Recent developments in AI span across multiple sectors, from gaming to national security and art. AMD has introduced new Ryzen Z2 chips, including the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme with an AI processor, aimed at enhancing handheld gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally. These chips feature varying architectures (Zen 5 and Zen 2) and graphics (RDNA 3.5 and RDNA 2) to cater to different performance and cost levels. In the political arena, discussions are ongoing in both the House and Senate regarding the regulation of AI, with proposals to pause state AI laws to foster innovation and compete with countries like China, while others express concerns about consumer protection and equitable access to AI benefits. Companies like Anthropic are developing specialized AI models like Claude Gov for U.S. national security, focusing on classified environments and specific government needs. Major tech companies are investing heavily in AI, with Meta investing $10 billion in ScaleAI to enhance machine-learning model training. Concerns are also emerging about AI's impact on creative fields, such as photography, literature, and journalism, where the need to maintain unique human styles and ensure authenticity is being emphasized. The Washington Post is exploring AI's role in its opinion section, while others are concerned about the quality and trustworthiness of AI-generated content. In the art world, the value and authenticity of art are being questioned, highlighted by a civil rights lawyer recreating a $280,000 Lego artwork for a fraction of the cost. Finally, Intel is improving its chip packaging technology to support larger and more efficient AI processing.
Key Takeaways
- AMD is launching new Ryzen Z2 chips with AI capabilities for gaming handhelds, partnering with ASUS and Microsoft.
- The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip features Zen 5 architecture and RDNA 3.5 graphics, while the Ryzen Z2 A uses Zen 2 and RDNA 2.
- U.S. House and Senate are debating pausing state AI regulations to boost tech growth and compete with China.
- Concerns exist that pausing AI regulations could harm consumers by removing existing protections.
- Naver's Lee Hae-jin is investing in AI diversity in Silicon Valley.
- Anthropic is creating Claude Gov AI models specifically for U.S. national security applications.
- Meta is investing $10 billion in ScaleAI to improve its AI platform and machine-learning model training.
- Photographers and writers are seeking ways to maintain unique styles to compete with AI-generated content.
- The Washington Post is considering using AI to assist nonprofessional writers in its opinion section.
- Intel is upgrading chip packaging technology to enhance AI processing capabilities.
AMD boosts Ryzen Z2 chips for gaming handhelds with AI
AMD is releasing new Ryzen Z2 chips for handheld gaming devices. The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme has a special AI processor and is like the regular Ryzen Z2 Extreme. The Ryzen Z2 A is for cheaper handhelds and uses older technology. These new chips should lead to better handheld devices this year. The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme uses Zen 5 architecture and RDNA 3.5 graphics, while the Ryzen Z2 A uses Zen 2 architecture and RDNA 2 graphics.
AMD reveals Ryzen AI Z2 series for gaming handhelds
AMD and ASUS, working with Microsoft, announced the new Ryzen AI Z2 series for gaming handhelds at the Xbox Games Showcase. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally / ROG Xbox Ally X handhelds will use the new chips and run Microsoft Windows. The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme has 8 cores and 16 threads with RDNA 3.5 graphics and is based on Zen 5. The Ryzen Z2 A uses older Zen 2 architecture with 4 cores and 8 threads and RDNA 2 graphics.
AMD adds AI to Ryzen Z2 Extreme, unveils two new chips
AMD is adding two new processors to its Ryzen Z2 series for handheld gaming consoles. The new Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme is like the Z2 Extreme but with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI tasks. The Ryzen Z2 A is a less powerful chip with fewer GPU cores and lower power use. The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme has 8 cores, 16 threads, and 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores. The Ryzen Z2 A has 4 cores, 8 threads, and 8 RDNA 2 graphics cores.
House debates pausing AI rules to boost tech growth
A House subcommittee discussed pausing state and local AI regulations for 10 years. Republicans believe this will help AI investment and keep the U.S. competitive with China. Democrats worry it will hurt consumers by blocking current protections against AI harms. Witnesses like Chip Pickering and Ronnie Vasishta emphasized the need to compete with China in AI and 6G technology. Others like Asad Ramzanali suggested focusing on R&D and broadband access to ensure AI benefits all Americans.
Senate considers pausing state AI laws for federal broadband funds
The Senate is considering a plan where states that accept federal broadband money must pause their AI laws for 10 years. This is part of a larger budget bill. The pause wouldn't affect rules that help AI development. The Senate version aims to meet budget rules and gain support from Republicans who want states to have some choice. The bill also includes a plan to let the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hold spectrum auctions again.
Naver's Lee Hae-jin invests in AI diversity in Silicon Valley
Naver's Lee Hae-jin is supporting AI diversity with a new venture in Silicon Valley.
Will the Washington Post use AI for opinion pieces?
The Washington Post is planning to expand its opinion section with a project called Ripple. This project includes using an AI writing coach called Ember to help nonprofessional writers submit articles. Some worry that AI-generated content will lack originality and insight. Others suggest AI could be better used to improve the accessibility of the Post's archives. There are concerns that relying too much on AI could harm the quality and trustworthiness of the newspaper.
Anthropic creates Claude Gov AI models for US security
Anthropic is launching Claude Gov models, a special set of AI tools for U.S. national security customers. These models are used by top-level agencies and are only available in classified environments. Claude Gov models are designed to meet specific government needs and have undergone strict safety tests. They can help with tasks like strategic planning, intelligence analysis, and cybersecurity. The models are better at handling classified information and understanding languages important for national security.
Meta invests $10 billion in AI platform ScaleAI
Meta Platforms plans to invest $10 billion in an AI platform called ScaleAI. ScaleAI helps companies train machine-learning models by providing data labeling services. This investment gives Meta an advantage over competitors like Microsoft and OpenAI. Other tech companies are also investing heavily in AI. Meta's challenge is getting enough energy to power its AI systems, and has signed a $10 billion deal with Constellation Energy for electricity.
Can finding your unique style beat AI in photography?
AI is changing the photography industry, making it harder for photographers to stand out. One way to compete with AI is to find a unique photographic style. Personal style comes from how you see the world and cannot be easily copied by AI. Having a unique style doesn't guarantee success, but it can help you attract clients who appreciate your vision. It's important to stay true to your vision and create work that reflects what you believe in.
How AI is changing literature and journalism
AI is starting to generate literature and news, raising questions about creativity and authenticity. AI-generated content may lack the human touch and emotion of traditional writing. Apps like GameChanger are using AI to create sports recaps, but they have accuracy and quality issues. While AI can help with tasks like transcription, there are concerns about its impact on jobs and the value of human creation. The author wonders if AI will eventually make their job obsolete.
Woman recreates $280,000 Lego art for $250
After being treated poorly at an art gallery, a civil rights lawyer decided to recreate a $280,000 Ai Weiwei Lego artwork. She made a copy to comment on the high prices in the art market and what makes art authentic. She bought Lego bricks for under $250 and spent weeks building the piece. She glued the pieces together and framed it. She argues that making the copy to comment on the original is protected by copyright law.
Intel improves chip packaging for bigger AI processing
Intel is upgrading its chip packaging technology to create larger AI chips. This will help improve the performance of AI systems. The upgraded packaging allows for more components to be connected together. This leads to faster processing and more efficient AI calculations.
Sources
- AMD Ryzen Z2 Lineup Expanded With New High-End & Budget SOCs: Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme & Ryzen Z2 A
- AMD Announces New Ryzen AI Z2 SoCs For Gaming Handhelds
- AMD unveils Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme with AI processing NPU, expands family with two new chips for handheld gaming consoles
- House Subcommittee Debates Moratorium on AI Regulation
- The 10-Year Ban on State AI Law Lives, At Least for Now, in Senate Version of Budget Bill
- Naver’s Lee Hae-jin pushes for AI diversity with new Silicon Valley venture
- Will The Washington Post Embrace the AI Slush Pile?
- Claude Gov Models for U.S. National Security Customers
- Meta To Dump $10 Billion Into AI
- What if the Only Way to Combat AI Is Finding Your Unique Photographic
- Navigating AI-generated literature
- I adored a piece of art that cost $280,000. So I decided to forge it.
- Intel's Advanced Packaging for Bigger AI Chips