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TikTok vs. Amazon
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Welcome, Tech enthusiasts.
Having conquered global attention, TikTok now wants a slice of commerce, too.
The social giant is gearing up to challenge Amazon on its home turf — setting ambitious 2024 goals to expand its U.S. e-commerce biz. Let’s get into it…
In today’s tech rundown:
TikTok looks to challenge Amazon in U.S. retail
Doctors achieve first growing pediatric heart valve transplant
8 new products
Apple set to introduce AI-advanced Siri at WWDC
Dell unveils new line of laptops
Jeff Bezos comments on Musk, vision for space
Read time: 3 minutes
TODAY’S HEADLINES
TIKTOK
📱 TikTok looks to challenge Amazon in U.S. retail
Image source: TikTok
The Rundown: TikTok has reportedly set an internal goal of growing its US e-commerce volume by 10x to $17.5 billion in 2024, hoping to challenge Amazon's dominance.
The details:
The social giant seeks to leverage social video reach and viral appeal to convert entertainment app users into shoppers.
The company was on track in 2023 for $20B in gross merchandise value, largely from Asia — with the company now hoping to ramp up sales in the U.S. and Latin America.
Letting influencers promote products and running promotions has quickly driven adoption of the TikTok Shop, which launched in the U.S. in September.
TikTok has hired executives from e-commerce giants like Amazon as it continues to build out infrastructure and tools.
Why it matters: While the U.S. government is likely hoping to decrease TikTok’s grip on the younger generation — the company looks set to put its foot on the accelerator in 2024. And with its viral growth engine and global user base, TikTok represents a formidable new rival in global online retail.
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MEDICAL TECH
❤️ Doctors achieve first growing pediatric heart valve transplant
Image source: Duke Health
The Rundown: Doctors at Duke Health just performed the first-ever pediatric transplant of heart valves that can grow along with the young recipient, a breakthrough method using donor organ parts previously discarded.
The details:
The 1-year-old patient received a transplant of valves and arteries that are functionally integrated using a new valve collection method.
The valves are growing with the child, avoiding repeated risky replacement surgeries common in young cases.
The transplant requires just a quarter of the typical immunosuppression drugs administered for longevity.
Why it matters: This breakthrough could potentially solve two previously difficult challenges — the need for repeated transplants as a young patient grows and a shortage of viable donor organs. While still early, the innovation could provide lifesaving treatment to countless children.
NEW PRODUCTS
🐇 rabbit r1- Your AI-powered pocket companion. Join the waitlist for the January 9th launch (link)*
🤖 Spence- AI career assistant (link)
📝 AI-Based Resume Analyzer- AI-powered open-source tool for analyzing resumes (link)
🕸️ RawuserAI- Personalizes web experiences for each visitor (link)
🟢 Moodboard Creator- AI-driven branding project starter (link)
📆 Vimcal- Calendar app on steroids. Assists users in scheduling and organizing events efficiently (link)
📸 Photo AI- Create beautiful AI photos without using a camera (link)
🎥 Descript- A powerful all-in-one video and podcast editing tool using AI (link)
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* = Sponsored link
SNIPPETS
Qualcomm reveals Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2, an advanced chipset aimed at powering the next generation of high-end VR headsets.
Apple Fitness+ introduces a series of Artist Spotlight workout playlists featuring Super Bowl halftime show artists.
Apple is also reportedly set to unveil an enhanced Siri with generative AI at the WWDC.
Dell updates its XPS lineup with new 13, 14, and 16-inch models with features like invisible haptic touchpads and optional OLED screens.
Samsung announced its Unpacked event scheduled for January 17, where it is expected to unveil the Galaxy S24 smartphone line, featuring advanced AI capabilities and a new design.
Healthcare tech firm HealthEC suffered a data breach affecting 4.5 million patients and compromising a wide range of sensitive personal information.
Jeff Bezos acknowledges that despite their past disagreements, he and Elon Musk share a similar vision for humanity's future in space.
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Microsoft's 'AI PC' era is here
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Welcome, AI enthusiasts.
Microsoft’s PC keyboards are getting their first change in 30 years — and its all thanks to AI.
The company is adding a new Copilot key to its latest PC’s, taking the first step in integrating advanced AI into our everyday devices. Let’s explore…
In today’s AI rundown:
Windows ushers in AI PC era with Copilot key
Samsung teases ‘Galaxy AI’
How to boost AI outputs with surprising prompt hacks
JPMorgan releases DocLLM for business records
7 new AI tools & 4 new AI jobs
More AI & tech news
Read time: 4 minutes
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
MICROSOFT
Windows ushers in AI PC era with Copilot key
Image source: Midjourney
The Rundown: Microsoft just announced a new Copilot key coming to Windows keyboards, marking the first major keyboard change in 30 years — with the company calling 2024 the year of the "AI PC".
The details:
A new Windows logo-styled key will activate the Copilot experience in Windows to seamlessly engage Microsoft's AI assistant.
The new key aims to simplify using AI in everyday tasks as the tech becomes more personal and intelligent.
The update will start appearing on new Windows 11 devices beginning in late February, including on the upcoming Microsoft Surface devices.
Why it matters: The prominent Copilot keyboard addition signals Microsoft's commitment to making AI assistants ubiquitous and easily accessible across its family of devices — and likely is just the start of a broad wave of AI enhancements across it’s devices.
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SAMSUNG
Samsung teases ‘Galaxy AI’
Image source: Samsung
The Rundown: Samsung just announced its Galaxy launch event for Jan. 17, while prominently touting "Galaxy AI" in its marketing — signaling major AI features for its latest line of smartphones.
The details:
The event invites promise a "new era of mobile AI" for the Galaxy S series, promising to set a higher standard for intelligent smartphones.
Previous leaks and rumors have pointed to prominent AI features for translation, low-light photography, and image editing.
The phones potentially include ‘Gauss’, Samsung’s on-device AI model revealed in November — which features language, code, and image capabilities.
Why it matters: Samsung looks to lead the way in making AI useful and accessible across mobile devices. If its mobile AI capabilities live up to the hype, will Apple users be motivated to switch if the new iPhones don’t see significant AI upgrades?
AI TRAINING
How to boost AI outputs with surprising prompt hacks
Image source: VILA Lab
The Rundown: New research just uncovered the most optimal prompts to get the most out of LLMs like ChatGPT — providing us a better understanding of how to effectively communicate our needs to AI.
Here are 5 (research-backed) ways to maximize ChatGPT:
Incorporate the following phrases: “Your task is”, “You MUST”, “You will be penalized”, and ”Answer a question given in a natural, human-like manner”.
Add “I’m going to tip $(random amount) for a better solution!”
Use leading words like writing “think step by step.“
Employ affirmative directives such as ‘do,’ while steering clear of negative language like ‘don’t’.
Repeat a specific word or phrase multiple times within a prompt.
View the full list here.
AI RESEARCH
JPMorgan releases DocLLM for business records
Image source: Midjourney
The Rundown: JPMorgan’s AI research team just introduced DocLLM, an AI model extension designed to better understand complex business documents by incorporating both text content and layout structure.
The details:
The extension adds bounding box data on text segments and uses text infilling during training to handle messy real-world document layouts.
DocLLM outperformed leading models (including GPT-4) by over 15% on some form analysis challenges.
The model extension also showed reliable accuracy when tested on unseen document types and domains.
Why it matters: DocLLM looks to provide a lightweight way to boost AI comprehension of forms, records and other documents essential to sectors like financial services, healthcare, government and more — potentially helping automate slow, manual business processes.
NEW TOOLS & JOBS
AI tools powered by Supertools
RawuserAI- Personalized website customization using AI (link)
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Record Once- Video tutorial creation and auto-editing (link)
Moodboard Creator- AI-driven branding kickstarter (link)
Ferret- Universal refer-and-ground tool (link)
Sourcely- AI-driven academic citation finder (link)
FibonacciKu- AI-powered educational assistant (link)
AI jobs powered by The Rundown Jobs
QUICK HITS
Midjourney CEO David Holz said he believes the company can get to the ‘holodeck’ and real-time open worlds in 2024, referencing the fictional device from Star Trek that uses holograms to create 3D simulations.
Google DeepMind student researchers just introduced Mobile Aloha, a low-cost, open-source robotic system capable of completing complex tasks like cooking, cleaning, and more.
Robin AI raised $26M to expand its AI-powered legal contract assistant globally.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's net worth jumped over $30B in 2023 to $44B thanks to the company’s stock surging nearly 250%, propelling him to 29th on Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.
Tencent researchers developed Paint3D, a new AI framework to generate high-resolution 2K lighting-less UV texture maps for 3D models from text or image inputs.
3D printing network Jellypipe introduced a new AI assistant that provides advice on optimal materials selection and pricing quotes.
Google's Gemini Pro and OpenAI's GPT-4V have comparable visual capabilities overall, with GPT-4V slightly ahead on IQ and reasoning and Gemini better at retrieving relevant images, according to new research.
Roku announced the launch of new high-end 4K Roku Pro Series TVs later this year, featuring AI-powered features that automatically optimize picture settings based on content.
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SpaceX launches first Starlink 'cell towers'
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Welcome, Tech enthusiasts.
SpaceX just launched the first piece of a puzzle that promises connectivity virtually everywhere on Earth.
The Starlink satellites function as orbiting ‘cell towers’ — aiming to provide cellular coverage to isolated areas. Can this new tech bring digital infrastructure to the entire globe? Let’s dig in…
In today’s tech rundown:
SpaceX sends up first satellite "cell towers"
Samsung reveals steam cleaning, AI-powered vacuum
8 new products
Tesla’s record EV deliveries
Baidu donates quantum computing lab for research
Facebook introduces ‘Link History’ amid privacy issues
Read time: 3 minutes
TODAY’S HEADLINES
SPACEX
🛰️ SpaceX sends up first satellite "cell towers"
Image source: SpaceX
The Rundown: SpaceX just launched its first set of Starlink satellites equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities, intended to provide phone connectivity anywhere by linking with cellular networks.
The details:
The satellites act as cell towers in space, working with standard 4G LTE phones to provide connectivity in remote areas unreachable by traditional networks.
Initial partners span across the globe, including T-Mobile, Rogers, KDDI, Optus, One NZ, Salt, and Entel.
The rollout starts with texting in 2024, adding voice calling and data connectivity in 2025.
But the maximum 7Mbps speeds per satellite beam can't yet rival bandwidth of land-based 4G and 5G networks.
Why it matters: Though still evolving, SpaceX's space-based network could someday realize the promise of connectivity anywhere on Earth — critical for rural and remote areas of the world still lacking digital infrastructure.
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SAMSUNG
🧹 Samsung reveals steam cleaning, AI-powered vacuum
Image source: Samsung
The Rundown: Samsung just announced its Bespoke Jet Bot Combo robot vacuum, which integrates enhanced AI for navigation, stain detection targeted steam cleaning, and automatic transition between floor types — set to be unveiled at the company’s upcoming CES 2024 event.
The details:
New AI integrations helps the robot distinguish between rooms, detect stains, and identify floor surfaces for optimal cleaning.
When dried stains are spotted, the vacuum returns to base to heat mop pads with high-temp steam and water before scrubbing the spot.
AI Object Recognition detects a wider range of household objects for more precise navigation around obstacles.
Why it matters: As we enter into the year of AI in everything, some truly wild new household tech is clearly on the way. And while Roombas and ‘smart’ vacuums of old were all the rage — improving robotics and AI integrations will likely make older models eventually look like antiques.
NEW PRODUCTS
🤖 CrewAI- Multi-agent interaction builder (link)
🅰️ Cline- Web-based A/B testing (link)
🛒 Shopal- AI-powered electronics shopping assistant (link)
🦉 UserWise- Transform feedback into informed choices (link)
📚 Laterbase- AI-powered bookmark management and chat (link)
📊 HighContext- Backup fine-tuning datasets for ChatGPT (link)
📝 Copy AI- Generate content, such as blog headlines, emails, and social media posts using AI (link)
📹 Pictory- Automatically create short, branded videos from long-form content (link)
Browse the most popular tools ever featured with our tool database.
SNIPPETS
Twitch updates its nudity policy to ban implied nudity and refine adult content guidelines on its platform.
Tesla reported a record delivery of 1.809 million EVs in 2023, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
Montana and North Carolina began enforcing new age verification laws for adult content platforms, prompting Pornhub to block users from these states.
Baidu plans to donate a quantum computing lab to the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences to support advanced research in the field.
Facebook introduces a 'Link History' tool allowing users to opt out of link click tracking on its mobile app.
Fossil evidence suggests photosynthetic cells were present 1.7 billion years ago, based on identification of thylakoid structures similar to modern cells.
Sony, Canon, and Nikon are integrating digital signature technology into future cameras to combat deepfakes and verify image authenticity.
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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
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Showroom- The most accurate way to search for clothes (link)
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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)
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🌐 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)
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UForm- A multimodal AI library for content understanding & generation (link)
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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)
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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.
THAT’S A WRAP
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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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THAT’S A WRAP
If you have anything interesting to share, please reach out to us by sending us a DM on Twitter: @rowancheung & @therundowntech
❤️ 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:
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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)
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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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