YouTube's AI dilemma

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Apple is ramping up its efforts to integrate generative AI into various products, with recent job listings highlighting specific needs for this technology, including a developer experience platform, conversational AI, and more, as the company reportedly invests over $1 billion annually to enhance AI-based features across its ecosystem.

⏰ Top 5 Headlines

🔗Link: Instagram’s latest AI feature test is a way to make stickers from photos.

🔗Link: Oxford University develops AI tool to track virus variants.

🔗Link: Alibaba, Tencent join $340m funding for AI startup Zhipu.

🔗Link: EU lawmakers face struggle to reach agreement on AI rules.

🔗Link: Microsoft to spend $3.2b in Australia as AI regulation looms.

💬 Deeper Dives

The music industry’s first reckoning with AI is upon us

Negotiations between YouTube and major music labels are ushering in a critical moment in the adoption of AI technology in the music industry. This marks a potential turning point for creative applications of AI, despite ongoing questions about copyright and consent.

YouTube's AI ambitions: YouTube's attempt to introduce AI tools, such as allowing users to perform using the voices of famous musicians, faces a major challenge as music companies seek answers regarding consent, attribution, and monetization. This negotiation underscores the music industry's cautious openness to AI technologies as it seeks new avenues for growth in the face of slowing streaming growth. YouTube, a pivotal partner for the music industry, is at the forefront of this shift but must address various concerns and ensure artists are fairly compensated as AI continues to shape the industry.

(Read more: Bloomberg)

The big risk behind the AI investment boom

Venture capitalists are pouring money into AI startups, especially those developing foundational AI models.

The risk: Copyright-protected data used in these models could lead to costly lawsuits that disrupt well-funded startups.

Blind eye to copyright dangers: Despite potential legal threats, VCs investing in AI startups don't seem concerned. Ignoring copyright issues in the AI boom could lead to costly consequences down the line.

(Read more: Axios)

ChatGPT’s DALL-E3 integration finally released

ChatGPT has officially launched its innovative image creation feature for Plus and Enterprise users, integrating DALL·E 3's advanced image model directly. Users can now seamlessly receive detailed images alongside text queries, accommodating both landscape and portrait aspects. This dynamic duo has the potential to revolutionize design, marketing, and entertainment industries.

(Read more: OpenAI)

South Korean Christians turn to AI for prayer

In South Korea, AI is answering the prayers of the faithful as Christians turn to technology for spiritual guidance. Chatbots and AI-powered audio bibles have become integral to online church services in a country where Christianity is the dominant religion. Local start-ups have launched AI-driven Bible study and prayer apps, attracting a growing number of young Protestants. While pastors appreciate the time-saving benefits, they also emphasize the importance of maintaining a human touch in religious activities. AI's role in spirituality remains a subject of debate, with some believing it can assist but not replace the deeply personal and soulful aspects of faith.

(Read more: FT)

‘Video games are in for quite a trip’: How generative AI could radically reshape gaming

Generative AI transforms NPCs: Video game developers are utilizing generative AI to create more realistic and natural non-playable characters (NPCs). Tools like Ghostwriter generate original dialogue, and speech-to-gesture animation makes NPCs' movements match their speech, resulting in more lifelike and unpredictable behavior.

Open worlds redefined: Generative AI is reshaping open-world gaming by enabling the creation of infinite, personalized content. AI can craft unique storylines and quests based on player data, providing an immersive and tailored experience. While procedurally generated content exists, generative AI offers greater potential for unexpected narrative developments.

Impact on game development: Generative AI tools are enhancing game development by streamlining repetitive tasks and allowing developers to focus on creative aspects. Although concerns about job displacement exist, generative AI is seen as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human game developers, with ethical considerations and legal issues still being addressed. Independent studios stand to benefit from the increased accessibility of this technology.

(Read more: CNN)

🤳 Extra reads

• 🔗Axios: Anthropic tests AI rules for the people, by the people.

• 🔗TheVerge: Qualcomm’s next big Snapdragon chip has leaked, and it’s full of AI features.

• 🔗BBC: Google Pixel’s face-altering photo tool sparks AI manipulation debate.

The team behind today’s issue: Lavena Xu-Johnson, Hubert Trinkunas and Rosa Cecilia.