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- #86 Google Gemini stumbles hard
In today's issue, we're focusing on how artificial intelligence, through developments in the tech industry, is quietly transforming our daily lives. From the way we use our smartphones to decision-making in businesses, AI is becoming an integral, often unnoticed part of our everyday experience. Let's dive in to see how these changes are unfolding around us.
In today’s newsletter:
Hottest stories: Google’s Gemini blunder, EU’s AI act, and another $2B AI startup
TL;DR Rundown: More deepfakes, nudifying apps, and the next-gen smart phones are OTW
Meme: Kind true not really
HOTTEST STORIES
Today’s biggest stories if you’re in a rush
Google’s latest AI brainchild, Gemini, landed on the scene with a bit of a stumble. It was hyped to be a game-changer, but its debut is now clouded in controversy. Why? Because the star feature of Gemini's launch, a slick demo video, wasn’t quite what it seemed.
The video, titled “Hands-on with Gemini: Interacting with multimodal AI”, was designed to wow us with Gemini’s ability to understand visuals and voice. But, plot twist – it was more editing magic than real-time AI genius. The Google team used still images and selected the best responses from Gemini, stitching them together with voice synthesis. So, not exactly the live interaction it was made out to be.
This reveal has caused quite a stir, raising questions about the real capabilities of Gemini and Google’s openness. In the world of AI, where trust is key, this kind of misstep is a big deal. It’s a reminder that in the race to push tech boundaries, staying honest about what’s under the hood is just as important as innovation itself.
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The European Union is on track to become a major player in AI regulation with its upcoming AI Act, set to roll out by 2024. This Act is part of a larger strategy, joining forces with the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act to create a comprehensive regulatory framework.
Its focus is particularly sharp on high-risk AI applications, especially in critical areas such as government operations and consumer products, ensuring these technologies are used responsibly. Additionally, the Act emphasizes enhancing transparency in the use of AI in sectors like social media and e-commerce. Garnering support among EU lawmakers, it introduces significant measures, including a ban on public real-time facial recognition and stringent transparency requirements for AI-generated content.
This legislative move by the EU not only underscores the importance of regulating advanced technologies but also positions the EU as a forerunner in setting global standards for responsible AI development and use.
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Mistral AI, a French tech sensation, is skyrocketing to an almost $2 billion valuation in under a year. This startup isn't just making waves – it's causing a tech tsunami. They're closing in on a whopping €450 million ($487 million) funding round.
Here’s the breakdown: over €325 million of that is pure equity, with big names like Andreessen Horowitz leading the charge. And guess what? Andreessen Horowitz might throw in another €200 million. Nvidia and Salesforce are joining the party too, bringing €120 million in convertible debt to the table.
But it's not just about cash inflows. The three co-founders of Mistral AI are cashing out over €1 million each. Even their chief adviser, the ex-French minister Cedric O, is getting in on the equity sell-off.
Mistral AI's meteoric rise to a $2 billion valuation in its first year isn't just impressive – it's a testament to the tech world's bet on AI as the next big goldmine. This funding round isn't just a win for Mistral AI; it's a giant leap for the AI industry.
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TL;DR RUNDOWN
Listicle of what else is happening today
1. Health Evolution: Forward raises $100M, launching Forward CarePods – think high-tech, self-service doctor's offices with a personal health twist, all powered by AI.
2. Frogman Fashion: Casio's latest G-Shock Frogman watch is here, using AI to capture the wild spirit and colors of South American poison dart frogs.
3. Notebook Genius: Google's NotebookLM is the new brainy notebook, leveraging AI to summarize facts, untangle complex ideas, and spark creative connections.
4. AI Assistant: Microsoft introduces Copilot, an AI marvel that summarizes documents and web content, making life easier right in the Edge sidebar.
5. Digital Dangers: Growing alarm over AI-generated nude images of women, spotlighting the unethical use of mobile apps for creating and sharing these images without consent.
6. Smartphone Evolution: Samsung's rumored Galaxy S24 could be a game-changer, potentially integrating generative AI for an unprecedented user experience.
7. Fast-Food Lol: Presto Automation is revolutionizing fast-food drive-thrus - by using cheap third-world labor and saying it’s AI.
8. Deepfake Concerns: The rise of AI deepfake nude services is sparking serious debates about AI misuse and its potential for harm.
9. Livestream Leap: China's booming livestream shopping scene is getting a tech upgrade with AI and avatars, transforming the shopping experience.
10. Podcast Power: Spotify's bet on podcasts is a smashing success, with a staggering 40% jump in podcast listeners last quarter.
11. AI Ambition: Rakuten gears up to unveil its own AI model, aiming to boost its tech game within the next two months.
12. Retail Revolution: Major retailers are embracing AI to slash clothing return rates from online shopping, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
It’s not too far from the truth…is it?
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