#75 NYPD robots patrolling the subway

Today’s issue will leave you pondering long after you've scrolled down. Imagine a future where NYPD robots patrol Times Square and the President himself weighs in on AI ethics. Don't adjust your screen; you're not in a sci-fi novel. Yet, Meta's star-studded AI characters are trying to turn social media into a blockbuster of its own. Let’s dive in.

In today’s newsletter:

• Hottest stories: NYPD robot, Biden’s AI order, and AI characters in our daily lives

• TL;DR Rundown: First arrest for AI images, ChatGPT is now live (internet browser capabilities), and $250M contract between Palantir and US Defense Force.

• Tool of the day: Free invoice generator

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

NYDP’s Knightscope 5 patrolling robot

The NYPD is testing out a new robot, Knightscope 5 (K5), in the Times Square subway. During a two-month trial, this robot will patrol from midnight to 6 a.m. ET. It's decked out with four HD cameras, an infrared thermal camera, and can capture 360-degree video. However, it won't record audio or use facial recognition.

Don't expect a high-speed chase; the K5's top speed is just 3 mph. Its battery lasts up to 3 hours before needing a quick 20-30 minute recharge. There's also a button for people to report incidents.

Why is this noteworthy? It's part of Mayor Eric Adams' tech-driven approach to law enforcement. If the trial succeeds, the robot could become a permanent fixture. While the K5 could add a new layer of security, it's not without controversy. Privacy advocates are already sounding alarms about the implications of such technology in public spaces.

The introduction of the K5 could change the game for law enforcement but also opens a broader conversation about privacy and the role of AI in public settings.

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Biden’s upcoming AI executive order

Joe Biden is planning to issue an executive order on artificial intelligence soon. While we don't have all the details yet, the focus is on responsible AI development. This comes after talks about an "AI Bill of Rights," which many want included in the order.

Why does this matter? The executive order could set new standards for AI ethics, both in the U.S. and possibly abroad. Biden also highlighted the need for international teamwork, particularly with the UK.

This signifies a commitment to ensuring that AI development is conducted responsibly and ethically. Furthermore, the emphasis on international collaboration suggests a recognition of AI’s global impact and the need for collective governance. However, the lack of specific details leaves room for speculation and it will be interesting to see how these plans unfold.

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AI characters entering our daily lives

Meta is stepping into the AI chatbot arena with a new assistant and a lineup of 28 AI characters. The assistant is based on the Llama 2 language model and integrates with Microsoft's Bing search engine. This allows users to ask questions conversationally and get Bing search results right in the chat.

The company isn't stopping there. They're also rolling out AI characters modeled after celebrities like Charli D’Amelio, Dwyane Wade, and Kendall Jenner on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger. These characters aim to provide a more interactive and personalized experience for users.

Why is this significant? Meta's foray into AI chatbots could reshape the way we interact on social media. It has the potential to make our online conversations more engaging and customized. The celebrity-based characters could also offer a new form of engagement for fans. However, this development also brings up questions about user privacy and data security that will need to be addressed.

GIVE US A CLICK AND TAKE YOUR PICK  
A gentleman’s agreement 

• New AI can translate what chickens are saying (!!!)

• How to use Generative AI to scale your content operations (Hubspot)

TL;DR RUNDOWN
Listicle of what else is happening today 

Writers Win: The Writers Guild of America ends its strike with a landmark agreement that includes first-ever protections against AI. A big step for human writers.

Language Leap: Spotify collaborates with OpenAI for an AI-powered voice translation feature, aiming to make podcasts globally accessible.

Legal Landmark: A South Korean man becomes the first to be jailed for using AI to create explicit child images, setting a precedent in the country.

ChatGPT Upgraded: OpenAI introduces a major update to ChatGPT that includes a web-browsing feature, expanding the AI's knowledge base.

French Flair: AI startup Mistral releases its first large language model, Mistral 7B, claiming superior performance and free usage.

Image Impact: The New York Times explores the rise of AI-generated images on social media, discussing both creative potential and ethical challenges.

Palantir's Payday: Palantir Technologies secures a $250 million contract with the US Defense Department for AI and machine learning R&D.

CIA Cautious: Lakshmi Raman, the CIA’s director for artificial intelligence, discusses AI's double-edged sword of threats and opportunities at the POLITICO AI & Tech Summit.

Loneliness Looms: An opinion piece in The Hill delves into the societal impact of AI girlfriends, linking them to increasing loneliness among young men.

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

Today’s tool is Bloom’s invoice generator.

If you’ve ever delivered any work online, you’ll be familiar with the hassle of invoicing. Branding it, how to lay the invoice out, what information to include - all done for you, with Bloom’s invoice generator.

Super handy for any online freelancer, photographer, artist or creative!

WOULD YOU PAY? 
Purely out of interest 

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