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Mark Zuckerberg’s Vision: AI, Digital Assistants, and Smart Glasses Paving the Way for the Metaverse

Avatar photo Jeah Lorraine Adams on September 28, 2023

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is unveiling a bold vision for the future, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to propel the development of the metaverse. In this comprehensive breakdown, we explore the recent developments showcased at Meta’s Connect conference, ranging from AI-driven digital assistants to innovative smart glasses, all aimed at shaping the metaverse of tomorrow.

AI-Powered Digital Assistants: A New Frontier

Mark Zuckerberg introduced Meta’s latest AI software and celebrity-endorsed digital assistants, heralding them as key catalysts in the metaverse journey. These innovative tools promise to revolutionize the way users interact within the digital realm.

Quest 3 and Ray-Ban Smart Glasses: Bridging the Physical and Virtual

At the Connect conference, Zuckerberg presented the Quest 3 virtual reality headset and the newest Ray-Ban smart glasses. These devices bridge the gap between the physical and virtual worlds, offering users an immersive experience within the metaverse.

Digital Stickers: A Fun Twist to Messaging

Users of Facebook’s messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Messenger, will soon enjoy the ability to create digital stickers effortlessly. These stickers can be generated by simply typing written prompts, tapping into the popularity of AI technologies like ChatGPT.

AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools for Instagram

Meta-owned Instagram is set to receive a boost with AI-powered editing tools. Users can transform their photos and images using written prompts, adding a fun and creative dimension to their visual content.

The Emu Computer Vision Model: A Speedy Image Generator

Meta’s Emu computer vision model, described as a sibling to its Llama family of language-generating software, takes center stage in powering the new AI tools. Impressively, it can generate images in just five seconds.

Meta AI Digital Assistant: Akin to ChatGPT

Meta’s newly unveiled digital assistant shares similarities with ChatGPT, offering sophisticated text-based responses. Moreover, it can access real-time information from Microsoft’s Bing search engine, enhancing its capabilities.

Celebrity Partnerships: A Touch of Stardom in the Metaverse

Meta has joined forces with celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Mr. Beast, and Kendall Jenner to represent digital characters within the metaverse. Users can interact with these digital personas, gaining insights, playing games, and seeking advice.

Creating Your Own Digital Assistants: The Future Awaits

While Meta envisions a future where users can create their own digital assistants, the company plans to test this capability with select businesses first. This strategic approach aims to refine the technology before wider implementation.

AI and Smart Glasses: A Transformative Combination

Mark Zuckerberg’s emphasis on AI’s role in smart glasses marks a significant shift in perspective. He acknowledges that AI is as vital as holograms and displays in making smart glasses appealing to the masses.

Takeaway

Mark Zuckerberg’s strategic focus on AI, digital assistants, and smart glasses reflects Meta’s commitment to building the metaverse of the future. These innovations promise to reshape how individuals interact within the digital landscape, offering exciting possibilities for users and businesses alike.

Navigating the Changing Landscape: AI and VR in the Gaming Industry

Avatar photo Jeah Lorraine Adams on September 28, 2023

AI’s Evolving Role in the Gaming Industry

In this rapidly changing landscape of the gaming industry, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as one of the most talked-about developments. Yet, the path to its full integration is not without its complexities and considerations.

Tokyo Game Show 2023: A Glimpse into Tomorrow’s Gaming World

The Tokyo Game Show 2023, a veritable carnival for video game enthusiasts, has cast a spotlight on the industry. However, amid all the excitement, some of Japan’s most prominent game developers are exercising caution when it comes to embracing the latest trends, including generative AI and virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) headsets for game development.

Insights from Koei Tecmo Games

Koei Tecmo Games, a venerable presence in the realm of game development, has a rich history of utilizing conventional algorithmic AI. However, the real challenge emerges with the adoption of generative AI in their game development process.

Paving the Way for Generative AI Integration

Hisashi Koinuma, President, and Chief Operating Officer of Koei Tecmo Games, sheds light on their approach: “We are not yet at the stage of integrating generative AI into our products, but are in the process of testing various ways to integrate it in the future.” This strategic approach underscores their commitment to exploring innovative technologies while ensuring a seamless transition.

The Quest for Enhanced Gaming

Koei Tecmo Games is deeply invested in researching how generative AI, including addressing rights-related issues, can genuinely elevate game production. Their ultimate goal is not merely innovation but the creation of superior games that captivate players in unprecedented ways.

Copyright Concerns in the AI Realm

It’s imperative to recognize that copyright concerns are a common thread in the AI landscape. A case in point is Microsoft’s Copilot, a generative AI service, which has assumed legal responsibility in case of copyright infringement. This exemplifies the critical role of legal considerations in the development of AI.

Unleashing Gaming Potential with AI

The gaming industry’s potential for transformation is staggering. Nvidia’s groundbreaking demonstration in August showcased the potential for gamers to interact with non-player characters through AI-powered natural language interactions. This technological leap promises to revolutionize the entire industry.

The VR & AR Revolution

Beyond AI, the gaming world is currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in the development of VR and AR headsets. With Apple’s Vision Pro announcement, Meta’s continual advancements in the Quest line of products, and Sony’s recent VR2 release, the excitement in the industry is palpable.

Bridging the Gap Between Expectation and Reality

However, amidst these technological marvels, many gamers have found that the available games do not quite live up to their lofty expectations for these devices.

The Complexities of VR Gaming

Koinuma, a seasoned developer, shares his perspective on VR gaming. While undoubtedly excited about its potential, he remains cautious regarding its execution based on his initial experiences. The obstacles include the suitability of the devices for extended gaming sessions.

The Need for Cultivated “Soil”

Expanding further, he articulates, “We felt that these products were not yet at the stage of being a tool that could provide pure enjoyment, akin to the experience of traditional gaming.” Koinuma astutely acknowledges the need for a well-cultivated environment before users can fully enjoy games on these new devices for extended periods.

Envisioning a Promising Future

In summation, the gaming industry finds itself at a crucial juncture, with AI and VR/AR innovation poised to reshape the entire landscape. While challenges and cautionary tales abound, the potential for groundbreaking experiences and heightened gameplay is a tantalizing prospect.

Las Vegas Embraces the Age of Automation: How AI Is Transforming the Cityscape

Avatar photo Jerry Cooper on September 28, 2023

The bustling streets of Las Vegas have become a testament to the inexorable march of technology. In every corner of this vibrant city, machines have seamlessly assumed roles once held by humans. From hotel check-ins to personalized dining recommendations, and even the art of mixing cocktails, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are redefining the way work is done. This transformation is not just limited to the service industry; it extends to white-collar professions as well. With AI on the rise, the city of Las Vegas finds itself at a crossroads, where the need to reduce labor costs intersects with the quest for economic resilience and adaptation. This article explores the profound impact of AI on Las Vegas and the strategies being adopted to navigate this evolving landscape.

Read also: Honor’s Ambitious Leap into the Global Foldable Smartphone Market

Automation’s Ubiquity in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, a city that thrives on tourism and hospitality, is witnessing automation’s pervasive influence. Check-in kiosks have replaced the traditional hotel front desk, text-bots dispense restaurant recommendations instead of concierges, and even bartenders have mechanical counterparts. The prevalence of AI-driven automation is unmistakable, with machines steadily assuming tasks once considered the domain of human workers.

The Economic Inflection Point

Las Vegas’ economy, heavily reliant on tourism and hospitality, now stands at a critical inflection point. Companies are increasingly turning to AI to curtail labor costs, prompting a seismic shift in the city’s economic landscape. As technology becomes an integral part of business operations, the challenge lies in balancing economic development, community resilience, and strategies that adapt to a world where certain jobs may no longer exist.

Diversification: A Necessity for Survival

John Restrepo, principal at RCG Economics in Las Vegas, advocates for diversification as a means to reduce dependence on tourism and hospitality. To withstand the impact of automation, Las Vegas must transition towards highly skilled occupations less susceptible to AI replacement. Achieving this balance is crucial for long-term resilience in the face of technological disruption.

Labor Unions and AI Protections

The Culinary Union, representing 60,000 service and hospitality workers, is closely monitoring the AI-driven changes in Las Vegas. In negotiations for a new contract, they seek protections against AI displacing jobs. Their demands include a six-month warning for new technology implementations and free training for workers to adapt to these changes. The union is determined to safeguard workers from the perils of technological unemployment.

The Human Touch and AI

While AI and machines continue to make inroads, some workers believe that certain human jobs remain irreplaceable. The personal touch, unique experiences, and the ability to connect with customers are aspects where machines fall short. Service workers emphasize the enduring value of human interaction and are confident that labor unions will secure their roles in the evolving landscape.

Beyond Service Jobs: Impact on White Collar Work

AI’s reach extends beyond service roles; it is poised to impact white-collar jobs, including fields like accounting and data entry. While some roles may become more productive, others could face elimination. Simultaneously, AI is expected to create entirely new job opportunities, heralding a transformative era in the world of work.

Preparing for the AI Revolution

As Las Vegas anticipates the AI revolution, city officials are taking proactive steps. Initiatives like the local Chamber of Commerce’s panel on AI in August signify a commitment to educate and prepare the workforce. Entrepreneurs like Tony Yee, who runs a moving company, recognize AI’s potential and seek to harness it to enhance their businesses, underlining the importance of staying ahead in this technological revolution.

The emergence of AI in Las Vegas paints a vivid picture of a city in transition. Automation’s impact, from service jobs to white-collar professions, is undeniable. However, amidst this transformation, the city and its workforce are determined to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the age of AI.

South Korea working to be the top option for AI chips

Avatar photo Jeah Lorraine Adams on September 5, 2023

South Korea — For more than a year, artificial intelligence has been the trendiest issue in an array of businesses. Midjourney and ChatGPT are two of the most divisive AI programs to date, attracting both pros and casual users. As a result, big corporations have altered their attention to profit on artificial intelligence.

South Korea has increased its attempts to become the top option for AI chips due to the direct relationship between AI and technology. South Korea has all the advantages required to win the global AI chip race, according to industry analysts. It is already one of the dominant giants in the memory chip market and has established one of the most inventive AI ecosystems today.

Read also: Student loan forgiveness plan decision presents unique problem

The country’s strength and targets

According to the Asian country’s digital plan, they want to be one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses by 2027, trailing only the United States and China. Dalton Investments’ senior research analyst, James Lim, highlighted how South Korea might surge to the forefront of the modern era.

“South Korea is very strong in memory chips. AI does require a lot of memory. South Korea dominating in the memory market is definitely an advantage.”

South Korea’s minister of science, information, and communications technology, Jong-ho Lee, stated that the government wants to maintain its leadership position in memory semiconductors.

“South Korea seeks to emerge as a prominent player in rapidly growing and promising areas such as AI semiconductors,” said Lee.

The global hype

Large language models have created a significant demand for high-performance memory devices in the months after ChatGPT’s meteoric rise. Generative AI is a cutting-edge field of artificial intelligence that creates material such as text, graphics, and code, to mention a few examples.

The chips enable generative AI models to remember the bulk of facts from previous exchanges, as well as to record user preferences in order to provide near-human answers.

“In order for the use of AI, including ultra-large language models, a significant number of semiconductor chips are required to operate,” said Lee. “And global companies are competing fiercely to create high-performance and low-power AI semiconductors optimized for AI computation.”

The firms leading the way

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are two South Korean companies that have established themselves as the world’s top manufacturers of dynamic memory chips. In order to improve their capabilities, the companies have been actively investing in AI research and development.

Samsung announced plans in March to invest 400 trillion Korean won ($228 billion) in the development of a new semiconductor factory in South Korea. According to SemiAnalysis’ Dylan Patel, Samsung is investing a lot of money.

“And why is that? So they can catch up on technology, so they can continue to maintain their leadership position,” said Patel.

Lee elaborated on the matter, saying: “We will spare no effort to help Korea secure world-class AI semiconductor technology by leveraging our memory semiconductor capabilities AI semiconductors.”

According to TrendForce statistics, Samsung had a market share of 40.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022, while SK Hynix had a market share of 28.8%.

“South Korea has a robust local AI ecosystem, capable of competing with global tech giants,” said Sung Nako of South Korean internet titan Naver.

During a meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol in June, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman encouraged South Korea to take charge of AI chip manufacturing. Altman also expressed a desire to invest in South Korean businesses. He also contemplated collaborating with well-known chipmakers such as Samsung Electronics.

“US chip giants Nvidia, Intel – they are not involved in the memory business,” Lim noted, implying that it would give South Korea a higher advantage. “They don’t have any exposure in the memory space.”

In comparison to Nvidia, Samsung is renowned as a supplier of greater bandwidth memory chips. The author of “Samsung Rising,” Geoffrey Cain, envisions the South Korean business diving deeper into the logic chip sector.

A greater advantage

The South Korean government has shown its support for the project by spending extensively in AI. The MSIT announced in 2022 that it will invest 1.02 trillion won ($786 million) over the following five years to finance AI semiconductor research and development.

“AI not only drives the growth of digital industries such as cloud computing and metaverse, but also serves as a key factor in dramatically improving productivity in traditional industries, such as manufacturing and logistics,” said Lee. “With AI being applied across various domains, even greater economic ripple effects can now be anticipated.”

South Korea is also committing 862.8 billion won through 2030 to the development of high-end semiconductors through new data centers and collaboration with entrepreneurs. The minister stated last month that the economic and industrial importance of AI semiconductors will continue to rise. He also stated that the country has a significant edge in the foundry and memory chip sectors.

“We will spare no effort to help Korea secure world-class AI semiconductor technology by leveraging our memory semiconductor capabilities to advance AI semiconductors in stages by 2030, developing additional to apply them to data centers, and fostering AI semiconductor experts,” said the minister in a June press release.

Meanwhile, Rebellions, a South Korean AI chip design company, increased its attempts to compete with US chip makers, saying that its new chip exceeded performance benchmarks, outperforming Nvidia’s counterpart by more than three times.

Park Sung-hyun, the CEO and co-founder of Rebellions, described the chip, saying, “In terms of AI workload, we have much better energy efficiency, cost efficiency… sometimes better performance.”

Rebellions is also said to be chasing government contracts as Seoul seeks to strengthen local firms.

South Korea working to be the top option for AI chips

Avatar photo Jeah Lorraine Adams on July 10, 2023

South Korea — For more than a year, artificial intelligence has been the trendiest issue in an array of businesses. Midjourney and ChatGPT are two of the most divisive AI programs to date, attracting both pros and casual users. As a result, big corporations have altered their attention to profit on artificial intelligence.

South Korea has increased its attempts to become the top option for AI chips due to the direct relationship between AI and technology. South Korea has all the advantages required to win the global AI chip race, according to industry analysts. It is already one of the dominant giants in the memory chip market and has established one of the most inventive AI ecosystems today.

Read also: Student loan forgiveness plan decision presents unique problem

The country’s strength and targets

According to the Asian country’s digital plan, they want to be one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses by 2027, trailing only the United States and China. Dalton Investments’ senior research analyst, James Lim, highlighted how South Korea might surge to the forefront of the modern era.

“South Korea is very strong in memory chips. AI does require a lot of memory. South Korea dominating in the memory market is definitely an advantage.”

South Korea’s minister of science, information, and communications technology, Jong-ho Lee, stated that the government wants to maintain its leadership position in memory semiconductors.

“South Korea seeks to emerge as a prominent player in rapidly growing and promising areas such as AI semiconductors,” said Lee.

The global hype

Large language models have created a significant demand for high-performance memory devices in the months after ChatGPT’s meteoric rise. Generative AI is a cutting-edge field of artificial intelligence that creates material such as text, graphics, and code, to mention a few examples.

The chips enable generative AI models to remember the bulk of facts from previous exchanges, as well as to record user preferences in order to provide near-human answers.

“In order for the use of AI, including ultra-large language models, a significant number of semiconductor chips are required to operate,” said Lee. “And global companies are competing fiercely to create high-performance and low-power AI semiconductors optimized for AI computation.”

The firms leading the way

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are two South Korean companies that have established themselves as the world’s top manufacturers of dynamic memory chips. In order to improve their capabilities, the companies have been actively investing in AI research and development.

Samsung announced plans in March to invest 400 trillion Korean won ($228 billion) in the development of a new semiconductor factory in South Korea. According to SemiAnalysis’ Dylan Patel, Samsung is investing a lot of money.

“And why is that? So they can catch up on technology, so they can continue to maintain their leadership position,” said Patel.

Lee elaborated on the matter, saying: “We will spare no effort to help Korea secure world-class AI semiconductor technology by leveraging our memory semiconductor capabilities AI semiconductors.”

According to TrendForce statistics, Samsung had a market share of 40.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022, while SK Hynix had a market share of 28.8%.

“South Korea has a robust local AI ecosystem, capable of competing with global tech giants,” said Sung Nako of South Korean internet titan Naver.

During a meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol in June, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman encouraged South Korea to take charge of AI chip manufacturing. Altman also expressed a desire to invest in South Korean businesses. He also contemplated collaborating with well-known chipmakers such as Samsung Electronics.

“US chip giants Nvidia, Intel – they are not involved in the memory business,” Lim noted, implying that it would give South Korea a higher advantage. “They don’t have any exposure in the memory space.”

In comparison to Nvidia, Samsung is renowned as a supplier of greater bandwidth memory chips. The author of “Samsung Rising,” Geoffrey Cain, envisions the South Korean business diving deeper into the logic chip sector.

A greater advantage

The South Korean government has shown its support for the project by spending extensively in AI. The MSIT announced in 2022 that it will invest 1.02 trillion won ($786 million) over the following five years to finance AI semiconductor research and development.

“AI not only drives the growth of digital industries such as cloud computing and metaverse, but also serves as a key factor in dramatically improving productivity in traditional industries, such as manufacturing and logistics,” said Lee. “With AI being applied across various domains, even greater economic ripple effects can now be anticipated.”

South Korea is also committing 862.8 billion won through 2030 to the development of high-end semiconductors through new data centers and collaboration with entrepreneurs. The minister stated last month that the economic and industrial importance of AI semiconductors will continue to rise. He also stated that the country has a significant edge in the foundry and memory chip sectors.

“We will spare no effort to help Korea secure world-class AI semiconductor technology by leveraging our memory semiconductor capabilities to advance AI semiconductors in stages by 2030, developing additional to apply them to data centers, and fostering AI semiconductor experts,” said the minister in a June press release.

Meanwhile, Rebellions, a South Korean AI chip design company, increased its attempts to compete with US chip makers, saying that its new chip exceeded performance benchmarks, outperforming Nvidia’s counterpart by more than three times.

Park Sung-hyun, the CEO and co-founder of Rebellions, described the chip, saying, “In terms of AI workload, we have much better energy efficiency, cost efficiency… sometimes better performance.”

Rebellions is also said to be chasing government contracts as Seoul seeks to strengthen local firms.

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: Unleashing the Power of AI in Business

Avatar photo Brandon Foster on June 5, 2023

In the fast-paced world of business, organizations are constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency and productivity. One revolutionary solution that has emerged is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI technologies, such as automation, machine learning, and intelligent algorithms, have the potential to revolutionize business processes and unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency. Within this article, we explore the advantages of leveraging AI to boost efficiency and productivity while examining the strategic factors involved in deciding between constructing or acquiring AI solutions. 

Streamlined and Automated Processes 

AI holds the promise of streamlining and automating various processes within an organization, reducing the need for manual intervention and repetitive tasks. By leveraging AI-powered tools, businesses can automate data entry, document processing, inventory management, and other routine tasks. This not only results in time savings but also eliminates human errors and ensures consistent outcomes. The automation of these processes leads to increased operational efficiency and a significant boost in productivity. 

Organizations must carefully consider the strategic choice between build or buy AI solutions. Building AI capabilities in-house requires a commitment of time, resources, and expertise. It involves developing internal AI teams, investing in infrastructure, and customizing solutions to meet specific business needs. While this approach offers greater control and customization, it may require a substantial investment and ongoing maintenance costs. 

On the other hand, buying AI solutions from external vendors provides businesses with the advantage of leveraging pre-existing expertise and technologies. External vendors can provide specialized AI solutions tailored to specific industries and use cases, allowing businesses to focus on their core competencies. This approach often leads to faster deployment and reduced implementation costs. However, organizations should carefully evaluate the compatibility and integration of the purchased AI solution with their existing systems and processes. 

Optimized Decision-Making 

By harnessing AI’s capacity to handle extensive volumes of data and unveil concealed patterns, businesses can make informed decisions based on data. Through advanced analytics and predictive modeling, AI algorithms can analyze complex datasets, identify trends, and provide actionable insights. This empowers decision-makers with accurate and timely information, enabling them to make informed choices that drive business growth and success. From sales forecasting to supply chain optimization, AI enhances decision-making by providing valuable intelligence and reducing reliance on guesswork. 

Personalized Customer Experiences 

AI possesses the remarkable capability to provide personalized customer experiences on a large scale, representing one of its noteworthy advantages. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can engage with customers in real-time, provide instant support, and offer personalized recommendations. By analyzing customer data, AI systems can understand individual preferences, anticipate needs, and tailor interactions accordingly. This level of personalization enhances customer satisfaction, builds brand loyalty, and drives business growth. Furthermore, AI’s natural language processing capabilities enable businesses to understand and respond to customer inquiries and feedback more efficiently, improving overall customer service. 

Efficient Resource Allocation 

AI can optimize resource allocation, ensuring that businesses make the most efficient use of their assets and workforce. AI-driven algorithms can analyze historical data, market trends, and various factors to make accurate predictions about demand, supply, and resource utilization. This enables organizations to allocate resources effectively, minimize waste, and optimize production schedules. Whether it’s managing inventory levels, scheduling workforce shifts, or optimizing transportation routes, AI can drive efficiency and cost savings by intelligently managing resources. 

In conclusion, AI offers immense potential to enhance efficiency and productivity in businesses. The decision of whether to build or buy AI solutions depends on various factors, including the organization’s goals, available resources, and long-term strategy. Careful evaluation of the specific requirements, technical capabilities, and cost considerations will help organizations make an informed decision. With the right implementation of AI, businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency, improve decision-making, deliver personalized experiences, and optimize resource allocation, leading to significant growth and success in today’s competitive landscape. 

Whether organizations choose to build AI capabilities in-house or buy AI solutions from external vendors, it is essential to embrace the power of AI and leverage its potential to transform operations, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional results. By harnessing the enhanced efficiency and productivity that AI offers, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of their industries, adapt to evolving market dynamics, and create sustainable competitive advantages. In this AI-driven era, organizations that embrace AI effectively will thrive, shaping a future where efficiency and productivity reach unprecedented heights.

 

Amazon is Stepping up Efforts to Stay in the AI Race

Avatar photo Scarlet Logan on April 14, 2023

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Amazon — In the months since OpenAI released ChatGPT, several companies have stepped up in their effort to stay relevant in the artificial intelligence race.

Microsoft already has a head start with its Bing AI while Google developed Bard.

China has also developed as search engine Baidu introduced its own AI chatbot, the Ernie Bot.

Amazon seemed to be among the few tech giants feeling left behind, but the e-commerce titan has recently made progress to stay in the race.

The news

On Thursday, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy released a letter to investors and shareholders, letting them know that the company won’t be left behind in the AI race.

In the letter, Jassy said that Amazon is heavily investing in large language models and generative AI.

The two technologies are being utilized by ChatGPT and similar AI chatbots.

“We have been working on our own LLMs for a while now, believe it will transform and improve virtually every customer experience, and will continue to invest substantially in these models across all of our consumer, seller, brand, and creator experience,” the letter reads.

Pressure

The remarks were part of Andy Jassy’s second annual letter to shareholders since stepping in as Amazon’s CEO.

However, the letter also suggested some pressure as many tech companies have felt a need to explain how they could keep pace with the rapidly evolving marketplace for AI-centric products.

Since OpenAI introduced ChatGPT to the world in late November, several companies have hyped their focus on generative AI tech, including:

  • Facebook
  • Google
  • Microsoft

Artificial technology has largely been praised for its ability to create compelling essays, unique stories, and even digital art, based on the user’s prompts.

According to Jassy, Amazon’s goal is to provide users with a less costly machine learning chip to allow small and large companies to afford to run and train their LLMs in production.

Large language models are typically trained using vast amounts of data to develop responses to user prompts.

“Most companies want to use these large language models, but the really good ones take billions of dollars to train and many years, most companies don’t want to go through that,” said Jassy.

“What they want to do is, they want to work off of a foundational model that’s big and great already, and then have the ability to customize it for their own purposes.”

Read also: Lamborghini get massive boost with Revuelto demand

Bedrock

Andy Jassy’s words served as a preview to a new service Amazon developed called Bedrock.

Bedrock creates foundation models, or large models pre-trained on massive data, from AI21 Labs, Anthropic, Stability AI, and Amazon, that would become more accessible to clients through an API.

Jassy is confident that Bedrock will be a major gamechanger.

In his letter to the shareholders, the Amazon CEO also hyped up AWS’s CodeWhisperer.

It is an AI-powered tool that Jassy described as having the capability to revolutionize developer productivity through code suggestion generation in real time.

“I could write an entire letter on LLMs and Generative AI as I think they will be that transformative, but I’ll leave that for a future letter,” he wrote.

“Let’s just say that LLMs and Generative AI are going to be a big deal for customers, our shareholders, and Amazon.”

Company standing

In his letter, Andy Jassy reflected on leading the e-commerce giant through one of the most challenging macroeconomic years in recent memory.

In the past few months, Amazon has had to cut over 27,000 jobs in a bid to rein in costs.

“There were an unusual number of simultaneous challenges this past year,” said Jassy.

The Amazon CEO outlined steps the company took to reconsider its free shipping options, abandon a few physical store concepts, and greatly reduce its overall workforce.

On Thursday, Amazon disclosed Jassy’s 2022 pay package was valued at around $1.3 million in a securities filing.

The filing also reported that he didn’t receive any new stock awards last year.

Despite the challenges in the company, Andy Jassy’s letter suggests he is optimistic about the future of Amazon.

“I strongly believe that our best days are in front of us,” he wrote.

Image source: Gizmochina

Bard is unveiled, Alphabet shares receive a boost

Avatar photo Alice Blake on March 23, 2023

…

Bard – The race for AI has taken another turn as Google’s efforts have finally paid off, and now the company is eager to launch its chatbot service.

The initial backlash the company faced a couple of weeks earlier seems to have been drowned out with the company’s latest foray into the AI space.

Soon, chatbot enthusiasts can utilize Google’s latest innovation: Bard.

The news

Google recently announced opening access to its AI chatbot tool Bard, the company’s answer to rival ChatGPT.

Since Tuesday, users have been given access to a waitlist, allowing them to experiment with Bard.

Bard has similar tools that can allow users to try the following and more:

  • Outline and create essay drafts
  • Write out a plan for a baby shower
  • Create lunch ideas with the content of a refrigerator

According to Google, it will start rolling out Bard to the United States and the United Kingdom, with plans to expand the tool to more countries and languages in the future.

AI extravaganza

The news comes after several major tech companies, like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, among countless others, stepped up their efforts in the race to develop and deploy AI-powered tools.

The increased focus on AI sprang up after the viral success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Last week, Google announced it would integrate AI into its productivity tools, such as Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Sheets.

After their news, Microsoft announced a similar upgrade to its productivity tools.

In February, Google unveiled Bard through a demo that sparked criticism after it provided an inaccurate response to some questions.

As a result, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, experienced a 7.7% share drop, wiping out $100 billion from its market value.

Read also: Baidu stocks improve after ERNIE Bot demo

ChatGPT impact

Bard follows ChatGPT’s model, wherein it is built on a massive language model.

ChatGPT, a product developed by AI research firm OpenAI, was released to the public in late November.

The models are trained on massive amounts of data online to help the AI create unique responses to the user’s creative prompts.

It was ChatGPT’s success and the spotlight given to it that led to Google management calling a “code red” situation for its search business.

However, Bard’s mistakes during the demo emphasized the challenge Google and other companies had with integrating AI technology into their core products.

Large language models are helpful, but they can also present several issues, including:

  • Biases
  • Incorrect facts
  • Responding aggressively

On Tuesday, Google released a blog post saying its AI tools are stall prone to mistakes.

The company reassured people that it still uses human feedback to improve its system and add guardrails, such as capping the number of exchanges in a dialogue to keep the interactions helpful and stay on topic.

Last week, GPT-4 was launched as the next-generation version of the tech and to power Microsoft’s Bing browser with similar safeguards.

After its first day, GPT-4 surprised users with its early test and company demo.

Public sway

Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, told employees that Bard’s success would largely rely on public testing in an email.

“As more people start to use Bard and test its capabilities, they’ll surprise us. Things will go wrong,” Pichai wrote.

“But the user feedback is critical to improving the product and the underlying technology.”

The message came as Google launched Bard.

Following the announcement, Alphabet shares were up nearly 4% in mid-day trading.

Pichai’s email also revealed that over 80,000 Google employees helped update Bard’s development following his all-hands-on-deck call to action in February.

The Tuesday note also said the company is working on testing responsibly, having invited 10,000 testers from different backgrounds and perspectives.

Pichai also told employees they should be proud of their work and the years of tech breakthroughs that led them to where they are.

“Even after all this progress, we’re still in the early stages of a long AI journey,” he said.

“For now, I’m excited to see how Bard sparks more creativity and curiosity in the people who use it.”

Baidu stocks improve after ERNIE Bot demo

Avatar photo Scarlet Logan on March 20, 2023

…

Baidu – Chinese search giant Baidu received a massive share bump after it revealed its answer to the ChatGPT trend: ERNIE Bot.

On Friday in Hong Kong, the stock surged 14.3%, making it the top company in the Hang Seng Index.

In addition, the company gained 3.8% in New York during US trading hours on Thursday.

What happened?

A day earlier, Baidu was the most prominent loser in the Hang Seng Index.

A public demonstration of the company’s bot left investors unimpressed, leading Hong Kong shares to drop 6.4%.

However, CEO Robin Li revealed during the presentation that more than 650 companies had joined the ERNIE ecosystem since February.

The reversal follows the company’s announcement of more than 30,000 businesses signing up to try the chatbot service two hours after the demonstration.

Esme Pau, the head of China and Hong Kong internet and digital assets for Macquarie, said:

“The high degree of enterprise interest is positive, and we expect Baidu to continue to capture China’s enterprise demand for generative AI.”

According to Pau, the company’s shares bounced back on Friday following positive feedback from users and analysts.

The reviews suggested the bot was highly advanced.

Stock drop

During the company’s presentation, Baidu showed its chatbot’s capabilities, like generating a company newsletter, creating a corporate slogan, and solving a math riddle.

According to Esme Pau, the company’s stocks dropped on Thursday due to the demo being pre-recorded.

Because it wasn’t live, investors were skeptical of the authenticity of the ERNIE Bot.

Furthermore, Pai pointed out Baidu’s demo came days after GPT-4 was launched, raising the bar for ERNIE.

Read also: Apple thieves target passcodes before snatching iPhones

GPT-4

OpenAI launched GPT-4 as the latest update to its artificial intelligence technology, receiving wide acclaim from users.

Many were stunned by early tests and a company demo showcasing its ability to do the following:

  • Draft lawsuits
  • Pass standardized exams
  • Build a working website from hand-drawn sketches

On Tuesday, OpenAI introduced GPT-4 to change how the internet is used for work, play, and creating content.

The latest update is trained on online data to create unique responses to user prompts.

The update allows users to perform the following with ease:

  • Analyze beyond texts
  • Made coding easier
  • Pass tests
  • Provide more accurate responses
  • Streamline work across various industries

Despite its advancement, OpenAI said GPT-4 still has similar limitations to previous versions.

For example, the technology is limited to its data set, which cuts off in September 2021.

ERNIE

Esme Pau said Baidu’s shares were modestly down before its showcase on Thursday, indicating pressure from investors with high expectations after the GPT-4 launch.

“ERNIE also does not have the [same] multilingual capability as GPT-4, and has yet to improve for English queries,” said Pau.

“Also, the ERNIE launch did not provide sufficient quantifiable metrics compared to the GPT-4 launch earlier this week.”

ERNIE is similar to ChatGPT in that the technology is based on a language model trained on a massive amount of online data to create unique responses to user prompts.

Robin Li said Baidu expects ERNIE to be close to ChatGPT or GPT-4.

However, he acknowledged the software has yet to be perfected, noting that it was launched to enterprise users first.

Baidu’s latest service isn’t available to the public yet.

Competition

Baidu announced its chatbot development in February.

At the time, critics said the service would only add to the current US-China rivalry regarding technology and innovation.

However, Li shook off the comparison over the launch, saying:

“The bot is not a tool for the confrontation between China and the United States in science and technology, but a product of generations of Baidu technicians chasing the dream of changing the world with technology.”

“It is a brand new platform for us to serve hundreds of millions of users and empower thousands of industries.”

According to Baidu, the company’s service stands out due to its advanced grasp of Chinese queries and ability to create different kinds of responses.

“ERNIE Bot can produce text, images, audio, and even video given a text prompt,” the company said in its statement.

“And [it] is even capable of delivering voice in several dialects, such as the Sichuan dialect.”

However, Baidu is not alone in the development of similar technology in China.

In February, Alibaba announced plans to launch a ChatGPT-style tool.

According to analysts, Baidu has the best advantage in the space in China so far.

“Our view is ERNIE is six months ahead of its potential contenders,” said Esme Pau.

On Friday, Baidu announced a milestone in its transportation business, becoming the first Beijing operator to provide fully driverless ride-hailing services.

Despite its innovation, the company isn’t allowed to charge passengers in the capital yet.

It was previously required to have a driver in the front passenger seat to assume control in emergencies.

 

Publishers wary of chatbots & ChatGPT, set for new direction

Avatar photo Jeah Lorraine Adams on February 27, 2023

…

Publishers – AI chatbots have gained popularity in recent months due to their innovative nature and ability to simplify work and learning.

Although they are helpful to the majority of people, they might represent a risk to publishers.

A new rival

Generative AI chatbots may not only produce text but also answer inquiries.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s upcoming ChatGPT-powered Bing may steal the audience that generates search-driven traffic for publishers.

Several lifestyle publications have abandoned SEO-driven content due to the competition caused by technology.

In contrast, Bustle Digital Group and Leaf Group develop original material based on personal experiences and viewpoints.

Wesley Bonner, BDG’s head of social and audience growth, claimed that the company’s editorial shift will focus on original visual material.

According to Bonner, they would prioritize the creation of amusing stories that are related to common situations and offer some advice.

Likewise, Hunker, Leaf Group’s home design website, has said that its content would focus on the writers’ viewpoints, knowledge, and ideas.

Traffic

The decision by the publishers to shift course marks a considerable investment.

Other lifestyle publishers, such as BDG, Leaf Group, and Trusted Media Brands, have not seen a notable increase in search traffic since the launch of ChatGPT in November.

Trusted Media Brands earn 80% of their referral traffic from search, whereas BDG receives 25% to 30%.

According to Beth Tomkiw, chief content officer of Trusted Media Brands, AI chatbots taking over Google search will be a bigger problem.

“My hope is that there will still be a place – even if it’s a smaller place – for the quality of work that comes from a real human,” said Tomkiw.

She is discussing what may have happened to TMB’s editorial approach if things had changed.

While reducing search-driven content is not a new issue for publishers, it is gaining popularity.

Historically, publishers use a scale approach to attract an audience, but it seldom works for firms that have already demonstrated their success.

Instead, publishers have worked to create connections with their customers during the previous decade, relying less on referral traffic via subscriptions and newsletters.

“For publishers who are still very focused on the page view as a primary metric, that’s going to be a bit of a problem,” said Jim Robinson, Clickseed’s founder.

Clickseed is an SEO and audience growth service that focuses on publishers.

“If that’s been your strategy, you might be a little behind the curve anyway.”

Read also: Google’s new focus is AI after ChatGPT pressure

Shifting from SEO

People’s search habits have already been changed by ChatGPT and AI chatbots.

According to Emma Rosenblum, BDG’s chief content officer, the firm is committed to shifting its traffic strategy away from SEO-based pieces and quick news bursts.

Rosenblum noted that online media companies were created on the low-hanging fruit of service tales that would most likely be outmoded in the next five years.

She stated that technology advancement will make it easier, quicker, and less expensive than hiring experienced writers.

“We don’t want to be doing those stories,” said Rosenblum. “That utility that we provide is going to disappear so quickly.”

“[And] I’m glad because we hate doing stuff like that. All the things that a computer could not replicate is where we’re going to put our money.”

Rosenblum claims that the business is investing in original visual content, interviews, profiles, and feature articles.

As a consequence, they will produce fewer social media posts and more short-form films.

Melissa Chowning, the founder and CEO of Twenty-First Digital, noted that now that ChatGPT has established itself, photography and visuals are the most significant assets for lifestyle magazines.

Rosenblum sent out an email outlining BDG’s strategy for compensating for the anticipated loss of traffic.

“If traffic dips a bit, it dips,” the email said.

“Chasing Google is a losing war for digital media companies, which is why we’re building up areas of our business like events and newsletters, neither of which are dependent on outside platforms.”

Furthermore, BDG’s newsletter business grew by 32% year on year, reaching 5 million subscribers.

With less traffic, the advertisements will almost surely have an effect on BDG.

Yet, Rosenblum noted that programmatic revenue would continue to be a part of their business in the future, with funds coming through direct advertising.

“In this new world, we’re expecting our revenue from events and newsletters to grow enormously, offsetting any potential programmatic loss,” she added.

Chatbot adoption

The ChatGPT launch, according to Eve Epstein of Leaf Group, is a continuation of Google search’s evolution, which is nothing new.

Publishers had to deal with a “featured snippet” in 2014, which took a section of a publisher’s website and used it to answer a user’s inquiry on Google search.

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen how things will turn out with the usage of chatbots.

According to Robinson, it is too early for publishers to implement significant strategic adjustments.

He recommended that publishers monitor their referral traffic statistics for any changes in user behavior.

“I think there is an immediate need to be having these discussions,” said Robinson.

“That plan is a good one anyway, even if you take ChatGPT out of the picture. Who wants to give all that power to Google?”

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