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Today's Top AI news stories and papers

AI news stories

1. Microsoft’s AI growth is helping its cloud business weaken Amazon’s lead

   Microsoft's Azure cloud service is rapidly gaining ground on Amazon Web Services (AWS), growing significantly faster due in part to Microsoft's strong partnership with OpenAI, which has enhanced Azure's offerings with AI capabilities. Azure, once half the size of AWS, is now estimated to be three-quarters its size, with Azure's revenue increasing by 30% in the quarter, outpacing AWS's 13% year-over-year growth. This growth is attributed to Microsoft's strategic investment in AI, including the addition of GPUs to its data centers for AI models like GPT-4, attracting 53,000 Azure AI customers and positioning Microsoft as a leading player in the cloud and AI market.

2. Google pledges 25 million euros to boost AI skills in Europe

   Google has committed 25 million euros ($26.98 million) to enhance AI skills across Europe, aiming to support social enterprises and nonprofits in providing AI training, particularly to those who could benefit the most. The initiative includes the launch of "growth academies" for companies and the expansion of free online AI training courses into 18 languages. This effort is part of Google's broader investment in the region, including a $1 billion investment to build a data center near London, highlighting the company's commitment to addressing the digital skills gap and promoting economic growth in Europe.

3. 7 ways Amazon is using AI to build a more sustainable future

   Amazon leverages AI in multiple innovative ways to enhance sustainability and achieve its Climate Pledge commitment of net-zero carbon by 2040. Key initiatives include optimizing packaging to reduce waste, employing AI to identify and manage damaged goods more efficiently, and utilizing machine learning for better monitoring of produce to decrease food waste. Additionally, Amazon focuses on reducing returns through AI-powered size recommendations in fashion, estimating product carbon footprints with AI algorithms, supporting deforestation monitoring in Brazil through data democratization, and improving the energy efficiency of AI with AWS's advanced chips. These efforts showcase Amazon's comprehensive approach to integrating AI into sustainability practices.

4. Fan wiki hosting site Fandom rolls out controversial AI features

   Fandom, a leading platform for fan-created wikis, has launched new AI-driven features, most notably Quick Answers, which offers succinct responses to user queries, and an AI-enhanced image review system aimed at efficient moderation. Following criticism for inaccuracies, Quick Answers has been revised to permit editorial oversight by wiki administrators, ensuring accurate information, with the feature now being optional. These developments reflect Fandom's responsiveness to community feedback, underscoring its dedication to enhancing user experience while maintaining content integrity across its vast library of over 45 million wiki pages.

5. Travel startup Layla acquires AI itinerary building bot Roam Around

   Travel startup Layla, supported by industry heavyweights and Paris Hilton, has acquired the AI-powered itinerary building bot Roam Around, founded by ex-Google employee Shie Gabbai and backed by investors like FLYR.com and Jason Calacanis. Roam Around, known for its rapid growth and creation of 10 million itineraries for half a million monthly visitors, will see its team of five join Layla, enhancing the latter's services with its itinerary-building capabilities and partnerships. Layla plans to integrate Roam Around's offerings into its platform, aiming to combine the strengths of both entities to offer users superior travel planning experiences, while gradually phasing out the Roam Around brand.

AI Repos

1. uclaml / SPIN

2. phidatahq / phidata

3. TheR1D / shell_gpt