May 18, 2025

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Fortnite AI, Nvidia AI Processor, Yale AI Research, Android Auto AI

Recent developments in artificial intelligence have been making headlines, from the return of Darth Vader to Fortnite using AI technology, to the introduction of new AI-powered features in Android Auto. The use of AI to clone James Earl Jones' voice as Darth Vader has raised ethical concerns, but many players find the character's interactions to be humorous. Meanwhile, experts are urging lawmakers to implement AI safeguards, and universities like Yale are investing in AI research and education. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has warned workers that they need to adopt AI technology to remain competitive, and companies like Nvidia are facing challenges from new AI processor developments. However, AI models still struggle with basic tasks like reading clocks and calendars, and the use of AI in photo editing is changing the way we perceive reality. As AI continues to advance, it is likely to have a significant impact on various aspects of our lives, from entertainment and education to transportation and workforce development.

Key Takeaways

  • Darth Vader has returned to Fortnite using AI technology, allowing players to interact with the character in real-time.
  • The use of AI to clone James Earl Jones' voice has raised ethical concerns, but his family has given permission for the project.
  • Experts are urging lawmakers to implement AI safeguards to ensure responsible development and use of the technology.
  • Yale University is investing $150 million in AI research and education, including new courses and programs to study the implications of AI.
  • Eric Schmidt has warned workers that they need to adopt AI technology to remain competitive in the job market.
  • Nvidia is facing a challenge from Huawei's new AI processor, which could potentially outperform Nvidia's flagship H100 processor.
  • AI models struggle with basic tasks like reading clocks and calendars, highlighting a significant gap in their ability to carry out time-sensitive tasks.
  • The use of AI in photo editing is changing the way we perceive reality, with the potential to create fake and misleading images.
  • Google's AI chatbot, Gemini, is being integrated into Android Auto and Android Automotive OS to provide more natural and fluid conversations between drivers and their cars.
  • AI is likely to have a significant impact on various aspects of our lives, from entertainment and education to transportation and workforce development.

Darth Vader Returns to Fortnite with AI

James Earl Jones' Darth Vader has returned to Fortnite using AI technology. Players can recruit and talk to Darth Vader, who will respond with the help of AI. Epic Games and Disney brought Jones back with the permission of his family. The family stated that Jones wanted fans to continue experiencing the voice of Darth Vader. The AI technology used is from a Ukrainian startup called Respeecher, which has worked with Lucasfilm before. However, the addition of Darth Vader has not been without issues, as some gamers have created content that makes the character swear or say inappropriate things. Epic Games has responded by adding safeguards and protections to prevent such incidents.

Fortnite's AI Darth Vader is Funny

The internet is filled with clips of Fortnite players talking to Darth Vader via voice chat, with the character responding in real-time using AI technology. The AI is powered by Google Gemini and can have conversations with players, answer questions, and even tell jokes. However, the use of AI to clone a dead actor's voice has raised ethical concerns. James Earl Jones had signed over his voice rights to Disney before his death, and his family is supportive of the new addition to Fortnite. Despite the controversy, many players find the AI Darth Vader to be very funny, with some even creating memes and videos featuring the character.

New York Lawmakers Discuss AI Bill

Dozens of experts in artificial intelligence are urging New York lawmakers to support legislation that would put in place AI safeguards. The bill would require AI developers to have a safety plan, disclose critical safety incidents, and protect employees who flag risks. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Alex Bores discussed the bill on NY1's 'Inside City Hall' and emphasized the importance of regulating AI. The lawmakers believe that the bill would help ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly, and that it would protect both consumers and workers.

Yale University Confronts AI with New Classes

Yale University has announced a $150 million commitment to build infrastructure, recruit talent, and reimagine an Ivy League education in the age of intelligent machines. The university is expanding its computational infrastructure, hiring faculty across disciplines, and accelerating interdisciplinary research with AI. Yale is also recruiting legal scholars, ethicists, and public health experts to study the implications of AI. The university's approach is focused on developing AI while also questioning and guiding it in line with safe practices. Yale has also launched new courses and programs to inform students about AI's role in education and their responsibilities with the technology.

Eric Schmidt Warns Workers to Adopt AI

Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has warned workers that they need to adopt AI technology or risk becoming irrelevant. Schmidt believes that AI will fundamentally shift every job, from the arts to business to science. He argues that workers who do not use AI will not be competitive compared to their peers and competitors. Schmidt also pointed to studies that estimate AI could drive a 30% increase in productivity annually, which would be a significant jump. He believes that some professions will evolve rather than disappear, but that workers need to be prepared to adapt to the changing landscape.

Nvidia Faces Challenge from Huawei's AI Processor

Huawei has developed an advanced AI processor that presents a challenge to Nvidia's global dominance in the AI chip market. The Chinese technology giant is preparing to test its new Ascend 910D chip, which could outperform Nvidia's flagship H100 processor. The move comes amid escalating tensions between the US and China over technology transfer and semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Huawei's progress in chip manufacturing has surprised many Western observers, and the company is expected to receive the first batch of its advanced AI processor samples by late May.

AI Models Struggle with Time and Calendars

A new study has revealed that AI models struggle with tasks such as reading an analogue clock or figuring out the day on which a date will fall. The researchers found that AI models were unable to identify the correct time from an image of a clock or the day of the week for a sample date more than half the time. The study highlights a significant gap in the ability of AI to carry out basic skills that are easy for humans. The researchers believe that this shortcoming must be addressed if AI systems are to be successfully integrated into time-sensitive, real-world applications.

AI and Photo Editing are Changing Reality

The use of AI and photo editing software is changing the way we perceive reality. A recent example of a heavily edited photo of Niagara Falls has highlighted the issue. The photo, which had garnered over 2,200 reactions on social media, was found to be fake and had been modified to make the waterfall look more impressive. The use of AI and photo editing software can create fake and misleading images, which can have serious consequences. The author argues that this is a form of modern disinformation that is allowed to run wild because its impacts are not yet immediately clear.

Gemini AI to Power Android Auto

Google's AI chatbot, Gemini, is being integrated into Android Auto and Android Automotive OS. The integration will allow for more natural and fluid conversations between drivers and their cars. Gemini will be able to understand flexible language and perform tasks such as sending messages, searching for restaurants, and playing music. The AI will also be able to control vehicle settings such as seat heaters and cabin temperature. Google hopes that Gemini will eventually be able to answer car-specific questions and provide drivers with a more personalized experience.

Sources

AI Fortnite Darth Vader James Earl Jones Respeecher Google Gemini