The tech world is buzzing with AI developments and concerns. Meta is aggressively expanding its AI capabilities, hiring Trapit Bansal to work on superintelligence and reportedly considering acquiring voice cloning startup Play AI to enhance its audio features. Meanwhile, Travis Kalanick is exploring a return to self-driving vehicles by potentially acquiring Pony AI's U.S. arm, possibly with Uber's backing. Tesla, however, faces scrutiny as its robotaxis are under investigation for reported speeding and swerving. Google has launched Doppl, an app that allows users to create outfits from photos. In the creative industries, authors, including Dennis Lehane and Lauren Groff, are pushing back against the use of AI, with over 50 signing an open letter urging publishers to limit AI's role in book creation, fearing plagiarism and the replacement of human staff. Corey Feldman also voiced concerns about AI diminishing Hollywood's magic by potentially replacing actors and writers. Recruiters are struggling with a flood of AI-generated resumes, making it harder to identify qualified candidates. Sam Altman of OpenAI envisions AI playing a transformative role in education through personalized AI companions, while also acknowledging the need for new AI hardware. Salesforce is introducing Agentforce, a platform for creating AI agents for customer service and sales, powered by the Atlas Reasoning Engine. Some analysts predict AI's increasing integration could shift voters to the political left, driven by concerns about job automation and wealth inequality. Despite the hype, some investors note that AI-transformed service firms aren't valued as highly as pure software companies, suggesting the most successful firms use AI to augment human capabilities rather than replace them.
Key Takeaways
- Meta is bolstering its AI team by hiring Trapit Bansal and is considering acquiring Play AI, a voice cloning startup.
- Travis Kalanick is exploring a return to the self-driving car industry by potentially acquiring Pony AI's U.S. arm.
- Tesla's robotaxis are under investigation due to videos showing speeding and swerving.
- Google launched Doppl, an app that lets users create outfits from photos.
- Over 50 authors, including Dennis Lehane and Lauren Groff, are urging publishers to limit the use of AI in book creation.
- Corey Feldman expressed concerns about AI's potential to diminish the human element in Hollywood.
- Recruiters are facing challenges due to the influx of AI-generated resumes.
- Sam Altman of OpenAI believes new AI hardware is needed to transform education with AI companions.
- Salesforce Agentforce is a new platform for creating AI agents for customer service and sales, powered by the Atlas Reasoning Engine.
- AI's increasing integration into the economy may shift voters to the political left due to concerns about job automation and inequality.
Authors fight back asking publishers to limit AI use in books
Over 70 authors, including Dennis Lehane and Lauren Groff, are asking publishers to limit the use of AI. They want publishers to pledge not to release books created by machines. The authors also don't want AI to replace publishing house employees or human audiobook narrators. This comes after rulings that allow AI to use copyrighted works for training, making authors feel more urgent about protecting their work.
Bestselling authors demand publishers take a stand against AI
More than 50 bestselling authors have signed an open letter to U.S. publishers. They are demanding that publishers take a stand against the use of AI in the industry. The authors believe AI cannot understand the human experience and shouldn't be used to create art. They are concerned about AI being trained on existing works and the potential for plagiarism. The authors want publishers to pledge not to release books written by AI and not to replace human staff with AI tools.
Authors urge publishers to limit AI use in book creation
Authors like Lauren Groff and Dennis Lehane are asking book publishers to limit their use of AI tools. They want publishers to pledge to only hire human audiobook narrators. The authors argue that AI companies have "stolen" their work. They are asking publishers to promise they will never release books created by machines and not replace human staff with AI tools.
Meta boosts AI team with new hire and Kalanick eyes Pony AI
Meta is adding Trapit Bansal to its AI team to work on superintelligence. Travis Kalanick may return to self-driving vehicles by buying Pony AI's U.S. arm with Uber's help. A federal judge ruled that AI companies can train on copyrighted books legally. Google launched Doppl, an app that lets you create outfits from photos. Tesla is being investigated after videos showed its robotaxis speeding and swerving.
Meta ramps up AI efforts plus other top tech news this week
Meta hired Trapit Bansal to strengthen its AI superintelligence team. Travis Kalanick might buy Pony AI's U.S. arm, returning to self-driving cars. A judge ruled AI companies can train on copyrighted books legally. Google launched Doppl, an app to create outfits from photos. Tesla's robotaxis are under investigation for speeding and swerving issues.
Will AI shift voters to the political left?
As AI changes work and the economy, some believe it will push people to the left. Automation may eliminate jobs, raising questions about who owns the value created by machines. This could lead to support for Universal Basic Income (UBI) and wealth redistribution. AI could also worsen inequality, causing people to favor regulations and taxes on the wealthy. Ethical concerns about AI may also increase demand for government oversight and democratic control of technology.
New AI hardware needed for future learning says Sam Altman
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes AI needs new hardware to change education. He imagines AI companions for students that adapt to their learning styles. This could give teachers data to better mentor students. Concerns include access to these devices, student data privacy, and teacher readiness. Altman's vision could change how schools fund technology, train teachers, and measure success.
AI stock poised for market dominance in the next decade
With the rapid advancement of technology and increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday life, the stock market is...
Meta considers buying voice cloning startup Play AI
Meta is reportedly in talks to acquire Play AI, a voice cloning startup. Meta wants to add Play AI's technology and staff to its team. Play AI allows users to clone voices for AI applications like customer service. Meta already lets creators clone voices on its platforms and has added a chatbot, so buying Play AI could enhance its audio features.
AI-generated resumes flood recruiters causing hiring headaches
Recruiters are overwhelmed by the number of AI-created resumes they are receiving. Many of these resumes are nearly identical and filled with keywords. This makes it harder for recruiters to find qualified candidates. Some companies are using AI tools like HireVue to assess candidates in video interviews. Experts suggest candidates should use referrals and personalized cover letters to stand out.
Salesforce Agentforce: AI agents for customer service and sales
Salesforce Agentforce is a platform for creating AI agents that can take action on their own. It combines Agent Builder, Model Builder, and Prompt Builder to create bots for different industries. These bots can manage campaigns, handle customer service, help customers find products, and train sales teams. Agentforce is powered by the Atlas Reasoning Engine and integrates with Salesforce Data Cloud and Customer 360.
Corey Feldman talks AI threats to Hollywood's magic
Corey Feldman, star of 'The Goonies,' is worried that AI could ruin Hollywood's magic. He believes technology is taking over from good stories and characters. Feldman thinks AI might replace actors and writers, but it won't have the same human connection. He also discussed a possible 'Goonies' sequel and his music career.
AI rollups: Why services firms aren't software companies
Investors believe AI can turn service businesses into software companies by automating tasks and cutting costs. However, AI-transformed BPO firms trade at lower multiples than pure software companies. PolyAI found that BPOs are not trusted or rewarded for innovation. The most successful service firms use AI to help their humans, not replace them, and maintain margins through relationships, not headcount reduction.
Sources
- Authors petition publishers to curtail their use of AI
- Over 50 Bestselling Authors Sign Open Letter, Demanding Publishers Rally Against AI: "Stand With Us"
- Authors call on publishers to limit their use of AI
- Week in Review: Meta’s AI recruiting blitz
- Week in Review: Meta's AI recruiting blitz
- Will the Age of AI Politically Shift People to the Left?
- Sam Altman says AI now needs new hardware: Here’s what it means for the future of learning
- AI Stock Set to Outshine Market Over Next Decade
- Meta in talks to acquire voice cloning startup Play AI
- Why AI Resumes Are Overwhelming Recruiters and Managers
- Salesforce Agentforce: What you need to know
- 1980s child star talks 'Goonies' sequel, music career, and why AI threatens Hollywood's ‘magic’
- ‘AI rollup’ investors think services firms can trade more like software companies. Here’s what they get wrong