Here are some of the latest developments in artificial intelligence:
Alibaba Unveils New AI Model
Alibaba has introduced ‘Qwen2.5-Omni-7B,’ an AI model capable of processing audio, video, text, and images, generating real-time text and speech responses. With 7 billion parameters, it’s optimized for smartphone use, potentially aligning with Apple’s iPhones in China, pending regulatory approval.
CBA Establishes Tech Hub in Seattle
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has opened a tech hub in Seattle to leverage AI expertise from Microsoft and Amazon. The initiative aims to enhance AI skills among CBA staff, focusing on AI agents and generative AI to improve customer experiences.
U.S. Adds Chinese Tech Firms to Export Blacklist
The U.S. has added over 50 Chinese companies to its export blacklist, aiming to prevent the use of American technology in advancing AI, quantum computing, and military capabilities. The list includes six subsidiaries of China’s top cloud computing provider, Inspur Group.
AI Predicted to Replace Traditional Lawyers by 2035
Experts predict that advancements in artificial general intelligence (AGI) could render traditional lawyers obsolete by 2035, as AI systems may surpass human cognitive abilities in tasks like advising, negotiating, and dispute resolution.
Meta AI Launches on WhatsApp in Europe
Meta has launched Meta AI on WhatsApp in Europe, introducing a chatbot capable of answering questions, analyzing images, translating texts, and editing photos. However, it does not support generating images from scratch due to regulatory constraints.
DeepIP Secures $15 Million for AI Patent Assistant
Paris and New York-based startup DeepIP has raised $15 million in Series A funding to develop an AI assistant for drafting patents. The tool aims to streamline the patent filing process by summarizing documents and identifying novel aspects.
Garmin Introduces AI Features and Subscription Tier
Garmin has added AI capabilities to its app, including personalized fitness insights and performance analytics. The company has also introduced a subscription tier, marking a shift from its previous stance against paywalls.
Amazon Launches AI-Powered ‘Interests’ Feature
Amazon has introduced an AI-driven ‘Interests’ feature that automatically identifies new products matching users’ preferences, enhancing personalized shopping experiences.
OpenAI’s Image Generator Raises Copyright Concerns
OpenAI’s new AI image generator, capable of creating images in the style of Studio Ghibli, has sparked discussions about AI-generated content and copyright issues.
North Korea Tests AI-Powered Suicide Drones
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen tests of AI-powered suicide drones, emphasizing the importance of unmanned control and AI capabilities in modern arms development.