OpenAI launches GPT-4o, a free for all, faster GPT model
OpenAI released GPT-4o, an update to their GPT-4 model. "o" stands for "omni" signifying its ability to process text, speech, and video. It will be rolled out gradually across OpenAI products. Free tier users will get access to text and image features, while paid users will have higher capacity limits. GPT-4o is "natively multimodal" and can understand and generate content in various formats. Developers get an API at a lower cost with double the speed compared to the previous model. Improved visual processing allows GPT-4o to analyze images and answer questions about them. It offers better multilingual support for around 50 languages. For now, audio processing features are limited to trusted partners due to misuse concerns. The update includes a new user interface for ChatGPT, a macOS desktop app, and expanded features for free tier users.
Google is going all AI: Biggest announcements from I/O 2024
Google's AI model, Gemini, can now process diverse data and is used by millions of developers and Google users. Google Photos lets you search memories with "Ask Photos" using multimodal AI. Gemini 1.5 Pro offers increased context window for developers and consumers. Gemini integrates with Workspace to summarize attachments and meetings. AI upgrades Search with "AI Overviews" for a better user experience. Circle to Search and LearnLM solve problems and provide context for learning with AI. NotebookLM now offers audio outputs for personalized interactive conversations. Trillium TPUs, Google's 6th generation, deliver improved performance. Gemini Nano offers enhanced capabilities processing text and contextual information. Scam alert uses Gemini Nano to identify scam calls in real-time.
OpenAI is building a search engine inside ChatGPT
OpenAI is developing a search engine feature for ChatGPT. This feature will allow ChatGPT to search the web for answers and provide responses with source citations. This move positions OpenAI as a competitor to Google and other search engines. The envisioned search feature will allow users to ask questions and receive relevant information with sources. The system may also incorporate visuals like diagrams. OpenAI's decision to enter the search engine market is likely due to the increasing demand for advanced chatbot functionalities. Other AI-powered search startups like Perplexity are also gaining traction. Google is also integrating AI into its core search experience. Details about the user interface for the ChatGPT search engine are not yet available. An official unveiling of the new feature is expected soon.
Meet the world’s first AI beauty pageant: Miss AI
World's first AI beauty pageant, Miss AI, is organized by WAICA and Fanvue. AI-generated contestants will be judged on beauty, technical skills and social media influence. WAICA aims to recognize achievements of AI creators. Traditional pageant criteria and AI proficiency are both considered. Miss AI signifies a big leap forward according to WAICA. Judges include AI creators Aitana Lopez and Emily Pellegrini, pageantry historian Sally Ann Fawcett, and marketing expert Andrew Bloch. Total prizes for Miss AI winners exceed $20,000. Miss AI winners will be announced on May 10th. An online awards ceremony will be held later in May.
Legged hopping robot to explore microgravity environments
ETH Zurich students are designing a hopping robot called SpaceHopper to explore asteroids and moons. SpaceHopper is designed to navigate low-gravity environments using a jumping-like motion. Asteroids and moons may contain valuable mineral resources. The SpaceHopper project was first launched as a focus project for Bachelor’s degree students. The robot is designed with a triangular body made of aerospace-aluminum, featuring articulated legs. Deep-learning-based software is used to control leg movements and allow it to perform various functions. The robot can jump, maintain orientation while in flight, and land at predetermined locations. Initial tests were conducted in an ETH Zurich lab to emulate low-gravity conditions. The SpaceHopper was also taken on an Air Zero G parabolic flight to test its jumping ability. The robot’s three-legged layout is designed to reduce size and weight.
New Google Vids product helps create a customized video with an AI assist
Google introduced a new AI-fueled video creation tool called Google Vids. Google Vids will be part of the Google Workspace productivity suite. Google Vids is a video editing, writing and production assistant. Google Vids allows collaboration with colleagues in real time in the browser. Examples of videos include product pitches, training content or celebratory team videos. Google Vids creates a storyboard of the video based on your ideas. You can reorder the video, add transitions, select a template and insert an audio track. Colleagues can comment or make changes along the way. Google Vids is currently in limited testing and will be available for customers with Gemini for Workspace subscriptions. Google Vids helps transform the assets you already have into a compelling video.
Bangladeshi Aydha Mehnaz in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe
Aydha Mehnaz, a 29-year-old Bangladeshi, is recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe for Media & Marketing. She's the VIP and Media Relations Lead at the renowned French fashion house Mugler. Under her leadership, Mugler's media impact value skyrocketed from $58 million to over $200 million. Aydha secured collaborations with celebrities like Dua Lipa and Bad Bunny. She orchestrated iconic fashion moments like Beyoncé's Mugler bee look and viral appearances for Kylie Jenner. Aydha holds a degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology and a double master's in Luxury Brand Management. She's a pioneer in modest fashion, representing Bangladesh at international fashion events. Previously, she facilitated Paris Fashion Week shows for high-end brands like Isabel Marant and Rick Owens. Aydha is a role model for Bangladeshis in the fashion industry. Her success highlights the global impact Bangladeshis can have in the fashion world.
How Switzerland is preparing for the quantum computing revolution
A Swiss foundation, GESDA, believes quantum computing will be the next big technological disruption. Quantum computing is expected to solve complex problems impossible for today's computers. GESDA hopes to establish rules for quantum computing use before it becomes widespread. Unlike AI, GESDA wants to anticipate quantum computing's impact and create regulations. GESDA was founded to look into the future and prepare Switzerland for coming technological changes. GESDA aims to keep Geneva a relevant diplomatic hub for future technological discussions. Quantum computers are expected to be thousands of times more powerful than today's computers. GESDA fears that a few companies controlling quantum computing could lead to a concentration of power. GESDA hopes Switzerland can be a neutral party in discussions on governing quantum computing. GESDA launched a new Open Quantum Institute inside Europe's science lab CERN.
Apple becomes the latest tech giant under siege
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) sued Apple for allegedly monopolizing the smartphone market through an "illegal monopoly." Apple has a dominant market share, with CCS Insight estimating 72% of smartphone sales in North America for the last quarter of 2023 being iPhones. The DOJ claims Apple unfairly shuts out competition through its "walled garden" approach. This means Apple products work seamlessly together, but all apps, payments, and updates are strictly controlled by Apple. Apple argues their system prioritizes security and offers developers access to a vast customer base. They deny wrongdoing and plan to fight the lawsuit. The European Union has challenged Apple's App Store restrictions and mandated a common charger standard (USB-C) for all phones, which Apple is now complying with. The article acknowledges the court case's uncertain outcome. While the DOJ hasn't had much success with similar lawsuits against Big Tech companies in the US (last successful case in 2001 against Microsoft), the EU's actions show some regulatory bodies are scrutinizing Apple's practices.
OpenAI unveils Voice Engine, voice-cloning AI model
OpenAI developed a new AI model called Voice Engine that can clone someone's voice. It requires only a 15-second audio sample and text input to generate natural-sounding speech. Voice Engine has been used in existing OpenAI products like text-to-speech API, ChatGPT Voice and Read Aloud. OpenAI is cautious about widely releasing Voice Engine due to potential misuse. Concerns include the spread of disinformation through synthetic voice. OpenAI wants to develop safeguards before a broader release. No release date for Voice Engine has been announced.
Sora, OpenAI's video generator, to be publicly released this year
Sora, an AI-based text-to-video generator developed by OpenAI, is scheduled to be released to the public this year. According to Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, Sora may be available to the public within a few months. Initial release of Sora was limited to visual artists, designers, and filmmakers, with impressive results. OpenAI plans to integrate audio capabilities into Sora to enhance the realism of generated scenes. Users will have the ability to edit content produced by Sora, recognizing occasional inaccuracies inherent in AI-generated imagery. OpenAI aims to position Sora as a versatile tool for creative expression, allowing users to refine content according to their vision.
Meet the software that wants to fix Dhaka traffic
Sigmind.ai introduces TrafficFlow, an AI-based software for real-time traffic management in Dhaka. TrafficFlow classifies 25 vehicle categories specific to Bangladesh for enhanced monitoring. Features include vehicle detection, color classification, license plate recognition, and speed estimation. Implemented by various authorities including BEPZA, Dhaka Metropolitan Police, and CAAB. Key features: multi-directional counting, speed estimation, wrong-direction identification, and reporting systems. Utilizes Vision Transformer (ViT) models and deep learning-based Re-Identification tracker for accuracy. BEPZA piloted TrafficFlow for security purposes in Dhaka EPZ and Karnaphuli EPZ. Sigmind.ai aims to democratize AI and has won National ICT and APICTA Awards. Strategic partnerships with Robi Axiata Limited and Vehant Technologies Limited, affiliations with NVIDIA and Google Cloud.
Google is slowly changing how we search on the internet
Google search experience is changing with AI powered summaries. This could replace the traditional blue links search results. AI summaries can condense information into bite-sized pieces. This is convenient for busy users but might hurt websites relying on clicks. Niche websites and independent voices could be especially affected. AI bias and the inability to capture nuance are concerns with AI summaries. Over-reliance on AI summaries could limit exploration of the web. Transparency in AI models and user empowerment to access original sources are crucial. High-quality content that goes beyond summaries will remain valuable. The future of search is a balance between AI summaries and open web.