Posts in category: Tech News

Apple Steps into the AI Arena with Custom Emojis

Amidst significant AI advancements from Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, Apple has remained noticeably quiet. However, new information from Bloomberg’s Apple insider, Mark Gurman, suggests that Apple is set to make its own AI splash with a groundbreaking feature in iOS 18: AI-generated custom emojis.

Creating Custom Emojis with AI

According to Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, Apple is developing a program that will allow iPhone users to generate custom emojis using generative AI. This feature will enable users to create personalized emojis for any situation using simple text-based prompts.

How It Works

While detailed specifics are sparse, the core functionality of this new feature involves leveraging AI to craft unique emojis based on user input. Instead of being restricted to the standard set of emojis provided by the Unicode Consortium, users will be able to generate custom emojis that perfectly match their needs.

READ ALSO: Former OpenAI Safety Lead Joins Anthropic to Head New AI Superalignment Team

Enhancing the Emoji Experience

Apple will continue to include the latest Unicode emojis, such as the new fingerprint and harp icons. However, the addition of AI-generated custom emojis will offer unprecedented flexibility, allowing users to convey emotions and ideas with personalized icons.

A Competitive Edge in Emoji Creation

While the concept of AI-generated emojis isn’t entirely new, current third-party solutions often require a subscription. Apple aims to integrate this service directly into iOS, offering users a seamless and cost-free experience.

With the introduction of AI-generated custom emojis in iOS 18, Apple is set to enhance the way users express themselves through their devices. This innovative feature underscores Apple’s commitment to integrating advanced AI technologies into everyday user experiences, setting a new standard for personalization in digital communication.

DIGITAL MARKETING: New tips, resources to grow your business

REVIEW: Apple iPad (10th Generation) Review: The Best Tablet Under $300

Jan Leike Takes on New Role at Anthropic

Anthropic, an emerging player in AI research, has hired Jan Leike, former AI safety lead at OpenAI, to spearhead a new “superalignment” team. Leike’s move follows his recent resignation from OpenAI, where he publicly criticized the company’s approach to AI safety.

Focus on AI Safety and Security

In a recent post on X, Leike outlined the primary objectives of his new role at Anthropic. His team will concentrate on critical areas of AI safety, including scalable oversight, weak-to-strong generalization, and automated alignment research. These efforts aim to enhance the predictability and desirability of large-scale AI behavior.

Reporting Structure and Team Realignment

According to a source familiar with the development, Leike will report directly to Jared Kaplan, Anthropic’s chief science officer. Researchers at Anthropic currently focused on scalable oversight will transition to report to Leike as his team begins its operations.

Parallels with OpenAI’s Superalignment Team

Leike’s mission at Anthropic echoes his previous work with OpenAI’s Superalignment team, which was dissolved earlier this year. The Superalignment team had aimed to tackle the core technical challenges of controlling superintelligent AI within four years but faced internal challenges and leadership constraints.

READ ALSO: YouTube Expands Free Game Access with ‘Playables’ for All Users

Anthropic’s Commitment to AI Safety

Anthropic has consistently positioned itself as a more safety-oriented alternative to OpenAI. The company’s CEO, Dario Amodei, formerly served as VP of research at OpenAI. Amodei left OpenAI over disagreements regarding the company’s increasing commercial focus. He founded Anthropic with several ex-OpenAI colleagues, including former policy lead Jack Clark.

Jan Leike’s transition to Anthropic marks a significant step in the ongoing evolution of AI safety research. By leading a dedicated superalignment team, Leike aims to address some of the most pressing challenges in AI safety, reinforcing Anthropic’s commitment to developing secure and predictable AI technologies.

DIGITAL MARKETING: New tips, resources to grow your business

REVIEW: Apple iPad (10th Generation) Review: The Best Tablet Under $300

YouTube is taking a significant step into the gaming world with the broader rollout of its “Playables” catalog. This initiative offers users a collection of lightweight, free games directly within the YouTube app. Initially tested with select users and later available to YouTube Premium subscribers, Playables is now set to reach a wider audience, appearing in the YouTube app and on the Home page.

YouTube’s New Gaming Platform: ‘Playables’

A Game-Changing Move

YouTube’s Playables introduces a unique collection of games that diverges from traditional monetization models seen in app stores. Unlike paid downloads or in-app purchases, these games are free and ad-supported. This strategy allows YouTube to sidestep app store restrictions while offering engaging content to its users. With the integration of AI, questions arise about how this technology might impact YouTube’s ad revenue, traditionally driven by sponsored search links.

The Appeal of Playables

Playables are designed to keep users entertained between their browsing and viewing sessions on YouTube. The game lineup includes popular titles such as Angry Birds Showdown, Words of Wonders, Cut the Rope, Tomb of the Mask, and Trivia Crack. It also features games like Stack Bounce and offerings from Google’s internal incubator, Area 120’s GameSnacks, targeting emerging markets where Android is prevalent.

What to Expect

Currently, the Playables catalog boasts over 75 minigames. Users can save their progress and track high scores, enhancing the gaming experience. While the feature is gradually rolling out, most users can expect to see Playables in their YouTube app within a few weeks.

The Competitive Landscape

Tech Giants in Gaming

YouTube is not alone in expanding into the gaming sector. Netflix has been aggressively building its game library through acquisitions and in-house development. Similarly, Epic Games is leveraging new EU regulations to introduce its game store to European users. Even LinkedIn has ventured into gaming, showcasing a broader trend of tech companies diversifying their offerings to capture more user engagement.

READ ALSO: How Google Leverages YouTube and Search for Advertiser Success

Strategic Implications

These moves reflect a strategic effort to bypass app store commissions and enhance company profits. Netflix, for instance, requires a subscription purchased via its website to access its games, circumventing app store fees. This trend underscores how companies are innovating to retain a larger share of revenue while providing added value to their users.

YouTube’s launch of Playables marks a significant expansion into the gaming industry, offering users a diverse range of free games within the YouTube app. This initiative aligns with broader industry trends as tech giants explore new ways to engage users and drive revenue. As the Playables feature rolls out, it promises to provide an entertaining and seamless gaming experience for all YouTube users.

DIGITAL MARKETING: New tips, resources to grow your business

Google is leveraging YouTube and Search to enhance the capabilities of advertisers, introducing several AI-based features at its recent Google Marketing Live (GML) event. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates and how they benefit advertisers:

Visually Immersive Shopping Ads

Google has launched new visually immersive shopping ads, including Virtual Try-On and generated 3D ads. These features allow businesses to create more engaging and interactive ads, making it easier for consumers to visualize products.

Enhanced Channels for Advertisers

Advertisers can now connect with consumers through Google’s most visually immersive channels: YouTube, Discover, and Gmail. This expanded reach is part of Google’s effort to provide advertisers with more dynamic ways to engage with their audience.

Demand Gen Campaigns

Google’s Demand Gen campaigns, launched last year, help advertisers reach up to 3 billion users monthly. These campaigns are designed to drive demand and conversions. Google plans to expand these campaigns to more advertisers via Display & Video 360 and Search Ads 360, broadening their impact.

YouTube Shorts and New Ad Formats

YouTube Shorts, which boasts over 2 billion logged-in users monthly, now supports new ad formats. These include vertical ad formats, ad stickers to drive actions, and animated image ads automatically created from advertisers’ accounts and Demand Gen product feeds. These features help businesses engage effectively with the short-form video audience.

AI Overviews in Google Search

Google has introduced AI Overviews in Search, which are rolling out in the US with plans for global expansion. These AI-generated summaries appear in search results when they provide value beyond traditional search listings.

Benefits of AI Overviews for Advertisers:

1. Increased Traffic: Links included in AI Overviews receive more clicks than traditional web listings, driving more traffic to advertisers’ websites.
2. Higher Quality Clicks: Users clicking on links from AI Overviews tend to spend more time on the sites, indicating higher engagement.
3. Enhanced User Satisfaction: Users who engage with AI Overviews tend to use Search more and are generally more satisfied with their results.

Ads Integration in AI Overviews

Google will soon test Search and Shopping ads within AI Overviews for US users. Relevant ads will appear in a section labeled “sponsored.” This integration is designed to ensure ads are contextually relevant to both the query and the information in the AI Overview.

No Action Needed from Advertisers

Ads from existing Search, Performance Max, and Standard Shopping campaigns can automatically appear within the AI Overview. Google continues to test and refine these formats, incorporating feedback from advertisers.

READ ALSO: Google Tweaks AI Overview After Search Result Blunders

Google Ads Data Manager

Google is making its Google Ads Data Manager available to all advertisers. This tool allows businesses to consolidate first-party data sources in one place for analysis and activation, streamlining a process that previously took weeks or months.

In summary, Google’s latest updates and AI-based features provide advertisers with more powerful tools and channels to reach and engage their audiences. These advancements not only enhance the advertising experience but also ensure higher quality interactions and better results for businesses

Google announced on Friday that it is taking “swift action” to improve AI-generated summaries of search results following a series of high-profile mistakes that have been widely mocked online. Errors included an AI response incorrectly stating that Barack Obama was the first Muslim US president.

Public Reaction to AI Errors

Users quickly took to social media to highlight and ridicule numerous erroneous “AI Overview” responses. These included bizarre claims such as advocating for eating stones, staring into the sun, and incorrect information about US presidents’ religious affiliations.

A Google spokesperson responded to an inquiry from AFP, explaining that many of the errors came from uncommon queries or were examples that couldn’t be reproduced. They assured the public that swift action is being taken to address these issues according to their content policies, and improvements to the AI systems are already being implemented.

Specific Issues and Actions

One particularly notable error suggested that adding non-toxic glue to pizza sauce would prevent cheese from sliding off—a claim traced back to a child’s Reddit post. This sparked concerns on social media about the AI’s reliability and susceptibility to believing anything found online.

Google clarified that the example involving Barack Obama violated its policies and was promptly removed. The company emphasized that the vast majority of AI Overviews provide reliable information, and that safeguards are in place to prevent harmful content from surfacing.

READ ALSO: Flutterwave: The Sole Africa-Focused Company on CNBC’s 2024 Disruptor 50 List

Recent Changes and Future Plans

Google recently introduced AI-generated summaries at the top of search results pages in the United States. This change, described as one of the most significant in the search engine’s 25-year history, is expected to be expanded to other countries soon, as stated by Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

The introduction of AI summaries comes as Google faces increased competition from AI-powered search engines like Perplexity and persistent rumors that OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is developing its own AI search tool. Additionally, AI-based search functionalities have been integrated into platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, offering users alternative ways to obtain information from the web without using Google.

Despite the recent blunders, Google remains committed to enhancing the accuracy and reliability of its AI-generated search summaries. The company is actively addressing the issues and rolling out broader improvements to ensure that its AI technology continues to provide trustworthy and useful information to users worldwide.

Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payment technology company, has made a significant mark by being the only Africa-focused company on CNBC’s prestigious 2024 Disruptor 50 list. This recognition places Flutterwave among other innovative giants like OpenAI, Stripe, and Monzo, highlighting its remarkable growth and impact in the fintech industry.

Achievements and Recognition

Inclusion on the Disruptor 50 List

The CNBC Disruptor 50 list is celebrated for spotlighting private companies that revolutionize traditional industries with groundbreaking technologies. Flutterwave’s inclusion underscores its innovation, scalability, and resilience, especially in challenging economic climates. This year, the list comprises 50 companies, with 39 primarily operating in the US and others from France, the UK, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Sweden, and Israel.

Climbing the Ranks

Flutterwave first appeared on the Disruptor 50 list in 2021, ranking 21st. In 2024, it has moved up to 14th place, showcasing its rapid advancement in the fintech sector. The dominance of AI companies on the list, with OpenAI maintaining the top spot for consecutive years, further emphasizes the competitive environment in which Flutterwave excels.

Innovative Products and Partnerships

Product Innovations

Flutterwave continues to push the envelope with a suite of innovative products. Its flagship Flutterwave for Business solution equips enterprises with the tools needed to manage and expand operations seamlessly in Africa. The Send App facilitates money transfers for the African diaspora, while the Swap currency exchange solution, developed in partnership with Kadavra BTC and Wema Bank, addresses currency exchange needs.

Strategic Partnerships

Further solidifying its industry leadership, Flutterwave has expanded its collaboration with Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, becoming the preferred payment partner for its flagship Lagos to London routes. In 2023, Flutterwave also partnered with IATA, the global airlines alliance, as a payments provider for Africa. Additionally, its long-standing partnership with Uber helps the ride-hailing giant scale across Africa with a single payment integration.

READ ALSO: OpenAI Apologizes to Scarlett Johansson, Denies Voice Similarity Claims

CEO’s Vision and Future Goals

Commitment to Excellence

Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We are deeply honored to be acknowledged among the esteemed companies on CNBC’s Disruptor 50 list for 2024. Our mission has always been to empower businesses of all scales, and to be recognized as a disruptor in our field is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team.”

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Agboola emphasized Flutterwave’s commitment to product innovation and enhancing customer experiences. The company’s mission is to become the preferred payments partner for international and multinational enterprises looking to expand in Africa and beyond. “Remaining steadfast in our commitment to innovation and expanding our product portfolio, our overarching mission is to become the preferred payments partner for international and multinational enterprises seeking to extend their footprint in Africa and beyond,” he added.

Flutterwave’s recognition on CNBC’s 2024 Disruptor 50 list is a testament to its pioneering efforts in the fintech sector. Through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships, Flutterwave is poised to lead the way in transforming payment solutions across Africa and the globe.

OpenAI has issued an apology to actress Scarlett Johansson following her reaction to their new synthetic voice, “Sky.” CEO Sam Altman clarified that the voice was not modeled after Johansson’s, amidst growing public speculation and controversy.

The Controversy Unfolds

Scarlett Johansson’s Reaction

Scarlett Johansson expressed her surprise and displeasure after noticing the similarities between her voice and Sky, the new synthetic voice launched by OpenAI. Sky, showcased as part of the GPT-4o technology, was designed to be more human-like, exhibiting playful and dynamic interactions.

Public Perception and Speculation

The voice of Sky quickly drew comparisons to Johansson’s AI character in the 2013 film “Her.” This was compounded by Altman’s cryptic post on social media, which simply stated “her,” fueling further speculation.

OpenAI’s Response

Official Statement

In response to the controversy, Sam Altman released a statement on Tuesday. “The voice of Sky is not Scarlett Johansson’s, and it was never intended to resemble hers,” he said. Altman also mentioned that the voice actor for Sky was chosen long before any outreach to Johansson.

Respect and Apology

Out of respect for Johansson, OpenAI decided to pause the use of Sky’s voice in its products. “We are sorry to Ms. Johansson that we didn’t communicate better,” Altman added, addressing the communication lapse that led to the misunderstanding.

Development of Sky’s Voice

Casting Process

OpenAI detailed the careful selection process for Sky’s voice in a blog post. The company began working on casting voice actors in early 2023, seeking voices that were “timeless” and “approachable.” Five final candidates recorded their voices in San Francisco during June and July, with the voices being incorporated into ChatGPT in September.

READ ALSO: Google Injects $350 Million into Flipkart: Major Boost for Indian E-commerce Leader

Privacy and Authenticity

To maintain privacy, OpenAI did not disclose the names of the voice actors. The company emphasized that AI voices should not intentionally mimic a celebrity’s distinctive voice to avoid confusion and ethical concerns.

Industry Reaction

AI Humanization Concerns

The incident has sparked a broader debate about the humanization of AI. Microsoft VP Yusuf Mehdi emphasized that AI should not be too human-like, asserting that AI should retain clear markers of its artificial nature to avoid misunderstandings.

Disbandment of Risk Team

Amidst the Johansson dispute, OpenAI also confirmed that it had disbanded its “superalignment” group, which was focused on mitigating long-term AI risks. The team members have been reassigned to other projects and research areas within the company.

The controversy surrounding Sky’s voice highlights the complexities of developing human-like AI and the ethical considerations involved. OpenAI’s apology to Scarlett Johansson and subsequent actions demonstrate the company’s commitment to addressing these concerns and maintaining transparency

Google has made a substantial investment in India’s leading e-commerce platform, Flipkart. This move underscores Google’s growing interest in the Indian market and its e-commerce potential.

Google Invests in Flipkart

$350 Million Infusion from Google

Google is investing approximately $350 million in Flipkart, joining other high-profile backers of the Walmart-owned Indian e-commerce powerhouse. As part of this strategic partnership, Google will also provide cloud services to Flipkart, enhancing its technological capabilities.

Major Funding Round Details

This investment is part of a nearly $1 billion funding round initiated by Flipkart in 2023. Walmart spearheaded this round with a $600 million investment late last year, and Microsoft is also among the investors. With this latest injection, Flipkart’s valuation has soared to $36 billion.

Flipkart’s Market Dominance

Leading the Indian E-commerce Market

Flipkart commands a dominant position in India’s e-commerce sector, capturing about 48% of the market. The company serves millions of consumers, especially in smaller cities and towns, and owns Myntra, a prominent fashion e-commerce platform.

READ ALSO: Microsoft Build 2024: Anticipations and Highlights

Competitive Landscape

Flipkart faces competition from major players like Reliance Retail, Amazon, and Meesho. Reliance Retail, operated by Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, is a formidable competitor with its vast retail network and recent $2 billion investment by QIA, ADIA, and KKR.

The Future of Indian E-commerce

Market Growth and Trends

India’s e-commerce market is projected to reach $133 billion by next year. The sector is witnessing the rise of niche players in quick-commerce, social-commerce, and vertical commerce segments. Companies like Blinkit, Meesho, and Nykaa are emerging as strong category-specific competitors.

Google’s Commitment to India

Google, which already reaches over half a billion people in India, sees the country as a critical market. Since announcing a $10 billion investment plan for Indian businesses in 2020, Google has already invested in Jio Platforms and Airtel, further cementing its commitment to India’s digital growth.

Google’s $350 million investment in Flipkart not only boosts the e-commerce giant’s capabilities but also highlights the growing importance of the Indian market. As Flipkart continues to lead and innovate, this partnership with Google will likely drive significant advancements in India’s e-commerce landscape.

Microsoft Build 2024, commencing this Tuesday, follows hot on the heels of Google I/O and Apple’s recent iPad event. This year’s theme, “How will AI shape your future?” sets the stage for a conference heavily focused on artificial intelligence.

What is Microsoft Build?

Microsoft Build is the tech behemoth’s premier annual developer conference in the United States, initiated in 2011. This multi-day event is a hub for keynote addresses by top executives, alongside extensive demonstrations and educational sessions aimed at software engineers and developers.

Keynote Highlights

The keynote speeches at Microsoft Build are significant, often serving as the platform for major product announcements. For the second consecutive year, the event will be held at the Seattle Convention Center, transitioning from its virtual format during 2020-2022.

Anticipations for Microsoft Build 2024

AI at the Forefront

Last year, Microsoft Build introduced the AI assistant Windows Copilot and announced Bing’s integration with ChatGPT. Given this year’s AI-centric theme and the tech industry’s ongoing fascination with artificial intelligence, we can expect more AI-related announcements.

Updates on AI Integration

We anticipate updates on the development of Windows Copilot and its broader integration into Windows 11 and other Microsoft products.

Schedule for Microsoft Build 2024

Overview

Microsoft Build 2024 kicks off on Tuesday, May 21, and spans three days. The event will be accessible both in-person in Seattle and online, ensuring global participation.

Microsoft Build 2024: Day 1

Pre-Show and Imagine Cup World Championship

Day 1 begins at 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. ET with a pre-show and the Imagine Cup World Championship. Now in its 23rd year, the Imagine Cup celebrates student innovators tackling social issues with technology. This year’s finalists include:

• FROM YOUR EYES: An app using AI to describe images for the visually impaired.
• JRE: A slag detection system for steel casting.
• PlanRoadmap: An AI-powered productivity coach for individuals with ADHD.

Opening Keynote

The opening keynote starts at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET, featuring Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, CTO Kevin Scott, and Executive VP Rajesh Jha. This session will delve into AI’s role in transforming developer workflows and enhancing business productivity across industries.

READ ALSO: Microsoft’s Custom Cobalt Chips Set to Launch on Azure Next Week

Breakout Sessions

Following the keynote, breakout sessions will run from 11:30 a.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. ET until 5:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. ET, providing deeper insights into various technological advancements.

Microsoft Build 2024: Day 2

AI-Focused Keynote

Day 2 opens with the keynote “Next generation AI for developers with the Microsoft Cloud” at 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. ET. This session, led by Executive VP Scott Guthrie and other leaders, will focus on building secure and responsible AI solutions using Microsoft Cloud.

Additional Breakout Sessions

Post-keynote, the day continues with more breakout sessions from 10:45 a.m PT / 1:45 p.m. ET until 6:45 p.m. PT / 9:45 p.m. ET, offering in-depth explorations of new technologies and development practices.

Microsoft Build 2024 promises to be a pivotal event, highlighting AI’s transformative potential in technology and business. With a robust schedule of keynotes and breakout sessions, developers and tech enthusiasts will gain valuable insights into the future of AI and its applications. Stay tuned for exciting announcements and detailed explorations of Microsoft’s latest innovations.