Recent developments in AI span across various sectors, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. OpenAI is making a significant move into AI hardware by investing $6.5 billion to acquire io, a company co-founded by Jony Ive, with plans to release AI-powered devices by 2026. Epic Games is integrating AI into Unreal Engine, demonstrated through AI-powered characters in Fortnite, though the initial demos reveal limitations in creativity and delivery. The rise of AI is also impacting hardware design, with companies like Meta and Apple exploring new devices, potentially leading to context-aware advertising. However, a BigID report indicates that many enterprises are lagging in AI security readiness, increasing risks of data leaks and compliance issues. Simultaneously, there's a growing emphasis on balancing AI with human qualities like emotional intelligence in leadership. Community safety is also being enhanced through AI, as seen with the Citizen app's expansion to Tampa. IBM has launched WatsonX AI Labs in New York City to foster AI innovation, while concerns arise over AI music scams defrauding artists. TechCrunch Sessions AI is set to take place at UC Berkeley, gathering experts to discuss the future of AI. An analyst has stated that AI is the fourth industrial revolution. Overall, AI's rapid advancement necessitates addressing security concerns, ethical considerations, and the importance of human connection.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI is investing $6.5 billion to acquire io, aiming to create AI-powered devices by 2026.
- Epic Games is integrating AI into Unreal Engine for Fortnite, enabling AI-powered characters with customizable features.
- AI's impact on hardware is leading to new devices and potential shifts in ad tech, raising questions about virtual space ownership.
- A BigID report reveals that most companies lack adequate AI security plans, increasing the risk of data breaches.
- Balancing AI with human qualities like emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
- The Citizen app is expanding to Tampa, using AI to enhance community safety through real-time alerts and information sharing.
- IBM has launched WatsonX AI Labs in New York City to develop AI solutions for businesses.
- AI music scams are on the rise, defrauding artists and labels through fraudulent streams.
- TechCrunch Sessions AI is convening experts to discuss the future of AI at UC Berkeley.
- An analyst believes that AI is the fourth industrial revolution.
OpenAI invests $6.5B in AI hardware with iPhone designer Jony Ive
OpenAI is investing $6.5 billion to acquire io, a company founded by Jony Ive, the designer known for the iPhone. OpenAI plans to create AI-powered devices, with the first one expected in 2026. This move is a shift for OpenAI into consumer hardware, beyond just software. The new device might be a screen-free gadget that uses voice interaction, but faces challenges like market competition and production hurdles.
OpenAI buys Io to create AI consumer devices
OpenAI is buying io, an AI hardware startup co-founded by Jony Ive, for nearly $6.5 billion. This deal will create a new division at OpenAI focused on AI-powered consumer devices. The io team includes former Apple employees who helped design the iPhone and iPad. OpenAI and io have been working together for two years and plan to release their first product in 2026, focusing on new ways to interact with AI.
OpenAI invests $6.5B in AI hardware with iPhone designer Jony Ive
OpenAI is investing $6.5 billion to acquire io, a company founded by Jony Ive, the designer known for the iPhone. OpenAI plans to create AI-powered devices, with the first one expected in 2026. This move is a shift for OpenAI into consumer hardware, beyond just software. The new device might be a screen-free gadget that uses voice interaction, but faces challenges like market competition and production hurdles.
Epic's Unreal Engine AI Demo Misses the Point
Epic Games showed off new AI tools for Unreal Engine that create AI-powered characters. The demo featured a character named Mr. Buttons, who tries to get players to push a button. Mr. Buttons uses AI to respond to questions and encourage the player, but the scene felt pointless. The AI character lacked the creativity of human-written characters and the delivery felt flat. The demo showed that AI can create content, but it may not be good content.
Fortnite to unleash AI-powered characters that ditch the script
Fortnite will soon let creators make AI-powered characters that can talk freely. A new tool in Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) will allow developers to create NPCs with customizable voices and personalities. Epic showed off the tech with a character named Mr. Buttons, who tried to convince a player to press a button. The demo showed the tech's limits, like turn-taking chat and processing pauses. The new tool will be available in the UEFN Editor later this year.
AI Hardware and the Future of Ad Tech
AI is changing hardware, leading to new devices like smart glasses and screenless gadgets. Companies like Meta, Apple, and OpenAI are investing in this area. This shift could turn the world into a computer interface, where ads appear contextually. The challenge for ad tech is to create ads that are helpful and not annoying. Questions arise about who owns the virtual space and how ads will work in this new world.
AI Adoption Outpaces Security Readiness in Enterprises
A new report by BigID reveals that most companies are not ready for AI security risks. Only 6% of organizations have a strong AI security plan. Many companies lack visibility into their AI risks, leading to data leaks and compliance issues. The report suggests companies need to improve AI governance and security to protect data and meet regulations. Financial services, healthcare, retail, and tech companies all face unique challenges.
Staying Grounded in an AI-Driven World
Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, but human qualities like emotional intelligence are still important. AI can't feel emotions or make meaningful connections. Leaders need to focus on empathy, listening, and well-being. Grounding, or connecting with the Earth, can help reduce stress and improve health. Balancing technology with human connection is key for effective leadership.
Citizen App Expands to Tampa Using AI for Community Safety
The Citizen app, which uses artificial intelligence and a dedicated team, has launched in Tampa. The app allows residents to share information to keep their community safe. It provides safety alerts, live video, and updates on severe weather. The app uses AI to gather information from law enforcement and other sources to generate alerts. The goal is to provide transparency and help people stay informed about what's happening around them.
IBM Launches AI Accelerator in New York City
IBM has launched WatsonX AI Labs in New York to develop AI products for businesses. The lab will combine local talent with IBM's researchers to create AI solutions for customer service, cybersecurity, and more. Participants may receive funding from IBM Ventures. The accelerator will work with universities like Columbia and NYU and support local AI entrepreneurs. IBM aims to invest in the diverse talent pool of New York City.
Analyst says AI is the fourth industrial revolution
An analyst believes that AI is the fourth industrial revolution and is just beginning.
AI Music Scams Steal Millions from Musicians and Labels
AI music scams are on the rise, with bad actors using AI to impersonate artists and create fake tracks. These scams flood playlists and generate millions of dollars in fraudulent streams. Streaming fraud hurts all artists, even those who don't participate in it. It's important to understand how these scams work to protect your music and career.
Last Chance to Save on TechCrunch Sessions AI Tickets
TechCrunch Sessions AI is happening tomorrow at UC Berkeley. The event brings together AI experts, investors, and researchers. Speakers from OpenAI, Google Cloud, and Anthropic will share insights. Attendees can network and attend side events. Today is the last day to save on tickets.
Sources
- OpenAI bold move: A $6.5bn bet on AI hardware with Jony Ive
- OpenAI to Acquire Io, Plans Consumer AI Hardware Push -- Campus Technology
- OpenAI bold move: A $6.5bn bet on AI hardware with Jony Ive
- Unreal's AI Demo Had No Point
- Fortnite is about to unleash AI-powered NPCs
- Screened Out: Open AI, Hardware and the Future of Ad Tech
- New Study Reveals Major Gap Between Enterprise AI Adoption and Security Readiness
- The Value Of Being Grounded In An AI World
- New app arrives in Tampa, aiming to keep community informed with help of artificial intelligence
- IBM picks New York for AI accelerator -
- Ives: AI is the fourth industrial revolution — this is just the beginning
- How AI Music Scams steal from Musicians and Labels [VIDEO]
- TC Sessions: AI begins tomorrow—last chance to save on tickets