April 21, 2023

  • Google

    Google’s AI panic forces merger of rival divisions, DeepMind and Brain

    Source, 04/21/23. Google merged its two big AI teams, DeepMind and Google Brain, to form “Google DeepMind” due to the “Code Red” panic over ChatGPT’s rise and perceived lack of impact in the AI space. DeepMind’s CEO Demis Hassabis will lead the new team while Jeff Dean becomes the “chief scientist” reporting to Google CEO Sundar Pichai. The merger aims to create more capable and responsible AI systems while building the next generation of AI products and breakthroughs for Google and Alphabet. READ MORE

  • Software

    Google’s Bard AI chatbot can now generate and debug code

    TechCrunch, 04/21/23. Google’s AI tool Bard now helps software developers with programming, including generating code, debugging, and code explanation. The tool can work with over 20 programming languages, such as Python, Java, and C++. Bard can also review and debug code line by line, translate code from one language to another, and explain code snippets for beginners. However, the tool is still an early experiment and may sometimes provide inaccurate or misleading information. Nonetheless, Google believes Bard’s new capabilities can help developers write code, create test cases, and update APIs. READ MORE

  • Hype

    As AI risk grows, Anthropic calls for NIST funding boost: ‘This is the year to be ambitious’

    VentureBeat, 04/21/23. Anthropic calls for $15M funding for NIST to improve AI measurement and standards, promoting safe technological innovation and improving the AI conversation. The call to action is simpler compared to other proposals and encourages policymakers to prioritize society-wide conversations on AI risk. The proposal highlights the need for more people to develop measurement and evaluation systems for AI and encourages the government and academia to train AI systems. Anthropic’s proposal is a positive step towards tackling AI risk and improving AI policy work. READ MORE

  • Art

    How My AI Image Won a Major Photography Competition

    SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, 04/21/23. Boris Eldagsen’s submission of an AI-generated image to photography competitions sparked debate on whether AI-generated art should be considered. He believes that promptography, distinct from traditional photography, offers artists absolute freedom. Eldagsen thinks a system is needed to distinguish between authentic and manipulated or generated images, especially in photojournalism. The relationship between promptography and photography is complex and lacks clear categorization. READ MORE

  • Jobs

    Chataclysm: How AI Will Upend Entry-Level Jobs

    Forbes, 04/21/23. Generative AI like ChatGPT will have a significant impact on the future of employment and socioeconomic mobility. While it may increase productivity, it may also widen the experience gap, making it harder for career launchers to gain relevant work experience. Apprenticeships and career and technical education are likely to become core in every high school and be the best bet for helping young people launch careers. Failure to prepare for the impact of generative AI could result in a decline in good entry-level jobs, youth unemployment and underemployment, higher inequality, and political instability. READ MORE