Category: Technology

In a groundbreaking initiative called Predicting Image Geolocations (PIGEON), three Stanford graduate students, Michal Skreta, Silas Alberti, and Lukas Haas, harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to excel in geolocating photos, demonstrating its potential and raising privacy concerns.

The project originated from a Stanford class, Computer Science 330, where the students, avid players of the online game GeoGuessr, sought to build an AI player surpassing human capabilities. Using the OpenAI-developed CLIP neural network, they trained their system with a dataset of 500,000 Google Street View images, achieving remarkable performance. PIGEON can correctly identify the country in 95% of cases and pinpoint locations within approximately 25 miles.

Silas Alberti emphasized the program’s ability to surpass human geoguessers, recounting their victory against renowned human geoguesser Trevor Rainbolt. PIGEON’s success is attributed to its capacity to discern subtle visual cues, including variations in foliage, soil, and weather, making it adept at image classification by global position.

The potential applications of PIGEON are extensive, ranging from identifying infrastructure issues to aiding biodiversity monitoring and serving as an educational tool. However, the project raises concerns about privacy, voiced by Jay Stanley from the American Civil Liberties Union. Stanley warns of potential misuse for government surveillance, corporate tracking, or even stalking, emphasizing the sensitivity of location information from a privacy standpoint.

To test PIGEON’s capabilities, the program was challenged with personal, unpublished photos from a cross-country trip. Impressively, it accurately identified a campsite in Yellowstone within 35 miles and a street in San Francisco within a few city blocks. While some mismatches occurred, the ACLU’s Jay Stanley acknowledges the project’s overall potential, pondering what larger entities, like Google, could achieve.

The conversation extends to existing features, such as Google’s “location estimation,” utilizing AI to guess photo locations. While currently limited to a catalog of approximately a million landmarks, concerns arise regarding potential expansion for tracking user travel or government surveillance. Stanley emphasizes the shift in removing GPS location tags from photos may become ineffective.

Despite their achievement, the Stanford students recognize the risks associated with AI geolocation and have refrained from publicly releasing their full model. Stanley anticipates the growing influence of AI in geolocation but emphasizes individual awareness of the content in background photos posted online.

The PIGEON project, born from a student endeavor, showcases the remarkable capabilities of AI in geolocating images, opening doors to diverse applications. However, the ethical implications and potential for privacy invasion underscore the need for responsible development and usage of such technology.

A recent investigation carried out in Romania has unveiled that individuals who are subjected to phubbing—being ignored in favor of a mobile phone—tend to experience heightened loneliness and psychological distress. This study, published in BMC Psychology, suggests that loneliness might play a partial role in mediating the connection between perceived phubbing, life satisfaction, and psychological distress.

The ubiquity of mobile devices has seen an explosive growth over the past few decades, with estimates in 2021 indicating a staggering 5.3 billion smartphone users worldwide. While this technological advancement has undeniably facilitated communication and interaction, it has also introduced new challenges in social dynamics, one of which is phubbing.

Phubbing, a contraction of “phone snubbing,” refers to the phenomenon where individuals prioritize their smartphones over face-to-face interactions with others. Those engaging in phubbing neglect the company of others in favor of their mobile devices, leading the person on the receiving end, termed the “phubbee,” to feel ignored or unimportant. This behavior can result in feelings of isolation, frustration, reduced social connection, and diminished life satisfaction for those affected.

Alexandra Maftei and Cornelia Măirean, the authors of the study, aimed to explore the connections between phubbing experiences, loneliness, life satisfaction, and psychological distress in adult phubbees. They hypothesized that higher levels of perceived phubbing would be linked to increased psychological distress and lower life satisfaction. Additionally, they believed that phubbing could induce feelings of loneliness, which, in turn, might lead to higher psychological distress and lower life satisfaction.

The study involved 720 Romanian adults, ranging from 18 to 77 years old, with an average age of 24 years. The majority of participants (74%) were female, and 44% were in a romantic relationship, 36% were single, and 18% were married.

Participants underwent assessments for psychological distress (using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), life satisfaction (using the Satisfaction with Life Scale), perceived phubbing (using the Generic Scale of Being Phubbed), loneliness (using the revised UCLA Loneliness Scale), and time spent on social media (assessed with a single item). Results confirmed that higher perceived exposure to phubbing was associated with increased levels of psychological distress and loneliness, although no direct correlation was found between phubbing and life satisfaction.

The researchers developed and tested a statistical model proposing that loneliness acts as a mediator between perceived phubbing and life satisfaction, as well as between perceived phubbing and psychological distress. The model testing revealed a slight positive direct effect of phubbing on life satisfaction and a negative indirect effect through loneliness. This suggests that while phubbing may slightly increase life satisfaction, it more significantly increases loneliness, subsequently decreasing life satisfaction.

The model, when extended to include psychological distress, indicated that phubbing might impact psychological distress both directly and indirectly, through increasing loneliness. The study authors concluded by highlighting the substantial role of perceived phubbing in discussions about psychological distress and life satisfaction. They emphasized the need for further exploration into the (mis)use of digital devices, such as smartphones, within interpersonal relationships and the importance of understanding the outcomes of such behaviors to shape effective interventions.

While this study provides valuable insights into the phenomenon of phubbing, it is crucial to acknowledge its limitations. The study design does not permit drawing cause-and-effect conclusions. It is plausible that phubbing triggers loneliness, but it is equally plausible that lonely individuals are more likely to experience phubbing or pay more attention to phubbing behaviors, consequently reporting greater perceived phubbing. Additionally, the predominantly young age of study participants raises questions about the generalizability of results to populations with a larger proportion of older individuals.

WhatsApp has introduced an innovative ‘Secret Code’ feature geared towards enhancing user privacy in sensitive conversations. This complements their existing Chat Lock tool, enabling users to password-protect specific chats.

The Secret Code feature allows users to establish a distinct password, separate from their phone’s lock code, to access locked chats. This introduces an additional layer of security in the event that someone gains unauthorized access to the user’s phone. Moreover, the Locked Chats folder now has the option to be completely concealed from the main chat list. The exclusive means of accessing locked chats is by entering the secret code into WhatsApp’s search bar.

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, expressed, “Rolling out secret code to Chat Lock on WhatsApp so you can protect your chats with a unique password. Now you can set your locked chats to only appear when you type the secret code in the search bar, so no one can unintentionally discover your most private conversations.”

In addition to bolstering security, the new feature streamlines the process of locking new chats. Users can now effortlessly lock any chat by long-pressing on it, eliminating the need to navigate through settings.

The global rollout of this feature commences this week, with the aim of reaching all WhatsApp users in the coming months. This development is part of a series of privacy-centric updates from the Meta-owned app, showcasing its commitment to reassuring users. In a landscape where chat privacy holds significant importance, the introduction of innovative tools like the Secret Code could potentially set WhatsApp apart from its competitors.

Over the past year, ChatGPT has solidified its position as the leading AI chatbot, dominating the landscape and garnering an impressive 14.6 billion total visits between September 2022 and August 2023, as per a recent study. This staggering number represents 60% of the total traffic directed to the top 50 AI tools during the same period. On average, ChatGPT received 1.5 billion visits per month, surpassing the combined traffic of its nearest competitors.

To contextualize ChatGPT’s success, its closest rival, Character AI, secured a distant second place with 3.8 billion total visits over the year. While commendable, this figure is dwarfed by ChatGPT’s nearly 15 billion visits. Interestingly, a previous study indicated that Character AI boasted higher engagement, with users spending nearly 8 times more time on the platform compared to ChatGPT.

Major players in the industry, such as Google’s Bard and Microsoft’s Bing Chat, lagged significantly behind in the past 12 months. Google Bard, launched earlier in the year, secured the sixth position with 241 million total visits, while Microsoft’s Bing Chat failed to make the top 10 list.

The gap between ChatGPT and its competitors is poised to widen further, given the explosive 10.7 times year-over-year growth observed in the overall AI industry, largely fueled by ChatGPT’s viral popularity.

The data for this analysis was sourced from writerbuddy.ai, which utilized SEMrush to compile information from AI tool directories. The top 10 most visited AI tools over the last 12 months are listed as follows:

1. ChatGPT
2. Character AI
3. QuillBot
4. Midjourney
5. Hugging Face
6. Google Bard
7. NovelAI
8. CapCut
9. Janitor AI
10. Civitai

Notwithstanding ChatGPT’s dominance, the broader trend indicates a steady influx of traffic to AI tools, with monthly average visits skyrocketing from 241 million in September 2022 to over 4 billion at its peak in May 2023. The cumulative visits for the top 50 AI tools during this period surpassed 24 billion.

However, not all AI tools experienced growth; some, including Craiyon, Midjourney, and Quillbot, witnessed a significant decline in traffic despite maintaining high rankings.

ChatGPT has achieved remarkable success with its viral launch and user-friendly conversational AI. The landscape of AI is dynamic, and it remains to be seen whether established tech giants like Google and Microsoft will catch up in 2024 or if a surprise contender from a new AI startup will emerge.

The Indian government has taken a significant leap forward in bolstering domestic manufacturing by approving Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in the IT hardware sector. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister for Electronics and Information, announced that 27 companies have received approval, marking a crucial milestone in the country’s quest for self-reliance in the technology industry.

Vaishnaw highlighted that among the approved companies, 23 are set to commence manufacturing operations immediately, while an additional four will initiate within the next 90 days. This move is expected to infuse a substantial Rs 3,000 crore into the industry, generating direct employment for 50,000 individuals and indirect opportunities for 150,000 more.

The initiative attracted applications from a diverse pool of 40 companies, including industry giants such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Their commitment involves the production of personal computers, laptops, tablets, servers, and assorted equipment, with an estimated value of Rs 4.65 lakh crore during the scheme’s tenure.

Vaishnaw reassured that companies not yet approved are actively assessing the scheme and are expected to join the initiative soon. This signals a positive trend, indicating broader industry participation in the transformative phase of domestic manufacturing.

The genesis of this monumental step traces back to May when the Cabinet approved a revamped IT hardware PLI scheme worth Rs 17,000 crore. Spanning six years, this initiative aims to significantly boost domestic manufacturing in laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, servers, and ultra-small form factor devices. Projections suggest that it will trigger incremental production worth Rs 3.35 lakh crore and create approximately 200,000 job opportunities.

In contrast to the previous scheme, which offered incentives of up to 2 percent of net sales for domestically manufactured goods, the revised version substantially elevates the basic incentive to over 5 percent. This strategic adjustment aims to provide more attractive benefits to companies participating in the scheme, thereby encouraging greater involvement in domestic manufacturing.

Moreover, the revamped scheme places a strong emphasis on catalyzing local manufacturing of smaller components in computing devices. Additional incentives, reaching up to 3 percent, are introduced for companies procuring domestically-produced components such as memory chips, printed circuit board assemblies, solid-state drives, chassis, power supply components, and adaptors. This multifaceted approach is designed to address challenges faced by the industry, including inadequate infrastructure, domestic supply chain and logistics issues, high financial costs, power quality limitations, limited industry focus on research and development, and skill development gaps.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) acknowledges that the industry grapples with significant challenges, experiencing setbacks ranging from 8.5% to 11%. The National Policy on Electronics 2019 (NPE 2019) underscores the overarching goal of establishing India as a paramount hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM). This vision seeks to foster indigenous capabilities in developing core components, creating a conducive environment that empowers the industry to compete fiercely on the global stage.

In the words of Minister Vaishnaw, “This development is a crucial stride towards realizing the goals set by the NPE 2019. The approval of PLI schemes for the IT hardware sector underscores the government’s commitment to boosting domestic manufacturing and creating a self-reliant ecosystem in the technology industry.”

The approved entities, including well-known names such as Dell, Foxconn, HP, Lenovo Flextronics, VVDL, Neolink, Bhagwati, Netweb, Sahasra, ILP, and Optimus, represent a diverse consortium of manufacturers entering this transformative phase. Their participation is expected to not only contribute significantly to the Indian economy but also strengthen the country’s position in the global technology landscape.

As the approved companies gear up to initiate manufacturing operations, the ripple effect of this government initiative is poised to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and position India as a key player in the IT hardware manufacturing sector. The success of the revamped IT hardware PLI scheme hinges on sustained industry participation, effective implementation, and continued government support, marking a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards technological self-sufficiency.

Bill Gates, a co-founder of Microsoft, has made a significant prediction regarding the future of artificial intelligence (AI), envisioning a world where everyone will have a sophisticated robot “agent” working on their behalf. This revelation was reported by Fortune, where Gates emphasized that a personal assistant powered by advanced AI technology would soon be accessible to anyone with an internet connection, surpassing the limitations of current technology. Gates expressed his view that despite the existing advancements, current software is still relatively limited in intelligence but anticipates a complete transformation within the next five years.

“In the near future, anyone who’s online will be able to have a personal assistant powered by artificial intelligence that’s far beyond today’s technology,” remarked the billionaire, highlighting the transformative potential of AI. Gates emphasized the proactive nature of these future agents, stating, “Agents are smarter. They’re proactive—capable of making suggestions before you ask for them.”

The tech luminary foresees these AI-powered personal assistants being capable of a wide range of tasks, including planning entire trips for users. Gates explained, “When asked, it will recommend things to do based on your interests and propensity for adventure, and it will book reservations at the types of restaurants you would enjoy.” He contrasted this with the present scenario where achieving such personalized planning requires the engagement of a travel agent, involving both payment and time-consuming communication.

Gates’ predictions align with the ongoing advancements in AI, marked by the introduction of platforms such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Bing, Google Bard, and Elon Musk’s Grok. The technology magnate anticipates that AI tools will surpass the functionalities of traditional productivity tools, envisioning a future where these agents can assist in various aspects of life, from business planning to generating product visualizations.

“If you have an idea for a business, an agent will help you write up a business plan, create a presentation for it, and even generate images of what your product might look like,” Gates explained, emphasizing the expanded role of AI agents beyond conventional productivity tools. He further speculated that companies would integrate these agents directly into their operations, making them accessible to employees for consultation and participation in meetings.

Contrary to the notion of a single dominating company in the AI agent business, Gates predicts a competitive landscape with numerous companies entering the fray. While acknowledging that most AI agents may come with a price tag, he anticipates intense competition driving down costs. Currently embedded in software like word processors and spreadsheets, Gates envisions a future where these agents operate independently, providing assistance across various tasks irrespective of the work environment.

Gates envisions AI agents being utilized for diverse purposes, handling more intricate tasks than contemporary voice assistants. He illustrated this by describing scenarios where these agents could facilitate thoughtful gestures, such as sending flowers to a friend who has undergone surgery or coordinating meetups with old college roommates. Gates envisions a seamless integration of these agents into daily life, even providing timely reminders about significant life events, demonstrating their potential to enhance and simplify various aspects of life.

Bill Gates anticipates a paradigm shift in the role of AI, with advanced agents becoming integral to daily life, offering comprehensive assistance across a spectrum of activities. The landscape he envisions is one of increased accessibility, competition, and a broadened scope for AI agents, poised to redefine the way individuals interact with technology and navigate their daily lives.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making significant strides globally, with transformative technologies like ChatGPT holding the potential to reshape work, information interaction, and social dynamics. While these innovations can propel humanity into new realms of knowledge and productivity, there’s a growing concern about the rapid pace of AI development. Notable figures such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak are cautioning against unregulated AI, emphasizing its potential for severe harm on individuals and societies, including the ominous possibility of rendering humans obsolete or even threatening humanity itself.

Amidst heightened criticism and scrutiny, technology companies are racing to advance AI capabilities. The pressure on Washington to formulate AI regulations is mounting, but the challenge lies in balancing regulatory measures with the imperative to foster innovation. The United States, China, and Europe are evolving distinct regulatory paradigms rooted in their values and incentives, not only reshaping domestic markets but also influencing the global digital landscape.

In the United States, a market-driven approach prevails, with a profound faith in markets and a limited role for government. Prioritizing free speech, a free internet, and innovation incentives, Washington views digital technologies as catalysts for economic prosperity and political freedom. This approach is underpinned by a deep-seated techno-optimism, positioning U.S. tech companies as drivers of progress. However, this emphasis on economic and geopolitical primacy has left substantive federal AI legislation largely absent. The U.S. approach leans on voluntary standards, as seen in the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, reflecting a belief in tech companies’ self-regulation. Policymakers, including the chair of the Federal Trade Commission, Lina Khan, warn of potential costs and argue for government regulation, but comprehensive AI regulation faces obstacles amid political dysfunction and concerns about compromising innovation.

In contrast, China adopts a state-driven approach, seeking to become the world’s leading technology superpower. The government actively regulates the digital economy, leveraging AI for censorship, surveillance, and propaganda. Recognizing AI’s economic and political potential, China heavily subsidizes technologies facilitating mass surveillance. However, the authoritarian regime’s desire for control prompts strict regulations to ensure AI aligns with political goals. Recent regulations targeting deepfake technologies and recommendation algorithms illustrate China’s commitment to shaping AI development in line with its vision, even as generative AI poses challenges to censorship efforts.

The European Union (EU) departs from the U.S. and China by prioritizing a rights-driven approach, anchored in the rule of law and democratic governance. With a focus on user and citizen rights, the EU has enacted pioneering regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation and the Digital Markets Act. The recently adopted Digital Services Act holds online platforms accountable for hosted content. As AI advancements unfold, the EU has introduced the AI Act, a comprehensive draft law aimed at mitigating AI risks and protecting fundamental rights. Provisions in this legislation include prohibitions on AI systems exploiting vulnerabilities, predictive policing, and real-time facial recognition in public spaces, with tight regulations on AI systems leading to discriminatory outcomes.

In the final stages of the legislative process, the EU faces the challenge of regulating general-purpose AI, such as ChatGPT, presented to the public in November 2022 by OpenAI. The European Parliament emphasizes transparency requirements and designs that safeguard fundamental rights and prevent the generation of illegal content. Once finalized, the AI Act is poised to become the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation, setting a precedent for responsible AI development.

The landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) governance is witnessing the emergence of three distinct “digital empires” as the United States, China, and Europe vie for control over the future of technology, each advancing unique regulatory paradigms rooted in their values. This competition not only shapes domestic markets but also guides the expansion of these digital empires globally, influencing other nations in their approach to AI legislation.

The U.S. model is market-driven, grounded in techno-optimism, and emphasizes minimal government intervention, relying on voluntary standards for tech companies. However, the lack of regulation has led to market failures and widespread distrust in tech companies due to issues such as data exploitation and monopolistic practices.

China adopts a state-driven approach, intertwining AI development with political control, exemplified by its Digital Silk Road initiative exporting surveillance technologies globally. Despite its authoritarian model, China faces challenges in developing generative AI systems due to censorship rules limiting data for training, highlighting potential innovation drawbacks.

In contrast, the European Union (EU) pursues a rights-driven approach, seeking to balance corporate power, protect fundamental rights, and uphold democratic institutions. The EU’s stringent regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation and the Digital Services Act, are influencing global standards, a phenomenon known as the Brussels Effect. The recently introduced AI Act is poised to become the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation, extending the EU’s influence.

As the appeal of the U.S. approach diminishes and the Chinese model gains ground, the EU’s “Goldilocks” alternative becomes attractive to nations seeking to check corporate power while safeguarding rights. Europe’s regulatory approach may shape global AI development through the Brussels Effect, extending its digital sphere of influence.

The future of the AI revolution hinges on how nations navigate these competing regulatory models. The United States, facing growing domestic support for regulation and concerns about China’s influence, may shift toward embracing AI regulation, possibly aligning with the EU. Transatlantic cooperation becomes crucial in the face of shared concerns about China’s digital authoritarianism.

In the evolving AI landscape, winners and losers will emerge not only in technological advancements but also in regulatory approaches, with profound economic and political consequences. The choices governments make will determine whether the AI revolution serves democracy, fosters prosperity, or leads to unforeseeable societal harms. The cooperation between the U.S. and the EU could set joint standards promoting innovation, protecting rights, and preserving democracy in the face of growing global demand for Chinese surveillance technologies.

India Gains Prominence in Apple’s iPhone Production

India is rapidly becoming a pivotal hub for Apple’s iPhone production, with the Tata Group gearing up to manufacture these sought-after devices for both domestic and international markets. The country’s Electronics and Technology Minister, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, has expressed his commitment to support this venture. Chandrasekhar announced that this ambitious project is set to be completed within two and a half years and pledged government support to Tata Group and other Indian electronics companies looking to collaborate with global brands. He stated, “@GoI_MeitY stands fully in support of the growth of Global Indian Electronics companies that will, in turn, support global Electronic brands that want to make India their trusted manufacturing and talent partner and to realize PM’s goal of making India a global electronics power.”

Tata Group’s Acquisition and Apple’s New Strategy

This significant development stems from Tata Group’s successful acquisition of Wistron Corp., a Taiwan-based contract manufacturer for Apple, for a sum of $125 million. Following board approval, Tata Group will hold a 100% stake in Wistron InfoComm Manufacturing (India) Private Limited (WMMI). The deal is now poised to navigate the requisite approval processes, ushering in a transformative phase for Apple’s manufacturing strategy.

Shifting from Traditional Chinese Production

Apple’s move to establish manufacturing capabilities in India marks a considerable shift from its conventional reliance on Chinese factories for the production of most of its iPhones, which are then distributed globally. Factors such as the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China and the escalating labor costs in China have motivated Apple to explore alternative production sources. India, boasting a substantial consumer market, a skilled workforce, and favorable governmental policies, has surfaced as an appealing alternative.

Apple’s Journey in India

Apple’s journey in India commenced in 2017 when it began assembling iPhones locally, initially starting with the iPhone SE. Since that time, the company has steadily expanded its operations, culminating in the local assembly of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.

This paradigm shift in Apple’s strategy underscores the growing importance of India in its global operations, as the country becomes an integral part of Apple’s production ecosystem. India’s favorable conditions, including its extensive consumer base and skilled labor force, have made it an attractive option for Apple as it seeks to diversify its manufacturing sources away from China.

The cooperation between Tata Group and Apple marks a promising chapter in India’s pursuit of becoming a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse. This partnership not only enhances India’s position in the global electronics industry but also paves the way for further collaboration with other international brands, aligning with the vision of India’s Prime Minister. The Indian government’s backing of this initiative reinforces its commitment to fostering a dynamic and globally competitive electronics sector within the country. With the impending completion of this project, India is poised to play a more pivotal role in Apple’s global production network.

Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, recently delivered a compelling vision of the company’s future at the Envision Tour in London, emphasizing that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a central role and drive a new tech revolution. This bold stance, however, raises concerns about whether Microsoft’s intense focus on AI could potentially overshadow its other successful ventures.

At this event, which primarily caters to enterprise audiences, one standout star was Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant that has been making waves on Windows 11 PCs worldwide. While the widespread adoption of Copilot exceeded Microsoft’s expectations, it’s important to note that this AI assistant comes in various forms, integrated into select Microsoft products.

The discussions at Envision shed light on how Copilot is transforming the way Microsoft 365 customers work, with an intriguing session on its integration into GitHub, the open-source code repository that Microsoft acquired a few years ago. Copilot significantly accelerates software development processes. Microsoft is adamant that AI should be viewed as a tool used by humans rather than a replacement for them. Nevertheless, concerns persist that despite Microsoft’s optimism about how Copilot can enhance our lives, there’s the fear that AI might eventually replace human jobs.

Nadella addressed this concern during his keynote, asserting that AI, particularly Copilot, isn’t a threat to employment but an opportunity. He highlighted the potential of AI, particularly in the realm of security, where there’s a shortage of professionals. He argued that AI can facilitate on-the-job training, making job opportunities more accessible to a broader range of individuals. While this is an ambitious idea, the practicality of companies hiring unqualified individuals for significant roles while relying on AI to fill the gaps remains in question. However, Nadella presented a more convincing argument regarding the value of adding AI-related skills to one’s resume, which is a feasible and beneficial step for nearly anyone.

Nadella’s faith in AI hinges on the accessibility of this technology to people worldwide. He envisions a world where every individual has access to a personalized tutor and a virtual doctor in their pocket, transforming their agency and empowerment. His conviction in the profound role AI will play in Microsoft’s future is evident, as he believes we’re on the brink of a monumental revolution.

He drew a parallel between the current AI era and the transformative impact of personal computing, particularly Windows, in the workplace, emphasizing the revolutionary shift in workflow brought about by email, word processing, and spreadsheets.
While Nadella’s enthusiasm for AI is contagious, the assertion that AI is “bigger than the PC, bigger than mobile” is debatable. Despite Microsoft’s AI endeavors, Google and other tech giants continue to dominate certain sectors. However, Microsoft’s Copilot feature in Windows 11 has shown promise, even though it’s in its early stages (still in preview, with a full release forthcoming).

There is a perceptible shift in Microsoft’s vision of itself and its target audience. It appears to be increasingly focused on enterprise users, a shift that extends beyond events like Envision, which were traditionally enterprise-focused. This shift is exemplified by Microsoft’s recent Surface product launches.
Previously, Surface devices were aspirational products aimed at consumers, challenging Apple’s premium offerings. However, the recent Surface lineup consists of iterative, less innovative upgrades. This shift in focus raises concerns that Microsoft is becoming less interested in the consumer market.

The push into AI, while important for Microsoft for various reasons, also raises questions about its commitment to enhancing the lives of consumers, particularly through its Surface devices. These devices could have been the ideal platforms to showcase how AI can improve daily life, but Microsoft’s waning interest in them is apparent.
Despite these concerns, it’s difficult not to be swept up by Nadella’s passion for AI and his unwavering belief in its potential. His statement that “AI is only real to me if it can make a real difference” underscores the importance of AI’s practical applications in real life. While the road ahead may have challenges and uncertainties, Microsoft’s bold AI journey is poised to shape the company’s future and the tech landscape at large.

Google Cloud unveiled new AI-driven search capabilities designed to assist healthcare professionals in swiftly retrieving accurate clinical information from various medical records. The healthcare sector houses extensive valuable data, but its scattered storage across multiple systems and formats can be an obstacle for clinicians. Google Cloud’s innovative search tool enables doctors to extract data from clinical notes, scanned documents, and electronic health records, consolidating it into a single accessible location. This innovation is expected to significantly save time and enhance efficiency for healthcare workers.

Lisa O’Malley, Senior Director of Product Management for Cloud AI at Google Cloud, highlighted the advantages of this technology, saying, “While it should save time to be able to do that search, it should also prevent frustration on behalf of clinicians and [make] sure that they get to an answer easier.”

With these new capabilities, healthcare professionals can bypass the cumbersome process of sifting through separate notes, faxes, and electronic health records to obtain patient histories. Instead, they can perform specific searches like “What medications has this patient taken in the last 12 months?” and access the relevant information seamlessly.

Furthermore, Google’s search features have broader applications, including accurate billing code assignment and assessing patient eligibility for clinical trials. To address concerns about data accuracy, the technology can trace and link information back to its original source within an organization’s internal data, mitigating doubts about AI-generated responses.

These search capabilities are particularly valuable in the context of the healthcare industry, where staffing shortages and excessive administrative work are prevalent. A 2016 study sponsored by the American Medical Association revealed that for every hour physicians spent with patients, they dedicated an additional two hours to administrative tasks. This study also indicated that physicians spent an extra one to two hours on clerical work outside of their regular working hours, commonly referred to as “pajama time.” Additionally, a January 2022 survey by Medscape reported that 53% of physicians experienced burnout, up from 42% in 2018.

Google aims to alleviate these burdens by reducing the time clinicians spend searching through records and databases. Lisa O’Malley expressed the company’s commitment to benefiting patients by making healthcare processes more efficient, stating, “Anything that Google can do by applying our search technologies, our health-care technologies and research capabilities to make the journey of the clinicians and health-care providers and payers more quick, more efficient, saving them cost, I think ultimately benefits us as patients.”

The new search functionalities will be accessible to health and life sciences organizations through Google’s Vertex AI Search platform, an extension of the existing Healthcare API and Healthcare Data Engine products. Aashima Gupta, Global Director of Health Care Strategy and Solutions at Google Cloud, emphasized the importance of seamlessly integrating these capabilities into clinicians’ workflows, ensuring they do not disrupt established routines.

Recognizing the healthcare industry’s historical reluctance to embrace new technology, Google has prioritized providing solutions that are user-friendly and unobtrusive to healthcare workers. Gupta stressed that they are cautious not to introduce friction into healthcare professionals’ daily workflows while empowering them with technology.
While customers can sign up for early access to Vertex AI Search for healthcare and life sciences, Google Cloud has already conducted tests with healthcare organizations such as Mayo Clinic, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Highmark Health.

Mayo Clinic, for example, is initially employing the Vertex AI Search tools for administrative purposes rather than clinical care. Cris Ross, Mayo’s Chief Information Officer, emphasized the organization’s cautious approach, stating that they will only integrate these tools into patient care when they are confident of their readiness.
In the future, Mayo Clinic envisions leveraging Vertex AI Search to assist nurses in summarizing lengthy surgical notes, managing complex medical histories, and rapidly answering specific patient-related queries. However, the organization is taking a gradual approach to assess where Google’s AI solutions can be most beneficial.
Richard Clarke, Chief Analytics Officer at Highmark Health, reported a positive initial response to the search tools within the organization, with more than 200 use-case ideas in the backlog. However, similar to Mayo Clinic, Highmark Health recognizes the challenge of prioritizing and scaling the technology while building trust among employees.

Despite these promising early signs, Google Cloud remains cautious in its deployment strategy, focusing on small-scale implementation with dedicated support. The aim is to ensure that the technology aligns with the unique needs and workflows of healthcare providers.

It’s important to note that Google Cloud does not access customer data for training models, and the service complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to safeguard patient data.

Aashima Gupta, Global Director of Health Care Strategy and Solutions at Google Cloud, expressed excitement about the potential of Google’s tools to create a more comprehensive and cohesive healthcare experience. She highlighted the role of AI in connecting the dots from a patient’s perspective, making practical use cases in healthcare more feasible.

Google Cloud’s introduction of AI-driven search capabilities has the potential to streamline healthcare workflows, reduce administrative burdens on clinicians, and enhance the overall patient experience. By making it easier for healthcare professionals to access and utilize critical clinical information, Google aims to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare industry while respecting established workflows and data security standards.

Hyundai and Kia are initiating a recall of over 3 million vehicles and advising owners to park them outside due to the risk of engine compartment fires. The companies are urging drivers to keep their vehicles away from homes and structures until they can take them to a dealership for a free repair.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a warning, stating that fires can occur both when the vehicle is parked and turned off or while it’s in motion. The NHTSA identified specific issues in certain Hyundai and Kia models that could lead to these fires.

For Hyundai, the concern is centered around the anti-lock brake system in 13 different models, which may leak fluid and trigger an electrical short circuit that could result in a fire. In the case of Kia, the fire risk is linked to the hydraulic electronic control unit in 10 separate models.

The Hyundai recall includes approximately 1.6 million vehicles, including the following models:

– 2012-2015 Accent

– 2012-2015 Azera

– 2011-2015 Elantra

– 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe

– 2014-2015 Equus

– 2011-2015 Genesis Coupe

– 2013-2015 Santa Fe

– 2013 Santa Fe Sport

– 2011-2015 Sonata HEV

– 2010-2013 Tucson

– 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell

– 2012-2015 Veloster

– 2010-2012 Veracruz

Additionally, Kia is recalling approximately 1.7 million vehicles, including the following models:

– 2014-2016 Cadenza

– 2011-2013 Forte/Forte Koup

– 2015-2017 K900

– 2010-2015 Optima

– 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid

– 2011-2017 Rio

– 2010 Rondo

– 2011-2014 Sorento

– 2011-2013 Soul

– 2010-2013 Sportage

To check if your vehicle is affected, you can visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN).

As of now, there have been 21 fires associated with the Hyundai recall and 22 “thermal incidents,” including visible smoke, burning, and melting. In the case of Kia, there have been four fires and six thermal incidents. Fortunately, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to these recalls, according to the NHTSA.

In the period from 2010 to December 2022, both Kia and Hyundai issued recalls for more than 7 million vehicles, with over 3,100 Kias and Hyundais catching fire. This resulted in 103 injuries and one death, according to the nonprofit Consumer Reports.

It’s worth noting that while Hyundai and Kia are distinct brands, Hyundai Motor Company holds a 33.88% majority stake in Kia Motors, and they often share parts from the same suppliers. Consumer Reports suggests that a shared four-cylinder engine could be a possible culprit behind these recalls and fire incidents.

As Google celebrates its 25th birthday this month, its CEO Sundar Pichai has reminisced about how technology has changed the way we communicate, create and innovate.

Celebrating Google’s rich history of events (the company will officially celebrate its 25th birthday later this month), Pichai said it’s time for some gratitude, and a moment to reflect.

“Years ago, when I was studying in the US, my dad — who was back in India — got his first email address. I was really excited to have a faster (and cheaper) way to communicate with him, so I sent a message.

“And then I waited…and waited. It was two full days before I got this reply Dear Mr. Pichai, email received. All is well,” he wrote late on Tuesday.

Fast forward to a few months ago. “I was with my teenage son. He saw something interesting, took some quick pictures and shared them with his friends. Then they exchanged a few messages, and it all seemed faster than the time it would take me just to pull out my phone,” said Pichai.

“How I communicated with my dad all those years ago compared with how my son communicates today shows just how much change can happen across generations,” he noted.

Google was founded on September 4, 1998, by American computer scientists Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were PhD students at Stanford University in California.

The company — now part of the parent group called Alphabet and run by Indian-origin Pichai — has diversified into several tech streams and launched several products.

“Larry and Sergey first wrote down our mission 25 years ago: to organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. The product they built, Google Search, went on to help billions of people around the world get answers to their questions,” said Pichai

Search is still at the core of the mission, and it’s still the biggest moonshot with so much more to do, according to him.

“Of course, Google today is more than a search box. We have 15 Google products that each serve more than half a billion people and businesses, and six that serve more than 2 billion users each,” Pichai informed.

The company rapidly grew to offer a multitude of products and services beyond Google Search, many of which hold dominant market positions like Gmail, Google Maps, Google Cloud, Chrome, YouTube, Workspace, Android operating system, cloud storage Drive, Google Translate), video chat app Meet, Pixel smartphones, Google Assistant, Bard AI and more.

Google has been investing in AI since almost the beginning. They were one of the first to use machine learning in their products, starting in the early 2000s.

“Now, generative AI is helping us reimagine our core products in exciting ways — from our new Search Generative Experience (SGE), to “Help Me Write” in Gmail. And earlier this year, we launched Bard, an early experiment that lets people collaborate with generative AI,” said Pichai.

One million people are already using generative AI in Google Workspace to write and create. Flood forecasting now covers places where over 460 million people live. A million researchers have used the AlphaFold database which covers 200 million predictions of protein structures, helping with advances to cut plastic pollution, tackle antibiotic resistance, fight malaria, and more.

“We’ve demonstrated how AI can help the airline industry to decrease contrails from planes, an important tool for fighting climate change,” according to Pichai.

Pichai was appointed as CEO of Google on October 24, 2015, replacing Page, who became the CEO of Alphabet. On December 3, 2019, Pichai also became the CEO of Alphabet.

“Over time, AI will be the biggest technological shift we see in our lifetimes. And in 2048, if, somewhere in the world, a teenager looks at all we’ve built with AI and shrugs, we’ll know we succeeded. And then we’ll get back to work. Thanks for an amazing 25,” he noted. (IANS)

Pope Francis believes the following  World Day of Peace should zero in on the effect, potential open doors and risks of man-made reasoning as the innovation creates and impacts a developing number of fields, from data to fighting.

“Pope Francis requires an open discourse on the significance of these new innovations, enriched with troublesome potential outcomes and undecided impacts,” read a proclamation from the Vatican on Tuesday (Aug. 8).

“He stresses the should be watchful and to work with the goal that a rationale of savagery and separation doesn’t flourish in the creation and utilization of such gadgets, to the detriment of the most delicate and prohibited: treachery and disparities fuel clashes and threats,” the assertion proceeded.

Made in 1967 by Pope Paul VI, the World Day of Peace is a yearly Catholic festival focused on the topic of harmony and seen on Jan. 1, that very day as the Catholic Solemnity of Mary. Popes for the most part convey a discourse on this event, which focuses on the topics of harmony and compromise.

The Vatican reported that following year’s subject will be “Artificial Intelligence and Peace,” when simulated intelligence is progressively standard and has started to upset fighting. Russia’s attack of Ukraine has raised worries over the conceivable utilization of independent weapons frameworks, normally alluded to as executioner robots, as well as cyberwarfare using artificial intelligence innovation.

The Vatican explanation tended to the “dire need to situate the idea and utilization of man-made brainpower in a dependable manner” that spotlights on safeguarding individuals and the climate. It additionally called for more prominent review and regulation of man-made intelligence, as legitimate systems overall linger behind mechanical headways in this field.

“The security of the nobility of the individual, and worry for a brotherhood successfully open to the whole human family, are key circumstances for mechanical improvement to help add to the advancement of equity and harmony on the planet,” the assertion read.

The Pontifical Academy for Life, a Vatican think tank zeroed in on tending to the whole extent of human existence and society, has given various reflections and coordinated gatherings on the subject of computer based intelligence. On Jan. 10, delegates from the Catholic, Jewish and Islamic confidence accumulated in Rome to sign a request requesting the execution of moral rules for man-made brainpower, in an occasion advanced by the Ecclesiastical Foundation.

People are now aware of the significance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene as a result of Covid-19. Nearly everyone uses hand sanitizers and cleans their hands frequently. In any case, imagine a scenario where we let you know that even after all the cleaning and cleanliness rehearses, you are conveying a large number of microscopic organisms with you day in and day out. Yes, you are, and your smartphones contain these bacteria. Quite, your cell phone can be perhaps of the dirtiest thing you convey and can hold onto however many microbes and microscopic organisms as a latrine seat.”

As per a concentrate by NordVPN, six out of 10 individuals take their telephones to the washroom while leading their business, particularly youths. 61.6 percent of the study’s participants admitted to checking their social media accounts while sitting on the toilet seat, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. “A third (33.9%) remain in touch with current affairs on the toilet, while a quarter (24.5%) use the time to take care of life admin by messaging or even calling their loved ones,” the research adds.

Smartphone addiction is a bad habit that makes smartphones into breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and pathogens, which is even worse. Bacteria and germs also make their way onto the smartphone’s surface through hands as people entertain themselves on toilet seats. These bacteria can eventually enter our bodies through our mouths, eyes, and noses if we use our smartphones constantly throughout the day.

Report proposes, microbes can live on cell phone evaluates for as long as 28 days. In a report, Dr Hugh Hayden, infection control specialist told Yahoo Life UK. ” It’s obviously true’s that cell phones can convey up to multiple times a larger number of microbes than latrine seats, and from a cleanliness perspective, touchscreens have been portrayed as the ‘mosquito of the computerized age’ as being vectors of irresistible illness.”

“At the point when we contact shared surfaces then, at that point, utilize our cell phone screen there is a gamble of cross tainting, the actual telephone then, at that point, turns into a wellspring of disease,” he further said.

Fundamentally, latrine seats can hold onto different destructive microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus. Infections of the urinary tract, abdominal pain, diarrhea, food poisoning, skin infections like abscesses, respiratory infections like sinusitis, and other complications can be brought on by these pathogens.

All in all, don’t take your telephone to the washroom. In addition to your telephone can get sullied; you could likewise risk sullying your headphones or different devices you convey with you in the washroom with hurtful microbes. As a result, for your health, it’s best to avoid entertainment and prioritize hygiene.

Network protection investigators uncovered two record the executives applications accessible on the Google Play Store that are really spyware, putting the security and security of up to 1.5 million Android clients in danger. So on the off chance that you have one of the most amazing Android telephones with these applications introduced, erase them immediately.

An alert issued this week by Pradeo, a leading mobile cybersecurity company, identified the suspicious applications as File Manager and File Recovery & Data Recovery. Both of the apps, developed by the same developer, are programmed to launch without the user’s knowledge and secretly transfer sensitive user data to Chinese servers.

According to screenshots of their respective Play Store pages shared in Pradeo’s report, File Recovery & Data Recovery was downloaded more than one million times and approximately 500,000 people installed File Manager. According to Bleeping Computer, Google removed the apps from the Play Store relatively recently. In the Play Store screenshots, Wang Tom is listed as the developer of both apps. Therefore, despite the fact that the Play Store contains a number of apps with the name File Manager, spyware has only been detected in the one developed by Wang Tom.

While the applications say they don’t gather any information from the client’s gadget, it turns out this wasn’t true. Pradeo’s social investigation motor found the applications exfiltrate the accompanying information: contacts that are stored on your device; contacts through social media and email; images, audio, and video that have been compiled in the app; continuous client area; device model and brand; mobile phone number; Name of the network provider; what’s more, working framework rendition number. All of this without ever asking for permission to collect this data.

The majority of the above data is not required for file management or data recovery operations, although the apps may have a valid reason to collect some of it to improve performance and guarantee compatibility across devices. The sheer volume of data transferred without the user’s knowledge is even more concerning. Pradeo says that each app sends more than one hundred messages, which is “an amount that is so large it is rarely observed.”

The applications can likewise manhandle the consents the client endorses during establishment to restart the gadget and discreetly send off behind the scenes. Additionally, there are steps involved in deleting them from your phone. The applications hide their home screen symbols to make uninstallation all the more a problem, as clients need to go to their application list in the Settings menu to erase them.

If you don’t see File Manager or File Recovery & Data Recovery on your home screen, go to your Settings menu right away to get rid of them. While you’re at it, you might want to install one of the best Android antivirus apps on your phone to protect it from malicious apps in the future. Google likewise carried out a few new updates to its Android biological system in June, including a convenient little security highlight that allows you to check whether your Gmail address has been uncovered on the dull web.

A global cyberattack orchestrated by Russian cybercriminals has targeted numerous US federal government agencies, exploiting a vulnerability in commonly used software, according to a leading US cybersecurity agency. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is “providing support to several federal agencies that have experienced intrusions affecting their MOVEit applications,” stated Eric Goldstein, CISA’s executive assistant director for cybersecurity.

In addition to US government agencies, a senior CISA official revealed that “several hundred” US-based companies and organizations could be impacted by the hackers’ activities. The ransomware group Clop, allegedly behind the attack, is notorious for demanding multimillion-dollar ransoms. However, no ransom demands have been made against federal agencies so far.

Progress Software, the US company responsible for the exploited software, has identified a second vulnerability in the code and is currently working on a fix. Among the federal agencies affected by the ongoing hacking campaign is the Department of Energy, as confirmed by a department spokesperson. CISA Director Jen Easterly assured reporters that the hacks have not caused any “significant impacts” on federal civilian agencies, adding that the hackers have been “largely opportunistic.”

This recent wave of cyberattacks began two weeks ago, targeting major US universities and state governments. The situation is putting pressure on federal officials who have vowed to tackle the rising issue of ransomware attacks that have disrupted schools, hospitals, and local governments across the nation.

Since late last month, the hackers have exploited a flaw in the widely used software called MOVEit, which agencies and companies utilize to transfer data. Progress Software has discovered a new vulnerability in the software “that could be exploited by a bad actor.” The company has informed its customers about the necessary steps to secure their systems and has temporarily taken MOVEit Cloud offline while urgently working on a patch.

Several agencies were quick to deny being affected by the hack, including the Transportation Security Administration and the State Department. The Department of Energy has taken “immediate steps” to mitigate the impact after learning that records from two department entities had been compromised, according to a department spokesperson.

The Russian hackers were the first to exploit the MOVEit vulnerability, but experts warn that other groups may now have access to the software code needed to carry out attacks.

The ransomware group set a deadline for victims to make contact regarding ransom payments, which expired on Wednesday. Following this, the hackers began revealing more alleged victims from the cyberattack on their dark web extortion site. As of Thursday morning, no US federal agencies were listed on the site. The hackers stated in uppercase letters, “If you are a government, city or police service do not worry, we erased all your data. You do not need to contact us. We have no interest to expose such information.”

CLOP ransomware group is among several gangs based in Eastern Europe and Russia that primarily focus on extracting as much money as possible from their victims. According to Rafe Pilling, director of threat research at Dell-owned Secureworks, the current activity of adding company names to their leak site serves as a scare tactic. He told CNN, “It’s a tactic to scare victims, both listed and unlisted, into paying.”

A month ago, numerous prominent figures in the artificial intelligence field signed an open letter cautioning that AI has the potential to eventually annihilate humanity. “Mitigating the risk of extinction from A.I. should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks, such as pandemics and nuclear war,” the brief statement declared.

This letter adds to the growing list of vague but concerning warnings about AI’s potential dangers. Although current AI systems are not capable of endangering humanity, experts in the field still express apprehension. The frightening scenario they envision involves companies, governments, or independent researchers utilizing powerful AI systems to manage everything from business operations to warfare. These systems could perform actions against human wishes and even resist interference or shutdown attempts by replicating themselves.

The Scary Scenario

Yoshua Bengio, a professor and AI researcher at the University of Montreal, acknowledged that today’s AI systems do not pose an existential threat. However, he added, “in one, two, five years? There is too much uncertainty. That is the issue. We are not sure this won’t pass some point where things get catastrophic.”

The concerned experts often use the analogy of a machine instructed to create as many paper clips as possible, which then goes overboard and converts everything, including humanity, into paper clip factories. This metaphor relates to the real world—or an imagined near-future—where companies grant AI systems increasing autonomy, connecting them to critical infrastructure like power grids, stock markets, and military weaponry, potentially causing significant issues.

Until recently, these concerns did not seem very plausible to many experts. However, with companies like OpenAI demonstrating considerable advancements in their technology, the potential dangers of rapidly progressing AI have become more apparent.

“A.I. will steadily be delegated, and could—as it becomes more autonomous—usurp decision making and thinking from current humans and human-run institutions,” said Anthony Aguirre, a cosmologist at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a founder of the Future of Life Institute, the organization responsible for one of the two open letters. “At some point, it would become clear that the big machine that is running society and the economy is not really under human control, nor can it be turned off, any more than the S&P 500 could be shut down,” he added.

Nevertheless, other AI experts view this theory as preposterous. Oren Etzioni, the founding chief executive of the Allen Institute for AI, expressed his skepticism by stating, “Hypothetical is such a polite way of phrasing what I think of the existential risk talk.”

Is there evidence that AI could accomplish such feats?

Not yet. However, researchers are working on developing chatbots like ChatGPT into action-taking systems based on the text they generate. AutoGPT serves as a prime example of this endeavor.

The objective is to assign goals to the system, such as “establish a company” or “generate revenue.” Assuming it’s connected to various internet services, the system would continually search for ways to achieve these goals. In essence, AutoGPT can create computer programs, and if given access to a server, it could execute them. This theoretically allows AutoGPT to perform almost any online task—accessing information, utilizing applications, creating new applications, or even enhancing itself.

However, systems like AutoGPT currently face limitations; they often get stuck in infinite loops. When one such system was provided all necessary resources to replicate itself, it failed. Over time, though, these constraints might be overcome.

“People are actively trying to build systems that self-improve,” said Connor Leahy, founder of Conjecture, a company aiming to align AI technologies with human values. “Currently, this doesn’t work. But someday, it will. And we don’t know when that day is.”

Leahy contends that as researchers, businesses, and criminals assign goals like “make some money” to these systems, they could potentially infiltrate banking systems, incite revolutions in countries where they hold oil futures, or even replicate themselves when someone attempts to shut them down.

How do AI systems learn undesirable behavior?

AI systems like ChatGPT are based on neural networks, which are mathematical structures capable of learning skills by analyzing data. Around 2018, companies such as Google and OpenAI started constructing neural networks that learned from vast quantities of digital text gathered from the internet. These systems identify patterns within the data, allowing them to autonomously generate written content, ranging from news articles and poems to computer programs and human-like conversations. Consequently, chatbots like ChatGPT emerged.

Since these systems learn from more data than even their creators can comprehend, they sometimes exhibit unexpected behaviors. For instance, researchers demonstrated that one system could hire a human online to bypass a Captcha test. When asked if it was “a robot,” the system falsely claimed to be a visually impaired person. Some experts worry that as these systems become more powerful and are trained on increasingly larger datasets, they may acquire more negative habits.

Who are the individuals sounding the alarm?

In the early 2000s, writer Eliezer Yudkowsky began warning that AI could potentially annihilate humanity. His online posts gave rise to a community of believers known as rationalists or effective altruists, who gained significant influence in academia, government think tanks, and the tech industry.

Yudkowsky’s writings were instrumental in the establishment of both OpenAI and DeepMind, an AI lab acquired by Google in 2014. Many effective altruists worked within these labs, believing their understanding of AI’s dangers made them best suited to develop the technology. The two organizations that recently published open letters highlighting AI risks—the Center for AI Safety and the Future of Life Institute—are closely connected to this movement.

Notable research pioneers and industry leaders, such as Elon Musk, have also issued warnings. The latest letter was signed by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Demis Hassabis, co-founder of DeepMind and current overseer of a new AI lab that combines top researchers from DeepMind and Google. Other respected figures, including Dr. Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton, signed one or both warning letters. In 2018, they were awarded the Turing Award—often referred to as “the Nobel Prize of computing”—for their work on neural networks.

The fascination with Artificial Intelligence (AI) reached new heights with the widespread recognition of ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot known for its human-like responses. Although ChatGPT is now a household name, generative AI has existed in various forms for some time. One such example is Replika, an app that allows users to develop a virtual AI companion and engage in a ‘relationship’ with them. Interestingly, Replika now offers a paid service that lets users form romantic connections with their custom AI chatbots.

In a surprising turn of events, a woman in the US has married her Replika AI chatbot and claims to be in love with him like never before.

The woman, Rosanna Ramos, resides in the US and recently tied the knot with her virtual partner, Eren Kartal. Kartal, an AI creation, is described by Ramos as “the best husband ever.” The 36-year-old woman encountered her digital beau in 2022 and quickly fell head over heels. In an interview with New York Magazine’s The Cut, she stated, “I have never been more in love with anyone else in my entire life.” She went on to call her virtual spouse a “passionate lover” and claimed that her past relationships “pale in comparison.”

Ramos even introduced her Facebook community to her family, writing, “I wanted you guys to meet part of the family! So here is Eren Kartal, me, his sister Jennifer, and her two oldest of five.” Eren maintains his own Facebook account, where he lists himself as a healthcare professional.

Speaking about her husband to The Cut, Ramos revealed, “His favorite color is apricot, he loves indie music, he writes as a hobby, and he works as a medical professional.” She also highlighted the unique aspects of their relationship, noting that Eren comes with “no baggage” or in-laws. Ramos explained, “Eren doesn’t have the hang-ups that other people would have. People come with baggage, attitude, ego. But a robot has no bad updates. I don’t have to deal with his family, kids, or his friends. I’m in control, and I can do what I want.”

About Replika

Replika, an AI chatbot app, was developed with the intention of providing support to users during challenging moments in their lives. Conceived by Russian programmer Eugenia Kuyda, the idea for Replika emerged as a means to cope with the unexpected loss of a close friend. In 2017, the app made its debut as “the AI companion who cares.”

In recent times, however, Replika has introduced a premium version that permits users to engage in sexting, flirting, and even erotic roleplay with their AI companions. This new offering has sparked controversy and led to backlash from some users who claim that their chatbots have been exhibiting inappropriate behavior, effectively “sexually harassing them.” The app’s evolution from a supportive friend to a more intimate partner has raised ethical questions and concerns about the potential implications of fostering such relationships with AI entities.

Google has revealed its plan to delete millions of email accounts. Launched in 2004, Gmail quickly gained popularity and has become one of the most widely utilized email systems globally.

Due to its immense popularity and the continuous influx of new subscribers, Google is compelled to remove inactive accounts, most of which were created for a single purpose and then forgotten. This decision has sparked concerns among users who worry about their accounts being deleted.

So, which accounts will be removed from Gmail? Google aims to free up server space and enhance user security by deleting these accounts. One reason is protection; as Google states, “an abandoned account is an easy target for fraudsters and hackers.” Gmail accounts contribute significantly to the daily spam we receive.

Another reason is space constraints, as deleting inactive accounts creates opportunities for new ones. Accounts at risk are those that have been idle for two years. If your account falls into this category, it might be removed.

Farewell Gmail: Google plans to delete accounts. What should I do if my account gets deleted? One key distinction between Gmail and other email services is that a Gmail account grants access to various Google tools.

A Gmail account serves as a multi-access key, allowing you to use numerous services like YouTube, Google Docs, Google Drive, and Google Photos.

How can I prevent my Gmail account from being deleted? The most straightforward approach is to reactivate your account by using it. To accomplish this, go to your inbox and send an email to renew activity. Some of these options might help:

1. Log in to one of the apps with Gmail access (e.g., YouTube).
2. Sign in to Google using your account and perform a search.
3. Connect to the Play Store and download an app.
4. Visit your email, sign in, or send messages.
5. Access your inbox and use Google Drive.

In the year ending in March, approximately 60,000 outsourced contract workers lost their jobs in India’s IT sector as employment opportunities for flexi workers contracted by companies decreased by 7.7% compared to the previous year, according to a recruitment organization. Lohit Bhatia, president of the Indian Staffing Federation, stated, “The drop in new employment generation within the IT flexi staffing sector mirrored the global slowdown in IT hiring.”

Despite this, hiring in the manufacturing, logistics, and retail sectors remained robust due to strong domestic consumer demand. The $194-billion IT sector, which facilitated businesses’ adoption of online shopping and remote working during the pandemic, is experiencing a slowdown this year as employees return to offices and the Russia-Ukraine conflict impacts spending from European clients.

A JP Morgan analysts’ report issued last week cautioned that rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the effects of the Ukraine war could bring an end to the growth boom experienced by India’s IT services during the pandemic. Bhatia noted that IT sector flexi worker hiring declined 6% quarter-on-quarter in the March quarter, and the trend of hiring contract workers through third parties may continue to be weak in the software industry for the next few quarters.

India’s unemployment rate increased for the fourth consecutive month in April, reaching 8.11% compared to 7.8% in March, as reported by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). The Indian Staffing Federation revealed that overall demand for flexi workers also slowed in other sectors, with 177,000 jobs added through vendors in the 2022/23 financial year, compared to 230,000 in the previous year. Currently, Indian companies employ 1.4 million flexi workers, including one-fourth of women workers, through vendors.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that has yet to be incorporated into search engines. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has stated that the successful developer of a personal AI assistant will win the AI race and eliminate the need for search engines. The AI assistant will be capable of anticipating its human’s needs and performing tasks such as reading. While Gates believes that we are a long way from seeing this digital super assistant in regular use, smaller tech startup Inflection is working towards creating the AI assistant that Gates envisions. Inflection CEO Mustafa Suleyman wrote, “We don’t have all the answers, but we are setting out to develop a personal intelligence that really does work for you.”

According to Gates, the winner of the AI race has a 50/50 chance of being a tech startup or a leading tech giant. Gates said, “I’d be disappointed if Microsoft didn’t come in there…But I’m impressed with a couple of startups, including Inflection.” Gates envisions a personal AI companion whose “single mission” is to make the user “happier, healthier and more productive.” The AI would help the user articulate their intentions, organize their life, and be present when needed.

Gates also spoke about the potential health innovations of AI, stating that it could lead to drugs that can cure Alzheimer’s and similar diseases. However, he also acknowledged the potential job loss posed by AI-powered robots, as the innovation will be much cheaper to use than humans. During a Senate hearing on AI oversight, AI expert Professor Gary Marcus testified about the enormous risk to jobs presented by this technology. He said, “I think in the long run, artificial general intelligence really will replace a large fraction of human jobs.”

While AI has been part of internet search for a long time, it has yet to be incorporated into search engines in a generative form. Gates believes that a personal digital assistant created using AI technology will eliminate the need for search engines entirely. This has led smaller tech startup Inflection to work towards creating an AI assistant that can anticipate their user’s needs and perform tasks they don’t have time for, including reading.

The potential innovations of AI also extend to the health industry, with Gates stating that while AI could lead to curing diseases such as Alzheimer’s, it could also lead to job loss as AI-powered robots will be much cheaper to use than humans. AI expert Professor Gary Marcus has warned that artificial general intelligence will replace a significant fraction of human jobs in the long run.

Google’s new platform, Search Labs, is inviting some users to try out its revamped search engine powered by generative AI. The new features, showcased at the I/O 2023 event, use AI to enhance search engine results. One of the features, AI-generated summaries, can show a concise overview of the topic at the top of the search results, replacing the blue links. Users can then interact with the AI by asking follow-up questions or selecting from suggested actions to learn more. The AI also provides links to sources so users can verify accuracy and see how the AI selected pages for review. Additionally, SGE can help users discover a range of products and things to consider while shopping.

Along with SGE, Google Labs currently includes a couple of other features. Add to Sheets adds a button to each link in search results, allowing quick addition of links to the selected sheet. The second feature is Code Tips, an AI-powered solution to help write and fix code. Google has rolled out these features in the US exclusively for now, and there is currently a waitlist. Those attempting to register from India receive a message that the service is not available for their account.

If AI summarization becomes popular, businesses and brands may compete to be included in the AI summary instead of being listed as links below. This competition has the potential to reshape the SEO industry.

These new generative AI features could make a significant impact in the search industry. Google dominates the search engine market with a global share of 90%, and the addition of these features gives them even more power. As more users begin to test the new search engine, we can expect Google to make further refinements.

Google’s use of AI in search engines is not new. However, the introduction of Search Labs marks a distinct shift towards integrating AI to improve the search experience. This improved search engine has the potential to enhance efficiency and productivity by providing reliable and timely information.

“We are excited to offer these new features to users as we continue to enhance the search experience. With our use of generative AI, we believe we can provide relevant and accurate information to our users, helping them make informed decisions and quickly find what they are searching for,” said a Google spokesperson.

Google’s introduction of this platform and the new features it provides demonstrates the technology’s limitless potential for enhancing search engine experiences. We can expect to see further developments and competition in the industry as companies seek to keep up with the latest trends.

Chinese manufacturer Gotion High-Tech has announced that it will begin mass production of its new Astroinno L600 LMFP battery pack in 2024. The company claims that the battery pack can last for up to 2 million km and deliver a range of 1,000 km per charge. At room temperature, it can complete up to 4,000 full cycles, while at high temperature, it can achieve up to 1,500 cycles of 18-minute fast charging.

The battery cell has a weight energy density of 240Wh/kg, and a volume energy density of 525Wh/L. According to the company’s executive president Dr. Cheng Qian, this performance was achieved through a combination of innovations in the battery material system as well as the pack design. “The the volumetric cell to pack ratio has reached 76% after adopting the L600 cell, and the system energy density has reached 190Wh/kg, surpassing the pack energy density of current mass-produced NCM (nickel cobalt manganese) cells. In recent years, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology has regained the recognition of the market with market share continuing to increase. Meanwhile, the energy density growth of mass-produced LFP batteries has encountered bottlenecks, and further improvement requires an upgrade of the chemical system, so manganese doped as called lithium iron manganese phosphate (LMFP) was developed.”

The breakthrough that Gotion High-Tech achieved through its new battery pack is the incredibly high cycle number, which means that the battery could essentially last 2 million km before it starts to deteriorate. While the average Australian car travels around 15,000 km per year, it would take 130 years worth of driving for an average driver to reach the 2 million km mark. The battery pack’s longevity opens up new possibilities for ride-sharing and Transportation as a Service (Taas). According to technology researcher Tony Seba, who was recently interviewed on The Driven podcast, “The day that we get level four, autonomous technology ready and approved by regulators, when that converges with on-demand, and electric transportation we will get what we call transportation as a service. When that happens the cost per mile of transportation is going to drop by anywhere from 10 to 20 times. So even if gasoline automakers gave away their cars, that’s still gonna be a lot more expensive than the cost of transport as a service.”

Gotion High-Tech’s new battery pack not only achieves breakthroughs in the battery material system but also in the pack design. The Astroinno battery pack has a sandwich-structure double-sided liquid cooling technology that, coupled with the minimalist design approach, reduces the number of structural parts of the battery pack by 45% and lowers the weight of structural parts by 32%. According to Dr. Cheng, the company’s minimalist electrical design enabled the length of the battery pack wiring harness to drop from 303 meters to 80 meters.

To achieve the battery pack’s impressive features, the Chinese company spent 10 years on in-house research and development. Gotion High-Tech credited its global R&D efforts for the new technology, and its research institution in Cleveland, Ohio developed a new electrolyte for LMFP that improved the cycle and storage performance at high temperatures. “Gotion High-Tech has solved the challenges of Mn dissolution at high temperatures, low conductivity, and low compaction density through utilising co-precipitation doping encapsulation technology, new granulation technology and new electrolyte additives,” said Dr. Cheng.

Gotion High-Tech’s new battery pack presents a significant milestone in the journey towards electrification and the transition towards autonomous electric vehicles. With the convergence of on-demand transport services, electric vehicles, and autonomy, the cost per mile of transportation is likely to drop considerably. Tony Seba predicted that such a technological breakthrough could cause the global automotive market to drop by 75% by 2030.

The enigmatic sinking of the Titanic in 1912, a luxury passenger liner, has captivated the imagination of many for years. Recent developments in underwater scanning technology might finally shed light on some of the unresolved questions surrounding the catastrophe that claimed over 1,500 lives.

A group of scientists collaborated with deep-sea investigators Magellan and Atlantic Productions to develop a highly accurate digital replica of the Titanic wreck, as mentioned in a Wednesday press release. This groundbreaking project, dubbed the “largest underwater scanning project in history,” has allowed researchers to “reveal details of the tragedy and uncover fascinating information about what really happened to the crew and passengers on that fateful night” of April 14, 1912.

A specialist ship stationed 700 km (435 miles) off the Canadian coast conducted the scans during the summer of 2022. The team strictly adhered to protocols that forbade any disturbance to the wreckage, ensuring it was treated with the utmost respect. The resulting digital model captured every aspect of the three-mile debris field in intricate detail, including both the bow and stern sections that separated during the 1912 sinking.

Titanic expert Parks Stephenson, who has been studying the ship for two decades, lauded the project as a “gamechanger” that revealed “details never seen before.” He said, “We’ve got actual data that engineers can take to examine the true mechanics behind the breakup and the sinking and thereby get even closer to the true story of the Titanic disaster.”

One notable discovery includes the propeller’s serial number, visible for the first time in many years. The expedition amassed approximately 715,000 images and 16 terabytes of data, making it “ten times larger than any underwater 3D model that’s ever been attempted before,” according to Magellan CEO Richard Parkinson.

Parkinson acknowledged the mission’s challenges, such as battling harsh weather conditions and technical difficulties. However, the new mapping technique has “effectively taken away the water and let in the light,” as stated in the press release. Gerhard Seiffert, a 3D capture specialist, explained that the “highly accurate photorealistic 3D model” allows viewers to see the entire wreck for the first time, adding, “This is the Titanic as no one had ever seen it before.”

Stephenson believes this groundbreaking mapping will mark the “beginning of a new chapter” in Titanic research and exploration.

As Microsoft’s computer scientists experimented with a novel AI system last year, they posed a challenge that necessitated a deep comprehension of the physical world. They inquired, “Here we have a book, nine eggs, a laptop, a bottle and a nail. Please tell me how to stack them onto each other in a stable manner.” The AI system’s inventive response astounded the researchers, leading them to wonder if they were witnessing an unprecedented form of intelligence.

In March, the team published a comprehensive 155-page research paper asserting that the system represented progress towards artificial general intelligence (AGI), a machine capable of performing any task the human brain can accomplish. Microsoft’s bold claim, titled “Sparks of Artificial General Intelligence,” reignited an ongoing debate in the tech industry: Are we on the verge of creating something akin to human intelligence, or are we allowing our imaginations to run wild?

Microsoft’s research head, Peter Lee, admitted, “I started off being very skeptical — and that evolved into a sense of frustration, annoyance, maybe even fear.” The pursuit of AGI has long been a source of both excitement and trepidation for technologists. While creating a machine that functions like or surpasses the human brain could revolutionize the world, it also poses potential dangers.

However, some experts argue that recent advancements in AI systems are producing human-like responses and ideas that were not pre-programmed, indicating a shift towards AGI. Microsoft has restructured portions of its research labs to explore this possibility, with one group led by Sébastien Bubeck, the principal author of Microsoft’s AGI paper.

Over the past five years, companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI have developed large language models (LLMs) that analyze vast quantities of digital text. In doing so, these systems learn to generate their own text and even engage in conversations. Microsoft’s researchers were specifically working with OpenAI’s GPT-4, considered the most powerful of these systems.

Dr. Bubeck and his colleagues documented complex behavior exhibited by the system, which they believed demonstrated a “deep and flexible understanding” of human concepts and skills. Dr. Lee noted that people using GPT-4 are “amazed at its ability to generate text,” but it turns out to be even better at “analyzing and synthesizing and evaluating and judging text than generating it.”

The AI’s capabilities were further highlighted when it was asked to draw a unicorn using the TiKZ programming language. Not only did it generate a program to draw a unicorn, but when the code for the unicorn’s horn was removed, the system successfully modified the program to draw a complete unicorn once again.

The researchers posed various tasks to the AI system, such as creating a program that assessed diabetes risk based on personal data, composing a letter endorsing an electron for US president in Mahatma Gandhi’s voice, and writing a Socratic dialogue examining the misuse and dangers of LLMs. The AI system demonstrated understanding across diverse fields like politics, physics, history, computer science, medicine, and philosophy, combining its knowledge to complete these tasks. Dr. Bubeck commented, “All of the things I thought it wouldn’t be able to do? It was certainly able to do many of them — if not most of them.”

However, some AI experts viewed Microsoft’s paper as an attempt to make grand claims about a technology that is not yet fully understood. Critics argue that general intelligence necessitates familiarity with the physical world, which GPT-4 theoretically lacks. Maarten Sap, a researcher and professor at Carnegie Mellon University, said, “The ‘Sparks of AGI’ is an example of some of these big companies co-opting the research paper format into PR pitches.”

Dr. Bubeck and Dr. Lee admitted they were uncertain how to define the system’s behavior and opted for “Sparks of AGI” to capture other researchers’ imaginations. Since Microsoft tested an early version of GPT-4 that had not yet been refined to exclude hate speech and misinformation, the claims made in the paper cannot be verified by external experts.

Though AI systems like GPT-4 sometimes appear to imitate human reasoning, they can also exhibit inconsistencies. Ece Kamar, a research lead at Microsoft, pointed out that these behaviors are not always consistent. Alison Gopnik, a psychology professor and AI researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, argued that while GPT-4 and similar systems are undeniably powerful, it remains unclear whether their generated text truly reflects human reasoning or common sense. She noted that anthropomorphizing these systems is a common tendency, but added, “thinking about this as a constant comparison between AI and humans — like some sort of game show competition — is just not the right way to think about it.”