Posts in category: Tech News

X is rolling out a revamped version of its Communities feature, designed to help users connect around shared interests in dedicated spaces with tailored timelines. On Thursday, the company unveiled several enhancements to Communities, including improved discovery tools, recommendations, search functionalities, and sorting options, with more updates planned for the future.

Enhancing User Connectivity

The primary objective of these updates is to facilitate better user connections on X by allowing them to engage with specific topics and interact with posts from like-minded individuals. This strategic move aims to make X, formerly known as Twitter, a more valuable entity in terms of the data it can offer.

Strategic Integration with xAI

Communities are poised to play a crucial role in the synergy between X and Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI. xAI’s Grok chatbot already leverages real-time data from X, formerly known as tweets. By expanding the usage of Communities, X could develop a data source as valuable as the Twitter firehose. While it remains to be seen if Communities can rival Reddit in scale, even modest growth in user engagement could significantly benefit both xAI and Grok.

Discovering Trending Communities

With the latest updates, X users can discover posts from trending Communities directly from a new Explore tab within the Communities section. This is distinct from the general Explore tab that displays trending content across all of X, accessible from the app’s main navigation.

Personalized Recommendations

X will now show users personalized recommendations for Communities on their timelines, another significant push to increase feature visibility. Additionally, Communities will be searchable by topic, making it easier for users to find and join groups aligned with their interests. Once users are part of a Community, they can sort posts by trending topics within their groups, enhancing their browsing experience.

Future Enhancements

X has outlined several future enhancements for Communities, including the introduction of community analytics for moderators, the integration of Community Spaces (X’s live audio feature), and improved moderation tools. These updates aim to provide a more robust and engaging experience for Community members.

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

Increasing Data for Grok

By encouraging more users to join and participate in Communities, X can augment the data available to Grok, enhancing the AI’s capabilities. Currently, Grok is accessible to X’s paid subscribers, and its integration with X ensures wide distribution, benefiting both X and xAI.

The revamped Communities feature represents X’s commitment to fostering user engagement and enhancing data collection capabilities. As these updates roll out, users can expect a more tailored and interactive experience, which could significantly contribute to the platform’s value and utility.

Microsoft is set to unveil its custom Cobalt 100 chips to the public during the Build conference next week, according to information. This move marks a significant step as the tech giant introduces these chips to customers in a public preview.

A Game-Changer in Cloud Computing

In a briefing ahead of the conference, Scott Guthrie, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of Cloud and AI, highlighted the impressive capabilities of the Cobalt chips. Drawing a direct comparison to AWS’s Graviton chips, which have been a staple for developers, Guthrie claimed that Microsoft’s Cobalt chips offer a substantial 40% performance boost over other ARM chips currently available. Early adopters, including industry leaders like Adobe and Snowflake, have already begun integrating these new chips into their systems.

The Cobalt Chip: A Technical Marvel

First announced in November, the Cobalt chips are built on the Arm architecture and boast an impressive 128 cores. These 64-bit chips are designed to deliver high performance, aiming to set new standards in cloud computing efficiency.

Expanding Azure’s Capabilities with AMD

In addition to the Cobalt chips, Microsoft will soon make AMD’s MI300X accelerators available to Azure clients. Although AMD has historically lagged behind Nvidia in the AI sector, it is gaining traction as cloud providers seek cost-effective alternatives to Nvidia’s high-priced chips. Guthrie noted that AMD’s MI300X accelerators are currently the “most cost-effective GPU” for Azure OpenAI, indicating a significant shift in the competitive landscape.

Pricing and New Features

Next week’s Build conference will also bring some financial relief to developers. Microsoft plans to reduce the pricing for accessing and running large language models. While specific details are yet to be disclosed, this price drop is anticipated to make advanced AI more accessible.

Real-Time Intelligence System

Microsoft will preview a new real-time intelligence system, enhancing its data analytics platform, Fabric. This system will facilitate real-time data streaming, featuring native Kafka integration and support for AWS Kinesis and Google Cloud’s Pub/Sub systems. This integration promises to streamline data processing and analytics across multiple platforms.

READ ALSO: Sony Music Issues Stern Warning to Tech Companies Over Unauthorized AI Training

Strengthening Partnerships

A notable partnership with Snowflake will be announced, broadening Fabric’s data interoperability. Fabric will now support Snowflake’s Iceberg format alongside Databricks’ Parquet, allowing seamless data exchange between Fabric and Snowflake environments. This collaboration is expected to enhance data management and analytics capabilities for users.

Enhancing Developer Experience with Copilot

For developers, Microsoft has exciting news regarding Copilot. A new feature will enable developers to manage Azure resources using natural language commands directly from Copilot. This enhancement is built on a common extensibility framework, allowing other providers to integrate similar functionalities. This advancement aims to create a more intuitive and efficient development environment.

Microsoft’s announcements at the Build conference signal significant advancements in cloud computing and AI, with the introduction of the Cobalt chips, cost-effective GPU options, and enhanced developer tools. These innovations are set to bolster Microsoft’s position in the competitive cloud market and provide developers with powerful new tools to drive their projects forward.

Sony Music Group has recently taken a firm stance against the unauthorized use of its music for training artificial intelligence (AI) systems. In a bold move, the company has dispatched letters to over 700 tech firms and music streaming platforms, cautioning them against using its content without explicit permission. The letters, obtained by TechCrunch, suggest that Sony suspects some recipients may have already engaged in unauthorized practices involving its content.

The Growing Concern of AI and Music Rights

Sony Music acknowledges the transformative potential of AI but emphasizes the need for proper authorization when utilizing its content. Unauthorized use, the company argues, undermines both the control and rightful compensation owed to Sony and its artists. Among the stars represented by Sony are renowned names like Harry Styles, Beyoncé, Adele, and Celine Dion.

Protecting Intellectual Property

Sony Music’s extensive intellectual property portfolio includes not only audio and audiovisual recordings but also cover artwork, metadata, lyrics, and more. The company has not revealed the identities of the 700 companies addressed in the letters. However, Sony’s message is clear: the protection of its intellectual property is paramount.

Support for Innovation with Respect

In an official statement, Sony Music expressed support for artists and songwriters who embrace new technologies to advance their art. The company acknowledged that technological evolutions have historically reshaped creative industries and anticipates that AI will continue this trend. However, it insists that these innovations must respect the rights and copyrights of songwriters and recording artists.

Detailed Inquiry for Unauthorized Use

The letters sent by Sony demand detailed information from recipients. They are asked to specify which Sony Music songs were used to train AI systems, the methods of access, the number of copies made, the current existence of any copies, and the reasons for creating these copies in the first place.

Legal Enforcement and Compliance

Sony Music has set a deadline for the recipients to respond and has stated its intention to enforce its copyrights rigorously, to the fullest extent allowed by law across all jurisdictions.

The Broader Context of AI and Copyright Infringement

This initiative by Sony Music is part of a larger conversation about copyright infringement in the age of generative AI. Streaming platforms, such as Spotify, are increasingly encountering AI-generated music, raising concerns about the protection of original works. Even high-profile artists have been involved in controversial AI uses, such as Drake, who recently faced backlash for deepfaking the late rapper Tupac.

READ ALSO: OpenAI Co-Founder and Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever Steps Down: What This Means for the Future of AI

Legislative Responses to AI and Copyright

In response to these growing issues, new legislative measures are being proposed. Last month, Representative Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. If passed, this legislation would require AI companies to disclose the copyrighted songs used in training their systems.

State-Level Protections for Artists

Tennessee recently became the first state in the U.S. to implement protections for artists against AI misuse. Governor Bill Lee signed the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, setting a precedent for other states to follow.

Sony Music’s proactive stance serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing need to balance technological advancement with the protection of intellectual property rights. As AI continues to evolve, it is imperative that the rights of artists and creators are upheld, ensuring they receive due recognition and compensation for their work.

In a significant development for the AI community, Ilya Sutskever, a co-founder and the longstanding chief scientist at OpenAI, has made the decision to depart from the company.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared this news in a heartfelt announcement, expressing deep sadness at Sutskever’s departure and highlighting his immense contributions to the field. Altman emphasized Sutskever’s pivotal role in shaping OpenAI’s trajectory and his personal importance as a friend and mentor.

The Transition: Jakub Pachocki Takes the Helm

Stepping into Sutskever’s shoes is Jakub Pachocki, who has been a key figure at OpenAI since 2017. Pachocki’s journey within the organization has been marked by significant achievements, notably his leadership in the development of AI systems capable of mastering complex strategy games like Dota 

While Pachocki assumes the role of chief scientist, questions arise regarding the continuity of leadership within OpenAI’s Superalignment team, previously overseen by Sutskever and Jan Leike. Leike’s departure further underscores the shifts underway within the organization.

The Superalignment Initiative: Charting the Course for AI Governance

Central to OpenAI’s mission is the Superalignment team, tasked with navigating the complexities of steering advanced AI systems. This initiative seeks to establish frameworks for the responsible development and governance of AI technologies, particularly those with superintelligent capabilities.

With John Schulman, another co-founder, taking on a supervisory role, the Superalignment team’s integration into broader research efforts signals a strategic pivot aimed at maximizing its impact.

Reflecting on Sutskever’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s president, acknowledges Sutskever’s foundational contributions to the organization. His departure comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with landmark advancements such as the unveiling of GPT-4o and significant upgrades to ChatGPT.

Sutskever’s decision to leave follows internal tensions regarding the company’s direction, underscoring the complex dynamics at play within OpenAI’s leadership. However, his vision for the future remains unwavering, rooted in the pursuit of safe and beneficial artificial general intelligence.

Beyond OpenAI: Sutskever’s Next Chapter

As Sutskever embarks on a new chapter, speculation abounds regarding his future endeavors. His track record of groundbreaking research and visionary leadership positions him as a formidable figure in the AI landscape.

While details regarding his upcoming projects remain undisclosed, Sutskever’s departure from OpenAI signifies a turning point in his storied career. Yet, his parting message reflects a sense of optimism and anticipation for what lies ahead.

In closing, Sutskever expresses gratitude for his time at OpenAI, highlighting the privilege of collaborating with exceptional minds. As he bids farewell to his colleagues, his legacy endures as a beacon of innovation and integrity within the AI community.

Google may soon introduce a feature similar to its popular Circle to Search tool on Pixel phones for its Chrome browser on desktop. This potential update is set to enhance the online image identification process by providing manual control over the tool.

Lens Update for Chrome

Industry insider Leopeva64 recently shared short clips on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing a potential Google Lens update for Chrome. The update would allow users to manually control the tool using a Lens icon in the toolbar. When selected, the cursor transforms into a cross-shaped reticle with a camera icon, enabling users to highlight items on the screen. Once the item is selected, a window appears from the right side, displaying search results relevant to the chosen content.

Similarities to Pixel’s Circle to Search

The demo videos reveal that the new Chrome feature may take inspiration from Pixel’s Circle to Search tool. By highlighting an object, the surrounding area is blurred out, leaving only the selected content in focus. Unlike Circle to Search on Pixel, the Chrome version seems to use a rigid rectangular shape instead of a freehand circle.

Existing Image Search Capabilities

Currently, Chrome offers image search features through the browser’s context menu, allowing users to search an image with Google or drag and drop it to Google Images. However, the potential new Circle to Search tool would simplify the process by allowing users to select specific content for searching without needing to open a separate window.

READ ALSO: Apple Apologizes for Controversial iPad Pro Ad

AI Enhancements Coming to Chrome

While it remains uncertain when the new Circle to Search feature will be released, 9To5Google reports that Google plans to introduce more AI tools to the browser this year. Adriana Porter Felt, Chrome’s engineering director, has mentioned that her team is exploring ways to leverage AI technology to make tasks like searching and reading webpages more efficient. This potential Circle to Search tool aligns with those goals.

Google’s possible Circle to Search tool in Chrome could make online image identification more user-friendly, drawing inspiration from Pixel’s well-received feature. As the company continues its AI advancements in the browser, users can look forward to more streamlined and intuitive online experiences in the near future.

For those interested in upgrading their phone, check out TechRadar’s roundup of the best Pixel phones for 2024.

Apple has issued an apology for its recent iPad Pro ad, which was met with criticism for its portrayal of the destruction of various tools of creative expression. The ad, released during Apple’s Let Loose event on Tuesday, showcased a hydraulic press crushing a range of equipment used in creative pursuits, such as a piano, paints, and a dressmaker’s mannequin.

Ad Missed the Mark

Apple’s Vice President of Marketing Communications, Tor Myhren, acknowledged that the ad did not convey the intended message. “Creativity is in our DNA at Apple, and it’s incredibly important to us to design products that empower creatives all over the world,” Myhren told AdAge. “Our goal is to always celebrate the myriad of ways users express themselves and bring their ideas to life through iPad. We missed the mark with this video, and we’re sorry.”

The commercial was set to the song “All I Ever Need Is You” by Sonny & Cher and ended with the reveal of the new iPad Pro as the most powerful and thinnest iPad ever. However, viewers found the ad to be more dystopian than inspiring, as it seemed to symbolize the obliteration of traditional creative tools in favor of a single gadget.

Public Reaction

The ad faced widespread backlash, with viewers criticizing it for being destructive and heartless. Many were dismayed to see Apple literally crush symbols of human creativity only to replace them with a digital device. Some suggested that the ad would have been more effective if played in reverse, showing the restoration of the creative tools.

READ ALSO: The Apple Car’s Surprising Design Revelations

Context of Generative AI Concerns

The timing of the ad added to the controversy, as it came amid ongoing concerns about the impact of generative AI on creative industries. Reports have emerged of companies replacing artists with AI, raising fears about the future of human creativity. In this context, Apple’s ad struck many as particularly insensitive.

Apple’s apology for the ad reflects its recognition of the public’s negative response. The company has halted plans to air the commercial on television and is likely to take greater care in crafting future campaigns that better align with its values and the expectations of its audience.

OpenAI, the artificial intelligence powerhouse supported by Microsoft, has introduced a new tool designed to detect digital images created by AI, particularly those from its renowned DALL-E generator. This new tool aims to address growing concerns over image authenticity and the potential for AI-generated content to be misused.

Tackling Deep Fakes

As AI technology advances, the rise of deep fakes poses a significant challenge for authentication and trust. OpenAI’s new tool, still in its testing phase, can determine the likelihood of an image being generated by DALL-E 3 or other AI models. During internal testing, the classifier demonstrated impressive accuracy, identifying approximately 98% of DALL-E 3 images while misidentifying less than 0.5% of non-AI images.

Challenges with Modified Images

OpenAI notes that the tool struggles with altered DALL-E 3 images and other AI-generated visuals. It currently flags only around 5-10% of images from other AI models. Despite these limitations, OpenAI is committed to refining the tool’s capabilities.

Enhancing Image Authentication

The company also plans to introduce watermarks to AI image metadata, aligning with standards set by the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). This industry initiative establishes a technical benchmark for verifying the authenticity and source of digital content.

READ ALSO: OpenAI Sora: Your Guide to the Text-to-Video Revolution

Major Players Join C2PA Initiative

Tech giants like Meta and Google have pledged their support for the C2PA initiative. Meta recently announced plans to label AI-generated media using the C2PA standard, while Google has also joined the effort.

OpenAI’s latest tool is a promising step towards safeguarding the authenticity of digital images and mitigating the risks posed by deep fakes. By working with industry partners and adopting standardized measures, OpenAI aims to build a future where digital content can be trusted.

Meta is making strides in providing businesses with innovative tools for advertising success by unveiling new generative AI features across its platforms. These enhancements aim to streamline ad creation processes and boost ad performance with more creative variations.

AI-Driven Image and Text Generation

Set to roll out throughout this year, Meta’s upgrades include comprehensive image and text generation capabilities. The most notable addition is Meta’s image generation tool, which enables advertisers to produce full image versions inspired by their original ad content. This tool also features text overlay options and an image expansion function for easier aspect ratio adjustments.

In addition, Meta is offering a text generation tool that automatically creates headlines and primary text variations. This aligns with standard AI offerings in today’s advertising landscape, allowing advertisers to optimize their campaigns efficiently.

A unique aspect of Meta’s text generation tool is its ability to integrate brand voice and tone into the generated text. By drawing inspiration from previous campaign insights and advertiser input, Meta’s AI tools help maintain consistency across ad campaigns.

Enhanced Ad Performance with Advantage+ Creative

Meta’s new GenAI tools will be grouped under Advantage+ creative within Ads Manager, alongside existing functionalities. This suite of features is designed to improve ad efficiency and performance by providing advertisers with a broader range of creative options.

Meta Verified for Business Expansion

Alongside these AI updates, Meta announced the expansion of Meta Verified for Business to several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Peru, France, and Italy. This subscription service will be available on Facebook and Instagram, with plans to bring it to WhatsApp in the future.

The service offers various plans, starting with a standard $14.99 per month option, which includes verification badges, higher search rankings, impersonation protection, and customer support access. Higher-tier plans offer additional features such as links in reels, employee impersonation protection, and customized messaging chats.

READ ALSO: Apple Unveils Sleeker Magic Keyboard at iPad Event

Meta’s introduction of generative AI tools for advertising marks a significant step forward in providing businesses with advanced solutions to enhance their campaigns. Combined with the expansion of Meta Verified for Business, these updates signal Meta’s commitment to delivering improved services and support for businesses across its platforms.

Meta Description: Meta is introducing AI-powered advertising tools, including comprehensive image and text generation capabilities, to improve ad performance and efficiency for businesses. Learn more about these new features and the expansion of Meta Verified for Business.

Apple introduced a redesigned Magic Keyboard during its iPad-centric event, bringing notable upgrades to its popular keyboard accessory.

A New Look and Feel

The new Magic Keyboard boasts a sleeker, lighter design and includes a function row for quick access to screen brightness, volume control, and media playback. The keyboard also features aluminum palm rests and an expanded trackpad, offering a more responsive typing experience enhanced by haptic feedback.

Features and Availability

This updated Magic Keyboard represents the first major revision since its launch in 2020. With the addition of the function row, it now aligns more closely with the features of its counterpart, the Magic Keyboard Folio.

The new Magic Keyboard is available in two sizes, compatible with the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models. Customers can choose between black or white colors. The 11-inch version is priced at $299, while the 13-inch model retails for $349. Pre-orders are open now, with availability in stores expected next week.

Additional Accessory Updates

Apple also announced a new Smart Folio for iPad Air. This accessory attaches magnetically and offers multiple viewing angles for added flexibility. The Smart Folio comes in charcoal gray, light violet, denim, and sage colors. Prices start at $79 for the 11-inch iPad Air version and $99 for the 13-inch version.

New iPad Models and Apple Pencil Pro

The event also highlighted the latest iPad Air, now equipped with an M2 chip and available in a 13-inch size for the first time. Additionally, the iPad Pro received an upgrade to an M4 chip and stacked OLED screens, offering a higher-fidelity display.

Apple also introduced a Pro version of the Apple Pencil, featuring advanced sensors for enhanced precision and control.

Conclusion

Apple’s event showcased its dedication to enhancing the user experience across its product lines. From the redesigned Magic Keyboard to the latest iPads and accessories, these updates reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and user satisfaction.

READ ALSO: Apple’s AI-Powered iPad Pro Sets a New Standard

Apple has unveiled a new line of iPads, signaling its commitment to infusing artificial intelligence (AI) technology across its product range. On Tuesday, the tech giant introduced its latest iPad models featuring a cutting-edge AI chip, positioning the company at the forefront of innovation.

Apple’s AI Breakthrough

The latest iPad Pro is equipped with the advanced M4 chip, which outperforms the chips currently used in Apple’s laptops. This new technology equips the iPad Pro to handle more power-intensive AI operations, reflecting Apple’s focus on enhancing user experiences with AI across its devices.

The release of these new iPads, including the ultralight iPad Air, marks the end of a two-year upgrade hiatus, the longest since Apple first launched the tablet in 2010.

Johny Srouji, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies, praised the new M4 chip, stating, “Altogether, this new chip makes iPad Pro the most powerful device of its kind.”

Upcoming AI Developments

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10 is expected to include more AI-related announcements, potentially highlighting further applications of the M4 chip across Apple’s product lineup.

Critics have argued that Apple has been slow in the AI race compared to competitors like Microsoft, which has rapidly integrated AI features into its software and applications. Microsoft’s introduction of AI tools like Copilot for its cloud computing clients has given it an edge in AI adoption.

Nevertheless, analysts predict that the M4 chip’s capabilities will extend beyond the iPad to enhance other Apple products such as iPhones and laptops.

Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed enthusiasm about the company’s AI prospects, stating, “We see generative AI as a very key opportunity across our products.”

Apple’s new iPad lineup with the M4 chip represents a significant step toward an AI-driven future for the company. While Apple may have faced criticism for its pace in the AI race, its latest moves indicate a strong commitment to integrating AI across its products, offering exciting potential for its users.

READ ALSO: Biden Administration Announces $285M in CHIPS Act Funding for Digital Twin Initiatives