Trending AI news stories + papers

Today's Top AI news stories and papers

AI news stories

1. Google faces $1.67 billion damages demand at AI-related patent trial

   Google is facing a $1.67 billion lawsuit from Singular Computing, led by computer scientist Joseph Bates, over alleged patent infringement. The case, being tried in Boston, accuses Google of using Bates' patented processor technology, shared between 2010 and 2014, in its AI products. Google's Tensor Processing Units, used in services like Google Search and Gmail, are said to incorporate Bates' innovations. Google defends that its technology was developed independently and differs fundamentally from Bates'.

2. Humane lays off 4 percent of employees before releasing its AI Pin

   Humane recently laid off 4% of its workforce, totalling 10 employees, as part of cost-cutting measures. This comes as the company, founded in 2019 by ex-Apple employees, prepares to launch its first product, the AI Pin, in March. The AI Pin, priced at $699 with a $24 monthly subscription, is marketed as a replacement for smartphones. The layoffs were framed as a restructuring effort by CEO Bethany Bongiorno, who emphasized the need for the right company structure for future growth.

3. Microsoft has worked with US lab use AI to speed search for new battery materials

   Microsoft and the U.S. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have collaborated to use AI to rapidly identify a new battery material that could reduce the lithium requirement by 70%. This potential material, which largely replaces lithium with sodium, is still under extensive evaluation by PNNL scientists for its viability in mass production. The AI-driven approach, combining molecular science data and supercomputing, significantly accelerated the research process, narrowing down from over 32 million possibilities to 18 viable candidates for lab synthesis and testing.

4. Walmart debuts generative AI search and AI replenishment features at CES

   Walmart introduced new AI-powered tools at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, including a generative AI search feature and AI replenishment for its InHome service. The search feature allows customers to find products based on use cases rather than specific names, similar to Google's SGE, while the replenishment tool automates online shopping carts for regular orders, delivered through InHome. Additionally, Walmart showcased "Shop with Friends," an AR social commerce platform, and discussed the use of AI in Sam's Club and tools for store associates. CEO Doug McMillon emphasized adaptive retail and responsible use of AI, with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaking on the broader impacts of generative AI technology.

5. The Rabbit R1 is an AI-powered gadget that can use your apps for you

   The Rabbit R1 is a new $199 AI-powered device from Rabbit, an AI startup. It's designed to be a universal controller for apps and services, featuring a 2.88-inch touchscreen, rotating camera, and a scroll wheel/button for navigation. The device, powered by Rabbit OS and a 'Large Action Model,' aims to streamline user interaction with various services like music, transportation, and messaging through a single interface, eliminating the need for multiple apps and logins. While it's not intended to replace smartphones immediately, its ambitious design and functionality suggest it might play a more significant role in the future of personal technology.

6. PhotoRoom, the AI photo editing app, is raising $50M-$60M at a $500M-$600M valuation

   PhotoRoom, an AI-based image editing app startup from Paris, is reportedly closing a funding round, raising between $50 million and $60 million at a pre-money valuation of $500 million to $600 million. The company, which targets e-commerce vendors, media specialists, and others, has gained attention in a funding-constrained yet AI-hot market. PhotoRoom's current investors include Balderton, Adjacent, Kima Ventures, FJ Labs, Meta, Y Combinator, and several angels, and it's expected to have raised $70-80 million in total after this round. The startup's success reflects the growing importance of camera apps and AI in technology, with its AI-based platform and features like "instant backgrounds" and an enhanced shadow feature in its API.

AI Repos

1. joaomdmoura / crewAI

2. hpcaitech / ColossalAI

3. onnx / onnx