A driverless car operated by tech giant Baidu Inc. struck a pedestrian crossing a street in Beijing on Thursday, highlighting safety concerns surrounding the adoption of autonomous driving technology. The incident occurred when the vehicle, with an employee inside, hit a pedestrian who was crossing the road on a green light. The pedestrian was taken to the hospital for treatment. Baidu stated that the vehicle was operating in autonomous mode at the time of the incident and that the company is cooperating with authorities to investigate the cause. The accident underscores the challenges companies face in ensuring the safety and reliability of driverless cars, which are being tested extensively worldwide. While autonomous driving technology promises to reduce accidents caused by human error, incidents like this raise questions about the readiness of the technology and the need for robust safety measures and regulations.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning about the anonymous messaging app NGL, which is popular among teenagers. The app allows users to send anonymous messages, polls, and compliments to others, raising concerns about potential cyberbullying, harassment, and the spread of explicit content. The FTC advises parents to discuss the risks of anonymous messaging apps with their children and to monitor their online activities. NGL’s developers claim the app promotes positive interactions, but the FTC argues that anonymity can enable harmful behavior. The warning highlights the challenges of regulating online spaces frequented by minors and the need for responsible use of technology by both teens and adults.

Nicolas Cage, the renowned actor, has voiced his concerns about the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the entertainment industry. In an interview with Wired, Cage expressed his fear that AI could eventually replace human actors, leading to job losses in Hollywood. He acknowledged the rapid advancements in AI technology and its ability to generate realistic synthetic media, including deepfakes. Cage emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the acting profession and ensuring that human creativity remains at the forefront. While recognizing the potential benefits of AI in certain areas, he cautioned against allowing it to completely supplant human talent and artistry in the entertainment realm. Cage’s comments highlight the growing concerns among industry professionals about the implications of AI on their careers and the need to strike a balance between technological progress and preserving human creativity.

According to an internal email from Tesla’s Autopilot team, the company is prioritizing data from vehicles owned by Elon Musk and other VIPs for its self-driving software development. The goal is to have a fully self-driving system ready by the end of 2024. The email states that data from VIP vehicles will be “prioritized over that of non-employees” to help improve the self-driving capabilities. This approach aims to leverage the driving patterns and routes of high-profile individuals to enhance the system’s performance. However, the email acknowledges that this prioritization could lead to potential privacy concerns. Tesla’s self-driving ambitions have faced scrutiny, with critics questioning the company’s ability to deliver on Musk’s promises within the stated timeline.

The article discusses the potential of AI, immigration, and the spending power of wealthy individuals to prevent a recession in the US economy in 2024. It highlights that AI could boost productivity and economic growth, while immigration can address labor shortages and increase consumer demand. Additionally, the article suggests that the spending habits of affluent individuals could help sustain economic activity. However, it also acknowledges the potential risks of AI displacing workers and the need for policies to mitigate negative impacts. The key takeaways are: 1) AI’s productivity gains can drive economic growth, 2) Immigration can alleviate labor shortages and boost consumer demand, 3) Spending by wealthy individuals can support economic activity, 4) Policies are needed to manage AI’s impact on jobs and inequality.

The article discusses the growing tension between AI companies and artists over the use of AI-generated art. It highlights the concerns of artists who feel their work is being exploited by AI firms without proper compensation or consent. The article argues that AI companies have shown a dismissive attitude towards artists’ concerns, often downplaying the value of human creativity and the intellectual property rights involved. It cites examples of AI firms using artists’ work to train their models without permission, leading to legal battles. The article also explores the potential impact of AI-generated art on the art industry, with some fearing it could devalue human-created art and make it harder for artists to earn a living. Overall, the article portrays a growing rift between AI companies and the artistic community, with questions raised about the ethical and legal implications of AI’s encroachment on creative fields.

The article explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing assistive technology, enabling greater independence and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. AI-powered tools like voice recognition, computer vision, and natural language processing are being integrated into assistive devices, allowing users to control them through voice commands, gestures, or eye movements. For example, AI-driven smart glasses can provide real-time audio descriptions of surroundings for the visually impaired, while AI-enabled prosthetics can adapt to the user’s movements and terrain. The article highlights the transformative impact of AI on mobility aids, communication devices, and home automation systems, empowering people with disabilities to navigate their environments more seamlessly. However, it also addresses concerns about privacy, data security, and the need for ethical AI development to ensure these technologies are inclusive and accessible to all. Overall, the article paints a promising picture of AI’s potential to enhance independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

The article discusses the potential risks associated with the use of AI-powered ammunition vending machines in the United States. According to an expert, these machines could be vulnerable to hacking, raising concerns about their security and potential misuse. The machines, which are designed to dispense ammunition using facial recognition and other AI technologies, are being considered for deployment by the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies. However, the expert warns that the AI systems powering these machines could be manipulated or hacked, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to obtain ammunition or disrupt the machines’ operations. The article highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and thorough testing to mitigate these risks before deploying such AI-powered systems in sensitive applications.

According to a new poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, a majority of American voters are concerned about China’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and believe the U.S. should prioritize investing in AI technology. The poll found that 67% of voters are very or extremely concerned about China’s AI capabilities, with 51% saying they are extremely or very concerned that China could overtake the U.S. in AI development. Additionally, 58% of voters believe the U.S. should prioritize investing in AI technology, even if it means sacrificing funds for other areas. The poll also revealed partisan divides, with 69% of Republicans and 59% of Democrats expressing concern about China’s AI capabilities. However, Democrats were more likely than Republicans to prioritize investing in AI technology, with 66% of Democrats supporting it compared to 51% of Republicans. The findings highlight the growing concerns among American voters about the potential implications of China’s AI advancements and the need for the U.S. to maintain its technological edge.

The article discusses the potential for Apple’s stock to rally in 2024, driven by the anticipated release of the iPhone 16 and the company’s integration of generative AI capabilities. According to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, the iPhone 16 is expected to feature a “major redesign” and significant camera upgrades, which could drive a “supercycle” of consumer demand. Additionally, Ives believes that Apple’s integration of generative AI into its products and services, such as Siri and iCloud, could be a “game-changer” for the company. The article highlights Apple’s potential to capitalize on the generative AI trend, which has gained significant momentum with the success of ChatGPT and other AI models. Ives maintains an “Outperform” rating on Apple stock and a $205 price target, suggesting a potential upside of around 25% from current levels.