Microsoft Welcomes OpenAI Founders Altman and Brockman to Spearhead Advanced AI Research Team

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November 20, 2023

Microsoft Welcomes OpenAI Founders Altman

Microsoft has announced the hiring of OpenAI co-founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman to lead a new advanced AI research team. Their leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective and drive to Microsoft’s AI initiatives.

The announcement comes on the heels of a tumultuous week at OpenAI, where the board’s decision to dismiss Altman led to a wave of departures, including that of co-founder Brockman. Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella emphasized that this new team would be provided with all necessary resources to succeed, indicating Microsoft’s serious investment in AI as a key area of future growth.

Sam Altman, who has been the face of OpenAI and a prominent figure in the AI industry, will now serve as the chief executive of Microsoft’s newly formed AI group. Altman’s leadership at OpenAI was marked by significant advancements and contributions to the AI field, making his new role at Microsoft a subject of great anticipation and interest.

the mission continues https://t.co/d1pHiFxcSe
— Sam Altman (@sama) November 20, 2023

Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI, totaling over $10 billion, and its nearly 50% ownership stake, have been instrumental in shaping its AI strategy. By bringing Altman and Brockman on board, Microsoft not only enhances its own AI capabilities but also ensures that these influential minds continue to drive innovation within its ecosystem.

While Microsoft celebrates this coup, OpenAI faces a period of uncertainty. The departure of its leaders and key talents, including CTO Mira Murati, has raised questions about its future direction and pace of innovation. The board’s decision to appoint former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear as interim chief has been met with mixed reactions, adding to the organization’s challenges.

Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 7 Gen 3: More Power and AI For Mid-Range Smartphones

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Adwaith

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November 18, 2023

Qualcomm has officially announced the release of its latest processor, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. This new chip, designed for mid-range smartphones, follows the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 released in March and brings several notable enhancements.

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 focuses on three critical areas — increased power, better energy efficiency, and a stronger commitment to artificial intelligence. This strategy seems to be in line with the higher-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, although the 7 Gen 3 does not quite match its level of power and sophistication.

One of the key features of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is its improved Neural Processing Unit (NPU) Hexagon. Qualcomm reports that this NPU has achieved a 60% increase in AI performance per watt compared to the previous generation, marking a significant step forward in AI processing efficiency.

The new chip also boasts a substantial upgrade in its GPU Adreno, which is now up to 50% faster. This improvement is particularly beneficial for gaming, as it supports high-frame-rate gaming of up to 144 FPS on compatible screens, enhancing the gaming experience on mid-range devices.

In terms of CPU performance, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 shows a 15% increase in power over its predecessor. While this may not represent a dramatic improvement, it is a noteworthy enhancement that contributes to the overall performance and efficiency of the chip.

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 also introduces AI-driven features for camera applications, such as AI Remosaic and AI Denoiser. It continues to use the Spectra Triple image processor, now with support for 4K HDR video capture, further enhancing its multimedia capabilities.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. It offers support for WiFi 6E through the FastConnect 6700 system and enables 5G connectivity with speeds of up to 5 Gbps using the Snapdragon X63 modem. The chip is also compatible with spatial audio and Low Energy (LE) Audio, thanks to Snapdragon Sound.

Qualcomm has announced that the first devices equipped with the new chip will be launched this month. HONOR and vivo are among the first manufacturers to adopt this chip, with more expected to join in the coming weeks and months.

OpenAI Fired CEO Sam Altman Due to a Lack of Confidence in His Leadership

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Amaya Simon

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November 18, 2023

OpenAI has announced the dismissal of its CEO, Sam Altman. The decision, as revealed by the company’s board, stems from a loss of confidence in Altman’s ability to lead the Microsoft-backed firm.

Sam Altman, 38, had risen to prominence with the release of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot known for its human-like content generation capabilities. This technology has been a game-changer, producing everything from poems to artwork in seconds, and has significantly contributed to Altman’s reputation as a tech world sensation.

The board’s statement indicated that Altman’s departure followed a “deliberative review process.” It highlighted concerns regarding Altman’s transparency in communications with the board, which they felt hindered their ability to effectively oversee the company. Mira Murati, OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, will take over as the interim CEO.

The board of directors, comprising notable figures such as OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, technology entrepreneur Tasha McCauley, and Helen Toner of the Georgetown Center for Security and Emerging Technology, will play a pivotal role in guiding OpenAI through this transition.

Under Altman’s leadership, OpenAI’s ChatGPT sparked an AI race among tech giants, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta. Microsoft, in particular, has been a significant investor in OpenAI, integrating its AI technology into its search engine, Bing.

Altman’s influence extended beyond the tech industry. He has engaged with policymakers, testifying before the US Congress about AI, and discussing the technology’s potential risks, such as its use in bioweapons and misinformation, with heads of state.

Despite his departure, the board expressed gratitude for Altman’s contributions to OpenAI’s founding and growth. They emphasized the need for new leadership as the company moves forward in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

China Unveils World’s Fastest Internet That Can Download 150 HD Movies in Just One Second

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Avinash A

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November 17, 2023

China has officially launched the world’s fastest internet connection. This ultra-fast internet, developed through a collaboration between Tsinghua University, China Mobile, Huawei, and Cernet Corporation, boasts an astonishing bandwidth of 1.2 Terabits per second. To put this into perspective, it’s capable of downloading approximately 150 high-definition movies in a mere second.

The network stretches over 3,000 kilometers, linking Beijing, Wuhan, and Guangzhou. It is a key component of the Future Internet Technology Infrastructure (FITI) project, backed by the Chinese government.

The FITI network, which began its testing phase on July 31, has been reported to function with remarkable stability and reliability, surpassing numerous rigorous tests. Its speed is ten times faster than most of the world’s existing internet systems, a feat that was not anticipated by industry experts until at least 2025. The United States, for instance, recently completed its transition to a 400 Gbps internet, making China’s new network three times faster.

The entire network, including both hardware and software, is made with domestically produced components, reducing reliance on foreign technology from countries like the U.S. and Japan. This move towards technological autonomy is significant, considering the global reliance on a few key players for internet infrastructure.

The network’s core nodes are distributed across 40 universities in 35 cities, showcasing the integration of China’s academic sector in this technological advancement. Xu Mingwei of Tsinghua University compared the new internet backbone to a high-speed railway, which replaces ten regular tracks, thus creating a more efficient and manageable system.

Moreover, this development is part of a broader push in Chinese telecommunications advancements. The Chinese government recently announced a $15 billion investment in a medium to high orbit quantum telecommunications infrastructure, aiming to expand its reach and capabilities in data transmission over larger terrestrial surfaces.

Microsoft Unveils Windows App for Seamless Cross-Platform Experience

By

Sabarinath

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November 17, 2023

In order to enhance remote accessibility by transforming Windows into a universal app, Microsoft introduced Windows App compatible with iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Windows, and web browsers. This app is set to replace the Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop applications, offering a more unified and streamlined experience.

It offers a customizable home screen, catering to individual workflow needs, and allows users to access Windows through multiple services and remote PCs from a single interface. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who frequently switch between different accounts and devices.

A key feature is the support for multiple monitors, along with compatibility for dynamic and custom screen resolutions. Moreover, the app facilitates device redirection, allowing users to remotely access storage media, printers, webcams, and audio equipment connected to the remote computers.

Currently, the Windows App is in a preview version and is available on Windows 10 or 11, iOS/iPadOS 16 or higher, and macOS 12.0 or higher. Its availability on Android remains uncertain. For web browser access, users can visit windows.cloud.microsoft, though this option is limited to desktops as it’s not compatible with mobile browsers. The app is initially accessible only through enterprise accounts, but there are plans to extend its support to consumer credentials.

The introduction of the Windows App and the ongoing development of Windows 365 Cloud PC suggest a future where Microsoft’s operating system and services are more integrated, cloud-based, and accessible across multiple devices. This strategy could intensify with the rumored launch of Windows 12, potentially offered as a subscription service and positioned as a direct competitor to ChromeOS.

Microsoft Advances Cloud AI with Launch of Azure Maia and Cobalt

By

Adwaith

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November 16, 2023

Microsoft has announced the introduction of two custom-designed chips, Azure Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU, set to be integrated into its Azure cloud environment by 2024.

Azure Maia is a custom AI accelerator chip, specifically developed for cloud-based training and inferencing of AI workloads. This includes support for advanced models like OpenAI, Bing, GitHub Copilot, and ChatGPT. This development underscores Microsoft’s focus on enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of AI processing in the cloud, a critical area given the increasing reliance on AI technologies in various sectors.

Complementing Azure Maia is Azure Cobalt, a cloud-native CPU based on the Arm architecture. It’s optimized for performance, energy, and cost efficiency in handling general workloads. This chip represents a versatile solution for a wide range of cloud computing needs, balancing the specialized AI focus of Azure Maia with broader applications.

While detailed specifications of these chips are still sparse, it is known that the Cobalt CPU is based on the Arm Neoverse N2 architecture, featuring 128 cores and a 12-channel memory interface. This design is expected to deliver a 40% performance boost over its predecessor. The Maia chip is produced using TSMC’s 5-nm manufacturing process and incorporates CoWoS packaging technology, along with four HBM chips.

Microsoft is not only focusing on in-house chip development but also expanding its partnerships with leading hardware providers like AMD and Nvidia. This includes the integration of AMD Instinct MI300X accelerated virtual machines into Azure, enhancing AI workload processing capabilities. Additionally, Microsoft is launching new virtual machine series optimized for Nvidia’s H100 and the upcoming H200, focusing on AI training and inferencing.

Meta and Amazon Team Up for Integrated Shopping on Facebook and Instagram

By

Nethra Gupta

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November 15, 2023

Meta and Amazon have joined forces, allowing users to shop directly on Instagram and Facebook without ever leaving the apps.

The agreement is going to benefits both parties. For Meta, this partnership means keeping users engaged within its social media platforms, while Amazon gains a vast new sales channel. Users can now view real-time prices, Prime eligibility, delivery estimates, and product details of selected Amazon products on Facebook and Instagram ads.

The integration is user-friendly and seamless. When a user clicks on an Amazon product advertised on these social platforms, they will no longer be redirected to an external Amazon link. Instead, they can complete their purchase within the Instagram app itself, provided they have linked their Amazon account. This process ensures a smooth and uninterrupted shopping experience, enhancing user convenience.

This collaboration comes at a crucial time for Meta. The company has been seeking alternative revenue streams following its privacy-related challenges with Apple in 2021. Apple’s privacy updates made it difficult for social media companies to target users effectively, leading to significant financial losses for Meta. By partnering with Amazon, Meta not only recovers from these setbacks but also positions itself strategically in the e-commerce domain.

For retailers, this partnership means a simplified process for selling products on Facebook and Instagram without the need for creating custom storefronts within these apps. Consumers, on the other hand, benefit from the convenience of shopping for Amazon products directly through their favorite social media platforms, enjoying the perks of Prime membership and real-time information.

Mandatory Alerts for AI-Altered Videos on YouTube

By

Avinash A

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November 15, 2023

YouTube has taken a significant step to combat misinformation and deceptive content fueled by artificial intelligence. YouTube will soon require creators to alert viewers about videos containing “synthetic” content — those created or manipulated using generative AI tools. This policy will encompass both traditional long-form videos and the increasingly popular Shorts.

The implementation timeline for this new policy is not yet concrete, but YouTube’s official blog indicates that these content alteration warnings will start rolling out in the coming months, with a more prominent presence expected in 2024. The platform is working closely with YouTubers to ensure they are well-informed about these new requirements and guidelines.

Once this feature is available, creators will need to indicate during the upload process if a video has been manipulated using AI. YouTube will then display two types of warnings: one in the video description box and another directly on the video player. Both will carry a message stating, “Altered or synthetic content. The sound or images have been altered or digitally generated.”

However, it’s important to note that the warning on the video player will be limited to synthetic content related to sensitive topics prone to misinformation, such as public health crises, ongoing armed conflicts, events involving public officials, or electoral processes.

YouTube’s initiative is a compelling approach to add an extra layer of control over the spread of misleading or outright false content. However, there’s a possibility that some creators, especially those whose primary motive is to disseminate disinformation, might choose not to mark their videos as altered, despite them being so. Therefore, Google will need an effective system to enforce these new guidelines.

Creators who fail to mark their AI-manipulated videos accordingly will face various penalties, ranging from content removal to suspension from YouTube’s Partner Program. The specifics of these sanctions, such as whether they apply after a certain number of violations, are not detailed, but they will occur in cases of “consistent” non-compliance.

It’s also crucial to mention that these new synthetic content warnings do not replace YouTube’s community guidelines. This means that YouTube can still remove inappropriate AI-manipulated content, even if it includes the required warning.

Lastly, YouTube’s policy won’t just apply to videos manipulated with third-party software. As Google is a leading force in AI and is gradually integrating it into its products, the warnings will also cover videos incorporating elements created with its tools, like Dream Screen, a utility for generating AI-based images and videos for use as backgrounds in Shorts.