AI round-up: Week of April 29, 2024
Whoever said things were slowing down was messing with us. Last week, The Artificial Intelligence podcast had to put out TWO episodes. But why? What’s happening?
The Big 5
1. The Financial Times and OpenAI strike a licensing deal. (The Financial Times)
This was covered in several sources I follow, with the interest ranging from the impact on the future of journalism to what it means for copyright law. But no matter the angle you read or agree with, this much is true: we have passed the point of no return.
When media outlets enter into these types of agreements, there is an element that can’t be ignored: Are these companies doing it for self-preservation or advancement? To me, it signals the end of organic advancement in reporting and news generation and opens the door to accepted shortcuts and buy-in. As part of the agreement, ChatGPT will source articles from The Finacial Times as well as offer up links to the story. In return, OpenAI will work with The Financial Times to develop products.
My opinion: I wonder how long it is until they are sourcing for each other, having articles written by ChatGPT that are featured on ChatGPT. Does anyone else see a concern in what could result in a limited view of the news or perspective being shared by ChatGPT?
But on the flip side … can you blame The Financial Times for making the deal? In my mind, the 9-year-old version of me sees The Financial Times as Lando Calrissian and OpenAI as Darth Vader.
2. OpenAI’s Sam Altman and other tech leaders to serve on the AI safety board. (WSJ)
I’m not sure what doesn’t feel right to me, but this doesn’t feel right to me. Maybe it’s the people who are making the products that are being evaluated and considered within the AI space are also the ones consulting on the safety of said products?
I don’t know. This one feels weird to me.
3. Now everyone can access the ChatGPT’s memory function. (Open AI)
They’re testing it. But don’t worry. You’re in control of the memory.
For now.
4. Apple reignites talk with OpenAI about Generative AI for iOS 18 (MacRumors)
Two very interesting things here:
=First, OpenAI is everywhere.
=Second, as the story points out, Apple isn’t just considering OpenAI. It’s also looking at Google/Gemini. So what’s up with Apple? We have been hearing about its LLM for some time … but now they’re punting and partnering with someone else. Is it a kiss-of-death move to have someone else’s LLM on your device?
Maybe a third thing … we’ve been talking about the tipping point of AI – when you just wake up, and it’s on your device. So, what will be on our iPhone in the near future?
5. And will it be as big of a mess as Meta AI showing up everywhere? (Fast Company)
The headline reads, “AI is making Meta’s apps basically unusable.” My favorite part of all of this is the people who are like, ‘Hey, how do I turn that off?’
Ah, that’s cute. You think you can … but … those days are over, friends.
Learn a little
I learned a little this morning … that AI controlling nuclear weapons could be a thing???
US official urges China and Russia to declare only humans, not AI, control nuclear weapons. (Reuters)
Did you hear about…
…Google wants you to be able to access Gemini right from the search bar? (tom’s guide) Because it’s going so well for Meta AI.
…this former Pixar animator on why AI-generated video won’t work in Hollywood? (Gizmodo)
…the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is launching a platform to assess generative AI? (Tech Crunch) What, we’re not leaving this up to the folks who developed the technology?
…energy-hungry AI is eating the planet … but it could be humanity’s best hope? (PCMag)
Must read/must discuss:
The AI-generated population is here, and they’re ready to work. (WSJ)
Sam Altman says helpful agents are poised to become AI’s killer function. (MIT Technology Review)
Two reality-shaking articles that you need to read and absorb. I’ve tried to share these as they become available, but you are seeing the talk of AI in the workforce become more common place … more mainstream.
So I’ll leave you with this quote from Paul Roetzer, from The Artificial Intelligence Show, episode 93:
“…if we can actually augment or replace work … now they’re not going to call it that. No one is going to say our job is to replace workers. It’s not going to be anybody’s tagline. That is what they are all thinking. I cannot tell you how many times a month I hear this when I’m meeting with companies or talking to people at companies. The thing no one is saying, but the thing we’re being directed to is, ‘Do we need as many humans in the future?’ Again, it’s not going to be in earnings calls. They’re not going to talk about this … but it’s the thing they’re all talking about.”
Thanks for reading. Remember, I’m always here if you want to talk with a good ol’ fashioned human.
-Ben
As a reminder, this is a round-up of the biggest stories, often hitting multiple newsletters I receive/review. The sources are many … which I’m happy to read on your behalf. Let me know if there’s one you’d like me to track or have questions about a topic you’re not seeing here.