathy O’Neil Cathy O’Neil’s book emphasises the harm that defective mathematical algorithms cause in judging human behaviour and character. The continual use of maths algorithms promotes harmful results and creates inequality. An example given in the book is of research that proved bias in voting choices caused by results from different search engines. Similar examination is given to research that focused Facebook, where, by making newsfeeds appear on users’ timelines, political preferences could be affected. This book is best suited for readers who want to adventure in the darker sides of AI that wouldn’t regularly be seen in mainstream news outlets. Book 6: “The Age of Em: Work, Love, and Life when Robots Rule the Earth” by Robin Hanson An associate professor of economics at George Mason University and a former researcher at the Future of Humanity Institute of Oxford University, Robin Hanson paints an imaginative picture of emulated human brains designed for robots. What if humans copied or “emulated” their brains and emotions and gave them to robots? He argues that humans who become “Ems” (emulations) will become more dominant in the future workplace because of their higher productivity. An intriguing book for fans of technology and those who love intelligent predictions of possible futures. Book 7: “Architects of Intelligence: The truth about AI from the people building it” by Martin Ford This book was drawn from interviews with AI experts and examines the struggles and possibilities of AI-driven industry. If you want insights from people actively shaping the world, this book is right for you! CONCLUSION These books all have their unique perspectives but all point to one thing – the advantages of AI of today will have significant societal and technological impact. These books will give the reader glimpses into possible futures, with the effects of AI becoming more apparent over time. For better insight into all aspects of AI, these books are the boosts you need to expand your knowledge. AI is advancing quickly, and these authors are some of the most respected in the field. Learn from the best with these choice reads. The post Non-fiction books that explore AI’s impact on society appeared first on AI News. View the full article

A singer from the ******* States has been accused of manipulating music streaming platforms using AI technologies and bots to fraudulently inflate his stream statistics and earn millions of dollars in royalties. Michael Smith, 52, from North Carolina, faces charges of wire ******, *********** to commit wire ****** and money laundering. According to the BBC, authorities allege that this is the first time AI has been used to allow such a large-scale streaming scam. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasised the scope of the ******, claiming that Smith took millions of dollars in royalties that should have gone to real musicians, songwriters and rights holders. The accusations stem from an unsealed indictment alleging that Smith distributed hundreds of thousands of AI-generated songs across multiple streaming platforms. To avoid detection, automated bots streamed the tracks—sometimes up to 10,000 at a time. Smith allegedly earned more than $10 million in ******** royalties over several years. The FBI played a crucial role in the investigation. The agency’s acting assistant director, Christie M. Curtis, explained that the agency was dedicated to tracking down those who misuse technology to rob people of their earnings while simultaneously undermining the efforts of real artists. According to the indictment, Smith began working with the CEO of an undisclosed AI music firm around 2018. This co-conspirator allegedly provided Smith with thousands of AI-generated tracks each month. In exchange, Smith offered metadata such as song titles and artist names, and offered a share of streaming earnings. One email exchange between Smith and the unnamed CEO in March 2019 demonstrates how the plot took shape. The executive stated, “Keep in mind what we’re doing musically here…this is not ‘music,’ [but] ‘instant music’).” The email emphasises the operation’s intentional nature, as well as the use of AI to generate large amounts of content with minimal effort. According to the indictment, the technology improved over time, making it ******* for streaming platforms to detect fraudulent streams. In another email dated February, Smith boasted that his AI-generated tracks had accumulated over 4 billion streams and $12 million in royalties since 2019. If convicted, Smith faces significant prison time for the charges brought against him. The Smith case is not the only one involving bogus music streaming royalties. Earlier this year, a Danish man received an 18-month term for a similar plan. Music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube forbid bots and artificial streams from being used to boost royalties. Such behaviour is disruptive and ********, and platforms have taken steps to combat it through policy changes. For instance, if artificial streams are detected, Spotify charges the label or distributor and music can earn royalties only if it meets certain criteria. Nevertheless, the proliferation of AI-generated music continues to disrupt the music industry. Musicians and record companies ***** they will lose revenue and recognition due to AI tools capable of creating music, text and images. Such tools reportedly sometimes use content that musicians and other creators have posted on the internet, raising questions about copyright infringement. Tension came to a head in 2023 when a track that mimicked the voices of popular artists Drake and The Weeknd went viral, prompting streaming platforms to remove it. Earlier this year, several high-profile musicians, including Billie Eilish, Elvis Costello and Aerosmith, signed an open letter urging the music industry to address the “predatory” use of AI to generate content. (Photo by ******* palacio) See also: Whitepaper dispels fears of AI-induced job losses Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post AI and bots allegedly used to fraudulently boost music streams appeared first on AI News. View the full article

Walmart and Amazon are harnessing AI to drive retail transformation with new consumer experiences and enhanced operational efficiency. According to analytics firm GlobalData, Walmart is focusing on augmented reality and AI-enhanced store management. Amazon, meanwhile, is leading advancements in customer personalisation and autonomous systems. Kiran Raj, Practice Head of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, notes: “Walmart and Amazon are no longer competing for market share alone. Their AI strategies are reshaping the entire retail ecosystem—from Walmart’s blend of digital and physical shopping experiences to Amazon’s operational automation.” GlobalData’s Disruptor Intelligence Center, utilising its Technology Foresights tool, has identified the strategic focus of these retail titans based on their patent filings. Walmart has submitted over 3,000 AI-related patents, with 20% of these in the last three years, indicating a swift evolution in its AI capabilities. In contrast, Amazon boasts more than 9,000 patents; half of which were filed during the same timeframe, underpinning its leadership in AI-driven retail innovations. AI-powered retail transformation Walmart is deploying AI-driven solutions like in-store product recognition while making notable strides in AR applications, including virtual try-ons. The company’s progress in smart warehouses and image-based transactions denotes a shift towards fully automated retail, enhancing both speed and precision in customer service. Amazon stands out with its extensive deployment of AI in customer personalisation and autonomous systems. By harnessing technologies such as Autonomous Network Virtualisation and Automated VNF Deployment, the company is advancing its operational infrastructure and aiming to set new standards in network efficiency and data management. Walmart’s development of intelligent voice assistants and automated store surveillance emphasises its aim to provide a seamless and secure shopping experience. Concurrently, Amazon’s progress in AI for coding and surveillance is pushing the boundaries of enterprise AI applications and enhancing security capabilities. “Walmart and Amazon’s aggressive innovation strategies not only strengthen their market positions but also set a blueprint for the future of the retail sector,” Raj explains. “As these two giants continue to push the boundaries of retail AI, the broader industry can expect ripple effects in supply chain innovation, customer loyalty programmes, and operational scalability—setting the stage for a new era of consumer engagement.” (Photo by Marques Thomas) See also: Whitepaper dispels fears of AI-induced job losses Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post Walmart and Amazon drive retail transformation with AI appeared first on AI News. View the full article

In the past year, we’ve seen remarkable achievements across AI-assisted ******* diagnosis as more and more clinicians test, use and integrate AI companions into daily practice. Skin ******* is no exception, and we expect AI diagnostic tools to be widely implemented across this clinical arena in the future. What does AI assistance look like for skin *******? A 2024 study led by researchers at Stanford Medicine compared the performance of clinicians diagnosing at least one skin ******* with and without deep learning-based AI assistance. In an experimental environment, clinicians without AI assistance achieved an average sensitivity of 74.8% while for AI-assisted clinicians, sensitivity was around 81.1%. What’s intriguing is AI helped medical professionals at all levels, with the largest improvement seen among non-dermatologists. AI for skin ******* can impact behaviour change ******* is on the rise among younger people. According to a study published in BMJ Oncology, the number of under-50s worldwide being diagnosed with ******* has risen by nearly 80% in three decades. And, over the last decade melanoma skin ******* incidence rates have increased by almost two-fifths (38%) with Spain seeing a steady incidence increase of 2.4% during this time. If detected early enough, skin ******* is easily treated and prognosis is very good. But busy lives and competing concerns mean fewer people are getting checked out, resulting in delays to diagnosis and treatment, which is dramatically changing the survival rates. Those who do, often wait to speak to a doctor. In fact, new research from Bupa, Attitudes Towards Digital Healthcare, indicates only 9% of people would immediately go to get a mole they were concerned about examined by a professional. However, the same research found that if people were able to have a mole assessed by an AI-powered phone app at the time of their choosing, that percentage increases more than threefold (33%). This signifies emerging technology can have a significant impact on positive behaviour change in healthcare and improve clinical outcome of a potentially severe ********. Bupa now offer an at-home dermatology tool At Bupa, we see lots of opportunities to use AI and are exploring its use to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and help our customers to live longer, healthier and happier lives. We know that people want their healthcare partner to be by their side, not just when they are *****, but supporting them constantly to keep them well. That’s why we launched Blua, our digital healthcare service that’s available in over 200 countries. Blua provides access to three lifechanging healthcare innovations that drive convenience and accessibility. They are virtual consultations so that a customer can connect to a health professional from wherever they choose. Digital health programmesthat allow customers to proactively manage their health and remote healthcare services such as prescription delivery and at home monitoring equipment. For customers in Spain, we offer an at-home dermatology assessment service through Blua. How does this work? Customers who’re worried about a skin lesion can take high resolution photos of it using their smartphone. Once taken, the photos are uploaded to Blua and using AI are compared with a database of millions of other images of skin lesions to check for signs of malignancy. The tool’s algorithms are able to discern between 302 different skin pathologies. If the tool suspects that there is a cause for concern it will let the customer know to book a follow up appointment with a doctor so that it can be looked at further and preventative action can be taken if needed. The future of healthcare means early detection Digital healthcare, together with AI, is going to play a crucial role in removing the barriers that stop people from getting health concerns like ****** checked out in a timely manner, promoting positive behaviour change that can save lives. This is why Blua is especially useful in today’s fast-paced world where convenience is paramount and virtual consultations and at home tests will empower individuals to prioritise their health, without the need to sacrifice their time. (Photo by Nsey Benajah) Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post AI’s role in helping to prevent skin ******* through behaviour change appeared first on AI News. View the full article

What was supposed to herald a new era of AI for Apple has instead left many underwhelmed when the tech giant unveiled the iPhone 16 series, its first AI-powered smartphone line-up, which happens to be still in beta testing and expected to take months, if not years, to fully roll out globally. To make matters worse for the Cupertino, California-based smartphone maker, ******** tech giant Huawei launched its new Mate XT smartphone just hours after the former’s event, boasting far more impressive AI features powered by Huawei’s in-house Kylin chips. Huawei’s move showcases its ability to innovate despite facing US sanctions, but it also spells uncertainty for Apple’s market share in Mainland China, one of its most crucial markets. Let’s explore why. Apple and its AI gambit: Worth the hype? The delay in rolling out AI features has led many industry analysts to question whether Apple’s AI push is ready for prime time. “With lots of words like ‘later this year’ and ‘early next year’, the core Apple message for iPhone 16 was: Next year will be better,” Reuters quoted Needham analyst Laura Martin. Apple’s suite of tools, collectively known as Apple Intelligence, has been in development for some time. The company has touted the technology since its developer’s conference in June. However, the software won’t be included in the initial versions of the new iPhones, and many key features won’t arrive until next year. For now, the technology primarily focuses on summarising messages and notifications rather than matching the more advanced capabilities of rival systems. Delayed AI features in iPhone 16 dampen enthusiasm–especially in China In China, the excitement of the launch of the iPhone 16 series on Monday quickly turned to disappointment for many local Apple users when they learned that the AI features would not be immediately available in their language until next year. At the same time, Huawei’s AI assistant, with text summary, translation, and editing functions, and AI-boosted image editing functions, such as trimming unwanted parts of photos, will be readily available once Mate XT goes on ***** later this month. This delay has prompted scepticism about the value proposition of the new iPhones in China, especially given the fierce competition from local rivals like Huawei. “The absence of AI in China is akin to cutting one of Apple’s arms,” one commentator remarked on Weibo, China’s popular microblogging platform. Another user pointedly asked, “With the biggest selling point unavailable, shouldn’t you charge us half the price?” These sentiments reflect a growing frustration among ******** consumers who feel they are not getting the total value of Apple’s latest innovations, according to South China Morning Post. In contrast, Huawei’s new Mate XT, which users can fold three ways like an accordion screen door, has already received more than four million pre-orders, for which no ******** is required, according to the company’s website. According to research firm IDC, the global market for foldable phones was around 4 million units in the second quarter. “Today, we bring you a product everyone can think of but could not make. Our team has been working hard for five years and has never given up,” Huawei executive director Richard Yu said at the launch. On the other hand, Apple has yet to announce an AI partner in China to power Apple Intelligence. This is because the uncertain regulatory landscape in mainland China adds to the complexity of the situation. The country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved 188 large language models for public use, none of which are from foreign companies. This raises questions about whether Apple’s AI features will be available in mainland China even when rolled out in other ********-speaking regions. Apple has stated on its website that the launch date of its AI feature in China will depend on the decision of ******** regulators. But Apple has to catch up, and it has to be fast. Apple sales have been dwindling, and the company’s ranking in the world’s second-largest economy has dropped from third to sixth place. This is even though Apple has long experienced robust demand in China, where new iPhone debuts have historically caused a frenzy. The industry took a surprising turn when Shenzhen-based Huawei returned to the high-end smartphone sector last year with the debut of a device powered by a domestically manufactured chip. This defied US sanctions that had cut off access to the global chipset supply chain. The Mate 60 Pro’s debut startled analysts and US officials. In addition, Huawei started offering two-way foldable phones in its inventory, and strong sales in China helped it beat Samsung Electronics as the world’s largest vendor of such phones earlier this year. The delay with Apple Intelligence in China will give competitors like Huawei a window of opportunity to capture market share and establish themselves as leaders in AI-powered smartphones within their home turf. This could make it more challenging for Apple to regain ground once its AI features finally arrive in the country. Ultimately, Apple’s AI ambitions in China represent a high-stakes gamble for the tech giant. While the company’s brand still holds significant appeal, the delayed rollout of AI features and intense competition from resurgent local players like Huawei pose serious challenges. As the smartphone market in China continues to evolve, Apple’s ability to adapt its AI strategy to local conditions may determine its future success in this critical market. (Photo by James Lee) See also: Could an Apple-Meta partnership redefine the AI landscape? Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post Has Huawei outsmarted Apple in the AI race? appeared first on AI News. View the full article

Sony Research and AI Singapore (AISG) will collaborate on research for the SEA-LION family of large language models (LLMs). SEA-LION, which stands for Southeast ****** Languages In One Network, aims to improve the accuracy and capability of AI models when processing languages from the region. This is particularly important given the linguistic diversity of Southeast Asia, which is home to over a thousand different languages. “As a global company, diversity and localisation are vital forces,” said Hiroaki Kitano, President of Sony Research. “In Southeast Asia specifically, there are more than a thousand different languages spoken by the citizens of the region. This linguistic diversity underscores the importance of ensuring AI models and tools are designed to support the needs of all populations around the world.” The collaboration will focus on testing and improving the SEA-LION model, with a particular emphasis on Tamil, a language spoken by an estimated 60-85 million people worldwide. Sony Research will leverage its expertise in Indian languages – including Tamil – and its research in speech generation, content analysis, and recognition. “Access to LLMs that address the global landscape of language and culture has been a barrier to driving research and developing new technologies that are representative and equitable for the global populations we serve,” Kitano added. The collaboration is further strengthened by Kitano’s existing ties to the Singaporean technology landscape. He holds positions on numerous advisory councils and boards in the country, including the Advisory Council on the Ethical Use of AI and Data, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), and the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF). “The integration of the SEA-LION model, with its Tamil language capabilities, holds great potential to boost the performance of new solutions,” Teo continued. “We are particularly eager to contribute to the testing and refinement of the SEA-LION models for Tamil and other Southeast ****** languages, while also sharing our expertise and best practices in LLM development. “We look forward to seeing how this collaboration will drive innovation in multilingual AI technologies.” (Photo by James Lee) See also: Whitepaper dispels fears of AI-induced job losses Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post Sony and AI Singapore collaborate on SEA-LION LLMs appeared first on AI News. View the full article

Fears that AI will lead to mass job losses are unfounded, according to a new whitepaper. The report, released by British AI software firm Automated Analytics, found that none of its 5,000 clients across the *** and US reported laying off staff as a result of AI implementation. The whitepaper, titled “Unlocking Data, Unlocking People: Harnessing the Power of AI to Transform Your Business,” launched today at Scale Space White City in London’s White City Innovation District. It argues that AI can actually be a catalyst for growth, rather than a threat to jobs. Despite evidence to the contrary, the study also reveals a lingering ***** of AI among *** business leaders. A YouGov survey commissioned by Automated Analytics found that over half of senior decision-makers still believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates. Only 17% believe AI will create more jobs than it eliminates. This hesitancy, the report warns, could have serious consequences for the *** economy. As US firms increasingly embrace AI, British businesses risk being left behind. Mark Taylor, CEO of Automated Analytics, argues that the *** needs to shift its focus from regulation to innovation in order to remain competitive. “AI is not about replacing jobs; it’s about enhancing productivity and creating new opportunities,” says Taylor. “Our whitepaper provides concrete examples of how AI can drive growth, efficiency, and competitiveness. The *** cannot afford to lag behind in this critical area.” The whitepaper highlights several case studies demonstrating the positive impact of AI on businesses: British Gas’ Dyno-Rod: AI helped to halve the number of service calls by improving understanding of customer journeys, providing franchise operations with 100% visibility. Pizza Hut (US): Restaurant Management Group, the fourth-largest US franchisee, used AI to reduce recruitment costs by $1 million and increase hires by 42%. Fourth (***): The hospitality recruitment firm saw a 220% increase in candidate flow and a drastic reduction in cost-per-application within 30 days of implementing its AI-driven TalentTrack software. Taylor also expressed concern over the cultural differences between the US and *** in embracing new technologies. “The US is leading the charge in AI adoption, while the *** ******** overly focused on regulation. This whitepaper demonstrates that many fears surrounding AI are unfounded and that it can play a crucial role in driving the ***’s economic growth.” The whitepaper serves as a call to action for *** businesses to embrace AI as a vital tool for driving innovation and competitiveness in the global market. While it’s clear that businesses must adopt AI responsibly, the whitepaper should help to dispel fears of mass job losses. A copy of the whitepaper can be found here (registration required.) (Photo by Ruthson Zimmerman) See also: *** signs AI safety treaty to protect human rights and democracy Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post Whitepaper dispels fears of AI-induced job losses appeared first on AI News. View the full article

The term AI winter refers to a ******* of funding cuts in AI research and development, often following overhyped expectations that fail to deliver. With recent generative AI systems falling short of investor promises — from OpenAI’s GPT-4o to Google’s AI-powered overviews — this pattern feels all too familiar today. Search Engine Land reported that AI winters have historically followed cycles of excitement and disappointment. The first of these, in the 1970s, occurred due to the underwhelming results from ambitious projects aiming to achieve machine translation and speech recognition. Given that there was insufficient computing power, and the expectations of what computers could achieve in the field were unrealistic, funding was frozen. The expert systems in the 1980s showed promise, but the second AI winter occurred when these systems ******* to handle unexpected inputs. The decline of LISP machines, and the ******** of Japan’s Fifth Generation project, were additional factors that contributed to the slowdown. Many researchers distanced themselves from AI, opting to call their work informatics or machine learning, to avoid the negative stigma. AI’s resilience through winters AI pushed through the 1990s, albeit slowly and painfully, and was mostly impractical. Even though IBM Watson was supposed to revolutionise the way humans treat illnesses, its implementation in real-world medical practices encountered challenges at every turn. The AI machine was unable to interpret doctors’ notes, and cater to local population needs. In other words, AI was exposed in delicate situations requiring a delicate approach. AI research and funding surged again in the early 2000s with advances in machine learning, and big data. However, AI’s reputation, tainted by past failures, led many to rebrand AI technologies. Terms like blockchain, autonomous vehicles, and voice-command devices gained investor interest, only for most to fade when they ******* to meet inflated expectations. Lessons from past AI winters Each AI winter follows a familiar sequence: expectations lead to hype, followed by disappointments in technology, and finances. AI researchers retreat from the field, and dedicate themselves to more focused projects. However, these projects do not support the development of long-term research, favouring short-term efforts, and making everyone reconsider AI’s potential. Not only does this have an undesirable impact on the technology, but it also influences the workforce, whose talents eventually deem the technology unsustainable. Some life-changing projects are also abandoned. Yet, these periods provide valuable lessons. They remind us to be realistic about AI’s capabilities, focus on foundational research, and communicate transparently with investors, and the public. Are we headed toward another AI winter? After an explosive 2023, the pace of AI progress appears to have slowed; breakthroughs in generative AI are becoming less frequent. Investor calls have seen fewer mentions of AI, and companies struggle to realise the productivity gains initially promised by tools like ChatGPT. The use of generative AI models is limited due to difficulties, such as the presence of hallucinations, and a lack of true understanding. Moreover, when discussing real-world applications, the spread of AI-generated content, and numerous problematic aspects concerning data usage, also present problems that may slow progress. However, it may be possible to avoid a full-blown AI winter. Open-source models are catching up quickly to closed alternatives and companies are shifting toward implementing different applications across industries. Monetary investments have not stopped either, particularly in the case of Perplexity, where a niche in the search space might have been found despite general scepticism toward the company’s claims. The future of AI and its impact on businesses It is difficult to say with certainty what will happen with AI in the future. On the one hand, progress will likely continue, and better AI systems will be developed, with improved productivity rates for the search marketing industry. On the other hand, if the technology is unable to address the current issues — including the ethics of AI’s existence, the safety of the data used, and the accuracy of the systems — falling confidence in AI may result in a reduction of investments and, consequently, a more substantial industry slowdown. In either case, businesses will need authenticity, trust, and a strategic approach to adopt AI. Search marketers, and AI professionals, must be well-informed and understand the limits of AI tools. They should apply them responsibly, and experiment with them cautiously in search of productivity gains, while avoiding the trap of relying too heavily on an emerging technology. (Photo by Filip Bunkens) See also: OpenAI co-founder’s ‘Safe AI’ startup secures $1bn, hits $5bn valuation. Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post AI winter: A cycle of hype, disappointment, and recovery appeared first on AI News. View the full article

Just three months after its inception, Safe Superintelligence (SSI), a new AI startup founded by OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever, has raised $1 billion in funding. Led by venture capital firms Sequoia and Andreessen Horowitz, the latest investment round values the company at approximately $5 billion, according to a Financial Times report. Sutskever, who left OpenAI in May this year following a ******* attempt to oust CEO Sam Altman, established SSI to develop ‘safe’ AI models. The company’s mission is to create AI systems that are both highly capable and aligned with human interests. ‘We’ve identified a new mountain to climb that is slightly different from what I was working on previously. We’re not trying to go down the same path faster. If you do something different, it becomes possible for you to do something special, Sutskever told the Financial Times. The substantial funding will be used to acquire computing resources necessary for AI model development and to expand SSI’s current team of 10 employees. The company actively recruits and offers positions in Palo Alto, California, and Tel Aviv, *******. With its focus on safety and alignment, SSI’s approach differs from that of other AI companies. Take firms like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s xAI, which are all developing AI models for various consumer and business applications. SSI, on the other hand, is focusing solely on creating what it calls a ‘straight shot to safe superintelligence’. Daniel ******, SSI’s chief executive, emphasised the importance of this focused approach in a statement to Reuters: “It’s important for us to be surrounded by investors who understand, respect and support our mission, which is to make a straight shot to safe superintelligence and in particular to spend a couple of years doing R&D on our product before bringing it to market.” It is also interesting to point out that despite not having a product yet, the company’s significant valuation and funding highlight the intense interest and investment in safe AI research. This is amid growing concerns about the potential risks associated with increasingly powerful AI systems. Even Sutskever’s departure from OpenAI was reportedly due to disagreements over the company’s direction and the pace of AI development. At OpenAI, he led the ‘alignment’ team, which focused on ensuring that advanced AI systems would act in humanity’s best interests. What is clear, however, is that the formation of SSI and its rapid funding success reflect a broader trend in the AI industry towards addressing safety concerns alongside capability advancements. This approach aligns with calls from AI researchers and ethicists for more responsible development of artificial intelligence. Today, SSI joins a competitive field of well-funded AI companies. OpenAI is reportedly in talks to raise funds at a valuation exceeding $100 billion, while Anthropic and xAI were recently valued at around $20 billion. However, the crowded market did not dim SSI’s unique focus on safety or its high-profile founding team, both of which have clearly resonated with investors. “We are assembling a lean, cracked team of the world’s best engineers and researchers dedicated to focusing on SSI and nothing else. We offer an opportunity to do your life’s work and help solve our age’s most important technical challenge,” the company’s website states. For now, the company’s progress will be closely watched by both the tech industry and those concerned with the ethical implications of AI development. See also: OpenAI hit by leadership exodus as three key figures depart Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post OpenAI co-founder’s Safe Superintelligence Inc secures $1B appeared first on AI News. View the full article

Google DeepMind has unveiled an AI system called AlphaProteo that can design novel proteins that successfully bind to target molecules, potentially revolutionising ***** design and ******** research. AlphaProteo can generate new protein binders for diverse target proteins, including VEGF-A, which is associated with ******* and diabetes complications. Notably, this is the first time an AI tool has successfully designed a protein binder for VEGF-A. The system’s performance is particularly impressive, achieving higher experimental success rates and binding affinities that are up to 300 times better than existing methods across seven target proteins tested: (Credit: Google DeepMind) Trained on vast amounts of protein data from the Protein Data Bank and over 100 million predicted structures from AlphaFold, AlphaProteo has learned the intricacies of molecular binding. Given the structure of a target molecule and preferred binding locations, the system generates a candidate protein designed to bind at those specific sites. To validate AlphaProteo’s capabilities, the team designed binders for a diverse range of target proteins, including viral proteins involved in infection and proteins associated with *******, inflammation, and autoimmune *********. The results were promising, with high binding success rates and best-in-class binding strengths observed across the board. For instance, when targeting the viral protein BHRF1, 88% of AlphaProteo’s candidate molecules bound successfully in wet lab testing. On average, AlphaProteo binders exhibited 10 times stronger binding than the best existing design methods across the targets tested. The system’s performance suggests it could significantly reduce the time required for initial experiments involving protein binders across a wide range of applications. However, the team acknowledges that AlphaProteo has limitations, as it was unable to design successful binders against TNFɑ (a protein associated with autoimmune ********* like rheumatoid arthritis.) To ensure responsible development, Google DeepMind is collaborating with external experts to inform their phased approach to sharing this work and contributing to community efforts in developing best practices—including the NTI’s new AI Bio Forum. As the technology evolves, the team plans to work with the scientific community to leverage AlphaProteo on impactful biology problems and understand its limitations. They are also exploring ***** design applications at Isomorphic Labs. While AlphaProteo represents a significant step forward in protein design, achieving strong binding is typically just the first step in designing proteins for practical applications. There remain many bioengineering challenges to overcome in the research and development process. Nevertheless, Google DeepMind’s advancement holds tremendous potential for accelerating progress across a broad spectrum of research, including ***** development, cell and tissue imaging, ******** understanding and diagnosis, and even crop resistance to pests. You can find the full AlphaProteo whitepaper here (PDF) See also: Paige and Microsoft unveil next-gen AI models for ******* diagnosis Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post AlphaProteo: Google DeepMind unveils protein design system appeared first on AI News. View the full article

With artificial intelligence continuing to permeate a growing number of sectors, there is no telling what this market will be worth in the next decade or so. Amid this expansion, AI assistants have particularly experienced huge growth, both in terms of their scope of operation and the monetary value they generate. To elaborate, AI assistants have evolved into sophisticated systems capable of understanding context, predicting user needs and even engaging in complex problem-solving tasks — thanks to the developments that have taken place in domains such as natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML) and data analytics. The global AI market, valued at over $196 billion in 2024, is projected to grow by more than 13 times in the next six years. In this broader landscape, the market for intelligent virtual assistants (IVAs) has witnessed its own remarkable expansion, valued at around $3.24 billion in 2023 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.0% through to 2032. Global corporate and private investment into AI tech (source: Stanford Education) These numbers are not unfounded, as recent technological breakthroughs have significantly enhanced the capabilities of AI assistants. For instance, advancements in NLP have facilitated more human-like interactions, while improved integration across platforms has made various AI-driven tools indispensable for a wide range of tasks. The rise of generative AI technologies, helmed by platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Claude have pushed the boundaries of what is possible — especially when it comes to devising AI assistants capable of producing personalised content and automating complex tasks with unprecedented efficiency. Problems and solutions. Exploring the rise of niche AI solutions Despite the aforementioned advancements made by AI recently, one can see that several key limitations still exist that prevent general-use AI systems from achieving widespread adoption. The complexity of human language, the nuances of context and the vast breadth of knowledge required for truly universal understanding continue to pose significant challenges. Concerns about data privacy, ethical considerations and the potential for bias remain important issues that require ongoing attention and refinement. As a result, a fascinating opportunity has emerged in the realm of niche AI applications. Specialised agents, designed to excel in specific domains, are proving to be an ideal use-case for current AI capabilities. By focusing on a limited information pool and set of task, these assistants are able to leverage the strengths of existing AI tech while bypassing many of the bottlenecks stifling its current limitations. One compelling example of such an agent is CARA. Developed by CARV, CARA is a modular data layer for gaming and AI that acts as a personalised assistant, enabling users to navigate its ecosystem seamlessly. The ecosystem includes a play & social network, various Web3 wallets, IDs, TON-based games and several social networking platforms. Earlier this year, CARV was able to successfully raise $10 million via a Series A funding round led by Tribe Capital and IOSG Ventures. It has enabled 9000+ games and AI companies across Web2 & Web3 such as Electronic Arts, Netmarble, AliCloud to leverage data as a commodity in ways unique to their business needs — from NPC training, user and understanding to anti-sybil mechanisms. By leveraging the vast amounts of knowledge contained in the network, CARA allows users to make inquiries about the various aspects of the protocol, take part in various activities on ‘CARV Play’ and keep tabs on the recent cryptocurrency trends permeating the market. By analyzing a player’s game data and other associated info (including CARV platform data and Web3 information), CARA can provide tailored recommendations for games, activities and projects that a user may be interested in. It also streamlines user interactions by understanding and executing intent-based commands, thereby simplifying processes like ID binding and game onboarding. Lastly, as part of its growing feature set, CARA will soon be able to help users discover their eligibility for various airdrops (in the CARV ecosystem) and assist them in sourcing/participating in different reward-based events. Looking ahead As the realm of AI tech continues to blossom, there is ample data to suggest that in the near future, we might witness the emergence of niche AI assistants in various industries. The strategic importance of incorporating these AI offerings into existing corporate structures has never been more evident, with 83% of companies prioritising it in their business strategies. AI use cases across different industries (source: Stanford Education) This focus is expected to lead to substantial revenue generation, with estimates suggesting AI could contribute over $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030. The AI-powered personal assistants market, valued at $108.60 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $242.30 billion by 2030, suggesting that these tools will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between current AI capabilities and the needs of specific user groups. The post Here’s how niche AI assistants are helping unlock the technology’s true capabilities appeared first on AI News. View the full article For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The *** has signed a landmark AI safety treaty aimed at protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law from potential threats posed by the technology. Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood signed the Council of Europe’s AI convention today as part of a ******* global approach to managing the risks and opportunities. “Artificial intelligence has the capacity to radically improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of public services, and turbocharge economic growth,” said Lord Chancellor Mahmood. “However, we must not let AI shape us—we must shape AI. This convention is a major step to ensuring that these new technologies can be harnessed without eroding our oldest values, like human rights and the rule of law.” The treaty acknowledges the potential benefits of AI – such as its ability to boost productivity and improve healthcare – whilst simultaneously addressing concerns surrounding misinformation, algorithmic bias, and data privacy. It will compel signatory nations to monitor AI development, implement strict regulations, and actively combat any misuse of the technology that could harm public services or individuals. Keiron Holyome, VP UKI & Emerging Markets at BlackBerry, commented: “To truly outrun cybercriminals and maintain a defensive advantage, robust frameworks for AI governance and ethical standards must be established, ensuring responsible use and mitigating risks. “The first legally binding international AI treaty is another step towards such recommendations for both AI caution and applications for good. Collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and academia will be increasingly essential for sharing knowledge, developing best practices, and responding to emerging threats collectively.” Crucially, the convention acts as a framework to enhance existing legislation in the ***. For example, aspects of the Online Safety Act will be bolstered to better address the risk of AI systems using biased data to generate unfair outcomes. The agreement focuses on three key safeguards: Protecting human rights: Ensuring individuals’ data is used responsibly, their privacy is respected, and AI systems are free from discrimination. Protecting democracy: Requiring countries to take proactive steps to prevent AI from being used to undermine public institutions and democratic processes. Protecting the rule of law: Placing an obligation on signatory countries to establish robust AI-specific regulations, shield their citizens from potential harm, and ensure responsible AI deployment. While the convention initially focuses on Council of Europe members, other nations – including the US and Australia – are being invited to join this international effort to ensure responsible AI development and deployment. Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, commented: “AI holds the potential to be the driving force behind new economic growth, a productivity revolution and true transformation in our public services, but that ambition can only be achieved if people have ****** and trust in the innovations which will bring about that change. “The convention we’ve signed today alongside global partners will be key to that effort. Once in force, it will further enhance protections for human rights, rule of law, and democracy—strengthening our own domestic approach to the technology while furthering the global cause of safe, secure, and responsible AI.” The *** Government has pledged to collaborate closely with domestic regulators, devolved administrations, and local authorities to ensure seamless implementation of the treaty’s requirements once it is ratified. The signing of the convention builds on the ***’s previous efforts in responsible AI by hosting the AI Safety Summit and co-hosting the AI Seoul Summit, as well as establishing the world’s first AI Safety Institute. See also: *** adjusts AI strategy to navigate budget constraints Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post *** signs AI safety treaty to protect human rights and democracy appeared first on AI News. View the full article

NVIDIA has seen its share price plummet following a report of intensified scrutiny from US authorities over potential breaches of competition law. During the regular trading session on Tuesday, NVIDIA’s share price experienced a near-10% drop. The fall wiped £212 billion from its market value, marking the largest single-day loss for a US company in history. While the wider market experienced a sell-off fueled by concerns over weak US manufacturing data, NVIDIA was hit particularly hard after Bloomberg reported that the US Department of Justice issued subpoenas to NVIDIA and other tech firms. Officials are reportedly concerned that NVIDIA’s business practices may be hindering client flexibility in switching to alternative semiconductor suppliers. Additionally, there are concerns about potential penalties imposed on buyers who opt not to exclusively utilise NVIDIA’s AI chips. Such actions would represent an escalation of the ongoing US antitrust investigation, bringing the government a step closer to formally charging NVIDIA. In response, NVIDIA asserted its belief that its success is based “on merit, as reflected in our benchmark results and value to customers, who can choose whatever solution is best for them.” This latest downturn adds to the recent volatility experienced by NVIDIA and other AI-related stocks, such as Google, Apple, and Amazon. Investors are grappling with uncertainty surrounding the timeline for tangible benefits and concrete returns from the much-touted AI revolution. Analysts suggest that investors are seeking greater clarity on the trajectory of ****** margins as production of NVIDIA’s new Blackwell chip increases. Furthermore, they are eager for more concrete evidence that AI is delivering tangible returns for customers. After a 9.5% decline on Tuesday alone and a 14% drop since last week’s earnings report, NVIDIA’s stock has shown marginal signs of recovery in today’s trading session, registering a modest 0.64% increase at the time of writing. Looking ahead, NVIDIA will need to convince investors of its growth potential not only for 2025 but also for 2026. While Wall Street currently focuses on Blackwell chip shipments, there is increasing interest in the company’s next-generation chip offering. (Photo by Sebastian Molina) See also: xAI breaks records with ‘Colossus’ AI training system Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post NVIDIA’s share price nosedives as antitrust clouds gather appeared first on AI News. View the full article

Regardless of the hype cycle, AI is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality. For decades, way before generative AI, this technology played a critical role in transforming industries and reshaping the way we do business. However, amid the buzz and excitement, shifting your focus from the hype to the practical implementation of AI is critical for any successful deployment of this technology within your projects. The following is a short excerpt summarising a segment of an episode from the AI Geeks Podcast between the veteran, serial technology entrepreneur (Silicon Valley, Europe and Asia) Henry Nash, and the London-based serial tech entrepreneur Tim El-Sheikh (AI Geeks founder and host): Understanding the real cost of AI The debate often revolves around the integration of AI into our environment and the tools required for it. While these aspects are indeed important, the long-term cost of running and maintaining AI in production is a crucial factor that will determine the success of your AI strategy. The real winners in this AI race will be those who can strike the best balance between accuracy, trustworthiness, and cost-effectiveness while maintaining an optimal aperture for the flow of information. From science experiments to real-world applications The fascination with large language models (LLMs) and their capabilities often leads to overlooking the real-world applications of AI. Teams should focus on how they can use AI to perform valuable work and accelerate businesses by augmenting their people and processes. The hype cycles around AI often present it as a magic solution that will replace all existing systems and processes, which is far from reality. The real challenge ***** in making AI practical and achieving a reasonable return on investment (ROI). In simple terms, you should treat AI as a journey, not as a product. It’s nothing like building a website or an app, it’s much more complex in most scenarios and, thus, costs significantly more to deploy and manage. The future of AI is ethical implementation and skill augmentation of people, not replacement The typical, “tech-bro” AI hype often revolves around the idea of replacing workers. However, as mentioned above, the real value of AI ***** in augmenting human capabilities, not replacing them. For instance, in the HR sector, AI can handle the mundane questions that HR personnel get asked every day, freeing them up to focus on more strategic HR management and worker ********. This approach not only enhances productivity but also respects the value of human roles and expertise, as demonstrated by Tim’s company Nebuli.com and their Nano for Teams enterprise generative AI ecosystem for HR and other departments. To achieve a reasonable ROI, your deployment must involve identifying and pinpointing the right areas where AI can help and putting your efforts into those. The true value of AI is achieved by building an ecosystem that helps people (i.e. employees, decision-makers, and end users) become better, happier, more productive, and more data-driven, empowered by a culture of collective innovation, creativity, and agility. It is about human-machine intelligence, not just machine intelligence! Listen to the full, two-hour discussion covering the above point in more detail, with a segment about quantum computing as the potential upcoming star of the tech world. You can listen for free via AIGeeks.com. Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post Shifting from AI hype to practical, ethical, and sustainable implementation appeared first on AI News. View the full article

Elon Musk’s xAI has unveiled its record-breaking AI training system, dubbed ‘Colossus’. Musk revealed that the xAI team had successfully brought the Colossus 100k H100 training cluster online after a 122-day process. Not content with its existing capabilities, Musk stated, “over the next couple of months, it will double in size, bringing it to 200k (50k H200s).” Colossus’ processing power could potentially accelerate breakthroughs in various AI applications, from natural language processing to complex problem-solving algorithms. However, the unveiling of Colossus also reignites discussions about the concentration of AI power among a handful of tech giants and well-funded startups. As companies like xAI push the boundaries of what’s possible in AI training, concerns about the accessibility of such advanced technologies to smaller organisations and researchers may come to the forefront. As the AI arms race continues to heat up, all eyes will be on xAI and its competitors to see how they leverage these increasingly powerful systems. With Colossus, Musk and his team have thrown down the gauntlet and issued a challenge to rivals to match or exceed their efforts. See also: Amazon partners with Anthropic to enhance Alexa Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post xAI breaks records with ‘Colossus’ AI training system appeared first on AI News. View the full article

The new *** Government is developing an AI strategy that prioritises public sector adoption over direct industry investment, as part of broader cost-cutting measures ahead of the autumn budget. Since taking office, the government has been reviewing AI-related expenditures and has already cancelled £1.3 billion worth of investments in related technologies proposed by the previous administration—including an £800 million investment for a supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh. While £1.3 billion represents a relatively small amount in the broader AI landscape, the decision has faced criticism from some industry leaders, who interpret it as a sign of diminishing interest in supporting innovation. In contrast, the French government has recently dedicated €2.5 billion (£2.1 billion) to developing AI technology domestically. Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports suggesting that the French government abandoned plans to establish its AI Safety Institute in its San Francisco office. This office was expected to open this summer, with potential employees earning over $100,000 (£76,245). According to a source familiar with the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), this shift in focus may be part of an effort to distinguish the new government’s policy from that of its predecessor. Tech minister Peter Kyle has also dismissed one of the co-founders of the AI Safety Institute, Nitarshan Rajkumar, from his position as a senior policy advisor. While new governments often rely on their own advisors, this development has raised questions among some industry experts. The government is enlisting the help of Matt Clifford, a tech entrepreneur who organised last year’s AI Safety Summit, to draft a new strategy. The plan is due to be presented in September, ahead of the government’s autumn budget. A government spokesperson stated that it continues to see AI’s transformative potential and that it ******** committed to finding ways to ensure that the technology can be harnessed to boost growth and create opportunities across the ***. According to tech minister Kyle, the government will focus on promoting the increased adoption of this processing method in the public sector to reduce costs. This will come at the expense of scaling back its direct investments in industry. Last November, Britain hosted the world’s first AI Safety Summit, which attracted global leaders and tech industry figures. The event was a wake-up call to balance the approach to AI’s risks and benefits. The DSIT has started hiring economists to model the impact of AI applications across the ***. At a meeting held in Downing Street, Clifford met with a number of major venture capitalists and tech companies to discuss the government’s AI strategy. The conversation was dominated by how AI can help improve public services, how it could be used to support university spin-out companies, and how it can facilitate start-ups hiring from overseas. The government maintains that difficult decisions are necessary to address a £22 billion deficit in public finances left by the previous administration. While tech minister Kyle has spoken of a “bold approach” to AI, some industry participants express concerns about a potential scaling back of ambitions in this area. (Photo by Chris Boland) See also: *** backs smaller AI projects while scrapping major investments Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post *** adjusts AI strategy to navigate budget constraints appeared first on AI News. View the full article

Amazon is gearing up to roll out a revamped version of its Alexa voice assistant, which is expected to be available this October, right before the US shopping rush. Internally referred to as “Remarkable,” the new technology will be powered by Anthropic’s Claude AI models. Sources close to the matter have indicated that this shift occurred due to the underperformance of Amazon’s in-house software. The enhanced Alexa will operate using advanced generative AI to handle more complex queries. Amazon plans to offer the new Alexa as a subscription service, priced between $5 and $10 per month, while the classic version of Alexa will remain free. This approach marks a significant change for Amazon and suggests that the company aims to turn this voice assistant into a profitable venture after years of limited success in generating revenue through this platform. Amazon’s decision to quickly adopt an external model, Claude, indicates a strategic shift. Amazon typically prefers to build everything in-house to minimise its dependence on third-party vendors, thereby avoiding external influences on customer behaviour and business strategies, as well as external influences on who controls data. However, it seems that Amazon’s traditional strategy does not provide the massive AI capability needed, or perhaps Amazon has realised the need for more powerful AI. It is also worth noting that the involved AI developer, OpenAI, is affiliated with major technology companies like Apple and Microsoft in developing AI technologies. The launch of the “Remarkable” Alexa is anticipated during Amazon’s annual devices and services event in September, though the company has not confirmed the exact date. This event will also mark the first public appearance of Panos Panay, the new head of Amazon’s devices division, who has taken over from long-time executive David Limp. The updated version of Alexa would be a more interactive and intuitive assistant, as the new functionality would stem from its conversational mode. The assistant is envisioned to do more than just recognise patterns in people’s speech; it would be able to hold conversations built on previous interactions. The most likely features include personalised shopping advice, news aggregation, and more advanced home automation. As for whether customers would pay for Alexa, this likely depends on the final set of available features. The issue might be particularly pressing for Amazon, given that customers already pay for Prime membership. The future for Alexa is quite ambitious, but it also bears significant risks. For the new version to be successful, internal performance benchmarks must be met. While estimates for “Remarkable” Alexa suggest that even a small percentage of current users paying for the premium version could become a substantial income stream for Amazon, the likelihood of achieving the expected outcomes ******** uncertain. However, Amazon’s partnership with Anthropic is currently under regulatory review, largely due to an investigation by the ***’s antitrust regulator. The impending upgrade announcement and the regulator’s response could significantly influence the company’s future activities. Amazon’s initiative to adopt an AI solution developed by Anthropic marks a significant shift for the company, which previously focused on developing its proprietary technology. At this point, it is possible to view this move as part of the general trend in the industry to turn to partnerships regarding AI development to enhance the competitiveness of products. See also: Amazon strives to outpace Nvidia with cheaper, faster AI chips Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post Amazon partners with Anthropic to enhance Alexa appeared first on AI News. View the full article For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

IDC has revised its global smartphone shipments forecast 2024, projecting a 5.8% year-on-year (YoY) growth to 1.23 billion units. The market intelligence firm’s optimistic outlook is driven by strong growth in affordable Android devices across emerging markets and substantial interest in generative AI-capable smartphones in premium segments. IDC’s senior research director, Nabila Popal, noted that Android devices are expected to see growth rates nine times faster than iOS at 7.1% compared to 0.8%. This disparity is attributed to increasing competition for Apple in China and a higher comparison base year for the iPhone maker. However, the forecast suggests potential upside for iOS, depending on the reception of GenAI features in the upcoming iPhone 16 and Apple’s ability to establish local AI partnerships in China. IDC anticipates an improved trajectory for iOS in 2025, with 4% YoY growth expected due to the anticipated momentum of Apple Intelligence. The report highlights the rapid adoption of GenAI smartphones, forecasting a 344% growth in this segment to capture 18% of the total market by the end of 2024. IDC research director Anthony Scarsella pointed out that most flagship models will likely incorporate some on-device GenAI features. “Although GenAI smartphones are relatively new in the market, premium flagships will continue to adopt GenAI features to help separate them from the pack,” said Anthony Scarsella, research director for IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. Notably, the average selling price for GenAI-capable smartphones is expected to be more than double that of non-GenAI devices, further driving the premiumisation trend in the industry. The smartphone market’s recovery comes after a challenging *******. IDC’s data shows 12% growth in the first quarter of 2024, followed by 9% growth in the second quarter. This positive trend has bolstered confidence in the industry’s performance for the latter half of the year. Even the latest Canalys research revealed that the worldwide smartphone market grew strongly in the second quarter of 2024, with shipments reaching 288.9 million units. “The market has grown for three consecutive quarters, driven by product innovation initiatives and improvements in business conditions,” Canalys stated. Mirroring IDC’s data, Canalys noted that despite a modest 1% shipment increase, Samsung held onto pole position with 53.5 million units shipped. Meanwhile, Apple held second place with 45.6 million units, bolstered by solid momentum in North America and APAC’s emerging markets. China’s Xiaomi, with its competitive product offerings, followed closely with shipments of 42.3 million units to achieve a market share of 15%. “Greater China’s growth trajectory now mirrors global markets, driven by improved macroeconomic conditions and renewed business confidence among channel and smartphone brands,” the report stated. Like elsewhere, the ******** domestic market will see local ******** brands use GenAI features to stand out in the premium segment, aiming to capture rising high-end spending and apply successful strategies worldwide. “Samsung will inevitably focus on integrating its Galaxy ecosystem to create strong value propositions for consumers via its flagship offerings with exclusive GenAI features,” Canalys Senior Analyst Sanyam Chaurasia said. Apple will look to accelerate replacement demand in these markets via its AI strategy, with hybrid models, enhanced privacy and personalised Siri features.” Even Canalys doesn’t foresee the smartphone market seeing double-digit growth in 2024 despite the seasonal demand in the year’s second half. Overall, the global technology market analyst firm anticipates the smartphone market to grow in the mid-single digits in 2024, driven by recovering inventory levels, eased import restrictions, and a better economic climate. (Photo by Samuel Angor) See also: Arm unveils new AI designs and software for smartphones Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post IDC: GenAI smartphones to drive global shipment growth in 2024 appeared first on AI News. View the full article

Is there a problem nowadays that AI cannot solve? In all honesty, there are not many it seems. By using algorithms and ploughing through copious amounts of data and applying learnings absorbed from them, AI can spot patterns and build instruction manual-like approaches to tackle certain tasks. And, like human beings do, AI learns from experiences, so that it can apply a better approach should the same task arise again. While there is still a long way for AI to go and a lot to learn, many companies and individuals are already turning to AI to assist them with tasks that a human being is capable of doing, albeit a lot slower and potentially with more errors. Many businesses are beginning to implement AI assisted services to streamline processes in the attempt to boost overall productivity by applying more focus and resources in more critical areas, while letting AI take on more of the work in the less critical departments. Customer response is a good example of a service where AI can help customers solve their issues quicker. By creating AI-led responses, whether on the phone, email, or messaging on a website, businesses can also save money on staffing costs, which allows them to apply funding in other areas of the business. Partner with AI from the beginning It is not just larger businesses that can benefit massively from AI assistance. Freelancers or groups looking to start a small business have a dedicated business partner from the early makings in the form of AI. Whether it is a product or service that is being provided, AI can help get your idea off the ground in no time at all. The first step for most business ventures is to create a website, and this is something that can be outsourced right away to AI. Your AI business partner is initially assigned as your AI website builder and can achieve this in impressive time. By communicating to your AI business partner what your business is, and any website preferences or keywords related to the operation, your AI business partner will get to work creating a unique website that will represent the commands and direction given. Voila! You immediately have a presence in the industry you are operating in. Of course, AI also knows the value of teamwork, and is happy for you to apply any finishing touches or edits to the website. Streamline processes from day one! For any business owner, the main ambition is to be successful by achieving any goals set. In the past, those objectives might have taken longer to achieve, due to all the manual work that had to be completed. Nowadays, business owners have the right to be hugely ambitious from day one due to the influence of AI. From building a website presence, AI can continue to assist you with administration, accounting, and many other aspects depending on what industry you are working in. In essence, AI acts as a virtual assistant, a tool that helps streamline key operational processes to optimise productivity in the workplace. Administration AI has not evolved to take over jobs from humans, despite what I, ****** depicted. It is there to aid us in our daily operations. Keeping employee and client records as well as archiving past work ******** a day-to-day process for any business. On the admin front, there are many ways to use the capabilities of AI to your advantage. Mundane tasks such as maintaining calendars to send appropriate reminders for meetings can be managed by AI. From any meetings, notes can be taken by the ever-developing voice-to-text software recognition system. And should you need to reach out to a customer base, AI can even act as a customer service-type response system, sending out emails or messages that takes into account the needs of a customer based on set commands clicked on or audibly given. AI’s ability to recognise patterns extremely quickly and organise them is a highly beneficial tool for administrative tasks that are often quite set and regular. Accounting Another extremely key aspect of business is the accounting. Whether you are a freelancer sending invoices to clients, or a larger entity employing people on a payroll, ensuring the cashflow is generated through punctual invoicing is essential. Here is where AI can also take some of the labour off your shoulders. Tools nowadays can organise accounts and categorise certain transactions, expenses, or anything else related to the accounting side in a user-friendly manner, saving you precious time. Another fundamental part of business is tax. Although often quite tricky, AI can navigate any complexities to analyse, organise, and send any required data to ensure you remain the right side of the tax authorities. With this and other operational-related stress off your plate, you have the time and energy to really grow your business. The post How AI can help your business get off to a flyer appeared first on AI News. View the full article

The California State Assembly has approved the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act (SB 1047). The bill, which has sparked intense debate in Silicon Valley and beyond, aims to impose a series of safety measures on AI companies operating within California. These precautions must be implemented before training advanced foundation models. Key requirements of the bill include: Implementing mechanisms for swift and complete model shutdown Safeguarding models against “unsafe post-training modifications” Establishing testing procedures to assess the potential risks of models or their derivatives causing “critical harm” Senator Scott Wiener, the primary author of SB 1047, said: “We’ve worked hard all year, with open source advocates, Anthropic, and others, to refine and improve the bill. SB 1047 is well calibrated to what we know about foreseeable AI risks, and it deserves to be enacted.” As one of the first significant AI regulations in the US, the passage of SB 1047 could set a precedent for future legislation. The outcome of this bill may have far-reaching implications for the AI industry, potentially influencing the development and deployment of advanced AI models not only in California but across the nation and beyond. (Photo by Josh Hild) See also: ******** firms use cloud loophole to access US AI tech Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post California Assembly passes controversial AI safety bill appeared first on AI News. View the full article

The demand for content is as high as ever in today’s digital world, with businesses, individuals, and marketers seeking fresh, engaging content to connect with their audiences. This increasing demand has resulted in the rise of AI-powered content writing tools, raising concerns from human writers about their future in this market. Can AI tools and human writers coexist in the online space? Could they complement each other? The answer is yes, if humans embrace AI’s strengths and counteract its inherent weaknesses. Efficiency and productivity As someone who has worked in the content industry for over a decade, I have been taken aback by AI’s ability to streamline the content creation process. AI can quickly produce large swathes of content based on predefined parameters such as keyword density, readability, and tone. The speed at which AI-powered writing tools perform is staggering, making them perfect for creating large volumes of content, such as blog posts, product descriptions, and even social media updates. However, AI-generated content often lacks the creativity and depth that only human writers bring to the table. For example, an AI tool like Google’s Gemini or ChatGPT could easily write a detailed review of the online sportsbook MyBookie filled with details. Yet it would be impossible for those tools to give a personalised anecdote about their interaction with customer support, the ease of depositing and withdrawing, or similar. People want facts, but they also want a personal touch, which makes content engaging and relatable. Idea generation and research All AI-powered tools excel at analysing huge amounts of data and identifying opportunities, trends, and patterns, which makes AI writing tools an invaluable asset for idea generation and research. I lean on AI for help in this area because although I specialise in gaming-related content, many of my clients request articles about unfamiliar subjects. Last week, I wrote an article about NASCAR racing despite only knowing these stock cars race around an oval track. I asked ChatGPT for several ideas for NASCAR-related articles and to provide statistics from some of the best-known drivers and teams. The tool almost instantly came back with several potential topics and a plethora of data, which I then delved deeper into while bringing originality to my article that AI cannot replicate. Customisation and personalisation AI-powered writing tools also shine when it comes to producing content from user data, enabling a business to create and publish content with tailored messages to different segments of an audience. For example, an e-commerce site can use AI to create personalised product descriptions or social media posts that appeal to specific demographics. However, as mentioned in our previous paragraphs, while AI can personalise content based on data, it lacks the authenticity and emotional connection human writers provide. Humans can add personal touches to make the content feel genuine or adjust the tone to reflect the brand’s tone of voice. Such intricacies and finishing touches help to create an authentic and consistent experience for the reader. Quality control and editing I said earlier that I often use AI-powered tools for idea generation and research, but I also use AI during quality control and editing. You may write an article packed with stellar content that you are proud of, only to discover upon publishing that it is strewn with spelling and grammatical errors. Grammarly Premium costs me approximately $150 annually, but it is worth its weight in gold. This powerful editing tool analyses my text for grammatical errors, sentence structure, and readability while providing easy-to-understand suggestions for improvement. Such a tool helps me to produce cleaner and more polished content without the need for extensive editing. However, although Grammarly is perfect for handling basic quality control, my human touch is still essential for the final review. This is especially true when writing an article with technical terms, jargon, or slang because the AI tool is often unaware of such words or phrases and incorrectly flags them as mistakes. Combining AI and human editing ensures my content is coherent, correct, and engaging. Scalability AI can quickly and efficiently produce hundreds or thousands of pieces of content in a short ******* of time. This incredible scalability makes AI writing tools valuable for e-commerce sites, marketing agencies, or even new outlets that demand a constant flow of fresh content. However, while AI can easily scale production, human writers must ensure that AI-generated content is high quality and creative. AI-generated content can quickly become formulaic, generic, and repetitive without human input. One only needs to scour the internet for a few minutes before stumbling across a website where AI has mass-produced the site’s content. Every article starts similarly, has the same structure, and has content drier than the Gobi Desert! Such websites probably enjoy plenty of traffic from new visitors. Still, I would be willing to bet my bottom dollar that their returning visitors figures are rock bottom because the content lacks engagement and is boring; you can’t put a price on a returning customer’s loyalty. Conclusion It is clear that AI-powered writing tools are not going away. Indeed, they will become more prevalent, if anything. While human writers have valid reasons to be concerned about their future in the content creation industry, they should learn to leverage the power of AI to improve their content. Human writers can let AI handle the heavy lifting of data processing, research, and even content generation (to some degree), freeing up priceless time for them to be creative and to add elements of flair and personality to the AI-generated work. In its current guise, AI is a human writer’s powerful and efficient ally; it is not a legitimate threat. Humans and AI can coexist in the content creation world until AI develops the ability to make up believable stories or think like only a human can. Such a time will likely never happen during our lifetimes. The post Can AI writing tools and human writers coexist? appeared first on AI News. View the full article

AI hardware startup Cerebras has created a new AI inference solution that could potentially rival Nvidia’s GPU offerings for enterprises. The Cerebras Inference tool is based on the company’s Wafer-Scale Engine and promises to deliver staggering performance. According to sources, the tool has achieved speeds of 1,800 tokens per second for Llama 3.1 8B, and 450 tokens per second for Llama 3.1 70B. Cerebras claims that these speeds are not only faster than the usual hyperscale cloud products required to generate these systems by Nvidia’s GPUs, but they are also more cost-efficient. This is a major shift tapping into the generative AI market, as Gartner analyst Arun Chandrasekaran put it. While this market’s focus had previously been on training, it is currently shifting to the cost and speed of inferencing. This shift is due to the growth of AI use cases within enterprise settings and provides a great opportunity for vendors like Cerebras of AI products and services to compete based on performance. As Micah Hill-Smith, co-founder and CEO of Artificial Analysis, says, Cerebras really shined in their AI inference benchmarks. The company’s measurements reached over 1,800 output tokens per second on Llama 3.1 8B, and the output on Llama 3.1 70B was over 446 output tokens per second. In this way, they set new records in both benchmarks. Cerebras introduces AI inference tool with 20x speed at a fraction of GPU cost. However, despite the potential performance advantages, Cerebras faces significant challenges in the enterprise market. Nvidia’s software and hardware stack dominates the industry and is widely adopted by enterprises. David Nicholson, an analyst at Futurum Group, points out that while Cerebras’ wafer-scale system can deliver high performance at a lower cost than Nvidia, the key question is whether enterprises are willing to adapt their engineering processes to work with Cerebras’ system. The choice between Nvidia and alternatives such as Cerebras depends on several factors, including the scale of operations and available capital. Smaller firms are likely to choose Nvidia since it offers already-established solutions. At the same time, larger businesses with more capital may opt for the latter to increase efficiency and save on costs. As the AI hardware market continues to evolve, Cerebras will also face competition from specialised cloud providers, hyperscalers like Microsoft, AWS, and Google, and dedicated inferencing providers such as Groq. The balance between performance, cost, and ease of implementation will likely shape enterprise decisions in adopting new inference technologies. The emergence of high-speed AI inference, capable of exceeding 1,000 tokens per second, is equivalent to the development of broadband internet, which could open a new frontier for AI applications. Cerebras’ 16-bit accuracy and faster inference capabilities may enable the creation of future AI applications where entire AI agents must operate rapidly, repeatedly, and in real-time. With the growth of the AI field, the market for AI inference hardware is also expanding. Accounting for around 40% of the total AI hardware market, this segment is becoming an increasingly lucrative target within the broader AI hardware industry. Given that more prominent companies occupy the majority of this segment, many newcomers should carefully consider important aspects of this competitive landscape, considering the competitive nature and significant resources required to navigate the enterprise space. (Photo by Timothy Dykes) See also: Sovereign AI gets boost from new NVIDIA microservices Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post Cerebras vs Nvidia: New inference tool promises higher performance appeared first on AI News. View the full article

******** internet search provider Baidu has updated its Wikipedia-like Baike service to prevent Google and Microsoft Bing from scraping its content. This change was observed in the latest update to the Baidu Baike robots.txt file, which denies access to Googlebot and Bingbot crawlers. According to the Wayback Machine, the change took place on August 8. Previously, Google and Bing search engines were allowed to index Baidu Baike’s central repository, which includes almost 30 million entries, although some target subdomains on the website were restricted. This action by Baidu comes amid increasing demand for large datasets used in training artificial intelligence models and applications. It follows similar moves by other companies to protect their online content. In July, Reddit blocked various search engines, except Google, from indexing its posts and discussions. Google, like Reddit, has a financial agreement with Reddit for data access to train its AI services. According to sources, in the past year, Microsoft considered restricting access to internet-search data for rival search engine operators; this was most relevant for those who used the data for chatbots and generative AI services. Meanwhile, the ******** Wikipedia, with its 1.43 million entries, ******** available to search engine crawlers. A survey conducted by the South China Morning Post found that entries from Baidu Baike still appear on both Bing and Google searches. Perhaps the search engines continue to use older cached content. Such a move is emerging against the background where developers of generative AI around the world are increasingly working with content publishers in a bid to access the highest-quality content for their projects. For instance, relatively recently, OpenAI signed an agreement with Time magazine to access the entire archive, dating back to the very first day of the magazine’s publication over a century ago. A similar partnership was inked with the Financial Times in April. Baidu’s decision to restrict access to its Baidu Baike content for major search engines highlights the growing importance of data in the AI era. As companies invest heavily in AI development, the value of large, curated datasets has significantly increased. This has led to a shift in how online platforms manage access to their content, with many choosing to limit or monetise access to their data. As the AI industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that more companies will reassess their data-sharing policies, potentially leading to further changes in how information is indexed and accessed across the internet. (Photo by Kelli McClintock) See also: Google advances mobile AI in Pixel 9 smartphones Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post Baidu restricts Google and Bing from scraping content for AI training appeared first on AI News. View the full article

******** organisations are utilising cloud services from Amazon and its competitors to gain access to advanced US AI chips and capabilities that they cannot otherwise obtain, according to a Reuters report based on public tender documents. In a comprehensive investigation, Reuters revealed how ******** cloud access to US AI chips is facilitated through intermediaries. Over 50 tender documents posted in the past year revealed that at least 11 ******** entities have sought access to restricted US technologies or cloud services. Four of these explicitly named Amazon Web Services (AWS) as a cloud service provider, though accessed through ******** intermediaries rather than directly from AWS. “AWS complies with all applicable US laws, including trade laws, regarding the provision of AWS services inside and outside of China,” an AWS spokesperson told Reuters. The report highlights that while the US government has restricted the export of high-end AI chips to China, providing access to such chips or advanced AI models through the cloud is not a violation of US regulations. This loophole has raised concerns among US officials and lawmakers. One example cited in the report involves Shenzhen University, which spent 200,000 yuan (£21,925) on an AWS account to access cloud servers powered by Nvidia A100 and H100 chips for an unspecified project. The university obtained this service via an intermediary, Yunda Technology Ltd Co. Neither Shenzhen University nor Yunda Technology responded to Reuters’ requests for comment. The investigation also revealed that Zhejiang Lab, a research institute developing its own large language model called GeoGPT, stated in a tender document that it intended to spend 184,000 yuan to purchase AWS cloud computing services. The institute claimed that its AI model could not get enough computing power from homegrown Alibaba cloud services. Michael McCaul, chair of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, told Reuters: “This loophole has been a concern of mine for years, and we are long overdue to address it.” In response to these concerns, the US Commerce Department is tightening rules. A government spokeswoman told Reuters that they are “seeking additional resources to strengthen our existing controls that restrict PRC companies from accessing advanced AI chips through remote access to cloud computing capability.” The Commerce Department has also proposed a rule that would require US cloud computing firms to verify large AI model users and notify authorities when they use US cloud computing services to train large AI models capable of “malicious cyber-enabled activity.” The study also found that ******** companies are seeking access to Microsoft’s cloud services. For example, Sichuan University stated in a tender filing that it was developing a generative AI platform and would purchase 40 million Microsoft Azure OpenAI tokens to help with project delivery. Reuters’ report also indicated that Amazon has provided ******** businesses with access to modern AI chips as well as advanced AI models such as Anthropic’s Claude, which they would not otherwise have had. This was demonstrated by public postings, tenders, and marketing materials evaluated by the news organisation. Chu Ruisong, President of AWS Greater China, stated during a generative AI-themed conference in Shanghai in May that “Bedrock provides a selection of leading LLMs, including prominent closed-source models such as Anthropic’s Claude 3.” The report overall emphasises the difficulty of regulating access to advanced computing resources in an increasingly interconnected global technological ecosystem. It focuses on the intricate relationship between US export laws, cloud service providers, and ******** enterprises looking to improve their AI capabilities. As the US government works to close this gap, the scenario raises concerns about the efficacy of present export controls and the potential need for more comprehensive laws that cover cloud-based access to banned technologies. The findings of this paper are likely to feed ongoing discussions about technology transfer, national security, and the global AI race. As politicians and industry leaders analyse these findings, they may spark fresh discussions about how to balance technological cooperation with national security concerns in an era of rapid AI growth. See also: GlobalData: China is ahead of global rivals for AI ‘unicorns’ Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post ******** firms use cloud loophole to access US AI tech appeared first on AI News. View the full article

To ensure AI systems reflect local values and regulations, nations are increasingly pursuing sovereign AI strategies; developing AI utilising their own infrastructure, data, and expertise. NVIDIA is lending its support to this movement with the launch of four new NVIDIA Neural Inference Microservices (NIM). These microservices are designed to simplify the creation and deployment of generative AI applications, supporting regionally-tailored community models. They promise deeper user engagement through an enhanced understanding of local languages and cultural nuances, leading to more accurate and relevant responses. This move comes amidst an anticipated ***** in the Asia-Pacific generative AI software market. ABI Research forecasts a surge in revenue from $5 billion this year to a staggering $48 billion by 2030. Among the new offerings are two regional language models: Llama-3-********-70B, trained on ********* data, and Llama-3-Taiwan-70B, optimised for Mandarin. These models are designed to possess a more thorough grasp of local laws, regulations, and cultural intricacies. Further bolstering the ********* language offering is the RakutenAI 7B model family. Built upon Mistral-7B and trained on both English and ********* datasets, they are available as two distinct NIM microservices for Chat and Instruct functions. Notably, Rakuten’s models have achieved impressive results in the LM Evaluation Harness benchmark, securing the highest average score among open ********* large language models between January and March 2024. Training LLMs on regional languages is crucial for enhancing output efficacy. By accurately reflecting cultural and linguistic subtleties, these models facilitate more precise and nuanced communication. Compared to base models like Llama 3, these regional variants demonstrate superior performance in understanding ********* and Mandarin, handling regional legal tasks, answering questions, and translating and summarising text. This global push for sovereign AI infrastructure is evident in significant investments from nations like Singapore, UAE, South Korea, Sweden, France, Italy, and India. “LLMs are not mechanical tools that provide the same benefit for everyone. They are rather intellectual tools that interact with human culture and creativity. The influence is mutual where not only are the models affected by the data we train on, but also our culture and the data we generate will be influenced by LLMs,” said Rio Yokota, professor at the Global Scientific Information and Computing Center at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. “Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop sovereign AI models that adhere to our cultural norms. The availability of Llama-3-******** as an NVIDIA NIM microservice will allow developers to easily access and deploy the model for ********* applications across various industries.” NVIDIA’s NIM microservices enable businesses, government bodies, and universities to host native LLMs within their own environments. Developers benefit from the ability to create sophisticated copilots, chatbots, and AI assistants. Available with NVIDIA AI Enterprise, these microservices are optimised for inference using the open-source NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM library, promising enhanced performance and deployment speed. Performance gains are evident with the Llama 3 70B microservices, (the base for the new Llama–3-********-70B and Llama-3-Taiwan-70B offerings), which boast up to 5x higher throughput. This translates into reduced operational costs and improved user experiences through minimised latency. (Photo by BoliviaInteligente) See also: OpenAI delivers GPT-4o fine-tuning Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. The post Sovereign AI gets boost from new NVIDIA microservices first appeared on AI News. The post Sovereign AI gets boost from new NVIDIA microservices appeared first on AI News. View the full article