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Hello! In a wild weekend twist, the tech world's leading startup undergoes a tumultuous shakeup, leaving everyone wondering: what will happen next? (Read more below)
— Lavena Xu-Johnson
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Altman drama unfolds
OpenAI's weekend upheaval saw CEO Sam Altman ousted, exposing a clash between startup-driven goals and research-focused roots. Tensions rose amid the organization's shift to a product-driven entity, prompting doubts about its commitment to AI ethics. Microsoft, a major investor, was reportedly blindsided.
Efforts to reinstate Altman hit a board impasse, reflecting the tech drama's unpredictable twists. Altman, concurrently fundraising for a chip venture called Tigris, struggled to balance nonprofit goals with commercial ties.
In the latest twist, ex-Twitch CEO Emmett Shear now leads OpenAI, with Altman joining Microsoft. Greg Brockman, OpenAI's co-founder, also joined Microsoft, marking a dramatic shift for the organization. Altman will be the CEO of the “new group,” Nadella said in his post, which brought to an end a weekend of feverish speculation that the OpenAI board could perform a dramatic U-turn and rehire the high-flying Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor.
⏰ Top 5 Headlines
🔗Link: Amazon is laying off hundreds of workers in its Alexa division.
🔗Link: Discord is shutting down its AI chatbot Clyde.
🔗Link: Microsoft tweaks AI image generator over Disney dogs poster trend.
🔗Link: Germany, France and Italy reach agreement on future AI regulation.
🔗Link: AI outperforms conventional weather forecasting methods for first time.
Meta brings us a step closer to AI-generated movies
The Meta revelation: Meta drops a bomb in the form of Emu Video, a flashy upgrade to its image generation tool, thrusting us deeper into the heart of AI-generated content territory.
Emu Video's techno-wizardry: Marvel at Emu Video's cinematic wizardry, conjuring up ultra-realistic 512x512, 16-frames-per-second clips. Yet, hold onto your popcorn; glitches appear when the script demands complex actions or gravity plays hooky.
The unsettling ethics of AI artistry: As Emu Video strides into Facebook and Instagram, a digital storm brews. The ethical thunderclap? Potential job shake-ups for artists and actors, all while AI sips its silicon cocktail, seemingly indifferent to the concerns of the creative realm.
Slow ethics, fast tech: In a classic tale of technology outpacing ethics, Emu Video, trained on the artistic endeavors of many without proper nods or cash, raises a crucial question: Are we witnessing an AI art revolution or a dystopian upheaval? Grab your virtual paintbrush; the canvas is still wet.
Meta disbanded its Responsible AI team
In a twist of fate, Meta has bid adieu to its Responsible AI (RAI) team, opting to pour its energy into the dazzling world of generative artificial intelligence, according to a scoop from The Information.
The RAI crew, now scattered like leaves in the wind, finds its members migrating to Meta's generative AI product team or hitching a ride on the AI infrastructure bandwagon. Meta insists it's still the guardian of responsible AI, with spokesperson Jon Carvill assuring us they'll keep the flame alive even as the team disperses, working on various cross-Meta projects. Oh, and in classic Meta fashion, they've been tight-lipped in response to requests for comment. Classic Meta.
Humane's AI Pin seems to be forgetting what makes a good wearable
Fashion fumble or tech triumph?: The Humane AI Pin's flashy design raises doubts about practicality. Priced at $699 with a $24 monthly subscription, its weight and fashion-focused approach may compromise wearability, questioning its everyday usability.
Practical hurdles: The pin's reliance on outerwear and lack of water resistance pose challenges. The need for careful clothing selection and a warning against water exposure may limit its appeal and convenience for users.
Cultural clashes in wearable world: Comparisons to fictional devices like Star Trek's communicator badges underscore the AI Pin's cultural hurdle. Speaking to a device on one's chest in public settings may face social discomfort, casting doubt on its practicality and acceptance in daily life.
SAG-AFTRA’s new contract hinges on studios acting responsibly with AI
AI doubts in SAG-AFTRA deal: The potential end of the SAG-AFTRA strike is clouded by concerns over a tentative agreement with AMPTP. The hitch? How Hollywood plans to responsibly handle AI in the contract.
Trust in studios at stake: The contract, aimed at safeguarding actors from AI-related threats, leaves many skeptical. Critics argue that the vague terms put a lot of faith in studios to play fair with the evolving technology.
Unanswered questions linger: As the strike concludes, uncertainties persist about enforcement and key details. With the ratification vote approaching on December 5th, SAG-AFTRA members are left in the dark about the full deal, especially its impact on actors in the age of AI. (Read more here)