AI news stories
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella calls for coordination to address AI risk
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the need for global cooperation among tech companies, governments, and society to establish norms for AI usage, particularly in law enforcement. He expressed concerns over the misuse of AI, such as in creating deepfakes, and stressed the importance of regulating such technologies. Nadella also discussed the impact of AI on creative industries and the necessity of adapting copyright laws to new technological advancements.
AI companies lose $190 billion in market cap after Alphabet and Microsoft report
AI-related companies, including Microsoft, Alphabet, and Advanced Micro Devices, lost $190 billion in market value following quarterly results that didn't meet investors' high expectations. Despite recent AI-driven rallies, Alphabet's and Microsoft's stocks fell due to revenue misses and increased AI-related expenses. The downturn also affected other AI-focused firms like Nvidia and Super Micro Computer, indicating market sensitivity to AI technology's integration and financial performance.
Humanoid Robot Startup Figure AI in Funding Talks With Microsoft, OpenAI
Figure AI Inc., a company specializing in the development of humanoid robots for challenging jobs, is currently negotiating a funding round with Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI that could potentially raise up to $500 million. Microsoft is considering leading this funding round with a proposed investment of approximately $95 million, while OpenAI is expected to contribute around $5 million. The company is also seeking additional investors to join this funding deal, with details still under private discussion.
The New York Times is building a team to explore AI in the newsroom
The New York Times is forming a new team to investigate the application of generative AI in its newsroom, led by Zach Seward. This team, consisting of machine learning and software engineers, designers, and editors, will prototype AI and machine learning techniques to enhance reporting and presentation. Despite this AI initiative, the Times emphasizes that its journalism will continue to be produced by human reporters, reflecting a cautious approach amid broader industry experiments with AI in journalism.
Taylor Swift AI images prompt US bill to tackle nonconsensual, sexual deepfakes
A bipartisan group of US senators introduced a bill, in response to the spread of pornographic AI-generated images of Taylor Swift on social media, aiming to criminalize the distribution of nonconsensual, sexualized AI images. The bill, named the "Defiance Act," would enable victims in such cases to seek civil penalties against those who produce, possess, or distribute these digital forgeries with the intent of distribution or knowing they were made without consent. This legislative effort was sparked by the viral spread of sexually explicit, AI-generated images of Swift, raising concerns about the harms of 'deepfake' technology and the need for legal protections against nonconsensual digital manipulation.
Yelp will use AI to tell you if that burger’s any good
Yelp is introducing a new AI feature on its iOS app that summarizes user reviews, focusing on key aspects such as a location's atmosphere, popular dishes, and prices. This feature, using large language models, generates brief summaries based on user feedback, although it doesn't list pros and cons like similar tools on Amazon and Newegg. Additionally, Yelp is enhancing its iOS app with a new home feed and search function that prominently features photos, and plans to bring these updates to the Android app later this year.
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