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AI heads to the courtroom
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Welcome, AI enthusiasts.
U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts took an AI deep dive in his 2023 Annual Report, predicting the tech will have a significant impact on the legal system in the near future.
With major AI legal cases looming on the docket for 2024, will the courts be friend or foe in shaping the future of artificial intelligence? Let’s investigate…
In today’s AI rundown:
Chief Justice Roberts: Use AI in law ‘cautiously’
Self-driving cars safer than human drivers
How to craft smart New Year’s resolutions with AI
Study finds gender bias in AI language models
6 new AI tools & 4 new AI jobs
More AI & tech news
Read time: 4 minutes
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
THE U.S. SUPREME COURT
Chief Justice Roberts: Use AI in law ‘cautiously’
Image source: Midjourney
The Rundown: United States Chief Justice John Roberts just released his annual report, urging the legal system to embrace AI carefully — also predicting "significant" effects on the sector, particularly in trial courts.
The details:
Roberts warned AI risks privacy violations and ‘dehumanizing’ law, pointing to real cases of lawyers submitting briefs with fake AI-generated legal citations.
Roberts also said AI tools have potential to significantly expand access to justice for low-income litigants by providing legal guidance.
He noted judges often rule in complex legal "gray areas" that require nuanced human judgment and discretion — something he believes AI cannot replace.
Why it matters: Justice Roberts’ cautiously optimistic AI sentiment is an important one — particularly given the major cases (i.e. NYT vs. OpenAI) coming in 2024 that are set to shape the future of the tech in the U.S.
TOGETHER WITH YOU.AI
Bring custom AIs to your team in 2024
The Rundown: You know your business needs AI. You might already have some ideas of where AI could increase performance - or, you’ve got a list of tedious work that might be improved with AI but haven’t seen a tool that can do exactly what you need.
Using MindStudio, you can build custom, no-code AIs to solve any problem with:
Personalized, flexible workflows
Branching Automations
Multiple AI models (GPT, Claude, Llama, Mistral, and more)
Custom data sources
Integrations with current tools (Mailchimp, Slack, Salesforce)
Learn today with MindStudio’s video tutorials, and have a new AI within 24 hours.
WAYMO
Self-driving cars are safer than human drivers
Image source: Waymo
The Rundown: Waymo recently published a new safety analysis of over 7 million miles logged by its fully driverless vehicles, revealing they sustained far fewer crashes and injuries than human driver benchmarks.
The details:
Waymo’s driverless cars saw 85% fewer injury crashes and 57% fewer police-reported crashes per mile than human driver baselines.
Localized data showed 80% and 70% injury crash reductions in Phoenix and San Francisco.
Waymo’s numbers are in stark contrast to rival Cruise, which has faced scrutiny from regulators following several safety incidents.
Why it matters: As public skepticism and negative media coverage mounts over the safety of autonomous vehicles, the data (at least in Waymo’s case) points in a different direction. Will human drivers increasingly be phased out as the tech rapidly improves?
AI TRAINING
How to craft smart New Year’s resolutions with AI
The Rundown: Making New Year’s resolutions often leads to failure thanks to vague goals and no accountability. But what if AI could coach you into creating more meaningful, achievable resolutions?
Step-by-step:
Access ChatGPT, Claude, or another conversational AI.
Prompt the AI to act as a resolution planning assistant: “Pretend you are a coach who helps people make realistic New Year’s resolutions and guides them through the process."
Describe your intentions in 2024, weaknesses you want to improve, etc. Converse with the AI as it asks thoughtful questions to understand you better.
Ask it to suggest a few specific, measurable resolutions conducive to your growth. For each resolution, request step-by-step action plans, milestones, and accountability tips.
AI RESEARCH
Study finds gender bias in AI language models
Image source: University of Michigan
The Rundown: New research from the University of Michigan revealed that large language models demonstrate higher performance when prompted to act in gender-neutral or male social roles rather than female roles.
The details:
The analysis tested 3 popular LLMs across 2,457 questions and 162 social roles.
Models were more effective when prompted with male or gender-neutral roles like "mentor," "partner," or "chatbot" versus female roles.
The results suggest potential issues in how models are programmed — and highlight the common AI ethical concern of LLMs perpetuating bias from training data.
Our thoughts: As AI interactions become more sophisticated, these findings highlight the importance of addressing biases that can creep into machine learning models via training data.
NEW TOOLS & JOBS
AI tools powered by Supertools
ChatGPT Sugar- Enrich your daily interactions with ChatGPT (link)
Showroom- The most accurate way to search for clothes (link)
CrewAI- Multi-agent interaction builder (link)
Cline- Web A/B split testing tool (link)
UserWise- Harness feedback for informed decisions (link)
Laterbase- AI-driven bookmark management and chat (link)
AI jobs powered by The Rundown Jobs
QUICK HITS
Section is hosting a free event where Inflection AI co-founder Mustafa Suleyman and NYU Stern professor Scott Galloway will discuss whether humanity can contain the next wave of AI.*
OpenAI is moving European users to its Irish subsidiary, OpenAI Ireland Limited, to be the data controller — a move that could help streamline regulatory oversight and reduce privacy compliance risks.
MIT researchers used AI to analyze antibiotic chemical structures, discovering a new class of antibiotics effective against superbugs like MRSA.
Google is reportedly targeting the PC market with new AI upgrades to its Chromebook Plus models.
Mozilla plans to pivot towards an AI-focused future, outlined in the browser’s end-of-year ‘State of Mozilla’ report.
The Internet is using AI to remix Disney’s ‘Steamboat Willie’ character, which entered the public domain on Jan. 1.
Google SEO guru John Mueller says for SEO there's little difference between using AI-generated images versus stock photos for website content.
Scientists are exploring if quantum machine learning, which fuses AI and quantum computing, can speed up calculations and better recognize patterns.
* = Sponsored link
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Elon Musk's investor chaos
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Welcome, Tech enthusiasts.
2023 was a… chaotic year for Elon Musk. And a top investment firm wasn’t enjoying the volatility — cutting its valuation of X by over 70% since the tech mogul took over.
But with grand ambitions for ‘the everything app’ and a platform still ingrained in shaping public opinion — does Elon care? Let’s dive in…
In today’s tech rundown:
Fidelity cuts X/Twitter stake value by 72% post-Musk
New ‘vibrating’ pill tackles obesity
9 new products
U.S. intervenes on ASML chipmaking exports
Sam Bankman-Fried has additional charges dropped
X reintroduces (very small) article headlines
Read time: 3 minutes
TODAY’S HEADLINES
TWITTER/X
📉 Fidelity cuts Twitter stake value by 72% post-Musk
Image source: Axios
The Rundown: Investment firm Fidelity just marked down its Twitter shares again, implying a 71.5% drop in value for the platform since Elon Musk purchased it for $44B in October 2022.
The details:
Fidelity estimates its stake in the platform to be worth $5.6M, down from its initial worth of $19.7M.
The valuation cut follows months of tension on the platform, with advertisers fleeing over lax content policies under Musk.
The firm cut valuation rates by 10.7% in November following Musk telling advertisers to "go f*** yourself" during a live interview.
The November drop comes in contrast to hot tech competitors like Meta (+4.9%) and Snap (+38%).
Why it matters: The decline highlights how Musk's chaotic tenure has devastated Twitter's short-term business prospects. But with Elon’s deep pockets and a platform that commands and shapes national discourse, the tech mogul is likely not sweating the valuation.
TOGETHER WITH YOU.AI
⚡️ Bring custom AIs to your team in 2024
The Rundown: You know your business needs AI. You might already have some ideas of where AI could increase performance - or, you’ve got a list of tedious work that might be improved with AI but haven’t seen a tool that can do exactly what you need.
Using MindStudio, you can build custom, no-code AIs to solve any problem with:
Personalized, flexible workflows
Branching Automations
Multiple AI models (GPT, Claude, Llama, Mistral, and more)
Custom data sources
Integrations with current tools (Mailchimp, Slack, Salesforce)
Learn today with MindStudio’s video tutorials, and have a new AI within 24 hours.
MEDICAL TECH
💊 New ‘vibrating’ pill tackles obesity
Image source: MIT
The Rundown: MIT engineers just developed a vibrating capsule that activates stomach stretch receptors when ingested prior to a meal, creating an illusion of fullness that reduced food intake by 40% in animal testing.
The details:
The vitamin-sized pill vibrates for 30 minutes after reaching the stomach, triggered by gastric fluids.
The vibrations mimic the hormone signals and vagus nerve activation of a distended, full stomach — tricking the brain into feeling full.
The capsule is a potential low-cost, minimally invasive alternative to drugs like Ozempic or treatments like gastric bypass surgery.
Our thoughts: It sounds simple (the researchers compare it to the classic trick of drinking a glass of water before a meal) — but if proven safe and effective, a low-cost treatment like this could completely transform obesity care.
NEW PRODUCTS
🤖 MaxAI.me: Use 1-Click AI Anywhere- Simplifies tasks with quick summaries, AI web searches, quick email drafting and replies, and more (link)*
💥 Impakt- Optimize training with AI (link)
✋ AnswerFlow AI- Custom ChatGPT bot builder with lifetime access (link)
🌐 Behavly- Boost your website with strategic, minor modifications (link)
📧 Inbox Zero- Open-source email organizer (link)
🎨 Canvas- Mac-centric DALL·E playground (link)
🏠 ZOYO- AI-driven real estate hub (link)
🧠 Humata- Ask questions and chat with any file instantly using AI (link)
🖥️ Super- Create a website from your Notion database in minutes (link)
Browse the most popular tools ever featured with our tool database.
*= Sponsored tool
SNIPPETS
X (formerly Twitter) has reintroduced article headlines over linked images on posts, aiding users in recognizing linked content.
The US government reportedly intervened to stop ASML from shipping certain chipmaking equipment to China even before the planned January 2024 export ban took effect.
NASA's Curiosity rover created a timelapse capturing the transition from dawn to dusk on Mars.
Microsoft President Brad Smith has shifted his stance on UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), now praising it as "tough and fair.”
Telegram rolls out an update enhancing call functionality and introducing new animations, alongside a substantial expansion of bot features.
Sam Bankman-Fried's sentencing for his convictions, related to the FTX scandal, is slated for March 28, despite additional charges being dropped.
NASA's Juno spacecraft has revealed the impact of intense radiation on its instruments by capturing detailed images of Io's active volcanoes.
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Top AI researchers earn $865k/year!
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Welcome, AI enthusiasts.
Move over professional athletes — the AI researcher might be the new highest-paying job on the block…
A recent report just detailed the shocking compensation that top AI researchers earn from companies like OpenAI, Tesla, Amazon, and Google. Let’s get into the numbers.
In today’s AI rundown:
Shocking AI Researcher salaries in 2023
How to animate images from your phone
ByteDance DreamTuner: Single image subject generation
7 new AI tools & 4 new AI jobs
More AI & tech news
Read time: 3 minutes
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
AI RESEARCHER SALARIES
Shocking AI Researcher salaries in 2023
Image source: Rora
The Rundown: A recent report detailed the shocking compensation that top AI/ML researchers are earning, with top jobs pushing nearly $1 million per year from a mix of base salary, bonus, and equity.
Key points:
OpenAI topped the highest-paying company list, boasting $865k annually in salary, bonus, and equity.
Following OpenAI in order was Anthropic, Inflection, Tesla, Amazon, Google Brain (now merged with DeepMind), TikTok, and FAIR.
To top it off, signing and/or other cash bonuses can range from $0 to $700k over a four-year period and was not included in this report.
See the detailed report here.
The relevance: As the AI race for the leading LLM continues to escalate, so does the demand for AI researcher talent. With OpenAI also reportedly poaching Google workers with $10M packages, it’s undoubtedly a good time to be a top AI researcher.
TOGETHER WITH IMAGINE AI
Businesses that use AI will replace those that don't…
The Rundown: Businesses powered by AI don’t just lead; they dominate. Don't let your business be the one that gets left behind...
The Imagine AI Live 24 conference, happening March 27-28 at the luxurious Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, will become the nexus of AI innovation and business transformation.
Join like-minded AI leaders, thinkers, and disruptors in a quest to redefine business and the future of work with AI. Secure your spot now.
AI TRAINING
How to animate images from your phone
The Rundown: Remix AI’s loop feature allows anyone to make short animated videos from existing images directly from their phone (for free).
Step-by-step:
AI RESEARCH
ByteDance DreamTuner: Single image subject generation
The Rundown: ByteDance researchers recently revealed DreamTuner, a new general method for subject-driven generation from a single image, creating shockingly consistent subject identity.
The details:
DreamTuner is a novel framework for subject-driven image generation based on both fine-tuning and image encoding.
The framework consists of three stages: subject encoder pre-training, subject-driven fine-tuning, and subject-driven inference.
DreamBooth from a single image already exists, but this new method produces far more accurate replications of the subject’s identity.
Why it matters: Generating consistent characters is currently one of the hardest challenges in AI image generation, and this new method now allows for highly consistent characters from as little as a single image — a remarkable achievement in AI research.
NEW TOOLS & JOBS
AI tools powered by Supertools
Momask- Generate text-to-motion 3D human animations (link)
Construct- Transform your words and ideas into functional apps (link)
UForm- A multimodal AI library for content understanding & generation (link)
FibonacciKu- AI learning assistant for teachers and students (link)
Julius AI Android- Your AI-powered data analyst (link)
Heydai- AI-powered daily planner & time tracker app (link)
Socra- Crush your goals with AI (link)
AI jobs powered by The Rundown Jobs
QUICK HITS
Greg Brockman, co-founder of OpenAI, predicts 2024 will be a breakthrough year in terms of AI capability, safety, and general positivity about its potential impact.
The Seoul City Government in South Korea announced that it will use drones and AI to monitor traffic conditions in real time starting in 2024.
Midjourney is reportedly starting training on video models this month, with plans on bringing 3D and video generation to the current text-to-image generation platform.
Nvidia is launching a slower version of its gaming chip in China to comply with U.S. export controls.
Microsoft’s Surface laptops will reportedly be its first true ‘AI PCs’ — featuring a next-gen neural processing unit (NPU) along with Intel and Arm-based options.
Tracking AI, a new tool that monitors bias in AI chatbots, concluded that every chatbot other than open-source Mistral scores politically left.
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s ex-personal lawyer, says he unintentionally sent his attorney fake AI-generated legal case citations before they were submitted to a judge.
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Scientists discover new method to destroy cancer
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Happy New Year, Tech enthusiasts.
Scientists have created ‘molecular jackhammers,’ which have had a 99% success rate in destroying cancer cells in the lab.
Is a potential end-all cure to cancer near? Let’s get into it…
In today’s tech rundown:
Scientists destroy cancer cells using vibrating molecules
Disney loses copyright on Mickey Mouse ‘Steamboat Willie‘
8 New products
Cornell scientists’ new engineered bacteria breakthrough
Robots make underground deliveries in Georgia
ZEEKR launches a new electric Sedan
Read time: 3 minutes
TODAY’S HEADLINES
NATURE CHEMISTRY
🦠 Scientists destroy cancer cells using vibrating molecules
Image source: Nature Chemistry
The Rundown: A newly published paper in Nature Chemistry demonstrates a remarkable discovery using ‘molecular jackhammers' that eradicated 99% of cancer in the lab and destroyed cancer in half of the mice that received treatment.
The details:
‘Molecular Jackhammers‘ stimulates aminocyanine molecules with near-infrared light, causing them to vibrate in sync, enough to break apart the membranes of cancer cells.
The research team from Rice University, Texas A&M, and the University of Texas says the approach is a considerable improvement over another kind of cancer-killing molecular machine.
The treatment eradicated 99% of cultured, lab-grown cancer cells and eliminated melanoma tumors (a form of skin cancer) in half of the mice treated.
Why it matters: This discovery provides a new way to treat cancer using mechanical forces at the molecular scale — delivering further hopes of a potential end-all cure within the next decade.
TOGETHER WITH IMAGINE AI
💼 Businesses That Use AI Will Replace Those That Don't…
The Rundown: Businesses powered by AI don’t just lead; they dominate. Don't let your business be the one that gets left behind...
The Imagine AI Live 24 conference, happening March 27-28 at the luxurious Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, will become the nexus of AI innovation and business transformation.
Join like-minded AI leaders, thinkers, and disruptors in a quest to redefine business and the future of work with AI. Secure your spot now.
DISNEY
🐭 Disney loses copyright on Mickey Mouse ‘Steamboat Willie‘
Image source: Steamboat Willie
The Rundown: Disney has lost copyright control over Mickey Mouse’s ‘Steamboat Willie,‘ with the first-ever Disney animated short to star Mickey and Minnie Mouse now turning into a public domain.
The details:
The original versions of Mickey and Minnie within Steamboat Willie are now in the public domain as of January 1st, 2024.
This means anyone can now use designs of the original Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse wherever they want.
While the original designs of Mickey and Minnie from Steamboat Willie are now public domain, Disney retains copyright and trademark rights over later versions and iterations of these characters.
The relevance: The addition of the short film into the public domain marks a significant milestone for copyright law and the age of Hollywood Studio dominance.
NEW PRODUCTS
🏠 Room Reinvented- Room interior transformation with AI (link)
🧊 Polar Habits- Build lasting habits without the guilt of broken streaks (link)
💬 Findly- Interact with your Google Analytics through conversation (link)
🎵 Korus- Create music with an AI platform from Deadmau5 (link)
🪄 InMagic- Uncover your personality based on your Instagram profile (link)
🌌 Image Pipeline- Seamlessly integrates multiple stable diffusion models for image processing (link)
📚 Readbay AI- An effortless way to grow maximally with minimalist reading (link)
💻 Canvas- A DALL-E playground for the Mac (link)
Browse the most popular tools ever featured with our tool database.
SNIPPETS
A new report reveals driverless cars are immune from traffic tickets in California under current laws.
Google is reportedly exploring widespread layoffs of up to 30,000 employees as it looks to integrate AI tools and processes company-wide for efficiency gains.
Cornell scientists show that genetically engineered bacteria could improve the efficiency of the purification of elements found in smartphones, computers, electric cars, and more.
ZEEKR launches a new electric car called the ‘007 Sedan’ for under $30K with a 540-mile range and already over 50,000 pre-orders in place.
A city in the US state of Georgia is testing a system that will allow robots to make deliveries via underground tunnels.
Korean researchers are using AI to investigate how microplastics are impacting global soil and agriculture.
Samsung leaked promotional material, revealing new AI-enhanced capabilities to arrive with Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S24 phones, with features spanning photography, productivity, audio transcription, and more.
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❤️ Rundown review of the day
Google to replace 30,000 humans with AI
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Welcome, AI enthusiasts.
2023 was a WILD one for artificial intelligence.
What’s even wilder? Trying to imagine what 2024 will hold. Happy New Year, and let’s dive into our first edition of the year…
In today’s AI rundown:
Google to cut 30,000 jobs amid AI focus
Galaxy S24's AI features leaked on display
How to get Microsoft Copilot on your phone
Research: AI translates thoughts to text from brainwaves
9 new AI tools & 4 new AI jobs
More AI & tech news
Read time: 4 minutes
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Google to cut 30,000 jobs amid AI focus
Image source: The Information
The Rundown: Google is reportedly exploring widespread layoffs of up to 30,000 employees, as it looks to integrate AI tools and processes company-wide for efficiency gains.
The details:
Google announced a coming restructuring of its ad sales department in mid-December.
The rumored layoffs would build on top of 12,000 job cuts this year, which CEO Sundar Pichai cited as necessary to adapt and increase investment capacity in emerging areas.
The broader adoption of AI aims to transform ad sales operations and customer service positions, with automation reducing need for human roles.
Why it matters: While pushing AI innovations externally, Google is also aggressively applying the technology internally with huge workforce implications. AI is undoubtedly set to reshape the work landscape, and this is, unfortunately, just the start of the major restructuring we’re about to see in 2024.
TOGETHER WITH TECH RABBIT
Your new AI pocket companion
The Rundown: Something is coming on January 9th that will fundamentally change the way humans and machines interact: it’s called the rabbit r1:
Experience a life where technology adapts to you, not the other way around
Discover a seamless digital existence like never before. No more app overload, just intuitive, organic interaction
The r1 is not just a device; it's a glimpse into the future.
SAMSUNG
Galaxy S24's AI features leaked
Image source: Samsung
The Rundown: Leaked promotional material has revealed some AI-enhanced capabilities expected to arrive with Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S24 phones, with features spanning photography, productivity, audio transcription, and more.
The details:
Features include a "Nightography zoom" that applies specialized image processing to low-light photos, enabling clearer shots even when zooming in from a distance.
New AI editing capabilities to remove unwanted objects from photos or fill in areas with a tap, similar to Magic Eraser on Pixel phones.
The device will allow live translation, along with the ability to transcribe speech from up to 10 separate voices talking simultaneously.
The most advanced AI features may remain exclusive to the costlier S24 Plus and S24 Ultra models rather than the base S24.
Why it matters: With all eyes set on Apple and what they are planning with their recent breakthroughs, Samsung is also making waves. As AI becomes the norm across updated mobile models, capabilities are set to skyrocket.
AI TRAINING
How to get Microsoft Copilot on your phone
The Rundown: Microsoft recently introduced new Android, iOS, and iPadOS apps for Copilot, allowing users to access the powerful (and free) AI tool on the go.
How to access:
iOS / iPad: Download via the App Store
Android: Download via Google Play Store
Features to take advantage of:
DALL-E 3: Leverage advanced image generation by asking Copilot to create images
Voice Chat: Tap the mic in-app to access Copilot’s audio capabilities
Vision: Take or upload photos to enhance prompts or ask questions
AI RESEARCH
AI system translates thoughts to text from brainwaves
Image source: University of Technology Sydney
The Rundown: Researchers just developed a first-of-its-kind AI system called DeWave that can turn silent thoughts into text by decoding brain signals without the need for invasive implants.
The details:
Test subjects wore an EEG cap that recorded brain waves, which were then fed into DeWave's natural language processing AI.
The system achieved over 40% accuracy in translating verbs directly from neural signals.
Unlike other brain-computer interfaces, DeWave does not require expensive MRI machines or implants.
Why it matters: The amount of progress made with AI-powered brain devices this year is staggering, with seemingly limitless potential for improving communication with incapacitated patients — and a much stronger understanding of how the brain operates.
NEW TOOLS & JOBS
AI tools powered by Supertools
Zipchat.ai- AI-powered chatbot for e-commerce (link)
Room Reinvented- Room interior transformation with AI (link)
Impakt- Maximize your fitness efficiency with AI coaching (link)
Laterbase- Save, search, and chat with bookmarks (link)
UserWise- Make data-driven decisions with AI feedback (link)
Doclime- Get answers from your documents (link)
Inbox Zero- Clean up your Inbox in minutes (link)
Suno AI- Make any song you can imagine (link)
AI jobs powered by The Rundown Jobs
QUICK HITS
OpenAI recently surpassed $1.6B in annualized revenue, on the back of strong ChatGPT growth — with the figure up from $1.3B in October despite the internal company drama.
Flowpilot allows for open-source driver assistance by running on Linux, Windows and Android devices, enabling budget self-driving capabilities compared to expensive systems.
a16z partner Olivia Moore posted a list of AI agents to watch for 2024, along with a market map of the emerging subset expected to surge as tech improves.
Nikon, Sony, and Canon are fighting back against AI-generated fake images by developing new authentication technologies that embed tamper-resistant digital signatures with metadata.
Bill Gates discussed AI’s impact on the global food supply, believing the tech will enable more productive crop growth and better resistance to climate change.
A ‘NYTWritingStyleGuide’ dataset has been uploaded to HuggingFace, allowing users to train models on 35,000+ tokens in the style of the New York Times in the wake of its pending lawsuit against OpenAI.
Duolingo reportedly off-boarded a large amount of contractors from its translation service in December, with plans to replace them with AI.
THAT’S A WRAP
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The 10 biggest AI events of 2023
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Welcome, AI enthusiasts.
Today is our last newsletter of 2023. It’s been one heck of a ride.
We’re signing off with the top 10 biggest developments this year to end the most significant year in AI history. Let’s take a trip down memory lane…
In today’s AI rundown:
The 10 biggest AI events of 2023
Google restricting election AI queries in 2024
How to leverage the best free alternative to ChatGPT
Research: AI beats humans at identifying photo locations
9 new AI tools & 4 new AI jobs
More AI & tech news
Read time: 4 minutes
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
AI RECAP
The 10 biggest AI events of 2023
Image source: The Rundown
The Rundown: From multimodal LLMs, to world leaders trying to pause AI, to Sam Altman getting fired and rehired within a week, the developments in AI in 2023 will be remembered in the history books.
The top 10 biggest AI events of 2023:
March 17: OpenAI launches GPT-4
March 30: Elon Musk and AI experts call for a 6-month pause in developing AI systems more powerful than GPT-4
May 26: Swiss scientists rebuild spinal cord with AI
June 27: Breakthrough AI research can understand and decode whale language
September 26: ChatGPT goes multimodal with voice and images
September 29: Mistral AI unveils open-sourced 7B language model
November 6: Elon Musk's xAI launches Grok
November 7: OpenAI reveals GPT Builder, GPT-4 Turbo, Assistants API and more at DevDay
November 22: Sam Altman fired and rehired as CEO of OpenAI
December 6: Google DeepMind reveals Gemini
Our thoughts: While we look back at the most significant year in the history of AI, it’s hard not to think that the developments this year were the start of the most transformative period in the history of humankind. With GPT-5, autonomous agents, and major medical breakthroughs on the horizon — we’re truly just getting started.
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Google restricting election AI queries in 2024
Image source: Google
The Rundown: Ahead of high-profile 2024 elections, Google announced it will be restricting the types of election-related queries its AI systems like Bard and Search Generative Experience can respond to starting early next year.
The details:
The policy will start in early 2023 out of "abundance of caution" on the sensitive topic.
The move builds on other transparency efforts like requiring content creators and advertisers to disclose use of altered or synthetic media.
Part of Google's wider plan of safeguarding AI platforms for the polarizing campaign cycle, which includes providing high-quality election info and partnering with campaigns on security.
Why it matters: The first election season in the AI era could get weird — and while it’s positive that Google is being proactive in aiming to prevent AI misinformation and manipulation, bad actors will likely leverage the tech to sow confusion regardless.
AI TRAINING
How to access the best free alternative to ChatGPT
Image: Microsoft Copilot’s video understanding capabilities
The Rundown: While ChatGPT grabs headlines, Microsoft has quietly built an impressive alternative — and it’s 100% free. Copilot matches ChatGPT's capabilities while exceeding in some areas.
Here are some of the best features:
Multi-Modal Capabilities: By combining text, images, and web data, Copilot’s search grounding develops a deeper understanding of queries.
Coding & Calculation Strengths: Via its Code Interpreter, Copilot also compares to ChatGPT at complex coding, math, data analysis, and visualization tasks.
Music Creativity: Through a new partnership with Suno AI , Copilot can now generate music tracks and even summarize/answer questions about videos.
Video Understanding: Copilot can summarize or answer questions about videos watched in Edge — something not even ChatGPT offers.
Access Copilot here and try it out for yourself, or try out the new Copilot for Android app.
AI RESEARCH
AI beats humans at identifying photo locations
Image source: Midjourney
The Rundown: Stanford students created an AI called PIGEON that can pinpoint the location of a photo faster and more accurately than even expert humans by picking up on subtle visual clues within images.
The details:
PIGEON was trained on 500,000 Google Street View images to play the online location-guessing game GeoGuessr.
The AI previously went up against influencer GeoGuessr Trevor Rainbolt, beating him in multiple head-to-head rounds.
The AI guesses the country right 92% of the time and within 25 miles over 90% of the time — and located personal photos to within blocks or miles of where they were taken.
The system leverages foliage, weather patterns, soil etc. that humans would likely miss.
Why it matters: While an impressive feat, the practical applications for extracting locations lean much more towards surveillance — and likely won’t bring much comfort to those already fearing the technology.
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QUICK HITS
Microsoft's upcoming Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 will reportedly be its first "AI PCs," featuring new AI capabilities and next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon and Intel chips.
Baidu says its ChatGPT rival Ernie Bot now has amassed over 100M users since its public launch in August, though it still trails ChatGPT in quality according to benchmarking.
Intuition Robotics' AI companion ‘ElliQ' shows promise in reducing loneliness for seniors by providing personalized conversations, entertainment, and health reminders.
Domo AI released two new model updates for the platform’s video-to-video tool alongside increased stability and optimized outputs.
LG announced new laptops featuring Intel's latest chips and AI capabilities, including LG Gram Pro Models with Intel Core Ultra processors and boosted on-device AI power.
The UK's Berrow's Worcester Journal, claiming to be the world's oldest newspaper, is using an AI-assisted reporter to free up human journalists to do more in-depth reporting.
Korean researchers are using AI to investigate how microplastics are impacting global soil and agriculture.
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Chinese competitor challenges Tesla
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Welcome, Tech enthusiasts.
Move over Tesla — a Chinese smartphone titan just shifted into the electric lane.
Can this automotive newcomer shake up the EV market? Let’s investigate…
In today’s tech rundown:
Xiaomi reveals first hi-tech EV
Amazon expands into green hydrogen production
8 new products
Samsung brings AI into your fridge
Apple faces scrutiny in India over hacking alerts
Tesla plans 2024 Model Y redesign
Read time: 3 minutes
TODAY’S HEADLINES
XIAOMI
🚗 Xiaomi reveals first hi-tech EV
Image source: Xiaomi
The Rundown: Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi took the wraps off its much-anticipated first electric vehicle called the SU7 sports sedan, boasting ultra-fast acceleration and long range — aiming to compete on tech with Tesla and hailing performance levels of Porsche.
The details:
Xiaomi claims its EV’s acceleration times best the Porsche Taycan and Tesla — thanks to a custom "super electric motor" with a blistering 21,000 RPM.
The SU7 runs Xiaomi's Android-based HyperOS operating system used across its electronics product ecosystem for a unified, seamless experience.
The SU7 targets the premium electric vehicle segment with pricing expected between $40-60k.
The smartphone maker faces intense competition in China's maturing EV market from pioneers like XPeng, BYD and Tesla itself.
Why it matters: Combining the tech of a Tesla with the performance of a Porsche is a powerful statement — especially for a newcomer to the automobile space. But Xiaomi’s ‘smartphone on wheels’ is a potential look into the future of truly hi-tech vehicles.
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AMAZON
📦 Amazon expands into green hydrogen production
Image source: Plug Power
The Rundown: Amazon just installed an electrolyzer at its Colorado fulfillment center to produce hydrogen on-site — marking the retail giant’s first foray into replacing batteries and fuel with green energy to power equipment.
The details:
Amazon is partnering with hydrogen company Plug Power, who designed, built and will maintain the full system.
The on-site production is more energy efficient than trucking in hydrogen, while also providing an opportunity to use surplus renewable electricity.
Amazon aims to eventually pair the system with renewable energy generation at the site to produce zero-emissions "green" hydrogen.
The move comes as part of Amazon's efforts to decarbonize its operations by 2040 and eliminate fossil fuel use, though its emissions have increased 39% since setting that goal.
Why it matters: Amazon's investment in on-site hydrogen production shows the potential for the technology to reduce emissions from material handling — and hopefully the tech giant can provide proof of concept for others to explore greener energy alternatives.
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SNIPPETS
Tesla is planning a major redesign of the Model Y, slated for mid-2024 production at its Shanghai factory, potentially featuring significant interior and exterior updates.
Samsung announces new AI fridge with food identification and recipe suggestions, to be showcased at the upcoming CES.
Apple faces scrutiny in India over its alerting of potential state-sponsored hacking attempts.
Raymond Wong's overview at Inverse highlights Apple's commitment to enhance Mac gaming through its shift to Apple silicon.
Google is prepared to settle a 2020 lawsuit alleging that it tracked users' data in Chrome's Incognito mode without their explicit consent.
Chinese automaker JAC and its Yiwei brand will launch China's first mass-produced EV using sodium-ion batteries in January, touting cheaper materials and cold weather performance versus lithium.
Disney, Warner Bros Discovery, Comcast, and Paramount may consider downsizing, selling assets, or merging due to significant financial losses in their streaming ventures.
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LG's smart home AI robot revolution
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Welcome, Tech enthusiasts.
LG just teased a new AI-powered robot that can tackle everything from managing appliances, security, pets and daily tasks while intelligently navigating rooms.
Could this multi-modal bot represent the next generation of in-home tech? Let’s explore…
In today’s tech rundown:
LG teases AI robot smart home manager
Flying robot dragon fighting fires in Japan
9 new products
Sales ban temporarily lifted on Apple Watches
Ads are coming to Amazon Prime Video
SpaceX booster damaged in transit
Read time: 3 minutes
TODAY’S HEADLINES
LG
🏠 LG teases AI robot smart home manager
Image source: LG
The Rundown: LG just announced a new AI-powered robot assistant referred to as the ‘smart home AI agent,’ featuring autonomous mobility to help manage smart homes — and is set to debut at the company’s CES Conference in January.
The details:
The robot has a unique two-legged wheel design to independently navigate rooms, and can express emotion and learn via multi-modal AI tech.
The device uses cameras, sensors, and a Qualcomm AI chip to analyze home data
The robot has the ability to recognize human faces, pets, household objects, and gather data like temperature and air quality.
In-home capabilities extend to controlling appliances, acting as a security guard, and monitoring pets — while also taking on user’s daily tasks like medication reminders or providing schedule updates.
Why it matters: This adorable bot sounds like quite the upgrade from dated Alexas, Google Homes, etc. — and could be the first smart device to take advantage of the advances in AI tech. Is this the beginning of a new in-home AI revolution?
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ROBOTICS
🐉 Flying robot dragon fighting fires in Japan
Image source: Akita Prefectual University
The Rundown: Researchers in Japan have developed a dragon-shaped flying robot called the Dragon Firefighter that can extinguish fires from the air — aiming to help combat heated situations too dangerous for humans.
The details:
The Dragon Firefighter is a 4-meter long remotely controlled flying firehose robot designed to directly approach fire sources.
The firehose can change shape and be directed by a control unit connected to a 14,000-liter water supply.
Improvements are underway, including enhanced waterproofing, wider force handling, and better water flow.
Researchers estimate it will be about 10 more years before real-world deployment due to the robot’s currently limited reach.
Why it matters: The Dragon is another example of highly-specialized robots taking dangerous tasks on in place of humans — and as the plans were openly published, collective development could soon make the technology a lifesaving reality.
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SNIPPETS
Apple resumes sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 after a federal court temporarily lifted an import and sales ban related to a patent dispute.
Swedish researchers have created an electronic soil that increases plant growth in hydroponic systems by 50 percent using electrical stimulation.
A study documents a new "smart" insulin system that can effectively regulate blood sugar in diabetic mice and minipigs for a week with a single injection.
Debate persists over the existence of exomoons in light of recent research challenging previous detections made by the Kepler telescope.
Amazon Prime Video will introduce "limited advertisements" for subscribers unless they pay an additional fee, starting January 29.
Paramount and CBS confirmed a significant data breach from December 2022 that compromised sensitive information of over 82,000 individuals.
Rough seas and winds caused major damage to the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster B1058 after it tipped over during transport back to Cape Canaveral.
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