The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is constantly evolving, with new breakthroughs and controversies emerging every day. In this post, we'll take a look at five of the latest AI news stories making headlines around the world. From OpenAI's announcement of the highly anticipated GPT-4 to the UK government's investment in AI research, these stories highlight the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the field of AI. So, let's dive in and explore the latest news shaping the future of AI.
1. OpenAI Unveils GPT-4: More Powerful and Capable Chatbot with Advanced Reasoning Skills
OpenAI has introduced GPT-4, the newest and improved version of its ChatGPT chatbot. The AI model can now respond to images and process up to 25,000 words, eight times more than ChatGPT. Users can request GPT-4 to generate songs, poems, marketing copy, and help with homework. GPT-4 mimics human-like language and other writing styles. Microsoft's Bing search engine platform is already using the new AI, which is also available to ChatGPT Plus subscribers for $20 a month. GPT-4 has more advanced reasoning skills, which makes it capable of tasks such as finding available meeting times for three schedules. However, OpenAI warned that the AI model may still make errors and produce disinformation.
2. UK government introduces £1m Manchester Prize for groundbreaking AI research and exascale supercomputer investment
The UK government has announced an annual £1m Manchester Prize for the most innovative AI research, alongside a £900m investment to create an AI research resource and an "exascale" supercomputer. The chancellor also announced a £2.5bn 10-year research and innovation program for quantum computers. The Budget has been praised for its commitment to becoming a science and technology superpower but criticized for the lack of a UK semiconductor strategy and digital inclusion strategy. Additionally, the chancellor's announcement to work with the Intellectual Property Office to provide clarity on IP rules for generative AI companies has raised concerns among some rights holders.
3. Baidu's Ernie Bot fails to impress investors, causing a 10% drop in shares
Chinese search engine giant Baidu unveiled its AI-powered Ernie Bot, which failed to impress investors, causing a 10% drop in the company's shares. Ernie Bot was unveiled at a press event in Beijing, where the company's co-founder and CEO, Robin Li, showcased a prerecorded demonstration of the software's capabilities. Baidu is the first Chinese tech company to launch a ChatGPT-like AI chatbot, but other companies, including ByteDance and Tencent, have announced their plans to launch their own. Ernie Bot's Chinese-language understanding extends to dialects and will be integrated into Baidu's other products, including cloud and driverless cars. However, China's strict censorship and US restrictions on chip sales could limit Baidu and other Chinese contenders' AI ambitions.
4. Microsoft lays off AI ethics team, raising concerns about commitment to ethical AI
Microsoft has recently laid off its team responsible for ensuring the responsible development and deployment of AI. The ethics and society team was reportedly laid off as part of wider cuts to Microsoft’s workforce, leaving the company with fewer experts to ensure that AI solutions are safe and have a net positive impact.
This decision has raised concerns about Microsoft's commitment to ethical AI development, particularly as the company has been increasingly perceived as a leader in the field following its exclusive partnership with OpenAI. Together, they continue to deliver powerful new AI capabilities across Microsoft's products.
Despite the layoffs of its AI ethics team, Microsoft claims to be committed to developing AI products and experiences safely and responsibly, and it does so by investing in people, processes, and partnerships that prioritize this. The company still has an Office of Responsible AI, which promotes ethical practices through a central effort led by the Aether Committee, the Office of Responsible AI (ORA), and the Responsible AI Strategy in Engineering (RAISE).
5. Robot Appearance Matters: Study Shows Toy-Like Robots More Effective in Workplace Wellbeing Coaching
Researchers at the University of Cambridge conducted a study using two different robots to provide well-being coaching to employees at a tech consultancy firm. The study found that participants who worked with a toy-like robot reported feeling a stronger connection with their 'coach' compared to those who worked with a humanoid-like robot. The researchers suggest that the physical appearance of robots can affect how humans interact with them and that the perception of robots is influenced by popular culture. Despite differences in expectations versus reality, the study demonstrates that robots can be a useful tool for promoting mental well-being in the workplace. The findings were presented at the ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our discussion on the latest AI news, it's clear that the field of artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, with both exciting breakthroughs and concerns around ethics and governance. OpenAI's announcement of GPT-4, the successor to the widely popular ChatGPT, promises to take language processing to the next level, while the Chancellor's £1m Manchester Prize for AI signals a commitment to investing in AI research and development.
On the other hand, news of Baidu's ChatGPT rival's lackluster performance highlights the competitive nature of the AI industry and the challenges that come with developing effective AI models. Furthermore, the recent layoffs of Microsoft's AI ethics team raise questions about the accountability and transparency of AI technologies and their impact on society.
However, amidst these challenges, there is also potential for AI to contribute to positive outcomes, such as the use of robots to improve mental well-being in the workplace. As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving world of AI, it's important to keep both the opportunities and challenges in mind and work towards responsible and ethical AI development.
