#78 Unlocking Ancient Scrolls and Navigating Modern Politics

What do ancient scrolls, geopolitical chip games, and Google’s ever-expanding bag of tricks have in common? They’re all caught in AI’s ever-widening web, and we’re here to untangle it. From history nerds joining forces with tech whizzes to unlock dusty tomes, to Uncle Sam playing 4D chess over chip exports, this week’s roundup is anything but boring.

In today’s newsletter:

• Hottest stories: AI reading ancient scrolls, new US AI chip export rules, and Goole’s new AI-powered experience

• TL;DR Rundown: Machines will out think us soon, children at risk, and Google goes to bat for generative AI users

• Tool of the day: Free invoice generator

HOTTEST STORIES 
Today’s biggest stories if you’re in a rush 

AI reads text from ancient Herculaneum scroll for the first time

Meet Luke Farritor, a 21-year-old coding whiz. He's just taught a computer how to read a 2,000-year-old scroll from Herculaneum, a city wiped out by a volcano in AD 79. Thanks to him, we're getting our first look at words like 'purple' in ancient Greek.

Why's this a big deal? Well, we've got access to a treasure trove of ancient wisdom locked up in a library that's been ash-cloaked for centuries. Think about it: AI could be our time machine, helping us to decode history in ways we never thought possible.

But it's not just a win for history buffs. It's also proof that when tech nerds and Indiana Jones types get together, magic happens. And let's not forget, this groundbreaking work came from a student. Who needs a Ph.D. when you've got skills and a laptop?

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New US rules on AI chip exports aim to stop workarounds on China sales

Uncle Sam is tightening the leash on chip sales to China. New rules are coming to make sure American tech doesn't get into the wrong hands. Nvidia, the big kahuna of chip-making, had to sit out some deals last year because of this.

This move isn't just bureaucratic red tape. It's a game of 4D chess in global politics. AI chips are the secret sauce in a lot of cool tech, and who gets to use them can shift the balance of power big time.

What's the fallout? Companies better start thinking about Plan B for their supply chains. And while everyone's talking about global teamwork on AI, rules like these could throw a wrench in the works.

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Google’s AI-powered search experience can now generate images, write drafts

Google's search engine is learning some new tricks. Now it can whip up images and even write drafts for you. All this is coming at us fast, just like everything else in the AI world.

So why should you care? First off, your Google searches are about to get a lot more interactive. You can play around with images and text like never before.

Secondly, if you're in a creative rut, Google's AI could be your new muse. Need a draft? A picture? Just ask Google.

And let's be real, the speed at which AI tech is growing is mind-boggling. If Google's search can do this now, just imagine what's coming next.

GIVE US A CLICK AND TAKE YOUR PICK  
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TL;DR RUNDOWN
Listicle of what else is happening today 

Divine Code: Ever thought you'd see AI in a church? A pastor did just that, incorporating AI in a sermon. But don't expect a holy bot encore. It's sparking debates about how tech and faith can—or should—mix.

Kiddie Guard: Alarm bells are ringing about AI spying on kids online. Think your child's browsing history is private? Think again. Now there's a growing chorus for tighter regulations to keep the kiddos safe.

Face Stealers: Meta's cooking up AI chatbots that look like celebs. Pretty cool, right? Except nobody asked the celebs. Cue the ethics debate on digital likeness rights.

Brain Race: AI legend Geoffrey Hinton predicts that machines might out-think us within five years. It's exciting but kind of freaky, and it's got people talking about what "smart" will mean in the future.

Bias Bot: Meet OpinionGPT, the AI that actually takes sides. Cool tech or slippery slope? It's firing up discussions on the ethical dos and don'ts of AI opinions.

Pixel Prom: Disney tried AI actors in 'Prom Pact,' and let's just say it's not winning any Oscars. Does this tech cameo spell doom for Hollywood's flesh-and-blood stars?

Data Cleaners: Startup Deasie aims to tidy up the messy data that trains AI. A smarter, more reliable AI? That’s what Deasie's betting on, and they might just be onto something.

Genie Reboot: Robin Williams' Genie is back, thanks to some archival audio magic. Is this the future of posthumous performances or just a one-time nostalgia trip?

AI Limits: For all the hype, today’s AI wizardry mostly gives us better background blur in Zoom calls. It's a reality check on the long road ahead for AI capabilities.

Cloud Cover: Google says it'll go to bat for you if someone cries copyright over your AI-generated content. It’s a big vote of confidence in the power—and legal standing—of generative AI.

Policy Bots: Open Philanthropy is footing the bill for AI experts in Congress. Could this cash influx be a game-changer in how policymakers think about AI?

TOOL OF THE DAY 
AI tools we’ve used, loved, and recommend above all others (Sponsored)

Today’s tool is Bloom’s free invoice generator.

Freelancers often struggle with admin - in particular, branding their finances. Take your freelance business to the next level with Bloom’s free invoice generator - add your color scheme, logo, and make a professional invoice for free!

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