The world of artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, with new developments and advancements being made every day. From AI-powered search assistants to generative AI pilot programs, the potential applications of this technology are vast and varied. As we move forward, it's essential to consider the implications of AI on our daily lives and the world around us.
Google Rolls Out Gemini's Real-Time AI Video Features
Google is rolling out new AI features to Gemini Live that let it 'see' your screen or through your smartphone camera and answer questions about either in real-time. The features come nearly a year after the 'Project Astra' work that powers them. Gemini can 'see' screens and camera feeds in real-time for some Google One AI Premium subscribers now. The rollout of these features is a fresh example of the company's big AI assistant lead. Google's AI features are expected to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.
New AI-Powered Search Assistant Added to General Handbook of Instructions
The General Handbook of Instructions now features a search assistant to help Church leaders and members find answers to their questions. The search assistant button is located at the bottom right of the screen when viewing General Handbook content. By using the provided links to confirm the summarized answers, leaders can gain a deeper understanding of Church principles and policies. The AI search assistant is available on the website and for online use of the General Handbook of Instructions. The assistant can analyze users' questions and summarize potentially relevant information found in the handbook.
(Un)Making AI Worlds Explores Artificial Intelligence Ethics with Artistic Performance
The Emerson Contemporary exhibition, (Un)Making AI Worlds , engaged with AI systems and their societal impacts through critical inquiry and artistic exploration. The exhibit included a live performance of Secret Hyena , which explores the intersection of AI, surveillance, and human vulnerability. The exhibition aimed to bring together a team of interdisciplinary artists to engage critically and creatively with artificial intelligence. The goal was to explore the possibilities of partnering with an AI chatbot to create something dramatic and to create language out of vision that is actionable.
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Condemn Pentagon's 'AI Excuse' for Erasing Native Military History
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have condemned the Pentagon's explanation that artificial intelligence was to blame for the removal of pages honoring Native American veterans from military websites. The tribes expressed deep skepticism about the Defense Department's justification, stating that machines should not decide whether to remove references to veterans. The removals occurred amid Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's push to eliminate DEI efforts across military platforms. The National Congress of American Indians also issued a statement, calling on the federal government to prioritize the recognition of Native service members and their history.
Netflix's Reed Hastings Donates $50 Million to Establish AI Research Center for the Humanities at Bowdoin College
Netflix co-founder and former CEO Reed Hastings has donated $50 million to his alma mater, Bowdoin College, to fund AI research and teaching within 'ethical frameworks.' The donation is the largest in the college's 231-year history and aims to advance Bowdoin's mission of cultivating wisdom for the common good. The Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity will hire 10 new faculty members and support faculty who want to incorporate and interrogate AI in their teaching, research, and artistic work.
Evaluating AI Agents? Early Adopters Outline Practical Challenges
A panel discussion at Nvidia's GTC Conference focused on real-world advice about the intricacies of adopting agentic AI. Non-tech companies said the technology still has a lot of challenges to overcome before it can be used practically. The main problem is humans still prefer talking to humans because they don't trust machines. Yum Brands, which includes brands such as Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC, hopes to get to 100% digital ordering in five years, with agentic AI playing a role.
AI Avatars' Lack of Authenticity Won't Stop Them from Joining the Creator Economy
AI avatars are expected to join the creator economy, despite their lack of authenticity. The creator economy has spawned stars like top YouTuber MrBeast, and AI avatars are likely to give humans a run for their money. As AI technology advances, we can expect to see more AI-generated content and AI-powered influencers.
Verizon Launches AI Assistant for Small Businesses
Verizon has launched a new digital assistant aimed at small and midsize businesses that want to use AI to help answer inquiries from customers. The AI-driven chatbot can answer customer questions sent via text messaging at any time and offers data insights to business owners. The service costs $35 per month per line and can be integrated into existing Verizon mobile devices without the need for new hardware or software.
Pennsylvania Shares Look at New Generative AI Pilot Program
Pennsylvania has shared the results of its first-in-the-nation Generative AI Pilot Program, which explored how generative AI could enhance productivity across state government. The pilot program showed significant benefits, including time savings and enhanced efficiency. Employees reported saving an average of 95 minutes per day on administrative tasks, and AI-assisted work helped employees improve hiring timelines and streamline procurement. The program underscored the importance of human oversight and demonstrated AI's potential to streamline government operations.
Key Takeaways
- AI is rapidly evolving and has the potential to revolutionize various industries.
- AI-powered search assistants and generative AI pilot programs are being developed to improve efficiency and productivity.
- The ethics of AI and its impact on human society are being explored through artistic and critical inquiry.
- AI avatars are expected to join the creator economy, despite their lack of authenticity.
- Small businesses are adopting AI assistants to help answer customer inquiries and improve customer service.
- Human oversight and ethics are essential in the development and implementation of AI technology.
Sources
- Google is rolling out Gemini’s real-time AI video features
- New AI-powered search assistant added to General Handbook of Instructions
- '(Un)Making AI Worlds' Explores Artificial Intelligence Ethics with Artistic Performance
- Shoshone-Bannock Tribes condemn Pentagon's 'AI excuse' for erasing Native military history
- Netflix’s Reed Hastings Donates $50 Million to Establish AI Research Center for the Humanities at Bowdoin College
- Evaluating AI agents? Early adopters outline practical challenges
- AI avatars’ lack of authenticity won’t stop them from joining the creator economy—and giving humans a run for their money
- Verizon Launches an AI Assistant for Small Businesses
- Pennsylvania Shares Look at New Generative AI Pilot Program