Elon Musk envisions a future where AI takes your job, but you’ll be rich and purposeless. Musk believes advanced AI will create a “post-scarcity” economy, leaving humans to ponder the meaning of life in a world dominated by machines. What a fear-mongering billionaire.
It’s time again to review some of the notable AI stories from this week.
We’ve got a mix of new products, controversies, and insights to explore.
This week, OpenAI faced backlash over the “use” of a celebrity’s voice in their latest ChatGPT update, raising questions about ethics in AI development. Microsoft also introduced their new AI-powered PCs with advanced capabilities powered by Qualcomm chips. Elsewhere, the AI Pin product from startup Humane struggled after launch, leading the company to explore a potential sale.
On a positive note, we saw Tako partner with Perplexity AI to bring no-code AI capabilities to their platform, making it easier for users to build AI-powered apps. OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman also shared his perspective on the future of AI integration at Microsoft Build.
Let’s see if it all adds up!
Top news of the day!
Daily Additions
Elon Musk Says AI Will Take Your Job (Bad), but You’ll Be Rich (Good), With No Purpose (Hmm)
At a Paris conference, Elon Musk shared his thoughts on the future, envisioning a world where AI replaces jobs but humans live comfortably with high-income. He acknowledged the existential questions that may arise when machines surpass human capabilities.
SpaceX Weighs Plan to Sell Shares at $200 Billion Valuation
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is exploring a potential insider share sale, offering shares to investors at a $150 billion valuation. The move aims to raise funds and provide liquidity to shareholders, with the company’s value nearly doubling since 2021.
Amazon plans to give Alexa an AI overhaul—and a monthly subscription price
Amazon plans to upgrade Alexa with generative AI this year, enabling more advanced interactions. The company will also introduce a monthly subscription fee for the enhanced version, separate from the Amazon Prime membership.
AI Decodes Fruit Fly Vision, Paving Way for Human Insight
Scientists used AI to model fruit fly brains, revealing how multiple neuron types process visual data. While much simpler than human brains, this breakthrough paves the way for understanding our visual system and related disorders.
YouTuber Coffeezilla destroys Rabbit R1 AI company in latest investigation
Coffeezilla accuses Rabbit Incorporation, maker of the Rabbit R1 AI device, of being built on a $6 million scam from a previous NFT project called GAMA. He claims investors haven’t been refunded and questions where the millions raised for GAMA went.
✱ Top news of the week!
Tallied Up
Scarlett Johansson Speaks Out Against OpenAI’s Unauthorized Use of Her Voice
OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT update featured an AI voice reminiscent of Scarlett Johansson in “Her,” sparking comparisons and controversy.
- OpenAI introduced a new AI voice named “Sky” for ChatGPT, which was compared to Scarlett Johansson’s voice in the movie “Her.”
- The company later pulled the voice after revealing it was modeled after another actress whose identity they kept private.
- OpenAI clarified that Sky’s voice was not an imitation of Johansson but belonged to a different actress using her natural speaking voice.
Microsoft Unveils First Wave of AI-Powered Copilot+ PCs
Microsoft introduces a new lineup of AI PCs, dubbed the fastest and most intelligent ever made, featuring all-day battery life and innovative capabilities.
- Microsoft’s new AI PCs, including the revamped Surface and Surface Pro, are powered by Qualcomm’s X Elite SoC and Copilot.
- The AI PCs boast features like “Recall,” which remembers everything users do on their computers, and live captions for Windows 11.
- Microsoft has partnered with Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung to produce AI PCs, leveraging Qualcomm’s powerful NPU technology.
Humane is looking for a buyer after the AI Pin’s underwhelming debut
Despite an $850 million valuation in 2023, Humane is reportedly looking for an acquirer following the AI Pin’s lackluster reception.
- Humane, founded by ex-Apple employees, is seeking a buyer for $750 million to $1 billion after the AI Pin’s poor reviews.
- The AI Pin, running on Humane’s CosmOS, aims to reduce smartphone dependence but suffers from slow responses and inconsistent UX.
- Despite updates like GPT-4 integration, the AI Pin’s hardware issues and subscription requirement have hindered its appeal.
Perplexity Reintroduces Interactive Knowledge Cards Powered by Tako
Tako, a no-code platform for building web apps, partners with Perplexity AI to bring powerful AI capabilities to its users.
- Tako has integrated Perplexity’s AI technology into its platform, enabling users to create AI-powered apps without coding.
- The integration allows users to generate text, images, and code using Perplexity’s AI directly within the Tako platform.
- With this partnership, Tako aims to make AI accessible to everyone and empower users to build innovative web applications.
Sam Altman and the Next Steps for AI
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, made a surprise appearance at Microsoft Build to discuss the rapid advancements and future of AI.
- Altman highlighted the swift and meaningful spread of AI technology, emphasizing the importance of APIs for developers.
- OpenAI aims to make AI a seamless layer in every product and service, with APIs designed for effortless integration.
- Altman predicted that AI models will continue to grow in intelligence, becoming smarter, more robust, safer, and more useful.
Superb AI tools to add to your life!
Top-Up Your Toolbox
Helper • Get help replying to your customers.
VoiceCheap • Translate any video in any language.
Super • Turn your Notion pages into customizable web pages.
Granola • The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings.
Salina • Turn videos into blog posts, social snippets, and newsletters.
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