AI Roundup 020: AI is eating the world
June 23, 2023
AI is eating the world
It's been 12 years since Marc Andreessen declared "software is eating the world." In hindsight, he was right, and now a second software wave - AI - is eating the world again.
What to watch:
An overview of generative AI's impact on three industries: legal services, filmmaking, and programming.
US hospitals are using flawed AI diagnostic tools, as some doctors feel pressured to "defer to the algorithm."
Architects are using AI to design workplaces and offices as companies adopt a hybrid working model.
Celebrities are making deals for companies to use their AI doppelgangers in ad campaigns and de-aged movie scenes.
Disney is using AI in its latest Pixar film, Elemental, and its latest Marvel series, Secret Wars.
Politicians are worried about AI
US Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled his AI regulatory framework this week, saying, “Congress must join the AI revolution.” He and his team have met with more than 100 AI developers, executives, scientists, and experts in recent months.
Between the lines:
Schumer's framework has five key pillars: security, accountability, foundations, explanations, and innovation. He believes innovation should be the North Star, but safety and guardrails are also key.
The White House is also pushing AI regulation forward, independent of Congress. President Biden this week met with AI experts to help broader his perspective on AI's risks and opportunities.
With lawmakers moving at a breakneck pace, lobbyists are also racing to keep up. Recent documents show OpenAI wanted parts of the EU's AI Act to be "watered down" amid the recent regulation push.
Elsewhere in AI anxiety:
Experts warn about a flood of AI-generated child porn, as some question whether current laws cover the images.
The RIAA targets the "AI Hub" Discord, which hosts AI-generated celebrity voices over copyright infringement.
A look at recent debates over existential risk in AI, as views that were once considered extreme are now mainstream talking points.
AI investments
AWS is investing $100 million in a new program to help companies build AI products by connecting them with AWS AI experts.
Why it matters:
This is just the tip of the AI funding iceberg. Dropbox announced a $50 million venture fund focused on AI startups this week.
After remote work, layoffs, and the crypto crash made Silicon Valley a bleak place, AI is bringing back people, dollars, and hype. Bloomberg takes a deeper look at Silicon Valley's AI frenzy.
AI is even bringing SoftBank's Masayoshi Son out of hibernation. After taking tens of billions in losses, the famed investor is ready to go on the “counteroffensive,” and is apparently a daily user of ChatGPT.
Things happen
FTX's former President launches AI startup. OpenAI considers an app store for ML models. Meta's Voicebox, a speech-generating AI that's too risky to release publicly. A Q&A with Sam Altman on UX, AGI, and regulation. Dropbox unveils AI tools for search and summarization. DeepMind cofounder proposes a "modern Turing test" - whether an AI can turn $100K into $1M. A look at the vast and hidden world of "taskers," who are hired to label AI training data. Google Cloud launches Anti-Money Laundering AI.
Last week's roundup
AI Roundup 019: The church of ChatGPT
This week a University of Vienna philosopher used ChatGPT to create a 40-minute church service. It included a sermon, prayers, and music, and was led by four AI-generated avatars.
I do think "AI is Eating the World" would be a pretty good theme for a series.
I love that you're tracking the funding. This is where the rubber really hits the road, and momentum matters a TON. Lots of brilliant minds can sit around and play solitaire, but once there's a financial backing, they're gonna start doing magic.