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Today's Top AI news stories and papers

AI news stories

1. Google Trims Hundreds of Jobs as It Marshals Resources for AI

   Google recently announced layoffs affecting hundreds of employees across various divisions, including those working on the Google Assistant program, hardware, and internal software tools. This move is part of the company's strategy to reallocate resources more efficiently, with a heightened focus on artificial intelligence technologies. These layoffs reflect the ongoing shift in the tech industry towards prioritizing AI, and the need for companies to adapt to the evolving technological landscape post-pandemic.

2. Microsoft briefly outshines Apple as world's most valuable company

   On January 11, 2024, Microsoft briefly surpassed Apple to become the world's most valuable company, with its market value reaching $2.903 trillion, driven by its successful integration of AI technology and a significant investment in OpenAI. Apple's market cap, affected by declining iPhone sales and slower entry into AI, fell to $2.871 trillion but later regained its lead.

3. OpenAI launches a store for custom AI-powered chatbots

   OpenAI recently launched the GPT Store, a new section within the ChatGPT client offering a variety of custom chatbot apps (GPTs) built using AI models like GPT-4 and DALL-E 3. Accessible to users with premium ChatGPT plans, the store features GPTs developed by OpenAI and external developers, categorized into areas like lifestyle and education. Creating GPTs is simplified with OpenAI's GPT Builder, requiring no coding experience. Developers must pass a review process for their GPTs to be listed, ensuring compliance with OpenAI's terms. While currently free, OpenAI plans a revenue model for GPTs based on user engagement. The GPT Store's launch, initially announced in 2023, was delayed due to OpenAI's internal changes. This move could significantly impact the AI application development landscape.

4. AI-Generated George Carlin Comedy Special Slammed by Comedian’s Daughter

   An AI-generated comedy special titled “George Carlin: I’m Glad I’m Dead!”, featuring the voice of the late comedian George Carlin, has sparked controversy following its release. Developed by an AI program called Dudesy, the special addresses modern topics in Carlin's style but has been criticized by his daughter, Kelly Carlin, who argues that her father's unique genius cannot be replicated by a machine. She advocates for supporting living comedians instead. The special, attempting to mimic Carlin's voice and comedic approach, is a part of a series by Dudesy, with a previous AI-generated show involving Tom Brady having been removed due to legal challenges.

5. Amazon’s Alexa gets new generative AI-powered experiences

   At CES, Amazon revealed significant advancements in generative AI for its Alexa platform, including new LLM-powered experiences developed by Character.AI, Splash, and Volley. Character.AI offers interactive conversations with diverse personas, Splash enables users to create music using voice commands, and Volley introduces an AI-powered "20 Questions" game. Additionally, Amazon has enhanced Alexa's AI capabilities to exhibit more human-like emotions and responses. Other Amazon updates include integrating Fire TV into Panasonic's smart TVs, Matter Casting support for Fire TV and Echo Show 15, and progress on the robotaxi Zoox.

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