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AI is expected to transform the film industry

AI is already transforming the film industry, with its use in production pipelines sparking excitement and controversy in equal measure. Recent releases like 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' have brought the discussion around AI in film to the forefront, with the movie's de-aging of Harrison Ford sparking debates about the future of the technology in cinema. The film industry is experiencing a period of significant transformation as AI continues to make inroads into various aspects of filmmaking. The use of AI in production pipelines has sparked a range of reactions, from excitement about the new possibilities it offers to concerns about its potential impact on jobs and creativity.

One of the most notable examples of AI in recent film releases is the use of de-aging technology on Harrison Ford in 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny'. This has sparked debates and discussions about the future of AI in cinema, with some praising the technology as impressive and others finding it uncanny and unsettling.

The de-aging process involved using AI to comb through decades of old footage of Ford, allowing the filmmakers to recreate his younger appearance from the 1980s. While some viewers found the effect impressive, others criticized it as distracting and unnatural, particularly when combined with Ford's older voice.

The use of AI in film has become an increasingly contentious issue, with strikes by actors and writers' unions highlighting concerns about its potential impact on jobs and creativity. Many in the industry feel threatened by the rapid advancements in AI technology, including deepfake and generative AI tools, which have the potential to disrupt traditional filmmaking roles.

However, supporters of AI in film argue that it can democratize filmmaking by making it more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective. They believe that AI can enhance human creativity and productivity, particularly in areas like scriptwriting, pre-production planning, and special effects.

As AI technology continues to evolve and improve, the film industry is at a crossroads. While some filmmakers embrace the new possibilities offered by AI, others remain cautious or skeptical, highlighting the importance of regulating the technology to protect jobs and creativity. The debate around AI in film is likely to continue as the technology advances, shaping the future of filmmaking in ways that are yet to be fully understood.

Published on: April 28, 2024

Source: MIT Technology Review

AI Could Widen Inequality, Warns White House Report

In a recent report, the White House has raised concerns about the potential impact of AI on US workers, particularly those with less education and lower incomes. The report, shared first with CNN, estimates that about 10% of US workers are in jobs that face the highest risk of disruption from rapidly evolving AI. This highlights the risk of AI amplifying existing inequalities, with lower-income and less-educated workers being especially vulnerable to displacement.

The findings are part of the Council of Economic Advisers' annual Economic Report of the President, which dedicates a chapter to AI and its potential effects on the workforce. Jared Bernstein, chair of the council, draws a parallel to health risks, asking who is most at risk and how they can be protected. The report reflects the White House's proactive approach to guiding AI development to benefit workers.

While AI has the potential to complement some jobs, it may also displace others. The report acknowledges the evolving nature of AI and includes caveats about the uncertainty of its future impact. Generative AI, for example, is already capable of tasks previously unique to humans, such as humorous writing and image creation. The report also found that 20% of workers are in high-exposure AI occupations, with similar results observed by the Pew Research Center for 2022.

Despite the risks, the White House remains committed to implementing policies that mitigate the potential negative consequences of AI on workers' lives. The Biden administration aims to reduce the risk of AI-induced job displacement and prevent technological advancements from solely dictating societal inequality.

The White House report underscores the complex nature of the issue, recognizing the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI for the US workforce. As AI continues to evolve, policymakers must carefully consider their strategies to ensure a positive future for all.

Published on: April 28, 2024

Source: CNN Business

Beijing to subsidize domestic AI chips, targeting self-reliance by 2027

Beijing city authorities have announced subsidies for companies that purchase domestically-produced artificial intelligence (AI) chips, as part of a drive to develop China's semiconductor industry and reduce its reliance on foreign technology. The initiative, outlined in a document by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology dated April 24, did not specify the size of the subsidies. However, it stated that companies investing in domestically controlled GPU chips for intelligent computing services will receive support based on a certain percentage of their investment. China is cultivating its own AI chip industry, with the Ascend 910 chips of Huawei Technologies seen as a potential rival to products from US-based Nvidia. This move comes as the US tightens restrictions on exporting advanced computing products to China, citing national security concerns. Beijing's initiative targets 100% self-reliance in smart computing infrastructure hardware and software by 2027, with government-related entities known as 'intelligent computing centers' being the major buyers of domestic AI chips so far.

Published on: April 27, 2024

Source: Reuters

Big Tech continues to spend billions on AI with no end in sight

In what is being called the artificial intelligence revolution, Big Tech companies are spending billions of dollars on AI and planning to spend even more in the future. This week, during their quarterly earnings calls, Google, Microsoft, and Meta revealed their significant investments in AI. Meta increased its predicted spending for this year by up to $10 billion, while Google plans to invest around $12 billion or more each quarter on capital expenditures, including new data centers. Microsoft spent $14 billion in the latest quarter and expects this to increase further, according to CFO Amy Hood. The massive investments by these tech giants are among the largest infusions of cash into a specific technology in Silicon Valley's history. The spending on AI is expected to further solidify the dominance of these companies in the US economy as other businesses, governments, and consumers rely on their AI tools and software. The rush to invest in AI has also increased demand for computer chips and raised concerns about the strain on the US electrical grid. Despite the challenges, these companies remain committed to leading the way in AI development and innovation.

Published on: April 26, 2024

Source: The Washington Post

Microsoft's AI-driven results top Wall Street targets

Microsoft's (MSFT.O) recent financial results have surpassed Wall Street targets, demonstrating the success of their AI investments. The company's revenue rose 17% to $61.9 billion in the quarter ended in March, exceeding estimates by $1.1 billion. This success is attributed to the integration of artificial intelligence across their cloud services, with a notable increase in customer demand.

The rise in Microsoft's shares after the bell lifted the company's stock market value by a significant $128 billion, showcasing the confidence of investors in the tech giant's AI-driven strategy. This surge in value also helped Microsoft capture the title of the world's most valuable company from Apple this year.

Microsoft's strategic partnership with OpenAI has granted them access to coveted AI technologies, which they have infused across their product portfolio, including Azure, Bing, and Microsoft 365. The revenue from their Intelligent Cloud unit, housing the Azure cloud computing platform, rose to $26.7 billion, surpassing estimates by $0.46 billion. Additionally, the Azure revenue growth rate of 31% exceeded the market research firm Visible Alpha's estimate of 29%.

Microsoft's AI-powered tools, such as the Copilot genAI assistants, have contributed to the success of their enterprise software and Windows businesses. The More Personal Computing unit revenue increased by 17% to $15.6 billion, and the Productivity and Business Processes unit revenue, housing office software and LinkedIn, grew by 12% to $19.6 billion, exceeding analyst expectations.

Jeremy Goldman, senior director of briefings at Emarketer, commended Microsoft's commitment to innovation, stating that their 'AI-powered earnings demonstrate that doubling down on innovation is paying off'. However, it is important to note that Microsoft's AI-driven capital expenditures in the third quarter were nearly $1 billion more than analysts' estimates, with capital expenditures growing from $11.5 billion to $14 billion.

Overall, Microsoft's strategic focus on AI has proven to be a successful driver of revenue and profit, solidifying their position as a leader in the tech industry.

Published on: April 26, 2024

Source: Reuters

Roboticists Build More General-Purpose Robots

In a dynamic shift within the field of robotics, researchers are now focusing on developing more general-purpose robots that can tackle a broader range of tasks. This evolution marks a departure from the longstanding practice of employing multiple individual models, each designed for distinct tasks such as identifying images, drawing, or captioning. The new approach, inspired by the techniques behind the current boom in generative AI, aims to create more adaptable and versatile robots that can handle a variety of functions.

This shift has significant implications for the future of robotics and their integration into various industries. By having robots capable of performing multiple tasks, businesses can reduce the time, labor, and financial costs associated with reprogramming and repurposing single-task robots. Additionally, it addresses the challenge of requiring specialized technical skills for robot maintenance, which are not always readily available.

The development of more versatile robots also aligns with the concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, where smart and adaptable technology is at the forefront. This evolution in robotics is expected to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and optimize asset utilization across various sectors.

While the concept of multitasking robots is not entirely new, recent advancements and real-world applications are bringing this idea to the forefront of robotic innovation. For instance, researchers at the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International in Japan have developed a mind-controlled robotic arm that allows healthy individuals to multitask. Participants in their study were able to control the robotic arm with their thoughts while simultaneously performing tasks with their human arms.

As roboticists continue to explore the potential of general-purpose robots, it is expected that we will see even more innovative and adaptable machines that can seamlessly assist in a wide range of industries and applications.

Published on: April 24, 2024

Source: MIT Technology Review

AI-Generated Election Disinformation Will Be Everywhere

As record numbers of people head to the polls in 2024, AI-generated election disinformation and deepfakes are expected to pose a significant challenge to democratic elections worldwide. This follows recent elections in Argentina, where both presidential candidates used AI to create images and videos to promote themselves and attack each other. In one instance, an AI-generated image depicted one candidate as a Chinese communist leader, while another showed his opponent as a cartoon lion.

This use of AI in political campaigns has sparked concerns among experts, who worry that it could be used to spread misinformation and deceive voters. The accessibility and power of AI technology also mean that it could soon become a common feature of elections, with the potential to influence their outcomes.

Indeed, AI-generated content has already been used to target specific voting blocs and spread divisive messages. In the US, Donald Trump has cheered on a group that uses AI to generate memes with racist and sexist tropes, while in Slovakia, deepfakes of a liberal party leader making jokes about child pornography spread during the country's elections.

The ease with which AI can be used to create fake content has raised alarms about its potential to undermine democracy and erode trust in essential information sources. As one expert noted, 'it's not so much that generative AI will create deepfakes deceiving people... my genuine concern is that the mere existence of these technologies could be leveraged to devalue evidence and erode trust.'

To address these concerns, some tech companies have introduced policies to label AI-generated content and prevent its misuse. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain, and there are fears that they will not be enough to curb the spread of AI-generated disinformation.

Published on: April 24, 2024

Source: MIT Technology Review

Adobe Claims Its New Firefly Image Generation Model Is Its Best Yet

Adobe has stated that its latest Firefly image generation model, part of its Firefly family of generative AI models, is superior to its previous offerings. This announcement comes after the Firefly model received criticism for being underwhelming and failing to impress creatives. The new model includes improvements such as better text prompt understanding, recognition of more landmarks and cultural symbols, and new features like Prompt Guidance and Generative Match. Adobe also assures that it is committed to developing its AI technology responsibly and addressing ethical concerns.

Published on: April 23, 2024

Source: TechCrunch

Meta's AI Assistant Rollout Across Apps Draws User Criticism

In a recent development, Meta has rolled out its AI assistant across its flagship apps, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. This integration allows users to access the AI assistant through the search bar, either by clicking the send button or tapping search suggestions. While Meta touts the capabilities of its open-source Llama 3 model, users have expressed frustration and annoyance over the unexpected change. Some feel that Meta may be attempting to force AI into their social media experience, with no option to disable the feature as of now. This move by Meta represents a significant push towards integrating AI into its platforms, but it remains to be seen if users will embrace this change or find ways to circumvent it.

Published on: April 23, 2024

Source: NBC News

Stability AI Releases Stable Video 3D (SV3D) Model

Stability AI, a leader in artificial intelligence, has introduced its latest innovation: Stable Video 3D (SV3D). This cutting-edge model represents a significant advancement in the world of 3D technology, offering improved quality and multi-view consistency. The launch of SV3D pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of 3D object generation and opens up exciting opportunities for content creators and developers.

At the core of SV3D's capabilities is its ability to generate coherent and consistent views from any angle, addressing the challenges of Novel View Synthesis (NVS). This level of pose-controllability and realistic 3D generations is a notable improvement over previous approaches, which often struggled with limited perspectives and inconsistent outputs. SV3D's unique approach ensures that objects appear natural and consistent regardless of the viewer's perspective.

The model is built upon the foundation of Stable Video Diffusion, showcasing Stability AI's expertise in AI-driven 3D generation. SV3D offers two variants: SV3D_u and SV3D_p. The former generates orbital videos based on single image inputs, while the latter enhances this capability by accommodating both single images and orbital views, enabling the creation of fully rendered 3D videos along specified camera paths. This flexibility empowers users to create immersive and interactive experiences.

One of SV3D's key advantages lies in its use of video diffusion models, which offer significant benefits over image diffusion models used in the past. This innovation allows for superior generalization and view-consistency, as noted in Stability AI's technical report: "By adapting our Stable Video Diffusion image-to-video diffusion model with the addition of camera path conditioning, Stable Video 3D is capable of generating multi-view videos of an object." This capability is particularly useful for the gaming sector and enhancing the e-commerce experience.

Furthermore, SV3D addresses the issue of baked-in lighting, a common challenge in 3D generation. It employs a disentangled illumination model that is optimized alongside 3D shape and texture, resulting in more realistic and accurate outputs. The model also utilizes 3D Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) and mesh representations to further enhance the quality of 3D meshes generated from novel views.

Stable Video 3D is now available for commercial use with a Stability AI Membership. For those interested in non-commercial exploration, the model weights can be downloaded from Hugging Face, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts and researchers to delve into the exciting world of AI-driven 3D generation.

Published on: April 23, 2024

Source: InfoQ