Trending AI news stories + papers

Today's Top AI news stories and papers

AI news stories

1. Adobe Has $6 Billion for AI and Buybacks After Figma Deal Collapses

   Adobe Inc.'s failed merger with Figma has freed up $6 billion for the company, expected to be invested in AI development and stock buybacks. This turn of events comes amid competitive pressures from startups like Figma and Canva, which have been encroaching on Adobe's creative software market. In 2023, Adobe's focus on generative AI led to a substantial increase in its stock value, showing investor confidence in AI to expand its customer base and revenue. However, the company still faces the challenge of evolving competition and must decide on the future of its product design application, XD. While investors are hopeful about Adobe's AI initiatives, there's uncertainty about how quickly these innovations will translate into significant revenue growth.

2. Pakistan’s former prime minister is using an AI voice clone to campaign from prison

   Imran Khan, Pakistan's former Prime Minister currently in prison, continues to campaign through innovative means. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, released a video using AI voice cloning technology from ElevenLabs to replicate Khan's voice for a virtual rally. The script, based on Khan's notes and modified to match his speaking style, was converted into audio using AI. The video, blending archival footage with synthetic audio, was part of a five-hour virtual rally that drew over 500,000 views on YouTube. In response, the Pakistani government temporarily shut down several social media platforms, causing nationwide disruptions.

3. Expedia wants to use AI to cut Google out of its trip-planning business

   Expedia is focusing on using AI to enhance its travel planning services, aiming to redirect users from starting their searches on Google to using Expedia directly. The company plans to use its vast data to train AI models for personalized travel recommendations based on users' past trips. This initiative is part of a strategy to become less reliant on Google, as seen in the challenges faced by vertical search engines. While a fully integrated AI travel planning service is not yet available, Expedia continues to use AI in various aspects, including customer service and flight and hotel searches.

4. IBM to Buy Software AG's Cloud Computing and AI Assets for $2.3BN

   IBM is acquiring Software AG's AI and hybrid cloud assets for $2.3 billion, aiming to boost its artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities. The deal includes Software AG's StreamSets and webMethods platforms and is expected to be completed by Q2 2024. Software AG, largely owned by Silver Lake, will also be delisted. This acquisition aligns with IBM's strategic focus on enhancing its AI and cloud services, indicating a positive outlook for its technological growth and market presence.

5. Nvidia Staffers Warned CEO of Threat AI Would Pose to Minorities

   In 2020, former Nvidia Black employees group presidents Masheika Allgood and Alexander Tsado expressed concerns to CEO Jensen Huang about AI's potential biases against minorities. Despite their efforts, they felt unheard and subsequently resigned, highlighting issues of AI ethics and workforce diversity at Nvidia. The company, known for its significant role in AI technology, faced criticism for its poor diversity record but has since taken steps to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of creating safe and inclusive AI.

AI Repos

1. chatanywhere / GPT_API_free

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3. openai / weak-to-strong