March 24, 2023

openai

ChatGPT gets “eyes and ears” with plugins that can interface AI with the world

arsTECHNICA, 03/24/23. OpenAI now has plugins ChatGPT that lets it interact with the wider world by booking flights, ordering groceries, browsing the web, and more. Plugins are code that tell ChatGPT on how to use external resources. This expanded capability could reduce ChatGPT’s factual errors and mistakes. 

OpenAI has implemented several safeguards to ensure safety since plugins expand the scope of ChatGPT’s impact on society. 

Right now, the plugins are only available on an alpha basis to select developers and then only to those approved from a waitlist. READ MORE

fashion

Levi’s will ‘supplement’ human models with AI-generated fakes

engadget, 03/24/23. Levi’s has partnered with Lalaland.ai to create computer-generated fashion models as part of its “digital transformation journey” of diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. 

The move allows Levi’s to increase the diversity of its models while potentially reducing costs by not having to pay human models. Some see this as the first step toward automating the industry. That may be true but it also aligns with the brand’s efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive customer experience. 

Meanwhile, Levi’s is also undergoing a restructuring plan to cut around 800 jobs, almost 20 percent of its corporate workforce. READ MORE

hardware

There’s one sure winner in the AI explosion, say analysts: Dutch outfit ASML

The Register, 03/24/23. The rapid adoption of generative AI and machine learning technologies is expected to be the major driver of leading-edge microchip capacity growth. 

Scaling AI models requires a ton of microchips for GPUs, CPUs, memory, and high-speed connectivity. This will push microchip manufacturers to adopt more advanced manufacturing technologies faster and in greater volumes. They will become even more reliant on equipment vendors like Netherlands-based ASML. 

ASML is the sole provider of extreme ultraviolet lithography machines used for advanced process nodes. READ MORE

hazards

You Can Have the Blue Pill or the Red Pill, and We’re Out of Blue Pills

The New York Times, 03/24/23. The ability of AI to manipulate and generate language with superhuman efficiency means that it can hack and control the operating system of civilization. This has the potential to reshape all aspects of human culture and society, including political views, religious beliefs, and even democracy itself. 

To prevent the worst-case scenarios, urgent action is required to upgrade our institutions and develop effective control mechanisms. READ MORE

regulation

Opinion Government should go slow when regulating AI

The Washington Post, 03/24/23. The growth and evolution of the internet has served users in remarkable ways. ChatGPT is a testament to this growth. With this growth comes the need for caution when it comes to government regulation that might stifle innovation. 

AI has the potential to reduce human error and make incredible advancements in fields like cancer treatment. Already, AI and LLMs are implementing protective measures for users, including disclaimers. 

As we consider regulation, we must prioritize allowing for experimentation and innovation to continue rather than squashing them during these early days. READ MORE