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Adobe has offered a sneak peek at its upcoming generative AI video tools, which will include a feature that generates video clips from still images. This new tool builds on the Firefly video model, set to power AI video and audio editing features across Adobe’s Creative Cloud applications. Users can create video clips using text descriptions and adjust the results using simulated camera controls. Additionally, an image-to-video feature was demonstrated, allowing users to generate clips using reference images. The tool will be available in beta as a standalone Firefly application later this year, with plans to integrate it into Adobe's Creative Cloud, Experience Cloud, and Adobe Express applications.

OpenAI is set to unveil its latest artificial intelligence model, Strawberry, in the coming two weeks, according to reports from Seeking Alpha and The Information, cited by PYMNTS. The new model is designed to demonstrate advanced reasoning capabilities and improve its ability to comprehend and process complex information. OpenAI's efforts to push the boundaries of AI capabilities aim to revolutionize various sectors, including supply chain management, market forecasting, and customer experience personalization. With more than 1 million paying business users utilizing OpenAI's products, the company is reportedly seeking to raise "several billion dollars" in funding to maintain its position at the forefront of AI innovation.

In a pioneering study, Dr. Patrick Krauss and Dr. Achim Schilling from the Cognitive Computational Neuroscience Group at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) used artificial intelligence to gain major insights into how the brain predicts future events and processes information. By analyzing local field potentials (LFPs), they discovered that the brain remains active in anticipating possible scenarios, even in a resting state. This research may lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for neurological diseases by improving our understanding of how thoughts and feelings are processed in our minds. The study also reveals the potential for AI to continuously make predictions, even without processing any input, which could have implications for various applications, including vehicle safety. The results show how the fusion of technology and brain research is expanding the boundaries of cognitive processes and brain function, ultimately leading to innovative approaches in medical diagnosis and therapy. The findings were published in NeuroImage and demonstrate the potential of using unsupervised machine learning to extract meaningful information from single-trial electro-physiological recordings, offering new insights into how information is processed in the cerebral cortex. This research opens up new avenues for understanding the complexities of the human brain, with the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment for a range of neurological diseases.

New details have emerged from OpenAI regarding their robotic arm named "Strawberry," designed to assist with household chores and other tasks. In related news, Apple has announced a major makeover for its virtual assistant, Siri, aiming to improve its functionality and user experience. Additionally, Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, has announced plans to double down on data centers, signaling the company's continued expansion in cloud computing and data storage. These developments reflect the ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence, virtual assistants, and cloud infrastructure, indicating the increasingly pivotal role of these technologies in our daily lives and the business landscape.

Nevada has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Google to use a generative AI system to process unemployment appeals hearings. This system will analyze transcripts and evidentiary documents to issue recommendations to human referees about whether claimants should receive benefits. The state hopes this AI system will help clear a backlog of over 40,000 appeals cases that have accumulated since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Nevada officials emphasize that human referees will review and issue all decisions, concerns have been raised about potential bias and accuracy issues with relying on AI for such high-stakes decisions. Despite these concerns, state officials believe the AI system can significantly reduce processing times and help claimants receive benefits more quickly.

In New York City, futuristic foodies are using AI to gain immediate access to popular dining establishments, bypassing the long waitlists. The Shortlist, a newly launched tool created by Jenn Han and Josh Jung, utilizes data from Google Maps and Resy to provide real-time open tables based on specific preferences such as neighborhood, number of seats, and ambiance. Since its launch on August 29, the tool has gained thousands of email subscribers and over 10,000 searches, with plans to expand to other cities. Users have expressed enthusiasm for the convenience and time-saving potential of the AI tool, while some have remained skeptical of its added value. Overall, the innovative approach serves as a solution to the perennial problem of securing last-minute reservations at popular restaurants in NYC.

AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su announced at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia & Technology Conference that her company is embarking on an AI "supercycle," introducing a series of high-powered AI chips. AMD will launch the MI325 AI chip later this year, followed by the MI350 in 2025 and the MI400 in 2026, challenging rival Nvidia's dominance in the AI chip market. These new chips come after the successful release of the MI300x last year, and Su expects AMD to generate $4.5 billion in sales from this chip alone in 2024. This marks a significant growth from the $100 million in AI-related chip revenue the company earned last year. With the AI market proving to be a lucrative one, AMD is making substantial investments for the next five years.

Google has recently introduced a new feature for its Gemini AI chatbot called Gems, which allows users to create custom chatbots for specific purposes. With Gems, users can have individual chatbots tailored to different tasks, such as learning a language, seeking travel advice, or getting career guidance. However, users need to have an Advanced, Business, or Enterprise plan to access and use Gems. To create and customize their own Gems, users can use the Gemini interface on the web. The process involves giving the new Gem a name and specific instructions, as well as testing its responses to ensure it meets their needs. While Gems offer a more focused approach to using AI for tasks, they are currently only available to certain Gemini users.

In a rare joint statement, CIA director Bill Burns and UK Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) chief Richard Moore revealed that their agencies have adopted generative AI to combat tech-driven threats from Russia and China. They stated that AI, including generative AI, is being used to improve intelligence activities, protect operations, and analyze vast amounts of data. The use of cloud technologies and collaboration with innovative companies were also emphasized. Moore disclosed that MI6 uses large language models to navigate extremist content and decode criminal vernacular on the internet. The intelligence bosses highlighted the unique challenges posed by technology, especially in the context of the conflict in Ukraine, which demonstrated the combination of various technologies at a rapid pace. They also emphasized efforts to disrupt disinformation campaigns and sabotage by Russia as well as the increasing focus on addressing technology theft and security issues from China.

OpenAI's new voice mode has been a hot topic of discussion, as it has thrown many users into the uncanny valley. The AI creates remarkably human-like speech, but with a robotic tinge that can unsettle listeners. Many have reported feeling uncomfortable or even creeped out by the lifelike yet artificial quality of the AI-generated voice. While some find the technology impressive, others worry about the potential psychological and ethical implications of using such realistic yet not-quite-human voices. OpenAI's new voice mode has certainly sparked a debate about the boundaries and consequences of AI technology in the realm of human communication.

Elon Musk's AI photo tool has sparked controversy by generating realistic, fake images of political figures such as Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Joe Biden. The tool, developed by Musk's company OpenAI, has the ability to create synthetic images of people who do not exist, raising concerns about the potential misuse of the technology for deceptive purposes. While AI-generated deepfake videos have been a concern in recent years, this new tool demonstrates the rapid advancement of AI in creating convincing and highly realistic fake images. As public concern grows over the potential negative impact of such technology on politics and society, experts are calling for increased regulation and ethical considerations in the development and use of AI.

AI has made its way into the world of stand-up comedy with the development of a new algorithm that can generate jokes. The algorithm, created by a team of computer scientists, uses a database of existing jokes to analyze patterns and commonalities, then generates its own unique jokes. According to the team, the algorithm is able to understand and produce jokes that align with the timing and structure of typical stand-up comedy. This development has sparked debates about the future of human comedians and the potential impact of AI on the entertainment industry. Despite the advancements in AI-generated humor, many believe that human creativity and emotional connection are irreplaceable elements of live comedy performances.

X has recently launched a controversial new AI image generator that can create pictures of public figures in compromising situations. The generator has been criticized for its potential to spread misinformation and create fake images that could damage reputations. The software has already been used to produce images of Taylor Swift in lingerie and Kamala Harris holding a gun, sparking concerns about privacy and ethical implications. While X claims the tool can be used for harmless fun, critics argue that it poses a serious threat to individuals' privacy and public trust. The release of this AI image generator has reignited the debate over the ethical responsibilities of tech companies and the potential dangers of AI manipulation.

Snowflake has launched Cortex Analyst, an AI system designed to provide accurate data analytics. The new system aims to help organizations make better decisions by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Cortex Analyst has been designed to be both powerful and user-friendly, allowing non-technical users to easily access and analyze complex data sets. The system promises to provide accurate and reliable insights, empowering businesses to gain a deeper understanding of their data and drive more informed decision-making. With the launch of Cortex Analyst, Snowflake is positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven data analytics, offering a solution that combines advanced technology with ease of use.

Gemini, the latest AI assistant, has transformed mobile devices into powerful tools for users. It is designed to understand and carry out complex commands, making it easier for people to multitask and stay organized. Its advanced natural language processing capabilities allow for seamless communication and understanding of user requests. Utilizing machine learning, Gemini can adapt to individual preferences and habits, providing a personalized experience. With the ability to handle various tasks such as scheduling, reminders, and information retrieval, it has become an indispensable tool for users seeking efficiency and convenience in their daily lives. Gemini’s release marks a significant advancement in the integration of artificial intelligence into everyday technology, ushering in a new era of mobile device capabilities.

Huawei is preparing to launch a new artificial intelligence chip in an effort to challenge Nvidia's dominance in China, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The chip, known as the Ascend 910, is expected to be released by the end of this year and is designed to power AI applications. This move comes as part of Huawei's broader strategy to reduce its reliance on American technology amid ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. The company's push into AI chips signals its ambition to become a major player in the global semiconductor industry.

Older Americans are taking proactive measures to adapt to a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence (AI). As technology continues to advance, many seniors are enrolling in technology and AI training programs to remain competitive in the job market and navigate an increasingly digital society. Recognizing the importance of staying informed and skilled in this new landscape, older adults are seeking out opportunities to learn about AI and its applications. Whether it's through online courses, community workshops, or educational seminars, seniors are demonstrating a strong commitment to understanding and integrating AI into their lives. This proactive approach reflects the growing recognition among older Americans of the need to embrace AI and its potential impact on various aspects of daily life.

In the news story "AI is like Google Maps: The user is the product," it is revealed that the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and its users mirrors the dynamic between a person and Google Maps. Just as Google Maps collects user data to improve its services, AI systems also rely on user interactions to enhance their performance. This behavior raises concerns about privacy and transparency, as users may not fully understand the extent of their data's usage. Experts suggest implementing regulations and educating users to ensure responsible AI development and usage.

Nvidia has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the State of California to provide AI training to 100,000 residents. This initiative is aimed at equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. The program will be conducted online and will cover a wide range of AI-related topics, catering to people with diverse educational backgrounds and skill levels. This partnership represents a significant commitment to meeting the growing demand for AI expertise and fostering economic opportunities in the state. By bringing together industry expertise and state resources, Nvidia and California are setting a precedent for addressing the evolving needs of the workforce in the era of AI.