Foundry CEO Reveals Hack for Improving AI Models, Predicts GPT-5 by 2024

In an interview with Business Insider, Foundry CEO Dave Francos shared insights on improving AI models like GPT-3 and predicted the arrival of GPT-5 by 2024. Francos explained that the key to enhancing AI models lies in “constitutional AI,” which involves training AI on a diverse range of data sources to mimic human learning. This approach aims to create more well-rounded and adaptable AI systems. Francos highlighted the importance of exposing AI to different perspectives, cultures, and domains to prevent biases and blind spots. He also discussed the potential of GPT-5, which he believes will be a significant leap forward, capable of understanding and generating multimedia content like images and videos. Francos emphasized the need for responsible AI development, advocating for transparency, accountability, and ethical considerations. Overall, the article provides insights into cutting-edge AI advancements and the strategies employed by industry leaders to push the boundaries of AI capabilities.

2024-08-23

Kamala Harris' Full Speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention

This article is a transcript of Kamala Harris’ speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, where she accepted the nomination for Vice President of the United States. In her speech, Harris highlighted her personal story as the daughter of immigrants and praised her late mother’s resilience and determination. She emphasized the importance of family and community, and spoke about the challenges faced by working families. Harris criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, and pledged to fight for affordable healthcare, good jobs, and equal justice under a Biden administration. She also touched on issues like climate change, immigration reform, and racial injustice. Harris urged Americans to vote and participate in the democratic process, stating that “we have a chance to change the course of history.” Overall, the speech aimed to introduce Harris to the nation, outline her vision and priorities, and rally support for the Democratic ticket.

2024-08-23

Leaked Microsoft Salaries Reveal Massive Pay Gap Between AI Engineers and Others

According to leaked salary data from Microsoft, there is a significant pay gap between employees working on artificial intelligence (AI) and those in other roles. The data, which covers over 100,000 Microsoft employees, shows that AI engineers and researchers earn substantially higher salaries compared to their counterparts in other fields. For instance, a senior AI engineer at Microsoft can earn up to $345,000 per year, while a senior software engineer’s salary tops out at around $185,000. This disparity is driven by the high demand for AI talent and the scarcity of skilled professionals in this field. Microsoft, along with other tech giants, is engaged in an intense battle to attract and retain top AI talent, leading to inflated salaries for these roles. The pay gap highlights the growing importance of AI in the tech industry and the premium companies are willing to pay for expertise in this domain. However, it also raises concerns about potential inequities and resentment among non-AI employees.

2024-08-23

Lucy Guo Left Scale AI to Scratch Her Entrepreneurial Itch, Raising $16.5 Million for Her New Startup Passes

Lucy Guo, a former executive at Scale AI, left the company to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions. She raised $16.5 million in seed funding for her new startup, Passes, which aims to simplify the process of creating and managing digital passes and credentials. Passes allows businesses to create digital passes for various use cases like event tickets, loyalty programs, and employee badges. The startup’s platform streamlines the entire lifecycle of digital passes, from creation and distribution to verification and analytics. Guo’s vision is to make digital passes as ubiquitous as QR codes, enabling seamless and secure access to events, venues, and services. The funding round was led by Coatue and included participation from Upfront Ventures and other prominent investors. Passes plans to use the funding to expand its team and accelerate product development.

2024-08-23

Tesla's Massive AI Data Center Could Strain Palo Alto's Power Grid by 2024

The article discusses Tesla’s plans to build a massive AI data center in Palo Alto, California, which could strain the city’s power grid by 2024. According to the article, Tesla’s data center is expected to consume an enormous amount of electricity, potentially requiring a new substation to be built to meet the demand. The data center is part of Tesla’s efforts to develop advanced artificial intelligence systems for its self-driving vehicles and other applications. The article highlights the growing energy demands of AI systems and the challenges cities face in providing sufficient power for these energy-intensive operations. It also raises questions about the environmental impact of such large-scale data centers and the need for sustainable energy solutions to support the growth of AI technology. The article serves as a reminder of the significant infrastructure and energy requirements associated with the development and deployment of cutting-edge AI systems.

2024-08-23

The Justice Department's Lawsuit Against Google's Ad-Tech Practices, Explained

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, accusing the tech giant of abusing its dominance in the digital advertising market. The lawsuit alleges that Google has engaged in anticompetitive practices that have “corrupted legitimate competition in the ad-tech industry.” It claims that Google’s plan to assert control over the digital advertising market has been to “neutralize or eliminate” rivals through acquisitions and to force advertisers to use its products by making it difficult to use competitors’ offerings. The lawsuit seeks to force Google to divest its subsidiary ad-tech suite, Google Ad Manager, among other remedies. Google has denied the allegations, stating that its advertising tools help websites and apps fund their content and enable small businesses to reach new customers. The case represents the latest legal battle between the U.S. government and Big Tech companies over antitrust concerns.

2024-08-23

US sues to break up national rental housing data operators

The Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit against RealPage Inc., a major operator of a database allowing property managers to track rental data. The lawsuit alleges that RealPage has acquired smaller competitors to monopolize the industry. The government claims RealPage’s pricing practices have inflated costs for property managers and renters. RealPage allegedly bundled fees for different services, forcing clients to buy unwanted products. The lawsuit seeks to force RealPage to sell assets and prohibit anticompetitive practices. RealPage denies wrongdoing and says it will fight the lawsuit. The case aims to promote competition and lower costs in the rental housing market.

2024-08-23

Why Social Media Influencers are Important to E-Commerce (Shopify 2024)

The article discusses the growing importance of social media influencers in the e-commerce industry, particularly for the Shopify platform. It highlights the role of influencers in driving sales and brand awareness through their authentic connections with their followers. Key points include: 1) Influencers can effectively promote products and services to their engaged audiences, leading to increased conversions and sales. 2) Shopify recognizes the power of influencer marketing and has introduced new features to facilitate collaborations between merchants and influencers. 3) Successful influencer campaigns require careful selection of influencers aligned with the brand’s values and target audience. 4) Influencer marketing offers a more personalized and trustworthy approach compared to traditional advertising. 5) As e-commerce continues to grow, the role of influencers in shaping consumer behavior and driving sales is expected to become even more significant.

2024-08-23

AI May Be Less Profitable Than Previous Tech Waves by 2024

The article discusses the potential profitability of the current AI wave compared to previous technology waves. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, the AI wave is expected to generate lower profit margins for companies by 2024 than previous tech waves like the internet and mobile revolutions. The report suggests that AI will likely be a “deflationary force” due to increased competition and commoditization of AI capabilities. Key points include: 1) AI is expected to boost productivity and lower costs, but also intensify competition and compress margins. 2) AI adoption is happening faster than previous tech waves, leading to quicker commoditization. 3) Large tech companies may benefit more from AI than smaller firms due to their resources and data advantages. 4) Sectors like healthcare, finance, and transportation could see the biggest AI-driven productivity gains. The report concludes that while AI will create economic value, companies may struggle to capture a significant portion of those gains as profits.

2024-08-22

Amazon CEO Says AI Saved a 'Crazy Amount of Time' in 2024

According to Business Insider, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy stated that artificial intelligence (AI) saved the company a “crazy amount of time” in 2024. Jassy highlighted the significant impact AI had on streamlining various processes and operations within Amazon. He emphasized that AI played a crucial role in automating tasks, improving efficiency, and reducing the time required for certain activities. Jassy’s comments suggest that Amazon has been actively leveraging AI technologies to enhance its operations and gain a competitive advantage. The article implies that AI has become an integral part of Amazon’s strategy, enabling the company to optimize its workflows and potentially reduce costs associated with manual labor. While specific details about the implementation and scope of AI within Amazon were not provided, Jassy’s remarks underscore the growing importance of AI in the business world and its potential to drive operational efficiencies.

2024-08-22