A.I. Tracker 🤖

GitHub introduces multi-model functionality for Copilot code completion tool, allowing users to choose models from Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI. They also launch Spark, an AI tool for building web apps using natural language. New features like multi-file edit and code review are announced.

Biden admin finalizing rules to restrict investments in Chinese tech sectors related to military and surveillance. Ban applies to capital and intangible benefits starting Jan 2, overseen by Treasury's Office of Global Transactions. Publicly traded securities exempt, but limits on designated Chinese companies remain.

On The Vergecast: AI CEOs envision a beautiful, equal future. ShakeAlert app for earthquake detection and Camera Control science on iPhone 16 reviewed.

Brightwave's AI agent finds signal in public data for asset managers, generating research reports summarizing key information. The startup raised $15 million in a quick Series A round led by Decibel Partners. Conover emphasizes respect for news organizations and plans to work with them.

Salesforce's AI agent platform Agentforce is now available, allowing for easy chatbot deployment. It aims to enhance customer service and drive business automation. The platform is already being used by firms such as OpenTable and Saks.

Margaret Atwood, not concerned about generative AI impacting arts due to its poor performance in poetry and fiction. Believes original creativity cannot come from AI, but warns younger artists in visual arts to be wary.

Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI aims to expand AI benefits globally by investing in diverse languages and cultures, creating new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Vinod Khosla predicts AI will make work almost obsolete, leading to great abundance and increased GDP growth. He warns of risks from adversaries and income inequality.

Google is expanding its "Help me write" feature to Gmail on web, allowing users to quickly refine drafts with Gemini AI. A new "polish" shortcut will help users formalize, elaborate, or shorten messages. Available to Google One AI Premium subscribers or Workspace users with Gemini add-on.

Meta is developing an AI-powered search engine to reduce reliance on Google and Microsoft. It aims to provide AI-generated search summaries within its chatbot with web crawlers already active. Other companies like OpenAI and Perplexity are also working on similar projects, facing legal challenges.

The Open Source Initiative sets new guidelines for open AI, challenging Meta's Llama model for not providing full access to training data. Critics accuse Meta of withholding data to protect its competitive advantage.

UMG partners with Klay Vision to create ethical AI music generation model. Klay plans to launch AI-driven music experiences without competing with human artists' catalogs. Execs believe the 'next Beatles' will use their technology.

Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla criticized California Senator Scott Wiener's AI bill, SB 1047, as lacking in understanding of national security issues. Wiener defended his bill with support from AI expert Geoffrey Hinton, and criticized Silicon Valley investors for spreading misinformation. Khosla challenged Wiener to a debate at TechCrunch Disrupt.

Hugh Nelson, a graphic design student from Bolton, used AI to create indecent images of children and encouraged their abuse online. He was jailed for 18 years and warned that AI images of child abuse are also illegal.

Sierra, co-founded by OpenAI chairman Bret Taylor, raises $175 million to offer AI-powered customer service chatbots, with a valuation of $4.5 billion. The platform uses advanced AI models to prevent misinformation and allows customization of AI personalities.

Google's AI Overviews now available in over 100 countries including Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Users can view search summaries in various languages. Ads not yet integrated into Overviews outside of the US. Rolling out gradually since May. Prominent citing of webpages tested.

Will Hatcher, aka King Willonius, gained internet fame when Metro Boomin sampled his AI-generated song during the Kendrick Lamar-Drake beef. AI music tools are revolutionizing the industry as creators like Hatcher make hits with humor and creativity.

Medium's CEO is unconcerned about AI-generated content on the platform as long as nobody reads it. He believes its presence is irrelevant if not consumed.

Google Search's AI Overviews are now available in over 100 countries with 1 billion users monthly. The feature provides snapshot info in multiple languages, includes in-line links, and displays ads. Despite initial issues, Google continues to fine-tune the feature for accuracy.

Researchers predict the AI industry could generate over 10 billion iPhones worth of e-waste per year by 2030. Mitigations such as downcycling and efficiency improvements could reduce waste by 16-86%, but adoption is key.